Focus on FCPS
It’s hard to believe we are less than seven weeks from the end of this school year! I wanted to take this time to invite you to Community Conversations with the Superintendent this evening, Wednesday, April 17 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Frederick County Middle School. There will also be another Community Conversations event on Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Greenwood Mill Elementary School. These are opportunities for me to hear from you on a variety of topics, and continue conversations on what we need to stop, start, and continue for the betterment of our students. Your voice is important and I hope to see you there.
VMI Mathematics Modeling Challenge
About 70 FCPS middle school students participated in a team competition at the VMI Math Modeling Day in February. The final results were released on Friday, April 5. James Wood Middle School won the First Place Overall Team award with the team of Kennedy McCullough, Ava Rider, Eleni Kubeika and Scarlett Christiansen. The Admiral Byrd Middle School team of Madison Lystrup and Rylee Wooley won the Second Place Overall Team award. A total of 23 FCPS students won awards in the VMI Math Modeling Day Challenge. Thanks to the seven teachers who coached our students!
Virginia Assessment Parent Portal
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 will also be available in your student’s “Backpack” in Infinite Campus. The claim code you are receiving 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.
Martin’s Round Up Campaign for Bright Futures
Martin’s presented Bright Futures with a check for $25,259.57 as a result of its Round Up Campaign that ended on March 31. The funds help support the Bright Futures weekend food packs for the more than 1,400 food-insecure students at Winchester City and Frederick County public schools.
Academy Day 2024
Middle school and high school students and their families are invited to attend Academy Day 2024 on Saturday, April 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Randolph-Macon College Center for the Performing Arts, Blackwell Auditorium at 205 Henry Street, Ashland, VA 23005. Academy Day provides a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies and their admission processes. Students will be able to meet with officials from all five academies as well as representatives from other agencies. To ensure you receive an invitation and registration link for the event, please email academy_noms@warner.senate.gov. For more information on the Academy Nomination Process, please visit www.warner.senate.gov.
Sherando Apple Blossom Coloring Book
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
Follow FCPS on Social Media
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.
Seeking Award Nominations
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.
James Wood Middle Edible Book Contest
Did you know that April is Virginia School Library Month? To kick things off, students and staff participated in the 10th Annual James Wood Middle School Edible Book Contest! There were so many great entries!
Gainesboro Lights it Up Blue
Staff and students at Gainesboro Elementary are celebrating disability awareness this week through morning read-alouds, color spirit days and lighting up the outside of their school with blue lights. The week culminates with a pep rally on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the Little Feet Meet on Friday.
SHS Participates in the VA FCCLA State Leadership and Recognition Conference
Sherando Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter attended and competed at the VA FCCLA State Leadership and Recognition Conference this past weekend in Virginia Beach. Members who attended the conference participated in various leadership sessions, a keynote session, workshops, a banquet and a recognition ceremony. The following are our STAR Event competitor results:
- Riley Cooper received a silver medal in the Career Investigations, Level 2 category
- Wes Wood received a silver medal in the Job Interview, Level 3 category
- Angel Guzman & Shawnie Lewis received silver medals, placed 1st in the state, and are national qualifiers for the Nutrition and Wellness, Level 2 category
- Emmy Smith, Izzy Kerns and Leighann Cherry received silver medals and placed 3rd in the state for the Sustainability Challenge, Level 3 category.
School Board Awards of Excellence
Last night students and staff were recognized during the School Board's Awards of Excellence Program. Students and staff were recognized for the following:
- Stonewall Elementary School - Destination Imagination
- Robert E. Aylor Middle School - FBLA State Leadership Conference
- James Wood High School - FCPS Honorary Award to Sydney Gum
- Sherando High School - FFA and DECA
- Apple Award - Michele Pingley
- Inspiration Award - Travis Henderlite
Congratulations to all!
World Autism Awareness Month
April is World Autism Awareness Month. FCPS celebrates the strengths and unique needs of all learners.
Earth Day
Public School Volunteer Week
April 22-26 is Public School Volunteer Week. We thank all of our volunteers who contribute to the success of FCPS students and staff by serving as chaperones, mentors, after school tutors, club leaders, booster club members, PTO/PTA members, classroom helpers and in countless other ways.
National Administrative Professionals Day
April 24 is National Administrative Professionals Day. We thank all of our administrative professionals who work hard to ensure the success of our schools and students.
Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. - Community Conversations with the Superintendent at Frederick County Middle School
Friday, April 26 at 8:00 a.m. - School Board Spring Training Session
Friday, May 3 - No School for Students (Apple Blossom) Admin. Offices and School Offices Closed
Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. - FCPS Art Showcase
Tuesday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. - Community Conversations with the Superintendent at Greenwood Mill Elementary School