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October 28, 2026 |
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Turn Back Time This Weekend: Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on this Sunday, Nov. 1, for daylight saving time. As we return to shorter days and earlier evenings, remember to stay alert on the roads, and be extra vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists.
Calendar Reminder: As previously stated, Thursday, Nov. 12 is a full instructional day of school for all staff and students.
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Employee Benefits Open Enrollment Ends Friday, Oct. 30 |
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Time is running out to make changes to your benefits or enroll in a medical and/or dependent care flexible spending account for 2027. Open enrollment ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Visit the Employee Benefits Open Enrollment webpage for links to benefits information and instructions for making your benefits elections via MCPS Hub+. Learn more.
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MCPS Continuing Staff Meetings on Potential School Closures and Consolidations |
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There are two opportunities left for school-based staff to attend the first phase of community engagement meetings and learn more about the potential for school closures and consolidations. Staff is able to provide feedback and ask questions. A second round of engagement meetings is scheduled for late November and early December.
MCPS is reviewing elementary and middle schools across the county and developing a framework for considering possible school closures and consolidations. The goal is to review schools against that framework and determine whether — and which — school closures or consolidations should be recommended by the superintendent to the Board of Education. No decisions have been made, and no countywide boundary studies are happening during this phase.
The meetings are:
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, Julius West Middle School media center
- Thursday, Oct. 29, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Eastern Middle School media center
- Monday, Nov. 2, 6-7 p.m., Virtual (This is a public meeting and not dedicated to staff only).
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School Calendar Survey Closing Soon: Tell Us What You Think! |
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As MCPS continues to develop the 2027-2028 school calendar, the district is seeking more input from you! Be sure to weigh in on the proposed draft calendar by Friday, Nov. 6. You are selecting start and end dates for the school year (all three draft calendars have the same winter and spring breaks). It is quick and easy — take the survey today!
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Mental Health Matters: Join Us for the Fair on Nov. 14 |
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The Mental Health Matters series continued this month with a video on the importance of making healthy decisions and living drug-free.
Looking for ways to prioritize well-being? MCPS is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week from Nov. 9-14. Visit the MHAW Staff Activities webpage to view upcoming activities, events and resources for MCPS employees to connect, support and thrive. Be sure to join us for the Mental Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring. Free and open to staff, students and families, this event will feature workshops, a student-led forum and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness. Participating students can earn four Student Service Learning hours.
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The Latest EdTalk: Supporting Multilingual Students and Families |
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On the newest episode of EdTalk, hear from host Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and principals Alicia Deeny (Richard Montgomery High School) and Isabelle Mensah (Rolling Terrace Elementary School) about how their schools create welcoming environments, engage students and maximize family involvement for multilingual students and families. Watch EdTalk | Vea Educación al Día
You can now listen to all the EdTalk and Educación al Día episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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National Principals Month: Q&A with Anita O’ Neill, Clarksburg High School |
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In our final Q&A for National Principals Month, read about what keeps Anita O’Neill inspired and motivated in her work every day. Through October, MCPS has recognized the dedicated leaders who guide our schools and support students, staff and families every day. Read more.
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MCPS Is Hiring Bus Operators |
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Know someone interested in working for MCPS? The school district is hiring bus operators! Don’t miss the Division of Transportation Services’ job fair from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Shady Grove Transportation Depot, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Read more.
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On a Roll This Week! |
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Tracy Yapp, cafeteria manager at Germantown Elementary School, is on fire this week! Tracy has worked at the school for many years and always greets the students and staff with a smile. According to her colleagues, she is always one of the first people to arrive and goes out of her way to make sure the students are fed and nourished.
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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Celebrating Music and Community at Marching Band Showcase |
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Thirteen high school bands participated in the Marching Band Showcase on Oct. 24 at Albert Einstein High School. A middle school massed band performed the national anthem, and the event closed with a performance from all the high school bands of 9 to 5, Dolly Parton’s signature song, in a tribute to the late country legend. Read more.
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Share the Spirit of Giving |
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As the holiday season approaches, The Bulletin wants to highlight the wonderful ways our MCPS community comes together. How is your school celebrating Thanksgiving? Is your office hosting a food drive, volunteering or giving back to the community? Share your inspiring news with us and you may be featured in The Bulletin, on our official social media channels or on the MCPS website.
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How to Fuel Your Body Without Extreme Diets |
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Calories play an important role in how we fuel the body, manage weight and support daily function. An upcoming webinar, set for noon on Thursday, Oct. 29, will look at what calories actually are, why they matter, and how carbohydrates, protein and fat each contribute something different to the body. Learn how to approach food with better awareness and balance — without falling into extreme approaches.
Attend the webinar.
Be sure to check out upcoming wellness programs, classes and resources on the Well Aware News webpage and in the Well Aware Wellness Toolbox.
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Prioritize Your Mental Health With Omada |
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Stress can take a toll on your mental health. Omada Health is available to support mental health with personalized programs and dedicated care. This free program is available to eligible Cigna and Kaiser Permanente members. Learn more.
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Reminders |
- Glenstone Museum Educator Open House: From 5-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. RSVP.
- Mental Health & Wellness Fair: From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School. Free and open to staff, students and families.
- The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association is offering grants of up to $500 to classroom teachers to fund special projects or activities not funded through the school system or PTA. Applications are due Monday, Nov. 2. Apply.
- The MCPS Educational Foundation provides grants of up to $2,000 for individual departments and schools, and up to $10,000 for collaborative projects for multiple departments or schools. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 30. Apply.
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Dates to Remember
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Friday, Oct. 30 – Payday
Monday, Nov. 2 – Grading and planning for end of term; no school for students
Monday, Nov. 2 – Board of Education’s Capital Budget and CIP Work Session #2
Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Election Day; schools and offices closed
Thursday, Nov. 5 – Board of Education’s Capital Budget and CIP Work Session #3, if needed
Saturday, Nov. 7 – SAT administration
Thursday, Nov. 12 – Board of Education’s Capital Budget and CIP Hearing #3, if needed
Friday, Nov. 13 – Payday
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