Five Things to Know for Friday, February 25

Here are the five things you should know for Friday, Feb. 25. They include an update on mask mandates, quarantine and isolation guidelines, COVID-19 test kit guidance, inclement weather make-up days, and more.


  1. Mask Mandate in MCPS Schools Still in Place
    The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) voted to rescind its emergency mask mandate on Feb. 22. A joint legislative committee must approve the decision and determine what date the mandate would be lifted statewide. If the committee approves the MSDE decision, local school districts will have the ability to make an independent decision about mask mandates.

    At the Feb. 24 Board of Education meeting, Interim Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight said that masks are part of a robust COVID-19 mitigation strategy. MCPS will examine local virus data and make a final decision about masks in the coming weeks.

    For Athletics
    The latest communication for MCPS Athletics, along with the updated Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan, are available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage.

  2. Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines Updated
    Beginning March 1, MCPS will be moving from a 10-day isolation and quarantine period for students to a five-day isolation and quarantine, if certain health conditions are met. This aligns with requirements for staff and the recommendations of the CDC, Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
    Learn more here

  3. COVID-19 Test Kits Being Delivered Next Week
    MCPS students and staff will continue to receive COVID-19 rapid home nasal  test kits. Upcoming distribution of kits is expected during the weeks of Feb. 28 and Mar. 21.  Each box contains two tests. Tests should be used in accordance with the information on this website, which includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and links to a reporting form.  Please note that the rapid test kits should be stored in a dry place between 32 F and 86 F degrees.

  4. Inclement Weather Day Make-Up Plan Released
    Due to inclement weather systemwide closures and one planned closure on Nov. 24, 2021, MCPS must make up three instructional days to meet Maryland state requirements for this school year. A message explaining the updates to the 2021–2022 school year calendar was emailed to the community on Feb. 24. Read it here.

  5. Antiracist Audit Surveys Begin Next Week
    All students in Grade 4 through Grade 12 will take an age-appropriate, anonymous survey in school in March. The opt-out period has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25.

    These resources will explain the survey:



Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

Montgomery County Public Schools