MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. Middle school and high school students should continue earning SSL hours towards their SSL graduation requirement by engaging in SSL opportunities during the 2025-2026 school year. To learn more about upcoming in-person and virtual/remote SSL opportunities and the required SSL documentation, please click here.
The Montgomery County Public Schools Counseling Department has many updates to share about upcoming Financial Aid workshops/events throughout the county for students and families to access. You can view them here and on the MCPS Financial Aid website.
The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is hosting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for middle school and high school students that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. Students earn 10 SSL hours for their complete submission AND the potential to earn up to $5,000 in prizes. Read more here on how to enter.
There are several upcoming community art competitions and showcases available for student submissions. These include the Matt Papirmeister Award, the Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship program, the Women's Club of Bethesda, the Yellow Barn High School exhibition, and the 2026 WINSTON ART SCHOLARSHIPS & HARRIET LINDNER NEWBILL ART AWARD. Read here to learn more about each opportunity.
Want to learn more about the SMOB (Student Member of the Board of Education) position? Are you interested in learning how to run to become the next SMOB? Want to meet former SMOBs or SMOB finalists? The MCPS Special Elections Committee is hosting a virtual SMOB 101 session on December 16, 2025 from 6 - 7:30 PM. Read here to learn more about the event and to register.
Chronic absenteeism in MCPS is LOWER systemwide and across the high schools. Read more here to learn about what chronic absenteeism is and how the improvements that MCPS and high school students are making.