The Viking Weekly Newsletter

Message from Dr. Grant, Our Principal

Welcome to the Viking Weekly Newsletter! 📰

Dear Viking Families,

This week is a 5-day week.'

🌟 Weeklong Reminders

🧠 National School Psychology Week: This week, we celebrate and thank our incredible school psychologists for their dedication to supporting students' mental health, academic success, and overall well-being, helping every Viking feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive! 💙💛
💚 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW): This week, we're shining a spotlight on mentl health, self-care, and emotional well-being through daily spirit days, engaging advisory activities, and opportunities to practice mindfulness, kindness, and positivity! Let's remind our Vikings that mental health matters, and taking care of ourselves and one another is always a priority! 💙💛a
📋 MCPS Staff & Family Climate Survey is OPEN!: Viking families, your voice matters! We invite you to complete the MCPS Family Climate Survey, open November 8–20, 2026, to share your experiences and help us continue strengthening our school community. The survey takes just a few minutes, and all responses are completely confidential! 📧 Be on the lookout for an email sent to the primary email address listed in your child's student profile. Your feedback helps us celebrate what's working, identify opportunities for growth, and make GMS an even better place for our Vikings to learn and thrive! 🌎✨

📅 Monday, November 9

💛 MHAW Spirit Day: Wear Yellow! Theme: Energy & Positivity ☀️

📅 Tuesday, November 10

📚 Advisory Lesson: MCPS Student Climate Survey – Today, all GMS students will have the opportunity to complete the MCPS Student Climate Survey during advisory! This survey allows students to share their experiences, perspectives, and feedback about their school environment. Student voice matters, and their responses will help us celebrate our strengths, identify areas for improvement, and continue making GMS a place where every Viking feels safe, welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed!
💙 MHAW Spirit Day: Wear Blue! Theme: Peace & Calm 🧘
📊 MP1 Report Cards Available in Synergy
🏫 PTA Community Town Hall (Virtual Only), 6:30 PM – School Improvement Plan (SIP) Review: Join us virtually for our November PTA Community Town Hall! 💙💛 During this meeting, we will share our Marking Period 1 School Improvement Plan (SIP) review, highlighting our students' progress, celebrating successes, and discussing our continued priorities for student achievement and school improvement. This meeting will be held VIRTUALLY ONLY, so be sure to tune in! We look forward to connecting with our Viking families and sharing the great work happening at GMS! 🌎✨

📅 Wednesday, November 11

💚 MHAW Spirit Day: Wear Green! Theme: Growth, Renewal & Balance 🌱
🇺🇸 Veterans Day: Today, we honor and thank the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, recognizing their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. To all veterans in our Viking family and beyond, thank you for your service! ❤️🤍💙
🏫 GMS Open House: Viking families, we are excited to open our doors and welcome you into our classrooms to see teaching and learning in action! 🌎 Join us for our GMS Open House from 8:00 AM–2:30 PM, where families can visit classrooms, observe instruction, and experience a day in the life of a Viking! We will also host Coffee with Administration from 9:00–10:00 AM in the Media Center, featuring conversations about attendance, report cards, Standards-Based Grading, Saturday School, and ways to support learning at home. ☕🍩 An additional Q&A opportunity will be available from 1:30–2:00 PM, followed by optional curriculum support from 2:30–3:00 PM. We can't wait to welcome our families, strengthen our school-home partnerships, and showcase the incredible learning happening at GMS! 💙💛✨
📖 Literacy Night, 5:30–7:00 PM! 💙💛 Join us in the GMS Media Center and Cafeteria for a fun, interactive evening celebrating languages, literacy, and our diverse Viking community, featuring Human BINGO, literacy stations, a book giveaway, activities for younger siblings, a newcomer celebration, and refreshments for all! 🎉

📅 Thursday, November 12

🏫 MP2 Town Halls (Adjusted Town Hall Schedule): We are kicking off Marking Period 2 with grade-level Town Halls! 💙💛 Students will follow an adjusted schedule that includes two advisory periods. During Advisory 1, students who have not completed the MCPS Student Climate Survey will have an opportunity to do so. During Advisory 2, students will review their MP1 report cards, reflect on their academic progress, and set meaningful goals for a successful second marking period! 📚🌎
💜 MHAW Spirit Day: Wear Purple! Theme: Empathy & Strength 💜
🎻 MCYO North County Strings (NCS) Program Concert, 7:00 PM at Damascus High School

📅 Friday, November 13

🧡 MHAW Spirit Day: Wear Orange! Theme: Mental Health Awareness 🧡
💕 World Kindness Day
🔬 6th Grade MoCoCAP Presentation in Science Classes (Media Center)

📖 Viking Pride Captured Forever! Order Your SY 2026–2027 Yearbook! 📸

From the classrooms to the sidelines, we’ve been Raising the B.A.R. all year long! Don’t let this legendary school year fade into the background—secure your piece of Viking history today!

Order Online: ybpay.lifetouch.com

Yearbook ID Code: 15567827

Order Deadline: April 12, 2027

Price: $30

🏀 Winter Athletics Registration Opens October 26! 💙💛

Attention, Viking Families! 📣 Registration for the Winter 2026 Middle School Athletics Season will officially open on Monday, October 26, 2026! Families interested in having their student participate in winter sports must complete the online registration process through ParentVUE. The registration portal is available in both English and Spanish and allows parents/guardians to complete all required forms and upload their child's sports physical directly into the system. We encourage families to begin preparing now by ensuring they have access to their ParentVUE account and an up-to-date sports physical. If you need assistance accessing ParentVUE or completing the registration process, please contact the school. We look forward to another exciting season of Viking athletics! 🏆💙💛

Never miss a beat! 📅 Add the MCPS calendar right to your phone so you’re always in the know about holidays, early releases, and more: MCPS Calendar Link

Sincerely,

Dr. Sofía Grant-Dewitt (she/her/ella)

Principal/Directora

Para traducir este boletín, seleccione "español" en "Translate Newsletter" en el recuadro negro a su derecha o en su cellular encima.

2026-2027 Assessment Roadmaps

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Upcoming Events

11.6 Festival Francophone

Festival Francophone 2026

Join Montgomery County students and families for the Festival Francophone, a celebration of the rich diversity of French-speaking cultures in our community. This family-friendly event will feature cultural experiences, opportunities to connect with other French-speaking families, and delicious food from special vendors, including the Croque Truck and Fresh Baguette. All students, families, and community members are welcome to attend and celebrate the many voices and traditions of the Francophone world. For more information and to register, visit Festival Francophone Registration.

11.9 - 11.13 Mental Health Awareness Week

11.11 Open House

11.11 Language & Literacy Night

11.11 Regional Family Event for Multilingual Families

11.18 💉 Free Flu Vaccine Clinic at GMS!

Gaithersburg Middle School is partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to host a FREE Flu Vaccine Clinic for our community!

📅 Wednesday, November 18, 2026
⏰ 3:15–5:30 PM
📍 Gaithersburg Middle School

💉 Updated Vaccine Eligibility Information

Due to limited vaccine supplies, Montgomery County DHHS has updated its eligibility requirements for free flu vaccinations:

👶 Children ages 6 months through 18 years: FREE flu vaccines are available to ALL children, regardless of insurance status.
👩‍🦱 Adults ages 19 and older: FREE flu vaccines are available ONLY to adults who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the flu vaccine.

Please note: This is a change from our previously shared information. We apologize for any confusion and appreciate your understanding as DHHS works to serve as many community members as possible.

💙💛 We are pleased to continue offering this important health opportunity to our GMS families and neighboring school communities!

Please feel free to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors who may benefit.

Together, let's keep our Viking community healthy! 🌎💙💛

11.18 Food Market

11.21 GHS Mini Poms Camp

12.10 Comedy Night for GMS

12.14 - 12.18 Joy of Giving (Student Event)

Please note that this is a student only event.

12.17 Math Fluency Night

Don't Forget

💙 Show Your Viking Pride — GMS Spirit Shop Is Open Year-Round! 💛

One of the things that makes Gaithersburg Middle School so special is our strong sense of community, pride, and shared purpose. 💙💛 I’m excited to share that our GMS Spirit Shop is now OPEN for year-round shopping—a fun way to celebrate and strengthen that Viking spirit together.
Whether you’re wearing it in the building, at community events, or out and about, GMS gear helps us model pride and unity for our students and families. Orders ship within 2-3 days, so it’s easy to join in.

👉 Visit the Spirit Shop here: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/kX5fxNDKrU

Thank you for all you do to build a welcoming, connected community every single day. I love seeing our school pride in action—and now we can wear it, too.

Other Opportunities

The opportunities listed below are not sponsored by GMS or MCPS and are shared for informational purposes only. Families are encouraged to review each opportunity and contact the organizers directly with questions about registration, costs, or participation requirements.

Youth & Teen Sports Programs

Parent & Child Connect Workshops

Free Weekly Medical Clinic Opportunity

Adult English Classes Available This Fall!

Spanish

English

French

Therapeutic Mentoring

GES Mobile Farmer's Market

Save the Planet and Earn Green!

District News

MCPS Things to Know

ICYMI: Winter Weather Is Coming! Are You Ready?
Snow days, delays and early dismissals—oh my! Winter weather is just around the corner, and MCPS wants families to be ready. In case you missed it, MCPS shared important information about its weather-related color codes, how decisions are made and where to find the latest school operating status updates. Be sure to review the winter weather message and make your family's winter weather plan now.
And for a little fun, grab some popcorn and enjoy the world premiere of our Snow Day Trailer! Winter is coming, and we're ready!
English /español /中文 /français /Português /한국어 /tiếng Việt /አማርኛ

MCPS Invites Multilingual Families to Special Events
MCPS is bringing families together for a series of six Regional Family Engagement Events designed for Emerging Multilingual Learners (EMLs) and their families.
These free events are an opportunity for families to connect with school staff, learn about MCPS programs and community resources, ask questions and meet other families. Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, there's something for everyone!
All families of Emerging Multilingual Learners are welcome! Each event celebrates the languages, cultures and experiences that make our school communities special.
To make participation easier, materials will be available in eight languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Amharic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Free childcare will also be provided at every event.

Upcoming Events:

(Previously) Wednesday, Nov. 4: Paint Branch High School, 5–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 11: Gaithersburg High School, 5–8 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 16: Seneca Valley High School, 5–8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 17: Wheaton High School, 5–8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21: Montgomery Blair High School, 9 a.m.–noon
Wednesday, Dec. 2: Richard Montgomery High School, 5–8 p.m.

Families are welcome to attend one or more events, regardless of which school their children attend.
Come connect, learn and celebrate with us! We look forward to welcoming you and helping every family feel connected, supported and empowered to help their children thrive.
View Event Flyers and Details

Deadline Extended: MCPS 8th Grade Center Programs & Middle School Magnet Consortium Applications
We know choosing the right path for high school is a big decision for your family! To give you extra time to explore options, dig into specific offerings and complete your application, the deadline to submit applications for 8th Grade Center Programs — and the Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) process — has been extended.
New Deadline: Friday, November 13
Learn more on the Center Programs website, your central place to explore how regional and thematic programs are structured across MCPS, access resources to dive deeper into specialized career paths and get your questions answered with the FAQs. Families interested in the Middle School Magnet Consortium can find details on the MSMC website

Need help? Contact your middle school counselor or send an email
What's a Center Program? (English | Spanish)

The Hard Truth Video Series Continues: 75% of Older MCPS Schools Need Repair
The numbers tell a story we can't ignore. Many MCPS school buildings are aging, and the cost of maintaining and repairing them continues to grow. In the latest installment of The Hard Truth, MCPS takes a closer look at the challenges facing our school facilities, why these repairs matter and what it will take to provide safe, modern learning environments for every student.
The hard truth? Our schools need attention, and the needs are real. Watch the video, learn about the challenges and join the conversation about the future of our schools.
Watch The Hard Truth: 75% of Older Schools Need Repair
Watch the Video Series

Firearm Safety Starts at Home
MCPS reminds families that secure firearm storage can save lives. Firearms should always be unloaded, locked and stored separately from ammunition. Families should also ask about firearm storage in homes their children visit.
Please talk with your children about firearm safety, remind them that weapons are prohibited at school and encourage them to “See Something, Say Something” if they become aware of a weapon or threat.

Learn more: Parent's Guide to Firearm Storage.
Read the community message sent to families this week

Learn More about the Amplify Desmos Math Curriculum at Nov. 9 Zoom Webinar
Interested in learning more about your student’s new Amplify Desmos Math curriculum? MCPS is hosting a webinar for elementary school families from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9 via Zoom.
The webinar will explore the daily lesson structure, including access to enrichment as well as Caregiver Hub resources for families, and homework. The webinar will be available in English, with live interpretation available in Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese, Portuguese and American Sign Language.
Can’t make it? A recording will be posted on the MCPS website after the event.

Join Us for the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 14
Be sure to join us for the Mental Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School, 300 Norwood Road in Silver Spring. Free and open to staff, students and families, this event will feature workshops, a student-led forum and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness. Participating students can earn four Student Service Learning hours.

Get College Decisions on the Spot with Maryland Independent Colleges
On Friday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Dec. 4, MCPS will be hosting an on-the-spot, instant decision event with several Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities. During this event, prospective students can meet with an admissions representative and receive an immediate decision, which may include a scholarship. Interviews will be held virtually on Zoom. Contact your child’s College & Career Navigator (CCN) with questions. Sign up for a time slot.

Nov. 20 — 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Capitol Technology University, Laurel
Goucher College, Baltimore
McDaniel College, Westminster
Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore

Dec. 4 — 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hood College, Frederick
Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg
Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore
Washington Adventist University, Takoma Park
St. John’s College, Annapolis (Due to the application review process, SJC does not do "on the spot" admissions, however they are happy to conduct interviews, but cannot disclose decisions on this date.)

Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade Is Looking for Volunteers
Who doesn’t love a parade?

The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21. The parade features marching bands (including those from James Hubert Blake, Springbrook, Northwood, Clarksburg and John F. Kennedy high schools), lively dance troupes, floats and fun inflatables. The route starts at Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring, heads south on Georgia Avenue and ends at Silver Spring Avenue. The parade will be held rain or shine.

The parade is looking for volunteers, who will dress in costume, serve as unit leaders, and be inflatable and balloon handlers. Volunteers need to be available from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Students 13 years old and older can receive Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. Register as a parade volunteer.

The Latest EdTalk: Supporting Multilingual Students and Families

On the newest episode of EdTalk, hear from host Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven and principals Alicia Deeny (Richard Montgomery High School) and Isabelle Mensah (Rolling Terrace Elementary School) about how their schools create welcoming environments, engage students and maximize family involvement for multilingual students and families. Watch EdTalk | Vea Educación al Día

You can now listen to all the EdTalk and Educación al Día episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Wear Your MCPS Pride—It’s for a Good Cause!
Show your MCPS spirit with official gear for the whole family! From sweatshirts and pullovers to shirts and more, there’s something for every MCPS fan. Every purchase gives back—all proceeds help offset student meal debt.
Shop the MCPS Gear Store today!

Reminders & Student Opportunities

Seeking Countywide Diving Coach: For the upcoming MCPS winter season (Nov. 14–Feb. 10, 2027). The role includes leading three 90-minute weekly practices at county aquatic facilities (Martin Luther King Jr. Swim Center, Gaithersburg Aquatic Center and Germantown Indoor Swim Center).
Interested candidates should apply through MCPS Careers. For questions, email Kathy Green.
Bus Drivers Job Fair: Know someone interested in working for MCPS? The Division of Transportation Services is hosting a job fair from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Shady Grove Transportation Depot, 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville.
Policies for Public Comment: The period to submit public comments for Board of Education policies IPD: Travel Study Programs, Field Trips and Student Organization Trips and BLB: Rules of Procedures in Appeals and Hearings, closes on Friday, Nov. 6. Submit comments: IPD | BLB.

*NEW* MoCo EmpowHER Passion for Action: Middle and high school students are invited to this event from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. This interactive event will feature hands-on crafting, discussions on issues impacting female students today and a conflict resolution workshop. Register.
*NEW* KID Museum’s BioInnovation Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. General admission is free to families who register through the QR code on the flyer or pre-register here.
All middle and high schools have made final updates to their extracurricular activities lists for the school year. The list is available here.
C-SPAN StudentCam Documentary Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to participate in C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary StudentCam competition, which encourages them to think critically about issues that affect our communities. This year, students are being asked to create a five-to-six-minute video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Mr. Speaker, I Rise To …”. Deadline: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027.
Speak Up, Save A Life Video Contest: Create an original video promoting awareness of the dangers of illicit opioids, overdose and fentanyl among teens. Secondary students can earn 10 SSL hours. Videos can be submitted in English or Spanish. First place wins $5,000, 2nd place, $3,000 and 3rd place, $1,000. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 30. Submit an entry.

Stay Connected to MCPS

VISIT the MCPS homepage.
CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845). Visit the AskMCPS website.
READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.
FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol
SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.
WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

More MCPS Resources

Future Events

Planning ahead?

Click here to see the 2026-2027 MCPS Calendar for this school year.

Click here to see the family friendly version.

Want MCPS calendar dates on your personal calendar?
Never miss a beat! 📅 Add the MCPS calendar right to your phone so you’re always in the know about holidays, early releases, and more: MCPS Calendar Link

During the school year, if your question is about your child's class, the first person to contact is always your child's teacher. Use Synergy to quickly email your child's teachers or see our Staff Directory.