The Conversation Is Underway. Your Questions, Concerns and Ideas Matter.
Why is MCPS studying school closures and consolidations? What does the data tell us? How will decisions be made? These are important questions, and they're exactly why we're bringing our community together. Our engagement sessions are underway, providing families, staff and community members opportunities to learn about the challenges facing our schools, ask questions and share what matters most to them. No schools have been selected for closure, no recommendations have been made and no decisions have been predetermined. You don't need to have all the answers, or even know all the questions, to participate. This is a process of learning, listening and planning together, and there's still time to be involved. Read the full story here.
Also visit MCPSStudy.org
Watch the Videos
English = https://youtu.be/vtn_QeqKZ2Q
Spanish = https://youtu.be/h2PJYSelS1c
Inside MCPS: The Realities of Our Aging Facilities
Leaking roofs. Failing heating and cooling systems. Aging buildings. Rising construction costs. The hard truth is that MCPS has significant facility needs, and waiting to address them only makes the problems more expensive.
In a new video series, "The Hard Truth," MCPS takes you inside schools and support facilities to show the real facilities challenges facing our district.
The Hard Truth: Doing nothing is not an option.
Watch the Video Series
Be Sure to Weigh In on the 2027-2028 School Calendar
As MCPS continues to develop the 2027-2028 school calendar, the district is seeking more input from you!
Complete this second survey to share input on the proposed draft calendar for the 2027-2028 school year. The survey will close on Friday, Nov. 6. Take the survey.
Board Seeking Public Comment on Two Policies
The Board of Education is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to two policies — Policy IPD: Travel Study Programs, Field Trips and Student Organization Trips and Policy BLB: Rules of Procedures in Appeals and Hearings.
Policies for Public Comment
Now You Know — Career & Technical Education Program Changes
Important changes are coming to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Starting in fall 2027, MCPS will move from 51 to 37 state-approved CTE programs of study. Some will be phased out; others will be combined or updated. These changes provide great opportunities for students to explore new, integrated and modernized pathways that prepare them for high-wage, high-demand careers.
So, what does this mean? Some CTE programs will be integrated into our new six-region high school model, helping expand access to high-demand programs across the county. The programs will also align with Maryland’s new 14-career-cluster model.
If your student is already enrolled in a CTE program, there’s no disruption. They’ll be able to complete their existing program and earn their intended credentials.
Learn more: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese
Are You Getting the Most Out of ParentVue?
ParentVUE: it’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to your student’s school experience. Families can monitor grades and assignments, check attendance, find bus information, access report cards and assessment results, complete online registrations and communicate directly with teachers.
Download the new ParentVue app, customize your Gradebook and favorite shortcuts, and check ParentVUE regularly. You can even schedule parent-teacher conferences directly through the app. And remember: each parent or guardian should use their own ParentVUE account and password.
Learn more: English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
College Planning? Tips, Tools and Resources to Help
Preparing for college? Get FAFSA-ready, explore Maryland’s private college and universities, and find useful tips for applications, test prep, college majors and careers as you navigate the college planning process with confidence.
Parents of high school seniors: The 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is open. Before completing the FAFSA, students and contributors (such as a parent or spouse, if required) must create an FSA ID, which serves as their username and password for accessing and signing the FAFSA. For questions about the FAFSA or the financial aid process, contact your College & Career Navigator (CCN) or school counselor.
Applying for Maryland State Financial Aid for the First Time?: Based on recent guidance from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), seniors should not create an MDCAPS account at this time. Students will create an account through the Maryland Student Information System (MDSIS), which MHEC anticipates will be available in January.
Recorded College & Career Workshops: Check out college and career readiness workshops covering many topics, including essay writing, financial aid, Common App tips, test prep, AI use in college apps, career planning, NCAA recruiting and more.
Private College Application Days: Apply to one of Maryland’s private colleges or universities with no application fees on Nov. 9.
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!
Student Opportunities
Game Changer Conference: Male students in Grades 4–12 are invited to attend this event from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus, Bioscience Education Center, 20200 Observation Drive in Germantown. Register.
Marching Band Showcase: Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Albert Einstein High School. Free and open to the public.
Mary Howard Day of Service: From 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Projects will include beautifying gardens and pavilions, maintaining trails and building projects. RSVP.
Middle School Winter Sports Registration: Opens at noon on Monday, Oct. 26 for boys’ and girls’ basketball.
Mental Health & Wellness Fair: From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at James Hubert Blake High School. Free and open to staff, students and families.
*NEW* All middle and high schools have made final updates to their extracurricular activities lists for the school year. The list is available here.
*NEW* USG Lab Crawl: Open to high school students interested in engineering, technology, health or life sciences. Discover what it’s like to learn and work in these fields through interactive simulations and hands-on activities. Event is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2 at the Universities at Shady Grove, Building IV, 9631 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. Register.
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.
Share Your Vision for America: Make Your Speech calls on students in Grades 5–12 to imagine they’ve just been elected president and are delivering their inaugural address in a 2-3 minute video. Win prizes up to $1,000. Learn more. Deadline: Friday, Oct. 30
Smokey Bear Poster Contest: The Maryland Forest Service is sponsoring a Fire Prevention Month Smokey Bear poster contest for 7th grade students. Students are asked to create original artwork inspired by Smokey’s classic message: “Only YOU can prevent wildfires!” to explore wildfire safety and forest conservation. Deadline: Monday, Nov. 2. Learn more.
Capital Weather invites K-8 kids to submit original artwork inspired by weather, seasons, climate or nature to its Kids Art Showcase. Learn more.
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