School nurses provide daily health support, respond in moments of need, and help ensure our schools remain safe, healthy, and ready for learning. Their compassion, expertise, and calm presence make a difference in the lives of students, staff, and families across our community.
Thank you to our GCPS school nurses for everything you do. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the care you provide every single day!
The Garrett County Health Department has reported a case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, within the community. Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is sharing this information to help keep students, families, and staff informed and aware.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing. According to health officials, symptoms can appear anywhere from 4 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs often resemble a common cold, including a runny nose and sneezing, and may progress to a severe, persistent cough that can last for weeks or longer. In some cases, individuals may experience intense coughing fits, difficulty breathing, a high-pitched “whooping” sound, or vomiting.
The Garrett County Health Department emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. Families are encouraged to ensure that all household members are up to date on recommended immunizations, including DTaP and Tdap vaccines. Because immunity can decrease over time, even vaccinated individuals may still be at risk.
Health officials note that pertussis can be treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, individuals may remain contagious for several weeks and can spread the infection to others.
Families are urged to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if pertussis is suspected. Anyone diagnosed with pertussis should notify their school or workplace and remain at home until cleared by the health department.
For more information, or if you have questions, please contact the Garrett County Health Department and ask for Jessica Carey, MSN Ed., CRNP, at (301) 334-7770.
Garrett County Public Schools will continue working in partnership with the Garrett County Health Department to support the health and well-being of the school community.
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 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.
Public comment for the May 12, 2026, Board Meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m., 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. The Board of Education will reconvene for the public session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:40 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 April 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.
All Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will release student progress reports for the fourth grading period on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Schools will release the progress reports according to their school-specific policy. Please refer to your student handbook or school office for any questions. Up-to-date grading periods are available on our website at https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-calendars.
On this Teacher Appreciation Day, Garrett County Public Schools thanks our dedicated teachers for their passion, commitment, and the lasting impact they make in every classroom. We celebrate the incredible educators who inspire, support, and shape the future of our students every single day.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is proud to share that Mrs. Jessica Fratz, Principal of Accident Elementary School, was recognized at the Maryland School Leadership Honors: Honoring Principals event, held this past Friday, May 1st, at the Maryland State House.
Hosted on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, in partnership with The Wallace Foundation, the statewide event recognized exceptional school leaders in celebration of National Principal Appreciation Day.
Mrs. Fratz was nominated for her outstanding leadership and commitment to student success. Her experience as a principal has demonstrated a strong track record of improving student outcomes while fostering a positive, inclusive, and equitable school culture.
“Garrett County Public Schools is incredibly proud of the leadership demonstrated at Accident Elementary,” said Mrs. Dawna Ashby, Director of Elementary Education. “This recognition reflects a deep commitment to students, staff, and the broader school community.”
The Maryland School Leadership Honors highlights the critical role principals play in shaping school environments where all students can thrive. GCPS celebrates this well-deserved recognition and the continued impact of strong school leadership across the district.
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤!
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who inspire, support, and empower our students every single day. Our teachers spark curiosity in the classroom and make meaningful connections that last a lifetime, truly making a difference!
Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to student success. Our schools and our community are stronger because of you.
𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐬' 𝐃𝐚𝐲
It takes a special kind of leader to guide a school community, and in Garrett County, we have the best in the business!
Happy School Principals' Day to our principals who lead our schools. They wear many hats, such as mentor, coach, strategist, and cheerleader, all while keeping the focus on student success. Their leadership doesn't just impact a classroom; it shapes the future of our entire community. Thank you for everything you do today and every day!
CORRECTION: 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is providing an important update to the 2025–26 school calendar following the use of inclement weather days earlier this year.
Due to weather-related closures, the last scheduled day for students was previously set for Monday, June 8, 2026. GCPS submitted a waiver request to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to adjust the calendar to minimize the impact on families.
At the April 28th meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education, the waiver request was approved. As a result, the calendar changes are:
• Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Students dismissed three hours early
• Friday, June 5, 2026 – Students’ Last Day, students dismissed three hours early
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Teachers’ Last Day
GCPS appreciates the flexibility and support of students, families, and staff as adjustments are made throughout the school year. The approved waiver allows the district to maintain compliance with state requirements while providing an earlier conclusion to the school year for students.
For up-to-date information on the 2025-26 GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟕 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫
Mrs. April Fleming has been named the Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) 2026-27 Teacher of the Year. She began teaching with GCPS in 1999. Mrs. Fleming received a Master’s Degree in Modern Humanities from Frostburg State University (2006) and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Frostburg State University, with a minor in writing (1999). Additionally, she received her National Board Certification in English Language Arts: Adolescent Young Adult Education in December of 2025.
She has held various positions, including an English Teacher, Instructional Coach, Mentor Teacher, Yearbook Advisor, National Honor Society Advisor, and Department Chairperson. Mrs. Fleming currently teaches 10th grade English and AP Seminar at Northern Garrett High School. She serves on a variety of committees, but enjoys spending time in the classroom with her students the most.
“Mrs. April Fleming exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator. Her commitment to student success, innovative instructional practices, and ability to build meaningful relationships in the classroom make her a true leader among her peers,” said Mr. Paul Edwards, Director of Secondary Education. “She consistently goes above and beyond to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning in every student she serves.”
Dr. Nicole Miller added, "Mrs. Fleming’s dedication to excellence in education is evident in everything she does. She not only delivers high-quality rigorous instruction but also creates an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. She is a shining example of the impact a passionate and committed teacher can have on a school community."
Mrs. Fleming will go on to compete for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year, which should be announced in October. For information about all GCPS Teachers of the Year, please visit https://www.gcps.net/TOY
𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦!
Both the Northern Garrett High School (North Garrett FFA) and Southern Garrett High School (Oakland FFA) chapters are kicking off their annual plant sales this Saturday, April 25, 2026!
Stop by to support our students and shop a great selection of flowers, vegetables, and more, perfect for your planters, gardens, and other spaces. Proceeds help support hands-on agricultural learning and FFA activities throughout the year.
Don’t miss this opportunity. Come out and grow with us!
The 2026 Garrett County Envirothon competition was held on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Hickory Environmental Education Center (HEEC), during which teams and their teachers/coaches from Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools competed for points in a variety of conservation challenges.
The annual event is a full day of competition. Students prepared by attending a fall and spring training day at HEEC and then working with their coaches throughout the school year. Envirothon is a problem-solving, hands-on natural resources competition, with the objectives of promoting a deeper knowledge of how individuals and groups impact the environment by understanding environmental interactions and interdependence; being aware of current environmental issues, agencies, and resources that assist in resource protection and conservation practices; and raising environmental awareness.
Resource trainers from area agencies provided volunteer training and mentoring throughout the year for students and were integral participants during the training and testing days. The five categories of competition are traditionally: wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils, and a special fifth issue that is selected each year.
Area agencies that assisted with this year’s training and competition were: Maryland DNR Park Service, Forestry, and Wildlife Agencies; Garrett County Forestry Board; Garrett Soil Conservation District; US Department of Agriculture; and Garrett County Extension Services.
The coaches this year were Carrie Glass (Northern High) and Erin Coffman (Southern High). Special assistance was provided by Sharon Hoover, Randy Sharpless, Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler, and Jason Shank of the Hickory Environmental Education Center.
Participating students were:
• 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥—Abbigail Baker, Eoin Matteo Elica, Eden Rankin, Allison Thrush, and Madeline Smith
• 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥—Lani Daugherty, Meredith Murphy, Ayla Rodeheaver, Ava Stewart, and Logan Guthrie
Recognition is given to teams earning a high score in individual categories and overall. Category winners this year were as follows:
• Aquatics – Southern High School
• Forestry – Southern High School
• Soils – Southern High School
• Wildlife – Southern High School
• 5th Issue (Waste to Resources) – Northern High School
The Southern High team was the overall winner of the competition. They will continue to train and prepare for the Maryland State Envirothon competition, which will be held June 10-11, 2026, at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The Envirothon began in 1979 in Pennsylvania, with the first national competition in 1988. GCPS students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in Envirothon. For more information about Garrett County Envirothon teams and competitions, persons may contact Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler at rebecca.kenyon@gcps.net.
𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!
The Maryland Sun Bucks program is back for Summer 2026! Sun Bucks puts groceries on the table when school is out. Eligible children receive $40 per month, from June through August, to help offset food costs.
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫: families and children who were previously auto-enrolled (those receiving free or reduced-price meals) must now complete an application, as all GCPS students are currently receiving free meals.
Additional information is available by scanning the QR Code on the flyer or visiting https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/.
Southern Garrett High School’s annual induction ceremony for the National Honor Society (NHS) was held on April 12th, 2026, in the school cafetorium. A total of 30 students were inducted into the Foster D. Bittle chapter with the support of Principal Ryan Wolf, Advisor Stephanie Lewis, and Co-advisor Rhonda Tasker. Each student received a certificate and a pin as a token of membership. In the spirit of service, our chapter is proud to sponsor the 6th annual Great Strides walk/run for Cindy's Fund in lieu of providing refreshments.
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬
Autumn Custer, Arden Gaujot, Hailey Harvey, Kylea Polce, Morgan Spencer, Arya Teets, Amber Welch, and Brenden Woolslayer.
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬
Gabbi Berry, Kelsey Brown, Jaxson Corbin, Lily Corby, Willis Dixon, Sean Eiswert, Chloe Huxford, Cade Leader, Jaxxton Miller, Lindsay Miller, Evan Petroske, Meyachele Rohrbaugh, Jaxson Roy, Andrew SanJulian, Sydney Scott, Haleigh Sylvania, Kaitlyn Sylvania, Addison Tasker, Abigail Teets, Sadie Turner, Jayden Weaver, and Lily Zimmerman.
The ceremony was led by NHS President Michael Lantz and executive team members: Vice President Emelee Parks, Secretary Ava Witt, and Treasurer Charles Buchanan. Executive team members for the 2026-2027 school year, President Gabbi Berry, Vice President Sydney Scott, Secretary Lily Zimmerman, and Treasurer Abi Teets, were presented with a pin to acknowledge a transfer of leadership.
To be eligible for membership consideration, students must have a cumulative, weighted grade point average of 3.7 or higher and must meet high standards of service, leadership, and character. The cumulative, weighted grade point average of our 2026 inductees is a 4.0!
The 30 inductees and 29 returning members were required to participate in three chapter service projects and document four hours of service. Combined, these 59 students documented over 236 hours of chapter service and 2,882 service learning hours (this excludes the 60 hours students earn through curriculum-based service) for a total of 3,118 total hours of service.
Chapter service projects included:
• Volunteering at the 360 Access Hub.
• Collecting over 300 food donations for the 360 Access Hub.
• Cleaning up the Oakland Golf Club driving range.
• Participating in on-campus cleanup.
• Assisting with SG baseball and softball field maintenance.
• Organizing games and assisting in hiding over 6,000 eggs for the Oakland-Mt. Lake Park Lions Club Egg Hunt.
• Collecting donations for HART for Animals.
Congratulations to all on this outstanding achievement and for setting a high standard for others to follow.
Students in Ms. Jennifer Theriot’s class at Northern Garrett High School (NGHS) have reached an important academic milestone as part of the school’s first year offering the Advanced Placement (AP) Research course, the second of two required courses in the AP Capstone program.
The AP Capstone program, developed by the College Board, is designed to equip students with critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for success in college and beyond. AP Research builds on the foundation established in AP Seminar, allowing students to design, conduct, and present an in-depth, year-long research project on a topic of their choice.
Two Northern Garrett High School students successfully completed rigorous research projects that reflect both academic excellence and real-world application:
- Mr. Eoin Elica, a senior, conducted a study on optimizing air ambulance coverage in Montana, using Maryland’s system as a model to explore potential improvements in emergency medical response.
- Ms. Marisa Perez, a senior, examined the most significant extrinsic motivators influencing high-achieving students to enroll in dual-enrollment courses within a rural Maryland school district.
Both projects demonstrate the depth of inquiry and analytical thinking fostered through the AP Capstone program, as well as students’ ability to connect classroom learning to broader societal and educational challenges.
“This inaugural year of AP Research at Northern Garrett High School highlights the dedication of our students and staff to expanding rigorous academic opportunities,” said Mr. Paul Edwards, Director of Secondary Education. “These students have taken on complex, meaningful topics and produced work that reflects both scholarly discipline and real-world relevance.”
The introduction of AP Research marks a significant step forward in enhancing advanced academic programming at Northern Garrett High School and across Garrett County Public Schools. For more information about the AP Capstone program and academic requirements, please contact your school counselor.
Today, Garrett County Public Schools recognizes the dedicated professionals who keep our schools and offices running smoothly. You are the friendly faces, problem-solvers, and steady support our students, staff, and families rely on each day.
Your impact is felt across our entire school system. Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you today and every day!
During the April 14, 2026, Board meeting, Mrs. Candy Maust was approved as the next Director of Elementary Education beginning with the 2026-27 school year. In this role, Mrs. Maust will provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all early childhood and elementary programs, while promoting high-quality education for students.
Mrs. Maust is a lifelong resident of Garrett County and has spent her entire career with Garrett County Public Schools. She taught elementary school in the Crellin and Friendsville communities before becoming a principal at Kitzmiller Elementary School. She went on to serve as the principal of Route 40 Elementary before spending five years as a Supervisor of Instruction.
“Mrs. Maust’s deep roots in Garrett County and her unwavering commitment to our students make her an outstanding choice for this role,” said Dr. Nicole Miller, incoming GCPS Superintendent. “Her extensive experience as a teacher, principal, and instructional leader, combined with her passion for early literacy and student success, will be instrumental as we continue strengthening our early childhood and elementary programs. I am confident that under her leadership, we will build on our strong foundation with a focus on providing every child access to a high-quality, supportive learning experience.”
Mrs. Maust will begin serving in her new role on July 1, 2026.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) proudly celebrates a major milestone achieved with the opening of the new Broad Ford School. Students and staff were welcomed into a modern, state-of-the-art facility on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, their first day in the new building.
This day was filled with excitement, curiosity, and a strong sense of pride as students made their way into their new classrooms, collaborative spaces, and a completely updated and renovated facility designed to support 21st-century learning, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school and the entire Broad Ford community. Students were notably thrilled about their lockers, the gym, and the new playgrounds, with some students declaring they were most excited about their classrooms.
“This new school reflects the shared commitment of our entire community to provide the very best for our students,” said GCPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda McCartney. “This is your school. A place where students will learn, grow, and succeed, supported by a community that values education.”
The new Broad Ford School features modern classrooms, enhanced technology, and flexible learning spaces that promote collaboration, engagement, and hands-on learning. Thoughtfully designed with the future in mind, the building supports the needs of today’s students while creating opportunities for generations to come.
The opening of the new Broad Ford School represents a shared investment in education and reflects the strong partnership among GCPS, staff, families, and the Garrett County community. Community members are welcome to attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on May 21, 2026. The ribbon-cutting and remarks will take place at approximately 4:30 pm, followed by tours of the new school.
“We are grateful for the support of the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County and our representatives at the State level for making this project a reality,” said Mr. Tom Woods, President of the Garrett County Board of Education. “This new Broad Ford School stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when local and State partners come together with a shared commitment to our students and community.”
Whether in the classroom or extracurricular activities, student leaders show initiative, responsibility, and a commitment to making things better for everyone. Thank you for using your voice, your talents, and your passion to lead the way!
