Things to Know
April 16, 2026
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We have finally reached the fourth quarter of the school year. It’s an exciting and important time for students and families.
As a reminder, the third marking period ended on April 14, but grade reporting is being 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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Preparing for Warmer Days |
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MCPS has started the seasonal switch from heating to air conditioning across our schools. Because these are large, commercial systems, this process takes time — about four weeks to get to all schools across the district — and must be done school-by-school.
We began this transition on April 7, earlier than usual due to recent warm weather. Unlike at home, our systems cannot switch back and forth with daily temperature changes. Each building must be taken offline, drained, adjusted and restarted in cooling mode.
Schools and programs serving students with special needs are prioritized, and those schools are monitored closely to help minimize any impact. We appreciate your patience as we complete this important transition and will continue to keep principals informed of timing for their schools.
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2026–2027 Calendar Adjustments on the Table; Tell Us What You Think! |
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During its work session today (April 16), the Board of Education discussed proposed amendments to the 2026-2027 school year calendar. Due to a Maryland State Board of Education requirement that public school systems end their school years by June 18, 2027, the Board will need to amend the school calendar. Changes could affect: religious observances, the shortening of winter and/or spring break, or potentially beginning the school year earlier in August.
MCPS is asking for its community’s input on these changes. Please fill out this survey and let us know your preferences for making changes to next year’s school calendar.
The Board will take final action at its business meeting on April 30.
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Preparing for Spring Assessments: How Families Can Support at Home |
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Now that we’re in the fourth quarter, students have been engaging with practice questions during class to become familiar with the format and tools used on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). These end-of-year assessments measure what students know, understand and can do after a full year of learning—and provide an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge so we can better plan and support their instruction moving forward.
Families can support their students at home by:
- Asking your child to explain their thinking when answering a question.
- Reinforcing strategies such as reading carefully, using evidence and checking their work.
- Encouraging your child to practice a little each day, rather than all at once.
- Reminding your child that mistakes are part of learning and help the brain grow.
- Supporting your child in taking their time, reading carefully and checking their work.
We also previously 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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School Meal Price Increase Proposed for 2026–2027 |
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At its work session today (April 16), the Board of Education heard a presentation and discussed a proposal to increase school meal prices by 30 cents in the 2026–2027 school year. The last time meal prices were raised was in Fiscal Year 2015. Since then, there have been significant increases in food and labor costs. MCPS has the lowest meal prices compared to surrounding school districts.
The Board will take final action at its business meeting on April 30.
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Board of Education Update: School Safety in MCPS |
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Earlier today (April 16), the Board of Education heard an update on safety efforts in MCPS schools. Staff shared work concerning strengthening safety through training, school safety audits and technology, along with data showing improvements and ongoing challenges. Feedback from a recent student, staff and family survey also highlighted a need for greater visibility and communication around safety efforts. Read more.
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“Senior Assassins” Game: A Reminder for Safety First |
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As seniors celebrate milestone moments this spring, we want to remind families about the risks associated with the “Senior Assassins” Game. While intended as fun, this activity, often involving water guns and social media, has been linked to unsafe behaviors such as reckless driving, trespassing and alarming situations in public spaces.
Even toy water guns can be mistaken for real weapons, creating potentially serious consequences. We strongly discourage participation and encourage families to talk with their students about making safe, responsible choices. Let’s work together to ensure a positive and safe end to the school year for all students.
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The Latest EdTalk: Women Leaders in Education |
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On the latest episode of EdTalk, BOE President Grace Riviera-Oven hosts a conversation with Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, and Karla Silvestre, member of the Board of Education. They discuss the importance of women leaders in education and the insights they bring, as well as the importance of mentoring young women and the significant strides and contributions women have made in educational leadership. Watch it here.
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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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Last Used Car, Computer Sale Coming May 9 |
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The last used car and computer sale of the school year will be held from 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Thomas Edison High School of Technology, 12501 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring. The Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished as part of their classroom and lab studies. More information will be posted here.
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Make Sure You Get 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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Meet Us May 16 in Gaithersburg: A Book Festival for All Ages |
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The Gaithersburg Book Festival, a celebration of books, writers and literary excellence, will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The festival will feature a lineup of authors and activities for children of all ages. There will be programs, workshops and activities for children to promote interest in reading, writing and illustrating. More than 100 authors and illustrators are scheduled to appear, including current and former MCPS educators. Admission and parking are free.
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Free Summer Coding Camp Available to Middle School Students |
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Montgomery Can Code’s summer camp is a free, weeklong camp open to MCPS rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Participants in the camp will learn to code with Swift, Apple’s easy-to-understand programming language used by professional developers to create world-class apps. Two in-person sessions are available in July at Montgomery College; a third week is available virtually.
Learn more: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
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Reminders |
- Skilled in Communication and Community Engagement?: The Board of Education is looking for community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement to apply for its Advisory Committee. Learn more and apply by Friday, May 1.
- The Curtain Is Rising!: Explore the Fine Arts calendar to find a spring theater or dance performance or near you — there’s something for everyone!
- Kindergarten registration: If your child turns 5 by Sept. 1, register for full-day kindergarten. Sign up NOW! Learn more.
- Prekindergarten & Head Start registration: For 3- to 5-year-olds ready to get started with MCPS. Eligibility is based on age and family income. Learn more.
- Summer School: Registration for middle and high school summer school is open. Visit the MCPS Summer Programs website to learn more.
- NACAC College Fair: Free event on April 21-22 at the Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse in Boyds. With representatives from 250+ colleges and universities. Open to all high school students and their families from 6:30–8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Annual Job Interview Day: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Open to seniors who want to start a career right after graduation.
- 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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