Get ready, families of Bethesda - Chevy Chase - Potomac! The countdown has begun, and the first day of school for your little ones in Montgomery County is just around the corner. We've got you covered with the ultimate guide to kickstart the school year.
We have links to all the MCPS info, plus advice and tips for dealing with that first-day anxiety, printables to make those first-day pics special, and even ideas on what to pack for lunch! Check it all out here:
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🗓 School Calendars
Below is the Traditional School Year Calendar that most schools in MCPS follow:
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There is one schools in the county (and in our MK Takoma Park and Silver Spring Territory) – Arcola Elementary School – that follows the Innovative School Year Calendar. This schools is in session for longer and have a different yearly schedule.
📱Did you know that if you have a smartphone, you can add the school calendar directly to your own calendar? Follow the instructions on the top left side of the Calendar Central website and you will never be surprised by a random early release day again.
A few important dates for the first month of school:
New for 2025- Monday August 25: Transition Day for students new to a school (Kindergarteners, 3rd graders entering new school, 6th graders, 9th graders and any other new to the school students)
Learn more about the Transition Day HERE
Tuesday August 26: First Official Day of School
Monday September 1: No School (Labor Day)
Tuesday September 23: No School (Non-instructional Day/Rosh Hashanah)
Friday September 26: Early Release Day (Professional time for teachers)
Thursday October 2: No School (Non-instructional Day/Yom Kippur)
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🍎 School Lunch Info
Free and Reduced Lunch
If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, make sure to fill out your form early so your family will get their reduced rate from the start of school. If you have multiple students in the county, you only need to fill out the form once.
Lunch Account Information
If your family does not qualify for free lunch, you can add funds directly to his or her account using MySchoolBucks.
School Lunch Menus
Here is where you can find links to the school lunch menu calendars. There are different menus for Pre-K/Headstart, Elementary, and Secondary school lunches.
💵 School Cash Online
MCPS has a new online payment system to easily pay for school related fees (field trips, activity fees, etc.) online with a credit card. Register for School Cash Online to easily pay for student costs.
✏️ School Supply Lists
School supply lists vary by each location (and even by grade). Check your school's website or social media for information. Not all schools publish school supply lists.
🚌 Bus Routes
Bus Routes for the 2025-2026 school year will be posted here soon. Check here to see where your child will be picked up and dropped off if he or she rides on the school bus. You can also find this information at your child's school.
👩💻 ParentVUE
All important documents (report cards, test results, etc.) for MCPS can be accessed through ParentVUE. Families new to the county will receive an activation letter in the mail. Contact your school directly if you did not receive an activation letter. If you set up an account in a previous year for a child, you do not need to activate again. To find out about more about ParentVUE, check here.
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🖍 Kindergarten Enrollment
If you have a child or know a child who is going to be 5 by September 1, make sure to enroll him or her for Kindergarten NOW. Waiting until closer to the start of the school year can affect teacher staffing and student placement. Visit this website to find out the steps for enrolling a new MCPS kindergarten student.
🎪 Back to School Fair
On Saturday August 23, MCPS will be hosting a Back to School Fair at Wheaton Westfield Shopping Center. There will be school information, health services, and fun activities to get kids excited for the new school year!
🎒 School Supply Drives in Bethesda - Chevy Chase - Potomac
MCPS Gives Backpack
Donate to MCPS's annual backpack drive, MCPS GIVE BACKpacks! For just $15, you can help a student in the county be prepared for school. The funds go toward purchasing backpacks filled with supplies. Click here to donate today!
Small Things Matter Back to School Drive
This local organization is hoping to collect 1500 brand new backpacks and supplies for students in our area. There are multiple drop-off locations, including Tabletop, The Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, TPSS Coop, and Ace Hardware. You can also donate through Venmo. Check the Small Things Matter website for requested supplies.
Know of a community back-to-school event in {town Name} that we're missing?
Add it to our Macaroni KID Takoma Park-Silver Spring calendar now!
More tips to make this school year in {town Name} a great one:
 5 Teacher-Approved Tips to Make Back-to-School Time Great |
 |  Bento Box School Lunch Ideas |
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