Burtonsville Elementary School came to life in a creative way as fifth grade students hosted the school’s first-ever Living Wax Museum in honor of Black History Month.
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Future Ready Starts Here: Career and Technical Education Month
February marks Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
Legacy in Action: How Natlie Jenifer Connects Ancestral History to Student Success
Meet Natlie Jenifer, a paraeducator at Odessa Shannon Middle School whose commitment to students is rooted in a powerful family legacy. From her 4th great-grandfather’s secret school in the 1800s to her modern-day "lunch bunches" and leadership in the Minority Scholars Program, Ms. Jenifer is a "warm demander" who helps every student find their "aha" moment. Read more about how she’s connecting history to the classroom.
Updates to the 2025–2026 Calendar After Snow Days
At its business meeting on Feb. 19, the Board of Education adopted technical amendments to the 2025–2026 school year calendar.
Investing in Excellence: 270 Educators Earn National Board Certification
A total of 270 MCPS educators achieved National Board Certification in December; another 46 successfully maintained their certifications. This brings the total number of National Board Certified educators in MCPS to 1,205.
Three High Schools to Pilot AI-Supported Safety Tool
As part of MCPS’ efforts to strengthen school safety, the district has launched a one-month pilot program with three high schools — Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Col. Zadok Magruder and Seneca Valley. The pilot is scheduled to begin Monday, March 2.
Montgomery County Board of Education Approves Amended FY 2027 Operating Budget
On Feb. 19, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a $3.78 billion Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget. The amended budget proposal, presented by Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor, is a 5.2% increase over current spending.
Marking Period Update: Interims Available March 6
Students are getting closer to the halfway point of the third marking period.
Ready, Set, SAT: March 11 Is Test Day
The SAT School day is fast approaching! MCPS will hold its annual in-school administration of the SAT on Wednesday, March 11.
Summer School Registration Opens in March
Summer school registration for high school opens on Monday, March 9. Registration for the middle school program begins on Monday, March 23.
Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives
When gun violence touches our community, its impact is felt by everyone, especially in our schools, which should always be safe spaces to learn and grow. Responsible gun safety plays a critical role in safeguarding students and families in every community. We want to draw your attention to a critical issue affecting the safety and well-being of our children. Firearm-related injuries and deaths among youth have become a leading cause of death for children and teens (ages 1–19) in the United States. Read more.
Important Update to the 2025–2026 School Calendar
On Thursday, Feb. 19, during its business meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Education adopted technical changes to the 2025–2026 school-year calendar following multiple weather-related closures in late January and early February. These changes include updates that families need to know. Maryland requires all public school systems to provide 180 instructional days each year. Because of the weather closures, MCPS must make up four instructional days to meet this state requirement.
What the New MSDE Math Policy Means for MCPS
During the Feb. 5 Board of Education meeting, MCPS presented a summary of the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) Mathematics policy to the Board. The new policy is intended to strengthen and modernize math instruction from Pre-K through Grade 12.
From Career Pivot to Calling: How One Educator Turned Uncertainty Into Impact
“If you’d asked 17-year-old me if I’d become a teacher, the answer would’ve been no.” Today, Andre’ Wise is helping students discover confidence, belonging, and opportunity — in math, athletics, and beyond. Read how purpose and representation shape his work.
Rockville HS Principal Wins Edward Shirley Award
Rhoshanda M. Pyles, principal at Rockville High School, is this year’s winner of the 2026 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision.
Finalists Selected for Student Member of the Board of Education
Read more to see who the finalists are.
Now You Know: Report Cards
We’re halfway through the school year, and first semester report cards are available in ParentVUE.
Tradition in Motion: Lunar New Year at Matsunaga
Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School held its annual celebration of Lunar New Year.
A Legacy in Motion: Mother and Daughter Leading the Next Generation
Mother-daughter duo Dessalyn and Dasia Dillard are leading the next generation in athletics — showing how leadership, representation and family can inspire student-athletes every day.
MCPS Students Sampled New Menu Ideas at Annual Taste of MCPS
The Department of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) hosted its fifth annual “Taste of MCPS” event, where more than 150 students in grades 4–11 evaluated new menu concepts and sampled innovative flavors.
Boundary Recommendations and Proposed Regional Programs, Next Steps
On Feb. 5, Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented to the Montgomery County Board of Education his boundary recommendations. Read more.
Planning Summer Travel? Fall Sports Tryouts Begin Around Aug. 12
Keep in mind that fall sports tryouts may begin Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Now You Know: Student Service Learning
Did you know that in Maryland, students need 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate?
We Must Fund Our Future
Make your voice heard on the MCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Recommended Operating Budget.
New Marking Period, New Momentum: Staying Connected for Student Success
Marking Period 3 officially started on Tuesday, Feb. 3. With the start of a new semester, families have the opportunity to reestablish communication to ensure everyone remains on the same page about student progress throughout the marking period and second semester.
Poolesville Student Honored As Maryland State SMOB Finalist
Lorena Wu, a sophomore at Poolesville High School, has been selected as one of two finalists for the Student Member of the Maryland State Board of Education.
Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Feb. 28
Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus.
Behind-the-Scenes Heroes: Snow Cleared, Meals Served
Thank you to the staff who served meals and prepared the schools for student and staff return.
Transfer Season Now Open
The MCPS 2026-2027 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is now open and closes on Tuesday, April 7.
BOE Spotlight on Black History Month
Presented by the Montgomery County Board of Education, this web series honors the power, resilience, and enduring legacy of Black communities across Montgomery County, past, present, and future.
Preparing Students for Their Futures
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national initiative that recognizes the value of career readiness and impact of its programs.
Celebrating Black History Month: Leadership Rooted in Community
Now in his 25th year with MCPS, Argyle Middle School Principal James Allrich leads through relationships, connection, and growth. This Black History Month, he reflects on legacy, leadership, and service.