Things to Know
March 26, 2026
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Get Caught Reading This Spring Break! |
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Whether you’re relaxing at home or stuck in a long airport security line, spring break is the perfect time to get lost in a great book. Why not scroll through a good book? We are encouraging MCPS students and families to show us how you read this spring break – whether at home, outside or on the go! Read, read everywhere. In a chair? With a bear? In a bed? On your head? Then tag us on social media with #MCPSCaughtYouReading. We can’t wait to see where your stories take you! And, save the date for the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 16.
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Preparing for Spring Assessments: What Families Need to Know |
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End-of-year assessments are important because they showcase what our students know, understand and are able to do. The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, or MCAP test, is the main component measuring student academic performance in Maryland’s accountability system. MCAP performance is a key component of the Maryland School Report Card, including star ratings for each school. This is how the outside world assesses and views our students’ performance, our schools’ performance and our performance as a district.
In case you missed it, we shared information with families on changes to the testing schedule and how you can help your student prepare for upcoming assessments.
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We Need to Hear from You; Time Is Running Out |
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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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In Case You Missed It … |
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The last day of school is Thursday, June 18.
On Tuesday (March 24), the Maryland State Board of Education approved a resolution to consider MCPS’ request to waive three days of student attendance. This waiver, combined with April 15 as an early-release instructional day, will allow the district to end the school year earlier than previously announced while meeting all state-required instructional time expectations. Read more.
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Board of Education Approves Virtual Learning Plan |
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During today’s meeting (March 26), the Montgomery County Board of Education approved MCPS’ 2026–2027 Inclement Weather Virtual Instruction Plan, which meets Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements and will be submitted for final approval.
The plan ensures continuity of learning during multi-day disruptions, while recognizing that students learn best in person. It includes at least four hours of live instruction, continued student services, and access to devices and internet. Importantly, this is not a replacement for snow days — virtual learning would only be used after closure days are exhausted and during predictable, multi-day weather events.
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Board of Education Approves Recommendations on School Boundaries, Programs and Regional Planning |
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On Tuesday (March 26), the Board of Education approved the Superintendent’s recommendations for boundaries and a new approach to regional secondary programs across the school district. The adopted recommendations aim to address shifting enrollment trends and inconsistent building utilization, while expanding educational opportunities for students in MCPS. Read more.
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MCPS Staff Present Findings from Wootton HS Incident Review |
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During the March 26 Board of Education business meeting, MCPS staff presented the Board with a comprehensive After-Action Report following the Feb. 9 shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School.
The report highlights a rapid, coordinated response by staff and first responders, supported by strong systems, training and partnerships. It also identifies key areas for improvement, including communication, protocol consistency and reunification processes. MCPS is already taking action to strengthen training, improve communication systems, refine reunification planning and increase supervision in schools. Read the After-Action Report
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Join Us to Learn the Latest on Special Ed Services, Staffing and Support |
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The Division of Specialized Support Services will hold a webinar for families from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, focused on what’s new in special education services, staffing and supports — and why. MCPS special education leaders will provide context for what this means for schools and classrooms. The session will be held virtually, featuring a brief presentation followed by questions and answers. More details, including the Zoom link for the meeting, will be shared in the coming weeks.
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Students: Share Your Vision for a Better Montgomery County |
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Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando is looking for middle and high schoolers to share their vision for a better community. Submit a short video essay on a public policy issue that matters to you for a chance to win a $100 gift card and serve as honorary Councilmember for a Day on Tuesday, April 14. Deadline: Wednesday, April 8. Apply.
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Meet the SMOB Candidates: Leul Dawit and Reemey Ghermay |
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Watch this video to learn more about the two candidates running for the next Student Member of the Board (SMOB): Mr. Leul Dawit, a 10th grader at Northwood High School, and Ms. Reemey Ghermay, an 11th grader at Walter Johnson High School. All secondary students are eligible to vote in the election on Wednesday, April 22.
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Spots Are Going Fast; Sign Up Soon! |
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The Superintendent’s Shuffle is fast approaching! Join us on April 11 at Bohrer Park for a day of community and movement to help eliminate student meal debt. Learn more and sign up!
After the run, stay for more family fun! Manna Food Center and UnitedHealthcare — joined by A Wider Circle, EveryMind, GOCO Health and WorkSource Montgomery — are hosting the Nourish & Flourish Community Resource Fair. This free, family-friendly event will offer food, health screenings, lifestyle workshops, nutrition resources, employment services, and more, all focused on strengthening the connection between good nutrition and overall health.
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Board Takes Action on Proposed Scope of Elementary, Middle School Boundary Study |
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At its meeting today (March 26), the Board received a comprehensive report on declining enrollment and uneven school utilization and approved the next phase of work, launching a countywide elementary and middle school boundary study with the potential for school consolidations and closures.
This action responds to shifting enrollment patterns, available capacity in some schools, and operational inefficiencies. While this work may generate strong reactions in the community, it reflects the importance of engaging in a deliberate, data-driven and community-informed process to better align facilities, resources and student needs for the future — without predetermining any specific school closures.
Read the resolution.
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MCPS to Celebrate America’s 250th with Student Artistic Submissions |
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To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary this year, MCPS is creating a districtwide eBook — Many Voices, One Nation — featuring one selected student submission from each school. Students may submit an original poem, essay, musical or literary piece, performance or artwork. See the submission guidelines and learn more.
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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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Join Us April 18 to Support Our Youth and Build a Safer Community |
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The MCPS Family Forum on Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention will be held from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. East in Silver Spring. This event is free and open to students, families, staff and community members. Students can earn 3 Student Service Learning hours for participating. Workshops will be held in English and Spanish. Learn more.
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Scholarship Opportunity: MCABSE Awards Available to Graduating Seniors |
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The Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) is accepting submissions for the annual Distinguished African American Scholars Award. The awards are open to MCPS graduating seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary studies. One student is selected from each high school. Applications are due Friday, April 10. Apply. For questions, email Charles S. Feamster or Aseelah S. Reddick.
Other Student Opportunities
- 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.
- AAPI Art Competition: Open to K–12 students. Deadline: Sunday, April 5.
- 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: 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. Lunch, transportation and SSL hours will be provided.
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Reminders |
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