Focus on FCPS February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Dear FCPS Families,

We are very excited about our progress with the development of our new strategic plan. We had over 4,800 responses to our survey and we are so thankful for your feedback as it is an integral part in the creation of our new plan. Subsequently, the input of our families, students, staff and community members is critical to ensuring we are doing our absolute best for our students. We will continue to keep you all informed as we navigate this process and please continue to reach out with any feedback or input as we move forward.

In addition, we are in the midst of the creation of our FY26 budget. I have presented my needs-based FY26 budget to the School Board and the community, and we will continue to have conversations through our Finance/Budget Committee Meetings, School Board Work Sessions, Town Halls, and Joint Work Sessions with our Board of Supervisors. All of these meeting dates and times, as well as other budget information is available on the Budget page of our website. The meetings are open to the public so please feel free to attend in person or virtually. Your feedback and input is essential to the development of our budget so please let us know of any questions or feedback.

On another note, it does look like we have some more winter weather in the forecast. We know delays and closures are challenging for families, but please know that we take this decision very seriously and the issue at the forefront is always the safety of our students and staff. We appreciate your patience as we navigate the weather this season. Additionally, we are working through a plan to overcome our students missing so many highly valuable instructional days this year, and we will be sharing our plan at the next School Board Meeting on February 18.

As always, I thank you for your continued support as we work together to do what is best for all students!

Sincerely,

Dr. George Hummer

Superintendent of Schools

In honor of National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, we are spotlighting Eric Cusick, school counselor at Millbrook High School. In addition to being a school counselor, he is also the assistant football coach and assistant activities coordinator. Prior to serving at Millbrook, Mr. Cusick held a variety of positions in locations both in and outside of Frederick County, including Timber Ridge School, Daniel Morgan Middle School and Freedom High School. He has been a school counselor in both public schools (20 years) and private schools (7 years). He says, “There are three things I really enjoy about working in public education. The positive relationships that school counselors are able to build with students, families and the community. Working with students as they enter high school and supporting them through four years of working towards their goals and dreams. And, going to as many after school events as possible because learning happens out of the classroom too.” When asked about a quote that motivates him, he referred to something Colin Powell said, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” He has been married to his wife, Joy, for 23 years and has two sons, Julian (18) and Jude (15). He says they love the outdoors and so do their five cats and one dog. They decided to move to Winchester/Frederick 25 years ago and this has become their home. He said, “Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!”

Budget Town Hall Meetings

Dr. Hummer is holding three FCPS Budget Town Hall Meetings in February. This is an opportunity for parents, staff and members of the community to learn more about the proposed FY26 budget and to ask questions and offer feedback.

Tuesday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. at James Wood High School
Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Millbrook High School (This event will be live-streamed for those needing a virtual option)
Monday, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Sherando High School

Frederick County Public Schools Budget Town Hall Meetings With Dr. George Hummer, Superintendent of Schools Tuesday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. at James Wood High School Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Millbrook High School Monday, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Sherando High School

Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Nominations

Frederick County Public Schools is inviting the community, as well as all staff and students, to help nominate candidates for our Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year annual awards. These annual awards are the ultimate recognition and a distinct honor in rewarding excellence. Nominees and award winners from each category will be announced at the end of the school year and recognized as having the respect and admiration of students, parents, colleagues and the community.

Your input is greatly appreciated and we thank you for taking the time to help us recognize those individuals that dedicate themselves to the betterment of our community. Complete the all requested information for each candidate and submit the Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year Nomination Form by Friday, February 14.

Selection and Access to Library Materials

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

Selection Librarians select materials to keep the collection balanced and up to date. Materials are chosen based on reviews and previews by librarians. Weeding Books may be weeded out due to damage, low circulation, outdated content, or inaccurate information. Access Non-sexually Explicit Materials - Families can view library resources on the FCPS website through Destiny. Identified Sexually Explicit Materials - Searchable by grade, subject, type, and title/author on the FCPS website. Limited Access Identified Sexually Explicit Materials Families can request to limit their child's access to specific books or all identified materials. Upon receiving the request, the supervisor will update the student's record in Destiny and notify relevant staff, limiting the student's checkout privileges. Reconsideration Visit the FCPS website and look for the Policy Manual under About. View Regulation 304R-C, Instruction - Steps for Reconsideration of Educational Materials. Submit concerns in writing to the administrator. Meet with the administrator to discuss the request. A school review committee will evaluate the material's appropriateness. The committee will weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the material. The family can present their concerns to the committee. The committee will vote and recommend action.

Martin's Round Up Campaign for Bright Futures

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.

Student Assessment Summary Report FAQ

The Virginia Department of Education has provided an individualized report of your child's SOL testing history called the Student Assessment Summary Report. The report is available by accessing your student's Infinite Campus Backpack in the parent portal. FCPS has created this FAQ to help parents understand the significance of this report as well as access additional parent resources.

What is the Student Assessment Summary (SAS) Report? Each school year the Virginia Department of Education provides testing information to VVAAS (Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution). This information was used to create an individualized SAS Report. The Student Assessment Summary (SAS) Report is a compilation of your student’s SOL testing history. This report gives you an opportunity to easily identify trends and performance within your student’s testing history. Information about how your student’s scores compare to other students who took the same test in Virginia is also included in the report. How do I interpret the data in my student’s SAS Report? Line Graph—The line graph shows your student’s state percentile and how your student’s performance compares to other students in Virginia who took the same test. Chart—The chart shows your student’s state performance level for each completed test and the name of the SOL test. The performance level will show if your student received a passing or failing score. This snapshot of your student’s testing history will aid you in identifying areas of strengths for your student as well as areas to provide additional support. Does my student need SOL scores to meet graduation requirements? Virginia students must earn five verified credits to meet high school graduation requirements. You can read more about the graduation requirements by scanning the QR code. Where can I find additional information regarding the SAS Report? Several resources for families regarding the SAS Report can be accessed by scanning the QR code. Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS) Student Assessment Summary Report FAQ If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your student’s testing information, please reach out to the building administrator at your student’s school. www.FrederickCountySchoolsVA.net/ grad-requirements www.frederickcountyschoolsva.net/ vvaas-resources

¿Qué es el Informe llamado Resumen de las Evaluaciones del Estudiante (SAS por sus siglas en inglés)? Cada año escolar, el Departamento de Educación de Virginia proporciona información sobre evaluaciones a VVAAS (Solución de Visualización y Análisis de Virginia). Esta información fue utilizada para crear un informe SAS individualizado. El informe llamado Resumen de las Evaluaciones del Estudiante (SAS) es una compilación del historial de las evaluaciones SOL de su estudiante. Este informe le brinda la oportunidad de identificar fácilmente las tendencias y el desempeño de su estudiante dentro del historial de pruebas. En el informe también se incluye información sobre cómo se comparan los puntajes de su estudiante con los de otros estudiantes que tomaron el mismo examen en Virginia. ¿Cómo interpreto la información en el Informe SAS de mi estudiante? Gráfico de líneas—El gráfico de líneas muestra el percentil estatal de su estudiante y cómo el desempeño de su estudiante se compara con el de otros estudiantes de Virginia que tomaron la misma evaluación. Tabla—La tabla muestra el nivel de desempeño estatal de su estudiante para cada evaluación completada, y el nombre de la evaluación SOL. El nivel de desempeño indica si el estudiante recibió una calificación aprobatoria o reprobatoria. Este resumen del historial de evaluaciones de su estudiante lo ayudará a identificar las áreas de fortalezas de su estudiante, así como las áreas en las que se requiere apoyo adicional. ¿Mi estudiante necesita puntuaciones SOL para cumplir con los requisitos de graduación? Los estudiantes en Virginia necesitan obtener cinco créditos verificados para cumplir con los requisitos de graduación de la escuela secundaria. Puede leer más sobre los requisitos de graduación al escanear este código QR. ¿Dónde puedo obtener información adicional sobre el informe SAS? Puede acceder a diversos recursos para las familias sobre el informe SAS al escanear el código QR. Solución de Visualización y Análisis de Virginia (VVAAS por sus siglas en inglés) Preguntas Frecuentes sobre el Resumen de las Evaluaciones del Estudiante Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes adicionales sobre la información de las evaluaciones de su estudiante, por favor póngase en contacto con el administrador del edificio de la escuela de su estudiante. www.FrederickCountySchoolsVA.net/ grad-requirements www.frederickcountyschoolsva.net/ vvaas-resources

Abilities Awareness Day

Orchard View Elementary School recently celebrated Abilities Awareness Day! Students and staff engaged in hands-on stations to learn about the diverse abilities within their school community. This event immersed students in the challenges faced by individuals with various abilities through interactive stations. Students rotated through six stations simulating living with specific disabilities: vision impairment, physical/orthopedic impairment, learning disability, deaf/hard of hearing, communication disorders, and inclusivity. This engaging event fostered empathy, patience, and a deeper understanding of belonging.

Staff and students engaging in activity.

students and staff engaging in activities

Parent Resource Center Newsletter

Take a moment to view this month’s 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.

Literacy Begins at Home

From the moment your child is born, there are simple things you can do to help him or her become a good reader. This Reading Rockets Parent’s Guide helps parents build a child’s early reading skills at home, recognize signs of trouble, support the child as they enter school, understand options for extra support, and recognize when parents need to go outside the school for help.

Inclement Weather

As temperatures begin to drop, please remember to dress your students accordingly. We also wanted to take the opportunity to remind you about inclement weather procedures. When possible, the decision to delay or close will be made the night before. If that is not possible, a decision will be made in the morning prior to 6 a.m. and calls, emails, text messages and an app notification will be sent out through the Rapid Communication System. In addition, the message will be posted on Facebook, the division and all school websites, and various television and radio stations. Learn more about our procedures.

Adding layers will help keep you warm as the temperature drops Chilly 1-2 layers outer layer to keep out wind, rain long layer warm shoes water proof COLD 2-3 layers warm hat gloves outer layer to keep out wind, wet snow boots, water proof 1-2 layers EXTREME COLD 3+ layers 1 insulating warm hat face mask outer layer to keep out wind 2+ layers out layer to keep out wind boots water proof

School Meals

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

Edulog Parent Portal App

The Edulog Parent Bus Portal provides you with information on the GPS location of your child’s school bus and sends you a push notification when the bus is nearing your bus stop or other locations that you define – such as the school or neighborhood entrance. Learn more about the app.

Varsity Tutors - Free Programs for All FCPS Students

Through funding from the Virginia Department of Education, Frederick County Public Schools is pleased to offer free student support and enrichment all year long through Varsity Tutors. Over the summer months, students will be able to access programs by logging into their FCPS student Google account on a personal device. Detailed information about programs available is available on the Varsity Tutors website.

Let's Connect!

February Recognitions & Celebrations

National School Counseling Week

During National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, we recognize the invaluable contributions of our school counselors. They play a vital role in supporting students' academic, social and emotional well-being.

FBLA Week

During FBLA Week, February 9-15, we celebrate the achievements of Future Business Leaders of America and their dedication to developing essential business and leadership skills.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Throughout the month we will be sharing information on our FCPS Facebook page on black history’s impact on education in Frederick County.

National Career and Technical Education Month

February is National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. We shine a spotlight on the importance of CTE programs. These programs provide students with valuable skills and knowledge in a variety of fields, preparing them for successful careers in today's workforce.

School Board Appreciation Month

February is School Board Appreciation Month. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude to our dedicated School Board members. Their hard work and commitment ensure that our schools provide the best possible education for all students.

Dates to Remember

Thursday, February 6 at 4:30 p.m. - Finance Committee Budget Work Session
Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. - Personnel Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 6 at 6 p.m. - CIP Advisory Committee Meeting
Monday, February 10 at 4:30 p.m. - Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting
Monday, February 10 at 6 p.m. - Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. - Budget Town Hall Meeting at James Wood High School
Friday, February 14 - No School (Admin Offices and School Offices Closed)
Monday, February 17 - No School (Presidents Day) (Admin Offices and School Offices Closed)
Tuesday, February 18 at 5:30 p.m. - School Board Meeting

Focus on FCPS February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025 February 6, 2025

Budget Town Hall Meetings Budget Town Hall Meetings

Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Nominations Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Nominations

Selection and Access to Library Materials Selection and Access to Library Materials

Martin's Round Up Campaign for Bright Futures Martin's Round Up Campaign for Bright Futures

Student Assessment Summary Report FAQ Student Assessment Summary Report FAQ

Abilities Awareness Day Abilities Awareness Day

Parent Resource Center Newsletter Parent Resource Center Newsletter

Literacy Begins at Home Literacy Begins at Home

Inclement Weather Inclement Weather

School Meals School Meals

Edulog Parent Portal App Edulog Parent Portal App

Varsity Tutors - Free Programs for All FCPS Students Varsity Tutors - Free Programs for All FCPS Students

Let's Connect! Let's Connect!

February Recognitions & Celebrations February Recognitions & Celebrations