UPDATE: 11/6/25 at 12:40 p.m. The power has been restored at all locations. Phones are now operating.
𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬
There is a power outage affecting the Northern Garrett Educational Campus (Northern Middle, Northern High, and Hickory), and Accident Elementary. Lunch is being served. Phone service is out at each location. Anyone with an immediate need may contact 301-334-8901, and a message will be relayed to the appropriate school.
𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒-𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒
The Maryland State Department of Education released the Maryland School Report Card. The report card
contains data for every school in the state. GCPS, along with the rest of the state, has experienced a slight change in its star ratings.
Schools earn between one and five stars based on the percentage of points earned across a series of indicators. These scores reflect school performance on multiple components. For elementary and middle schools, the system includes Academic Achievement, Academic Progress, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, and School Quality and Student Success. For high schools, the system includes Academic Achievement, Graduation Rate, Progress in English Language Proficiency, Graduation Rates, and School Quality and Student Success. Achieving English language proficiency was not factored into GCPS scoring due to the minimal population of multilingual learners within GCPS.
GCPS has achieved the following results for the 2024-25 school year: five (5) four-star schools – Accident Elementary, Crellin Elementary, Friendsville Elementary, Grantsville Elementary, and Northern High; and six (6) three-star schools – Broad Ford School, Northern Middle, Route 40 Elementary, Southern High, Swan Meadow School, and Yough Glades Elementary. GCPS averaged 3.45 stars across all eleven schools, slightly above the state average of 3.35 stars. Of note, six of the GCPS schools were just shy of moving up to the next star rating, with four percentage points or less separating them from it.
Additionally, GCPS demonstrated notable growth on the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA), achieving significant gains across grade levels.
• Grade 8 MISA proficiency increased by 8.6% from the 2023–2024 to the 2024–2025 school year.
• High School Life Science MISA proficiency increased by 13.2% during the same period.
These results recently earned GCPS state recognition from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for outpacing the state average in proficiency growth, reflecting the district’s continued commitment to excellence in science instruction and student achievement.
“We are proud of the dedication our educators, students, and families have shown in achieving meaningful progress in student learning,” said Dr. Nicole Miller, GCPS Chief Academic Officer. “However, we recognize that there is more work ahead. We remain focused on strengthening instruction, supporting every learner, and building on our successes to ensure excellence across all schools."
This is the sixth year for MD School Report Cards and the star ratings system. To view statewide, county, or school-specific data, please visit the Maryland Report Card: https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/.
UPDATE: Reservations for this show are now full. Please look for additional opportunities in the future to see the light show.
𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝟏/𝟏𝟒/𝟐𝟓 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦
A light show set to the music of Pink Floyd will be presented at the Hickory Environmental Education Center planetarium on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. There is no admission fee, but donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to support Hickory. This show is for adults only, and seats must be reserved in advance by emailing Jason Shank at jason.shank@gcps.net. Hickory is part of Garrett County Public Schools. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are prohibited on school grounds.
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 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 September Board Meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m., after which time the Board will go into executive session until 5:30 p.m. to discuss personnel topics, a negotiations topic, and a legal matter. The Board of Education will reconvene for the public session from 6:00 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. in the cafeteria. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 6:45 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.
COFFEE WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT RETURNS IN NOVEMBER
Dr. Brenda McCartney, Superintendent of Schools, will hold two “Coffee with the Superintendent” opportunities for parents, guardians, and community members in November. The first Coffee with the Superintendent is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Dennett Road Educational Complex in the Community Room, and the second is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, at Northern Middle School in the Community Room. Both meetings will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Coffee with the Superintendent is a way for parents, guardians, and community members to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss the future of the school district in a relaxed, informal setting. During the November sessions, the Superintendent will be available to listen, answer questions, and gather community feedback on the school system’s Weighted Student Funding Waivers, which will be discussed at the November Board of Education meeting.
These events are open to all parents, guardians, and community members interested in Garrett County Public Schools.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) administrators and members of the Garrett County Board of Education recently toured the renovation site of the future Broad Ford School to observe ongoing progress and receive an update on construction milestones.
During the visit, Mr. Bobby Witt, GCPS Director of System Operations, shared that the renovation project, which will relocate Broad Ford Elementary to the former Southern Middle building, is now approximately 75% complete. Additionally, he noted that sitework outside the building will continue as weather permits, ensuring that key exterior improvements remain on schedule.
Several pieces of new playground equipment have already been installed, with the remaining installations expected to be completed within the next month. Inside the building, finishing work will progress steadily as more areas are sealed from the outside elements, allowing interior crews to advance flooring, painting, tile, and final installations.
Mr. Witt expressed appreciation for the collaboration and progress to date. “It’s exciting to see this project taking shape. The renovated Broad Ford School represents a major investment in the future of our students and our community,” he said.
The visit offered an opportunity for administrators and Board members to see firsthand how the project is advancing toward completion. GCPS will continue to share updates as construction moves closer to its final stages.
Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend! Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, November 1st.
Under section 1111(b)(2)(D)(i)(I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the total number of students possessing the most significant cognitive disabilities assessed statewide in each subject via the Alternate Assessments Aligned with Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS) should not exceed 1.0 percent of the total number of all students assessed statewide in that subject.
On October 3, 2024, the United States Department of Education (USDE) released a memo outlining the application process for States seeking to request a waiver or waiver extension for the 2024-2025 school year for the 1.0 percent AA-AAAS participation threshold. While the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has taken measures in the past seven years to reduce the rate of AA-AAAS participation to comply with the 1.0 percent threshold, the MSDE anticipates that the State may exceed the 1.0 percent AA-AAAS participation threshold in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science. Consequently, as allowed under ESEA section 8401(b)(3), and in accordance with 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.6(c)(4), the MSDE proposes to request a waiver extension from the 1.0 percent cap on AA-AAAS participation in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science for the 2025-2026 school year.
In accordance with ESEA section 8401(b)(3), any State requesting a waiver or waiver extension from the 1.0 percent cap on AA-AAAS participation should submit the request to the USDE at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the AA-AAAS testing window for the 2025-2026 school year. In Maryland’s case, the 2025-2026 testing window will begin on March 9, 2026. Prior to submitting a waiver or waiver extension request, the State must provide the public and local school systems with notice and a reasonable opportunity to comment and provide input on the request.
Please email comments to deises-psta.msde@maryland.gov by the close of business on November 3, 2025. The MSDE will review all comments received and include them in the waiver extension request submission.
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 when your children are out on Halloween night:
🎃A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds
🎃 If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
🎃 Agree on a specific time children should return home
🎃 Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car
🎃 Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
🎃 Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies
𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬
🎃Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs
🎃Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
🎃At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
🎃Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬
𝐒 - Stay in groups
𝐂 - Costumes should be well-fitting and flame-resistant
𝐀 - Always test makeup
𝐑 - Remember to look both ways when crossing streets
𝐄 - Examine all treats before eating
𝐒 - Stay on sidewalks, when possible
𝐀 - Avoid dark houses
𝐅 - Flashlights + glowsticks for visibility
𝐄 - Enjoy with caution!
𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍!
The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Human Resources Department will hold the next substitute teacher training session on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Individuals who are interested in becoming substitute teachers for GCPS are welcome to register and join us.
Advance registration is required ahead of time to attend and participate in this training. Additional information will be supplied upon registering for the training. To begin registration, 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 is still encouraged to apply. Questions may be directed to Ms. Angela Flanigan, HR Manager, at 301-334-8904.
The Northern Garrett High School (NGHS) Class of 1960 has generously presented a donation to the Hickory Environmental Education Center (HEEC). This contribution will aid in the construction of a Tree Canopy Classroom on the HEEC campus. HEEC administrator Mr. Jason Shank was presented with a check by Mr. Wendell Beitzel, a proud member of the NGHS Class of 1960. Mr. Shank expressed his sincere gratitude, stating, "HEEC is extremely appreciative of this generous donation that supports a unique educational experience for all Garrett County Public School students." Mr. Hugh Umbel, president of the Class of 1960, was unavailable for the photograph.
The Red Ribbon Campaign is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching millions of young people annually during Red Ribbon Week, which takes place from October 23rd to October 31st.
This year’s theme symbolizes how every choice fits into the bigger picture. Just like a puzzle coming together, a drug-free lifestyle helps build a stronger, brighter future—one piece at a time.
Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe From Drugs
Drugs can affect any family. But by talking with your kids and staying involved in their lives, you can help keep them safe. Opportunities include:
🧩Encourage your kids to take part in hobbies, sports, and clubs that interest them.
🧩Know who their friends are and where they spend their time. Kids who have friends who use drugs are more likely to try drugs themselves.
🧩Help kids know how to turn down drugs if they are offered. Let them know they can always text or call if they want to leave a situation, and you will come get them.
🧩A warm, open family environment, where kids can discuss their feelings, their achievements are praised, and their self-esteem is boosted, encourages kids to come forward with their questions and concerns.
🧩Make talking with your kids a regular part of your day. Kids are more likely to talk when they don’t have to make eye contact — like when you are in the car or walking together.
🧩Pay attention so you know when your kids are going through tough times. Offer the support they need or get extra help if it's needed.
Additional information may be found at www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/campaigns-events
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is seeking volunteers to serve on the School Health, Wellness, and Student Nutrition Advisory Committee, which supports the implementation of two wellness policies: Policy BDFA and Policy JLCG on School Health, Wellness, and Student Nutrition.
Committee members collaborate to support student health and wellness initiatives, review health education materials, provide feedback on food and beverage standards, and help set goals related to nutrition, physical activity, and school-based wellness programs. The committee meets twice each year. Roles may be filled by students, staff, parents, or community members according to the policy.
If you are interested in being considered for this committee, please complete the following form by Friday, October 31, 2025: https://forms.gle/JhWSR7CRwrx9voMH9. For more information, please email public.info@gcps.net.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) would like to provide an update on Winter Operations for the 2025-26 school year. Please review the following information regarding possible weather-related calls, the Virtual Learning Plan for 2025-26, and communications.
The Virtual Learning Plan for Inclement Weather for the 2025-26 school year was approved at the October Board Meeting. An important change of note for this year’s plan is the possibility of utilizing a 2- or 3-hour delay on virtual days. Additionally, Virtual Learning Days may not be implemented until three traditional inclement weather days have been used. The detailed plan is available for review on the homepage of our website under District Initiatives (https://www.gcps.net/article/2274862).
As a result of these changes, our Inclement Weather Calls have also been updated. Changes are reflected in the Inclement Weather Calls document, located on the Transportation page of the website under the Winter Operation Information tab (https://www.gcps.net/page/winter-operation-information). Please note the possibility of utilizing a 3-hour delay call, as this has not been called in the past few years.
Parents may review their alert settings in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. For staff members without PowerSchool access or community members who would like to receive alerts via text, call, and/or email, you may sign up by navigating to the Public Relations page and clicking on the Staff and Community SchoolMessenger Setup link (https://www.gcps.net/page/public-relations).
𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
During the October 14, 2025, Board meeting, Ms. Alyssa Paugh, a 9th-grade student at Southern Garrett High School, was recognized. Ms. Paugh's artwork was chosen by the Superintendent and the Fine Arts Committee at the Student Honors Arts Fair in April 2025. The Board of Education has purchased her artwork for display at the Central Office.
Ms. Paugh’s artwork is a hand pointing, with an eagle in flight, with trees in the foreground. The medium for the artwork is charcoal. She studied the surrealist work of artist Salvador Dali as inspiration for the piece.
Garrett County Public Schools is seeking two Special Education Instructional Assistants to join our dedicated team! These full-time positions are available at two different school locations, Broad Ford and Yough Glades, offering an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students every day.
If you’re passionate about supporting student growth, collaboration, and inclusion, we’d love to have you on our team.
✅ These positions are full-time, 10-month, 7.6 hours per day, 187 days per year
✅ Pay is in accordance with the established support salary scale $30,136 - $34,145
✅ Report to the School Principal, Assistant Principal, and/or Director of Special Education
✅ Positions are available immediately for the 2025-26 school year
👉 Learn more and apply today: www.applitrack.com/garrettcountyschools/onlineapp/
#GCPSMDEmployment #SpecialEducation #NowHiring #GarrettCountyPublicSchools
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥?
According to Calm.com, setting health goals can help you achieve immediate physical improvements, as well as find a more balanced and fulfilling life.
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: When you have a specific goal in mind, you're more likely to stick to your healthier habits and lifestyle changes, feeling motivated to overcome challenges. Working toward health goals can help strengthen your self-discipline skills, which can benefit other areas of your life.
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: Physical health goals, such as increasing physical activity or eating a balanced diet, directly contribute to better overall health. These goals can lead to measurable improvements in areas such as cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and bones, improved metabolic functions, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: Many health goals involve activities that inherently reduce stress, such as exercise, yoga, or spending time outdoors. Setting and pursuing these goals can lead to a more relaxed state of mind and a reduction in the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety.
𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡: Mental health goals focus on improving your psychological well-being. This could involve managing stress, improving sleep quality, or seeking therapy. These goals can lead to a more positive outlook on life, increased self-esteem, and better coping mechanisms.
𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠: Setting and achieving health goals can contribute to an overall sense of well-being. You feel more in control of your life and health, leading to increased happiness and satisfaction.
𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: By focusing on various aspects of your health, such as physical fitness, mental well-being, and social connections, you work toward a more balanced life, leading to increased happiness and fulfillment.
For additional information, please visit www.calm.com.
𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The Garrett County Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Dennett Road Educational Complex in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed for public review via https://youtube.com/live/NIq1-UUmKgc?feature=share.
Public comment for the October Board Meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m., after which time the Board will go into executive session until 5:40 p.m. to discuss personnel topics. The Board of Education will reconvene for its public session from 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. Time is set aside during the public session for the hearing of constituents at approximately 7:00 p.m. Please note 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.
This week, we celebrate the dedicated food service teams who keep our students fueled and ready to learn each day. From fresh fruits and veggies to balanced meals that power young minds, our cafeterias serve up more than just lunch—they serve care, community, and nutrition! 💚
Join us in thanking our incredible school nutrition staff for all they do to make healthy eating fun and delicious! 🙌
#NationalSchoolLunchWeek #SchoolMealsThatRock #ThankYouCafeteriaTeam #GCPSProud
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Thursday, October 9, 2025, for staff development in the afternoon. County-wide staff development will take place in various schools and at Garrett College.
Additionally, all GCPS schools and offices will be closed on Friday, October 10, 2025, in observance of the Autumn Glory Festival. Schools and offices are scheduled to reopen on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Full calendar details are available at https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-calendars.
