Calendar Reminder: Nov. 12 is a full instructional day of school for students and staff. The printed 2026-2027 comprehensive calendar incorrectly indicated that Nov. 12 is a non-instructional day.

2027 Employee Benefits Open Enrollment Has Ended

Open Enrollment ended Friday, Oct. 30. If you enrolled in or made any changes to your benefits during Open Enrollment, your new elections will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Learn more.

Last Chance: 2027–2028 Calendar Survey Closes Friday, Nov. 6

The district is seeking more input on the proposed draft 2027–2028 calendar! The last day to take the survey is Friday, Nov. 6. You are choosing 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!

Rising Stars: Major Gains for MCPS on 2026 Maryland Report Card

In case you missed it, MCPS celebrated a major academic milestone last week, as 2026 Maryland Report Card results show that 134 schools in the district (67%) earned 4- or 5-STAR ratings. This performance marks a dramatic transformation from just three years ago when less than half of MCPS schools held 4- or 5-STAR top-tier ratings. 

The results show significant progress toward the district's MCPS Future Ready 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, which sets a benchmark of having 100% of MCPS schools earn four stars or higher on the Maryland School Report Card by 2030.

Read more and watch the principals from Rockville High School, Gaithersburg Middle School, Georgian Forest Elementary School and Rock Terrace School talk about how they improved their ratings.

Winter Weather is Just Around the Corner: We’re Ready, Are You?

It’s almost that time of year again! While we are enjoying autumn leaves, winter weather will be knocking on our doors before we know it. From early morning snow assessments to midday adjustments, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect when winter weather hits our area. Learn the color codes, stay connected and make sure you watch this year’s Snow Day Trailer as we wait for the white stuff to fall!

Share Your Voice: Districtwide Culture & Climate Survey Opens Nov. 8

Staff are invited to share feedback by participating in the upcoming Districtwide Culture and Climate Survey. Your honest input provides valuable insight into what is working well and where we can improve, providing an opportunity for employees to express their opinions and share their experiences in schools, offices and the district overall. Information from the survey will help administrators, staff and district leaders gain valuable insights into employee needs, expectations and concerns.

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential.

The survey window is Nov. 8-Nov. 20. A survey link will be sent to staff email accounts; more details will be included in that email. Staff members who work at multiple locations will have the option to complete a survey for each location.

Your feedback makes a difference!

Celebrate Excellence: Award Nominations Open for Outstanding Staff

Awards season is here! Nominations are open for several competitions to honor exceptional educators, supporting staff and administrators. Read more. 

Don’t Miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 14

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.

Prioritize Your Finances and Health: Check Out EAP’s November Webinars

Join the Employee Assistance Program for this month’s caregiver support and financial wellness webinars:

• Financial Fitness (Covering topics, including cash flow management, tax and estate planning, overcoming obstacles to creating wealth and more) : 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Learn more and register. This session will be recorded.
• Dementia Friends (Learn about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia): 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Learn more and register.

Look Who’s On Fire This Week!

This week, we’re shouting out Tetze Hunzelmann, school secretary at William H. Farquhar Middle School. According to her colleagues, Tetze’s Spanish language proficiency helps bridge communication gaps with the school community, while her deep empathy and supportive nature make her a comforting presence for everyone at the school.  

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.

Also, Katie Lazo, cross-functional team Emerging Multilingual Learner specialist, and Renee Hokanson, instructional specialist with the Division of Multilingual Education, were recently featured in an Education Week article highlighting their presentation at the national WIDE Conference and their efforts to empower content teachers to make language visible, intentional and accessible for all learners. Read the story. 

In amazing student news, two recently graduated MCPS seniors have been named 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars, which honors the nation’s top-performing high school students in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. Congratulations to Cooper Liu Li of Montgomery Blair High School and Grace E. Li of Richard Montgomery High School.

Building Welcoming Schools and Engaging Multilingual Families: Watch the Newest EdTalk

On the latest EdTalk, Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and principals Alicia Deeny (Richard Montgomery High School) and Isabelle Mensah (Rolling Terrace Elementary School) talk 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 listen to all the EdTalk and Educación al Día episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Info and Support Sessions Available for Aspiring Administrators

The Division of Human Resources and Talent Management, and Leadership Development are providing a yearlong schedule of information and support sessions for aspiring administrators (Pre-Qualified Principal (PQP) Pool, Principal Internship and Assistant Principal (AP) Pool) to receive resume, artifact and interview support.

The PQP/principal intern and AP application windows are open now until July 2, 2027. In-person and virtual sessions will be provided. More information is available here.

More information

Unlock New Opportunities Through Higher Education Partnerships

Higher education partnership opportunities are available to MCPS employees who are seeking teacher certification or licensure, continuing professional development, or who are pursuing career advancement. Register on Professional Development Online (PDO).

More information
November Opportunities

Latina Legacy Conference Connects Students Through Shared Experiences and Opportunity

For approximately 400 Latina students representing all MCPS high schools, the fifth annual Latina Legacy Conference offered more than a day of workshops and conversations about leadership. Read more. 

Cheer Squads Showcase Skill and Spirit

Teams from all MCPS high schools performed amazing stunts during the 38th annual cheerleading competition on Oct. 31, held at Montgomery Blair High School. Squads were judged on level of difficulty, technique and execution. Buoyed by crowd energy, teams delivered sharp routines filled with high-flying stunts, synchronized choreography and enthusiasm. Read more.

Boost Your Health and Mobility at Upcoming Wellness Webinars

Well Aware is hosting two webinars this month.

• Take a Stand — set for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 — will help anyone struggling with back pain from sitting too much.
• Fascial Self-Care: Unlocking Longevity — to be held at noon on Saturday, Nov. 21 — will teach about the body’s connective tissue network and techniques to relieve tension, increase energy and improve long-term mobility.  

Learn more.

Reminders

• Bus Drivers Job Fair: Know someone interested in working for MCPS? The Division of Transportation Services is hosting a 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.
• Policies for Public Comment: The period to submit public comments for Board of Education policies IPD: Travel Study Programs, Field Trips and Student Organization Trips and BLB: Rules of Procedures in Appeals and Hearings, closes on Friday, Nov. 6. Submit comments: IPD | BLB.
• MCPS Educational Foundation Grants: 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.

Share the Spirit of Giving

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. 

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade Is Looking for Volunteers

Who doesn’t love a parade?

The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. The parade features marching bands (including those from James Hubert Blake, Springbrook, Northwood, Clarksburg and John F. Kennedy high schools), lively dance troupes, floats and fun inflatables. The route starts at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring, heads south on Georgia Avenue and ends at Silver Spring Avenue. The parade will be held rain or shine.

The parade is looking for volunteers, who will dress in costume, serve as unit leaders, and be inflatable and balloon handlers. Volunteers need to be available from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Students 13 years old and older can receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. Register as a parade volunteer.

Dates to Remember

Saturday, Nov. 7 – SAT administration
Thursday, Nov. 12 – Board of Education’s Capital Budget and CIP Hearing #3, if needed
Friday, Nov. 13 – Payday
Thursday, Nov. 19 – Board of Education business meeting