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Transition Day is Coming Aug. 25, 2025 - What’s That?

Posted On August 13, 2025
17591 Views
transition day, first day of school.jpg

Transition Day.jpgStudent Transition Day is a new, full-day initiative in the 2025–2026 school year calendar designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings by fostering belonging, familiarity and preparedness before all students return to school.

  • What is the goal of Student Transition Day? Student Transition Day is a non-instructional school day focused on helping students adjust to new school environments, routines and expectations. Students will get a head start on navigating their new school. They will meet principals and teachers, tour the building, practice routines and connect with classmates, before the official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
  • Who should attend Student Transition Day?
    • All students entering Grades K, 6, and 9.
    • Incoming Grade 3 students in intermediate schools.
    • Any other students, new to these schools, outside of these grades may be on an alternative schedule that was developed by individual schools to meet their specific needs, however they are welcome to attend for the duration of the day. For these students, the goal is to address challenges, transportation for example.
  • What’s the schedule? Transition day is a full school day. Each school creates its own schedule tailored to its community.
  • What can students expect during Transition Day?

    • Elementary: School tour, meet-and-greet with administrators and teachers, ice-breakers, a preview of specials.

    • Middle School: Become familiar with their schedules, locker practice, tech logins, athletics and club previews and student-led tours.

    • High School: Become familiar with their schedule, class transitions, athletics and extracurricular showcases and guidance on student rights and responsibilities.

    • For All Levels: Arrival/dismissal practice, overview of routines, code of conduct review and optional parent/guardian info sessions.

  • What’s the difference between Transition Day and an Open House?
    • Transition Day is for students, held during the school day.
    • Open House is for families, usually in the evening.
  • What about transportation?
    • Buses will operate on the regular first-day-of-school schedule - schedules can be found here.
  • Will meals be available onsite?
    • Lunch will be available free of charge, or students can pack their own lunch.
  • Will before and aftercare be available on Transition Day?
    • Please reach out to your school for more information.

The official first day of school for all students in the 2025–2026 school year is Tuesday, Aug. 26. Look out for more information about Transition Day and the first day of school from your school and MCPS.