ENGAGE PGCPS: Specialty Programs Showcase This Week! (10/19/26)
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Specialty Programs Showcase
Register to attend the annual PreK–12 Specialty Programs Showcase to learn more about available programs, meet program representatives, and discover which opportunities may be the right fit for your child.
Wednesday, October 21
6–8:30 p.m.
Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School
Learn More about Applying to Specialty Programs
Reminder: Renew Your Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS) Benefits
Families who receive Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS) benefits may need to submit a new application for the 2026–27 school year to ensure their child’s eligibility remains active.
Some students began the school year with temporary eligibility based on their prior-year meal benefits. That eligibility expired October 9 unless the student was approved through direct certification or a new meal benefits application.
Learn More about Renewing Free & Reduced-Price Meal Benefits
Maryland Transitions to New State Assessment
Starting this spring, Grade 3–8 students will take Maryland’s new state assessment, the Maryland System of Testing Academic Readiness (MSTAR), for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Designed to measure critical thinking and real-world problem-solving through interactive digital formats, MSTAR features adaptive test designs that cut testing time by roughly 25%—leaving more uninterrupted time for classroom learning. While first-year baseline scores will arrive in Fall 2027, future reports will deliver faster, actionable feedback for families and teachers.
To help your student prepare, online practice sites are now live where you can explore sample questions together. Additionally, a new Family Portal will give you direct access to overall performance data and downloadable individual reports.
Learn More about the New MSTAR Assessment
EFMP Listening Tour: Help Plan the Future of Our Schools
PGCPS is developing a new Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP), a 10-year roadmap that will help guide decisions about our school buildings and other facilities. The plan will consider enrollment and population trends, building conditions and the changing needs of our students and communities to help establish a long-term vision for PGCPS facilities, helping the district make strategic decisions about where and how to prioritize resources over time.
Beginning October 19, join us for a Community-Wide EFMP Listening Tour, with a session in each of the district’s nine Board of Education districts. Registration is required.
View the EFMP Listening Tour Schedule
We Want to Hear From You: 2026 PGCPS Climate & Culture Survey
Share Your Voice. Shape PGCPS.
Take the 2026 PGCPS Climate & Culture Survey
Strong schools are built on strong partnerships with our families. We want to know how we can better support your child's learning, growth, and well-being. Please take a moment to complete the 2026 PGCPS Climate & Culture Survey before October 31.
Your input directly informs our district’s strategic plan priorities, helping us strengthen family engagement, enhance safety, and create welcoming learning environments. Once you submit your survey, we encourage you to enter the drawing for a chance to win a $200 grocery gift card powered by the Department of Family & Community Engagement (DFACE). Thank you for sharing your voice with us!
Click Here to Take the 2026 PGCPS Climate & Culture Survey
Oct. 22: Special Education Recruitment & Resource Fair
Special Education Fall Recruitment & Resource Fair
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
William Wirt Middle School
Are you an aspiring special education teacher candidate or dedicated aide? External candidates are invited to attend the Recruitment & Resource Fair on Oct. 22 to explore career opportunities, connect directly with the Special Education Department, learn about available positions, and discover resources to support your journey in Special Education.
Learn More about the Special Education Recruitment & Resource Fair
Dollars & Decisions Newsletter
Upcoming Events
October 19 – District 5 EFMP Listening Tour
October 21 – Specialty Programs Showcase (Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. HS, 6-8:30 p.m.)
October 21 – District 4 EFMP Listening Tour
October 22 – Special Education Career Fair
October 26 – District 3 EFMP Listening Tour