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April 29, 2026 |
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We Want to Hear About Your MCPS Experience! |
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Don’t keep scrolling — we need to hear from you. With less than 10 minutes of your time, share with us what’s working well and where we can improve as a district, from academics and communication to the overall school and office climate. Your input really does matter.
This important annual survey is open until May 10. Learn more and take the survey.
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BOE to Take Action on Calendar Changes, Meal Prices |
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Tune in to the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, April 30. The Board is expected to take action on two important topics:
- Proposed amendments to the 2026–2027 school calendar: The superintendent is recommending to add instructional days on Monday, Nov. 9 (previously, a non-instructional day aligned with Diwali); an early release day on Wednesday, Nov. 25 (previously, a systemwide closure before Thanksgiving) and an early release day on Wednesday, Dec. 23 (previously, a systemwide closure before winter break). Identified make-up days (if needed) would be: June 11, April 22, May 17 and June 14-17. Pre-service week for staff would be Aug. 17–21. Student Transition Day would remain Monday, Aug. 24. The first day of school for all students would be Tuesday, Aug. 25.
- Proposed meal prices for 2026–2027: The superintendent is proposing meal pricing increase for the 2026–2027 school year, and school meal prices be evaluated annually. The last time meal prices were raised was in Fiscal Year 2015.
Tune in starting at 4 p.m. to watch the Board business meeting.
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First Grade Educator Named Rising Star Teacher of the Year |
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Now in her fifth year teaching, Kayla Jackson is in her first year teaching first grade after spending the last four in kindergarten. An exceptional early-career educator, she fills her classroom at Montgomery Knolls Elementary School with celebrations of achievements, and has taught students a system for tracking their own progress, encouraging students to achieve goals they set for themselves. Jackson is this year’s MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year.
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Planning a July 1 Retirement? Guide to Forms, Deadlines and Resources |
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Retiring soon? As you prepare, be sure to review this article with important information on retirement forms, deadlines and resources.
For those who’ve already made the decision to retire, this year’s reception will be held on Tuesday, June 9. The event will be held from 5–7 p.m. at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown. Check-in will begin at 4:30 p.m. To receive an invitation to this year’s reception, retiring employees must submit completed retirement forms to the Employee and Retiree Service Center (ERSC) no later than Friday, May 15. Retirement forms are available on the ERSC Retirement Planning webpage. Employees who submit retirement paperwork after May 15, will be honored at next year’s reception.
Retirees planning to attend the reception must RSVP using the invitation they were emailed from the Greenvelope platform by Friday, May 29.
More information about the retirement process is available on the Retirement Planning webpage.
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Determination in Motion |
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Students from Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School’s autism program joined their peers from Longview School to participate in the TRYathlon, a whole-school event celebrating the hard work and dedication of its students with complex physical and intellectual disabilities.
About 80 students cycled, walked and rolled with the help of their adaptive equipment, teachers, therapists and support staff. Longview also welcomed parents and other students from Matsunaga, who cheered on the success and determination of their peers.
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MCPS Receives National Music Education Honor for Third Straight Year |
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MCPS has been named a 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, marking the third consecutive year the district has earned this national recognition. The award highlights MCPS’ strong commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality music education for all students. The program, which evaluates funding, participation, instruction time, facilities and community support, recognizes school districts and schools across the country for their outstanding support of music learning as part of a well-rounded education.
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Take the Wellness Initiative to Save on Your 2027 Health Insurance |
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Are you covered by an MCPS-provided medical insurance plan through Cigna or Kaiser Permanente? If so, you have until Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, to meet the program requirements and pay a smaller percentage of your 2027 health insurance costs.
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2026 Graduation Schedule Now Available |
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This year’s high school commencement ceremonies will be held between Thursday, May 28, and Friday, June 12. Most graduations will take place on the campus at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
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Discover Resources and Connect: Special Ed Fair Coming May 9 |
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Make plans to attend the Special Education Family Resource Fair coming up from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Paint Branch High School. This free event will connect families, educators and community organizations with resources and information to support individuals with special needs. Attendees can gather information, ask questions, and network with professionals and other families facing similar challenges.
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Stay on Track in July — Register for Summer School |
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Registration for summer school is open! MCPS is offering the Ignite Middle School Academy, which will offer math and literacy at six sites. Free transportation will be available; aftercare will be available for a fee. Registration is on ParentVue.
MCPS is also offering in-person high school and virtual high school summer school programs. This summer, they are unveiling a new elective — College Essay Writing and Test Prep, focusing on building student confidence and reducing test anxiety. This course will run from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Thursday from July 7-21 or July 23-Aug. 6. High school students should talk with their counselors to sign up for summer school.
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Know Anyone Looking for a Job? We’re Hiring Bus Drivers and Attendants! |
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MCPS is hosting a job fair for bus drivers and attendants from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. The fair will be held at the Division of Transportation Services, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville.
To become a bus driver, the minimum qualifications are:
- A high school diploma or GED.
- At least 21 years old.
- A clean driving history; no more than one point on driver’s license.
- At least three years of driving experience, with at least one year driving in the U.S.
- The ability to meet all background checks, pre-service training and testing requirements.
To become a bus attendant, the minimum qualifications are:
- A high school diploma or GED.
- At least 18 years old.
- Experience as a caregiver and/or child development is a plus.
- Certification in basic first aid and CPR desirable.
- The ability to meet all background checks, pre-service training and testing requirements.
Interested candidates are invited to create a profile on the MCPS Careers portal. For more information, call 240-740-6080 or send an email here.
MCPS celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on April 28. Learn more about some of our drivers.
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In Case You Missed It … |
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Dr. Josh Fine, principal at Flower Hill Elementary School in Gaithersburg, was named the National Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. In 2025, Fine was also named The Washington Post Principal of the Year and won the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award, given by MCPS for exemplary performance in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. Read more.
Leul Dawit, a 10th grade student at Northwood High School, was elected Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for the 2026-2027 school year. Dawit’s term begins on July 1, 2026. He will be the 49th Student Member of the Board. Read more.
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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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From the Employee Assistance Program |
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Most disagreements in the workplace can be resolved by the people involved. Occasionally though, you may need more support to navigate a workplace conflict. Learn more about free mediation and conflict coaching through the MCPS Dispute Resolution Program.
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Excellence in Action |
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MCPS is stronger because of the dedication of our staff. Throughout our schools and offices, individuals lead with care, professionalism and a commitment to excellence. Join us in recognizing these outstanding staff members and the latest Unleashing Potential Award winners.
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Fore the Kids: Tournament Seeking Golfers, Sponsors |
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The RICA Association, Inc. and the Kiwanis Club of Wheaton-Silver Spring are hosting the 31st annual FORE the Children Golf Tournament on Monday, June 8, to benefit students at John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents. To be held at Montgomery Country Club, the tournament is seeking golfers, foursomes and sponsors.
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Don’t Forget to Vote! |
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MCPS staff and students are invited to pick the winners of the 2026 Sustainability Poster Contest. The finalists are divided into five categories. Online judging is open to all MCPS staff and students and will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 4. You must use your @mcpsmd.net account login to view and vote.
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Reminders |
- Scholarships Available: The MCPS Retirees Association is awarding $1,500 scholarships to teachers and staff members to help defray the cost of course work in a recognized educational program for the summer or fall of 2026. Apply.
- Used Car, Computer Sale: 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Thomas Edison High School of Technology, 12501 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring. The Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished.
- Gaithersburg Book Festival: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg.
- Skilled in Communication and Community Engagement?: The Board of Education is looking for community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement to apply for its Advisory Committee. Apply by Friday, May 1.
- 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.
- Café Edison Open for Business: Breakfast and lunch are available. Reservations are required. Open through Friday, May 15.
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