The Dolphin Whistle
WLES Family Newsletter
Friday, August 21, 2026
MCPS Back-to-School Fair at Seneca Valley High School is tomorrow, Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 3:00-6:00pm
We hope to see you at the Back to School Fair! Look for the Seneca Valley High School cluster tables.
Start Strong: Transition Day Is August 24
Transition Day (Monday, August 24, 2026) is the first full day of school for students entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and 9th grade (plus third grade at intermediate schools) and students new to MCPS. This is an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine. Learn more about Transition Day: English | Spanish
Students will get a head start on navigating their new school before the official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 25. They will meet principals and teachers, tour the building, practice routines and connect with classmates.
Please click here if your student is in Grades 1-5 to let us know your student will be attending.
Register for Saturday School for additional academic practice
Saturday School Registration Is Now Open: Taught by certified teachers, Saturday School offers academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts for Kindergarten through Grade 12. There are in-person and virtual options. Tutoring begins Sept. 26. Fees increase Sept. 1. Register early!
Are Your Student’s Immunizations Up to Date?
Here are the latest requirements. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding immunization clinics in August and September. MCPS is also planning for immunizations at the regional Back-to-School Fairs on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Important Information for Families for the 2026-2027 School Year
As we get ready for the new school year, we encourage families to take a few minutes to review two recent messages from Superintendent Thomas Taylor. The Aug. 11 message on school safety shares important information and resources about the role we all play in keeping our schools safe. The Aug. 17 message on teaching and learning highlights what families should know about learning this year, including grading, assessments, curriculum, study habits and the tools that can help you stay connected to your child’s education. Safety and learning are at the heart of a successful school year, and strong partnership with families makes both possible.
Send MCPS your best first day photos
Help MCPS capture the excitement of the first day of school by sharing your special moments! Parents, students and schools are invited to submit their favorite first-day-of-school snapshots on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Select photos will be shared on the district’s website and social media beginning Tuesday morning. You may submit a photo by emailing us or tagging us on social media: Facebook, Instagram or X, and on our Spanish social media channels, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Share Your Feedback on the 2027-2028 School Year Calendar
MCPS is seeking input as it works to develop the 2027-2028 school calendar. Please complete this survey to share your input.
Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and assessment schedules aligned to MCPS Board Policy IDA, School Year Calendar.
Take the survey.
Complete this form to let us know that you do not want your child's information published in our school directory.
Requirement to Assess Chromebooks for Avoidable Damage
Each student is financially responsible for avoidable damage to or loss of any Chromebook, case, and/or charger. Charging families for avoidable damage is required, and not left to an individual's discretion. Charges must be assessed in alignment with the following: FY 2027 Chromebook Repair and Replacement Costs. No cost is associated for a student to borrow, possess, or use a chromebook. Obligations must be recorded and processed at the time damage or loss is identified. Families may request an appeal or waiver after the charge has been issued.
Previous editions of The Dolphin Whistle
Did you miss anything? No worries, click above to go to all editions of the WLES Family Newsletter for the 2026-2027 school year.
Phone: (240) 740-1020 Fax: (301) 601-0392
School Office Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
Mrs. Cynthia Alvarado, Registrar
Mrs. Evelyn Campos, Attendance Secretary
Mrs. M. Deneise Hammond, Principal
Mr. David Kim, Assistant Principal
Mrs. L. Orinda Nelson, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Padma Radhakrishnan, Administrative Secretary
