Montgomery County Public Schools are back in session — almost. The first official day is tomorrow (8/26), but Transition Day is today which is a new full-day warmup for students in Kindergarten, 3rd, 6th, and 9th grades to meet teachers, tour buildings, and test the waters before the real thing begins.

MCPS are rolling out several changes that affect nearly all students and families:

– Communication platforms are shifting. MCPS is phasing out Remind in favor of ParentSquare by January 2026. Double-check which platform your school’s using for now. ParentVUE still holds your child’s grades and schedule.

– New “Refrigerator Curriculum” to post at home that give parents a quarterly cheat sheet on what kids are learning, plus opt-out forms for religious concerns.

– All high schools now have vape detectors in bathrooms. No audio, no video, just alerts on vape emissions.

Even if you don’t have kids, remember: you must stop 20 feet from a school bus with its stop arm extended. Break this rule and you're looking at $250 to $570 in fines, plus three license points and disapproving head shakes from all your neighbors.

🏃‍♀️ Montgomery Parks launches fall Park Academy registration with classes from yoga to tree climbing at county parks with Tilden Woods Local Park serving as Potomac's closest participating location. Browse full class options

🎨 Last call to submit your art for Gallery B's 2026 exhibitions in downtown Bethesda. Applications due Friday (8/29) with $1,200 monthly rental and no commission on sales. Learn more here

🌮 Taco Bar El Güero made Yelp's national list of "10 Don't-Miss Gas Station Restaurants 2025" for their authentic Mexican fare served from inside a Gaithersburg gas station. Read MoCoShow’s profile

🏊 Maryland Senior Olympics registration deadlines hit this week for ages 50+: swimming (8/27), horseshoes (8/27), tennis (8/29), and racquetball (8/29). See full schedule

📰 Bethesda Magazine explores economic development challenges in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve, examining how zoning regulations impact small businesses seeking to operate in the protected 93,000-acre area. Read the full analysis

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The Diary of Anne Frank Auditions. Aug 25 & 27 @ 7-9pm @ Congregation B'nai Tzedek
Theatre@CBT is casting for its production of Anne Frank’s unforgettable story. All ages welcome, no experience needed, and families can audition together at one of two nights. Bring a monologue and be ready to move 🎭

DeMaurice Smith: Turf Wars Book Event. 7pm @ Politics & Prose, Conn Ave
The former NFLPA chief pulls back the curtain on his 14-year war with the NFL. From Kaepernick to Deflategate to billion-dollar bargaining battles, Turf Wars offers a raw look inside the league’s $20 billion machine. First come, first served seating. 📚

Hillwood Summer Sidewalk Sale. Aug 26–27 11am-4pm @ Hillwood Museum
Shop treasures from Marjorie Merriweather Post’s estate at up to 70 percent off. Seasonal favorites and one-of-a-kind finds are on the tables while Hillwood makes room for holiday arrivals. 🛍️

History Conversations: Colonial Taverns. 2-3:30pm @ Virtual
Historian Jim Johnston uncorks the story of colonial taverns as the beating heart of early America. They doubled as courthouses, jails, and community centers, and were often the biggest building in town. Register in link 🍺

International Dog Day Yappy Hour. 4–9pm @ Hello Betty, Pike District
Humans sip Tito’s cocktails. Dogs lick up free house-made Pup Cups. Everyone leaves happy. 🐕

Women's Equality Day Celebration. 5-7pm @ World of Beer, Rockville
Montgomery County NOW teams up with Montgomery County Business and Professional Women to mark 105 years of women’s suffrage. The focus is on the road ahead, especially the Equal Rights Amendment. RSVP in link appreciated ⚖️

DC Jazz Festival. Aug 27–31 @ Multiple DC Venues
The first of 5 days of world-class jazz featuring NEA Jazz Masters Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, and Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway. The main waterfront action happens at The Wharf on Saturday-Sunday with six stages along the Potomac. Get tickets in link 🎷

Demystifying Dementia Virtual Discussion. 11am-12pm @ Virtual
Dr. Doug Elwood from Sunday Health explores the latest in cognitive health research, FDA-approved treatments, and prevention strategies that actually work. Learn about new blood-based diagnostic tools and lifestyle factors that support brain health. Register in link🧠

Potomac Chamber Networking Event. 3:30–5:30pm @ Hunters Bar & Grill
River Road's classic business mixer returns with complimentary hors d'oeuvres from Hunter's and a cash bar. Bring business cards and your best conversation. RSVP by August 25 in link 🤝

Adaptive Mountain Biking Group Rides. 5-7pm @ Cabin John Regional Park
Montgomery Parks offers inclusive "no rider left behind" trail adventures on specialized adaptive bikes. Try the TerraTrike recumbent foot-pedaled trike or Lasher all-terrain handcycle with e-assist power. 5-mile rides include bike fitting and volunteer guides and free equipment designed for riders with disabilities. Register in links 🚵‍♂️

Rising Stars DMV Kickoff Event. 6:30-9:30pm @ Three Fox Pond
Young professionals connect at this networking launch for the DMV's newest entrepreneurial community at a stunning private property with koi pond and gardens.. Open bar and refreshments help fuel new connections. Get tickets in link, business casual dress code, ages 21+⭐

DC Festival of Magic. Aug 29–31 @ Capital Hilton
World-class magicians transform Labor Day weekend into three nights of mind-bending illusions and comedy. Founded by mentalist Brian Curry, this 5th annual festival features jaw-dropping performances from Andi Gladwin, Lucy Darling, and David Corsaro. Get tickets in link ✨

Nail Art for Tweens & Teens. 4:30–5:30pm @ Potomac Library
Get glam with non-toxic nail polish, brushes, dotting tools, and stickers in this DIY program. All materials provided for ages 10-18 to explore the art of the manicure. 💅

Sunset Summer Movie Night. 8-9:30pm @ Meadowside Nature Center
Watch "The Great Outdoors" starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd on the nature center lawn. The $25 ticket includes wine or beer (2 drink max), popcorn, and candy. Ages 21+ with ID check. Register in link, bring lawn chairs + blankets 🎬

^{*Dates & times subject to change based on weather and/or venues making your life more difficult}

Now forward this to that neighbor who still hasn’t entered the contest to win 2 front-row tickets to see Cynthia Erivo at Wolf Trap on Sept 7th

-Potomac Loop Team