Focus on FCPS

Focus on FCPS

Dear FCPS Families,

I wanted to celebrate a few of the recent successes I witnessed within our school division. Last week, I served as a judge for the annual pumpkin drop at Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School. All the classes had a series of criteria they had to follow, and then the pumpkins were dropped off the school roof. The classes did a fantastic job, and most of the pumpkins survived well!


Later in the week, I attended the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis where students from Sherando High School, James Wood High School, Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School and Frederick County Middle School participated in work sessions and competitions. It was a remarkable opportunity for our students to showcase their skills and knowledge. Lastly, I'd like to congratulate the James Wood High School volleyball team for their outstanding season and a berth in the state championship! Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off and made our school community proud!


I also want to invite all families to actively participate in our school community. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) town halls on November 27, December 4 and December 5. These town halls will provide you with information and allow you to ask questions regarding our school division's plans for construction and renovation.


Thank you again for your support and involvement, and I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming town halls.


With gratitude,

Dr. George C. Hummer

Superintendent of Schools

Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Town Hall Meetings

Dr. Hummer will be holding three town hall meetings in November and December to share information with parents and the community about the FCPS Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). This is an opportunity to hear from Dr. Hummer and ask questions about school construction and renovation projects. The meetings are:

  • Monday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Millbrook High School

  • Monday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. at James Wood High School

  • Tuesday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Sherando High School

K12 Learning Acceleration Grants

To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' educational progress and well-being, the state has made Learning Acceleration Grants available to qualifying families for education services. Families who meet the criteria may apply for a grant. Learn more about the criteria and apply on the Virginia Department of Education website.

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 6:00 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.

Apple Pie Ridge Elementary Pumpkin Drop

Apple Pie Ridge Elementary students worked across grade levels in a project-based learning activity to create a protective device for a pumpkin that would be dropped from the school’s roof. Thanks to the special guest judges Dr. Hummer, Dr. Angelo and Mr. Goodwin. Watch the video to learn more about it!

Pumpkin Drop at Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School

Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School Celebrates Reading

Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School started the school year by building a community of readers. After all students and staff read Ghost by Jason Reynolds, they celebrated by holding a literacy night for students and families. Events for the night included book trivia, races, art projects and attempts to break different world records. Prior to the event, students painted images from each chapter of the book on the windows of the library, they created different works of art and projects in their classes related to topics in the novel, and there was a contest to see who could create the best new book cover.

Worlds of Work

Recently, Shenandoah University held the Worlds of Work expo, where employers from around the area displayed career opportunities to local eighth grade students.

Worlds of Work
Dr. Crawford and Dr. Seshaiyer
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Staff and Students Receive Awards

Frederick County Public Schools has been awarded two Programs that Work awards by the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition. Some students from our high schools and the Mountain Vista Governor's School received an award for student-led research and earned college credit from George Mason University. In addition, staff received an award for professional learning aimed at equipping teachers to incorporate computer science into curriculum. FCPS is the lead school division and founder of the Shenandoah Valley CS Regional Partnership.

School Psychology Week

November 6-10 is National School Psychology Week. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the work of our school psychologists and the impact that they have on our students and families.

Substitute Appreciation Day

Friday, November 17 is Substitute Appreciation Day. Substitutes play an important role in our schools. Please take a moment to thank a substitute!


  • Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting - Monday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Thanksgiving Break - No School for Students - Wednesday, November 22-24 (Admin Offices and School Offices closed November 23-24)
  • Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Town Hall Meeting
    • Monday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Millbrook High School
    • Monday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. at James Wood High School
    • Tuesday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Sherando High School
Frederick County Public Schools
https://www.frederickcountyschoolsva.net
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