MCPS is proud to shine a light on our newest Harbor Light honorees: The Middlesex Moose Lodge & Arts in the Middle. Both of these organizations have gone above and beyond to support our students, colleagues, and community, making a meaningful impact across our schools. Thank you for being guiding lights and for the dedication you bring to MCPS—we are grateful for you! 💙⚓
Monday - Compassionate Parenting and Self-Compassion webinar
Tuesday - Depression: You're Not Alone webinar
Wednesday - Grief: The Healing Process After Loss webinar
Thursday - Navigating Divorce When Children are Involved webinar
🔵Join LIVE caregiver webinars developed by licensed therapists.
🔵Events are virtual, interactive, and designed to help caregivers support their child(ren).
🔵Registration, attendance, and interactions are anonymous from other viewers.
Webinars can be found here, and begin at 7:00 pm:
https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex
Students opened and operated their very own holiday bakery, using real-world math to plan, measure, and bake delicious cookies and cakes for MES and division administrative staff.
From calculating ingredient quantities to managing “customer” orders, these young entrepreneurs proved that learning can be both educational and sweet!
December 15-20, 2025
🔵Events are virtual, interactive, and designed to help caregivers support their child(ren).
🔵Registration, attendance, and interactions are anonymous from other viewers.
Webinars can be found here, and begin at 7:00 pm:
https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex
Out of an abundance of caution, MCPS will be closed Monday, December 8.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to keep our students and staff safe.
Monday - Emotional Regulation: Interrupting Negative Emotions webinar
Tuesday - Your Child's Anxiety webinar
Wednesday - Effects of Screen Time and Children's Mental Health webinar
Thursday - Emotional Regulation: Strategies to Replace Negative Emotions webinar
🔵Join LIVE caregiver webinars developed by licensed therapists.
🔵Events are virtual, interactive, and designed to help caregivers support their child(ren).
🔵Registration, attendance, and interactions are anonymous from other viewers.
Webinars can be found here, and begin at 7:00 pm:
https://parentguidance.org/mhsindex
MCPS will be closed Friday, December 5 for our first snow day of the school year.
All families of children who receive special education services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are asked to complete this short survey.
https://virginiadoe.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6opHcg0Cu3xcYYK
The VDOE will use the results to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for all students within the Commonwealth.
It is important to note that your responses are recorded anonymously and cannot be personally linked to your child.
Parents with more than one child receiving special education services through IEPs should submit one survey for each child. Please note that you will need to use a different browser (Safari, Google, etc.) or another electronic device (laptop, cell phone, iPad, etc.) if you complete surveys for multiple children.
VCU-ACE Parent Training Series- Stronger Together: Fostering Connections in Our Autism Community
VCU's Autism Center for Education is hosting a series of virtual parent training sessions this year, bringing together expert presenters, community resources, and family support in an easy-to-access format.
Virtual Sessions (6:00-7:00 PM):
Monday, December 8, 2025
Monday, February 2, 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026
Monday, August 10, 2026
Registration Link: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/webcasts/series/stronger.cfm
What to Expect at Our First Session (December 8th): We're kicking things off with a focus on one of the biggest transitions families face: supporting their child's move to adulthood. This session will connect families directly with statewide resources, including:
DARS representatives
Project Search
Center for Transition Innovations (CTI)
ACE IT in College
I'm Determined
And more!
Live stream and recordings are available at https://www.youtube.com/@sdunkelmcps/streams
🎨 Celebrating Collaboration & Creativity!
Arts in the Middle (AIM) has generously donated $500 to each of our schools to help strengthen and support our arts program. We are so grateful for their continued partnership!
From left to right: Elizabeth Parrish, Abby Parrish, and Patina Janisko — an inspiring group of educators dedicated to fostering creativity in our students.
