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March 18, 2026 |
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Your Voice Matters! Share Your Feedback Today |
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We want to hear from you! Earlier this year, MCPS implemented significant operational changes and shifts — affecting topics including grading, safety (including police in schools), the Student Code of Conduct, open lunch and cell phones in schools. MCPS is distributing surveys on several of these issues important to families, students and staff; we want to know how they are working for you in practice. The survey is available here.
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Gold Star Greatness: Recognizing the Heart and Soul of MCPS |
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In association with MCEA and SEIU Local 500, MCPS celebrated outstanding educators and support professionals at two Gold Star Galas on March 12-13. Read more and view the photos: MCEA honorees | SEIU honorees (be sure to check back later this week as more photos will be added).
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Honoring Top Supporting Services Employees |
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MCPS employs more than 10,000 supporting services staff members who work in more than 450 job classifications supporting operations and instruction. Up to three outstanding support professionals in each of the eight chapters are being recognized and awarded. The eight chapters are: Building Services, Food Services, Media and Technology, Maintenance, Office, Paraeducators, Security and Transportation.
See the Chapter Employees of the Year. From the first place winners, three will be selected to advance as finalists to compete for Supporting Services Employee of the Year; one will be named the winner.
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This Quarter’s Healthy Outlook: Small Shifts for Big Well-Being Results |
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The Employee Assistance Program’s spring 2026 newsletter, A Healthy Outlook, is now available. In this quarter’s issue, find tips to manage stress, strategies to cut down on drinking, and upcoming events to support staff mental health and well-being.
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Navigating Long-Term Leave: A Comprehensive Guide for Employees |
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Do you need to take a long-term leave of absence? Find out how to apply for long-term leave, the types of long-term leave available, how your employee benefits are affected and how to return to work after a period of long-term leave.
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In Case You Missed It: Changes to the School Calendar |
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The following message about important changes to the school calendar was emailed to families on Friday, March 13. If you missed it, be sure and read it here.
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Summer Continuing Professional Development Opens on March 23 |
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for the summer semester will be open for registration through the Professional Development Online (PDO) system, starting Monday, March 23. The summer session runs from July 1 to mid-August. MCPS teachers have priority for course spaces. For details on eligibility, registration and course fees, visit the Continuing Professional Development webpage. Questions? Contact CPD registrar Kerri Davis, Department of Talent Acquisition.
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Flower Hill School Counselor Wins Statewide Honor |
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Lindzy M. Davis, counselor at Flower Hill Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Elementary School Counselor of the Year by the Maryland School Counselor Association. She was given the honor during the group’s annual awards soirée in Cambridge, Md. on March 15. In the 2024-2025 school year, Davis was named an MCPS Counselor of the Year.
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Move for a Mission: Lace Up for the Superintendent’s Shuffle |
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Mark your calendars and lace up your sneakers! The first-ever Superintendent’s Shuffle is coming to Bohrer Park on Saturday, April 11.
Join us for a morning of community and movement in support of the MCPS Educational Foundation’s Dine with Dignity Campaign to help eliminate student meal debt. Registration starts at $30 and includes a race bib, T-shirt and event-day activities.
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Step Into Leadership with Career Pathways |
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The Career Pathways Program is now recruiting supporting services employees for the Fiscal Year 2027 and 2028 school years. Whether you’re ready to lead, mentor or grow, there’s a pathway for you. Learn more on Professional Development Online (PDO). The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17.
All programs are pending FY27 budget approval.
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Take the Next Step: Explore Higher Ed Partnerships |
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Ready to move your career forward? Take advantage of higher education partnership opportunities designed for teacher certification or licensure, ongoing professional growth, and career advancement. Discover your options and register through Professional Development Online (PDO).
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Leading with Excellence |
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Every day, MCPS staff go above and beyond to help our school community thrive. Who stands out on your team? Who’s making a lasting impact? Join us in celebrating this week’s Unleashing Potential Award winners.
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Tight Hips? Achy Back? Learn How to Find Relief |
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Tight, weak hip flexor muscles can contribute to low back pain. Join Well Aware via Zoom for a training workshop to help you understand and care for your hip flexors.
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Reminders |
- Debt Relief: Workshops to learn more about financial assistance for student debt are happening five more times in March for SEIU Local 500 members. Application deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
- CPR/AED/First Aid Training for Staff: Available to all MCPS employees, free of charge. Trainings are offered throughout the year. See the list or email Peter Park.
- All-County Community Art Shows in March and April. The Down County Community Showcase opened today!
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Transfer Season Underway, Closes April 7 |
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The MCPS 2026-2027 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season, which allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school, is underway. Transfer requests will be accepted through Tuesday, April 7.
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Save the Date: Gaithersburg Book Festival Coming May 16 |
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The Gaithersburg Book Festival, a celebration of books, writers and literary excellence, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The festival will feature a lineup of authors and activities for children of all ages. There will be programs, workshops and activities for children to promote interest in reading, writing and illustrating. More than 100 authors and illustrators are scheduled to appear. Admission and parking are free.
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From the News Page |
- Student Art Showcase: In celebration of Youth Arts Month, the Board of Education marked the opening of the Patricia B. O’Neill Student Art Gallery with artwork by students from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
- The MCPS Wave Hits Rhode Island: Last month, two MCPS choirs represented the district at the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Regional Conference in Providence, R.I.
- Building Futures: To mark Women in Construction Week, Seneca Valley students went beyond the classroom to meet the pros.
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Dates to Remember
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Thursday, March 19 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Friday, March 20 – Professional development day for staff; no school for students (All Schools)
Friday, March 20 – Payday
Thursday, March 26 – Board of Education meeting
Friday, March 27 – Early release day for students (Arcola Elementary School only)
Monday, March 30 — Tuesday, March 31 – Spring break; no school for students and teachers (All Schools)
Wednesday, April 1 — Thursday, April 2 – Systemwide closure; schools and offices closed
Friday, April 3 – Payday
Friday, April 3 — Monday, April 6 – Holidays; schools and offices closed
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