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April 08, 2026 |
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Cell Phones; Code of Conduct; Grading; Open Lunch — Your Input Is Essential! |
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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 school-based staff, families and students; we want to know how they are working for you in practice. The survey is available here. Take it today!
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Three Finalists Selected for Supporting Services Employee of the Year |
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Three supporting services employees have been named finalists for the 2026 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This year’s annual awards, given by SEIU Local 500 and MCPS, are recognizing Oscar Alvarenga, newcomers transition coordinator, Department of International Admissions; Aaron McFarland, paraeducator, Col. Zadok Magruder High School, and Bryan Nance, media services technician, Montgomery Blair High School. The winner will be announced at a celebration in May.
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Northwood Student-Athlete Named R.A.I.S.E. Champion |
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Addison Finlay, a student-athlete at Northwood High School, has won the 2026 R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in athletics, academics, and leadership.
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The Countdown is On! Superintendent’s Shuffle Is Saturday |
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Two days left to sign up! Check in for the Superintendent’s Shuffle starts at 8 a.m. at Bohrer Park on Saturday, April 11. Race time is at 9 a.m. 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.
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Reminder: April 15 Is an Early Release Day for Students |
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Wednesday, April 15 is now an early release day for students. This is one of our make-up inclement weather days. The third marking period will end on April 14, but grade reporting will be delayed until April 20.
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A Double Win for Poolesville |
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During the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) Annual Awards Breakfast on March 21, Poolesville High School teacher Terry Turner was honored as the 2026 Maryland DAR Outstanding Teacher of American History, while senior Joseph Andrew Parsley was named the recipient of the Linda C. Mistler C.A.R. Scholarship.
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Don’t Forget: Special Ed 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. Interested staff are welcome to attend. The Zoom link is available here.
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$1,500 Scholarships Available to MCPS Staff |
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The Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association is awarding $1,500 scholarships to MCPS teachers and staff members to help defray the cost of course work in a recognized educational program for the summer or fall of 2026.
Any staff member currently employed by MCPS is eligible to apply. Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicants’ educational goals and financial needs. The award may be used toward the cost of tuition, books or other expenses. Awards will not exceed $1,500, but applicants may request a lesser amount. Deadline: Monday, May 11.
Applications may be mailed or sent electronically to:
Mr. Bill Stief
17324 Founders Mill Drive
Derwood, MD 20855
Email: graymm0322@gmail.com
MCPS Retirees Association Scholarship Application 2026
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BOE Seeks Community Leaders, Communication Experts to Join Advisory Committee |
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Montgomery County community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement are invited to apply to join the Board of Education’s Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement, a key initiative designed to deepen collaboration between the Board and the community.
This committee will play a critical role in strengthening community ties, improving transparency and driving meaningful engagement around the Board’s most important initiatives. Committee members will help bolster and amplify the district’s communication strategies and ensure that all voices are heard on vital issues impacting our schools and communities.
Apply by Friday, May 1.
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Make Your Reservations: Café Edison Spring Service Begins April 13 |
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Café Edison, an in-school, student-run restaurant at Thomas Edison High School of Technology, will open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays on Monday, April 13 through Friday, May 15.
Breakfast is served at 8:40 a.m. and 9 a.m., and lunch at 12:05 p.m. and 12:20 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 240-740-2024 or emailing Hospitality and Tourism teacher Jason Potyk. Cash, check or Square payments are acceptable. The menu is available by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
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From the Employee Assistance Program |
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Join the EAP for a caregiver support webinar on Mitigating the Cost of Long-Term Care at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. Learn more on the MCPS EAP website and register.
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Recognizing Excellence in English Language Development |
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The Division of Multilingual Education is seeking nominations to honor educators and school leaders of Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) who have shown extraordinary instructional leadership, advocacy and commitment to their students. More information about the nomination forms can be found here. The submission deadline is Friday, April 24.
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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.
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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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Let’s Get Creative, MCPS! |
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Middle schools are invited to participate in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s ‘Paint the Plow’ competition to name and decorate a snowplow for a chance to win cash prizes for their school. Middle schools have until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10, to register online to participate. The snowplows will be deployed across the region during snowstorms in the winter months. Learn more.
All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate in the Sustainability and Compliance Team's 2026 poster contest. This annual contest increases awareness of sustainable actions related to energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. Deadline: Monday, April 13. Learn more.
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Summer Continuing Professional Development Now Open |
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for the summer semester are now open for registration through Professional Development Online (PDO). The summer session runs from July 1 through 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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Step Into Leadership with Career Pathways; Application Deadline Is April 17 |
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The Career Pathways Program is 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). Deadline to apply: Friday, April 17.
All programs are pending FY27 budget approval.
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Scaling New Heights |
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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 the latest Unleashing Potential winners. See the list.
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Overcoming Everyday Fatigue |
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This month’s wellness webinar, Fatigue Fix, will explore the medical causes of fatigue, the lab tests that actually matter, and when symptoms signal the need to see a doctor. Learn more.
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Virtual 5K Training Begins April 13 |
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Join the Spring Virtual Group 5K Training Program, which begins Monday, April 13. Select a training plan to help you successfully complete a 5K race or one that helps improve your 5K time. Learn more.
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