FCPS Community Bulletin Board
April 30, 2026
Superintendent’s Message
During the final months of the school year, we always have many reasons to celebrate the progress our students have made and to reflect on our shared successes.
Over the past few weeks, we have had many such moments.
Green Valley Elementary and Thurmont Elementary were named Maryland Green Schools by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. In addition, Wolfsville Elementary received the Sustainable Schools Award in recognition of 17 years as a Maryland Green School, and Frederick High School earned its second Green School Award. It is inspiring to see our students and staff demonstrating such a strong commitment to protecting our local environment and recognizing the positive impact each of us can make.
If you were watching the National Football League Draft on Friday night, you may have noticed four FCPS high school girls flag football players on stage helping announce the Baltimore Ravens’ second-round draft pick. They were in Pittsburgh because the MPSSAA has officially sanctioned girls flag football as its 26th varsity sport. What began as a 10-team pilot program in FCPS in 2023 has quickly grown into a statewide movement, with participation projected to reach 132 schools by the 2026–27 school year.
Our celebrations continue tomorrow, when FCPS will recognize our 2026–27 Teacher of the Year, Alicia Souder, along with nominees from across the county at our annual Teacher of the Year Gala. This special evening honors the dedication, passion, and tireless commitment our teachers bring to their classrooms each day. Their work shapes the future of every student they serve.
We look forward to celebrating each nominee and expressing our deep gratitude for the meaningful difference they make in our schools and throughout our community.
Thank you,
Dr. Dyson
Celebrations
FCPS Flag Football Athletes Attended the NFL Draft
Gov. Thomas Johnson High student Zoe Nso, Linganore High student Lexi Petrie, Tuscarora High student Cahya Jefferson, and Urbana High student Lilli Pontius helped Ravens legend Mark Ingram announce Baltimore’s second-round pick in the NFL Draft. The four-student athletes were on hand to celebrate girls flag football being named an official MPSSAA high school sport!
Meanwhile, Frederick High girls flag football student athletes Da’Myra Wallace and Rylie Howard were invited guests at the Baltimore Ravens Draft Party in Baltimore. Joined by other girls flag football players from throughout the state, they posed for a photo with Ravens first round pick Vega Iaone.
Maryland State Athletic Directors Spring Banquet
Frederick High's Keivette Hammond and TJ High's Mike Chavez were celebrated at the Maryland State Athletic Directors Spring Banquet this weekend. Hammond is the Maryland State Athletic Director of the Year after leading one of the county’s largest programs and helping launch girls flag football as a varsity sport, impacting over 280 student-athletes.
Chavez is the 2026 District IB Athletic Director of the Year, recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and role in expanding student-athlete opportunities across the region.
Oakdale High Graduate Signs with the New England Patriots
Oakdale High graduate Cam Dorner, pictured with Oakdale High football coach Kurt Stein, signed as a priority rookie free agent with the New England Patriots.
Frederick County Public Schools Celebrates National History Day Success!
Frederick County Public Schools proudly recognizes the exceptional achievements of our students in the 2025–2026 National History Day competition! A total of 125 students participated in our local program on March 14, showcasing incredible projects across the board and several award winners.
Thank you to Maryland Humanities Council and the Rose HIll Manor Parks and Recreation for making this program possible, and congratulations to all students advancing to the state competition, on May 2, 2026, at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
2026-27 FCPS Teacher of the Year: Alicia Souder of Parkway Elementary
Parkway Elementary literacy specialist Alicia Souder, who champions student achievement, close collaboration with colleagues, and a culture of advocacy, is the 2026-27 FCPS Teacher of the Year.
Souder is in her 21st year as an educator – all at Parkway, which overlooks Baker Park in Frederick. She was celebrated at a surprise ceremony attended by FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson, FCPS leaders, Parkway students and staff, and her family.
“I am honored to celebrate Ms. Souder today, along with the entire Parkway community,” Dyson said. “In every student’s learning journey, gaining confidence and competence in reading is pivotal. Ms. Souder has made a significant difference in the lives of so many in her school community and beyond.”
At Parkway, Souder is a School Improvement Team member, Literacy Leader team member and Girls on the Run coach. She also facilitates Maryland State Department of Education reading courses and literacy family involvement nights. She teaches adult reading courses at Hood College.
Souder will be the FCPS representative in the Maryland Teacher of the Year program, a cohort that brings educators from throughout the state together for team-building, advocacy opportunities, and collaboration.
MD Teacher of the Year, ALonna Soward, Invited to Attend Garden Party
ALonna Attended a Garden Party in DC to Celebrate the Arrival of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla to the USA
Our Maryland Teacher of the Year ALonna Soward is reaching global heights by meeting and mingling with those from abroad to celebrate the arrival of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla to the United States for a visit on Monday! ALonna, along with the DC and VA State Teacher of the Years, were invited to represent educators in the area.
Calendar Highlights
Last Day of School for Students is Tuesday, June 16 (early dismissal)
Frederick County Public Schools requested a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education related to the 180-day school year requirement. The waiver was intended to reduce the number of instructional days that would need to be made up following our six weather-related school closures this winter (Dec. 2; Jan. 26, 27, 28, and 29; and Feb. 23). Specifically, FCPS requested that the State waive three instructional days, which would have made Friday, June 12, 2026, the last day of school for students.
After reviewing the request at their March 24th meeting, the Maryland State Board of Education approved only one waived day of our request. As a result, the last day of school for students will be Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Tuesday, June 16, will be a 2-hour early dismissal day for students. Wednesday, June 17, will be a professional day for teachers and their final workday of the academic year.
We know changes to the school calendar affect staff, families, and summer plans, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility throughout the winter weather season.
FCPS Essential
FCPS Essential: Our Recruitment and Retention Specialist
In this FCPS Essential episode, we are thrilled to introduce you to our Recruitment and Retention Specialist, April Vierra. When we recorded this episode of Essential, April was serving in the human resources department as a recruiter. Since then, she's now serving in the same department for FCPS as a personnel officer.
Learn more about her in this Q and A.
The FCPS Essential series highlights the various roles and individuals that help us go above and beyond to support our students. Watch all of our FCPS Essential videos here.
FCPS Blog
Meet the dedicated staff and students of Frederick County Public Schools in Maryland, where we support every child, every day through our FCPS All-Stars Blog.
FCPS News
AI Summaries in Popular Search Engines
Reminder: When looking for information about Frederick County Public Schools, you can find the most updated information directly on our website, www.fcps.org. Information summarized by AI search engines may not reflect accurate details, data, or procedures.
- Complete list of our schools: Schools - Frederick County Public Schools
- Board of Education: Board of Education - Frederick County Public Schools
- Connect with FCPS: Connect with FCPS - Frederick County Public Schools
FCPS Asks Community to Provide Feedback for School Start Times
This survey closes April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
In July 2024, the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) voted to create a committee to examine school start times and explore potential options that aligned to research, practice and community feedback. Specifically, the BOE requested that the Committee examine the possibility of a plan, contingent on funding, where no FCPS school started prior to 8 a.m.
Your feedback on school start times is important to informing the Committee’s work. Please take a few minutes to provide your thoughts/opinions on a later school start time.
Important Note: The purpose of this survey is strictly to gather stakeholder feedback regarding a potential change to school start times. FCPS does not plan to change school start times in the near future, nor is there currently a long term plan. The information in this survey will be used to inform a Board discussion in August 2026.
Textbooks for Review
Monday, May 11 - Monday, May 18
Throughout the year, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) publicly displays textbooks that are being considered for future use in our classrooms. In accordance with FCPS Regulation 500-04 Textbook Review, Selection, and Approval, these materials are available for public review at the main branch of the Frederick County Public Library, and also available as digital texts when applicable. At designated times, FCPS posts the lists of textbooks scheduled for review at http://www.fcps.org/academics/textbooks-for-review and sends this announcement to the community. Feedback forms are provided at the display and also available online.
For May 2026, textbooks will be on public display from Monday, May 11 - Monday, May 18 at the C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701, during normal operating hours. Information about how to access any digital texts (if available) will be provided online.
FCPS and the Board of Education welcome the involvement of stakeholders in the textbook review, selection, and approval process. If you have additional questions, please visit http://www.fcps.org/academics/textbooks-for-review.
Blueprint Quarterly – April 2026
You are invited to explore the latest issue of the Blueprint Quarterly, which highlights developments, progress across the district and Maryland, and the ongoing work to strengthen educational opportunities for all students. Whether you’re looking to stay informed or deepen your understanding of the Blueprint’s impact, we encourage you to take a few moments to read more and stay connected to this important work.
Independent Study of Maryland's Special Education Funding
MSDE is conducting a statewide study on special education funding as part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR). An anonymous survey is now available to gather input from educators, families, and community members.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey—directions and a QR code are linked for easy access. Your feedback will help ensure the study reflects real-world experiences and informs future decisions.
FCPS Events
2026 FCPS Plant Sale
Happening in April & May!
FCPS is thrilled to promote the annual plant sale event, which will take place across the county in April and May. A total of 9 FCPS high schools alongside the Career and Technology Center will be hosting these sales, at various dates and times, which can be found below.
These spring plant sales serve as an exceptional display of FCPS students' hard work and culmination of students' knowledge in agriculture classes. The plants being sold are a result of the effort put together by students, providing them with hands-on learning opportunities.
The plant sales will feature various types of greenery, Be sure to stop by your nearest participating school to purchase plants, perfect for many occasions!
Please see the attached official chart for more details.
Spring High School Musicals 2026
Tuscarora High
Chicago: Teen Edition
April 30, May 1 & 2 at 7 pm
May 2 at 1 pm
Champions of Special Education Celebration!
Come join SECAC and Celebrate the Champions of Special Education on May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School!
Educational Opportunities
Johns Hopkins Offering Summer Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs
In summer 2026, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is again offering the JHU Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offering college credits in various engineering fields. Students may participate as a commuter student at Hood College, online, or as a residential student at JHU or Hood College. More information about each program can be found here: https://ei.jhu.edu/
Students who participate are enrolled in a JHU course and earn college credits while also exploring cutting-edge educational and career pathways. Tuition costs and financial aid information can be found here: https://ei.jhu.edu/costs-and-financial-aid/. FCPS will cover the lunch fee for FCPS students who attend as commuter students. Registration closes May 27, but early registration is recommended if applying for financial aid.
For more information, contact Johns Hopkins University at ei@jhu.edu, or 443-927-1986, or Erin Landsman, FCPS STEM Teacher Specialist, at erin.landsman@fcps.org or 240-586-7781.
Next-Gen Biotech Exploration Summer Camps at Hood College
Strengthen your student’s college prospects with Next-Gen Biotech Exploration Summer Camps at Hood College. Choose from two unique camps: Biotechnology Innovation Camp and DNA Dominators Camp. In one immersive week, students gain authentic, college‑level experience. They'll work in real labs using real equipment alongside real scientists. From DNA sequencing and cloning genes to developing and pitching a scientific business concept, students will learn cutting-edge biotech skills that can given them an edge in applying for competitive programs and scholarships. Rigorous and relevant, this camp is designed to meaningfully elevate a student’s academic profile. Space is limited—learn more and register at hood.edu/biosciencecamps.
FCC Career Fair & Training Open House
FCC Career Fair & Training Open House at the Monroe Center
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
5:30- 7:00 p.m.
FCC Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave
Discover a variety of flexible and affordable career training programs designed to prepare you for employment in high demand industries, including Biotechnology, Business, Computers & Technology, Childcare, Healthcare, Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism, Logistics & Production, Real Estate & Home Inspection, and Trades & Vocational Training. You will be able to tour the Monroe Center, talk with program managers, attend a career workshop, and ask questions.
For more information and to register for this event, visit: https://enroll.frederick.edu/register/MonroeOpenHouseMay2026.
Questions about the event? Email workforce@frederick.edu.
Nominate Someone for the 5 Star Service Award
The 5-Star Service Award is for community use in recognizing FCPS employees who show excellence in one of the 5 FCPS goals. Community members are welcome to nominate any worthy FCPS employee.
This award is designed to provide recognition by community members to employees for excellence in one of the 5 FCPS goals.
Community members are encouraged to nominate any worthy FCPS employee.
Nominations will be reviewed on the 15th and 30th of each month by staff in the Offices of the Chief of Staff, Human Resources, and Public Affairs.
More information on the selection timeline and next steps can be found on the 5-Star Service Award nomination form.
FCPS Schedule
FCPS Upcoming Schedule At a Glance
May 1: Mid Term – 2-hour Early Dismissal
May 25: Memorial Day Schools and Offices Closed
May 27: Eid al-Adha Schools Closed