Things to Know
April 30, 2026
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MCAP Testing Underway: Supporting Student Success Through May |
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State testing for the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is now underway. Testing began April 28 and continues through May. These end-of-year assessments measure what students know, understand and can do after a full year of learning. The following strategies are taught and reinforced during instruction to support students’ focus, problem-solving and confidence during test sessions. Read more.
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Board Approves Adjusted 2026–2027 School Calendar, Reflecting Community Input |
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On Thursday, April 30, the Board of Education approved an adjusted calendar for the 2026–2027 school year, shaped by consistent and widespread feedback from families and staff. The survey to gather interest received more than 30,000 responses. Families and staff preferred to maintain stability where possible, including not starting the school year earlier in August and preserving the length of winter and spring breaks. Student Transition Day will remain Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. The first day of school will remain Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Read more.
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Ignite Your Learning — 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 six sites. 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. This summer, check out a new elective — College Essay Writing and Test Prep, focusing on building student confidence and reducing test anxiety. This course will run from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Thursday, from July 7-21 or July 23-Aug. 6. High school students should talk with their counselors to sign up.
More information
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First Grade Educator Named Rising Star Teacher of the Year |
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Now in her fifth year teaching, Kayla Jackson is in her first year teaching first grade after spending the last four in kindergarten. An exceptional early-career educator, she fills her classroom at Montgomery Knolls Elementary School with celebrations of achievements, and has taught students a system for tracking their own progress, encouraging students to achieve goals they set for themselves. Jackson is this year’s MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year. Read more.
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MCPS Updates Gender Identity Guidelines |
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In alignment with Maryland law, MCPS prohibits bullying, harassment, intimidation and discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. Due to recent legal developments, MCPS has updated its Gender Identity Guidelines, effective April 27, 2026. These updates reflect new legal expectations that place greater emphasis on parental rights. Under the revised framework, if a parent or guardian specifically requests information about their child’s gender identity status, or if disclosure is otherwise required, school staff will be obligated to share that information. Read 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.
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Discover Resources and Connect: Special Ed Fair Coming May 9 |
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Make plans to attend the Special Education Family Resource Fair coming up from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Paint Branch High School. This free event will connect families, educators and community organizations with resources and information to support individuals with special needs. Attendees can gather information, ask questions, and network with professionals and other families facing similar challenges.
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Looking for a Job? We’re Hiring Bus Drivers and Attendants! |
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MCPS is hosting a job fair for bus drivers and attendants from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. The fair will be held at the Division of Transportation Services, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Read more.
MCPS celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on April 28. Learn more about some of our drivers.
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Fore the Kids: Tournament Seeking Golfers, Sponsors |
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The RICA Association, Inc. and the Kiwanis Club of Wheaton-Silver Spring are hosting the 31st annual FORE the Children Golf Tournament on Monday, June 8, to benefit students at John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents. To be held at Montgomery Country Club, the tournament is seeking golfers, foursomes and sponsors. Learn more.
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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. Apply by Friday, May 1.
- Gaithersburg Book Festival: Happening 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg.
- The Curtain Is Rising!: From Beetlejuice Jr. to Seussical Jr., explore the Fine Arts calendar to find a spring theater, honors chorus concert or dance performance near you!
- 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.
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Student Opportunities |
- 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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Stay Connected
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