Things to Know
March 19, 2026
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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 including grading, safety (including police in schools), the Student Code of Conduct, open lunch and cell phones in schools. MCPS is distributing surveys on several of these issues important to families, students and school-based staff; we want to know how they are working for you in practice. The survey is available here. Read more.
Also, watch this video explaining why your feedback matters:
English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Submit SSL Hours by March 27 for Service Awards |
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Spring break is the perfect time to earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours! Note these key deadlines:
- Friday, March 27: Deadline for Award Documentation.
- Seniors: Reach 240+ hours for the Certificate of Meritorious Service.
- Middle Schoolers: Complete 75 hours for the Superintendent’s SSL Award.
- Submit MCPS Form 560-51 to your school SSL coordinator.
- Friday, May 29: Deadline for all other 2025–2026 SSL forms.
Reminder: 75 hours are required for graduation. Find opportunities.
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Gold Star Greatness: Recognizing the Heart and Soul of MCPS |
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In association with MCEA and SEIU Local 500, MCPS celebrated outstanding educators and support professionals at two Gold Star Galas on March 12-13. Read more and watch the video.
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In Case You Missed It: Changes to the School Calendar |
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The following message about important changes to the school calendar was emailed to families on Friday, March 13. If you missed it, be sure and read it here. There will likely be another message about our calendar before spring break.
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Now You Know: Middle School Summer School |
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Registration for middle school summer school will begin on Monday, March 23. The IGNITE Middle School Academy will help students feel confident and ready for the next school year in math, English and STEM. Families whose students would benefit most will receive an invitation to register through ParentVUE. The program runs from July 7–Aug. 6. Classes will be held Monday–Thursday at six regional sites.
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Move for a Mission: Lace Up for the Superintendent’s Shuffle |
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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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Spring Into Action |
- *NEW* AAPI Art Competition: Open to K–12 students. Deadline: Sunday, April 5.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Feria de Justicia Social LASJ
- Pedestrian Safety Art Contest: Opening Monday, March 16. K–5 students are encouraged to create artwork demonstrating pedestrian safety. Deadline: Friday, April 17.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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Reminders |
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Save the Date: Gaithersburg Book Festival Coming May 16 |
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The Gaithersburg Book Festival, with programs, workshops and activities for children to promote interest in reading, writing and illustrating, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Admission and parking are free.
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Transfer Season Underway, Closes April 7 |
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The MCPS 2026-2027 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season, which allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school, is underway. Transfer requests will be accepted through Tuesday, April 7. Read more.
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From the News Page |
- Student Art Showcase: In celebration of Youth Arts Month, the Board of Education marked the opening of the Patricia B. O’Neill Student Art Gallery with artwork by students from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
- The MCPS Wave Hits Rhode Island: Last month, two MCPS choirs represented the district at the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Regional Conference in Providence, R.I.
- Building Futures: To mark Women in Construction Week, Seneca Valley students went beyond the classroom to meet the pros.
- From Shy Introductions to New Friendships: Poolesville students led, mentored and connected across grade levels during a K–12 Community Day.
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Stay Connected
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