September 2019, Volume 11, Number 2
FCPS Continues to Outperform State MSDE Releases 2019 Assessment Data
With Maryland reporting statewide increases in English language arts scores and some decreases in math scores, FCPS continues to rank in the top quartile statewide while celebrating one of the largest enrolled and most diverse districts.
In English language arts, as has consistently been the case, FCPS continues to outperform the state. When comparing the combined grade levels of 3-8 in English language arts, FCPS performed over 10 percentage points higher than the state, and over 20 percentage points higher in English language arts at grade 10.
Likewise, when comparing the combined grade levels of 3-8 in math, FCPS performed over 10 percentage points higher than the state, and over 20 percentage points higher in Algebra 1.
"While FCPS celebrates strong statewide performance in a state that consistently performs well in the nation, the school system remains committed to eliminating gaps in achievement for certain student groups," says System Accountability and School Administration Executive Director Dr. Jamie Aliveto.
"In the quest for FCPS to be the first school system in the country to eliminate achievement gaps," Aliveto adds, "each FCPS school's improvement team has been working hard to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, identify root causes, and implement evidence-based strategies and interventions." For more information, please see FCPS Continues to Outperform State.
FCPS All-Stars
Senior Executive Secretary Kimberly Remus is an FCPS All Star. Working in the office of System Accountability and School Administration, she helps FCPS achieve multiple goals. The materials she provides and the information she shares make it possible for central office staff to support schools in a timely manner with up-to-date, accurate resources. Colleagues describe Kim as cheerful, efficient and thorough. Where others might take short-cuts, Kim provides needed details and essential review. Her willingness to "go the extra mile" fosters a positive environment that helps make FCPS the best we can be for students, their families, staff and our community. Please click here to nominate a colleague for FCPS All-Star recognition!
Accolades
NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON The US Department of Education has named Urbana HS a National Blue Ribbon Award winner! Urbana HS is the only high school in Maryland to achieve this recognition for 2019. See the news release.
STATE FINALIST FCPS Teacher of the Year Mike Franklin is 1 of 7 statewide finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year! Mr. Franklin teaches physical education and coaches baseball at Catoctin HS. See the news release.
GOOD STEWARDS Thanks to FCPS Transportation Department Director Fred Punturiero and staff, FCPS will receive funds for electric buses. Find out more.
INCREASING EQUITY The National Association for Gifted Children named North Frederick ES teacher Kaitlyn Roark a 2019 Javits Frasier Scholar. Find out more.
News to Use
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Terry Alban addressed recent incidents of violence in our community. See her message, emphasizing that violence is never the answer and sharing our commitment to supporting peaceful resolutions.
NEW FACES IN KEY PLACES FCPS welcomes former BOE President Daryl Boffman (shown in the photo) as Executive Director of the new Public Affairs Department. Read about Mr. Boffman's leadership and the new department: FCPS Hires Executive Director of Public Affairs. With the August promotion of Dr. Jamie Aliveto to Executive Director of the new System Accountability and School Administration Department, Jennifer Bingman is promoted to System Accountability and School Improvement Director.
With the promotion of Meg Lee to Director of the new Organizational Development Department, Dr. Jessica Reinhard (from Washington County Public Schools) is named Supervisor of Advanced Academics.
TUITION DISCOUNTS FCPS employees, spouses and dependent children seeking a degree and enrolled as fulltime undergrads or part-time grad students will receive tuition discounts to Hood College, thanks to a new partnership. Find out more.
TEACHER VACANCY ON STATE BOE Nominations are open October 6-9 for teachers wishing to serve on the State BOE. Find out more.
REDISTRICTING BOE public hearings took place this month at Linganore HS, Oakdale HS and Urbana HS, and the BOE is expected to determine attendance areas to accommodate the new Sugarloaf ES and Blue Heron ES and balance enrollment throughout the feeder patterns in October. Find out more.
WELLNE$$ X 3 Registration is open here for Walktober, a fun, inspiring fitness campaign. See the video for motivation to walk. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield offers a new wellness incentive program that comes with a financial bonus; check it out here. FCPS kicks off the school year with a Health & Wellness Expo Tuesday, October 1, from 4-6 PM at Oakdale HS. Those who register online and attend are entered into a drawing to win $100 in your paycheck!
KNOW AN AMAZING FCPS VETERAN? Nominations are open through Friday, October 11 for the 2019 Veteran in Education Service Award. Find out more.
VANGUARD TEACHER PROGRAM Friday, November 8 is the deadline to apply for this 3-year, competency-based, teacher-leadership program. Find out more.
REPORTING FRAUD FCPS provides multiple ways to report fraud. See our video about reporting waste, fraud or abuse of taxpayer resources. Find out more.
VISITING THE FCPS WAREHOUSE If you want to check out FCPS surplus items, make sure to schedule an appointment in advance. Find out more. OFF THE CUFF Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban blogged about the following topics:
See them here.
NEWS RELEASES Issued after our August newsletter FCPS Continues to Outperform State FCPS Hires Executive Director of Public Affairs Seven Finalists Named for 2019-2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year FCPS and FCC Offer Early College Program Parent-Teacher Conferences Are Coming Soon Urbana High Is Named a Blue Ribbon School Nominations Are Open for the 2019 FCPS Veteran in Education Service Award VIDEOS Released since our August issue: FCPS In a Minute - September 13 September 20 September 27 Tweet of the Week - Brunswick HS Assistant Principal Stephanie Bittner Judy Center Program Administrator Kathy Allen and Outreach Coordinator Kari McDaniel FCPS Proud - September Bike/Walk to School Safely, featuring Tonya Street as Crosswalk Girl BOE Meetings - Watch any meeting or select a portion by topic here
FCPS Fast Fact
FCPS in the News saves staff time so you don't have to monitor media to see school coverage. Sign up at www.fcps.org/employeenews for weekly emails with 1-line summaries and links to the full coverage when you want more.
While logged in, check out the public FindOutFirst news options under FCPS. An example is the FCPS Television,YouTube Videos subscription that sends links to Tweet of the Week and FCPS In a Minute when they're first released.
To select subscriptions, look for the "more" icon (3 white horizontal lines at the top of the page). You'll find FCPS and Employee News options.
P.S. If you've never logged in to your Employee News account, start with the Forgotten Password link and carefully follow the instructions for your username format!
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.