FCPS Community Bulletin Board
As we reach the end of the third week of the new school year, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our entire school community for helping make this opening such a positive and successful one.
Our teachers and staff have worked tirelessly to create welcoming, supportive learning environments where every student feels valued, connected, and ready to learn. I am grateful for the care and commitment they bring to our students each day.
For our students, these first few weeks are a time of adjustment and growth. Learning new schedules, navigating classrooms, remembering routines, completing assignments, asking for help, building relationships, and simply arriving ready to learn are all accomplishments worth celebrating.
It takes time to feel comfortable in a new school year, and with each passing day, students gain greater confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Thank you to our families for encouraging and supporting your children as they establish routines, build new habits, and embrace the opportunities ahead.
Together, we are helping every child begin the year with confidence and a strong foundation for success. Progress happens one day at a time, and every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward together.
Thank you,
Dr. Dyson
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
la escuela primaria
la escuela intermedia
la escuela secundaria
Off and Away for a Focused School DayI
When Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) welcomed students back on Wednesday, August 19, an important change took effect to our cell phone expectations. Starting this year, for all students and all grade levels, students may not use cell phones, smart watches, or other personal communication devices “bell to bell.” FCPS will follow an off and away model, where students must keep their devices out of sight and use while in school.
This change is a result of recent legislation passed during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. The Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act requires all Maryland public school systems to implement policies governing the use of personal communication devices beginning with the 2027-28 school year. In support of a smooth transition, the FCPS Board of Education requested we begin implementing these expectations during the 2026-27 school year.
As a result, FCPS has updated Personal Mobile Device, Regulation 118-01 to reflect these expectations. This regulation is also aligned with the FCPS Student Code of Conduct. Exceptions may be made as outlined in Regulation 118-01, including for documented medical needs or approved accommodations.
We recognize this will be a significant adjustment for some students, in particular students at the high school level. Across the country, schools have reported many benefits when personal devices were removed from the classroom, including:
- Students being more engaged in class.
- Students being more connected to one another.
- Students being less distracted during their studies.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to discuss digital device expectations and review the FCPS Student Code of Conduct with students prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Additional information about our updated personal mobile device guidelines, including a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list can be found at https://www.fcps.org/cellphone
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) strives to create safe, positive, healthy, and inviting school climates that foster respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff, and parents/ families working together to teach students the behavior, social, and emotional skills needed to be successful in schools and in life. School is a safe place to learn, to make mistakes, and to explore new ideas. Students learn to collaborate, develop empathy for others, manage and express their emotions and behaviors in healthy ways, and take responsibility for their actions. Skills including self-awareness, self-discipline, social-awareness, cultural competency, developing positive relationships, and responsible decision-making are taught in various ways throughout a student’s FCPS academic career.
The Board of Education Policy 403 (Student Discipline) provides a philosophy of behavior intervention that is rehabilitative, restorative, and educational. Discipline is to be fair and equitable. Behavioral expectations and consequences are to be clearly communicated and implemented consistently in alignment with the FCPS Student Code of Conduct. Furthermore, Policy 117 (Anti Racism), Policy 443 (Creating Welcoming and Affirming Schools for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students), and Policy 444 (Educational Equity and Excellence) further affirm the expectations of student discipline in order to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all FCPS students.
The FCPS Student Code of Conduct provides a framework to foster positive behavior in alignment with the school system’s core mission of demonstrating excellence in our System Goal areas.
We are excited to once again partner with Summers Farm for the Eat Healthy Challenge! Elementary students will receive information about the program from their PE teacher, including a challenge sheet to complete with their families.
The completed challenge sheet will serve as the student’s admission ticket to Summers Farm during the 2026 Fall Festival. Please bring the completed sheet directly to the farm for entry. The challenge sheet covers admission for the participating student only; admission for additional family members or guests is not included.
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is grateful for the thousands of family and community members who generously share their time and talents to support our students and schools through volunteering. Your partnership plays an important role in creating welcoming, engaging, and successful learning environments across Frederick County.
NEW FOR 2026-2027!
Volunteer training is now built directly into the online application.
FCPS is excited to launch a new, streamlined volunteer registration process for the 2026-2027 school year. The required volunteer training is now fully integrated into the online volunteer application, making it easier than ever to become an approved FCPS volunteer. There is no separate training platform or additional account to create.
How to Become an FCPS Volunteer
Families and community members interested in volunteering should begin by completing the online application using the appropriate language link:
Before beginning the application, please note:
The required volunteer training video must be viewed in its entirety before the application becomes available.
The training is approximately 25 minutes in English and 31 minutes in Spanish.
The video cannot be skipped or fast-forwarded.
If you exit before completing the training, your progress will not be saved, and you will need to restart the training from the beginning.
We recommend setting aside enough time to complete both the training and application in one sitting.
Once your application is submitted, no further action is required. The FCPS Volunteer Center will review your application, and you will receive an email notification once your volunteer status has been determined.
Please allow approximately 24 hours for application processing. Volunteer approval must be completed before participating in volunteer activities within FCPS schools.
After receiving approval, volunteers should contact their school directly to learn about available volunteer opportunities.
If you have questions or need assistance with the volunteer process, please contact the FCPS Volunteer Center at FCPSVolunteers@fcps.org. For additional information about the FCPS Volunteer Program, including volunteer expectations, eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and program guidelines, please visit the FCPS Volunteer webpage.
Thank you for partnering with Frederick County Public Schools to support our students, schools, and community. We look forward to another outstanding year of volunteer service!
As we begin a new school year, our top priority remains the same—safe, secure, and supportive schools where every student can thrive. FCPS continues to enhance safety and emergency preparedness efforts across all schools. Below are key updates and reminders:
School Safety Practices
Standard Response Protocols (SRP): A uniform, practiced plan used across schools for responding to emergencies like severe weather, fires, and intruders. SRP is action-based and developed with input from safety experts and first responders.
Standard Reunification Method (SRM): Ensures a safe, organized process for reuniting students and families after a crisis. Each school now has a trained staff member following SRM protocols.
Avoid | Deny | Defend: A personal safety method used in active assailant situations. It emphasizes action over hiding and offers clear steps to protect oneself.
Required Safety Drills: All schools conduct annual drills including fire, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and active assailant scenarios to ensure staff and students are prepared.
Threat Prevention & Response
Every school has access to mental health professionals and is supported by School Resource Officers (SROs), who serve as both safety partners and mentors.
All reported threats are investigated. Remember: See Something, Say Something. On social media, Report It, Don’t Repeat It.
If a trusted administrator, SRO, or school staff member is not available to share a concern with about school safety, there are a variety of Community Resources available for students and families, as well as an anonymous reporting system offered by Safe Schools Maryland.
Important Information About Maryland’s Firearm Storage Laws
In 2024, Maryland passed House Bill 416 (Chapter 182), which requires school systems to share educational materials about safe firearm storage. This law was created to promote responsible gun ownership and prevent accidents.
In accordance with this law, we are providing the MCSS bulletin “A Parent’s Guide to Firearm Storage.” This guide includes:
Steps gun owners must take to securely store firearms
Various safe storage methods
A reminder of Maryland’s legal requirement to secure firearms
Firearm safety is an important concern for many in our community. We encourage all families to review the guide carefully and help keep our students and community safe.
Visit our Safety & Emergency Management webpage for more details and resources. Let’s work together to make 2026–2027 a safe and successful school year.
MMCI Enrollment Update for 2026–2027
The school year has started, but MMCI is still accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year!
Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School (MVMPCS) and Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School (CCMPCS) may have opportunities for students to join our public Montessori communities this school year.
Especially Seeking 7th & 8th Grade Students
If you know a family with a middle school student looking for a different educational experience, now is a great time to explore Montessori.
Students who join Montessori in 7th or 8th grade can thrive in a smaller, relationship-focused community that encourages independence, confidence, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Students are supported in becoming active participants in their education while building skills that prepare them for high school and beyond.
Why Montessori?
Montessori education offers:
- Hands-on, student-centered learning
- Multi-age classrooms
- A focus on independence, responsibility, and critical thinking
- Collaborative, engaging learning experiences
- A nurturing, relationship-focused school community
Already started the year somewhere else? You can still apply. Families interested in joining MVMPCS or CCMPCS are encouraged to submit an application now.
Apply Today
Create an account and apply at mmci.schoolmint.com.
Questions? Email admissions@mmcimd.org.
FCPS is using SchoolMessenger to keep families updated about school events and systemic news. Families are encouraged to make sure they have the correct contact information entered into our student information system to ensure you are receiving updates.
Email Service
Parent/Guardians 1 & 2 are automatically registered to receive emails from their student's school. No action is needed unless you are not receiving messages.
Text Alerts Service
Parents, guardians, and staff, you can take advantage of our SchoolMessenger text messaging service by following the directions below. Community members who would like to receive these alerts can follow the directions to sign up here.
- Ensure your mobile device is on file with your school(s). You'll want to make sure you have provided an accurate email address as well to get important email information! It's that simple!
- Text "Y" or "Yes" to our district's short code number: 67587.
- You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our text messages with "Stop." Please note: Opting out means missing out on urgent messages from your school(s) and FCPS, including weather-related closings and emergency information.
Trouble receiving emails/text messages? Reach out to Public Affairs for assistance.
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is proud to join in with the Frederick County Government and other county agencies in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. FCPS students are invited to explore our nation’s history, envision its future, and showcase their unique talents in the Rich History to Bright Future: Students Weaving America’s Tapestry with Legacy and Vision Student Creative Contest.
Through categories such as essay, oratory, visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts, and innovation, students can showcase their talents while exploring our nation’s history and envisioning its future. Entries will be accepted during September 2026.
Interested in learning more? Download the pdf below for details.
