The Falcon News
October 16, 2026
Request for Chromebook
Students, parents, and MCPS staff can use this form to request a home use Chromebook for MCPS students who do not have access to a personal or home device and are attending a school, and grade level, returning to a classroom Chromebook cart model. When a request for a device is fulfilled, it will be pre-assigned in the inventory system, and the device will be delivered to the school for distribution to the student. The home use device is to be kept at home. Requesting the device implies consent of use in accordance with MCPS policy (IGT-RA) and acknowledgement that the Chromebook, software, and issued peripherals are owned by MCPS.
Giving Tree Sign-Up
FRES “Unleashing Potential” Fire Ribbon
Catch someone being kind, going above and beyond, or simply showing up strong-and let them know it mattered. After Dr. Williams awards the first one, each winner selects next month’s winner.
Fire Ribbon Recipients (October)
This week I’m recognizing the wonderful, Ms. Melinda Klein. Ms. Klein took over the book fair this school year and handled it like a champ! Ms. Klein always has a positive attitude, open mind, and a willingness to help out whenever and wherever she can. Thank you Ms. Klein for all that you do!
-Dr. Williams
This week we’re recognizing Ms. Rameswari Sentreyan (Ms. S). We shifted Ms. S’s schedule to meet the needs of the school. Ms. S welcomed the change with a great spirit and positive attitude. Her support has played a critical role in meeting the needs of our primary classroom. Thank you, Ms. S for all that you do!
-Dr. Williams
FRES Golden Oar
Acknowledges a staff member that exemplifies commitment to rowing in the right direction and going above and beyond in service of our students/ community.
The Oar: The energy. Only you can dictate whether your oar is in the water or whether you take it out and decide not to use it. -Row the Boat by Jon Gordon & P.J. Fleck
Gold Oar Recipient (October)
This week’s Gold Oar recipient is the wonderful and amazing, Ms. Melanie Amoroso. Whether it’s leading professional learning, coaching teachers, establishing our surprise attendance day, or adding details and clarity around initiatives. Ms. Amososo exemplifies what it means to be rowing in the right direction. I am honored to recognize Ms. Amoroso as our Golden Oar recipient!
-Dr. Williams
Heritage Night
Important Information to Share with Families!
The Board of Education received a presentation on Oct. 8 outlining proposed school calendars for 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 and moved the proposals forward for public comment and feedback. A key feature of the discussion was a two-year calendar approach, designed to give families and staff greater ability to plan ahead by establishing major calendar dates earlier.
Under the approach, the Board would adopt the next school year’s calendar while tentatively setting major dates, such as the first and last days of school and winter and spring breaks, for the following year. The community will now have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed calendars, with final adoption scheduled for Nov. 19.
See the video of the presentation here
See the slide deck here
School Closure and Consolidation Study: Community Conversations Begin
Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you! As MCPS continues its elementary and middle school closure and consolidation study, families, staff and community members are invited to upcoming engagement meetings to learn more, ask questions and share their perspectives.
Let's be clear: No schools have been identified or recommended for closure or consolidation, and no decisions have been made. These meetings are an important part of a thoughtful, transparent process that includes community input before any recommendations are developed or decisions are considered by the Board of Education.
Have questions? Start with the FAQs! Visit https://mcpsstudy.org/#/faq to explore the study website, review frequently asked questions, learn about the process and find information about upcoming meetings. The website is a great place to get answers and stay informed as the study moves forward.
A note about meeting locations: Meeting sites were selected to provide opportunities for participation across Montgomery County and reach as many families as possible. Hosting a meeting at a particular school or in a particular community does not mean that school or community is being considered for closure or consolidation.
We want everyone to be able to participate!
Childcare: Families who need childcare during an engagement meeting are encouraged to complete the childcare request form or scan the QR code below.
Language access: Interpretation will be available in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Vietnamese, as well as American Sign Language (ASL).
As we've shared in previous updates, MCPS is facing sharply declining enrollment; this study is about planning responsibly for the future while considering other factors such as building conditions, educational opportunities and the needs of our communities. Community engagement is essential to that work.
We look forward to seeing you, hearing your questions and listening to your ideas. Your participation helps inform the process, and there is still much work to do before any decisions are made.
Explore the Study, FAQs and Meeting Information
Your Student’s Spring 2026 MCAP Results Are Available
Your student’s Spring 2026 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Individual Student Report (ISR) is now available electronically in Synergy for students who participated in ELA, Mathematics, Science (Grades 5 & 8), LS MISA, Government, or Social Studies (Grade 8).
The ISR provides information about your student’s performance and progress toward Maryland’s academic standards. Please log in to Synergy to view the report.
Log in to ParentVUE in Synergy to view your child’s report. Need help understanding the results? Visit the MCPS MCAP webpage for family-friendly guides, or contact your child’s school for assistance. Printed copies are also available upon request.
The Hard Truth: Aging Schools, Fewer Students and Rising Costs
MCPS is facing some difficult realities: aging school buildings, declining student enrollment and construction costs that continue to rise. During its Oct. 15 meeting, the Board of Education received an off-cycle update to the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), with only minor adjustments requested to the existing plan. But the presentation highlighted a much larger challenge: the need to make thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions about how the district invests in its facilities.
With enrollment projected to decline further and many schools in need of significant repairs, MCPS must find new ways to provide safe, healthy and effective learning and working environments. The proposed adjustments focus on critical infrastructure and exploring alternative approaches to future construction projects.
The hard truth is that doing nothing is not an option. Learn more about the challenges facing MCPS, the proposed adjustments and what comes next.
Read the full story
Cooling to Heating Changeover begins Monday
To prepare for the chilly weather ahead, MCPS will begin the changeover process from air conditioning to heating in all schools, facilities and office buildings on Oct. 19. This process takes time and can be complicated. It is not as simple as flipping a switch. Maintenance teams must gradually transition building systems, check equipment and make adjustments to ensure heating systems are operating properly and safely. Because the changeover happens across hundreds of buildings, temperatures may vary from building to building — and even from room to room — as the process gets underway.
Keep an eye on this HVAC Changeover Status website for updates.
KioskVUE - Student Tardy Check-In/Early Dismissal
This year, we are implementing a sign in/check out for students that is already being used in secondary schools. This new system is called KioskVUE and will make for an easier and more efficient way of keeping track of a student's attendance.
