Oakdale High wins the 3A state championship on Thursday night!
With time running out, Oakdale High boys basketball senior Cameron Dorner drove hard towards the basket and converted a layup that gave his team the lead with less than one second left in a Class 3A state quarterfinal matchup.
When that game-winning shot went in, the Oakdale High cheerleaders in the front row extended their arms, their silver poms pointed skyward. The Oakdale High student section jumped in the air and roared their approval. Teammates surrounded Cameron. Everyone was thrilled to advance in the playoffs to the state semifinals.
It was a joyous moment – captured here by WDVM-TV sports reporter Grace Grill. It was a pivotal moment in a historic season. Last night, Oakdale High won the Class 3A state championship – the first boys basketball championship for any FCPS school in 23 years.
Lisa Smith, the proud Oakdale High principal, shared a photo last night from the state championship celebration. It is posted above this column. So many students were part of this, from the players, to the cheerleaders, to the enthusiastic student section.
It’s hard not to smile when you look at the photos from this celebration, made possible by swift sharing of images and videos via social media. This is an example of using social media for good. But as we’ve seen this week, it can also be used to spread hate. I was angered and appalled by social media images shared earlier this week by a social media post containing hate speech and the threat of violence toward Black students.
As I shared in this message to the community, that behavior by a few is not representative of the community that we aspire to be and become.
I am a lifelong Frederick County resident. I know what we are capable of when we work together.
It is my hope that we can use social media in a positive way to celebrate when members of our community do well and to lift up when community members need support. Let’s make that a continued focus and encourage students to use social media in a responsible way.
Thank you,
Mike Markoe
Interim Superintendent
Looking ahead:
Friday, March 18
2-hour early dismissal
Monday, March 28
Schools closed for students, teacher work-day
Oakdale High boys basketball team celebrating their win in the Class 3A state semifinals against Atholton High (Howard County).
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 4: Bus route surveyor Stacie Doherty is featured in our latest episode.
Episode 3: Food Service site manager for Waverley Elementary, Elizabeth Zeigler is featured.
Episode 2: FCPS predictive maintenance technician Elvis Correa is featured in our latest edition. He says "he enjoys everything in my job."
Episode 1: Elementary lead custodians featuring Green Valley Elementary's Kathy Osborne
FCPS is proud to share graduation and dropout rates.
Please see our press release!
An online survey for the proposed Frederick County operating budget is now available.
The survey is open until Thursday, March 17. Click here to participate.
Board of Education lifts mask requirement
Read letter to the community sent after BOE vote on February 23.
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 has begun the process of searching for a new superintendent and is seeking community feedback.
Community Foundation is accepting scholarship applications
The applications must be completed online by March 31, 2022. Get more information and apply at ScholarshipsFrederickCounty.com.
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 UN program, the annual Tech Fair, a very special wood-shop class, 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. 21: 92.9 percent
Week of Feb. 28: 93.1 percent
Percentage of staff absent
Week of Feb. 21: 2.7 percent
Week of Feb. 28: 2.2 percent
Percentage of students and staff reporting a COVID-19 positive case Week of Feb. 28: 0.2 percent
Week of March 4: 0.1 percent