Focus on FCPS

Dear FCPS Families,

I am excited to announce that Frederick County Public Schools is launching the FCPS Season of Celebration and Success, starting today and running through May 24. The Season of Celebration and Success is an opportunity to share student success stories from the 2023-24 school year and to thank FCPS employees who have made a difference for our students.

This is an excellent opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated educators, administrators, and staff members who have played a pivotal role in supporting our students throughout the year. Let's take this chance to recognize and thank them for their unwavering commitment and hard work.

We are so thankful for our students, families and staff and are excited to read all the amazing successes and celebrations from across the division! Share your success and/or celebration.

On another note, we are one step closer to having our FY25 budget finalized and approved. The Board of Supervisors approved the county budget on April 24, which included the school division’s budget. We have a School Board Budget Work Session, which is open to the public, scheduled for May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the FCPS Administration Building located at 1415 Amherst Street, Winchester VA, 22601. The School Board is scheduled to approve the budget on May 21 at their regularly scheduled School Board meeting starting at 6 p.m. For more information on the proposed budget, please view my town hall presentation.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you out and about for our students’ end-of-year performances, celebrations and graduations. This is such a fantastic time of year. Thank you all so much for your support.

Warmest regards,

Dr. George C. Hummer

Superintendent of Schools

On Friday, April 19, students with differing abilities from six FCPS elementary schools participated in the Little Feet Meet. Volunteers for the event included students from all three high schools, numerous staff and other community partners. The event kicked off with a torch ceremony, much like the Olympics. Students competed in events like the 25-meter dash, the 50-meter dash, a softball throw and long jump, among others. The goal of the event is to promote inclusion and raise awareness about students with differing abilities.

At Indian Hollow Elementary School, Mrs. Bustle's first grade class has been studying animals and the basic life skills they have that allow them to live. They have gone in depth to determine their features, adaptations and habitats with the assistance of their 4th grade buddies from Ms. Carney's class. They built habitats and used their research to publish a book through Student Treasures. Each group presented their habitats and their animal to each grade level, stating 5 facts about each animal! They celebrated all their hard work by having a pizza party with Ms. Carney's class!

Earlier this week, Dr. Hummer had his third meeting of the 2023-24 school year with the Student Advisory Committee. Students participating in the committee have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Hummer and share their feedback and ideas about their schools and the division.

Dr. Hummer is holding one more Community Conversations with the Superintendent event this school year. This is an opportunity for parents, staff and community members to meet with Dr. Hummer and ask questions or provide feedback on a variety of topics.

• Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Greenwood Mill Elementary School

Elementary and middle schools kicked off the last month of school today with Lucky Tray Day. School nutrition services staff placed stickers on random trays and students who got those trays won a special prize. The promotional items were provided by Fun Foods, a company that supplies our division with fun-shaped chicken nuggets.

Sherando Art students and teachers recently collaborated with Apple Blossom festival leaders to create the 2nd annual, student-created, Shenandoah Apple Blossom Coloring Book. The cost of the coloring book is $10 and is available for purchase at the following locations:

• The Apple Blossom Store in the Apple Blossom Mall (April 5)

• Sherando High School Art Department

• Richard's Fruit Market

• Gore's Fresh Meats & Deli

• Lantz's Pharmacy

• Handley Library Gift Shop (limited hours)

• Kimberly's Boutique

• Blooming Mile & 10K Race

The Virginia Assessment Parent Portal provides you with access to your student’s Virginia Assessment Program test results. You should have received a letter from FCPS with a student-specific claim code to access your student’s test results. The letter is also available in your student’s “Backpack” in Infinite Campus. The claim code you received provides access to specific results. Further state testing/assessments will generate a new claim code for access to those results. To get started, click “Sign Up” at the bottom of the login screen to create your account.

There are various ways you can stay connected with news and events happening at Frederick County Public Schools. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

Every month, the School Board recognizes the outstanding achievements of our teachers and staff. Please help us recognize the great work of our teachers and staff by nominating them for recognition at an upcoming School Board Meeting. Learn more.

May 8 is National School Nurse Appreciation Day. Thank you to all the dedicated school nurses for their hard work and commitment to the health of our students!