Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 5

Employee Benefits Open Enrollment for 2027 is coming! Open Enrollment is your yearly opportunity to review your health plan and make any necessary changes. Open Enrollment will be held on MCPS Hub+ from Oct. 5-30. Look for the Open Enrollment announcement email in your Outlook inbox on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. This email will include all of the information you will need for Open Enrollment. Learn more.

Planning for the Future: Two Phases, Plenty of Opportunities to Participate

In case you missed it, MCPS is taking a thoughtful, countywide look at how we are using our schools and facilities, and planning for a better future for all students. Enrollment in the district is declining for the first time in more than 40 years. As a result, some schools have more available space than they need, while other communities are still growing.

As part of this work, MCPS needs to consider whether to close and consolidate some elementary and middle schools. We will begin now with a careful review of data and meaningful community engagement around the decision-making framework and the metrics and factors that should be considered.

We recognize that conversations about school closures and consolidations will be difficult for students, families, staff and communities. MCPS is committed to approaching this work with care, transparency and empathy, while keeping students’ needs at the center of every decision. Learn more about the next steps.

Thinking About Retirement?

Considering retirement within the next two years? Attend an in-person Retirement Informational Session and a Forms Workshop to help you prepare for this significant milestone. Employee and Retiree Service Center (ERSC) staff will be available to answer questions and help you with the retirement process. See dates, times and locations and learn more.

Meet the Stars Making a Difference

Shoutout to administrative secretary Maria Romero at Maryvale Elementary School for being one of the Fire Ribbon recipients this week. 

According to her colleagues, Maria has quickly made a meaningful impact on the Maryvale community. In her role, she brings valuable administrative and family engagement experience, along with a warm, welcoming and service-oriented approach. She has built strong relationships with students, families and staff and has quickly become a trusted and valued member of the Cougar community.

MCPS Fire Ribbons recognize those who make a difference through teamwork, collaboration and peer support in MCPS schools and offices. See this week’s winners.

Share Your Expertise: Become a Peer Mentor

The Peer Mentor Program provides additional professional development and support to help teachers succeed in their roles The program is available to new MCPS teachers, experienced teachers who are new to MCPS, staff returning to teaching from non-class positions, long-term substitutes, as well as second- and third-year teachers who have been released from the Peer Assistance and Review Program.

A minimum of 30 hours of mentoring support is required, which includes required participation in six hours of virtual professional learning for mentors. Mentors are eligible for up to two Continuing Professional Development credits for the year.

Principals or mentor coordinators can nominate exceptional teachers to be a mentor by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Nominate. Required mentoring orientation sessions will take place from Oct. 12-14.

MCPS Students Bring School Spirit to Burtonsville Day Parade

MCPS students brought their school spirit, creativity and musical talents to the 34th annual Burtonsville Day Parade on Saturday, Sept. 19, joining community organizations, families and fellow students for a celebration of the Burtonsville community. Read more.

MCPS Expands School-Based Mental Health Partnerships

MCPS is partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC)-funded providers to maintain and expand access to school-based mental and behavioral health services for students and families. All MCPS schools will have an approved CHRC-funded external mental health partner; schools with existing DHHS partnerships will have an additional provider.

Providers will collaborate with administrators, student services personnel, teachers and other appropriate MCPS staff to coordinate services and support student well-being. Schools are asked to fill out this form by Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Free, Confidential Mental Health Screenings Available in October

Next month, the MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will conduct screenings for depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Screenings are free, confidential and available to all MCPS employees and their adult (18+) household family members. This is an opportunity to learn more about depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mood disorders; complete a brief screening questionnaire and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional. Reviewing the results takes less than 30 minutes. If appropriate, participants will receive referrals for a complete evaluation. The EAP will be offering screening appointments in-person or virtually throughout the month of October.

Questions or ready to schedule an appointment? Call the EAP at 240-740-6500.

Staff Grant Opportunities Up For Grabs

MCPS staff has two opportunities for educators to earn grant funds for their classrooms.

• The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association, through its MRSPA Foundation, is offering grants of up to $500 to classroom teachers to fund special projects or activities not funded through the school system or PTA. Grant applications are due Monday, Nov. 2. Apply. Winners will be notified in early January.
• The MCPS Educational Foundation (MCPSEF) provides grants to strengthen collaborations, close the opportunity gap, enhance educational opportunities for students and staff, and tap talent and diversity in MCPS. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for individual departments and schools, and up to $10,000 for collaborative projects for multiple departments or schools. Application deadline for Round 1 is Wednesday, Sept. 30. The application deadline for Round 2 is Monday, Nov. 30. Apply for an MCPSEF Grant today or spread the word!

Rest Well; Show Up Strong With LifeSpeak

This fall, get started with LifeSpeak, a virtual wellness offering, and access expert-led content and tools to support your sleep, manage stress and build emotional resilience. Learn more.

Dates to Remember

Thursday, Sept. 24 – Board of Education business meeting
Friday, Oct. 2 – Payday
Saturday, Oct. 3 – SAT administration
Thursday, Oct. 8 – Board of Education work session