December 2018, Volume 10, Number 5
FCPS Performs Well on State Report Cards
On a 1-5 star scale, 51 of our 59 rated schools achieved 4 or 5 stars, and none received fewer than 3, on Maryland's newly issued school report cards. The state rated 18 of our schools with 5 stars, 33 with 4 stars, 8 with 3 stars, and didn't rate primary or special schools.
While test scores are one important measure in Maryland's new accountability plan, state leaders ensured that report cards will include factors such as access to a great curriculum, attendance, school climate, student growth over time, and college and career readiness.
See more about FCPS school performance and accountabilty. Read Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban's blog, What Is and Isn't in the Stars, including one parent's frank observation of her children's school.
FCPS All-Stars
Human Resources Employee Relations/Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Compliance Senior Manager Curtis Scott presented an outstanding training at the Superintendent's Central Leadership Team meeting this month. His topic was Sexual Harassment--Let's think about it differently as we continue our journey of becoming a more culturally proficient work environment.
He pre-arranged scenes that some staff members role played and invited other participants to consider what they saw and suggest appropriate responses. Each situation left room for discussion without simplistic answers and encouraged critical thinking and useful solutions.
"Curtis joined our HR team in June. He is a thoughtful problem solver and has quickly become a valued team player," says his supervisor, HR Acting Director Gina Keefer.
Congratulations to employees earning FCPS All-Star Awards since our November newsletter: Todd Raynor and Jennifer Ryan.
Nominate a colleague for FCPS All-Star recognition.
Accolades
BEST IN STATE The fall sports season culminated in 4 state championships for FCPS! Oakdale HS won: 2A football with coach Kurt Stein, 2A boys soccer with coach Mitch Rubin, and Division A unified tennis with coach Terry Connolly. Urbana HS won 4A-3A golf with coach Frank Ferrari. CHALLENGE WINNERS The New Market ES Wolf Pack team of Rebecca Ewen, Riley Kocher, Laura Noffsinger, Sarah Reynolds and Kim Schaffer won the Walktober Challenge and NutriBullet Pros for each team member, with a combined 3,667,465 steps. The individual with the most steps--1,217,350--was Scott Rippeon from Gov. Thomas Johnson HS, winning the FitBit Versa Smart Watch. With 61 walkers, Central Office was the location with the most participants; Rock Creek School--with 50--was second.
GENEROSITY Combined Charities donations were up by $2,230 this year to $53,142. Thank you to the many staff contributing and to coordinator Chastidy Thomas!
News to Use
NEW FACES IN KEY PLACES FCPS welcomes new BOE members Jay Mason and Karen A. Yoho, and we congratulate re-elected members Liz Barrett and Brad W. Young. The BOE re-elected Mr. Young as Board president and elected Joy Schaefer vice president. Find out more.
FOND FAREWELLS We wished the best to departing BOE members Colleen Cusimano and Dr. April F. Miller and to recently retired administrative leaders: HR Executive Director Paula Lawton, Construction Management Director Roger Fritz, Purchasing Agent II Billie Laughland, and Televison Manager Tim Dean.
WHEN IT SNOWS Please see new information about how to check FCPS work status on inclement-weather days.
COURIER SERVICE This chart shows courier status on snow days. During Winter Break, there is no courier service to schools. There is service to Central Office, Hayward Road facilities and the Frederick County Government December 26-28 and to Frederick County Government December 31. For additional information or assistance arranging an emergency pickup, please email David.Stine@fcps.org.
$$$ Watch for the early January release of the Superintendent's Recommended Budget for the 2019-2020 school year, subsequent BOE discussions and public hearing. See the budget timeline.
WATER SAMPLES FCPS continues to post results of tests for lead in school drinking water, adding schools as we receive reports of their results. Please check the page until you see your school's report. FOR YOUR HEALTH FCPS added Psychotherapy Services of Frederick and, effective January 1, is adding Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Services and MyEyeDr at Clemson Corner to your providers network. See how to use benefits such as CarefFirst virtual visits for non-emergency concerns, and download the CareFirst Mobile app for additional convenience.
ELITE Staff aspiring to be assistant principals through FCPS-specific, practical training are invited to learn about the ELITE Academy on Thursday, January 31, 4:30 PM in the Staff Development Center.
OFF THE CUFF Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban shared the following topics:
See them here.
MORE NEWS RELEASES School Transfer Deadline Updated Academy for the Fine Arts Accepting Applications FCPS to Offer Physical Therapy Studies Education Grants Process Re-Opens VIDEOS Released since our November Issue: FCPS In a Minute - November 30 December 7 Tweet of the Week - Valley ES Principal Tracy Poquette Earth and Space Science Lab Teacher Specialist Adam Farbman Advanced Academics Teacher Specialists Lawrence Paul and Stacey Morrissey
FCPS Proud - Newest edition BOE Meetings - Watch any meeting or select a portion by topic here
FCPS Fast Fact
Hot off the press, this book features a collection of Frederick HS demolition photos and memories from longtime staff. For a copy: FHSCadets1988@gmail.com
The FCPS Insider is published monthly August-May by FCPS Communication Services, 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.