During my last update, I shared how optimistic I am that we can unite, join hands and strengthen our community each day for the betterment of all of our children.
In order for us to work together, it’s critical that our community is informed and is involved.
Effective today, the Board of Education of Frederick County voted to continue encouraging face coverings but no longer make them mandatory in schools and central office buildings as we continue our COVID-19 pandemic recovery. It is important to remember that face coverings are still mandatory on all school buses.
As I shared on Wednesday night, this is a significant step for our system in a return to normalcy. Rest assured, we will continue providing daily updates via our Health Metrics Dashboard and by sharing our COVID-19 recovery report, which include student attendance data and information on any classes or activities that are briefly transitioned to virtual due to COVID-19 spread.
Additionally, we are committed to sharing regular updates on our special education services. I present an update at each Board meeting, and that report is posted online.
It is also critical for us to receive public input, and I am looking forward to chatting with community members virtually. The PTA Council of Frederick County will host an Interim Superintendent’s Chat from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. You can register here.
Our Board has started the search for the next FCPS superintendent. One of the first objectives is to gather community input for desired traits in the next superintendent. I hope you can complete the survey. It will greatly help guide the Board in this process.
The community is also welcome to join us for an informative discussion regarding alternatives to seclusion and restraint.
Guy Stephens, an advocate for raising awareness and providing alternatives to seclusion and restraint, will be taking part in a discussion at The Arc of Frederick County on March 2 from 6-7:30 p.m.
This conversation is being co-presented by The Arc of Frederick County, FCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee and The Alliance Against Seclusion & Restraint. We hope you can join us.
Thank you, Mike
Tuesday, March 1 First day of spring sports
Friday, March 18
2-hour early dismissal
West Frederick Middle's Donna Karajeh is this year's FCPS finalist for Washington Post Teacher of the Year. Last year, she taught at Middletown Middle.
We are so fortunate to have dedicated staff doing all they can to support students every day. We have been traveling throughout the county to showcase their invaluable roles.
Episode 1: Elementary lead custodians featuring Green Valley Elementary's Kathy Osborne
Episode 2: FCPS predictive maintenance technician Elvis Correa is featured in our latest edition. He says "he enjoys everything in my job."
Episode 3: Food Service site manager for Waverley Elementary, Elizabeth Zeigler is featured.
Board of Education lifts mask requirement
Read letter to the community sent after BOE vote on Wednesday night.
FCPS Finalists for Washington Post Educators of the Year
Read all about the Teacher and Principal of the Year!
Board of Education begins Superintendent Search
The BOE is beginning the process of searching for a new superintendent and is seeking community feedback.
February is Black/African American History Month
FCPS is running an engaging promotional campaign. All the details are available online.
FCPS co-presenting discussion with Guy Stephens
Guy Stephens, an advocate for raising awareness and providing alternatives to seclusion and restraint, will be taking part in an informative discussion at The Arc of Frederick County on March 2 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Board of Education announces employee incentive retention
The Board of Education listened to dedicated Frederick County Public Schools employees, heard repeatedly just how challenging this year has been and is thrilled to announce a $1,300 employee retention incentive for eligible employees.
FCPS seeks nominations for the Tressler Award
Each year, this honor goes to an outstanding educator in FCPS. Be sure to nominate a teacher who has played a significant role supporting students.
Students vote for new Student Member of the Board
Congratulations to Gov. Thomas Johnson High's Lucas Tessarollo for being elected the 2022-23 Student Member of the Board of Education of Frederick County.
Science and Engineering Fair Registration is Underway
We have more information about how students can sign up online.
FCPS In a Minute
This week we highlight the FCPS finalists in the annual Washington Post Teacher and Principal of the Year program, and much more!
Please enjoy the video!
We are committed to providing timely information on our FCPS COVID-19 response.
Our FCPS Health Hub features our most recent response. Our FCPS Health Metrics Dashboard is updated daily.
Updated Data
Student attendance rates
Week of Feb. 7: 93.5 percent
Week of Feb. 14: 92.6 percent
Percentage of staff absent
Week of Feb. 7: 3.2 percent
Week of Feb. 14: 2.8 percent
Percentage of students and staff reporting a COVID-19 positive case Week of Feb. 7: 0.4 percent
Week of Feb. 14: 0.2 percent