Focus on FCPS March 6, 2025

During Read Across America Week, Evendale Elementary School students were treated to a special visit from Dr. Hummer. His reading of "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" brought the story to life. It was a true highlight of the week's literary celebrations.

The latest FCPS Spotlight features Instructional Technology Coach Chad Fisher and students from James Wood High School sharing their experiences with participating in esports. They discuss how esports is different from traditional athletic endeavors but offers students many of the same benefits, including a way to build community with other students as well as critical life skills like communication and collaboration.

Millbrook High School AP/DE Government students engaged in a popular project where they researched a U.S. Bureaucracy department or agency. They created presentations that included display boards, public-facing handouts, relevant artifacts, and interactive elements. Working in pairs, students alternated presenting and visiting other displays. This project helped students focus on collaboration and developing skills in organization, oral presentation, critical thinking, and creativity.

Recently, the Stonewall Wildcats and the Redbud Rockets competed in the annual staff volleyball game. Cheering from the crowd could be heard for miles! Congratulations to the Redbud Rockets on their win over the Stonewall Wildcats!

Criminal Justice II students from Dowell J. Howard Center recently visited the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC). The insightful policy discussions that students shared during their presentation to the NRADC Superintendent and his team inspired real change within the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center (NRADC). The ability of high school students to drive change in real-world policy is nothing short of remarkable.

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year will be held March 3-28. Families with children who will enter kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year must contact the registrar at the school the child will attend to make an appointment to register their student. All registrations will be done online and will not be complete until all necessary documents have been uploaded. Detailed information on the registration process, who to contact at each elementary school to schedule a kindergarten registration appointment and what documents are required is available on the FCPS website. Learn more about kindergarten registration.

Preliminary applications for the 2025-26 FCPS preschool program are now being accepted from the families of eligible students residing in the Apple Pie Ridge, Evendale, Gainesboro, Indian Hollow, Jordan Springs, Middletown, Redbud Run and Stonewall elementary school attendance zones. More information on the preschool program as well as links to the English and Spanish application forms are available on the website. For questions regarding the registration process, contact Early Childhood Supervisor Angie White at 540-662-3888. Learn more about pre-k registration.

Martin’s has selected Bright Futures as the recipient of its Round Up Campaign. When you round up your purchase at Martin’s now through March 31, your donation will help Bright Futures provide weekend food packs for students with food insecurity at Winchester City and Frederick County public schools.

Join us for a special celebration commemorating the 75th Anniversary of James Wood High School on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 161 Apple Pie Ridge Road, Winchester, VA 22603.

The celebration will begin with a formal program at 2 p.m. in the Washington Theatre, featuring performances by the JWHS Alumni Choir, led by current and former choir directors. From 3-6 p.m., an open house will be held, showcasing captivating decade-by-decade exhibits that highlight the rich history of JWHS. Discover fascinating artifacts, relive cherished memories, and hear firsthand accounts from alumni who witnessed each era unfold. Take this opportunity to explore the stunningly renovated campus and reconnect with fellow Colonels.

We encourage all alumni and the community to save the date for this momentous occasion. You can share your stories by contributing your memories, photos, and memorabilia to the historical exhibits, and volunteer your time and talents to help make this celebration a resounding success. To receive event updates, volunteer, or share your memorabilia, please complete the 75th Anniversary Contact Form.

Let's come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of James Wood High School and the generations of Colonels who have made it a cornerstone of our community.

Learn more about the selection of and access to library materials.

Take a moment to view the March Parent Resource Center newsletter. The Parent Resource Center provides information and support to parents of children with disabilities as they work with school staff to identify and meet their child's unique needs. Contact Joy Kirk at kirkj@fcpsk12.net for additional information.

Do you know a teacher or staff member who goes above and beyond? Each month, the School Board honors outstanding contributions to our schools. Help us highlight their dedication by submitting a nomination for recognition at an upcoming meeting. Your nomination can shine a light on their impactful work! Submit your nomination.

Eligible families are encouraged to apply for the free or reduced priced meals program for the 2024-25 school year. Under the program, eligible students can receive both school breakfast and lunch for free or a reduced price each school day. Access the online application.

Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), students at the schools listed below can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Please note that if your student attends any of the schools listed below, you should not complete an application for free or reduced price meals.

• Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School

• Evendale Elementary School

• Indian Hollow Elementary School

• Middletown Elementary School

• Redbud Run Elementary School

• Stonewall Elementary School

• James Wood Middle School

• Dowell J. Howard Center

• NREP

On Saturday, March 1, Frederick County Public Schools held its sixth annual FCPS Licensed

Educator Job Fair at Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The fair, organized by Frederick County's

Human Resources Department, was incredibly successful, with 38 FCPS administrators in

attendance to interview the 39 candidates who registered to interview for licensed teaching

positions with FCPS. Frederick County Public Schools continues to invite those interested in applying for any open position, or have interest in obtaining full licensure to teach our amazing students, to reach out to the HR Supervisor for Recruitment and Retention, Rachel Rinker, at rinkerr@fcpsk12.net.

Join us on Thursday, March 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. for our next stop on the 2024-25 Community Conversations with the Superintendent tour. This event will be held at the Bowman Library, 871 Tasker Road, Stephens City, VA. This session will focus on keeping our kids safe. Community Conversations provide an opportunity for you to share thoughts and feedback directly with Dr. Hummer. We hope to see you there!

Check out the new FCPS Virtual Welcome Center. The Virtual Welcome Center provides resources on a variety of topics to help families navigate their student’s educational journey.

Join us on Thursday, March 20 from 5-6 p.m. for our next session in the FCPS Family Information Series. The session will be held at the School Board Office, 1415 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA, in the Boardroom. Get information on:

• Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration

• Transitions and school readiness skills

Children are welcome to attend and create a coloring book! For more information, contact Liesl Baldwin, baldwinl@fcpsk12.net.

Do you have family members or friends who would be interested in receiving the Focus on FCPS newsletter? If so, they can subscribe here.

National Music In Our Schools Month, observed in March, raises awareness of the importance of music education for all students and underscores the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of music education, encouraging continued support for music programs in schools.

Below Image: Students from Sherando High School recently participated in the District XIV Honor Chorus. They worked with amazing guest conductors and made music alongside choral students from area high schools.

Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. - School Board Meeting