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March 25, 2026 |
Spring break is almost here, and it is well deserved. |
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Day in and day out, your commitment and hard work are what make a difference for our students and our schools. The long days, the extra effort and the dedication are so very appreciated.
We hope next week gives you the chance to truly unplug, recharge and enjoy a change of pace. You’ve earned it. Thank you for all that you do!
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We Need to Hear from You; Time Is Running Out |
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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 school-based staff; we want to know how they are working for you in practice. The survey is available here. Read more.
Also, watch this video explaining why your feedback matters:
English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Get Caught Reading This Spring Break! |
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Whether you’re relaxing at home or stuck in a long airport security line, spring break is the perfect time to get lost in a great book. We are inviting our youngest MCPS students to show us how you read this spring break — whether at home, outside or on the go! Read, read everywhere. In a chair? With a bear? In a bed? On your head? Through #MCPSCaughtYouReading, students and families can share their joyful reading moments, while we build excitement for the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 16. We can’t wait to see where your stories take you!
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Board of Education to Review Virtual Learning Plan |
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On March 26, the Montgomery County Board of Education will review MCPS’ 2026–2027 Inclement Weather Virtual Instruction Plan, which meets Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements and will be submitted for final approval.
The plan ensures continuity of learning during multi-day disruptions, while recognizing that students learn best in person. It includes at least four hours of live instruction, continued student services, and access to devices and internet. Importantly, this will not be a replacement for snow days — virtual learning would only be used after closure days are exhausted and during predictable, multi-day weather events.
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Special Education Update: Virtual Webinar on Staffing and Planning |
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The Division of Specialized Support Services will hold a staff webinar from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, focused on what’s new in special education services, staffing and planning — and why. We’ll share updates on programs and staffing, and provide context for what it means for schools and classrooms. The session will be held virtually, featuring a brief presentation followed by questions and answers. Any interested staff are welcome to attend. More details, including the Zoom link for the meeting, will be shared closer to the meeting date.
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MCPS to Celebrate America’s 250th with Student Artistic Submissions |
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To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary this year, MCPS is creating a districtwide eBook — Many Voices, One Nation — featuring one selected student submission from each school. Students may submit an original poem, essay, musical or literary piece, performance or artwork. See the submission guidelines and learn more.
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School Year to End June 18: Maryland State Board Approves Attendance Waiver |
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On Tuesday (March 24), the Maryland State Board of Education approved a resolution to consider MCPS’ request to waive three days of student attendance. This waiver, combined with April 15 as an early-release instructional day, will allow the district to end the school year earlier than previously announced while meeting all state-required instructional time expectations. Read more.
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Poolesville HS Principal Honored as Statewide Leader in Student Advocacy |
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Mark Carothers, principal at Poolesville High School, has been named the Wayne Perry High School Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC). Carothers received the award at the MASC’s annual awards banquet, celebrating his work to create meaningful opportunities for students to engage in decision-making and leadership at Poolesville High School. Read more.
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Here for You: EAP Support for Spring Break |
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The MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides no-cost and confidential support to all employees. The EAP is available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., year-round (closed during holiday and systemwide closures). If you need support during spring break, visit the EAP website for information on after-hours resources.
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Spots Are Going Fast; Sign Up Soon! |
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The Superintendent’s Shuffle is fast approaching! Join us on April 11 at Bohrer Park for a day of community and movement to help eliminate student meal debt. Learn more and sign up!
After the run, stay for more family fun! Manna Food Center and UnitedHealthcare — joined by A Wider Circle, EveryMind, GOCO Health and WorkSource Montgomery — are hosting the Nourish & Flourish Community Resource Fair. This free, family-friendly event will offer food, health screenings, lifestyle workshops, nutrition resources, employment services, and more, all focused on strengthening the connection between good nutrition and overall health.
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Join Us April 18 to Support Our Youth and Build a Safer Community |
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The MCPS Family Forum on Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention will be held from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. East in Silver Spring. This event is free and open to students, families, staff and community members. Students can earn 3 Student Service Learning hours for participating. Workshops will be held in English and Spanish. Learn more.
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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).
April Opportunities
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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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Setting the Gold Standard |
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MCPS thrives because of the tireless commitment of our staff. Our schools and offices are powered by people who lead with heart and excellence. Join us in celebrating the leaders and quiet heroes among us with this week’s list of Unleashing Potential winners. See the list.
In other great staff news, Dr. Cara Grant, supervisor of PreK-12 Adapted Physical Education, Health & Physical Education, was honored for her leadership, service and impact as she wrapped up a three-year term as president of Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America. During SHAPE’s national convention in Kansas City, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School physical education teacher John Glodek was also named Teacher of the Year for Maryland.
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Level Up: Spring Game Changer Conference Is April 25 |
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Male students in Grades 4-12 are invited to attend the 2026 Spring Game Changer Conference for Young Males from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, April 25, at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus. Registration closes Monday, April 20. Register.
Tailored for African American and minority students, the conference is designed to build social-emotional wellness and confidence in young males. Learn more. The conference is hosting a student essay competition. Submissions are due Sunday, April 19. Get the details and submit.
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Reminders |
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Dates to Remember
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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
Saturday, April 11 – ACT administration
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