Accident Elementary

GCPS will operate normally today, Monday, February 16, 2026, and will not use a virtual learning day.

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓–𝟐𝟔 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞

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.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫? 🍎

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.

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐊 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟕 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫

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.

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟐/𝟗/𝟐𝟔

Garrett County Public Schools will open two (2) hours late on Monday, February 9, 2026.

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬!

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.

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐/𝟔/𝟐𝟔
𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟐/𝟕/𝟐𝟔

Garrett County Public Schools will dismiss two (2) hours early today, Friday, February 6, 2026. Central Office Facilities will close at 3:00 p.m. All afternoon and evening activities are canceled for today.

All activities scheduled before noon on Saturday, February 7, 2026, are canceled. Conditions will be reassessed on Saturday morning and a notice will be shared if additional cancellations are necessary.

𝐀𝐧 𝐌𝐂𝐀𝐏 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬

During the January 27, 2026, Maryland State Board of Education meeting, Dr. Jeffrey Lawson, Superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools, shared how the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) measures more than correct answers. Students are asked to analyze, write, and demonstrate deep understanding. Parents are encouraged to watch the full 12-minute presentation to learn more about how MCAP reflects today’s classroom learning via https://youtu.be/JUMc7_lEg5M.

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝!

In partnership with the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented (GTAC), MSDE is inviting 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 & 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 (𝐆𝐓) 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 to share their feedback through an 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲. The survey focuses on experiences with GT programming, including scheduling, instruction, policy implementation, and family engagement.

🕒 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝟏𝟎–𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞
🗓️ 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲–𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

There are no right or wrong answers—your honest perspectives are valued. Responses will be kept confidential and reported only in summary form. Survey results will inform statewide decision-making, including an official report to the State Superintendent.

All GT stakeholders are encouraged to participate. Thank you for helping strengthen Gifted & Talented programs across Maryland!

Parent Survey: https://msde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vhIkhzEOJ8BzfM

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝟒-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐬
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝑲𝟒!

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 Pre-K 4-Year-Old program (PK4).

GCPS offers a full-day PK4 program for children designed to support school readiness and a successful transition to kindergarten. The program provides a safe, nurturing environment where children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions with peers and adults.

Our PK4 program focuses on developing the social, emotional, academic, and physical skills children need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

To be eligible for this 2026-27 program, a child must be four (4) years old by September 1, 2026. PK4 is a universal program, meaning that every applicant who meets the age requirement is offered a seat. Priority for these seats is given 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.

Applications for the Pre-Kindergarten Program for 4-year-olds for the 2026-27 school year will begin on Monday, February 9, 2026. Learn more about the PK4 program at https://www.gcps.net/page/pre-kindergarten-4-year-olds.

𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝟑-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐊
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒊𝒈 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚𝒔!

As we approach the opening of the Pre-K and Kindergarten application period for the 2026-27 school year, we are taking a closer look at each program. Today, we are focusing on the Pre-K 3-Year-Old program (PK3).

PK3 offers a nurturing, play-based learning environment specifically designed for young learners beginning their educational journey. This program focuses on helping children develop essential social, emotional, and early learning skills that build a strong foundation for future success in school and in life.

To be eligible for the 2026-27 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, children who are experiencing homelessness, and/or a child in foster care, regardless of income. Full income guidelines are available on our website, referenced below. As an example, a family of four may make up to $8,250 monthly, or $99,000 annually.

Applications for the Pre-Kindergarten Program for 3-year-olds for the 2026-27 school year will begin on Monday, February 9, 2026. Learn more about the PK3 program at https://www.gcps.net/page/pre-kindergarten-3-year-olds.