Parkland Magnet Middle School
Sunday Message - October 4, 2026
Monday is an EVEN day.
Activity buses are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.
Important Notes for This Week
1. Afterschool Activities
After school activities officially began on September 29th. Clubs will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3pm to 4:15pm. Here are a few additional details and information:
- Please use this link to identify which clubs students want to participate in and which day they meet.
- We do have afterschool buses for in-consortium students only and families please note that the bus routes are not the same as the normal morning and afternoon bus routes. There are only three activity buses and they are abbreviated bus routes. Please click here for the afterschool activities bus routes. Please be sure to talk to your child about which is the best bus for them to take.
- Families, it is also very important for you to make sure you students inform you that they are staying after school for an activity.
- One last note is that all of the activities are free after school so students can go directly to the cafeteria to wait for the club sponsors. Please be sure to read the Parkland Newsletter for additional information and details.
- Reminders to students: please report to the cafeteria at 3pm if staying after school AND check the Parkland website to know which days specific clubs are meeting.
- Reminders to parents: Please check in with your student to confirm which days they plan to stay after school and ensure they have a clear plan for transportation home."
2. Picture Day - October 8 and 9
Student Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, October 8 (ODD day classes) and Friday, October 9 (EVEN day classes). Students will take their picture during their PE or Health class. So if the student has PE or Health on an ODD day, they will take the picture on Thursday. If they have PE or Health on an EVEN day, they will take their picture on Friday.
Please use the order form below to order your student pictures.
Important Information for 8th Grade Families
4. SATs for 8th Grade on Wednesday, October 14
Our 8th grade students will be taking PSATs on Wednesday, October 14.
- Please click here for full details and information about the PSATs.
- If your child wants to participate in a survey after they complete the PSATs, please click here to sign a consent form.
5. High School Registration Information
We are excited that our 8th grade students are beginning to explore their high school region for the next school year. As MCPS transitions to a Regional Model, we want to make sure families have the information they need to support their students throughout this process.
Students will continue to receive support from their teachers and counselors as they learn about their local high school and regional programs. Please review the important information below.
What Families Should Do Now
- Log in to ParentVUE and make sure you are able to access your account.
- Verify that your home address is correct in ParentVUE. Your student's local high school and regional programs are based on the registered address listed in ParentVUE.
Family Information Sessions
If you have questions after reviewing your child's individualized plan in Canvas, please join us at one of the following:
- Tuesday, October 13- PTSA Meeting at Parkland: Additional information will be shared regarding high school within the Central South Region (formerly referred to our students "in-consortium").
- Wednesday, October 21, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Parkland: All families are encouraged to attend this session. An in-person and virtual option will be available.
Regional High School Programs & Showcases
- Students may only apply to programs available within their assigned geographic region, based on the address listed in ParentVUE.
- High school showcase dates are coming up. These events are an opportunity for students and families to learn more about their regional programs. Showcase Dates
- Please review the MCPS Regional Model slides here: Slide Deck from MCPS 9/14/26 meeting
What Happens Next?
Beginning October 2, students will participate in classroom lessons focused on their assigned region. Families will be able to review the completed lesson in Canvas beginning October 6. We encourage families to review this information with their child before determining what additional questions they may have. We understand that the transition to a Regional Model is new this year and comes with a lot of questions about the process for students and families. We are committed to helping our students understand their choices and feel supported as they make these decisions.
Thank you for your partnership and support!
6. Message from Parkland's PTSA
Message from PTSA President
- Have questions about the new high school application process for current 8th graders? Want to learn strategies concerning school boundary challenges? Mark your calendars to attend the first PTSA meeting of the school year on Tuesday, October 13th, at 7pm in the school cafeteria. Narissa Johnson, Wheaton Cluster Coordinator, will speak to families and answer your questions. Please share with your community listservs and friends. You do not need to be a PMMS parent to attend. Tell your friends and neighbors!
- While you are attending the PTSA meeting, your students can earn SSL hours by volunteering with Kits to Heart.
- Tell your tweens and teens about our talent show, “Parkland Unplugged” tryouts on Wednesday, October 21st, at 3:15pm on the stage in the gym. Register here!
- All talent show acts must audition and must be chosen to perform in the December show. Audition pieces must be less than 3 minutes. Your audition piece will be your Talent Show act and cannot be changed without the Talent Show directors' approvals. Chosen performers will be notified by Friday, October 30, 2026. Questions? Email Jen at Jennifer.Gaegler@gmail.com.
- The PTSA would love to hear your ideas on ways to unite our community and create events that all families would enjoy. We would love to hear from you. Please email me at Jennifer.Gaegler@gmail.com with your ideas or if you own a restaurant that could be used for a Restaurant Night Out school fundraiser or own a business that the PTSA could support when planning our family events. The PTSA would love to support the businesses of our Parkland families.
- Check out our draft calendar of PTSA events for this school year! (attached) If you would like to help manage or volunteer at one of the events, please email Jennifer.Gaegler@gmail.com.
- Visit www.parklandmsptsa.org/membership to join the PTSA today! Your membership helps to fund school mini-grants, Teacher Appreciation Week breakfasts, the 8th grade graduation trip, school dances and much more!
- We look forward to meeting you at the October 13th PTSA meeting!
Additional Announcements & Updates
1. SSL Hours Opportunity
Please click below for more information about an SSL Hours Opportunity.
2. Education First Tours to Costa Rica
Dear Parkland families, you are invited to an informational meeting on October 1st at 6 pm in the cafeteria at Parkland. In this meeting, Mrs. Cain will discuss the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica in June 2027! Although this is not a school sponsored activity, Mrs. Cain works closely with the company, Education First Tours, to bring travel opportunities to students and families. Please RSVP using the link in the flyer. or email Mrs. Cain at danielle.cain-rainey@mcpsmd.net.
3. Message from George B. Thomas Saturday School
Saturday School provides academic tutoring and instruction with certified teachers in a nurturing and supportive environment. The program is aligned with the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) curriculum. This support is offered every Saturday on the dates and times listed on the flyer. MCPS students Grades K through 12 may attend after registering for Saturday School for $100 per year ($50 for students who receive FARMS).
Website: https://saturdayschool.org/
Courses Summary: https://saturdayschool.org/courses/courses-summary/
4. Game Changers Conference - October 24
Please use the link below for more information.
