
FCPS Community Bulletin Board

April 3, 2025
Superintendent’s Message
Let’s finish strong!
As we enter the fourth term, it’s hard to believe how quickly the school year has flown by! I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the hard work and progress we’ve seen so far.
Now, entering the final stretch—every effort counts as we finish this school year strong.
For our students, this is the time to maintain focus and push through those final challenges, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in extracurricular activities. No matter if you're preparing for exams, completing projects, or simply working toward your personal best, the end of this term is an opportunity to finish what you started with pride. Graduations are right around the corner, and for many of our students, this will be a time to celebrate hard-earned achievements. For those planning ahead, the Class of 2025 graduation schedule can be found online.
For our staff, thank you for the continued dedication to supporting and inspiring our students.
To our parents and guardians, we appreciate your continued support. Your involvement and encouragement are key to the success of our students, and we are grateful for your partnership in ensuring that our students shine.
During this time of year, we are excited to celebrate the many achievements that have defined this journey. Last month, we had outstanding student turnout at the Secondary Science & Engineering Fair, the Elementary Science and Social Studies Fair, and the Career & Technology Fair. These showcase events give students the opportunity to showcase their talents, creativity, and hard work.
Best wishes for a successful fourth term!
Dr. Dyson
FCPS Celebrations!
Announcing the 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year Semifinalists
One of these dedicated educators will be 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year and will be Frederick County's representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.
All FCPS TOY nominees receive special, personal recognition by the Superintendent and Board of Education. The Teacher of the Year receives a variety of prizes from the State and FCPS, including professional development opportunities throughout the year, recognition at a state-hosted banquet, and other prizes. The Teacher of the Year’s home school also receives special recognition throughout the year.
Announcing the 2025 FCPS Support Employees of the Year
Six employees have been recognized through the 2025 Support Employee of the Year program.
This award celebrates employees who exemplify service and excellence to the FCPS community.
The exemplary employees are:
- Administrative Support Employee of the Year: Theresa Wisner, Central Office
- Food Service Support Employee of the Year: Casandra Allison, Middletown High
- Operations Support Employee of the Year: Livida Merlos, Ballenger Creek Middle
- School Support Employee of the Year: Curtiss Belcher, Brunswick High
- Special Education Support Employee of the Year: Courtney Prahl, Centerville Elementary
- Technical Support Employee of the Year: Tammy Barlow, Middletown High
From this list of six, one overall Support Employee of the Year will be announced at the May 21 Board of Education meeting when the entire group is honored. The overall winner will receive a cash award, a personal day off, special trophy and Board of Education pin. All category winners will receive trophies and certificates.
Find the full list of Support Employee Nominees in the pdf below.
Frederick High Teacher Named Finalist for the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award
Congratulations to Brittany Sentelle, a teacher at Frederick High, for being named a finalist of the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award!
The Golden Owl Award is a program to recognize agricultural educators from across the state of Maryland. It is co-sponsored by the Maryland FFA, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company in conjunction with the Maryland Farm Bureau.
Sentelle was surprised yesterday in her classroom with the announcement by the Principal David Franceschina, FCPS system leaders including Dr. Dyson, other agricultural educators, and the Maryland State FFA Officers, including President Abigail Effland, a Frederick High graduate and Sentelle's former student.
She will compete against several others for the title of state winner, an honor which will be announced June 23 at the annual Maryland FFA Convention.
New FCPS Blog Spotlight
Graduate Spotlight
Frederick High Alum, Abby Effland, Serves as President of the Maryland FFA
Board of Education Updates
Board Meeting Recap: March 26, 2025
- The BOE recognizes and proclaims National Assistant Principals Week, April 7-11, 2025. The BOE also recognizes and proclaims the month of April as: Month of the Young Child, National Autism Acceptance Month, & School Library Month.
Policy 430, Attendance at Schools, was approved for publication and Policy 415, Administrative Attendance Waiver, was decommissioned. Policy 418, Child Abuse and Neglect, was presented and will return to a future BOE meeting for final action.
The BOE reviewed the Sabillasville Environmental School annual report and approved Sabillasville charter renewal for 5 years. In addition, the BOE approved one additional student to be added to each grade level based upon funding.
Staff provided an update on Special Education staffing and shared information regarding a new parent resource, FCPS Special Education Inclusionary Continuum of Services Guidebook.
Staff presented data for Priority 1 Key Performance Indicators (3A, 3B, & 5) and outlined plans to increase the percentage of students enrolling in Pre-K programs and increase the graduation rate while decreasing the dropout rate for FCPS students.
The Board discussed the scope of items the SMOB can participate in without legislation.
Blueprint in Action
Pillar 1 — Early Childhood Education and PreK Expansion
Blueprint in Action: Frederick County's “Journey with the Maryland Blueprint" kicks off with a focus on Pillar 1—Early Childhood Education and PreK Expansion. This first video in our five-part series highlights how Frederick County Public Schools is expanding access to quality early education, ensuring that every child has a strong foundation for future success. Through this initiative, FCPS is making a lasting impact on young learners, families, and the community. Stay tuned for more insights as we explore the transformative work underway in FCPS through the Maryland Blueprint.
To explore this initiative and all of our FCPS Blueprint efforts, visit www.fcps.org/Blueprint. Then, click on “Stakeholder Resources” to view our detailed plans and the specific work happening in each area.
Events
Walking Tour of Black/African American History in Frederick
Friday, April 4 from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
The Secondary Social Studies program is pleased to announce the final speaker of this year’s speaker series. Ms. Dee Jenkins of the African American History, Heritage and Culture Society (AARCH) will lead a walking tour of Black/African American History in Frederick, Friday, April 4 3:30-5:00 p.m. You must register in advance and space is limited. Please use this form to register to attend. Contact Dr. Bernard at colleen.bernard@fcps.org for more information.
2025 FCPS High School Spring Musicals
Download the poster pdf below.
A Community in Action;
Save the Date for the FCPS Racial Equity Committee's event: A Community in Action; happening on April 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School.
Questions? Email FCPSRacialEquity@fcps.org
Academy of Fine Arts to Present Performance to Benefit Phoenix Recovery Academy
Wednesday, April 9 | 7 PM
The Academy for the Fine Arts is pleased to present a performance titled For The Longest Time, in partnership with the Phoenix Recovery Academy, located in Downtown Frederick.
The evening will showcase dances choreographed by third-year dance students, telling the personal stories of students from the Phoenix Recovery Academy. The performance will be set to the music of famous artist, Billy Joel. Additionally, the night will include information from Phoenix, an art gallery from the AFA visual art students, insight from the TJ Let’s Talc club, and a vocal solo by an AFA musical theatre student.
The production will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 in the Governor Thomas Johnson High School Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door or online at https://cur8.com/16465/project/129352. All proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Phoenix Recovery Academy.
More information can be found on both the Phoenix Recovery Academy and the Academy for the Fine Arts here: https://phoenixrecoveryacademy.org/
https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/academyforthefinearts/home/
FCPS News
Minds in Motion Scholarship Application
The deadline for applications is Friday, April 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
The 2025 Minds in Motion Scholar-Athlete Scholarship is officially underway! This 18th annual program recognizes those seniors who have excelled on the playing field and in the classroom. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 unweighted overall GPA and have participated in interscholastic athletic activities sponsored by MPSSAA during their high school careers. Selected male and female recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship toward post-secondary education.
More information on how to apply is available here: https://www.mpssaa.org/minds-in-motion-scholarship-application/
Distinguished Young Women of Maryland At-Large
Scholarship Opportunities for the Class of 2027
Distinguished Young Women of Maryland At-Large is a national program that empowers young women to reach their full potential by providing scholarships, life skills workshops (like interview), and a positive peer network. PLUS showcase your abilities and what makes you, uniquely YOU!
Sign up today! See the attached flyer.
Nominate Someone for the 5 Star Service Award
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.
FCPS Job Openings
FCPS employees benefit from market-competitive salaries and outstanding benefits. We provide a supportive working environment, professional development training and mentoring. Most importantly, we offer the opportunity to make a difference in our students’ lives!
We recognize that educating our county's students requires a team effort. This involves contributions made by team members, both inside and outside of the classroom.
FCPS Phone Information
A reminder that the main FCPS phone number is 227-203-3277.
If you are trying to contact a school, be sure to check our online schools directory, which includes a direct line for each. If you need to contact a school, you can contact that school directly, rather than using the main FCPS number.
FCPS Schedule
Spring Break is April 14-21. Schools are closed April 14-17. Schools and Offices are closed April 18 and April 21.