Garrett County Public Schools
Building Strong Partnerships: Fostering Education and Collaboration Among Garrett County Schools, Families, and Communities
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥
At Broad Ford School, we are building a culture where both teachers and students are becoming confident thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders in learning. Teachers across grades K–6 are embracing strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics to create learning experiences that encourage students to think deeply, collaborate, persevere, and take ownership of their learning.
This work is also creating teacher leaders. Through professional development, a Building Thinking Classrooms book study, and ongoing collaboration, teachers are learning new ways to engage students in meaningful mathematics. They are not simply learning new strategies—they are trying them, reflecting on what they notice, sharing their experiences with colleagues, and helping one another implement effective practices across classrooms. Teachers are becoming leaders in their own professional learning and contributing to a schoolwide culture where educators learn from one another.
Through professional learning and collaboration, teachers are exploring strategies such as:
• Helping students discover and compare multiple ways to solve problems
• Asking questions that support student thinking without interrupting a student’s train of thought
• Moving beyond traditional exercises to engaging, thinking-rich tasks
• Creating productive collaboration through purposeful grouping
• Using non-curricular tasks that spark curiosity and pull students into the learning
• Helping students apply new strategies and thinking processes to future problems
• Creating classrooms where students explain, question, collaborate, and persevere
• Reflecting on classroom experiences and sharing successful strategies with colleagues
One of the most visible examples is the use of vertical non-permanent surfaces, such as whiteboards, where students work together to solve challenging problems. Rather than sitting passively and completing a worksheet, students are asked to stand, think, discuss, represent their ideas, make mistakes, revise their thinking, and explain their reasoning.
These experiences shift the role of the student from simply receiving information to actively leading their own learning. Students learn that there may be multiple pathways to a solution and that their ideas, questions, and reasoning matter. They are challenged to take risks, listen to others, defend their thinking, and persevere when a problem is difficult.
At the same time, our teachers are taking ownership of their own learning. They are trying new strategies, learning from one another, discussing what works, and bringing successful practices back to their classrooms. This creates a powerful cycle of professional growth: teachers learn, teachers try, teachers reflect, teachers share—and students benefit.
The goal isn't simply to find the right answer. It is to empower teachers to lead their professional learning and students to lead their own learning. At Broad Ford School, we are growing a community of educators and learners who think deeply, collaborate, take risks, solve problems, and believe that every day is a chance to grow.
That’s the power of a thinking classroom at Broad Ford School and across GCPS.
At Broad Ford School, we are building a culture where both teachers and students are becoming confident thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders in learning. Teachers across grades K–6 are embracing strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics to create learning experiences that encourage students to think deeply, collaborate, persevere, and take ownership of their learning.
This work is also creating teacher leaders. Through professional development, a Building Thinking Classrooms book study, and ongoing collaboration, teachers are learning new ways to engage students in meaningful mathematics. They are not simply learning new strategies—they are trying them, reflecting on what they notice, sharing their experiences with colleagues, and helping one another implement effective practices across classrooms. Teachers are becoming leaders in their own professional learning and contributing to a schoolwide culture where educators learn from one another.
Through professional learning and collaboration, teachers are exploring strategies such as:
• Helping students discover and compare multiple ways to solve problems
• Asking questions that support student thinking without interrupting a student’s train of thought
• Moving beyond traditional exercises to engaging, thinking-rich tasks
• Creating productive collaboration through purposeful grouping
• Using non-curricular tasks that spark curiosity and pull students into the learning
• Helping students apply new strategies and thinking processes to future problems
• Creating classrooms where students explain, question, collaborate, and persevere
• Reflecting on classroom experiences and sharing successful strategies with colleagues
One of the most visible examples is the use of vertical non-permanent surfaces, such as whiteboards, where students work together to solve challenging problems. Rather than sitting passively and completing a worksheet, students are asked to stand, think, discuss, represent their ideas, make mistakes, revise their thinking, and explain their reasoning.
These experiences shift the role of the student from simply receiving information to actively leading their own learning. Students learn that there may be multiple pathways to a solution and that their ideas, questions, and reasoning matter. They are challenged to take risks, listen to others, defend their thinking, and persevere when a problem is difficult.
At the same time, our teachers are taking ownership of their own learning. They are trying new strategies, learning from one another, discussing what works, and bringing successful practices back to their classrooms. This creates a powerful cycle of professional growth: teachers learn, teachers try, teachers reflect, teachers share—and students benefit.
The goal isn't simply to find the right answer. It is to empower teachers to lead their professional learning and students to lead their own learning. At Broad Ford School, we are growing a community of educators and learners who think deeply, collaborate, take risks, solve problems, and believe that every day is a chance to grow.
That’s the power of a thinking classroom at Broad Ford School and across GCPS.
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Board will meet at the Dennett Road Education Complex in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.
Public comment for the October 13, 2026, Board Meeting will begin at 𝟑:𝟑𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. (𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝), after which time the Board will go into executive session in the Instructional Directors’ Conference Room until 5:30 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and a negotiations topic. The Board of Education will reconvene for the public session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the community room. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at 7:00 p.m. Please note that 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 August Board Meeting can be accessed at https://garrettcountyschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/. The agendas are not considered final until the Board takes action to accept them 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.
🍂🤖 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐚𝐂𝐨 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 #𝟏𝟔𝟐𝟗!
Are you looking for something fun and creative during the Autumn Glory Festival? Be sure to stop by the GaCo FIRST Robotics Team #1629 booth at the Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale!
The team will be at the Garrett County Fairgrounds Ag Hall with plenty of ways to support their robotics program while having a little fun along the way.
🎄 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐨𝐟-𝐚-𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! Shop handmade ornaments crafted from LEGO bricks, perfect for adding a little creativity to your holiday decorations.
🎟️ 𝐓𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤! Enter the team’s raffle for a chance to win.
💎 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐎! LEGO jewelry will also be available for purchase.
🧠 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌! Stop by for interactive STEM activities that give kids and families an opportunity to explore, create and experiment.
🤖 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦! Learn more about GaCo FIRST Robotics Team #1629 and the exciting opportunities students have to develop skills in engineering, programming, problem solving, teamwork and more.
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
📍 Garrett County Fairgrounds | Ag Hall
🍁 Autumn Glory Festival Craft Show
📅 Friday 10 am-6 pm | Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Come see what our student innovators are building and support the team as they continue to learn, compete and create!
#GCPSMD #FIRSTRobotics #Team1629 #STEM #Robotics #LEGO #AutumnGlory #GarrettCounty
Are you looking for something fun and creative during the Autumn Glory Festival? Be sure to stop by the GaCo FIRST Robotics Team #1629 booth at the Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale!
The team will be at the Garrett County Fairgrounds Ag Hall with plenty of ways to support their robotics program while having a little fun along the way.
🎄 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐨𝐟-𝐚-𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! Shop handmade ornaments crafted from LEGO bricks, perfect for adding a little creativity to your holiday decorations.
🎟️ 𝐓𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤! Enter the team’s raffle for a chance to win.
💎 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐎! LEGO jewelry will also be available for purchase.
🧠 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌! Stop by for interactive STEM activities that give kids and families an opportunity to explore, create and experiment.
🤖 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦! Learn more about GaCo FIRST Robotics Team #1629 and the exciting opportunities students have to develop skills in engineering, programming, problem solving, teamwork and more.
𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:
📍 Garrett County Fairgrounds | Ag Hall
🍁 Autumn Glory Festival Craft Show
📅 Friday 10 am-6 pm | Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Come see what our student innovators are building and support the team as they continue to learn, compete and create!
#GCPSMD #FIRSTRobotics #Team1629 #STEM #Robotics #LEGO #AutumnGlory #GarrettCounty
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖𝐭𝐡
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in accordance with the approved 2026–27 calendar. Staff will participate in countywide professional development during the afternoon.
All 2026–27 GCPS calendar information is available at www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The Board will meet at the Dennett Road Education Complex in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.
Public comment for the October 13, 2026, Board Meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. (thirty minutes earlier than previously announced), after which time the Board will go into executive session in the Instructional Directors’ Conference Room until 5:30 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and a negotiations topic. The Board of Education will reconvene for the public session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the community room. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at 7:00 p.m. Please note that 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 August Board Meeting can be accessed at https://garrettcountyschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/. The agendas are not considered final until the Board takes action to accept them 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.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 🏆📚
Today, we celebrate our coaches who help our learners and educators grow, improve, and reach their full potential.
Our 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 support teachers with strategies, collaboration, and encouragement that strengthen learning in the classroom. Our 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 help students build teamwork, confidence, perseverance, and leadership on the field and court.
Different settings. Same goal: 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝.
Thank you to all of our GCPS coaches for the difference you make every day!
🍎 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🍎
Today, we are celebrating our dedicated teachers who inspire students' curiosity, encourage their discovery, and empower learners to reach their potential. Your passion, commitment, and care help make GCPS a special place to learn and grow.
Thank you, teachers, for all that you do!
Today, we are celebrating our dedicated teachers who inspire students' curiosity, encourage their discovery, and empower learners to reach their potential. Your passion, commitment, and care help make GCPS a special place to learn and grow.
Thank you, teachers, for all that you do!
GCPS Adds Flag Rugby to Physical Education Programming
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has added flag rugby to its physical education programming, giving students an opportunity to learn a new sport while developing teamwork, movement skills, and confidence.
The initiative was launched with support from Rugby Maryland, which provided professional development for GCPS physical education instructors as part of the district’s back-to-school professional learning program. Mr. Patrick Walsh, Rugby Maryland Representative, also worked directly with students, introducing them to the fundamentals of flag rugby and giving them an opportunity to learn and practice the sport.
Unlike traditional rugby, flag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport in which players use flags rather than tackling opponents. This makes it an accessible way for students to learn the fundamentals of rugby while staying active and developing skills such as passing, running, spatial awareness, communication, and teamwork.
“Adding flag rugby gives our students another way to discover a sport they may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience,” said Mr. Paul Edwards, GCPS Director of Secondary Education. “We appreciate Rugby Maryland for working alongside our physical education teachers and helping them feel prepared to bring this new activity into their classrooms. It is a great example of how partnerships can expand learning opportunities for our students.”
The addition of flag rugby supports GCPS efforts to provide students with a diverse range of physical activities and opportunities to develop skills that can encourage lifelong participation in physical activity. Maryland’s physical education standards emphasize developing a variety of motor skills, movement and fitness knowledge, social skills, and personal skills through physical activity.
The partnership also introduces students to a sport with growing youth participation opportunities throughout Maryland. Rugby Maryland’s youth programs emphasize non-contact rugby for both boys and girls, with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, safety, and enjoyment of the sport.
The new programming reflects GCPS’s commitment to Empowering Learners by providing students with opportunities to discover new interests, develop skills, connect with others, and explore possibilities beyond the traditional classroom.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has added flag rugby to its physical education programming, giving students an opportunity to learn a new sport while developing teamwork, movement skills, and confidence.
The initiative was launched with support from Rugby Maryland, which provided professional development for GCPS physical education instructors as part of the district’s back-to-school professional learning program. Mr. Patrick Walsh, Rugby Maryland Representative, also worked directly with students, introducing them to the fundamentals of flag rugby and giving them an opportunity to learn and practice the sport.
Unlike traditional rugby, flag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport in which players use flags rather than tackling opponents. This makes it an accessible way for students to learn the fundamentals of rugby while staying active and developing skills such as passing, running, spatial awareness, communication, and teamwork.
“Adding flag rugby gives our students another way to discover a sport they may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience,” said Mr. Paul Edwards, GCPS Director of Secondary Education. “We appreciate Rugby Maryland for working alongside our physical education teachers and helping them feel prepared to bring this new activity into their classrooms. It is a great example of how partnerships can expand learning opportunities for our students.”
The addition of flag rugby supports GCPS efforts to provide students with a diverse range of physical activities and opportunities to develop skills that can encourage lifelong participation in physical activity. Maryland’s physical education standards emphasize developing a variety of motor skills, movement and fitness knowledge, social skills, and personal skills through physical activity.
The partnership also introduces students to a sport with growing youth participation opportunities throughout Maryland. Rugby Maryland’s youth programs emphasize non-contact rugby for both boys and girls, with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, safety, and enjoyment of the sport.
The new programming reflects GCPS’s commitment to Empowering Learners by providing students with opportunities to discover new interests, develop skills, connect with others, and explore possibilities beyond the traditional classroom.
🐝 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥! 🐝
Garrett County Public Schools and the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County are partnering to host a Spelling Bee for students in grades 5–8!
📅 October 21, 2026
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Garrett College Performing Arts Center
Students in grades 5–8 are invited to put their spelling skills to the test and compete with other students from across Garrett County!
Ready to participate? Students can contact their teacher or scan the QR code to sign up.
Garrett County Public Schools and the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County are partnering to host a Spelling Bee for students in grades 5–8!
📅 October 21, 2026
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Garrett College Performing Arts Center
Students in grades 5–8 are invited to put their spelling skills to the test and compete with other students from across Garrett County!
Ready to participate? Students can contact their teacher or scan the QR code to sign up.
🍂 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 🍂
Mark your calendars for these important GCPS dates in October:
📅 October 1st - First Quarter Progress Reports Released
🍎 October 8th - Three-Hour Early Dismissal for Students/Staff Development
🍁 October 9th - GCPS Closed for Autumn Glory
All GCPS calendar information is available on our website at www.gcps.net/calendars.
Mark your calendars for these important GCPS dates in October:
📅 October 1st - First Quarter Progress Reports Released
🍎 October 8th - Three-Hour Early Dismissal for Students/Staff Development
🍁 October 9th - GCPS Closed for Autumn Glory
All GCPS calendar information is available on our website at www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
Join us as we celebrate our dedicated principals who lead, inspire, and empower learners across Garrett County Public Schools. Thank you for your leadership, vision, and commitment to our students, staff, and school communities!
Happy National Principals Month!
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬
First quarter progress reports will be released on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Schools will distribute progress reports according to their individual school policies. If you are unsure, please refer to your student handbook or contact your school office with questions about how and when progress reports will be available.
All GCPS calendar information is available on our website at www.gcps.net/calendars.
First quarter progress reports will be released on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Schools will distribute progress reports according to their individual school policies. If you are unsure, please refer to your student handbook or contact your school office with questions about how and when progress reports will be available.
All GCPS calendar information is available on our website at www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐘𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has completed its annual financial audit for fiscal year 2026. In the auditors’ opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the Board of Education of Garrett County as of June 30, 2026, and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The audit was conducted by The Rodeheaver Group, P.C. As part of the audit, the firm reviewed the Board of Education of Garrett County’s financial statements and related financial information. The auditors reported that financial statement disclosures were neutral, consistent, and clear, and determined that significant accounting estimates were reasonable in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
The audit also identified several financial statement adjustments, all of which were corrected by management. The auditors reported that no significant difficulties were encountered in completing the audit and no disagreements with management arose during the process.
The full audit report is available on Diligent, under the September 28, 2026, Board Meeting, or by visiting the following link: https://garrettcountyschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=317.
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold a Special Public Session on Monday, September 28, 2025. The Board will open the meeting at 3:00 p.m., after which time they will go into Executive Session until 3:45 p.m. to discuss an Administrative Function topic. The Board will reopen the Public Session at 4:05 p.m. for Public Comment, followed by two agenda topics: the FY2026 Financial Statements and Results of the Financial Audit and the revised FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Special Public Session will be held at Dennett Road Educational Complex in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public but will also be live-streamed for public review via https://youtube.com/live/IBQ_frgMwB8?feature=share. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 4:00 p.m. Please note that 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 September 28, 2026 Board Meeting can be accessed at https://garrettcountyschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/. The agendas are not considered final until the Board takes action to accept them 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.
𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝? 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.
Looking for a way to stay active, earn some extra income, and remain connected to your community? Consider becoming a GCPS substitute custodian!
This opportunity allows you to put your time and talents to work while helping maintain the schools our community depends on.
🧹 Flexible work. Community impact. Learn more and apply at https://www.applitrack.com/garrettcountyschools/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackJobID=1008&ref=
Looking for a way to stay active, earn some extra income, and remain connected to your community? Consider becoming a GCPS substitute custodian!
This opportunity allows you to put your time and talents to work while helping maintain the schools our community depends on.
🧹 Flexible work. Community impact. Learn more and apply at https://www.applitrack.com/garrettcountyschools/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackJobID=1008&ref=
𝐆𝐚𝐂𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
Members of Garrett County's Public High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1629, GaCo, recently visited Kent County High School on the eastern shore of Maryland. The purpose of the trip was to share information about Garrett County’s FIRST robotics program and help recruit students for a new FRC team in Kent County Public Schools.
Kent County learned about the FIRST Robotics Competition from a presentation GaCo students made at last year’s Common Ground - Maryland’s premier professional development conference for PK-12 educators. One of the purposes GaCo has in sharing about its program at K-12 education conferences is to find other rural school systems to replicate its program, empowering their students to make a difference in STEM education.
One of the teachers who attended GaCo’s session from Kent County contacted the team with a desire to start a FIRST robotics program, like Garrett County's. Since then, Kent County has secured funding and officially registered a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team for the 2027 season. The next step was to recruit students, which was the purpose of GaCo’s trip, as well as to meet with administrative staff and parents.
Kent County has the distinction of being the least populated county in Maryland, with only about 20,000 people total - just a few less than Garrett County’s population of only 28,000! Kent County is also similar to Garrett County, as it’s very rural with some tourism, associated with the Chesapeake Bay. GaCo is hopeful that with similar demographics, the Kent County team can gain much support and make an even greater impact on its schools and community than GaCo has made with the generous support it has enjoyed here in Garrett County.
In the picture are Kent County High School Engineering and Computer Science Teacher Mr. Tim Kelleman; GaCo Southern Garrett senior, Kelsey Brown; Northern Garrett seniors, Jessica Simmons, Eden Rankin, and Emma Bernshon; along with Mrs. Kris Hemstetter, Principal of Kent County High School.
GaCo's day-long trip to Kent County occurred on Wednesday, September 23, taking advantage of Garrett County's half-day of school and Kent County's Parent Back to School Night.
Members of Garrett County's Public High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 1629, GaCo, recently visited Kent County High School on the eastern shore of Maryland. The purpose of the trip was to share information about Garrett County’s FIRST robotics program and help recruit students for a new FRC team in Kent County Public Schools.
Kent County learned about the FIRST Robotics Competition from a presentation GaCo students made at last year’s Common Ground - Maryland’s premier professional development conference for PK-12 educators. One of the purposes GaCo has in sharing about its program at K-12 education conferences is to find other rural school systems to replicate its program, empowering their students to make a difference in STEM education.
One of the teachers who attended GaCo’s session from Kent County contacted the team with a desire to start a FIRST robotics program, like Garrett County's. Since then, Kent County has secured funding and officially registered a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team for the 2027 season. The next step was to recruit students, which was the purpose of GaCo’s trip, as well as to meet with administrative staff and parents.
Kent County has the distinction of being the least populated county in Maryland, with only about 20,000 people total - just a few less than Garrett County’s population of only 28,000! Kent County is also similar to Garrett County, as it’s very rural with some tourism, associated with the Chesapeake Bay. GaCo is hopeful that with similar demographics, the Kent County team can gain much support and make an even greater impact on its schools and community than GaCo has made with the generous support it has enjoyed here in Garrett County.
In the picture are Kent County High School Engineering and Computer Science Teacher Mr. Tim Kelleman; GaCo Southern Garrett senior, Kelsey Brown; Northern Garrett seniors, Jessica Simmons, Eden Rankin, and Emma Bernshon; along with Mrs. Kris Hemstetter, Principal of Kent County High School.
GaCo's day-long trip to Kent County occurred on Wednesday, September 23, taking advantage of Garrett County's half-day of school and Kent County's Parent Back to School Night.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will administer a Behavioral Health Screener to all students in Pre-K through 12th grades beginning the week of September 28, 2026. This initiative is part of GCPS’s approved Strategic Plan, which is aligned with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The Behavioral Health Screener is designed to help GCPS better understand students’ experiences at school, including how they feel about their classroom environment, their interactions with peers and teachers, and the overall school climate. The screener is a short survey that should take no more than 10 minutes for students in grades 3 through 12 to complete. For students in Pre-K through 2nd grade, the screener will be completed by their teacher.
The results will provide valuable insight into how students are experiencing school and help GCPS identify opportunities to better support student needs and improve the school experience. If a student is unsure about an answer to any question, they may skip the question.
The following link will take you to the exact survey questions students/teachers will respond to: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L-NRzXOksCbvgpLr9ZAv2llkwjjhTpfJ?usp=sharing. Parents and guardians have the option to opt their child out of participating in the Behavioral Health Screener. Please note the “opt-out” process begins with a telephone call to your child’s school. For more information, please visit the Behavioral Health Screener page of the GCPS website, https://www.gcps.net/page/behavioral-health-screener, or contact your school or the Student Services Department at 301-334-8926.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will administer a Behavioral Health Screener to all students in Pre-K through 12th grades beginning the week of September 28, 2026. This initiative is part of GCPS’s approved Strategic Plan, which is aligned with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The Behavioral Health Screener is designed to help GCPS better understand students’ experiences at school, including how they feel about their classroom environment, their interactions with peers and teachers, and the overall school climate. The screener is a short survey that should take no more than 10 minutes for students in grades 3 through 12 to complete. For students in Pre-K through 2nd grade, the screener will be completed by their teacher.
The results will provide valuable insight into how students are experiencing school and help GCPS identify opportunities to better support student needs and improve the school experience. If a student is unsure about an answer to any question, they may skip the question.
The following link will take you to the exact survey questions students/teachers will respond to: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L-NRzXOksCbvgpLr9ZAv2llkwjjhTpfJ?usp=sharing. Parents and guardians have the option to opt their child out of participating in the Behavioral Health Screener. Please note the “opt-out” process begins with a telephone call to your child’s school. For more information, please visit the Behavioral Health Screener page of the GCPS website, https://www.gcps.net/page/behavioral-health-screener, or contact your school or the Student Services Department at 301-334-8926.
𝐈𝐧-𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐮 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Garrett County Health Department is offering the annual FREE FluMist/Flu Vaccine Clinic. COVID-19 vaccinations will not be offered for students at these clinics. If interested, contact the health department or your healthcare provider. Please note that children diagnosed with asthma, cochlear implants, or immunocompromised are not eligible to receive FluMist. A preservative-free flu vaccine will also be available. The options for the flu vaccine are listed for selection on the registration form. Please see the list below for dates and the registration links.
To register your child/children for the clinic, go to the active link below associated with your student's school and fill out the registration form. Please enter the child’s legal first and last name. You will be required to upload a picture of the current insurance card. If the child does not have insurance, please select “no insurance”. If you have more than one child to register in the SAME school, you will be able to click on the link again and complete another registration. If your child/children go to different schools, please use the link associated with the child's school.
Please use the active links below to register. If you are having trouble registering or need help, contact the nurse at your child's school for assistance.
𝟗/𝟐𝟖/𝟐𝟔
Yough Glades Elementary - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/d6e3c32d-366c-4922-bff2-fc92b0a15ad0
Southern Garrett High - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/b375f2c3-6d86-4a22-a0c3-5df8e9520f6d
Crellin Elementary - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/c44c27d4-ebcd-4dc3-aaa4-5b5095a87c3d
Swan Meadow School - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/c82bfed9-08ad-44fb-b7d7-d33003e7ad99
𝟗/𝟐𝟗/𝟐𝟔
Northern Garrett High - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/8be52b46-159f-4409-a5af-e3af7ad3817f
Northern Garrett Middle - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/0c9b89e1-4060-4062-bfa1-9047ccdbf418
𝟗/𝟑𝟎/𝟐𝟔
Grantsville Elementary - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/7c94b2f0-1215-4fa6-bbf5-265aaff6e29d
Rt 40 Elementary - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/78398fb9-ba62-488a-9dad-8b0661793597
𝟏𝟎/𝟏/𝟐𝟔
Accident Elementary - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/b46cdfbb-7066-4536-bda4-6e1be4ea7106
Friendsville Elementary - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/dd1d995a-360e-49bf-a9e0-51c44e2f340a
𝟏𝟎/𝟐/𝟐𝟔
Broad Ford School - https://forms-v2.pattrac.app/form/GARRETT/d331bea9-bd42-4c3a-a9be-419cc583aeed
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has partnered with local farmers, University of Maryland Extension, Garrett County Economic Development, and the Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance (AFFA) to launch Maryland Mondays, a Farm to School initiative featuring a locally produced Maryland food item on the school menu each week.
The initiative, supported through a USDA Farm to School Grant secured by AFFA, kicked off Monday with 300 pounds of green beans produced by ALL Produce in Oakland. The green beans were served to approximately 1,200 students across GCPS.
The kickoff was highlighted at Yough Glades Elementary School, where local farmer and Yough Glades alumnus Levi Lantz talked with students about farming and the green beans they were enjoying. Kenzie Mousch, Nutrition Educator with the University of Maryland Extension, encouraged students to try the green beans through the “Two Bite Club” and led a student taste test.
The initiative also connects local farmers with GCPS to plan for future locally grown products on school menus. Maryland Mondays will continue throughout the school year, providing students with opportunities to enjoy local food while learning about agriculture and the people who grow it.
GCPS would like to extend gratitude to each of our community partners involved with this program.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has partnered with local farmers, University of Maryland Extension, Garrett County Economic Development, and the Appalachian Farm and Food Alliance (AFFA) to launch Maryland Mondays, a Farm to School initiative featuring a locally produced Maryland food item on the school menu each week.
The initiative, supported through a USDA Farm to School Grant secured by AFFA, kicked off Monday with 300 pounds of green beans produced by ALL Produce in Oakland. The green beans were served to approximately 1,200 students across GCPS.
The kickoff was highlighted at Yough Glades Elementary School, where local farmer and Yough Glades alumnus Levi Lantz talked with students about farming and the green beans they were enjoying. Kenzie Mousch, Nutrition Educator with the University of Maryland Extension, encouraged students to try the green beans through the “Two Bite Club” and led a student taste test.
The initiative also connects local farmers with GCPS to plan for future locally grown products on school menus. Maryland Mondays will continue throughout the school year, providing students with opportunities to enjoy local food while learning about agriculture and the people who grow it.
GCPS would like to extend gratitude to each of our community partners involved with this program.
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold a Special Public Session on Monday, September 28, 2025. The Board will open the meeting at 3:00 p.m., after which time they will go into Executive Session until 3:45 p.m. to discuss an Administrative Function topic. The Board will reopen the Public Session at 4:00 p.m. for Public Comment, followed by two agenda topics: the FY2026 Financial Statements and Results of the Financial Audit and the revised FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The Special Public Session will be held at Dennett Road Educational Complex in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public but will also be live-streamed for public review. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 4:00 p.m. Please note that 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 September 28, 2026 Board Meeting can be accessed at https://garrettcountyschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/. The agendas are not considered final until the Board takes action to accept them 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.
