Things to Know
August 13, 2026
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The Countdown Continues … Less Than Two Weeks to Go! |
- Hats Off!: MCPS celebrated this year’s summer school graduates on Aug. 12 at Paint Branch High School. Congratulations on all your hard work and dedication! View the photos.
- Join us!: We are kicking off the 2026–2027 school year very soon, so be sure to join us at a Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 22!: This year, MCPS is hosting six regional fairs to kick off the 2026–2027 school year. The fairs will help families get more connected to their school communities and get their questions answered. Families will have direct access to knowledgeable MCPS staff from transportation, technology, special education, multilingual services, mental health and other central offices who can provide support! Find your school, find your fair location:
- Albert Einstein, 9 a.m.–noon (Albert Einstein, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Montgomery Blair, Northwood, Walt Whitman cluster schools)
- Paint Branch, 9 a.m.–noon (James Hubert Blake, Paint Branch, Sherwood, Springbrook cluster schools)
- Wheaton, 3–6 p.m. (John F. Kennedy, Walter Johnson, Wheaton/Thomas Edison, Charles W. Woodward cluster schools)
- Richard Montgomery, 1–4 p.m. (Winston Churchill, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Thomas S. Wootton cluster schools)
- Gaithersburg, 9 a.m.–noon (Gaithersburg, Col. Zadok Magruder, Quince Orchard, Watkins Mill cluster schools)
- Seneca Valley, 3–6 p.m. (Clarksburg, Damascus, Northwest, Poolesville, Seneca Valley cluster schools)
- Now You Know — Back-to-School Countdown: Important dates to remember — Transition Day is Monday, Aug. 24 and First Day of School for all students is Tuesday, Aug. 25. See you soon!
English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese| Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
- Athletic Tryouts Underway: Good luck to all of our student-athletes who are trying out for teams this fall season! We’re cheering you on as you showcase your R.A.I.S.E. team spirit by giving your all, supporting your teammates, and showing respect and sportsmanship.
- Are Your Student’s Immunizations Up to Date?: Here are the latest requirements. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding immunization clinics in August and September. MCPS is also planning for immunizations at the Back-to-School Fairs on Saturday, Aug. 22.
- Student Schedules: High school students will receive their class schedules by Wednesday, Aug. 19. They will be available in StudentVue and ParentVue.
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In Case You Missed It … |
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With less than two weeks left until the start of the school year, there is a lot of excitement in the air and some trepidation. Along with school supplies, schedules and first day outfits, safety at school is on all of our minds. Please review this community message emailed to families on Aug. 11.
Some highlights:
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Building Belonging: Gearing Up for a New School Year |
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Administrators and supervisors are getting ready for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. During the ElevatED learning conference and a concurrent administrators’ and supervisors' conference, educators participated in workshops focused on strengthening instruction, building positive school cultures and creating a sense of belonging for students. Guest speaker Dr. Bettina Love energized the crowd with a powerful message about creating schools where every student feels seen, valued and supported. Her presentation focused on how strong leadership can create the conditions for this work to thrive across schools through effective coaching, a positive school culture and shared accountability.
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Start Strong: Transition Day Is Aug. 24 |
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Transition Day (Monday, Aug. 24) is the first full day of school for students entering kindergarten, sixth grade and 9th grade (plus, third grade at intermediate schools) and students new to MCPS. This is an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine. Learn more about Transition Day: English | Spanish
Students will get a head start on navigating their new school before the official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 25. They will meet principals and teachers, tour the building, practice routines and connect with classmates.
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Time to Play: Middle School Sports Registration Is Open! |
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MCPS is excited to kick off another outstanding year of middle school interscholastic athletics! Whether you're a returning student-athlete or participating for the first time, now is the time to complete your athletic registration and prepare for the upcoming season. ParentVUE registration is now live.
New This Year!: Sixth-grade students are now eligible to participate in MCPS middle school athletics. Boys' and girls’ softball and coed cross country are the fall sports offered.
- To be eligible to participate, students must:
- Complete the online registration through ParentVUE.
- Have a current Pre-Participation Physical (MCPS Form SR-8) on file.
- Upload the required medical clearance and complete all required electronic forms during the registration process.
For questions regarding registration, eligibility or required forms, contact your school's Athletic Coordinator.
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The Game Needs You: Become an MPSSAA Official |
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Turn your passion for sports into an opportunity to make a real impact. Become a Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) official and help shape the experience of student-athletes in Maryland and MCPS middle and high school athletics.
Every game needs dedicated officials who ensure competition is fair, safe and competitive, while serving as leaders and role models on the field, court and track. Whether you're a lifelong sports enthusiast, former athlete, coach or simply looking for a rewarding way to stay connected to the game, officiating offers the chance to give back, stay active and be part of something bigger.
Join a respected community of officials who play an essential role in preserving the integrity of middle and high school sports, while making a lasting difference in the lives of young student-athletes. Learn more.
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Help Shape the Future of MCPS School Facilities |
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MCPS is seeking community members to serve on the Facility Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 school year. Committee members will share their knowledge, experience and perspectives to help inform long-term planning for MCPS school facilities. Members of this committee will advise MCPS on a variety of topics related to the community’s vision for school facilities and planning that are outside the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) time frame, but that may require attention in the 10-15 year time frame or beyond.
If you're interested in helping shape the future of MCPS facilities, complete the application by Friday, Sept. 4.
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Reminders |
- Saturday School Registration Is Now Open: Taught by certified teachers, Saturday School provides Kindergarten through Grade 12 academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts. There are in-person and virtual options. Tutoring begins Sept. 26. Fees increase Sept. 1. Register early!
- Submitted Your FARMS Application Yet?: Apply today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Submit the online FARMS application through MySchoolApps (translations are available). Only one application is needed for all students in a household. More information
- Come Learn about Working for MCPS!: From Aug. 14-22, visit the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and learn about working for MCPS! The MCPS Division of Transportation Services, the Department of Facility Maintenance and the Department of Facility Operations will have an information table near the Chestnut Street entrance, next to the big, yellow school bus.
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Stay Connected
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