Things to Know
April 09, 2026
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Preparing for Spring Assessments: What Families Need to Know |
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The final weeks of the school year matter — a lot.
End-of-year assessments, including the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), measure what students know, understand and can do after a full year of learning. These results help measure student progress, inform instruction and contribute to each school’s performance on the Maryland School Report Card. How can families help? Read more.
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From Pages to Places: Thanks for Reading! |
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our spring break reading challenge. From cozy corners at home to adventures on the go, you showed us that a love of reading can happen anywhere. Reading doesn’t just spark imagination — it strengthens brain development, improves focus and builds vocabulary. Keep turning those pages, and share your reading moments with us using #MCPSCaughtYouReading on Instagram, Facebook and X.
And, save the date for the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 16.
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The Countdown is On! Superintendent’s Shuffle Is Saturday |
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See you soon! Check in for the Superintendent’s Shuffle starts at 8 a.m. at Bohrer Park on Saturday, April 11. Race time is at 9 a.m. This morning of community and movement in support of the MCPS Educational Foundation’s Dine with Dignity Campaign will help eliminate student meal debt.
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BOE Seeks Community Leaders, Communication Experts to Join Advisory Committee |
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Montgomery County community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement are invited to apply to join the Board of Education’s Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement, a key initiative designed to deepen collaboration between the Board and the community.
This committee will play a critical role in strengthening community ties, improving transparency and driving meaningful engagement around the Board’s most important initiatives. Committee members will help bolster and amplify the district’s communication strategies and ensure that all voices are heard on vital issues impacting our schools and communities.
Apply by Friday, May 1.
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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. The Zoom link is available here.
There are two other upcoming events for special ed families — the monthly SECAC meeting on April 23 and the Special Education Family Resource Fair on May 9. Read more.
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Reminder: April 15 Is an Early Release Day for Students |
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Wednesday, April 15 is now an early release day for students. This is one of our make-up inclement weather days. The third marking period will end on April 14, but grade reporting will be delayed until April 20. Report cards will be available in ParentVue on April 24; paper copies will be distributed by April 30.
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Lights, Camera … Action! |
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Intermission is over, and visual and performing arts are headed back to the stage! Stop by an art show, enjoy a spring musical or catch a dance performance. Bring the whole family and support our students as they bring the arts to life. Explore the Fine Arts calendar to find an event near you — there’s something for everyone!
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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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Opportunity for Seniors: Annual Job Interview Day — May 19 |
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Are you looking for full-time employment, an apprenticeship or a career-track role right after graduation? Join MCPS and Career Council, Inc. for our Annual Job Interview Day.
- When: Tuesday, May 19 (During the school day)
- Where: Rockville Sportsplex (60 Southlawn Court, Rockville)
- What: Interviews with local companies for entry-level positions, apprenticeships and career opportunities.
How to Sign Up:
- See your College & Career Navigator (CCN) by Friday, April 24.
- Pick up a permission slip and complete the registration Google form.
- Upload a resume. Need help? Ask your CCN, school counselor, teacher or parent/guardian for resume support!
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Let’s Get Creative, MCPS! |
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Middle schools are invited to participate in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s ‘Paint the Plow’ competition to name and decorate a snowplow for a chance to win cash prizes for their school. The snowplows will be deployed across the region during snowstorms. Learn more.
All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate in the Sustainability and Compliance Team's 2026 poster contest. This contest increases awareness of sustainable actions related to energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. Deadline: Monday, April 13. Learn more.
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You’re Invited! Join the STUNT Media Day at Watkins Mill |
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Families are invited to STUNT Media Day at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 13, at Watkins Mill High School. This event will bring together parents, athletics and the media to welcome STUNT to MCPS and recognize the 13 schools leading the pilot season. STUNT, derived from traditional cheerleading and designed as head-to-head competition, focuses on technical skill, execution and precision. It is one of the fastest growing female sports in the country. There will be a live showcase of a STUNT event to feature the sport’s structure, rules and format. Watkins Mill is located at 10301 Apple Ridge Road in Gaithersburg.
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Reminders |
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Spring Into Action |
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Male students in Grades 4-12 are invited to attend the 2026 Spring Game Changer Conference for Young Males from 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, April 25, at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus. Registration closes Monday, April 20. Register. Tailored for African American and minority students, the conference is designed to build social-emotional wellness and confidence.
Other student opportunities:
- The Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators 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. Applications are due Friday, April 10. Apply.
- 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.
- 11th Annual G.L.O.W. (Girls Leading Our World) Career Summit: Female students in grades 8-12 are invited to attend this full-day conference on Saturday, April 18, featuring panels, interactive workshops and networking. Students who register by Friday, April 10 will receive a swag bag and a professional blazer.
- 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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From the News Page |
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