March 10- Parent Senior Meeting at OHS 6pm in the Auditorium

March 10- Early College Program Info (virtual) for 9th and 10th graders

March 19- Free School Day SAT for Juniors (No registration necessary)

March 27- End of Term 3 (2 hour early dismissal)

March 28- Teacher Work Day (Schools closed)

March 31- Deadline for The Frederick Community Foundation Scholarship

March 31- Term 4 Begins

April 9- Report Cards Distributed

April 14-21- Spring Break (Schools closed)

April 25- Prom

The Parent Senior Meeting will held at 6pm tonight in OHS Auditorium. Information regarding the graduation ceremony, the Salute to Seniors Awards Ceremony, and the Safe and Sane Celebration will be discussed. Graduation speech auditions and national anthem and musical selection performance audition information will all be shared at this time.

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and Frederick Community College (FCC) invite you to attend one of our Early College Information Nights to learn about the FCPS-FCC Early College program:

Monday, March 10, 2025 (virtual)

All times 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The Early College program allows high school students to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously by attending FCC full-time during their junior and senior years. The program was created to increase participation and completion for students from populations historically underrepresented in higher education and is open to all FCPS high school students.

FCPS students apply to Early College during their sophomore year of high school.

At the Information Nights, members of the Dual Enrollment Team will go through the details of the Early College program and acceptance process, and they will answer questions from interested students and families.

Register to attend one of these sessions at tiny.cc/earlycollegenight.

A confirmation email will be sent with further information regarding the location and/or meeting link.

Contact the DE Office at DualEnrollment@frederick.edu, or visit www.frederick.edu/de for more information!

MARCH 10 Senior Parent Meeting

6:00 P.M. in the OHS Auditorium

APRIL 25 Prom @Clarion Inn Frederick Event Center 7-10 p.m.

MAY 22 Seniors’ Last Day of Instruction

MAY 28 DAY 1 – GRADUATION PRACTICE (8-11:00 AM-OHS)

MAY 29 DAY 2 – GRADUATION PRACTICE (8-9:30 AM-OHS)

MAY 29 SALUTE TO SENIORS PROGRAM (10 AM – OHS)

MAY 30 GRADUATION -ON THE CAMPUS OF

MT. ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY, KNOTT ARENA

1:30 PM

Students can apply for federal student aid (grants, loans, and work-study) using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Student aid covers post-secondary education costs — making career school, community college, or a four-year university more affordable.

States and colleges also use FAFSA information to award grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities. Completing the FAFSA can help demonstrate financial need.

Here are three (3) ways students and families can prepare now for the 2025-26 FAFSA, which will become available in December 2024.

1. Create Your StudentAid.gov Account (aka FSA ID) to access the upcoming FAFSA form.

2. Create Your MDCAPS Account to access the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS). Within MDCAPS, (1) students can apply for multiple state financial aid programs using a single application, and (2) undocumented residents and those otherwise ineligible to complete the FAFSA can submit the MHEC One-App to be considered for state financial aid.

3. Learn what documents are needed to complete the FAFSA form.

CLASS OF 2025: COMMON APPLICATION PROMPTS ARE AVAILABLE
While some schools are beginning discussions with juniors and transfer students about college options, it's important to clarify that this doesn't mean students need to start writing their essays right away. By releasing the prompts early, Common App hopes to give students ample time for reflection and brainstorming. Feel free to use our Common App Ready essay writing resource, available in both English and Spanish.

For students who wish to start exploring the application process, creating a Common App account before August 1 ensures that all their responses, including their personal essays, will be retained through account rollover.

Michelle Printz is Oakdale's Career Coach. If you have any questions please feel free to email her at Michelle.Printz@fcps.org

Be sure to check on Naviance to sign up for College visits. Visits are scheduled by Ms. Printz and held during all lunches in the Counseling Office.

Frederick County Public Schools offers many opportunities for students to explore career pathways, increase the rigor and value of their high school education, and prepare for college. These programs are open to all FCPS high school students. Some require shadowing for a day prior to applying and being accepted into the program.

• The Academy for the Fine Arts (AFA) (see below)
• Career & Technology Center (CTC) (see below)
• Frederick Community College Dual Enrollment program (DE)
• International Baccalaureate program (IB)
• Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC)

For more information, see link below:

FCPS College & Career Programs

All SAT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more, register and get free practice at College Board.

These tests are digital. Students taking the digital SAT who need to borrow a device from College Board will need to register and request their device earlier than the registration deadline - at least 30 days before test day.

CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210664

All ACT testing dates listed above are Saturdays. Late registration incurs a late fee. Learn more and register at ACT.

Note that there is a photo upload requirement to the ACT - deadline is approximately 8 days prior to the test date.

CEEB/ETS High School Code: 210664

Colleges may require your FCC Transcript as part of the application process, and possibly only if you have already completed and received a final grade in the course. To determine if you need to send your FCC transcript, please check your admissions checklist on the college website/portal.

If you have determined that you need to send your official FCC transcript, use the following link to request it: FCC Transcript

If you need log in or password help for your Frederick Community College (FCC) Dual Enrollment Course

FCC Website: https://www.frederick.edu/
MyFCC Student Portal: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/

1) Find and know your FCC Student User ID#:
-Students should have received an admissions letter with a Student User ID number.

-Your HS based instructor has access to your ID# in Blackboard and PeopleSoft.

-You can contact DualEnrollment@frederick.edu to receive your ID number.

2) Create or Reset your FCC Password:
-.pdf instructions here

-IT Help Desk: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/it-services.aspx

3) Log on to Blackboard

-Your username for Blackboard and Outlook email will be W + ID#@myfcc.frederick.edu

(ex. W1234567@myfcc.frederick.edu)

-Video instructions here

4) Understand the basics of Blackboard

-Overview here

5) Know the FCC Resources available to you as a college student

-MyFCC Student Portal: https://myfcc.frederick.edu/

-Student Resources: https://frederick.edu/student-resources/student-resources.aspx

-Student Handbook: https://www.frederick.edu/handbook.aspx

-Gladhill Learning Commons: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/gladhill-learning-commons.aspx

-Learning Centers and Tutoring Services: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/gladhill-learning-commons/learning-centers-tutoring-services.aspx

-Know your instructor’s “Office Hours.” This is a time to seek help, ask questions, and get tutoring. You are not bothering your instructor during this time. It is set up for you.

6) Log on to Outlook email

-Instructions here

7) Contact and Request Disability Access Services, if applicable
-High School Special Education accommodations (extended time, IEP, 504, etc.) do not automatically transfer to college. YOU must request them and meet with your instructor.

-Disability Access Services DAS: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/das.aspx

If so, please request it through Naviance using the simple steps below.

Log on to Naviance https://student.naviance.com/oakdalehs

Click on the Colleges Tab (at the top)

Apply to College Column

Click on Manage Transcripts

Click on the Plus Sign (+)

Select “Other Transcript”

Please allow 1-2 business days to receive your transcript. A PDF copy will be sent to your FCPS email, not mailed. The email will come from Ms. Harding.

To have your transcript uploaded to the NAIA site, please fill out the form below and drop off to Ms. Harding in the Counseling Office or email it to diane.harding@fcps.org

Planning on playing sports in college? Do you have an NCAA Account?

If so, you need your transcript uploaded to the NCAA site. To have your transcript uploaded to your NCAA account, please fill out the form below. You can drop it off to Ms. Harding in the Counseling Office or email it to diane.harding@fcps.org

REMEMBER I am unable to upload your transcript without the signed release form.

Click the link below for more information about NCAA

NCAA - Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete

Don’t Miss Out!!

The Community Foundation of Frederick County shared a presentation about all of the benefits of applying for scholarships with them. Seniors can complete the application one time to be considered for more than 200 scholarship opportunities. Scholarship money can be used to pay tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. This opportunity is for students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, master’s degrees, as well as career education. Last year, $1.9 million in scholarships was awarded to support more than 350 students.

The online scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open through March 31.

Scholarship Guidebook

The Community Foundation Scholarship Presentation

For details on specific scholarships go to www.ScholarshipsFrederickCounty.com.

Just a few scholarships to check out!

Frederick Health Auxiliary Scholarship Deadline is 3/14

Zaching Against Cancer- Spirit Award- Deadline is 3/15

Hagan Scholarship Deadline is 3/15

Rotary Club of Carroll Creek Deadline is 3/21

Episcopal Orphan House Scholarship Deadline is 3/31

The Frederick Club of the NANBPWC-several scholarships available Deadline 4/1

Woodsboro Community Bank -Champion Scholarship Deadline is 4/1

Sons of the American Legion 191 Scholarship Deadline is 4/1

New Market Lions Club Scholarship for FCC Deadline is 4/1

The Maryland Municipal League Scholarship Deadline is 4/1

Minds in Motion Scholarship Deadline 4/4

Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club Deadline 4/5

Catoctin Fish and Game Scholarship Deadline is 4/15

Dunkin Donuts Scholarship Deadline is 4/15

Kappa Kappa Iota Sorority Scholarship Deadline is 4/19

Sabillasville Environmental School Scholarship Deadline is 5/1

OHS Athletics Booster Scholarship Deadline 5/9

OHS Athletics Booster TEAM MANAGER Scholarship Deadline 5/9

Smile Frederick Orthodontics Scholarship Deadline is 5/15 (visit www.smilefrederick.com)

Scholarships/Financial Aid

FCPS provides scholarship and financial aid information as a resource only and does not endorse any sponsor of any particular

scholarship program.

Resources:

● Naviance – Scholarships can be found on the Colleges page under “Scholarship Search”

● www.fastweb.com

● https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

● https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships

● http://www.mhec.state.md.us/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.asp

● https://www.raise.me/ https://

• https://www.frederickcountygives.org/apply/

Delegate Jesse T. Pippy Scholarship program is accepting applications. The application link is live and will be accepting submissions until April 30th, 2025 at 5:00PM. Click the link below to apply: https://forms.gle/zAgLspTYowFuuZ6v8

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer two unique opportunities for high school and middle school students to experience the Academy this summer.

Opportunity 1: Summer Leader Experience (SLE) View Flyer
This one-week program is designed for current high school juniors, offering them a unique opportunity to experience life as a Cadet at West Point. The action-packed week will be both challenging and rewarding, with participants taking part in:

• Four hands-on academic workshops selected from 17 different options, taught by West Point faculty.
• Physical and mental challenges, including indoor and outdoor obstacle courses, intramurals, and the Candidate Fitness Assessment.
• Leadership and character development through team challenges, the Leader Reaction Course, and ethics discussions led by West Point Cadets.

Check out the SLE 2024 VIDEO to learn more about the experience.

Students can choose between two SLE sessions:

• May 31 – June 6
• June 7 – June 13

Applications for SLE open on February 15, and selections will be made on a rolling basis starting March 15. Completing this application also fulfills the first portion of the application to West Point.

West Point provides scholarships to cover the costs of SLE fees and travel expenses for students who have proven financial need.

Learn more here: West Point Summer Leader Experience

Apply to SLE: SLE Application

Opportunity 2: Summer STEM Workshops
For students in 6th through 9th grade, West Point will host its annual Summer STEM Workshops. During these workshops, students will explore the Academy grounds, experience cadet life, and participate in a variety of hands-on STEM activities. Workshop topics include human physiology, fuel cell cars, propellants, robotics, cantilevers, soldering circuits, fish biodiversity, water chemistry, meteorology, egg drop engineering, data analytics, and more.

The workshops are scheduled as follows:

• June 2–6 for 6th-7th graders
• June 9–13 for 8th-9th graders

Applications for Summer STEM are open now through February 28, 2025.

For more information, visit the Center for Leader Development in STEM (CLDSTEM) website:

Center for Leader Development in STEM | United States Military Academy West Point

Apply to Summer STEM: Summer STEM Workshop Application

The Service Academy Process:

1. Open Applicant File

Request Pre-Candidate Questionnaire from the Admissions Office of the applicable Academy.

• United States Military Academy - apply online at admissions.usma.edu.
• United States Air Force Academy - (800) 443-9266; apply online at academyadmissions.com.
• United States Naval Academy - (410) 293-4361; apply online at usna.edu/Admissions
• United States Coast Guard Academy - (800) 883-8724; apply online at uscga.edu/admissions/
• United States Merchant Marine Academy - (866) 546-4778; apply online at usmma.edu/admissions

2. Request Nominations (see more information below)

3. Complete Testing

• Take ACT or SAT tests, schedule Physical Aptitude Exam & Medical Exam.
• Complete Forms
• Complete all forms and return to academy or academies by their deadline.

4. Visit Service Academies: Call Admissions Office to set up a tour of academies.

Nominations:
If you are interested in applying to a service academy, you must obtain a nomination as part of the very competitive application process for most of those academies. Nominations may be requested from multiple sources including but not limited to your US Congressman or either of your state's US Senators, and the Vice President of the United States. Congressmen and Senators sometimes have information sessions about how their offices handle the process.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: USMA, West Point, NY; USNA, Annapolis, MD; USAFA, Colorado Springs, CO; and USMMA, Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

This experience is designed for 9th and 10th graders interested in science, healthcare, and medical careers.

Signing Up for SchoolMessenger

For Anyone Interested in Receiving FCPS and/or School Updates

https://asp.schoolmessenger.com/fcpss/subscriber

Frederick County Public Schools uses SchoolMessenger for email, text messages and automated phone calls.

Community members can sign up to receive SchoolMessenger updates. This step-by-step guide will show you how to quickly sign up to get messages!

Who can sign up

Anyone interested in receiving FCPS and/or school updates. This can include family members not already signed up for messages and community members.

Who Does Not Need to Sign Up

All FCPS employees automatically receive messages to their work email address and contact information they have entered in via PeopleSoft.

All FCPS family members who are listed as a primary contact in our Student Information System do not need to sign up.

Step by Step Directions

FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE FOR FREE TO ALL FAMILIES
The Frederick County Health Department encourages all Frederick County residents to get an influenza vaccination this season. Flu vaccine is readily available in our community, and the health department will continue to prioritize children who are uninsured or who do not have a medical home. The Health Department will be offering flu vaccinations at no cost to children 6 months through 18 years of age who do not have health insurance, have health insurance that does not cover the cost of immunizations or who are unable to get vaccinated by their healthcare provider.

The Frederick County Library has an online tutoring platform called Brainfuse HelpNow. This service can be used with a Frederick County Public Library Card Number. HelpNow is a resource designed for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2:00-11:00 p.m. to provide homework help for core subjects, including mathematics, science, and English language arts. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. Practice for standardized tests. Students may submit papers to HelpNow’s Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate with peers in virtual study spaces. More information is available at the FCPL website, https://www.fcpl.org/learn/brainfuse-helpnow.

FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

Electronic Meal Benefits Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now active at LINQ Connect. Families can apply for free or reduced price meal benefits all year long. All students at all Frederick County Public Schools can apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits.

Before the start of each school year, we remind families that they can apply for free or reduced-priced meal benefits. We encourage families who feel they qualify, or if they are not sure they qualify, to fill out an online free and reduced meal benefit application. Families can access the confidential application at LINQ Connect. For any questions, email FNS at food.service@fcps.org, call 240-586-8152 or visit the Free and Reduced Meals FAQs.

Mental Health Resources

The Maryland Department of Health released a “Student and Young Adult Resource Guide for Coping During COVID-19”. Click here to see it. It’s a handy, comprehensive guide created for secondary and college students to spotlight issues and find resources on how to help themselves and each other through the continued adjustment to pandemic-created changes. Many of the resources also support elementary students. The FCPS Mental Health Matters page can be found here. Students and family members who are experiencing difficulty may wish to contact the Frederick County Mental Health Association (MHA).

Walk-In Behavioral Health Services
The Walk-in Service has resumed seeing clients in person at their office located at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick for those who prefer to see someone face to face. They are also continuing to offer their Virtual Walk-In platform for those who feel more comfortable with that.

The MHA's call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From intervention, a caring and supporting voice at a moment of crisis, to connecting to resources and information, dial 211.

Child Protective Services (CPS): 301-600-2464 Help for physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.

Crisis Services: Dial 211 - Help when you feel really anxious or really depressed and need someone to talk with so that you can stay safe.
Maryland Anonymous Tip Line: 1-833-632-7233 - Report threats or situations that put your safety, or others' safety, at risk.

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 - Help if you are thinking about suicide.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Marylanders who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis have a new way to get immediate help. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988. Learn more at 988.maryland.gov.

Not My Kid: Our dynamic team offers trauma-informed prevention programs using best-practice strategies including:

• The IMBR model focuses on Information, Motivation, Behavior skills, and Resources.

• A peer-to-peer model with an emphasis on how to make healthy choices rather than on scare tactics.
• The parent-child relationship is an important focus to address risk and protective factors.
• A strength-based approach with caring adults, family support, and access to care. https://notmykid.org/

erin.pierorazio@fcps.org

Kelli Connolly- Registrar

kelli.connolly@fcps.org

Diane Harding- Secretary

diane.harding@fcps.org

Debbie Nester-Secretary

debra.nester@fcps.org

Counseling Office Fax: 227-203-3447

Nick DeWaal

Tara Ketteringham

Judy Whims McGraw

Ilana Blum

Christy Polce