FCPS Community Bulletin Board
Next week is National Character Counts Week, an amazing opportunity to reflect on the values that make our schools and communities stronger. In Frederick County Public Schools, we know that character is demonstrated not only through big gestures, but also through the everyday acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Across our district, we see these values in action every day.
Just a few weeks ago, dozens of volunteers gave their time to support our students at the county fair. Their willingness to step up and serve helped create positive experiences for our students and demonstrated the power of a community coming together for a common purpose.
We also recently saw a remarkable example of kindness highlighted in an online post from the Thurmont Police Department. A longtime school crossing guard, who has served students for 37 years, went above and beyond to help a student obtain a safe bicycle. This thoughtful act reminds us that the relationships we build with students can have an impact that extends far beyond the school day.
We see character in the everyday moments, too. Our bus drivers greet students with a smile each morning, helping set a positive tone for the day. Our teachers, instructional assistants, cafeteria teams, custodians, office professionals, and countless other employees find ways to support students and colleagues, often in ways that go unnoticed. These small but meaningful acts communicate something powerful: Every student matters, and every act of kindness counts.
As we celebrate National Character Counts Week, I encourage each of us to look for opportunities to practice kindness, serve others, and recognize the good we see around us.
One meaningful way to recognize these values is through our FCPS 5-Star Service Award program. Every day, FCPS employees go above and beyond to support our students, families, and one another. Families and community members are encouraged to nominate employees whose actions reflect our shared commitment to excellence through outstanding service, collaboration, innovation, and dedication to student success.
To learn more about the FCPS awards program and submit a nomination, please visit FCPS Award Programs.
Thank you to everyone who helps make FCPS a place where kindness is practiced, service is valued, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you,
Dr. Dyson
The Conference will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2027, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Frederick High School (snow date: January 23, 2027).
This annual event provides students with an exciting opportunity to engage in collaborative problem-solving, develop leadership and public speaking skills, and explore global issues. Please share this opportunity through school communication channels and encourage students to participate. More information can be found here.
Registration opens October 10, and the regular registration window runs from October 12 – November 20, 2026.
The Frederick County Bar Association, in partnership with FCPS, will be sponsoring the annual Civics & Law Academy on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Frederick High School. This important partnership provides students with learning experiences with local professionals in the legal field. This is the first year that registration is open to grade 8 students. Please share this opportunity through school communication channels and encourage students to participate. More information can be found here. Registration closes October 30, 2026.
Frederick County Public Schools Office of World Languages is excited to announce testing for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, a recognition for students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. This test will be administered to students in grades 9-12 in December at each high school.
The Seal of Biliteracy celebrates the invaluable skill of being multilingual and provides students with tangible benefits as they transition into college, careers, and global opportunities. This prestigious distinction is awarded upon high school graduation and appears on the student’s diploma and transcript, showcasing their achievement to colleges and future employers.
Who should pursue the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy?
Students in grades 9-12 who are:
Fluent in Two or More Languages:
Those who are proficient in English and another language, including students who speak a language other than English at home.
Students who have taken formal language courses in school or through community programs.
Heritage Language Learners:
Students who have grown up speaking another language at home and are looking to formalize and showcase their bilingual abilities.
World Language Students:
Students who have studied a second language and have successfully completed level 3 or above.
Students Planning for College and Careers:
Those who want to enhance their college applications and stand out to future employers with certified multilingual skills.
Students Interested in Cultural Recognition:
Those who value the cultural and personal importance of multilingualism and want to celebrate their heritage or language-learning accomplishments.
Eligibility Requirements
To earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet the following criteria:
Proficiency in English: Demonstrated through a passing score on the English Language Arts portion of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) or an equivalent standardized assessment. Qualifying English assessments can be found here.
Proficiency in a Second Language: Achieved through a qualifying score on an approved language proficiency assessment. FCPS will utilize Avant Stamp 4s to test students. You can find more information about this assessment at : https://www.avantassessment.com/tests/stamp/4s
Why Pursue the Seal of Biliteracy?
College Readiness: Stand out in college applications by showcasing advanced language skills.
Career Advantages: Gain a competitive edge in the job market, where bilingual skills are increasingly in demand.
Cultural Appreciation: Celebrate your child’s dedication to cultural diversity and multilingualism.
Any students in grade 9-12 who are interested in qualifying for the world language component through the Avant Assessment should complete this Mach Form by November 15th. Assessments will be administered at each of the respective high schools in December. There will be no cost to test in the 2026-2027 school year. If your child is enrolled in a World Language course in FCPS level 4 or higher, students will take this assessment in the language of study as a part of their coursework and do not need to sign up to test in that language using this form.
If you are a student or a parent who is interested in having their child take part in testing for the Seal of Biliteracy, please fill out this form.
We will have more information about payment and the testing closer to the date.
An informational session will be held virtually at 6:00pm on Thursday October 22nd, 2026. The link to the meeting can be found here.
Local Superintendents are encouraged to inform parents as they complete Emergency Contact Forms to also consider completing Standby Guardianship forms. Standby Guardianship offers a parent or guardian the ability to nominate another person, called a standby guardian, to take care of their children in the event of mental incapacitation, physical debilitation, or an adverse immigration action. Completing the Parental Designation and Consent to the Beginning of Standby Guardianship is a first step for parents in taking actions to protect their children.
Information on Immigration can be found on the MSDE website at here. However, Standby Guardianship is an important, protective option for all parents to consider.
For further assistance, please contact Mary Gable, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Student Support and Federal Programs, by email at mary.gable@maryland.gov.
