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October 07, 2026 |
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Open Enrollment Is Underway |
- 2027 Open Enrollment: Now underway and will be held through Friday, Oct. 30. This is your chance to review your benefits and make any changes for 2027. Elections made during Open Enrollment will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
- Got Questions?: Find answers to common questions in this FAQs so you will be ready to enroll in or change your benefits.
- Enroll Online: Open enrollment is being held through MCPS Hub+ again this year. Details are available on the 2027 Employee Benefits Open Enrollment webpage.
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Awards Season Is Here; Nominate an MCPS Star! |
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Get ready to pay tribute to your colleagues; awards season is here! Nominations are opening soon for several competitions to honor exceptional educators, supporting staff and administrators. They are—
- The Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award: The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. Nominees must have at least five years of teaching experience, including at least three in MCPS. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year. For nomination information, contact your school’s nomination committee.
Deadline: Friday, Nov. 20
- Montgomery County Public Schools Rising Star Teacher Award: The MCPS Rising Star Teacher Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who is within their first five years of teaching. This award is given to a teacher who demonstrates a passion for the success of all students; creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community. For nomination information, contact your school’s nomination committee.
Deadline: Friday, Nov. 20
- SEIU Chapter Awards and 2027 Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award: The SEIU Chapter Awards recognize first, second and third place winners in each of SEIU’s eight chapters. The chapters are: Building Services, Food Services, Maintenance, Media and Technology, Office, Paraeducator, Security and Transportation. Nominees must be active support professionals, in a permanent position, and have a minimum of three years of service with MCPS. The top winner from each of the eight chapters will be nominated for the Supporting Services Employee of the Year. Nominate
Deadline: Midnight, Tuesday, Dec. 1
- Worksite Support Staff Excellence Award: This second annual award honors one outstanding supporting services professional in every MCPS building and worksite who exemplifies excellence, commitment and service to their school or office community. For nomination information, contact your building’s worksite committee. Awardees will be recognized at the Gold Star Gala in March.
- The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: This award recognizes preeminence in teaching; encourages creativity and quality in the classroom, and contributes in a substantial way to the improvement of education in the Washington, D.C. region. Nominate
Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
- The 2027 Washington Post Principal of the Year Award: This award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. Nominate
Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
- The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: This award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers who go the extra mile to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed. Nominate
Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
- The Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: This award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. Nominate
Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
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National Principals Month: Q&A with Olivia Bailey, Maryvale Elementary School |
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October is National Principals Month. Throughout the month, MCPS is recognizing the dedicated leaders who guide our schools and support students, staff and families every day. To celebrate, we’re highlighting a few principals around the county to learn more about what inspires them and the impact they hope to make in their school communities. Get to know these leaders, their passions and a few fun facts. Read the Q&A with Olivia Bailey.
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Meet the MCPS Stars Making Their Mark |
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Congrats John F. Kennedy High School math resource teacher Reginald (Reggie) Wright for bringing the fire this week!
According to school staff, Reggie has a remarkable ability to make people feel valued and supported while inspiring them to grow and reach their full potential. He is a trusted mentor, confidant and motivator, encouraging everyone to be the best version of themselves.
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.
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Center Programs 101: Get the Details on EdTalk |
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On the newest episode of EdTalk, join host Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and guests Anjali Wells, coordinator in the Department of Academic Programs, and Jeannie Franklin, director in the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services, as they discuss the new MCPS Center Programs. Learn how 8th grade families can apply to a variety of four-year academic high school Center Programs in their region. Watch in English | Spanish
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Let the Music Play! Marching Band Showcase Returns Oct. 24 |
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Thirteen high school bands will participate in this year’s Marching Band Showcase, starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Albert Einstein High School. A middle school massed band will perform the national anthem. The event will end with a combined performance from all the high school bands in tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
This event is free and open to the public. Any changes due to inclement weather will be posted on the Fine Arts X feed @MCPSArts. Read more.
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Mental Health Matters: Save the Date to Join Us on Nov. 14 |
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The Division of Specialized Support Services and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association are co-hosting 2026 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Nov. 9-14. The Mental Health and Wellness Fair will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring. Open to staff, students and families, this free event will include workshops, community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, and a student forum. Students can earn four Service Learning hours for their participation in the fair. Learn more.
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Fresh for Fall: EAP Tips, Events and Resources |
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The Employee Assistance Program’s fall 2026 newsletter, A Healthy Outlook, is now available. You’ll find tips to face the Sunday scaries, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month resources, and upcoming EAP events.
Also, don’t forget to join us for this month’s webinars:
- Retirement Readiness, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. View the flyer and register. This session will be recorded.
- Building Brain Healthy Habits, 4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21. View the flyer and RSVP. The educational portion of this session will be recorded.
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Smart Money Moves; Take a Financial Workshop with Fidelity |
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MCPS and Fidelity Investments are hosting virtual workshops this month to help employees budget, save and manage debt; protect your accounts, identity and devices, and learn about investing for retirement. Get details and register.
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Ready to Become a Teacher? Start Here! |
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Are you a substitute or temporary employee interested in becoming a licensed teacher in MCPS?
Join the virtual information session, How to Become a Teacher in MCPS, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12. This Zoom meeting will explain the state’s licensing process; explore the degree pathways for an educator’s license, and learn about the MCPS offices and departments that collaborate for substitutes/temporary employees who are pursuing teaching careers. Sign up on Professional Development Online (PDO), course #94926. For questions, email Karla Flores or Wendy Grenidge. This course is designed for MCPS substitutes/temporary employees only.
For MCPS permanent employees interested in a “How to Become a Teacher in MCPS” information session, RSVP on PDO, course #87524. For questions, email Brittany Ramey.
MCPS has many higher education partnership opportunities available to employees who are looking for teacher certification or licensure, continuing professional development, or who are pursuing career advancement. Registration for these courses is on Professional Development Online (PDO).
More information and October Opportunities
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Reminders |
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Glenallan Students Walk and Roll to School in Style |
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Glenallan Elementary School students kicked off the school day with a fun and festive celebration of National Walk and Roll to School Day. Students walked together to school, carrying signs and enjoying music, balloons, giveaways and visits from community safety partners. Read more.
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Calories 101: Finding the Right Balance |
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Calories play an important role in how we fuel our bodies, manage weight and support daily function. In this October webinar, set for noon on Thursday, Oct. 29, we will look at what calories actually are, why they matter, and how carbohydrates, protein and fat contribute something different to the body. Read more.
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