𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟐/𝟐𝟑/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools will conduct a Virtual Learning Day (with live instruction) on Monday, February 23, 2026. Schools will be closed for in-person learning.
During the February 10, 2026, meeting of the Garrett County Board of Education, the Board approved a four-year contract appointing Dr. Nicole Miller as Superintendent of Schools for Garrett County Public Schools. The appointment was contingent upon approval by the Maryland State Superintendent, which has since been granted.
“I extend my best wishes to the Garrett County Board of Education and Dr. Miller,” said Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “The Maryland State Department of Education looks forward to supporting Dr. Miller in implementing bold initiatives to address long-standing opportunities, improve achievement gaps, and ensure the success of all Garrett County Public School System students.”
Dr. Miller’s contract will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030.
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐/𝟐𝟑/𝟐𝟔
GCPS is preparing for the possibility of a Virtual Learning Day on Monday, February 23, 2026. All necessary learning materials will be sent home with students today, Friday, February 20, 2026. No decision has been made at this time. A message will be sent through our regular media outlets and school system alerts no later than 6:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, regarding whether a virtual learning day will be implemented.
The Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) has opened the Comprehensive Adolescent Literacy Policy for public comment. The policy outlines expectations for grades 4-12 literacy instruction, including high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, and systems to support adolescent readers. Public comment is open through February 26, 2026, after which feedback will be reviewed prior to final Board consideration. Review the proposed policy at https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:ccd6c53e-9c9c-41ce-bc8c-8b37af3251c9. Public comments may be submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education, Literacy Programs and Initiatives branch via email at literacy.msde@maryland.gov.
Garrett County Public Schools is seeking a dynamic educational leader to serve as our next Chief Academic Officer. This executive role will lead curriculum, instruction, and academic strategy to drive student success across the district.
✽ Central Office - Oakland, MD
✽ Full-time, 12-month position
✽ Starts July 1, 2026
✽ Application Deadline: February 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m., but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Full details and the application are available at https://www.applitrack.com/garrettcountyschools/onlineapp/. Please contact Ms. Angela Flanigan at 301.334.8904 or angela.flanigan@gcps.net.
Students from Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools have been selected to participate in the West Virginia University Invitational High School Honor Bands, taking place February 12–14, 2026.
During this prestigious event, students will audition for placement in one of three clinic bands, rehearse over two days, and perform in a final concert on Saturday. Participants will also work with nationally recognized conductors, attend masterclasses with WVU School of Music faculty, and enjoy a performance by the WVU Wind Symphony.
𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬:
Charles Ballon - 12th - Euphonium
Jack Thomas - 10th - Trumpet
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬:
Kailee Bray - 10th - Clarinet
Evan Petroske - 11th - Trumpet
Gibson Shaw - 9th - Percussion
🎺🎼 Congratulations to our talented GCPS musicians on this outstanding achievement! Additional information may be obtained at https://bands.wvu.edu/events/wvu-honor-band.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is providing the following calendar reminder and update for the 2025–26 school year:
• 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – Monday, February 16, 2026: All GCPS schools and administrative offices will be open. This day will serve as a make-up day.
• 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: At the February 10, 2026, meeting, the Garrett County Board of Education approved Tuesday, May 26, 2026, as the last day of classes for seniors. Graduation ceremonies for both Northern Garrett High School and Southern Garrett High School are scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Families, students, and staff are encouraged to regularly review the GCPS calendar for the most up-to-date information. Calendar updates are available on the GCPS Google Calendar and on the GCPS website at www.gcps.net/page/gcps-calendars.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will be hosting an upcoming Substitute Training for individuals interested in supporting our schools and students. This training will cover expectations, classroom management, and essential information to help substitutes feel confident and prepared in GCPS classrooms.
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
🕘 Time: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
📍 Location: Dennett Road Education Complex - Community Room
Substitute teachers play a vital role in maintaining continuity of learning. If you’re looking for a flexible way to make a difference, this opportunity may be for you!
Please be aware that advance registration is required to attend this training. Additional information will be supplied upon registering for the training. To begin the application process, please visit https://www.applitrack.com/garrettcountyschools/onlineapp/ and look for the substitute teacher candidate pool job posting.
Any potential candidate who is unable to attend this training but is interested in becoming a substitute is still encouraged to apply. Questions may be directed to Ms. Angela Flanigan, HR Manager, via email at angela.flanigan@gcps.net or phone at 301-334-8904.
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝟐/𝟏𝟔/𝟐𝟔
Due to varying weather predictions and out of an abundance of caution, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is preparing for the possibility of a Virtual Learning Day on Monday, February 16, 2026. All necessary learning materials will be sent home with students today, Friday, February 13, 2026. No decision has been made at this time. A message will be sent through our regular media outlets and school system alerts no later than 6:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, regarding whether a virtual learning day will be implemented.
Two proposed sets of curricula were presented for review at the February 10, 2026, Board of Education meeting. Each set of materials is open for public review and comment through March 4, 2026. Feedback is an essential part of shaping the future of our educational programs.
The proposed curricula are:
𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬
Publisher: Curriculum Associates
Curriculum: Magnetic Literacy
Online Materials: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/programs/i-ready-learning/magnetic-literacy
Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/MyJfGNxzbNjYFC776
𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 (𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝟔-𝟖) 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬
Publisher: SAVVAS Learning Company
Curriculum: Experience Science
Online Materials: https://www.savvas.com/solutions/science/core-programs/experience-science-6-8
Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/PqCWQDLm2RLLRpNU8
These instructional materials are available for review at the Ruth Enlow Libraries of Oakland and Grantsville, or online via the respective links above. The Board is expected to take action on the proposed curricula during the March 10, 2026, meeting.
During the February 10, 2026, Garrett County Board of Education (GCBOE) meeting, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Nicole Miller to a four-year contract as the Superintendent of Schools. This request will now go to the State Superintendent for approval.
"The Board is proud to announce the selection of our next Superintendent, Dr. Nicole Miller,” said Mr. Tom Woods, Board President. “We believe that Dr. Miller has the experience, integrity, and passion needed to build on our district’s strengths and guide us confidently into the future."
Dr. Miller’s contract is pending approval from the Maryland State Superintendent. Upon approval, the contract will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030.
This day celebrates the achievements, dedication, and impact of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also reaffirming the importance of equity and opportunity in these fields. We honor those who inspire innovation, advance discovery, and pave the way for future generations of scientists and leaders. 🧪🧬
𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Dennett Road Education 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/YhAPAJv4I2A?feature=share.
Public comment for the February 10, 2026, Board Meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m., after which time the Board will go into executive session in the Maintenance 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 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.
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: This show is full. Please look out for future opportunities.
𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰
A light show set to the music of Pink Floyd will be held on Friday, February 27, at 6:00 p.m. in the planetarium at Hickory Environmental Education Center. This show is for adults and by reservation only. Reserve your seats by emailing the planetarium director at jason.shank@gcps.net.
There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. There are only 50 seats available for this event. Hickory is part of Garrett County Public Schools. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are prohibited.
𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Each month, staff at the Hickory Environmental Education Center proudly recognize Hickory’s Finest! 🌟 Friendsville Elementary students in Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Chapman's 4th- and 5th-grade classes were selected for January 2026. Congratulations to these students for being selected as the January Hickory’s Finest! 👏🍃
Pictured are students from both classes.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is now accepting online applications for the Pre-Kindergarten 3-year-old (PK3), Pre-Kindergarten 4-year-old (PK4), and Kindergarten programs for the 2026–27 school year. Applying as soon as possible is strongly encouraged, as it will ensure timely communication regarding program placement and registration appointments.
𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝟑
To be eligible for the PK3 program, a child must be three (3) years old by September 1, 2026. Seats are available to families with incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and students with special educational needs, English as a second language, and/or children who are experiencing homelessness, regardless of income. Use the following link to view details about the program, eligibility requirements, and to apply for PK3. www.gcps.net/page/pre-kindergarten-3-year-olds
𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝟒
To be eligible for the PK4 program, a child must be four (4) years old by September 1, 2026. PK4 is a universal program, meaning all students who meet the age requirement are eligible. Priority is given to families with incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and students with special educational needs, or English as a second language, and/or children who are experiencing homelessness, regardless of income. Use the following link to view details about and apply for the PK4 program. www.gcps.net/page/pre-kindergarten-4-year-olds
For both PK3 and PK4, online applications are date and time-stamped to prioritize placement. Students are placed at the elementary school in their home district first; however, based on enrollment and class size requirements, some students may be assigned to a neighboring school. Placement notifications for students requiring an alternate location will be sent in early August.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧
Children who will be five (5) years old by September 1, 2026, are required to register for kindergarten. Those who do not meet the age requirement are not eligible for kindergarten registration. Exemptions from the required 5-year-old attendance must be requested by contacting the Early Childhood/Elementary Education Department at 301-334-8927. Use the following link to view details and apply for the Kindergarten program: www.gcps.net/kindergarten.
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Registration for all programs will take place at each elementary school in April 2026, and applicants will receive additional information regarding their application status and registration appointments in advance of their registration.
𝐎𝐮𝐭-𝐨𝐟-𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬
Applications submitted by June 15th will be acted upon by July 1st, when possible. At times, the class size may not be known, and approval cannot be given until a date nearer the start of the school year. To learn more about Out of Area Requests, open and closed transfer schools, and obtain the request form, please visit www.gcps.net/page/out-of-area-transfer-requests.
𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Parents needing assistance completing the online application should contact the elementary school in their home district and ask for the Registration Liaison. For questions about residency boundaries, please contact the Transportation Department at 301-334-8907.
For any questions about the enrollment process, please contact the Office of Early Childhood/Elementary Education at 301-334-8927, Mrs. Dawna Ashby, Director, or Mrs. Dawna Rodeheaver, Administrative Assistant.
Garrett County Public Schools will open two (2) hours late on Monday, February 9, 2026.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟐/𝟕/𝟐𝟔
All GCPS activities are canceled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, and all facilities are closed.
As we approach the opening of the Pre-K and Kindergarten application period for the 2026-27 school year, we continue our closer look at each program. Today, we are focusing on the Kindergarten program (K).
Kindergarten at Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is an exciting step in your child’s educational journey. Our program is designed to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and create a strong foundation for lifelong learning in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
At GCPS, we believe kindergarten is about more than learning letters and numbers—it’s about helping children grow socially, emotionally, and academically while developing a love for school.
Our kindergarten classrooms provide a balanced, developmentally appropriate approach to learning. Children are introduced to essential academic skills while exploring the world through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences.
Students will:
- Build early reading, writing, and math skills
- Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
- Explore science and social studies through discovery and discussion
- Strengthen fine motor skills through art, music, and movement
The GCPS Kindergarten program for 5-year-old children is a full-day program, designed to support school readiness and a successful transition to first grade and beyond. To be eligible for this 2026-27 program, a child must be five (5) years old by September 1, 2026.
Applications for the 2026-27 school year will begin on February 9, 2026. Learn more about the Kindergarten program at https://www.gcps.net/page/kindergarten-program.
𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄:
If your child is currently enrolled in a GCPS PK4 program, you will not need to reapply. Your child will automatically be moved up from PK4 to Kindergarten, but you will need to provide updated proof of residency if your child was enrolled in a PK4 program outside of your home-district school.
