Garrett County Public Schools

GCPS Launches Updated Website to Improve Access and User Experience

Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is excited to announce the launch of its updated website, designed to provide students, families, staff, and community members with improved access to important information and resources.

The refreshed site features a modern, user-friendly design that makes it easier to navigate and find essential content. Whether you’re looking for school calendars, enrollment information, job opportunities, or the latest district news, the updated gcps.net is structured to help users quickly connect with what they need.

In the coming months, GCPS will roll out additional features to further enhance the site, including expanded resources for families, interactive tools, more ways to stay informed about school system news and events, and a mobile app.

The district invites the community to explore the new website at www.gcps.net.

July is "Be Active Month!"

On this #GCPSMDWellnessWednesday, we focus on keeping kids active on the 4th of July by incorporating games and outdoor activities. Here are some ideas to be active on Independence Day.

- Flag Relay Race: Split kids into teams and have them race to collect American flags from buckets.
- Red, White, and Blue Tag: Play a patriotic twist on traditional tag. Designate a "red", "white", or "blue" player to tag others.
- Hula Hoop Contest: See who can hula hoop the longest or try different tricks.
- Water Balloon Toss: A classic summer game that gets everyone moving and laughing.
- Lawn Game Olympics: Set up stations with cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss, and sack races.
- Family Walk/Hike: Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise by walking or hiking to a nearby park or viewing spot.
- Bike Parade: Decorate bikes and scooters with red, white, and blue decorations and hold a parade.
- Visit a Park: Explore state or national parks with activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and stargazing.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of nature items for kids to find in a park or backyard.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art: Let kids create patriotic designs on the sidewalk with chalk.

Remember to...
- Supervise children closely, especially when they are around water, fireworks, or open flames.
- Stay hydrated by providing plenty of water, especially on hot days.
- Incorporate educational elements in activities by discussing the history of the Fourth of July and the meaning of Independence Day.
- Adjust activities for all ages by adapting activities to suit the age and abilities of all the children involved.

Have a safe, fun, active 4th of July!

July 8, 2025, Board of Education Meeting

The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Northern Middle School at 2:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.

The Board will move to Executive Session at 2:05 p.m. after Public Comment to discuss personnel topics and a legal matter. The Board of Education will reconvene for public session from 6:00 p.m. – 7:10 p.m. in the cafeteria. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 7:00 p.m. Please note, this time is approximate, and public comment may be adjusted based on the timing of the presentations.

Topics excluded from Public Comment include:
• Individual personnel issues
• Comments identifying individual students or staff members
• Matters that are on appeal or may be appealed or have been appealed.
• Topics for which the Board schedules formal public hearings
• Advertising or solicitation for products and/or services
The agenda for the Public Session can be accessed at BoardDocs - https://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/garrett/Board.nsf/Public. The agenda is not considered final until the Board takes action to accept it at the start of each meeting.

Part or all of the meeting may be closed pursuant to the General Provision §3-305 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

June is Safety Month We continue our #GCPSMDWellnessWednesday by focusing this week on Prescription Medications - Remove The Risks. While you tidy and declutter this summer, don’t forget your medicine cabinet. Look through your home and medicine cabinet for any unused or expired medications. Don’t forget to clean out old or unneeded pet medicines, too. Use one of these three options to dispose of your unused or expired medications safely: 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐛𝐨𝐱 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞. In Garrett County, Maryland, you can dispose of unneeded prescription medications at three Permanent Drop-Box Locations: Oakland City Hall: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Garrett County Sheriff's Office: 24/7. Maryland State Police Barracks in McHenry: 24/7. 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. These events occur periodically, offering temporary drop-off locations in addition to permanent ones. They are advertised using social media and radio. Information can also be found on the Garrett County Health Department website. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞. You can also dispose of over-the-counter medications by mixing them with cat litter or coffee grounds and placing them in the regular trash. - Never flush medications down the toilet or drain. - Needles should not be disposed of in drop boxes or trash. - Controlled substances can be disposed of at drop-off locations. Visit addictionhappens.org/drop-box-locator for locations and times. Another way to get rid of medications is to pick up a 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 at the Garrett County Health Department. The pouches use patented technology for simple and environmentally safe disposal of prescription drugs, including opioids, by adding water to the powder in the bag. The mixture neutralizes the drugs, making it safe to dispose of the entire pouch and its contents in your regular household trash. For more information, call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 For this #GCPSWellnessWednesday, we are focusing on Practicing Sun Safety. June 20th is the First Day of Summer. Follow These Simple Rules to Protect Your Family From Sunburns: 🌞 Keep babies younger than six months old out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, the stroller canopy, or other means. 🌞 When possible, dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats. 🌞 Select clothes made with a tight weave; they protect better than clothes with a looser weave. If you're unsure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light shining through, the better the protection. You may also look for protective clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). 🌞 Wear a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck. 🌞 Limit sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest. 🌞 Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. Look for youth-sized sunglasses with UV protection for your child. Ensure everyone in your family knows how to protect their skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself. Additional information may be obtained from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html.

𝐆𝐚𝐂𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨 GaCo, Garrett County’s FIRST LEGO League Team 1629, has released information for its 2025 Summer Tech Camps. There are two different camps, one for students in grades 3-5 and one for students in grades 1-2 (based on the 2024-25 school year). Full details: https://tinyurl.com/5crt28ps

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the "Let's Drive" program for their outstanding initiative in expanding student access to driver’s education. Since its launch, the Let’s Drive program, sponsored by Community Action in partnership with the Garrett County Democratic Club, has helped more than 180 local students gain essential driving skills and increased access to employment, education, and independence. Building on the success of the Let’s Drive program, GCPS is also pleased to announce the launch of a new GCPS Driver’s Education program beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The program will be offered at both Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools. This marks a major step in furthering collaborative efforts of GCPS and the Let’s Drive program to meet the needs of students across the county. “The success of Let’s Drive has shown us how impactful access to driver’s education can be for our students and their families,” said Dr. Brenda McCartney, Superintendent. “We are incredibly thankful for the leadership and support that Let’s Drive has provided to our community. By offering this program directly in our high schools, we’re building on that momentum and making this critical life skill more accessible.” As GCPS prepares to roll out its school-based program, the Let’s Drive initiative will also continue operating to meet the needs of students. The program will remain open to prospective students who are not able to schedule the GCPS program into their school day and are seeking financial support for driver’s education, ensuring that all eligible young drivers continue to have pathways to success. GCPS extends its heartfelt thanks to Let’s Drive for its ongoing partnership and unwavering support of Garrett County youth. Together, we’re helping students develop the skills and support they need to drive safely into the future.

🚨 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫! 🚨 GCPS is actively seeking passionate professionals to join our team! NOW is the time to apply—positions are limited! 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: 🔹Speech-Language Pathologists (two positions available) 🔹Instructional Assistant – Friendsville Elementary School 🔹STARS Instructional Assistant – Broad Ford School 🔹School Counselor – Broad Ford School 🔹Special Education Teacher (locations TBD) 🔹School Social Worker (location TBD) 🔹Elementary Teachers (locations TBD) 🔹Teacher of the Visually Impaired (all schools) 🔹Culinary Arts Teacher – Northern High School 🔹Staff Accountant – Dennett Road Educational Complex 🔹Substitutes – Teachers, Custodians, Nurses, and Cafeteria Staff 💼 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒? ✅ Highly competitive pay ✅ Exceptional benefits ✅ Supportive school communities 📌 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭—limited positions are available! Visit https://www.gcps.net/human-resources to apply and learn more. Make a difference. Join GCPS! Start your next chapter today! 💙📚

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Dennett Road Educational Complex in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review via https://youtube.com/live/_e48I6du63o?feature=share. Public comment for the June Board Meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m., after which time the Board will go into executive session until 5:40 p.m. to discuss personnel topics and legal topics. The Board of Education will reconvene for its public session from 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 7:00 p.m. Please note, this time is approximate and public comment may be adjusted based on the timing of the presentations. Topics excluded from Public Comment include: - Individual personnel issues - Comments identifying individual students or staff members - Matters that are on appeal or may be appealed or have been appealed - Topics for which the Board schedules formal public hearings - Advertising or solicitation for products and/or services The agenda for the Public Session can be accessed at BoardDocs - https://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/garrett/Board.nsf/Public. The agenda is not considered final until the Board takes action to accept it at the start of each meeting. Part or all of the meeting may be closed pursuant to the General Provision §3-305 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐄𝐧𝐝-𝐨𝐟-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 As a reminder, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss all students three (3) hours early on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12, 2025, with the last student day being June 12, 2025, for the 2024-25 school year. The last day for teachers will be Friday, June 13, 2025.

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒-𝟐𝟓 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) proudly honored the dedicated employees who are retiring during the 2024-25 school year during a special retirement dinner held in their honor. The event, which brought together colleagues and family members, celebrated decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the students and schools of Garrett County. The evening was filled with heartfelt reflections, laughter, and expressions of gratitude for the contributions made by this year’s retirees. Each retiree in attendance was recognized individually for their years of service and the impact they’ve had on their school communities. The 2024-25 GCPS retirees include educators, administrators, and support staff from across the county, many of whom have served for decades. Their collective experience and care have helped shape generations of learners and left a lasting legacy in Garrett County. GCPS extends its warmest congratulations and deepest thanks to all 2024-25 retirees. Your work has made a difference, and your presence will be missed.

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Food & Nutrition Services Department is happy to announce the return of the Summer Food Service Program. Distribution will be for seven days of free breakfasts and lunches and will begin the week of June 16, 2025. There are some changes this year to the Summer Food Service program, due to Federal clarifications in the regulations. Families or a designated person must register to receive meals. Families can register using an online form (https://forms.gle/SVJWiZd9L5xWgZXt7) or at one of the meal sites. A list of meal sites can be found on the GCPS website www.gcps.net/summer-food-service. Families that have not pre-registered will be required to bring their child(ren) or a report card with them the first time to pick up meals. Additionally, only two meals per day will be served this year. Seven days of breakfasts and lunches will be distributed per week. These meals will include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and entrees. There are thirty-eight (38) sites to choose from, on Tuesday or Wednesday each week. Some sites will be in the afternoon while others will be in the evening, enabling you to pick the one that best suits your schedule. Please remember that you can only pick up from one site per week. Students attending summer school are asked not to pick up meals at one of the sites. Meals will be provided at each school, and weekend bags will be provided to those students attending. Other children in the family will need to pick up at one of the meal sites. Families from outside of Garrett County are welcome, but will need to preregister or bring their children with them. Additional information can be found at www.gcps.net. If you have any questions, please call Scott Germain at 301-334-8917, 888-262-2792, or email at scott.germain@gcps.net. All meals are free of charge to children 18 and under, regardless of whether they are enrolled in Garrett County Public Schools. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. Additionally, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, will be a three-hour early dismissal for students, as this is a Staff Development Day. Full calendar details, including early dismissals and the students’ last day, may be found on our website at https://www.gcps.net/Page/2658.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Underage drinking poses a range of risks and negative consequences. It is dangerous because it: Causes many deaths. Alcohol is a significant factor in the deaths of people younger than age 21 in the United States each year. This includes deaths from motor vehicle crashes, homicides, alcohol overdoses, falls, burns, drowning, and suicides. Causes many injuries. Drinking alcohol can cause youth to have accidents and get hurt. In 2011 alone, about 188,000 people younger than age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries.10 Impairs judgment. Drinking can lead to poor decisions about taking risks, including unsafe sexual behavior, drinking and driving, and aggressive or violent behavior. Increases the risk of physical and sexual assault. Underage binge drinking is associated with an increased likelihood of being the victim or perpetrator of interpersonal violence.11 Can lead to other problems. Drinking may cause youth to have trouble in school or with the law. Drinking alcohol is also associated with the use of other substances. Increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life. Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life. For example, adults ages 26 and older who began drinking before age 15 are 3.6 times more likely to report having AUD in the past year than those who waited until age 21 or later to begin drinking.12 Interferes with brain development. Research shows that people’s brains keep developing well into their 20s. Alcohol can alter this development, potentially affecting both brain structure and function. This may cause cognitive or learning problems as well as may increase vulnerability for AUD, especially when people start drinking at a young age and drink heavily. Why Do So Many Youth Drink? As children mature, it is natural for them to assert their independence, seek new challenges, and engage in risky behavior. Underage drinking is one such behavior that attracts many adolescents. They may want to try alcohol, but often do not fully recognize its effects on their health and behavior. Other reasons youth drink alcohol include: - Peer pressure - Increased independence or the desire for it - Stress For more information, please visit: niaaa.nih.gov

📣 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲!🎉 Today, Garrett County Public Schools proudly celebrates the incredible administrative professionals who keep our schools running smoothly every single day. From answering phones and organizing schedules to supporting staff, students, and families, your dedication does not go unnoticed. 💼📚💙 Thank you for being the heart of our offices and the glue that holds us together. We appreciate all that you do! #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay #ThankYou #GCPSMD #GCPSProud #BehindTheScenesHeroes