Back-to-School: New Bell Times, Free Immunizations

Are you ready for the new school year?

A couple of important reminder for Montgomery County students and parents before school begins Monday, Aug. 31.

First, bell times have changed. Secondary schools start and end 20 minutes later; elementary schools start 10 minutes later and end 20 minutes later.

Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the starting and ending times for MCPS are:

• High school hours will be 7:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Middle school will run from 8:15 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Elementary school Tier 1 will go from 9 a.m.–3:25 p.m.
• Elementary School Tier 2 will go from 9:25 a.m.–3:50 p.m.

View chart with start times for each school in MCPS, including special schools.

Second, a Back-to-School Fair is planned for Saturday, Aug. 29, to give students information about MCPS services and programs, offer fun and educational children’s activities, music and entertainment. Health screenings will be available for kids and adults.

Seventh- and eighth-graders can receive their required immunizations at the fair if they make an appointment in advance. Maryland law requires these students to show proof of vaccination against Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal meningitis (MCV4). Students who are not immunized will be barred from attending school. Click here to make an appointment.

The fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.