Things to Know
October 01, 2026
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Find Your Path: Explore the High School Center Programs |
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This month, MCPS will host Fall High School Showcases across all six regions, connecting eighth grade students and families with expanded Regional High School Center programs in Medical Science; International Baccalaureate, Humanities & Languages; STEM; Leadership & Public Service; and Visual & Performing Arts.
The Center Programs will provide greater access for more students across the county, expand capacity and reduce barriers created by limited seats, waitlists, transportation and geography so more students can pursue programs aligned with their interests and goals.
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Upcoming Closure & Consolidation Engagement Meetings: What to Expect |
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Over the last two weeks, we have shared the reason, schedule and the process MCPS will follow as it considers elementary and middle school closures and consolidations. This week, we’re taking the next step: a closer look at the conversations we want to have with our community and what you can expect when you attend an engagement session. Read more.
Now You Know: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese
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ICYMI: Making It Easier for Students to Ask for Help |
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Last week, MCPS students and families received an email about mental health support available to students in our schools. The messaging included this video in English and Spanish from Superintendent Thomas Taylor.
Students need to know that asking for help is normal and where to find it. MCPS wants students to know they are not alone. There are trusted adults throughout all our buildings who will respond when they reach out for help. In the coming weeks, materials will begin arriving in schools and will be more visible and easy to access. They include: stickers, cards and informational posters in classrooms and hallways with crisis-support information. There will also be school-specific email addresses that will directly connect students to crisis support, and classroom lessons focused on mental health, supporting each other and knowing when and how to ask for help.
Getting help should be as simple as, “I need someone to talk to.” Help is always within reach.
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Your Guide to Getting the Most from ParentVue |
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Are you getting the most out of ParentVUE? It’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to your student’s school experience. Families can monitor grades and assignments, check attendance, find bus information, access report cards and assessment results, complete online registrations and communicate directly with teachers.
Be sure to download the new ParentVUE app, customize your Gradebook and favorite shortcuts, and check ParentVUE regularly. You can even schedule parent-teacher conferences directly through the app. And remember: each parent or guardian should use their own ParentVUE account and password.
Learn more: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
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Explore Career Programs at Edison’s Oct. 15 Showcase |
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Thomas Edison High School of Technology is hosting a showcase for students and their families to tour the facility, visit its 16 programs, meet teachers and learn how students can earn college credit. The showcase will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Families will also get information on the timeline and process for applying to Edison, and hear about industry certification and work-based learning opportunities.
Edison is located at 12501 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring.
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FAFSA Is Open — Get Started Today! |
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For parents of high school seniors: the 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now open. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds to help them access and complete postsecondary education. To be eligible, students and their families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Most students can complete their section in 12 minutes or less, and they can see their results, including Federal Pell Grant eligibility and their Student Aid Index, right after submitting the form. For help, contact the College and Career Navigator (CCN) at your school.
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Reminders |
- Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (AEI) Family Webinar Series: The four-part virtual series provides 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
- Saturday School: Tutoring sessions run from 8:30-11 a.m. on Saturday mornings for students in grades K–12, focusing on reading, language arts, math, test prep and STEM enrichment. Learn more and register.
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Roll Up Your Sleeves for a Day of Service |
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The Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center will hold its annual Mary Howard Day of Service from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Projects will include beautifying gardens and pavilions, maintaining trails and building projects. Students can earn Service Learning hours, but must be accompanied by an adult. Join us for a day of fellowship and fun! Learn more and RSVP.
The Smith Center is located at 5110 Meadowside Lane in Rockville.
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Calling All Student Storytellers: Join SLAM |
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The Department of Athletics Student-Led Athletics Media Team (SLAM) invites students to tell the story of MCPS athletics through authentic, student-created media. Students will gain hands-on experience in photography, social media, journalism, videography and digital storytelling, while highlighting student-athletes, programs and the positive impact of interscholastic athletics. Through mentorship and collaboration, SLAM students create, share and inspire while promoting MCPS Athletics’ core values: Respect and Sportsmanship, Academic Excellence, Integrity, Spirited & Safe Competition, and Equity and Access.
Interested in joining SLAM? For more information, email Larry Hurd Jr.
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PEP Offers Free Support for Parenting, Improving Family Well-Being |
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MCPS is continuing its partnership with the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP), a local nonprofit that provides resources and support to parents and caregivers. The PEP Family Resiliency Program is a free, online, eight-week program that helps parents and caregivers learn tools to strengthen family connections, support children's mental health and encourage success in school. Earn a $50 gift card for taking at least five sessions and completing the evaluation. Sessions start the week of Oct. 12 and are offered in English, Spanish and Amharic.
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Beyond the Classroom |
- *NEW* Future Vote Program: Open to students in grades 6–12, this initiative combines civic participation and the opportunity to observe democracy in action. Students must be able to speak, read and write the English language. Students with bilingual and American Sign Language skills are encouraged to apply. Volunteers will earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Training is required for students and guardians. Apply online, for more information, guardians can text FV and their email to 77788 (ex.: FV 123@email.com) or visit the High School Election Worker Program webpage. Register before Thursday, Oct. 8.
- *NEW* High School Election Workers Needed: The Montgomery County Board of Elections is looking for workers for the 2026 Gubernatorial General Election. Students can earn up to $250 or up to 25 SSL hours for each full day worked. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Maryland residents, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. Bilingual students with Spanish or other language skills are encouraged to serve. For more information, text SERVE followed by a non-MCPS student email to 77788 (ex.: SERVE 123@email.com) or visit the High School Election Worker Program webpage. Application deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- *NEW* Speak Up, Save A Life Video Contest: Create an original video promoting awareness of the dangers of illicit opioids, overdose and fentanyl among teens. Secondary students can earn 10 SSL hours. Videos can be submitted in English or Spanish. First place wins $5,000, 2nd place, $3,000 and 3rd place, $1,000. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 30. Submit an entry.
- 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. 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. Learn more. Deadline: Friday, Oct. 30
- 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. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 2. Learn more.
- Capital Weather invites K-8 kids to submit original artwork inspired by weather, seasons, climate or nature to its Kids Art Showcase. Learn more.
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Stay Connected
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