Things to Know
March 12, 2026
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We’re Listening: Your Voice Matters! Share Your Feedback Today |
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We want to hear from you! Earlier this year, MCPS implemented significant operational changes and shifts — affecting topics as different as grading, safety (including police in schools), the Student Code of Conduct, open lunch in high schools and cell phones in schools. Starting today, MCPS is distributing surveys on several of these issues important to families, students and staff; we want to know how they are working for you in practice.
The survey is available here. Not everyone will receive the same set of questions. If you are a member of more than one group (for example, a staff member who is also a parent) you will be able to take the family survey and the staff survey, and potentially receive different questions. You will be asked to self-identify both times.
Participation is confidential. No individual responses will be shared; only summarized data will be used to guide districtwide improvements.
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Board Reviews Boundary Options; Final Vote Set for March 26 |
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MCPS continues to advance important planning related to school boundaries and long-term facility investments. During today’s Board of Education Spring Facilities and Boundaries work session, district leaders reviewed updates, including alternative options, to the superintendent’s recommendations and answered questions raised by Board members and the community. The Board is scheduled to take final action on the boundary studies on March 26, with approved changes beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. Read more.
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Preview Fourth Quarter Instructional Materials |
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The fourth quarter Refrigerator Curriculum, which provides a one-page overview of the main themes and texts students will study each marking period, is now available.
MCPS will be hosting a community meeting next week for parents/guardians to preview the materials. This meeting will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at Ritchie Park Elementary School, 1514 Dunster Road in Rockville.
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New STEM and Arts Focus Featured at This Year’s National College Fair |
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The annual Montgomery County National Association for College Admission Counseling National College Fair will be held on April 21-22, at the Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse in Boyds. This free event will feature more than 250 colleges and universities, and provides resources to families navigating college admissions.
New this year, the fair will feature colleges and universities with specialized programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and performing and visual arts. The fair runs from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days and is open to high school juniors attending with their schools.
The fair is also open to all high school students and their families from 6:30–8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21. For more information, contact your school counselor or College and Career Navigator. The evening event includes the workshop: “The College Application Process: Timeline and Resources” in English and Spanish.
Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse is located at 18031 Central Park Circle in Boyds.
More information
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Lace Up for a Cause: Superintendent’s Shuffle Coming April 11 |
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Mark your calendars and lace up your sneakers! The first-ever Superintendent’s Shuffle is coming to Bohrer Park on Saturday, April 11.
Join us for a morning of community and movement in support of the MCPS Educational Foundation’s Dine with Dignity Campaign to help eliminate student meal debt. Registration starts at $30 and includes a race bib, T-shirt and event-day activities. Learn more and sign up!
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Now You Know: Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration |
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Are you the parent of a 3- to 5-year-old who’s ready to get started with MCPS? Prekindergarten and Head Start help 4-year-olds — and some 3-year-olds — build early skills in reading, math and social development. Eligibility is based on age and family income. If your child turns 5 by Sept. 1, register for full-day kindergarten. NOW is the time to sign up!
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Don’t Miss a Play! Spring Sports Season Opens Soon |
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The high school spring sports season opens on Friday, March 20. Tickets and season passes can be purchased via Go Fan.
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The Spring Rundown |
- *NEW* NAACP Youth Summit: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Richard Montgomery High School. This free event is open to all students and will offer leadership development workshops, a student panel discussion, and a reflection and advocacy campaign opportunity. Lunch, transportation and SSL hours will be provided.
- RespectFest: Learn about healthy relationships, dating violence prevention and consent. Virtual workshops through March 14 and in-person festival from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Wheaton Community Center.
- Pedestrian Safety Art Contest: Opening Monday, March 16. K–5 students are encouraged to create artwork demonstrating pedestrian safety. Deadline: Friday, April 17.
- MoComCon: Explore the world of comics and creative media on March 20-21, with events at Germantown Library and BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.
- Girl Power Contest: Open to Montgomery County girls aged 5 and up, tell us who inspires you and how did she use her powers to make a difference? Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
- Social Justice Fair: Interact with speakers and organizations on criminal justice reform, women’s rights, environmental justice and racial justice. Earn SSL hours. From 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at Walt Whitman High School.
- Seeking Election Workers: High school students can serve as election workers for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary 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 are encouraged to apply.
- Keeping It Safe Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, the contest invites students to create a 30-second video on the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
- Sober Vibes Essay Contest: Write an essay persuading peers not to drink before, during or after prom. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
- Save the Date for Safety Day: Learn about pedestrian safety, Safe Routes to School and the Vision Zero program during this free event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.
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Extended School Year Services Available to Eligible Special Ed Students |
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During the summer months, Extended School Year (ESY) services are offered to all eligible students receiving special education. ESY services are an extension of the regular school year and aim to prevent significant skill regression and ensure the maintenance of skills during break. ESY programming will be available Monday–Thursday from July 7–Aug. 6 (for six instructional hours per day). Families of students who may be eligible for ESY summer services will receive information directly from their schools.
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Reminders |
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The Latest from the News Page |
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