OHS Counseling News

October 26- Schools Closed

October 27- Term 2 begins

October 28- Senior Panoramic Photo at 9:45- OHS Stadium

November 3- Schools Closed

November 4-FCC Open Campus Advising Session for Seniors at OHS (sign up below)

November 9-Dual Enrollment Information Night at FCC (details below)

November 24-Two hour early dismissal

November 25-27- Thanksgiving Break

December 2 (other dates available at other locations)-FAFSA Event (details below)

December 3- Mid-Term and Two hour early dismissal

FCPS is dedicated to providing our students and families with Financial Aid and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information. In addition, we have partnered with local colleges and local non-profit organizations to aid FCPS students with FAFSA Finish Events and financial aid information nights. These events will walk students and their families through creating, completing, and submitting their FAFSA , which is the first step in the applying for Federal and State Aid for college.

Register for a 2026-2027 FAFSA Finish Night

Note: Students and families can register for any of the events and are not limited to the event at their home school. Students and families do not need to register for the Financial Aid Information events. Registration is only required for the FAFSA Finish Events

CLICK HERE

You can review your transcript, use it to self-report grades for college, scholarship, and other applications, or download a copy for your records.

To view your transcript:

1. Open Plans and click College Planning

2. Under College applications, click View my applications.

3. On the College applications page, under Transcript, click the filename of your transcript to open the PDF in a viewer.

NEW PHOTO VENDOR THIS YEAR: Victor O’Neill Studios

There is a free yearbook pose option available in the traditional tux or drape.

Required for all students for the 2026-2027 school year: All students must be photographed in the traditional tux or drape for the yearbook and student ID.

(Other photo packages are also available for purchase)

Upcoming senior portrait dates in the OHS Auditorium:

November 5th from 9 am - 3 pm

**Dates open for scheduling about 4 weeks prior to the photo date.**

By appointment only right away by visiting:

https://www.vosphoto.com/oakdale

Questions: Email: seniors@vosphoto.com and include your senior’s first and last name as well as Oakdale High Class of 2027

Email bethany.dentes@fcps.org - yearbook adviser

Yearbooks are the lowest price of the year!

$90 until November 20th then the price increases.

To purchase a yearbook:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1977787/Oakdale-High-School/2027-Yearbook/2026082504204642354/CATALOG_SHOP/

CLICK HERE to order tickets for AFA EVENTS!

*Note, some of our events take place at NewSpire Stages in Downtown Frederick. Tickets for those events are linked directly on the dates below, or can be found here.

Michelle Printz is Oakdale's Career Coach. If you have any questions please feel free to email her at Michelle.Printz@fcps.org

Are you interested in exploring careers in STEM, healthcare, and medicine?

Then this field trip might be for you!!!

On Monday, November 9th, a convention style event will be held at Frederick Health Village in partnership with The Bourne-Vanguard Medical Society, Frederick County Public Schools, Hood College, Frederick Health, and Fort Detrick. Students will have the opportunity to explore careers in these industries via hands-on interactive activities.

Approximate departure time is: 8:00am and approximate return time is: 2:00pm.

If interested:

Stop by B220 for a Field Trip Permission Slip Form

Forms must be returned by November 4, 2026.

Mrs. Printz- Michelle.Printz@fcps.org

Mrs. McGrew- Amanda.McGrew@fcps.org

Frederick County Public Schools offers many opportunities for students to explore career pathways, increase the rigor and value of their high school education, and prepare for college. These programs are open to all FCPS high school students. Some require shadowing for a day prior to applying and being accepted into the program.

• The Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA)
• Career & Technology Center (CTC)
• Frederick Community College Dual Enrollment program (DE)
• International Baccalaureate program (IB)
• Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC)

For more information, see link below:

FCPS College & Career Programs

The FCPS Career and Technology Center (CTC) is part of the Frederick County Public Schools system. With more than 20 programs to choose from, students have the opportunity to gain college and career experience in a variety of areas. They can earn college credits as well as valuable industry certifications and licenses through a CTC program. CTC programs are taught in half-day blocks, and students attend their high school for the other half of the school day. Shadowing a CTC program is the first step in the application process and is open to students in grades 9-11. Students may shadow up to two programs. A shadow experience is required in order to apply and students must shadow the program(s) that they are applying to within that same school year.

Interested students can request a shadow from the CTC website

Shadowing is open November 4, 2026 – February 25, 2027

Last day to request a shadow: February 12, 2027

Application deadline: March 5, 2027

For additional information about the Career & Technology Center visit https://ctc.sites.fcps.org/.

Planning to take the SAT this school year? Be sure to mark your calendars and sign up before the registration deadlines!

Here are the upcoming SAT Test Dates and deadlines:

• Important Note: If you need to borrow a device from College Board for the digital exam, you must register and request your device at least 30 days before test day.

• Late Registration: Available worldwide (additional fees apply).

👉 Ready to register? Visit the College Board Website to set up your account and select your test site!

Please email debra.nester@fcps.org with any questions.

Completed Community Service Hour Forms can be dropped off in Room A149 or uploaded to Schoology Group (Access Code: G4W8-4SQ2-CQTBM) . They can also be emailed to Lucrisha Graham Clarke at lucrisha.graham@fcps.org

Want to earn SSL hours while helping younger students? Blue Heron Elementary is looking for high school students to volunteer once a month for about 30 minutes after dismissal.

Volunteers will join students for extra outdoor recess, play games, and serve as positive role models while helping celebrate students with 95%+ monthly attendance. 🏃🏽‍♀️⚽😊

📍 Location: Blue Heron Elementary
📅 Frequency: Once a month
🕒 Time: Approximately 30 minutes after dismissal

Interested? Please reach out to Mrs. Clarke for more information!

Visit the FCPS Food Service online parent portal at www.linqconnect.com and click on School Services and then select Free & Reduced Meal Application. Type Frederick County in the District box, then choose Frederick County Public Schools (MD) (Frederick, MD). Parameters to qualify for Free or Reduced-price Meal benefits can be found in our press release. Some families will receive an email or letter stating they do not have to fill out an application because they have already been qualified or directly certified by Maryland State because they are receiving other government assistance. If you are not sure if you qualify or have already been approved, please call the Food and Nutrition Services office at 240-586-8152 before completing an application.

Frederick Community College is coming to OHS on Wednesday, November 4th from 9:05-10:30 to support the advising and enrollment for juniors/seniors interested in Open Campus for Spring 2027. Juniors/seniors must have an FCC ID number to attend this session. If you have not yet applied to FCC and do not have an FCC ID, do so before signing up: https://enroll.frederick.edu/portal/apply

Click here to sign up- https://forms.gle/GhyqcEzgbaSbz27KA

If you need log in or password help for your Frederick Community College (FCC) Dual Enrollment Course

FCC Website: https://www.frederick.edu/
MyFCC Student Portal: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/

1) Find and know your FCC Student User ID#:
-Students should have received an admissions letter with a Student User ID number.

-Your HS based instructor has access to your ID# in Blackboard and PeopleSoft.

-You can contact DualEnrollment@frederick.edu to receive your ID number.

2) Create or Reset your FCC Password:
-.pdf instructions here

-IT Help Desk: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/it-services.aspx

3) Log on to Blackboard

-Your username for Blackboard and Outlook email will be W + ID#@myfcc.frederick.edu

(ex. W1234567@myfcc.frederick.edu)

-Video instructions here

4) Understand the basics of Blackboard

-Overview here

5) Know the FCC Resources available to you as a college student

-MyFCC Student Portal: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/

-Student Resources: https://frederick.edu/student-resources/student-resources.aspx

-Student Handbook: https://www.frederick.edu/handbook.aspx

-Gladhill Learning Commons: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/gladhill-learning-commons.aspx

-Learning Centers and Tutoring Services: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/gladhill-learning-commons/learning-centers-tutoring-services.aspx

-Know your instructor’s “Office Hours.” This is a time to seek help, ask questions, and get tutoring. You are not bothering your instructor during this time. It is set up for you.

6) Log on to Outlook email

-Instructions here

7) Contact and Request Disability Access Services, if applicable
-High School Special Education accommodations (extended time, IEP, 504, etc.) do not automatically transfer to college. YOU must request them and meet with your instructor.

-Disability Access Services DAS: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/das.aspx

Mr.Ayers is your Frederick Community College Admissions Counselor. He is available to you throughout your senior year to answer any questions you may have about what FCC has to offer you after high school graduation.

You can now schedule appointments with him directly using the online bookings link: [Book an appointment with me!]. It’s a quick and convenient way for you to connect with the FCC admissions team.

Hunter R. Ayers

Admissions Counselor

Frederick Community College

7932 Opossumtown Pike | Frederick, MD 21702

hayers@frederick.edu | (240) 629-7991

Student Resources

Here are a few great resources for NAIA-bound student-athletes:

· Early Decision and Freshman Requirements

· Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

· NAIA Fee Waiver Guide

· 2025-2026 Official & Policy Handbook

· NAIA School Locations

· Find Your Path

· NAIA Student-Athlete Wellness Center

Students should also utilize the “Resources” tab found on their PlayNAIA account for all information regarding NAIA eligibility.

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation is pleased to announce that they are now accepting nominations for the Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships. OHS will potentially nominate one student for each one.

Key Information and Dates:

· Scholarship Info: Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to high school seniors.

o Walentas nominees must be first-generation, college-bound students.

· Value: Recipients receive the entire cost of attendance at UVA – a value of more than $400,000 for non-Virginians and $230,000 for Virginians.

· Deadline: All nomination materials must be submitted by December 1st.

· Nominee Profile: High-achieving students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and engaged citizenship.

If you are interested in being considered for either the Jefferson Scholarship or the Walentas Scholarship, please do the following:

In 300 words or less please describe why you should be chosen as the Oakdale High School nominee for the Jefferson Scholars Program or the Walentas Scholars Program. Please include specific information regarding humanitarian qualities demonstrated in school and the community through volunteer work and/or community service and leadership. Only one student from Oakdale High School may be nominated for each program.

Send submissions to Ms. Blum at ilana.blum@fcps.org by October 30, 2026 at 2 pm.

2026-2027 FCPS Seal of Biliteracy Avant Assessment Registration

Students and/or parents and guardians of students in grades 9-12 who have learned a language at school, at home, or in the community should complete this form in its entirety to take the Avant Assessment to qualify for the world language component of the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy. This test assesses students' proficiency in a world language through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students must demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in the language to qualify for the Seal.

Testing for students will occur in December and specific testing dates will be communicated by the school.

There is no cost associated with testing.

Students enrolled in World Language Classes (Level 4, AP, Advanced Studies or Bilingual 1 and 2) who are testing in the language of the course they are taking do not need to fill out this form.

This form must be completed by November 15th. Any submissions after 11/15 will not be considered.

Please complete this form for each language in which you wish to be tested.

Please contact World Language Curriculum Specialist, Caroline Schlegel, at Caroline.Schlegel@fcps.org with any questions.

Deadline is 10/28

Attention all Freshmen and Sophomores! The OHS Leadership Academy is NOW accepting applications through Friday, October 30th. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique opportunity only available at OHS! To learn more about the program or to access the application online, join the Schoology group using the code: 67F5-TCGC-RDC4G

Applications will ONLY be accepted via Schoology.

Questions? Email Tiffany Malagari at tiffany.malagari@fcps.org

We look forward to your student’s application!

Parent Connectivity and Support

1. Connect to your students in Schoology. Make sure you have your child's unique 12-digit code Parent Access Code available to set up your account. You only need to do this one time for each child.
   
   How to Create a Parent Account: Video Directions Written Directions
   
   Registrase somo padres para obtener una cuenta de Schoology nueva. Use el código de acceso para quedar automáticamente asociado a su hijo. (Video- Registrase Como Padres)
   
   Note: Parent Access Codes are sent via email to parents of new enrollments and any student who does not have a parent connection in Schoology. Students must have an FCPS username and password for parents to receive a Parent Access Code.
   
   Note: FCPS employees must create a personal Schoology account with your personal email. Use the Linking Account Instructions to toggle between your personal and professional account.
2. Setup Your Notifications to customize your Schoology experience and receive updates about your child's grades and activity in Schoology. Don't forget to add your phone number to receive customized push notifications.
3. Get the Schoology App on your device.
   Download the Schoology App on your mobile device today.
   
   
   
   
4. Have Your Schoology Account? Click on our Parent View playlist to see all our parent account training videos or select from the menu below to create the best user experience.
• Video: Schoology Overview (Elementary) (Secondary)
• Video: Schoology Overview- Course Deep Dive
• Video: How To Contact Your Student's Teacher In Schoology - FCPS
• Video: Looking Up Grades - Enrollments Screen and Grade Report
• Video: Looking Up Grades - Course Level
• Video: Looking Up Grades - Email Digest

What Should I Expect in Schoology?

If a teacher uses the Schoology gradebook, parents can expect the following:

• Access to digital assignment submissions in Schoology directly through the gradebook.
  • Note: Google Drive assignments are not viewable to parents because Google access is restricted to students and teachers

If a teacher uses Schoology as an instructional tool, parents can expect to view:

• The learning experience delivered through the platform
• Your child's activity in the course, including but not limited to:
  • Submitted and missing assignments
  • Posts (text and media) your child created

If a teacher uses Schoology as a communication tool, parents can expect the following:

• Classroom communication such as announcements about assignments and classroom updates
• FCPS systemic communications such as school closings will still be shared through FindOutFirst

What to remember as you engage with Schoology:

• Students must be logged into Chrome with their FCPS username and password to have the best Schoology experience.
• FCPS usernames and passwords are distributed by the school

Frederick County Public Schools uses SchoolMessenger for email, text messages and automated phone calls.

Community members can sign up to receive SchoolMessenger updates. This step-by-step guide will show you how to quickly sign up to get messages!

Who can sign up

Anyone interested in receiving FCPS and/or school updates. This can include family members not already signed up for messages and community members.

Who Does Not Need to Sign Up

All FCPS employees automatically receive messages to their work email address and contact information they have entered in via PeopleSoft.

All FCPS family members who are listed as a primary contact in our Student Information System do not need to sign up.

The Service Academy Process:

1. Open Applicant File

Request Pre-Candidate Questionnaire from the Admissions Office of the applicable Academy.

• United States Military Academy - apply online at admissions.usma.edu.
• United States Air Force Academy - (800) 443-9266; apply online at academyadmissions.com.
• United States Naval Academy - (410) 293-4361; apply online at usna.edu/Admissions
• United States Coast Guard Academy - (800) 883-8724; apply online at uscga.edu/admissions/
• United States Merchant Marine Academy - (866) 546-4778; apply online at usmma.edu/admissions

2. Request Nominations (see more information below)

3. Complete Testing

• Take ACT or SAT tests, schedule Physical Aptitude Exam & Medical Exam.
• Complete Forms
• Complete all forms and return to academy or academies by their deadline.

4. Visit Service Academies: Call Admissions Office to set up a tour of academies.

Nominations:
If you are interested in applying to a service academy, you must obtain a nomination as part of the very competitive application process for most of those academies. Nominations may be requested from multiple sources including but not limited to your US Congressman or either of your state's US Senators, and the Vice President of the United States. Congressmen and Senators sometimes have information sessions about how their offices handle the process.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: USMA, West Point, NY; USNA, Annapolis, MD; USAFA, Colorado Springs, CO; and USMMA, Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

You will need your child's Student ID number and date of birth to access this information. If you do not have the Student ID number, please contact your child's school for assistance.

• If your child's bus information does not appear, please contact your child's school directly. Click here for school phone numbers.
• Please do not contact the Transportation Department regarding bus assignments or requests.
• All transportation requests, changes, and questions must be submitted through your child's school, which serves as the point of contact with Transportation.

School Bus Stop Information

Have your child's student ID and birthdate available to find bus information.

Amanda McGrew handles internships, apprenticeships, work based learning. Please reach out to her with any questions at Amanda.McGrew@fcps.org

Need help with your math courses?
Drop by the Math Lab (Room A100) every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:15 to 2:45 PM to work with peer tutors. Note: Students must arrange their own transportation home after tutoring sessions.

Parents can email tutoring@fcps.org for assistance locating help for their student.

26-27

• EFFECT (Executive Function Program): A virtual program that focuses on planning, organization, time management, flexibility, and problem-solving through personalized coaching and project-based learning. Participants engage in 12 individual coaching sessions and 6 group sessions.
• SPRING: Runs from early February to early May
• 12 weeks: 1 individual session weekly and 1 group session every 2 weeks
• SUMMER: Runs from late May to early July
• 6 weeks: 2 individual sessions and 1 group session each week
• Cost: $2,100

We will also be offering our modifiedPEERS again in the summer

• modifiedPEERS (Social Skills Program): A hybrid program (in-person and virtual) that teaches evidence-based strategies for making and keeping friends. The program includes 13 group sessions for teens and concurrent parent sessions to provide support at home.
• 7 weeks, runs from late May to early July, evenings (after 5 PM)
• 1 in person session and 1 virtual session each week
• Cost: $1,800

Both programs are led by ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists, and some health insurance providers and the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS) may offer reimbursement. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Please sign up as soon as possible to receive all information, documents, and information regarding your child's IEP or 504 plan.

Video Link on how to register: https://vimeo.com/1094778617/db9a603084?&signup=true#_=_

More Info Here!

Mental Health Resources

The Maryland Department of Health released a “Student and Young Adult Resource Guide for Coping During COVID-19”. Click here to see it. It’s a handy, comprehensive guide created for secondary and college students to spotlight issues and find resources on how to help themselves and each other through the continued adjustment to pandemic-created changes. Many of the resources also support elementary students. The FCPS Mental Health Matters page can be found here. Students and family members who are experiencing difficulty may wish to contact the Frederick County Mental Health Association (MHA).

Walk-In Behavioral Health Services
The Walk-in Service has resumed seeing clients in person at their office located at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick for those who prefer to see someone face to face. They are also continuing to offer their Virtual Walk-In platform for those who feel more comfortable with that.

The MHA's call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From intervention, a caring and supporting voice at a moment of crisis, to connecting to resources and information, dial 211.

Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464 Help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.

Crisis Services: Dial 211 - Help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe.
Maryland Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233 - Report threats or situations that put your safety, or others' safety, at risk.

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 - Help if you are thinking about suicide.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Marylanders who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis have a new way to get immediate help. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988. Learn more at 988.maryland.gov.

Not My Kid: Our dynamic team offers trauma-informed prevention programs using best-practice strategies including:

• The IMBR model focuses on Information, Motivation, Behavior skills, and Resources.

• A peer-to-peer model with an emphasis on how to make healthy choices rather than on scare tactics.
• The parent-child relationship is an important focus to address risk and protective factors.
• A strength-based approach with caring adults, family support, and access to care. https://notmykid.org/

Underage Party Tip Line

• Confidential Frederick County Underage Party Tip Hotline: 301-600-1318