𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐉𝐫. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏/𝟏𝟗/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Both schools and offices will be closed. GCPS is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. For full calendar details, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟏/𝟏𝟔/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools will open two (2) hours late today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡!
Mark your calendars! The sixth annual Cool Schools Dunk returns to Deep Creek Lake on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This annual event brings our schools and community together to support Unified Sports in Garrett County, promoting inclusion, teamwork, and school spirit—all with a little cold-water courage.
The event will be held at Uno Deep Creek. Students from Broad Ford (6th grade only), Northern Middle, Northern High, and Southern High Schools are able to dunk by making a donation or raising funds. All funds raised stay in Garrett County!
Mark your calendars now! To donate, please contact your favorite student or school and become a sponsor. Additional information, including donation links, may be found at https://support.somd.org/event/2026-cool-schools-dunk/e685293.
All afternoon and evening activities for Garrett County Public Schools are canceled for today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has received approval from the State Superintendent to waive student attendance at Broad Ford School on Friday, April 17th, and Monday, April 20th, 2026. GCPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda McCartney requested the waiver following a recommendation from the Broad Ford School Transition Committee and after receiving the support of the Garrett County Board of Education.
This waiver will allow staff dedicated time to move into the newly renovated school and prepare classrooms and instructional spaces to ensure a smooth transition for students. All other Garrett County Public Schools will follow the GCPS Operational Calendar on these days.
Broad Ford students will start classes in the new building on April 21, 2026.
UPDATE 1/15/26 7:35 a.m.:
Garrett County Public Schools will now be closed today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Garrett County Public Schools will open three (3) hours late today, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟕 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫
During the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting, the proposed Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) 2026-27 school calendar, developed by the GCPS Calendar Committee, was approved. It is now available on the Public Relations page of our website: www.gcps.net/public-relations, under the GCPS Calendars tab. The Calendar Committee, which consisted of parents, staff, administrators, and a Board member, met in November & December 2025, and January 2026.
The approved calendar features a pre-Labor Day start, with students returning to school on August 31, 2026, and the school tentatively concluding on June 3, 2027. Professional development days are scheduled throughout the year. The 91st day of school is scheduled for January 28, 2027. Students will be dismissed three hours early on this day. The day will NOT move (or “float”) as it has in the past.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held once, on February 1, 2027, tentatively planned to occur from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All major holidays are also school holidays. Additional holidays include October 9, 2026 (Autumn Glory Friday), November 3, 2026 (Election Day), November 30, 2026 (Thanksgiving Monday), and March 29, 2027 (Easter Monday).
Three make-up days are scheduled during the school year to account for potential inclement weather: February 15, March 29, and June 4, 2027. These make-up dates are marked with snowflakes on the calendar and will be used in numerical order as possible make-up days. Since it's impossible to predict inclement weather days or emergency system-wide closings, it is recommended that vacations not be scheduled until at least after June 11th to avoid any scheduling conflicts. If additional days are needed, the school year will be extended to meet the state requirement of 180 days.
𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Northern Middle School in the cafeteria. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review via https://youtube.com/live/-D1xh20nLBY?feature=share%5C%5C.
Public comment for the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m., after which time the Board will go into executive session in the Community 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 7:20 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 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 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.
𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 - 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝
GCPS Students and Families, please see the following information from our partners at the Garrett County Health Department:
The Allegany County and Garrett County Local Behavioral Health Authorities (ACLBHA and GCLBHA) are partnering to collectively operate as the Hub under the Community Health Resource Commission (CHRC) Coordinated Community Supports Partnership, which aims to expand behavioral health supports within the public school system. The Hub would like to hear from students and their families in the Garrett County Public Schools about behavioral health services, strengths, and needs!
This survey is completely confidential and anonymous. Your name will not be linked to your answers. The survey should take approximately 5–10 minutes to complete. The survey may be found at https://forms.gle/5skudm4Aja7czzfZ6.
Pictured:
Back row left to right (NGHS): Lilah Rikhye, Lula Faulkner, Mary Thrush, Kirstin Ellis, Georgia Blocher, August Cain, and Rowan Rikhye.
Front row (SGHS): Amelia Roth, Kathryn Sweitzer, Ella Recker, and Emily Sweitzer.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐃 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) proudly celebrates the selection of Ms. Cadence Natividad, a senior at Southern Garrett High School, as a student page for the prestigious Maryland General Assembly’s Page Program during the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session. This exciting opportunity allows students from across the state to represent their schools and counties in Annapolis, Maryland.
As part of the program, Ms. Natividad will join 105 fellow pages and 36 alternate pages, serving two nonconsecutive weeks during the thirteen-week session from January to early April 2026. The program is an enriching experience designed for seniors at least 16 years old who attend public and nonpublic high schools in Maryland.
Throughout the session, Ms. Natividad will have the opportunity to work closely with state legislators, learn about the inner workings of government, and engage in the democratic process. While serving in Annapolis, pages are required to be present whenever their chamber is in session, providing them with invaluable firsthand experiences. Mr. Shane Sisler was chosen as the alternate for the program, who will serve if Ms. Natividad is unable to fulfill any duties.
Students are encouraged to contact their school counselor for more information about the Page Program.
𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Northern Middle School in the cafeteria. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review.
Public comment for the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m., after which time the Board will go into executive session in the Community 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 7:20 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 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 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.
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is proud to recognize four additional teachers who have earned National Board Certification. This distinguished achievement represents one of the highest professional honors in education and reflects a deep commitment to instructional excellence and student success.
The National Board Certification process is both rigorous and reflective, requiring educators to demonstrate advanced knowledge, effective teaching practices, and a strong impact on student learning. Teachers who achieve this certification continually refine their practice and actively contribute to professional learning communities.
GCPS celebrates these dedicated educators whose accomplishments underscore our commitment to high academic standards, continuous professional growth, and inspiring learning environments for all students:
• Annalea Burgess – Broad Ford School and Southern Garrett High
• April Fleming – Northern Garrett High
• Melissa Pyle – Southern Garrett High
• Leah Shaw – Broad Ford School
This brings the total number of NBC Teachers within GCPS to 37. To learn more about GCPS National Board Certifications, please visit https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-national-board-certified-teachers.
As winter break approaches, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) asks families to continue supporting students' safe and responsible technology use. Extended breaks from school often bring more free time and increased opportunities for children to explore digital platforms.
During less-structured times, students may encounter new apps, platforms, or interactions that require guidance and open conversation. GCPS values the partnership with families in helping children navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Together, we can help ensure those online experiences remain positive and age-appropriate.
“Throughout the school year, GCPS works closely with our families to support our students in building healthy digital habits,” said Mike Lewis, GCPS Director of Student Services. “When students are home—especially during holidays and breaks—we truly rely on this partnership. Ongoing communication between schools and our families helps students make thoughtful choices online and supports their overall well-being.”
Families are encouraged to support online safety by:
🔹Talking regularly with children about responsible online behavior and digital citizenship.
🔹Delaying access to personal social media accounts until at least 16 years of age.
🔹Reviewing device settings and enabling parental controls, filters, and privacy features.
🔹Monitoring personal devices routinely, including apps, messaging platforms, and browser activity, while staying informed about new online trends and new technologies.
🔹Setting clear expectations for screen time, online conduct, and the types of platforms children may use.
🔹Encouraging more outdoor and hands-on play opportunities.
🔹Addressing the growing concern of AI-generated deepfakes and the importance of educating students about responsible and respectful use and behavior.
Families seeking guidance or additional resources are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor or administrator. For more information on digital safety, visit the Family Online Safety Institute at https://fosi.org/.
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤
Garrett County Public Schools will dismiss students three (3) hours early tomorrow, Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Additionally, schools will be closed from December 24, 2025, through January 1, 2026, for winter break. January 2, 2026, is a professional development day for staff, and school is closed for students. Students are scheduled to return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬.
This bacterium is found in the nose, throat, and mouth of an infected person and can be easily spread. Pertussis can occur at any age, but it often causes serious problems in babies, and is usually milder in older children and adults. Children who are too young to be fully vaccinated and those who have not received all their vaccinations are at the highest risk for severe illness and complications. Complications of pertussis can include pneumonia (infection of the lungs), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), seizures, and other physical and medical outcomes associated with a severe cough.
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧-𝐭𝐨-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
Pertussis is spread to others by direct, close contact with secretions from the nose, throat, and mouth of an infected person. Droplets from a cough or a sneeze can spread the disease to others. A person with pertussis may be contagious for as long as 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after symptoms begin (if untreated). Anyone with pertussis should not attend childcare, school, work, or other public places until they have completed 5 days of an appropriate antibiotic treatment.
𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
🔹Low fever
🔹Runny nose
🔹Cough that is mild at first, then severe with times of deep, rapid coughing and a crowing or high-pitched “whoop”. The cough often worsens at night.
🔹Vomiting after coughing
Symptoms occur within 5 to 21 days (usually 7 to 10 days) after someone has been exposed to an infected person.
𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
People who think they may have pertussis should see a doctor or their local health department to find out if they need to be tested. The preferred method of testing is to swab the back of the nose for culture or other special pertussis testing.
𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.
Pertussis is treated with an antibiotic, and if treated soon enough, the antibiotic may decrease the contagiousness and severity of the disease.
𝐀 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝/𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬.
People in close contact may include:
🔹Persons who live in the same house;
🔹Persons who have contact with mouth or nose secretions, such as through a cough or sneeze, or sharing food and eating utensils;
🔹Persons who have done medical treatments such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or intubation; or
🔹Close contacts in child and daycare settings, schools, work, or extracurricular activities.
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞.
Every child should get the pertussis vaccine at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months of age, and another dose at 4 to 6 years of age. A single dose of pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap) is recommended for adolescents ages 11 to 18, and for adults 19-64 who received their last Td booster greater than or equal to10 years ago. The Tdap vaccine is especially recommended for all healthcare workers and adults in close contact with infants. Age-appropriate vaccination is required for enrollment in Maryland childcare institutions and schools. For additional information about the pertussis vaccine, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/
"𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬" 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
Each year, Stuff the Bus unites our community with one shared goal: ensuring that every child begins the school year prepared, confident, and equipped to learn. This year’s campaign truly exceeded expectations, reflecting the tremendous compassion and commitment of Garrett County residents and businesses.
In partnership with the Potomac Highlands United Way, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS), and the Oakland Walmart, we proudly announce the successful completion of this year’s Garrett County “Stuff the Bus” school supply campaign. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community partners, and individual donors, we achieved a remarkable impact:
• Raised a total of $2,499.03
• Collected 8,831 essential school supply items and backpacks
• All supplies were distributed directly to GCPS students.
In continued partnership with GCPS, the Potomac Highlands United Way, and Walmart, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting education, health, and financial stability for families throughout Garrett County. Programs like Stuff the Bus powerfully remind us that even small acts of generosity can create lasting change.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, or shared in the success of this year’s campaign. Together, we are helping students start the year with confidence—and helping to build a stronger future for our community.
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟕 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐝
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) received notification from the Maryland State Board of Education and State Superintendent last week, indicating calendar modification requests will not be accepted until the January State Board Meeting of the current school year. This makes Presidents’ Day the earliest holiday on which a local school system may request the State Board for schools to open on a holiday due to inclement weather. The State Board and the State Superintendent of Schools strongly recommended that local school systems refrain from designating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an inclement weather recovery day in their school calendars. GCPS has traditionally built this holiday into the school calendar as a possible make-up day, including the proposed 2026-27 calendar. Therefore, the GCPS calendar committee reconvened on December 15, 2025, to discuss this change. As a result, the committee determined that community input was necessary to finalize the proposed calendar, particularly regarding the placement of built-in snow make-up days and the graduation date. Once the survey closes, the calendar committee will reconvene to propose an updated calendar at the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting.
The committee seeks feedback from stakeholders on how to best schedule possible make-up days. Possible make-up days include the following:
● Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 15, 2027, Easter Monday – Monday, March 29, 2027, and after school is scheduled to end – Friday, June 4, 2027.
● Easter Monday – Monday, March 29, 2027, and two days after school is scheduled to end – Friday, June 4, and Monday, June 7, 2027.
● All three days after school is scheduled to end – Friday, June 4, Monday, June 7, and Tuesday, June 8, 2027.
The committee also requests your feedback on possible graduation dates:
● Saturday, May 22, 2027
● Sunday, May 30, 2027 (Memorial Day Weekend)
● Saturday, June 5, 2027
Feedback may be provided using the following Google Form https://forms.gle/Z8aDYmVpCvaMULKB7. Please use this form to provide feedback on all aspects of the calendar for the 2026-27 school year. If you previously responded with feedback on the 2026-27 calendar and wish to update it, you may edit your response. The response period will be extended through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Responses may also be mailed or emailed using the following information:
Garrett County Public Schools
Attn: Public Relations Office
770 Dennett Road
Oakland, MD 21550
public.info@gcps.net
The Board will read each comment submitted before the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting.
