Things to Know
October 08, 2026
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BOE Receives Update on School Closure and Consolidation Study |
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On Thursday, Oct. 8, MCPS updated the Board of Education on the elementary and middle school closure and consolidation study — including revisiting the reasons why the work is necessary, how decisions will be made and how the community can participate before a recommendation is developed. Read more.
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Middle School Program Changes Delayed One Year |
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MCPS is delaying any changes to the middle school Program of Study until the 2027-2028 school year, allowing additional time for review, engagement and potential implementation in the 2028-2029 school year. The proposals under consideration include 60-minute core classes and more consistent elective offerings across middle schools. No changes will be implemented this school year. Read more.
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Board Moves School Calendar Proposals Forward for Public Comment |
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The Board of Education received a presentation on Oct. 8 outlining proposed school calendars for 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 and moved the proposals forward for public comment and feedback. A key feature of the discussion was a two-year calendar approach, designed to give families and staff greater ability to plan ahead by establishing major calendar dates earlier.
Under the approach, the Board would adopt the next school year’s calendar while tentatively setting major dates, such as the first and last days of school, and winter and spring breaks, for the following year. The community will now have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed calendars, with final adoption scheduled for the Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19.
See the video of the presentation.
See the slide deck.
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Explore What Your Child Is Learning at Curriculum Preview Day, Oct. 19 |
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MCPS is hosting Curriculum Preview Day, an opportunity for families to explore instructional materials, learn more about what students are learning and discover resources available to support learning at home. This event is open to K–12 families for all MCPS courses. Join us for our drop-in sessions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. in the Carver Educational Services Center cafeteria on Monday, Oct. 19. Families can connect with MCPS instructional specialists, ask questions, explore curriculum materials and receive support accessing digital learning resources.
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Find Your Path: Explore the High School Center Programs |
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Fall High School Showcases across all six regions are underway, 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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National Principals Month: Q&A with Olivia Bailey, Maryvale Elementary School |
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October is National Principals Month. Throughout the month, MCPS is recognizing the dedicated leaders who guide our schools and support students, staff and families every day. To celebrate, we’re highlighting a few principals around the county to learn more about what inspires them and the impact they hope to make in their school communities. Get to know these leaders, their passions and a few fun facts. Read the Q&A with Olivia Bailey.
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Center Programs 101: Get the Details on EdTalk |
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On the newest episode of EdTalk, join host Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and her guests as they discuss the new MCPS Center Programs. Learn how 8th grade families can apply to a variety of four-year academic high school Center Programs in their region. Watch EdTalk | Vea Educación al Día
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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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Winter Sports Registration Opens Oct. 12 |
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Registration for high school winter sports opens on ParentVue at noon on Monday, Oct. 12. Winter sports include: boys’ and girls’ basketball, bocce, cheerleading, boys’ and girls’ indoor track, boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving, and wrestling.
Registration for boys’ and girls’ middle school basketball opens at noon on Monday, Oct. 26.
Registration Requirements
Parents/guardians must complete the online MCPS Athletics registration process before students may participate in practices or tryouts. During registration, students and parents/guardians will be asked to review and acknowledge the required athletics information integrated into the registration system.
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Turning Up the Heat: HVAC Changeover Underway |
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To prepare for the chilly weather ahead, MCPS will begin the changeover process from air conditioning to heating in all schools, facilities and office buildings on Oct. 19. This process takes time and can be complicated. It is not as simple as flipping a switch. Maintenance teams must gradually transition building systems, check equipment and make adjustments to ensure heating systems are operating properly and safely. Because the changeover happens across hundreds of buildings, temperatures may vary from building to building — and even from room to room — as the process gets underway
Keep an eye on this HVAC Changeover Status website for updates.
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From the Chesapeake Bay to Your Cafeteria Tray |
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Earlier this week, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks joined Board of Education members, Superintendent Thomas Taylor, Department of Food and Nutrition Services staff and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School students and staff to showcase a locally sourced menu item, Chesapeake Blue Catfish. Read more and watch the video.
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Now You Know — Stay Connected |
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Want to make sure you don’t miss important information from MCPS?
Sign up for ParentSquare, the district’s mass communication and direct messaging platform for parents, high school students and staff. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and log in with the phone number or personal email on file with MCPS. You can also follow MCPS on Facebook, Instagram and X, or visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
Learn more: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese
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Mental Health Matters: Save the Date to Join Us on Nov. 14 |
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The Division of Specialized Support Services and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association are co-hosting 2026 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Nov. 9-14. The Mental Health and Wellness Fair will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring. Open to staff, students and families, this free event will include workshops, community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, and a student forum. Students can earn four Service Learning hours for their participation in the fair. Learn more.
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Let the Music Play! Marching Band Showcase Returns Oct. 24 |
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Thirteen high school bands will participate in this year’s Marching Band Showcase, starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Albert Einstein High School. A middle school massed band will perform the national anthem. The event will end with a combined performance from all the high school bands in tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
This event is free and open to the public. Any changes due to inclement weather will be posted on the Fine Arts X feed @MCPSArts. Read more.
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Reminders |
- Parents of high school seniors: The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is open. This form helps families secure grants, loans and work-study funds to complete postsecondary education. Most students can complete their section in 12 minutes or less, and can see their results right after submitting the form. For help, contact the College and Career Navigator (CCN) at your school.
- Thomas Edison High School of Technology Showcase: Will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. For students and their families to tour the facility, visit its 16 programs, meet teachers and learn how students can earn college credit. 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.
- Mary Howard Day of Service: The Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center will hold its annual community service day 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. Learn more and RSVP. The Smith Center is located at 5110 Meadowside Lane in Rockville.
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Beyond the Classroom |
- *NEW* MoCo EmpowHER and the Montgomery County Commission for Women are holding an interactive self-defense event from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville. Open to secondary students, this event will teach practical strategies for staying safe, and help students feel more confident and prepared in potentially unsafe situations. Register.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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Reach for the Stars |
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Take a moment this week to celebrate World Space Week, celebrated Oct. 4–10, an international celebration of science and technology and the ways space contributes to improving life around the world.
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Stay Connected
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