LINTON'S NEWS & NOTES

Email: LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org
Website: https://lse.carrollk12.org
Address: 375 Ronsdale Road, Sykesville, MD, 21784
Phone: 410-751-3280; Fax: 410-751-3285

Dear LSE Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at Linton Springs Elementary! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we are so happy to welcome you to our school community.

At Linton Springs, we believe in the power of community—and we are thrilled to partner with you as we continue building a school where every child is inspired, supported, and empowered to grow as both a learner and a person of strong character. Our staff remains deeply committed to providing meaningful, high-quality teaching and learning experiences every single day. And because we know that joyful learning leads to deeper engagement, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for laughter, connection, and fun along the way.

We are proud to be a community of lifelong learners who uphold the values of perseverance, respect, inclusivity, community, and excellence. These core values shape the way we teach, collaborate, and interact—with your children and with one another.

While this letter includes important information, the heart of our message is simple: We are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. We are just a phone call or email away, and we genuinely look forward to building strong partnerships with our families throughout the year.

Let’s make it a year full of growth, joy, and success—together.

Best,
Dr. Glen P. Messier, Principal

Ms. Maureen Gardner, Assistant Principal

Our Vision:

Linton Springs is a community of lifelong learners

who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding character.

Our Mission:

Collaborate... Teach... Inspire... Support... Empower

Our Core Values:

At Linton Springs, we value:

Perseverance...Respect...Inclusivity...Community...Excellence

Please join us in welcoming the following staff to LSE:

Mr. Fiore, School Psychologist

Ms. Martínez, 5th Grade Teacher

Ms. Nuñez, Lunchroom Assistant

Ms. Robinson, Office Clerk

Ms. Porr, Speech-Langauge Pathologist

Ms. Yohn, Lunchroom Assistant

Ms. Ready, Vocal Music Teacher

Grade Level Teams

Pre-Kindergarten: Ms. Adams

Kindergarten: Ms. Bowen, Ms. Curlett, Ms. Helmick, Ms. Mitchell

Grade 1: Ms. Bareford, Ms. Coyne, Ms. Eisenbeiser, Ms. Lago

Grade 2: Ms. Daniel, Ms. Hoey, Ms. Hudspeth, Ms. Malcolm, Ms. Wimmer

Grade 3: Ms. Alexander, Ms. Borghans, Ms. Fiorelli, Ms. Krome, Ms. Yi

Grade 4: Ms. Allen, Ms. McKenzie, Ms. Raab, Ms. Shanabarger, Ms. Showman, Ms. Spencer

Grade 5: Ms. Brouillette, Ms. Heser, Mr. Koontz, Mr. Litzau, Ms. Martínez, Ms. Zarrelli

August 2026

August 15th: Teacher Assignments available in the Home Access Center

(See Home Access Center information below to set up your account)

August 20th: LSE PTA Kindergarten Meet & Greet @ 5:30p.m. on the Playground

August 26th: Back To School Night for Grades Pre-K-2 @ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Grades 3-5 @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

August 27th: *NEW* Sensory-Friendly Open House @ 1:15 p.m.: RSVP required. *see below

Open House/Meet Your Teacher @ 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Popsicles with the Principals @ 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

August 31st: First Day of School for all students. Doors open at 8:05 a.m.

September 2026

September 7th: Schools & Offices Closed--Labor Day

September 11th: LSE PTA Ice Cream Social on Playground Blacktop @ 6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m.

September 17th: PTA Meeting @ 6:00p.m.

September 19th: *RAIN DATE* LSE PTA Ice Cream Social

September 17th: LSE PTA General Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.

September 25th: DARE Officers visit with 4th & 5th grade classes

PTA Fall Events

October 8th: Fun Run

November 18th: PTA Meeting @ 6:00pm

For a complete list of early dismissals, holidays and school closures, please use link below:

CCPS 2026-2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Carroll County Public Schools recognizes the relationship between good attendance and academic achievement. All students are expected to maintain a regular, daily attendance rate of at least 96 percent. When students are absent, arrive late, or leave school before the scheduled dismissal time, their parents are requested to provide an explanation to the school via a written note, fax, e-mail, or phone call. A parent/legal guardian must provide an explanation of the absence within 5 school days of the student’s return to school or the absence will be coded as unlawful.

Tardiness is treated in a similar manner as lawful or unlawful absences as it can be a serious disruption to a student’s educational progress. Student attendance requirements are described in the Annotated Code of Maryland and Code of Maryland Regulations. These absences are considered lawful and therefore excused with a parent explanation of the absence:

• Death in the immediate family

• Illness of the child

• Court summons

• Observance of a religious holiday

• Suspension.

If your child is absent, please send an email to the school at LSEattendance@carrollk12.org or send a note with your child upon their return to school. The note/email should contain the dates of the absence, reason for the absence, the student’s name and the teacher’s name. If a reason for the absence is not provided, the absence will remain unverified.

It is strongly recommended that parents plan vacations for times when school is not in regular session. It is recognized, however, that occasionally students are absent for necessary or important family activities.

When this occurs, an excused absence may be requested in advance, through the school principal. Advanced requests may be sent to LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org or GlenMessier@carrollk12.org. Even though the absence may be excused, students are required to make up work missed during that time. It must be kept in mind that grades may be affected if students fail to follow through with make-up work. Some school work missed, such as class participation or laboratory experiments, does not lend itself to make-up. Missing such assignments may also affect a student’s grade. Doctor’s notes may be required for absences when excessive or unlawful absences occur.

We highly encourage our students to ride the bus! School buses continue to be the easiest and safest mode of transporting students and our bus drivers are the very best!

Please find and confirm your bus number, bus stop, and times below: Infofinder i

Elementary Transportation Form

All primary guardians received an email from CCPS asking you to verify and/or provide transportation for your elementary aged students. You will receive an email for each child in elementary school. You will need to respond separately to each email. You will be able to view bus routes for bus number and stop description both on the CCPS website and Infofinder i. Links to both will be provided in the county email. It is extremely important that you watch for the email(s) and respond promptly so that we have accurate arrival and dismissal information on each child before the start of the school year. All forms must be submitted by midnight on August 2nd. Getting your child to and from school is an absolute safety priority for our school’s staff, so having accurate information is critical. If you have difficulty, please contact the school office. Thank you for helping us ensure smooth transportation for all children.

Please remember that the first few days, buses may be late or early as the bus drivers become accustomed to the route times, and we establish our dismissal procedures. All students will be picked up at a designated bus stop provided by the Transportation Department.

School bus policy allows each student one AM bus stop and one PM bus stop. Video/audio cameras are placed on school buses to protect students and staff. They provide for and encourage a safe and orderly environment. The privacy of students and the recordings are kept secure and are reviewed only by authorized CCPS personnel.

If you plan to transport your student as a car rider,

please read carefully and follow all instructions.

Each family that indicates car rider on the CCPS transportation form will receive an LSE sign with your student(s) name(s). This sign must be displayed during pick-up in the afternoon.

MORNING DROP OFF & AFTERNOON PICK-UP PROCEDURES

• Morning drop off runs from 8:05 AM - 8:30 AM
• Afternoon dismissal begins at 3:05 PM
• GO SLOW on the LSE Campus!
• All car riders will receive an LSE sign with your child's last name.
• When picking up a child as a car rider, please have your car rider sign visible in your window or dash.
• Please follow the car rider traffic flow (see below) and be patient, the safety of our students is our first priority.
• School staff will be present during arrival to welcome students. Staff will enter the school at 8:30AM to prepare for the start of the day at 8:35AM. If staff are not present, please park and accompany your child into school.
• In an effort to keep the line moving, parents are asked to remain in their vehicles and allow children to get out of the cars independently using the door on the school building side of the vehicle.
• Please follow the directions of those assisting with the flow of traffic on campus.
  
• Buses ALWAYS have the right of way on campus.

Thank you for your support in ensuring the best interests of our students’ safety.

Homeroom classes are carefully developed and balanced through a lengthy process that begins before the conclusion of the previous school year and continues throughout the summer. Multiple factors are considered to create equitable learning environments for all students, and teachers prepare extensively for the students assigned to their classes.

We recognize that the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty for many students and families. While joining a new group of classmates can sometimes feel challenging at first, it also provides valuable opportunities to build new friendships, strengthen social skills, and develop connections with peers they may not otherwise have the chance to know.

To preserve the integrity of this process, homeroom assignments are final once they have been communicated to families on August 15, 2026. No classroom placement changes will be made during the first semester, which ends on January 22, 2027.

Questions/Concerns:

1. Please contact your child's classroom teacher via phone or email.

2. If your question/concern cannot be resolved by contacting your child's teacher, please contact school administration via phone or email.

For all general inquiries, please email LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org.

Missed a call from school?

Staff will always leave a voicemail when attempting to contact you. Please listen to the message before returning the missed call. Please regularly check to make sure your voicemail box is not full.

School Messenger

CCPS and LSE communicate with families through the School Messenger platform. Parent/Guardian emails and phone numbers assigned to a student will receive email blasts. If you are not receiving any emails, please contact the school's office staff.

Please be patient with us as we safely navigate arrival and dismissal the first week of school.

For the safety of our students and staff, we kindly ask:

• Students choose one of the following options only, Bus Rider, Car Rider, or on-site/van Daycare ONLY.
• Please DO NOT drop or pick up a student AT THE FRONT OFFICE unless arranged by the nurse or an emergency situation.
• Please avoid late arrivals and early pickups as much as possible to minimize classroom disruptions.

Late Arrivals

Students arriving late must be brought to the front office by a parent and signed in for the day. They will be marked tardy for that day.

Early Dismissals

• Parents must sign any child out as an early dismissal by 2:50 p.m., in order to avoid our bus and parent pick up traffic.
• Any student picked up before 3:05 p.m. will be marked tardy.
• Dismissal notice must be provided to the front office by 1:00 p.m. on the day of dismissal by written note OR email to LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org.
• REMINDER: Photo ID is required to sign out your child. If someone other than parent/guardian is picking up your child, written permission in the form of a note or LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org email is required before we are able to release that student.

* PLEASE APPLY FOR MEAL BENEFITS

Eligible households should still apply for meal benefits at www.myschoolapps.com. One application can be completed for the entire household when all members are listed. Parents may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. Eligibility for meal benefits may help families receive additional resources such as free internet service, field trip fee waivers, and P-EBT benefits so it is important to still apply if you meet eligibility guidelines.

Meal benefits from the 2025 - 2026 school year will expire on October 13, 2026.

* MEAL PRICES for 2026 - 2027

Breakfast: $1.50

Lunch: $2.50

* BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SERVICE

A variety of breakfast and lunch choices are available daily for your child to enjoy. If you believe your family qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals, applications can be submitted online at: www.myschoolapps.com

* MEAL CHARGE POLICY

In the event that a student forgets their money or does not have any money remaining on their account, Carroll County Public Schools will allow each student to charge breakfasts and lunches. Parent/Guardians will be notified of these charges. A charity account exists to help reduce unpaid

meal debt for households with excessive charges. Students must have cash or money on their account to purchase a second meal (breakfast or lunch) or any a la carte items as these cannot be charged.

* WELLNESS POLICY

CCPS is committed to promoting student wellness and assuring that our school meals meet federal nutrition standards. Visit our website www.carrollk12.org to learn more about our policy and triennial assessment.

* SMART SNACKS IN SCHOOLS

CCPS offers a variety of a la carte items for purchase in the cafeterias. Our a la carte food and beverage items meet the nutritional standards of the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations. Each student has a cafeteria account that they can access with an assigned PIN. To place money on account visit www.myschoolbucks.com or send cash or personal checks made out to your school with your child.

* DONATE

Donations are always welcome to supplement our charge assistance program for those students in need. Contact Food Services at 410-751-3040 to donate or mail checks to:

CCPS Food Services

125 North Court Street

Westminster, MD 21157

In memo line, please write “Charge Assistance Donation”

* DIGITAL MENUS

Interactive menus and nutritional information are available online! Visit: https://carrollk12.nutrislice.com or download the Nutrislice app for your iOS or Android device.

* Meal Account and PIN Information

What is my child’s PIN?

Every student who goes through our cafeteria line will use a unique five-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access his or her account. Parents have the option to add any denomination to the account for the purchase of meals and snack items. It is a convenient way to ensure that money is not lost or forgotten during the hectic morning rush. Parents can find their child’s PIN in the CCPS Home Access Center (HAC). Once you sign on, the Cafeteria PIN will be located in the emergency section. Please help your child remember their number. It makes the line move faster and ensures that everyone has plenty of time to enjoy their meal. If they do happen to forget the number, the cashier will be able to find it for them.

How do I put money on the account?

• Visit www.myschoolbucks.com and set up an account.

• You will be able to add any value to the cafeteria account with a credit card or electronic check.
• There is a service provider fee for credit card/electronic check transactions when using MySchoolBucks.
• Free Method Option: Send in cash or a check to your child’s school cafeteria. The cafeteria manager will add it to the account. Checks made payable to your child’s school.
• The money added to the account using either method can be used to purchase meals AND snack items.

Can I monitor what my child is purchasing?

• Visit www.myschoolbucks.com. Account set up is free. Once you complete the simple registration process, you can set up low balance alerts and monitor purchases made in the cafeteria. You are only charged a transaction fee from MySchoolBucks if you use the account to deposit funds.

What happens if I forget to add money on my child’s account?

• If your child does not have cash or money on account, they will be able to charge meals (breakfast and lunch), but NOT snack items. Parent/Guardians will be emailed when a meal is charged so they can repay.

What happens to my account at the end of the school year?

• Money that remains on your child’s account will carry over from year to year. The account will also automatically transfer to any Carroll County Public School.
• If your child graduates or no longer attends a CCPS school, use this link to let us know if you would like the account balance transferred to a sibling, donated, or refunded. https://forms.office.com/r/ieipsp12AQ
• BE SURE TO TURN OFF THE AUTO PAY/REPLENISH FEATURE BEFORE REQUESTING A REFUND

Is my child’s MySchoolBucks account balance automatically transferred from other

school districts/counties?

• Unfortunately, no. You must request a refund from the previous school district/county. You will also need to change the district to Carroll County in your MySchoolBucks account.

Teacher assignments will be available August 15th, in the Home Access Center.

We encourage EVERY parent to set up and access their student's HOME ACCESS CENTER account.

You will use the Home Access Center to:

• Find your student's teacher (assignments available August 15, 2026)
• Find your student's email address and password (can be found on the Registration Tab of the Home Access Center)
• Access your student's assignments and grades in 3rd - 5th grades only
• Verify your students Attendance reports - any discrepancies can be emailed to LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org.

Home Access Center:

https://mystudent.carrollk12.org/HomeAccess

For more information about Home Access Center please refer to this User Guide & FAQ document: Guides-2.pdf (finalsite.net)

All families are welcome to join us for our Open House on Thursday, August 27th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. During this time, students are encouraged to meet their new teachers, check out their new classrooms, and drop off their school supplies! Families are welcome to visit all instructional spaces, including our common meeting areas (e.g., cafeteria, gym, media center).

Please plan to join us on the blacktop and playground area starting at 2:45 for Popsicles with the Principals. In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made to identify an alternative location to receive a free popsicle.

Our sensory-friendly open house event is designed for students who may benefit from a quieter, less crowded, and more predictable environment due to sensory, developmental, behavioral, anxiety-related, or other disability-related needs.

The sensory-friendly session will offer a modified experience and is intended for students who would benefit from specific accommodations. Families who do not require these supports are encouraged to attend the general open house.

This event will begin at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th. RSVPs are required for families planning to attend this event. Please complete the following brief survey to support our planning of this event. RSVPs must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 21, 2026.

LSE's Sensory Friendly Open House – Fill out form

Kindergarten Parents:

All immunizations and medical forms (Physical Health Assessment, Dental and Lead certificate) are now due. If your student is missing forms, Ms. Twigg will be in contact.

Extra Clothes:

All students should have an extra change of clothes (seasonally appropriate) in their locker/book bag at school. There is a limited supply of clean clothes in the health room and most children feel more comfortable in clothes from home. Accidents and spills occur frequently, requiring a change of clothes.

Medications:

Medication for use during the 2026-27 school year can be dropped at the school on the following days:

Monday, August 24th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 25th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and

Friday, August 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

CCPS Medication Form:

All medications (prescription and over the counter-including Tylenol and ibuprofen) must have a doctor's order and parent permission to be administered at school. A CCPS Medication Form needs to be signed by the doctor and the parent for the student to be given the medication school.

Students are not permitted to transport medication to or from school. Any student that transports medication to school is in violation of the CCPS Drug and Alcohol policy.

The following are the ONLY Medications that DO NOT require doctor's orders:

• Non-medicated cough drops (Ludens or any cough drops that contain Pectin only-if the cough drops indicate a limit per day, they will need a doctor's order)
• Sunscreen
• Non-Medicated Lip Balm
• Saline Nasal Spray
• Glucose Tabs
• Individually-Sized Waterless Hand Sanitizer
• Salt Tabs
• Hand Creams/Lotions

Starting in mid-August, the primary parent for each registered student will receive a series of parent permission forms to complete. Each form has a specific timeline, so please read each email carefully for important information.

The following forms will need to be reviewed and submitted at the start of each school year:

1) Health Education Permission Form: In accordance with the revised MSDE Health Education Framework, parents of students in grades Pre-K through 4 have the option to opt their child out of this unit. If no response is received, your child will automatically take part in the Family Life and Human Sexuality Unit in the Health Education class. For 5th grade students, parents may choose between two instructional frameworks for the Family Life and Human Sexuality unit, or they may opt their child out entirely. If no response is received, your child will automatically take part in the Maryland State Department of Education Family Life and Human Sexuality unit in the Health Education class.

2) Parent Permission Form: Every year parents are given the opportunity to opt their student(s) in/out of certain information sharing processes and data collection initiatives. Parents are able to give, or not give, permission for the following items at the elementary level:

• Ability to opt out of receiving secure (encrypted) emails.

• Permission for participation in instructional tools.

3) Student Laptop Agreement Form: Parents of students in grades 3rd through 12th are required to sign a new Student Laptop Agreement every school year.

Didn't receive the email? Can't access the form?

Paper copies of each form are available in the main office.

We recognize and respect that whether or not a student has a personally owned portable electronic device is a family decision. Students are not required or expected to bring their own device to school. Students may bring their personally owned devices to schools, as long as they abide by these regulations. Student misuse of his or her device shall result in disciplinary action. Families are expected to work collaboratively with school staff to support the implementation of these regulations. Parents who need to make emergency contact with their child during the school day shall contact the school’s main office.

Students in Elementary School

1. Devices must be silenced and stored (out of sight) upon entry to the school until exit from the school. It is highly recommended that elementary students do not bring personally owned portable electronic devices to school or on the school bus.

2. No portable electronic device shall be used to record, store, or transmit any type of image, sound, or video except for approved instructional activities utilizing CCPS-provided devices with the express permission of school staff.

3. The audible notification sounds and volume of personally owned portable electronic devices shall be silenced or directed through headphones on school buses. It is highly recommended that elementary students do not bring personally owned portable electronic devices to school or on the school bus.

4. Disciplinary action, as outlined in the Carroll County Public Schools student services manual, shall be taken when a student fails to follow the directions of a staff member regarding portable electronic devices or if a preponderance of evidence exists that the student has violated the terms of the acceptable use procedures and guidelines or other school policy.

• Our school day hours are from 8:35 AM - 3:05 PM daily.
• Any student arriving at or after 8:35 AM must be accompanied by a parent and report to the office to sign in.
• Parent drop off ends at 8:30 AM. If arriving after that time, please park in a marked parking space and accompany your child to the building.

Early Dismissal Days

On county-wide early dismissal days (2 hours, 45 minutes early), dismissal will begin at 12:20 p.m.

Lunch and Recess Schedules

10:35 - 11:05 Pre-K and Kindergarten Lunch; 1st Grade Recess

11:05 - 11:35 1st Grade Lunch; Pre-K and Kindergarten Recess

11:35 - 12:05 2nd Grade Lunch; 3rd Grade Recess

12:05 - 12:35 3rd Grade Lunch; 2nd Grade Recess

12:35 - 1:05 4th Grade Lunch; 5th Grade Recess

1:05 - 1:35 5th Grade Lunch; 4th Grade Recess

Related Arts Schedules

8:35 - 9:35 5th Grade

9:35 - 10:35 3rd Grade

10:35 - 11:35 4th Grade

12:05 - 1:05 1st Grade

1:05 - 2:05 Kindergarten

2:05 - 3:05 2nd Grade

Lunch Visits with Parents/Guardians

To support students in establishing routines and adjusting to the school year, lunch visitors will not be permitted until October 1.

Beginning October 1, parents and guardians are welcome to join their student for lunch during the student's assigned lunch period. A designated table is available for families dining together.

To ensure a safe and orderly lunch environment, please note the following expectations:

• Lunch visitors are limited to parents and legal guardians unless prior approval has been granted.
• Grandparents and other adult family members may join a student for lunch only with written permission from the student's parent or guardian submitted in advance.
• Siblings may not join parents/guardians during lunch visits.
• Balloons, party favors, decorations, or similar celebratory items may not be brought onto campus.
• Food and beverages brought for lunch may not be shared with students who are not immediate family members.
• If a parent/guardian would like another student to join their family for lunch, written permission must be submitted to LSEAttendance@carrollk12.org in advance and approved by the school.

• For the safety and supervision of all students, visitors may not accompany students to recess and must check out through the front office at the conclusion of the lunch period.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable lunch environment for all students.

Visitation Procedures

Below are the guidelines to follow regarding visitors in the building:

• Visitors will ring the main entrance buzzer.
• Visitors will be asked to give their name and purpose for visiting. Pre-scheduled appointments will be verified.
• Visitors will be asked to report to the office to sign in.
• Visitors will be asked to provide photo identification.
• Visitors will be issued a visitor’s badge. The visitor's badge must be worn and visible for the duration of the school visit. Please do not visit undesignated areas in the building.
• Prior to leaving the building, visitors must sign out in the office.

Volunteer Training

• You must complete volunteer training EVERY school year if you plan on attending field trips, working with students in classrooms, or helping with any school activity.
• Volunteer training is completed online. Please go to Volunteer Program - Carroll County Public School District (carrollk12.org) to complete your training.
• Complete your training early to allow for sufficient time for approval. If you are not approved in the system, you will not be able to volunteer.

Permission to Photograph, Videotape, or Audiotape

Throughout the school year, the Carroll County Public School System frequently covers school activities and may use your child’s photograph, video image, or voice for educational, informational, or public relations purposes, with or without identification by name.

If you do not wish to have your child’s voice reproduced on tape or to have his/her image appear in such things as a video or a photograph, or on the school or school system website or social media, please notify the school principal in writing. It is assumed that parents and guardians consent to their children being audiotaped, photographed, videotaped, or having their image placed on a school website or social media by the school system, unless such notification is received.

There are also occasions when the media cover certain school events (such as when a government leader visits a school). If you do not wish to have your child’s name or likeness published by the media, you should address your concerns directly to the school involved so that the media is so advised. Please be advised that the school system has no control over the media when they are covering activities such as sporting events and musical programs that are open to the public.

Use of Student Work on Websites or in Publications

There may be times throughout the year when the Carroll County Public School System wishes to display student work on school websites, social media, or in publications. If you do not wish to have your child’s art, poetry, writing, etc. appear on school websites, social media, or in publications, please notify the school principal in writing. It is assumed that parents and guardians consent to their child’s work being displayed on school websites, social media, or in publications unless such notification is received.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Board of Education of Carroll County does not engage in discrimination that is unlawful or contrary to Maryland State Department of Education guidance on the basis of age, color, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, ancestry or national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The Board of Education of Carroll County is firmly committed to creating equal employment and educational opportunities for all persons by providing an environment that supports optimal academic achievement and productive work and is free from any form of unlawful discrimination, including access to school facilities, educational programs, and extracurricular activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Human Resources, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157, (410) 751-3070.

NOTICE OF ASBESTOS

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) management plans for all buildings owned or leased by the Board of Education of Carroll County are available for review at the individual Carroll County school locations and at Office of Plant Operations, located at 191 Schaeffer Avenue, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Management plans are required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and depict the location, amount, condition, and response action projected for any asbestos-containing materials, if any are located in the school building.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

It is the policy of the Board of Education of Carroll County that all schools are required to have a moment of silence or meditation for approximately one minute each school day. During this moment of silence, the Carroll County Public Schools shall neither advance nor inhibit silent religious activity. Following the pledge of allegiance to the flag and before the completion of the opening exercise, all students will observe approximately one minute of silence, before continuing with the day’s activities. In exercising his or her individual choice, each person may meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity which does not interfere with, distract, or impede others in the like exercise of their individual choice. The following is a list of inappropriate activities: (1) talking or any audible sounds, and (2) gesturing, using sign language, or writing notes for the purpose of person to person communication. Administrators shall enact appropriate administrative procedures in the event that individuals do not follow the established policy.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services, programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Communications Office at 410-751-3020 or publicinfo@carrollk12.org, or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed.

Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities Management, (410) 751-3177, or the Communications Officer, (410) 751-3020, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157.