FCPS Community Bulletin Board
We are happy to share that FCPS has seen a noticeable reduction in unauthorized personal mobile device use this year at all levels. We began the year with new expectations for the use of PMDs and provided the first term for students, staff and families to become acclimated. Beginning this term (Term 2), we will follow the progressive discipline process detailed in the Student Code of Conduct for students who violate the PMD expectations.
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 used the first term of the 2024-25 school year to acquaint students, staff, and families with the new expectations. School administrators reviewed these updated expectations with students during the first few weeks of school.
At this time, in term 2, consequences for PMD violations will be in accordance with the FCPS Student Code of Conduct. The consequences may include the confiscation of a PMD by school administrators including the requirement for a parent or guardian to retrieve the device. This process 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.
For Anyone Interested in Receiving FCPS and/or School Updates
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.
This past fall season, FCPS transitioned to cashless admission for all varsity football games. Tickets for these games were purchased through GoFan.
For the upcoming 2024-2025 winter season, FCPS is expanding cashless admission to include all girls and boys JV and varsity basketball games. For added convenience, GoFan credit card readers will be available at the ticket table for those who do not pre-purchase their online tickets.
GoFan is the same online ticket company the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) uses for postseason play and all of their cashless state semifinal and state championship contests. Additionally, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Harford, Howard, St. Mary’s, and Wicomico counties are currently 100 percent cashless for all of their sports.
Purchasing tickets via GoFan is recommended for all other FCPS Winter Sports held in gymnasiums, pools and indoor track and field venues.
FCPS staff considered the numerous benefits of moving to cashless ticketing including avoiding bottlenecks and long lines, the ease of accounting, school staff being able to better prepare for athletics events due to seeing live updates of tickets sales, reducing safety concerns associated with large sums of cash being collected at the gate, fraud prevention, contactless payment and entry, and providing our spectators with a better overall experience.
The cost to attend most athletic events is $6 for adults and $2 for high school or younger students. Children ages 7 and under, FCPS employees, FCPS retirees, and all guests ages 60 or older are admitted free of charge. There is a $1 transaction fee charged by GoFan so attendees will be paying $7 and $3 when purchasing electronic tickets.
Schools will continue to offer discounted winter seasonal pass options that may be purchased through the school's athletic department.
Questions?
We hope to see you at an athletic contest. Go Team FCPS!
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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 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.
