News and Announcements

March In-School SAT Day

Cougars, the Digital SAT is coming to our school on Wednesday, March 11th. This is a fantastic opportunity for 11th-grade students to take the SAT in a familiar environment during the school day. This is free, so no signup is necessary as we take care of all of the registration. Details in this news page.

HBCU College Fair in February

The HBCU College Fair will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at The Universities at Shady Grove! Come meet with representatives from more than 30 historically black colleges and universities!

Register for Spring Sports

Registration opens at Noon on Monday, 1/26 for Spring Sports. All athletes must be registered through ParentVue by Thursday, 2/26 to ensure processing for the first day of tryouts on Saturday, 2/28. All athletes must be academically eligible and have a valid physical on file to participate. Details on registering in this announcement.

WIDA Testing and Student Success Hour - Feb. 2nd - Feb. 5th

Attention Cougars! During the week of February 2nd, we will be conducting the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment. While many of our students are testing, all other students will participate in Student Success Hour, a dedicated time for targeted support and academic enrichment. Details about the schedule and opportunities can be found here.

NAACP ACT-SO Competition

The local and national program ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) sponsored by the NAACP is past the halfway mark for this season. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 30, 2026.

Parking Permit Applications & Info

Students parking on campus MUST have a parking permit. Applications are now open and must be completed by 2/3. Details and links to apply are in this news item.

Senior Fee Information

Senior fees can NOW be paid online and the fee is only $60! Details about the fee are below, please pay special attention to which package to order. Cash payments will only be accepted on December 10th by the Josten's Rep.

Top News & Upcoming Events

Registration Info for 2026-2027

For Caregivers - We encourage you to review the information below from the December 3rd Caregiver meeting and then have a conversation with your student about their course selections for next school year.  There is a lot of important information below in the "For Students" section to review when talking and planning with your student.

  • December 3rd Caregiver Meeting for Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
  • January 15th Caregiver Meeting for Rising 8th and 7th grade students at 6:30pm in the Auditorium.  We hope all caregivers for 8th graders will attend to learn about the options and process for high school.  We encourage caregivers of rising 7th graders to attend to learn more about the high school courses and how the courses and activities they do in 8th grade may prepare them for high school.

For Students - All of the following items are posted on Canvas and was shared with students during Cougars Connect on December 5th.  Students need to have their courses identified for next year in StudentVue before they leave for Winter Break.  Counselors will be meeting individually with each student starting the day we get back on January 5th.

To view resources shared with current 9th - 11th graders during Opportunity Day on November 24th, please click the links below.

Athletic Event Info

FARMS - It's More than Just Free Meals

The ONLINE FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) APPS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!  Apply online at MySchoolApps.com (translations available) TODAY! Families are required to submit this form each year.

  • Click here for an English video tutorial.
  • Vea aquí un vídeo paso a paso en español sobre cómo completar la solicitud de FARMS.

Adding money to your student account - Go to www.myschoolbucks.com and click on "Sign up today!" to set-up a lunch account for your student.  For more information & school menus visit: Division of Food & Nutrition Services - Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)  If you need assistance completing the online FARMS application, please contact your student’s counselor.

SSL Opportunities

If you have any questions about the SSL program, please email Mrs.Kelly P. Miller , Kelly_P_Miller@mcpsmd.org, or the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org. Middle school and high school students should continue earning SSL hours towards their SSL graduation requirement by engaging in SSL opportunities during the 2025-2026 school year and over the summer, including traditional in-person opportunities and select virtual/remote opportunities that follow the guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage (www.mcps-ssl.org). 

SSL Reminders - A reminder that all MCPS students must earn 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate from high school.

MCPS SSL Hub for Students   

MCPS SSL Activity Verification Form  560-51

MCPS SSL Highlighted Monthly Opportunities

SSL Preapproval Form 560-50

MCPS Guidelines for In Person Service

How to Check SSL Hours in Student/Parent VUE

MCPS SSL Quick Bitly Links

MCPS SSL Interactive Prezi Flowchart

All opportunities (including in person)

SSL Frequently Asked Questions

MCPS SSL QR Codes Poster

MCPS SSL Program Overview

Technology and Cell Phone Policy

Quince Orchard High School is adopting an AWAY ALL DAY cell phone policy. Cell phones will only be allowed for use during lunch and transitions. Parents/Caregivers please ensure your students are aware of the new policy.  School Level Policy - Students may use their Cell Phone/ Personal Mobile Device (PMD):

  • Before or after the student instructional day
  • During the lunch block
  • Between instructional spaces and during transition time between instructional spaces. (Not while using a pass during instructional time)
  • Riding to or from school or school-sponsored activities on MCPS or chartered buses as long as use does not impact the safe operation of the bus and complies with MCPS regulations.

Students using a personal mobile device to access the Internet while attending an

Gaithersburg Student Union

Gaithersburg Student Union (GSU) will be back at QOHS on select days at lunch! Join the GSU Staff for more information on Tuesday & Friday in the Small Gym, and on Wednesday in Room 102 for information and snacks. The Student Union is a club for high school students that provides enrichment programs for students in grades 9 - 12. Activities include fitness and sports programs, arts and music, field trips, and volunteer opportunities. Follow them on Instagram @COGStudentUnion. Ask Ms. Ashman for the registration information, or email Mr. Vera at StudentUnion@gaithersburgmd.gov.

QO Theatre Information & Updates

Follow this link for more information on all the exciting things QO Theatre has coming up, and be sure to follow them on X/Twitter and Instagram @qohstheatre. Feel free to email Ms. Vogel with any questions at jessica_hague@mcpsmd.org.