FCPS Community Bulletin Board
Thank you to everyone for helping make it such a wonderful start to the school year! Across Frederick County Public Schools, our families, teachers, and staff have come together to welcome students and begin another year of learning, growth, and connection.
If you are new to Frederick County Public Schools, welcome! Our FCPS Connect community e-newsletter is a great way to stay informed about everything from the school calendar to the exciting things happening throughout our district. FCPS Connect is published every other Thursday during the school year.
Speaking of new, we are especially excited to open two new school buildings this year. Linganore Creek Elementary School has opened its doors, providing a beautiful new learning environment for students while helping to address overcrowding on the east side of Frederick County. We are equally excited to welcome students to the new Yellow Springs Elementary School building—a wonderful new home for the Yellow Springs School community.
We are also pleased that the former Yellow Springs Elementary School building is now home to Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School, one of four public charter school options available to FCPS families.
As you settle into the school year, be sure to explore our Back-to-School Guide, which includes school lunch prices, school supply lists, important resources, and much more: https://app.smore.com/n/3ksqby-fcps-community-bulletin-board?ref=email
I also want to give a special shout-out to United Way of Frederick for its tremendous work supporting students through the annual Stuff the Bus campaign. More than 100 businesses, churches, neighborhoods, and organizations across Frederick County opened their doors as local supply collection sites. Together, these efforts provided school supplies to more than 4,200 children, ensuring they could begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Thank you to United Way and all of our community partners for the generosity, partnership, and support you bring to our schools each day.
I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead. Here’s to a fantastic school year!
Thank you,
Dr. Dyson
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!
Off and Away for a Focused School DayI
When Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) welcomes students back on Wednesday, August 19, an important change will take 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
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) 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.
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.
Attention students! Are you ready to take your career to the next level while still in high school? The Youth Apprenticeship Maryland Program is now accepting applications for exciting, PAID apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of industries, including healthcare, IT, construction, manufacturing, and more!
Through this program, you can gain real-world experience, earn a paycheck, and build valuable career connections while completing your high school education. Many apprentices transition into full-time positions or continue their education with industry-recognized credentials!
Postings Available for Students: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026
Interview Window: August 26 - September 3, 2026
Don't miss this chance to kick-start your career! For more information or to apply, visit the Youth Apprentice site at https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/fcpsyouthapprentice/current-openings-fall-2026 , or see your Work-Based Learning Coordinator or Career Coach TODAY!
Your future starts now—get involved in Youth Apprenticeship Maryland!
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.
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.
