Things to Know
April 23, 2026
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We Want to Hear About Your MCPS Experience! |
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MCPS invites families and students to share your experiences and perspectives through our annual survey, open until May 10.
In the past, this was called the “School Culture and Climate Survey,” but it’s not about the weather. It’s about your experience in our schools and how we can make them better. Learn more and take the survey.
Families: Take the survey.
Students: Take the survey. *NEW* this year: No student ID required!
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Flower Hill’s Fine Named National Distinguished Principal of the Year |
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Dr. Josh Fine, principal at Flower Hill Elementary School in Gaithersburg, has been named the National Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals.
In 2025, Fine was also named The Washington Post Principal of the Year, recognized for going beyond the day-to-day demands of his position to create an exceptional educational environment for his staff and students, and won the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award, an award given by MCPS for exemplary performance in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach.
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Leul Dawit Elected as Next Student Member of the Board |
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Leul Dawit, a 10th grade student at Northwood High School, has been elected as the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for the 2026-2027 school year. Dawit’s term begins on July 1, 2026. Dawit will succeed Anuva Maloo, a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, who will graduate in June. He will be the 49th Student Member of the Board. Read more.
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2026-2027 Calendar Options: Take the Survey! |
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Help shape the 2026–2027 school calendar! With the Maryland State Board of Education requirement to finish school by June 19, 2027, MCPS needs your feedback on options, such as an earlier August start date, adjusted winter and/or spring breaks or using select religious observances as make-up days. Your input is vital. Take the survey today!
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Helping Your Child Succeed on Spring Assessments—What Families Can Do |
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As we head into the final stretch of the school year, 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.
State testing will begin April 28 and continue through May, giving students more time to learn before testing starts. As test days approach, remember that small routines can make a big difference in helping students feel confident and prepared.
- Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep before each testing day.
- Provide a healthy breakfast.
- Help your child arrive at school on time and ready to begin.
- Encourage a positive mindset — remind your child to try their best and use the strategies they’ve learned.
Here are helpful one-page information sheets that remind students what they need to know to test successfully.
Families will hear directly from their school with specific schedules and updates.
Let’s finish the year strong — together.
Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
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Stay on Track in July — Register for Summer School |
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Registration for summer school is open! MCPS is offering the Ignite Middle School Academy, which will offer math and literacy at these six sites — Argyle, Eastern, Forest Oak, Francis Scott Key, Julius West and Rocky Hill. Free transportation will be available; aftercare will be available for a fee. Registration is on ParentVue. MCPS is also offering in-person high school and virtual high school summer school programs. High school students should talk with their counselors to sign up.
More information
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New Resource Guide Links Families to Essential Support Services |
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The MCPS Division of Specialized Support Services has produced a Community Resource Guide for Families. The guide includes a comprehensive list of school and community resources on a range of topics, including access to healthcare and mental health services; assistance with food, clothing, furniture, housing and utilities; youth development and mentorship; domestic violence; workforce; academic and technology; international families and more.
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What’s New in Special Education? Find Out at May 6 Webinar |
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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.
Also, don’t miss the Special Education Family Resource Fair coming up from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Paint Branch High School. Read more.
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Reminders |
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Student Opportunities |
- Spring Game Changer Conference: 8 a.m.–noon on Saturday, April 25, at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus. Open to African American and minority male students in Grades 4-12, this conference is designed to build social-emotional wellness and confidence.
- Rockville Science Day: Make plans to join the largest STEM festival in Montgomery County featuring 120+ exhibitors from around the region noon–5 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus.
- Montgomery Can Code: This free weeklong summer camp is open to MCPS rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
Learn more: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
- 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.
- KID Museum is offering upcoming opportunities for students, including summer camps and a free Invent the Future Expo. Summer camps are available for K–8th grade students from June 22–Aug. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Invent the Future Expo will be held from 10 a.m.-2p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at 3 Bethesda Metro Center. Register.
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From The News Page |
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