December 2019, Volume 11, Number 5
FCPS Ranks among State's Best Maryland Report Cards Released
The state recently issued report cards for Maryland schools, summarizing achievement for the 2018-2019 school year. On a 1-5 star scale, 53 of our 61 rated schools achieved 4 or 5 stars (33 elementary, 9 middle, 8 high and 3 charter schools), and none received fewer than 3 stars. [Primary and special schools are not rated.]
FCPS elementary schools had the highest percent of points earned statewide for School Quality and Student Success. Our overall percent of points earned increased the middle school rank by two positions, and 4 of our high schools ranked between the 90th and 99th percentile statewide.
New measures reported this year include state science assessments in grades 5 and 8 and a student and staff climate survey. New reporting features include indicators for measuring gaps in equity and for meeting state targets and demonstrating improvement.
See more about school performance and accountability
FCPS All-Stars
All-Star Suzie Rieman is the face of Gov Thomas Johnson MS. A colleague says, "No matter how hectic things get in the front office, she greets each student, staff and community member with a calm demeanor and courteous smile.
"Mrs. Rieman is fluent in Spanish and acts as a bridge for families in our community when they are registering or whenever help is needed. She is never idle and sometimes seems to have super-human powers in multi-tasking. We are proud to have Mrs. Rieman as the first person the community comes in contact with when entering TJMS. Her peaceful presence and upbeat attitude make a tremendous difference for all."
Congratulations to Mrs. Rieman and all employees earning FCPS All-Star Awards since our November newsletter: Alda Ebatta, Perry Lewis, Livida Merlos, Alejandra Sanchez and Donnie Walster.
Know an amazing employee? Nominate a colleague for FCPS All-Star recognition!
Accolades
HOLIDAY ARTWORK Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban wishes all staff a safe and happy holiday season! Please enjoy this holiday card, featuring artwork from a Frederick HS student in Heather Thomson's class. Thank you to all art teachers whose students' work helped us share greetings this season.
SUPERIOR Under the direction of music teacher Tyler Miller, Frederick HS's Treble Choir achieved an overall superior rating in choral adjudication.
CERTIFIED Purchasing Agent III Bill Meekins recently became a Certified Public Procurement Officer. Purchasing Manager Kerrie Koopman says, "This is a HUGE achievement and a universal industry-recognized certification." Bill is also a Certified Professional Public Buyer.
BEST IN STATE The fall sports season culminated in two state football championship wins for FCPS! The Catoctin HS Cougars with Coach Doug Williams won the Class 1A championship. The Middletown HS Knights with Coach Collin Delauter won the Class 2A championship. Kudos also to the Linganore HS Lancers for making it to the Class 3A championship competition with Coach Rick Conner.
News to Use
BOE ELECTIONS The Board has re-elected Brad W. Young as president, and elected Jay Mason vice president until December 2020. See their bios and more.
WORKDAY FOR 12-MONTH STAFF This is a reminder of an update to the Calendar Handbook: Tuesday, December 31 is a workday for staff assigned to a 260-day schedule. Schools are closed for students two hours early Friday, December 20 for a teacher work session and closed for winter break Monday, December 23-Wednesday, January 1. Schools re-open Thursday, January 2, 2020.
2020-2021 CALENDAR For the 2020-2021 school year, teachers will report to work Monday, August 24. The first day for students is Monday, August 31. If there are no snow days, the 2021 school year will end for teachers Wednesday, June 16; with five snow days, the last teacher work day will be Wednesday, June 23, 2021. See the calendar.
FUNDS TO SUPPORT ACHIEVEMENT Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban will present her recommended FY2021 budget to the public Monday, January 6 in the Central Office Board Room. She will then present her recommendations to the BOE at their Wednesday, January 8 meeting. See details: www.fcps.org/budget.
HELP WANTED FCPS has a shortage of Home Hospital Teachers and is hiring for all grade levels and subjects, with assignments available during the day or evening. More
COURIER SERVICE FCPS will not provide courier service to schools Monday, December 23-Wednesday, January 1. School staff needing an emergency pickup during winter break may contact Roy.McHaffa@fcps.org.
30TH ANNIVERSARY Save the date for our 30th Annual FCPS Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Thursday, January 9, 7 PM at Gov Thomas Johnson HS. More
OFF THE CUFF Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban blogged about the following topics:
See them here. VIDEOS Released since our November issue: FCPS In a Minute - December 6 December 13 Tweet of the Week - Walkersville MS art teacher Lindsay Anderson Walkersville ES 2nd grade teacher Emily Hood BOE Meetings - Watch any meeting or select a portion by topic here
NEWS RELEASES Issued after our November newsletter: Local Schools Perform Well on State Report Cards Adams-Campbell Earns Veteran in Education Service Award FCPS Receives American Dairy Association Grant BOE Elects Officers BOE Adopts 2020-2021 Academic Calendar FCPS to Celebrate Dr. King's Legacy
FCPS Fast Fact
17- 6 - 3
17 citizens applied for the BOE vacancy created upon Joy Schaefer's resignation: David Bass, Zakir Bengali*, Tracy Dunheimer, Garth Fazio, Rae Gallagher, Susan Johnson, Ed Martinez, April Miller*, Ron Peppe*, Caleb Rose, Dean Rose, Mike Schaden*, Daniel Shapiro, Chuckia Tisdale, Masai Troutman, Desiree Tucker and Joao Vieira.
6 finalists were interviewed by the Frederick County Council December 13: Tracy Dunheimer, Rae Gallagher, Susan Johnson, April MIller*, Ron Peppe* and Caleb Rose.
3 names were sent to County Executive Jan Gardner after the Council's December 17 vote: Rae Gallagher, Susan Johnson and Ron Peppe.
Watch our next edition for the name of the new BOE member!
*Previously served on the BOE
The FCPS Insider is published monthly August-May by FCPS Public Affairs Department, 191 S. East St., Frederick, MD 21701. It features employee news and accolades.
Brief information, subject to edits, and captioned photos for possible inclusion are due to Dian.Nelson@fcps.org by the 15th of the month. For more information: 301-696-6911.