Things to Know
September 24, 2026
|
|
|
Planning for the Future: Data, Dialogue and Community Voice |
|
Enrollment in MCPS is declining for the first time in more than 40 years. As a result, some schools have more available space than they need, while other communities are still growing. That means it’s time to take a thoughtful, countywide look at how we are using our schools and facilities and plan for a better future for all students.
Using our schools and limited resources effectively means putting more of what matters most where students need it: strong instruction, great programs and the services and supports that help every student thrive. It helps us deliver an excellent student experience in every school.
The important thing to know: this work will happen in two distinct phases, over two years.
This school year, MCPS will review elementary and middle schools across the county and develop a clear, transparent framework for considering possible school closures and consolidations.
We know that the possibility of a school closing or consolidating with another school raises important questions for families. No decisions have been made, and this is not a process in which a list of schools has already been determined. The work begins with the data, the criteria and community input. Learn how to get more information and provide feedback.
|
|
|
|
|
|
High School Center Programs: Fall Showcases Begin in October |
|
MCPS is expanding access to specialized high school Center programs, giving 8th grade students more opportunities to pursue programs connected to their interests while continuing to offer rigorous programming at every local high school. Eighth grade families can start exploring during Fall High School Showcases, which will begin Thursday, Oct. 1. These events are a great opportunity for students and families to visit schools, learn about programs and courses, meet staff and begin thinking about the high school experience that best fits their interests and goals. Read more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now You Know — Attendance Matters Every Day |
|
There’s nothing more important than being in school every day. Being at school every day gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, connect with trusted adults and get involved in activities they enjoy. Most importantly, being present helps them feel like they belong — and gives them opportunities to reach their potential. Parents and families, please ensure your student is in school every day, ready to learn.
Learn more: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hispanic Heritage Month Comes Alive Across MCPS |
|
Schools throughout MCPS are marking Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring culture, identity and community. Be sure to check out the photos and read more. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated through Oct. 15, so there is still time to let us know how your school or office is celebrating. Drop us a line and you could be featured in The Bulletin or on our social media!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discover Enrichment, Acceleration and Gifted Education Opportunities |
|
Families are invited to join the Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (AEI) Family Webinar Series this fall. The four-part virtual series will provide families with information and resources to better understand enrichment and acceleration opportunities, gifted and talented identification, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and parent advocacy.
Learn more: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help for College: Fairs, Financial Aid and FAFSA Support |
- Reminder that 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 | Spanish
- For high school seniors and families: As the college admissions and scholarship season kicks off, remember that MCPS College and Career Navigators are available to answer questions about the college application process and financial aid. High schools are hosting a variety of in-person and virtual workshops to provide guidance to families on finding the college right path, writing essays and understanding the Common App. See what’s being offered!
- Montgomery College is also offering FAFSA Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New SSL Forms Are Here: What Students Need to Know |
|
All MCPS students need 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate. MCPS has updated its SSL forms, with critical new deadlines and revised links.
Key Form Changes
- MCPS Form 560-51 (SSL Activity Verification Form)
- In the updated form, organizations must provide academic preparation and service action details. Additional space is available for more thoughtful student reflection.
- MCPS Form 560-50 (Individual SSL Request)
- Required for students to complete service with any community organization that is not listed as an MCPS SSL organization on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website. Organizations must provide academic preparation and service action details.
SSL Coordinators will accept the old SSL forms for service completed through Friday, Sept. 25. Any service completed after Friday, Sept. 25, should be documented using the new forms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stay in the Game with MCPS Athletics! |
|
Stay connected with MCPS Athletics with the R.A.I.S.E. Report, packed with updates for the 2026–2027 school year! Get the inside scoop on the launch of JV girls’ flag football, sportsmanship and spectator safety initiatives, student-athlete leadership, sports medicine, coaching opportunities, new athletic coordinators and more. Whether you’re a student-athlete, coach, parent, guardian or fan, there’s something for everyone who believes in the power of interscholastic athletics.
|
|
|
|
Reminders |
- Saturday School: Tutoring sessions begin Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8:30-11 a.m.! 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 cost is $100/year ($50 for FARMS recipients) and MCPS buses are available to center sites. Learn more and register.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beyond the Classroom |
- 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
- Design + Build at Blackrock Center for the Arts: This free program will focus on developing a conservation landscape, including native plants and trees at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Starting Oct. 3, high school students will spend six consecutive Saturdays designing and installing the project to help improve the Seneca Creek watershed. Students can earn up to 18 SSL hours. Apply.
- Latina Legacy Conference: This event for Latina female high school students will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at 15 W. Gude Drive in Rockville. Topics will include: Latina wellness and mental health; Latinas in education; Latina mentorship, and social justice and Latina student voice. To register, students should reach out to their assistant principal by Thursday, Oct. 15.
- 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
- *NEW* Smokey Bear Poster Contest: Open to 7th grade students. In celebration of its 120th anniversary, the Maryland Forest Service is sponsoring a Fire Prevention Month Smokey Bear poster contest for 7th grade students. Students are asked to create original artwork inspired by Smokey’s classic message: “Only YOU can prevent wildfires!” to explore wildfire safety and forest conservation. Entry deadline: Monday, Nov. 2. Learn more.
- *NEW* Capital Weather invites K-8 kids to submit original artwork inspired by weather, seasons, climate or nature to its Kids Art Showcase. Once a week for the next several months, they will select an entry to feature with its forecast on capitalweather.com, the Capital Weather app, its newsletters and social media. Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stay Connected
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
