Reaffirming our Values and Supports for Families

Posted On February 19, 2026

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Reaffirming our Values and Supports for Families

Dear MCPS Families,

We recognize that recent federal immigration enforcement actions, locally and across the country, have caused anxiety for many members of our community. For some, even watching the news can feel overwhelming. As we noted earlier this year and last year, we are writing to reaffirm our values and to share some important information with you. Simply put, we stand committed in supporting our students and families.

Our Commitment

MCPS staff work every day to ensure our schools are and remain safe places for children. Every student, regardless of immigration status, is welcomed, valued, cared for, and loved in Montgomery County Public Schools. This is also the law in Maryland and throughout the United States.

All children have a fundamental right to a public education, and federal law guarantees every child access to a K–12 education. Montgomery County Public Schools does not ask about immigration status at enrollment or at any other time. We protect student privacy as required by federal law and strictly safeguard student records and personal information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

What Happens if Federal Law Enforcement Come to School

The district has clear procedures in place if immigration or other federal law enforcement activity occurs near or at a school. These procedures are designed to:

prioritize student safety and well-being,
ensure compliance with the law, and
provide clear communication with families.

While we must comply with lawful court orders, MCPS does not participate in immigration enforcement actions. And we will never invite immigration enforcement to any of our schools. Our responsibility, instead, is to educate all students, and ensure that our schools are safe places for students and staff.

Support and Resources for Families

We understand that families may need information and trusted support. MCPS works with community partners, including CASA and the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, to connect families with “Know Your Rights” information, legal resources, and community-based support services. Much of that information can be found on this website.

This is an important topic for families to discuss and even though it may be difficult to talk about this with younger members of your household, we urge you to access resources from our trusted partners and MCPS to help with those conversations.

Families can also receive assistance directly from Montgomery County Public Schools by contacting the MCPS International Admissions Office, where staff can provide guidance and help connect them to appropriate resources and support. You can reach that office by calling 240-740-4500 or visiting their office at Rocking Horse Road Center (RHRC), 4910 Macon Road - Suite 147, Rockville, MD 20852

Watch the Video Message

We encourage you to watch the video message for additional information and reassurance about our commitments, protocols, and resources.

Watch Video