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 The Maryland PTA recently honored 20 schools for outstanding family-involvement success, and 8 of them are from FCPS.
"Such a large number of state-level awards affirms that we are doing exceptional work involving families as significant partners in education," says Shari Ostrow Scher, FCPS curriculum specialist for parent involvement. Studies show that parental involvement is a powerful tool for school districts striving to meet high standards and achievement goals.
Five of the 11 schools in the state earning a Certificate of Distinction for PTA local-unit achievement: Deer Crossing ES, Middletown ES, Middletown MS, Twin Ridge ES and Whittier ES. Three of the 9 Maryland schools earning Certificate of Merit Awards: Centerville ES, New Market ES and Monocacy MS.
The Maryland PTA also named an FCPS family the Family of the Year. According to Kemptown ES Principal Steve Parsons, Greg and Debbie Hall received the award for giving unselfishly to the school community and providing first-class PTA support. More about the Halls and award criteria: http://www.fcps.org/content/release.cfm?id=472
Check out the updated FCPS Family/Community Involvement Policy: http://www.fcps.org/dept/legal/413.pdf
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 Valley ES reading specialist Denise Snody's positive attitude and exuberance for her job are contagious. Her supervisor and co-workers alike say she is a fantastically talented teacher who provides excellent staff training and support for classroom instruction.
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 101 FCPS students recently received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award for earning 3.5 or higher averages on a 5-point scale on 5 or more Advanced Placement exams.
Just 5 years ago, only 21 of our students achieved this, and none earned the National AP Scholar Award for 8 or more exams with average scores 4 or higher--this year four did.
Also this year: 124 students earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award for 4 or more exams with averages of 3.25 or higher, and 235 earned the AP Scholar Award for 3 or more exams with scores of 3 or higher.
AP Scholars:http://www.fcps.org/content/release.cfm?id=467
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Impressive Counselor Chris Tressler spearheaded such a successful Kids Helping Kids: Harvest for the Hungry campaign at New Market ES--a record-setting 6,240 lbs of food--that the regional coordinator called with commendations. Also commended for 1,296 pounds: Thurmont MS coordinated by math teacher Angela Knapp.
Grants Six schools received Gifts for Education enrichment grants through funds administered by the
Community Foundation: Catoctin HS, Emmitsburg ES, Linganore HS, Middletown ES, New Market ES and Spring Ridge ES. Five received Gladhill agricultural education grants: Carroll Manor ES, Catoctin HS, Linganore HS, North Frederick ES and Oakdale MS. To donate or apply: Dan.Cunningham@fcps.org.
See what the schools will do with the funding:
http://www.fcps.org/content/release.cfm?id=470
http://www.fcps.org/content/release.cfm?id=469
Art Connections Oakdale ES art teacher Jennifer Riggs sent 3,000 surveys to Oakdale ES and MS parents, students and staff, and received about 900 ideas from them about symbols that represent community. Fifth graders painted 100 of the symbols onto 6x6-inch squares that they hung on a bridge fence between the schools. Photos.
Clean Audit FCPS Fiscal Services staff did excellent work in managing and reporting finances to receive a perfect audit. See our new Budget section on the Web: http://www.fcps.org/Budget.htm
$$$ Middletown MS Latin and Spanish teacher Alissa Burrall wrote a $700 winning grant proposal for equipment to improve foreign-language instruction.
First-Class Staff Maintenance mechanic Mike Deener and HVACR mechanic Ken Lawson are Maintenance Employees of the Month for November and December.
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Immunizations Hundreds of students in grades 6-9 have not turned in proof of immunizations required to stay in school after January 1. All of our middle and high schools have contacted families of students who face exclusion from school. If you know a student in this position please do all you can to work with your health room staff and the student so he or she can return to school after winter break.
Who Ya Gonna Call? FCPS phone numbers...So easy to find: http://insidefcps/default.cfm under "Phone Search." Paula.Hadden@fcps.org maintains this terrific feature. While you're there, bookmark it by clicking "Favorites" and then "Add to Favorites" in Internet Explorer.
2-1-1 From any Verizon-owned landline phone in Maryland, callers can dial 2-1-1 for information and referral to a vast array of health and human services. Operating 24/7 and available in over 150 languages, 2-1-1 has a comprehensive database of federal, state and local government and nonprofit services. Cut through the confusion to find services like transportation, childcare, adult day care, rent/utility assistance, health, housing employment, education and more.
When You're Away Please update your voicemail announcement, and leave an "out of office" email
message when you're away or we're closed for a snow day or holiday. Make a note to change
it when you return.
 When It Snows To find out if the liberal leave policy is in effect, call the employee "snow hot line" (supervisors can provide the confidential number), check www.fcps.org, subscribe to Find Out First email or watch FCPS TV channel 18. Liberal leave means that most offices are open, and employees on the 12-month calendar are scheduled to work. However, non-essential personnel may use their annual or personal leave after notifying their supervisor or make up time in lieu of using leave, with supervisor's approval. For more about when it snows: http://www.fcps.org/pageid.cfm?RecordID=6
Going the Extra Mile Do you know someone who tries hard to make FCPS a wonderful place? "First Class" Employee awards are designed to acknowledge FCPS employees who have demonstrated special effort, a job well done, an outstanding project, or a caring attitude. Nominate someone deserving:
http://www.fcps.org/content/publications/fcnominate.doc.
Holidays A great classroom resource for school celebrations:
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/prek2/issues/603issue.shtm
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 FCPS Garners 8 of Maryland's 20 PTA Awards
First-Class Staff: Thanks to you, public education works in Frederick County
One Hunderd One
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News to Use
December 22 - January 1: Winter Break
January 8-11: High School Assessments
January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Observance, Schools Closed
January 19: End of Term 2 and First Semester
January 22: Teacher Work Day, Schools Closed for Students
January 23: Professional Development, Schools Closed for Students
January 24: Term 3 and Second Semester Begin
The Board of County Commissioners appointed Leslie Mansfield to complete the remaining 2 years of Barbara Craig's term on our Board of Education. The BOE elected Kathryn Groth president and Jean Smith vice president for the coming year.
Communication Services Church Street copy technician Jim Hamann has new responsibilities as part-time FCPS photographer.
Q: Did you hear why the USDA ran short of turkey this year for the nation's school lunch programs?
A: The problem was not a shortage of birds. They were just too skinny. An unusually hot summer resulted in smaller turkeys and tighter supplies. Overcoming the challenge, FCPS Food Service staff found additional sources to serve all 18,417 meals requested. FCPS used 2,142 lbs of turkey from our inventory and purchased an additional 2,325 lbs.
FCPS TV Program Guide:
www.fcps.org/cable18.htm
Bulletin Board items: Dian.Nelson@fcps.org.
Inside FCPS is produced by the FCPS Communication Services Division. Your news, ideas and suggestions are welcome. Please fax 301-696-6958. Call 301-696-6900. Email Dian.Nelson@fcps.org. Or courier to:
Communications Office
115 E. Church Street. |
