Montgomery County Public Schools is asking students, staff members, families and other community members to help shape the school calendars for the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 academic years.
An online survey will remain open through Sunday, September 20. Participants are asked to submit no more than one response per person. The survey includes a question about whether MCPS should begin adopting two-year school calendars instead of approving one calendar annually. Participants can also indicate their preferences for the placement of the two early-release days used for conferences in November.
For November 2027, one option would place both conference days during Thanksgiving week, while the other would schedule the two days during an earlier week in the month. Thanksgiving and the following day are mandatory school closures. Respondents can also select their priorities for the calendar-development process, including:
- Maximizing five-day instructional weeks
- Balancing the lengths of marking periods
- Maintaining professional growth opportunities for staff
- Considering operational needs for closures beyond those required by Maryland law
- Clearly identifying inclement weather make-up days and contingency plans
- Preserving a full week of spring break without designated weather make-up days
- Scheduling marking-period grading and planning days on Mondays and Fridays when possible
- Developing and adopting a multiyear school calendar
MCPS said it will also consider educational interests, operational needs, state-mandated closures, minimum instructional-day and credit-hour requirements, assessment schedules and contingencies for inclement weather and other emergencies. The survey is one component of the district’s initial calendar-development process.
