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August 27, 2026
With the start of the new school year, I want to wish all of our students, educators, parents and staff a warm welcome back to the classroom. The MCPS website is the best place to find information and resources for the new school year, including the 2026-2027 calendar, bus routes, the updated student cell phone policy, student meal services (including Free and Reduced Price Meals applications) and so much more.
Let’s make this a terrific school year!
 Welcome back to school from Councilmember Evan Glass
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing Montgomery County’s cutting-edge work with colleagues from across the state at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference earlier this month. It was a great opportunity to catch up and collaborate with leaders from across Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions.
I was also honored to moderate a conversation on protecting and supporting Maryland’s transgender community. The discussion was led by Chloe Jay Kastner of Harford County, a member of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs. At a time when trans people across the country are facing unprecedented attacks, Maryland must continue to lead with compassion, inclusion, and action.
Thank you to Chloe and leaders all across the state who lead with love.
 Clockwise: Councilmember Glass with Howard County Councilmember Christina Rigby and Baltimore Councilmember Odette Ramos; CM Glass leading a discussion with Chloe Jay Kastner; Councilmember Glass at the Montgomery County booth; Councilmember Glass with Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee
School is back and we all need to do our part so that kids can walk, bike, and ride to school safely. Remember to slow down, stay alert for crossing guards, and never pass a stopped school bus.
The Safe Routes to Schools Program has made significant improvements to reduce speed limits and build safer walking paths in school zones, including two miles of sidewalks built in the last year. MCDOT is currently conducting walkability studies at 15 schools – if your child’s school is on the list, you can take the corresponding Safety Survey to offer your input.
 Safe Routes to Schools graphic
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering free vaccination clinics for students through September 25 to help kids stay up to date on required school immunizations. Free vaccines are available for all MCPS students, regardless of insurance status, to ensure that children meet all Maryland school immunization requirements. You can find clinic locations and information about how to schedule an appointment on the DHHS Vaccines for Children webpage.
 A graphic advertising Free Back to School Vaccines for Eligible Montgomery County Students. Call 240-777-1050 for more information.
The Maryland Insurance Administration has opened a Virtual Disaster Center to help you prepare for severe weather and navigate the process of repairing property damage that occurs as a result. Resources are available in both English and Spanish to help you assess damage, file a claim and make repairs after a storm.
 "After the Storm Resources" are available on the Maryland Insurance Administration's website
Montgomery County will host our annual International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month remembrance ceremony and resource fair on Saturday, August 29 in Rockville. The event is an opportunity to reduce stigma, raise awareness of local resources, and remember community members who have lost their lives.
In addition to the annual memorial ceremony, resource fair, and photo display, this year’s event features the new “Color for a Cause 1-mile Run/Walk/Roll,” an active and community-centered way for residents to participate in the event. You can find the full agenda and more information about how to participate on Montgomery Goes Purple’s website.
 2026 International Overdose Awareness Day flier: Memorial Ceremony & Resource Fair featuring a Color Run/Walk/Roll for Recovery
A Damascus resident contacted my office to share the deteriorating condition of their neighborhood’s main street. The road surface was littered with fissures and potholes, so I contacted MCDOT, and their Pavement Management Office sent a crew to quickly repair the most damaged areas.
If you need assistance with county services, please email my office or fill out this service request form.
 The Damascus street with cracks and fissures before MCDOT repaired it
You can still participate in NBC Universal Local’s “Clear the Shelters” campaign! The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is waiving all pet adoption fees this weekend, no appointment necessary. You can find more information and review the adoption process online.
 Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center Clear the Shelters flier: Free adoptions all day August 29 & 30 from 11am - 5pm
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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