Things to Know
May 14, 2026
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Budget Discussions and Possible Impact to MCPS |
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An expected preliminary vote by the Montgomery County Council on the MCPS operating budget has been postponed until Friday, May 15. Proposed reductions under discussion range from $30 million to $90 million and would require difficult decisions that could significantly impact staffing, programs and student services across the district.
Earlier this week, Superintendent Thomas Taylor shared an update with all MCPS employees about the potential impact of the reductions currently under consideration by the County Council. While any decisions would prioritize minimizing direct classroom impact, cuts at this level would be significant.
MCPS leadership, alongside employee associations, continues to advocate strongly for the funding schools and students need. The Board of Education is scheduled to take final action on the MCPS budget on Thursday, June 4, including addressing any reductions approved by the County Council.
Read the superintendent’s message, Watch the Video
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myMCPS Classroom (Canvas) Cybersecurity Update –System Operating Safely |
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myMCPS Classroom (Canvas) is now fully operational, including the restoration of the grade syncing to the MCPS student information systems. This is important because it means there will be no impact on end-of-year grading or report cards.
To support teachers following last week’s nationwide cybersecurity incident impacting Canvas, MCPS has extended the teacher grade submission deadline to Monday, May 18, 2026. Family access to Canvas should now be fully restored.
MCPS technology teams continue to monitor systems closely, and the vendor, Instructure, has confirmed that data has been secured and that systems are safe. We want to sincerely thank our students, staff, families, and especially our MCPS technology staff for their patience, flexibility, and hard work as we navigated this cybersecurity incident together. Should families need support with MCPS technology, visit the Community Tech Support portal page at https://montgomery.service-now.com/csm, and if you have a question, submit an email to communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org. For more Instructure updates, visit their site: Security Incident Update & FAQs | Instructure.
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Updated ParentVue App Launches May 15 |
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The ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps offer a new look and customized options. An upgraded version of the apps will be available on Friday, May 15. Parents will be prompted to update their ParentVUE mobile app. A step-by-step guide will explain all the new features, including notification preferences, enhanced account management and quick access for what you use most. Watch the video.
Learn more. English flyer - Spanish flyer
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Guidance Shared with School Leaders Regarding Immigration Enforcement Activity Off School Grounds |
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MCPS has provided school administrators with guidance and expectations for responding to immigration enforcement activity that may occur near school property, at school-sponsored events, or involving school transportation. The guidance focuses first on student and staff safety, clear communication, and coordination with MCPS leadership and legal services. Schools have been directed to prioritize moving students to safe locations when necessary, follow established notification procedures, and communicate verified information carefully and responsibly with families and staff.
You may review that guidance here.
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7th Grade Students To Participate in Virtual Career and Technical Education Career Day |
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Students in 7th grade will participate in the third annual Virtual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Day between June 1–16, 2026. Through videos and interactive resources, students will explore MCPS career pathways, regional programs, dual enrollment opportunities and work-based learning experiences to help them begin thinking about future high school and career options.
The experience will take place during the school day through MCPS Clever and will be delivered asynchronously, allowing students to explore career clusters that match their interests. Families should look for additional details and scheduling information from their child’s school in the coming weeks.
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3rd Quarter Performance Letter–Check Your Inbox |
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As we near the end of the school year, we want to make sure your student stays on track. Families with students in Kindergarten through grade 8, who are below grade level for math and/or reading, received a letter from MCPS with that information and steps to take to get back on track. Note: A letter was sent only if your student is below grade level. Please check your email from MCPS to determine if a letter was sent to your family. If your family received a letter, you can call your child’s school to discuss their progress and any additional plans or support needed.
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Student Stars Shine Bright |
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Dozens of MCPS high school seniors were recognized for their accomplishments in dance, theatre performance, technical theatre, choral and instrumental music, 2D and 3D visual art and media arts during the 25th annual Superintendent’s All-County Visual and Performing Arts Celebration on May 11 at Seneca Valley High School.
The event featured performances from Thomas S. Wootton High School, Seneca Valley High School Theatre, Quince Orchard High School Theatre and the All-County Dance team.
Check out the photo gallery and see all the honorees.
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Don’t Wait: Register for Kindergarten or Pre-K Today |
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Are you the parent of a 3- to 5-year-old who’s ready to get started with MCPS? Prekindergarten and Head Start help 4-year-olds — and some 3-year-olds — build early skills in reading, math and social development. Eligibility is based on age and family income. If your child turns 5 by Sept. 1, register for full-day kindergarten. NOW is the time to sign up!
The Department of Family Engagement and the Parent Academy is also hosting informational workshops for families preparing for Kindergarten. Family engagement specialists (FESs) will provide an overview of what to expect this next school year, how to connect with your child’s teacher and school staff, share a sample of a school day and school routines, school attendance, school meals, communication between home and school, and how to support your child’s learning.
- Wednesday, May 20 at 11 a.m. in Korean.
- Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese
- Monday, May 25 at 9 a.m. in Vietnamese
Register here and you will be sent the link to access the workshop.
For more information, contact the Department of Family Engagement at 240-740-4620 or email Shannon_R_Flores@mcpsmd.org
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Missed the Special Ed Webinar to Learn What’s New? Watch the Recording |
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Earlier this month, the Division of Specialized Support Services held a webinar for families to discuss what’s new in special education services, staffing and supports. MCPS special education leaders provided an update on what the changes mean for schools and classrooms. In case you missed it, here’s a video recording of the event— in English and in Spanish. Question & Answer Document (Q&A) in English and in Spanish, Slide Presentation
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SSL Hours Due Friday, May 29 |
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Students who have completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours since June 1, 2025, must submit the required SSL Activity Verification Form to their school’s SSL coordinator by Friday, May 29.
All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. Summer break is a wonderful time for students to participate in SSL! Learn more about the documentation and find in-person and virtual SSL opportunities here. Translations are available here. Find forms, guidelines and other resources at the MCPS SSL Hub for Students/Families.
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Hispanic Alliance for Education Honors Distinguished Scholars |
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The Hispanic Alliance for Education (HAE) celebrated 27 high school seniors during its 30th annual Distinguished Hispanic Scholars Recognition Ceremony on May 12. The event honored students for academic excellence, leadership and community service. Read more.
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Special Education Parents: We Want Your Feedback |
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Special education parents: the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) wants to hear from you. MSDE is asking all parents/guardians of students receiving special education and related services in Montgomery County to complete the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey. The survey will determine how well your child’s school is partnering with you. The information provided will help guide the state’s efforts in improving special education and related services in public schools.
Complete the survey by Friday, June 5.
Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Parents are asked to complete a separate survey for each child receiving services.
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Interested in Volunteering with MCPS? |
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There are many ways for families and community members to support schools through volunteering. Some volunteer opportunities do not require background screening or fingerprinting, and this chart outlines the different options available.
MCPS also offers fee assistance for volunteers experiencing financial hardship related to the cost of background screening or fingerprinting. Families may qualify if they have a child attending a Title I school or if they are experiencing financial hardship. No financial documents are required to request assistance.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities, background screening requirements and fee assistance on the MCPS Volunteer Services webpage.You can also read these FAQs.
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Ignite Your Learning — Register for Summer School |
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Register for summer school today! 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. Sign up on ParentVue.
MCPS is also offering in-person high school and virtual high school summer school programs. Be sure to check out a new elective — College Essay Writing and Test Prep, focused 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.
More information
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Now You Know — The Power of Public Education |
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Have you ever thought about what makes public education so powerful? It’s the people. Every day, MCPS staff bring years of learning, training and experience into schools and offices. They teach, support and build strong relationships that helps students grow and communities thrive. There’s no better testament to that gratitude than our recent Distinguished Service to Education Honors celebration — it gave us a chance to celebrate students, staff and community members who make a difference. Missed it? Watch it here.
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Reminders |
- Living Heritage: Preserving Traditions, Supporting Families at Vien An Temple — As part of AANHPI Heritage Month, Board of Education Member Julie Yang visits Vien An Temple to explore how the Vietnamese community preserves culture, supports families and builds connection through language, compassion and service. Watch the first episode of Living Heritage.
- Ready to Save a Life?: Learn hands‑only CPR and how to use an AED at MedStarHealth’s 3rd Annual Bystander CPR Workshop from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Montgomery Blair High School. Register.
- Fore the Kids Golf Tournament: Monday, June 8 at Montgomery Country Club, to benefit students at John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents.
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Student Opportunities |
- American Heroes Student Art Contest: Students in Grades 3–12 are invited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by choosing a hero from the provided list and creating an original, handmade two-dimensional artwork and artist statement. Submissions are due Monday, June 1. Learn more.
- Montgomery College is providing $1,000 tuition scholarships to Montgomery County residents who are spring 2026 graduates from a Montgomery County high school and are taking at least six MC credit hours this fall. The “Raptor Ready” Scholarships can only be applied to fall 2026 tuition and fees. Applications are due Monday, Aug. 3. Learn more.
- Annual Job Interview Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Open to seniors who want to start a career right after graduation.
- Montgomery History Art Exhibit: As part of the county’s 250th anniversary on Sept. 6, Montgomery County student artists (8th grade through high school) are invited to submit work to “MoCo at 250: Then and Now.” Deadline: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
- KID Museum is hosting a free Invent the Future Expo. The Expo will be held from 10 a.m.-2p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at 3 Bethesda Metro Center. Register. Flyer.
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It’s Here: Gaithersburg Book Festival Is Saturday, May 16 |
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Time to party, book lovers! The 17th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival returns this Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The festival features workshops for aspiring authors, a children's village, author appearances, book signings and discussions, book sales, and the announcement of the winners of the high school poetry contest. More than 100 authors and illustrators are scheduled to appear, including current and former MCPS educators. Admission and shuttle service from Shady Grove Metro and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds are free.
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From the News Page |
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