Things to Know
September 10, 2026
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Calendar Reminder: Friday, Sept. 18 is an early release day for all students. Monday, Sept. 21 is a non-instructional day; there will be no school for students and teachers.
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Attendance Matters. Being Present Matters. Every Day Matters. |
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We get it, mornings can be hectic. Alarm clocks don’t cooperate, shoes disappear and sometimes, getting everyone out the door deserves its own trophy. But being in school really does matter.
Every day in class is another chance to learn something new, see friends, connect with teachers and keep moving forward. And those “just a day here and there” absences? They can add up fast. Missing 10% of the school year — 18 days — is considered chronic absenteeism. That’s not good.
MCPS is a great place to be; it’s a place to belong. We want your student in class, connected and part of our school community every day.
Need help?
Your Presence Matters: English | Spanish
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Updated Grading Guidance Helps Families Stay Informed |
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MCPS has updated its Grading & Reporting guidance (one-page information sheet) to provide students and families with clearer, more timely information about assignments, grades and academic progress.
The goal is simple: clear expectations, timely communication and strong academic support so students know what is expected and families have the information they need to help. Read the guidance.
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Help Shape the Next Two MCPS School Calendars |
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You have until Sept. 20 to tell us what you think! MCPS is seeking your input as it works to develop the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school calendars. Please fill out this survey by Sept. 20 to share your input.
Your feedback is critical to the process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and assessment schedules aligned to MCPS Board Policy IDA, School Year Calendar. Take the survey.
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Your High School, Your Path: Explore Center Programs |
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MCPS is hosting virtual information sessions to learn more about the Center Program application process, requirements and offerings for students entering Grade 9 in the 2027–2028 school year.
The sessions will be:
- Monday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.: English (with ASL and live interpretation in Amharic, Chinese and French) | 8 p.m., Spanish
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.: English (with ASL and live interpretation in Amharic, Chinese and French) | 8 p.m., Spanish
For 8th grade families, in addition to the academic, extracurricular, athletic and social opportunities available at your local high school, you can also explore the specialized Center programs offered within your region. Programs are organized across five themes:
- Medical Science
- International Baccalaureate, Humanities and Languages
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Leadership and Public Service
- Visual and Performing Arts
Applying to a Center program is optional, and students may rank up to eight programs based on their interests. Your student’s high school journey is full of possibilities. Join us later this month and learn more!
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Get Ready for College: Fairs, Financial Aid and More |
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MCPS, Career Council, Inc. and College Fairs USA are hosting an in-person College Fair from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg for high school juniors and seniors. Students, who will attend the fair during the school day, will receive a link that will allow them to complete an online profile. For more information, students should contact their school counselor. Fair Flyer: English
Attention high school seniors and families: As the college admissions and scholarship season kicks off, remember that MCPS College and Career Navigators (CCNs) are available to assist and answer any questions you have about the college application process and financial aid. Check out their Welcome Back video!
Montgomery College is also offering upcoming financial aid events. Learn more.
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Start the School Day With a Healthy Meal |
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A healthy start to the day can make a big difference. The Department of Food and Nutrition Services provides nutritious meal options that help our students learn, grow and thrive.
Whether your student enjoys breakfast or lunch at school, you’ll find everything you need to know about our school meal program on the Department of Food and Nutrition Services website, including menus, nutrition information, Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) applications, meal prices and payment information.
Read more.
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Turn Saturdays Into Success — Register for Saturday School |
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Help your child build confidence and academic success with Saturday School (George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy). Programs run on Saturday mornings for students in grades K–12, focusing on reading, language arts, math, test prep and STEM enrichment, such as coding and robotics.
The opening ceremony is on Sept. 19 for families to register and learn about the program. The first tutoring session is Sept. 26 from 8:30-11 a.m.
- Cost: $100/year ($50 for FARMS recipients)
- Transportation: Free MCPS bus routes available to center sites.
- Details & Registration: saturdayschool.org
Now You Know: English | español | 中文 | français | Português | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | አማርኛ
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Students Invited to Constitution Day Webinar with Congressman Raskin |
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Students are encouraged to join U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin for a virtual Constitution Day webinar from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. Students can earn up to two Service Learning hours (SSL) for participating. Spanish translation will be available. Register. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about rights, citizenship and democracy from a constitutional law scholar and former law professor. Students can submit questions for Congressman Raskin here.
Learn more.
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Latina Legacy Conference: Honoring Roots, Shaping Futures |
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The 5th Annual Latina Legacy Conference will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at 15 W. Gude Drive in Rockville. This year’s theme, Raíces & Rising: Honoring Our Roots. Shaping Our Future, will empower, inspire and unite Latina female high school students, while elevating pathways and access to higher education and exploring opportunities in the field of education. Topics to be discussed will include: Latina wellness and mental health; Latinas in education; Latina mentorship, and social justice and Latina student voice.
Transportation will be provided from schools. To register, interested students should reach out to their assistant principal by Thursday, Oct. 15.
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Love Sports? Get Involved Behind the Scenes |
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MCPS Athletics has many opportunities to get involved, even if you don’t play sports. Opportunities are available to serve as managers, scorekeepers, statisticians and photographers. For more information, reach out to your school’s athletic coordinator (middle school) or athletic director (high school).
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Coffee, Conversation and Community: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness |
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MCPS is committed to supporting all students, but we cannot do the work alone. Strong community partnerships are essential to helping students thrive. The MCPS McKinney-Vento Unit is hosting a second session of The Coffee Break, a continuing conversation on supporting students experiencing homelessness for its nonprofit, shelter and community partners. They'll be digging into new topics, sharing resources and learning from the people who are doing this work alongside us. They will review the McKinney-Vento Act — what it is, who it supports and how it protects the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16
Time: 8:45-11 a.m.
Location: Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 108, Rockville
RSVP
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Reminders & Student Opportunities |
- Bus Driver Job Fair: Set for 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. The fair will be held at the Shady Grove Transportation Depot, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Interested candidates are asked to scan the QR code on the flyer and create or update a profile on the MCPS Careers website.
- Back-to-School Block Party: Montgomery County Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe is hosting this event from 12:30-3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18 at BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown.
- Student Service Learning: Secondary students need 75 SSL hours to graduate. Keep on earning with these September opportunities. Submit an entry for this PSA contest on road safety by Sunday, Oct. 4 and earn 10 SSL hours.
- Youth Town Hall: The Montgomery County Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Council Office Building, Third Floor, 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville, or on Zoom. Student attendees will be able to share their questions and concerns, and participate in a conversation with county leadership. Register to attend.
- Girls With Impact Fall Session: This free, online, 10-week entrepreneurship program available to high school students begins the week of Sept. 28. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. or Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Register. Learn more: English | Spanish
- Share Your Vision for America: Students in Grades 5–12 can write and perform a presidential speech and win prizes up to $1,000. Make Your Speech calls on students to imagine they’ve just been elected president and are delivering their inaugural address in a 2-3 minute video. Present your best unifying vision for our democracy. Learn more. Deadline: Friday, Oct. 30
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