FCPS Community Bulletin Board
April 9th, 2024
In an effort to provide the most positive and purposeful educational environment for our students, during the 2023-24 school year, Dr. Dyson charged FCPS staff with bringing together a group of stakeholders to garner widespread feedback on the use of personal mobile devices (PMDs) in schools. That group included FCPS teachers, administrators, Parent Teachers Association and community members. In addition, they heard feedback from the Frederick County Student Government Association (SGA) and Education Reform Council (ERC). Through these collaborative efforts, FCPS reviewed, combined, and refined FCPS expectations for technology use by students (Regulation 434-01).
Recognizing the developmental and educational differences that exist in students k-12, the expectations for personal mobile devices has been delineated by instructional level.
What is considered a personal mobile device (PMD)?
Any technology not provided by FCPS and brought to school by a student that includes: cell phones, headphones, smartwatches, speakers, cameras, and/or eReaders or the like. However, since FCPS provides students with laptops for instructional use, non-FCPS issued laptops are not permitted. Exceptions will be made under special circumstances, including, but not limited to documented accommodations.
Why are the expectations being updated?
Some studies have indicated cell phones and other electronic devices can be detrimental to the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children. It is also recognized that we live in a world where personal mobile devices are tools used in the world of work. The intent of the updates is to be evidence-informed in our approach to cell phone use in our educational environment.
What if I need to communicate with my child during the school day?
In case of emergency, please contact the main office of your child’s school. Staff members will be able to put you in touch with your child.
What are the consequences of violating these expectations?
FCPS will use the first term of the 2024-25 school year to acquaint students, staff, and families with the new expectations. School administrators will review these updated expectations with students during the first few weeks of school. In the first term, we will have a stance of teaching the new expectations. As we move into the second term, these expectations will be normalized and consequences for violation will be in accordance with the FCPS Student Code of Conduct. In some cases, the consequences may include the confiscation of the PMDs by school administrators including the requirement for a parent or guardian to retrieve the device. This is not new. Multiple infractions may lead to more progressive consequences as detailed in the FCPS Student Code of Conduct. FCPS is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen PMDs.
We know you may have questions about transportation, particularly during the start of the school year. Good news! Our online bus information is live! During the beginning of the school year, transportation delays can happen as everyone gets acclimated to the schedule.
Once again this year, we have our FCPS Bus Status page resource, where delays are posted. That’s a great place to check if you are waiting for a bus to arrive.
What's for breakfast? What's for lunch? How do I apply for free and reduced price school meals? It's all available via our FCPS Food & Nutrition Services web site, which includes a link to our Free Mobile Menu app. We are also excited to announce that families, through LINQConnect, will be able to apply for student meal benefits, view menus, add money to student accounts, view student meal transactions, and more!
Each of our schools shared a list with suggested school supplies students would benefit from. Head to FCPS.org to check out each school's list.
FCPS is using SchoolMessenger this year to keep families updated about school events and systemic news. Families are encouraged to make sure they have the correct contact information entered into our student information system to ensure you are receiving updates.
FCPS is fortunate to have family and community members join efforts in supporting our students and schools with their time and talents. There are many ways to get involved and volunteer in and out of our schools.
For more information on the volunteer program, please see our FCPS Volunteer Handbook.
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.
