Broad Ford School
A Maryland 3-Star Rated School.
UPDATE 12/16/2026:
Based on information received from the Maryland State Board and the State Superintendent, 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 be 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, as noted in the previously proposed 2026-27 calendar linked above. The 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.
Update 12/11/25 3:15 pm:
Based on information received from the Maryland State Board and the State Superintendent, it will not be possible to use Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a make-up day for inclement weather, as noted in the proposed 2026-27 calendar. The Calendar Committee will reconvene, and a revised proposed calendar will be posted soon.
GCPS is Now Accepting Feedback for the Proposed 2026-27 School Calendar
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is collecting feedback on the proposed 2026-27 school year calendar. The feedback collected will be provided to the Garrett County Board of Education (GCBOE) members. The calendar and feedback form may be found under the "Calendars" tab on the Public Relations page of the website: www.gcps.net/calendars.
For the 2026-27 calendar, the Calendar Committee has recommended a pre-Labor Day start of August 31, 2026, with a scheduled end date of June 3, 2027. There are nine (9) Professional Development Days built into the calendar, one per month beginning in September and running through May. There are three make-up days built into the calendar, but if necessary, additional days will be added at the end of the school year. Of note, MD Statute §7–103.2 requires school systems to utilize the make-up days built into the calendar before implementing Virtual Learning. Therefore, based on the proposed calendar, GCPS must have three (3) traditional inclement weather days before a virtual learning day may be implemented.
Additionally, the Calendar Committee recommends adopting a standard practice for determining whether the annual school calendar will begin before or after Labor Day. Under this recommendation, September 5th will serve as the official marker:
• If Labor Day falls before September 5th, the committee will create a post–Labor Day calendar.
• If Labor Day falls on or after September 5th, the committee will create a pre–Labor Day calendar.
Please review the calendar in its entirety before providing feedback. All information collected will be shared with the Board and posted to BoardDocs under the January 13, 2026, meeting agenda item. Please use the Google Form to provide feedback on the calendar selections you believe are in students' best interests. Written comments may also be submitted via mail or by email to the following address:
Garrett County Public Schools
Attn: Public Relations Office
770 Dennett Road
Oakland, MD 21550
public.info@gcps.net
Feedback will be accepted through Thursday, January 1, 2026. The Board will review each comment before voting on the calendar at the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting.
🎉 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤! 🎉
This week, GCPS proudly celebrates the strength that comes from honoring every student’s unique abilities, experiences, and perspectives. Inclusive Schools Week is a reminder of our shared commitment to creating welcoming, supportive learning environments where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Thank you to our students, families, educators, and staff for working together to build classrooms that embrace diversity and foster belonging every day.
Together, we are a stronger, more inclusive community. 🌟
This week, GCPS proudly celebrates the strength that comes from honoring every student’s unique abilities, experiences, and perspectives. Inclusive Schools Week is a reminder of our shared commitment to creating welcoming, supportive learning environments where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Thank you to our students, families, educators, and staff for working together to build classrooms that embrace diversity and foster belonging every day.
Together, we are a stronger, more inclusive community. 🌟
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🌟
Today, GCPS celebrates our amazing Substitute Educators—dedicated professionals who step in with flexibility, patience, and care to keep learning moving forward. Thank you for your commitment to our schools and for helping ensure that teaching and learning never miss a beat! 📚
If you're interested in becoming a substitute educator, please be on the lookout for our next sub training, which will take place in January 2026.
Today, GCPS celebrates our amazing Substitute Educators—dedicated professionals who step in with flexibility, patience, and care to keep learning moving forward. Thank you for your commitment to our schools and for helping ensure that teaching and learning never miss a beat! 📚
If you're interested in becoming a substitute educator, please be on the lookout for our next sub training, which will take place in January 2026.
📚 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤! 🍎
This week, GCPS proudly celebrates our incredible educators, support staff, students, and families who make learning possible every day. Every role matters in helping our students grow, achieve, and thrive.
Join us in thanking the dedicated individuals who keep GCPS moving forward and make our schools vibrant, welcoming places to learn.
#AmericanEducationWeek #GCPSMD #ThankATeacher #PublicSchoolsStrong
This week, GCPS proudly celebrates our incredible educators, support staff, students, and families who make learning possible every day. Every role matters in helping our students grow, achieve, and thrive.
Join us in thanking the dedicated individuals who keep GCPS moving forward and make our schools vibrant, welcoming places to learn.
#AmericanEducationWeek #GCPSMD #ThankATeacher #PublicSchoolsStrong
𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 "𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐡, 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬" 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏-𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Please join us for the Broad Ford Broadway Bobcats' theatrical debut! Winnie the Pooh, Kids, is a whimsical tale that takes place in the Hundred Acre Wood. Winnie the Pooh is, once again, in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and, of course... sharing snacks!
All shows will be conducted at the Garrett College Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 (plus processing fees) for all ages.
Click a showtime link below to purchase tickets.
Shows:
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏, 𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - https://performingartscenteratgarrettc.ticketspice.com/winnie-the-pooh-kids
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐, 𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - https://performingartscenteratgarrettc.ticketspice.com/winnie-the-pooh-kids2
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - https://performingartscenteratgarrettc.ticketspice.com/winnie-the-pooh-kids-112325
For additional information, please contact Mrs. Annalea Burgess, Director Broad Ford Broadway Bobcats Theater Program, via email at annalea.burgess@gcps.net.
Please join us for the Broad Ford Broadway Bobcats' theatrical debut! Winnie the Pooh, Kids, is a whimsical tale that takes place in the Hundred Acre Wood. Winnie the Pooh is, once again, in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and, of course... sharing snacks!
All shows will be conducted at the Garrett College Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 (plus processing fees) for all ages.
Click a showtime link below to purchase tickets.
Shows:
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏, 𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - https://performingartscenteratgarrettc.ticketspice.com/winnie-the-pooh-kids
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐, 𝟕:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - https://performingartscenteratgarrettc.ticketspice.com/winnie-the-pooh-kids2
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 - https://performingartscenteratgarrettc.ticketspice.com/winnie-the-pooh-kids-112325
For additional information, please contact Mrs. Annalea Burgess, Director Broad Ford Broadway Bobcats Theater Program, via email at annalea.burgess@gcps.net.
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.
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.
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.
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.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is honored to announce that the 2025-26 GCPS Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Laura Witt, recently received a donation from the Andrew S. Woods Memorial Foundation through the WGW Youth Charities. The $2,500 check presented to Mrs. Witt will be utilized at her discretion to support educational initiatives and student success.
The Andrew S. Woods Memorial Foundation and WGW Youth Charities have become valued community partners, raising significant funds each year to benefit local charities, organizations, and schools, including GCPS. This donation demonstrates the group’s continued dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of Garrett County students.
Mrs. Witt expressed her appreciation while accepting the check, saying, “I am deeply grateful to the Andrew S. Woods Memorial Foundation and WGW Youth Charities for their continued support of Garrett County Public Schools. This donation will help us provide meaningful experiences and resources that directly impact student learning.”
Learn more about Mrs. Witt and past Teachers of the Year by visiting https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-teacher-of-the-year.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is honored to announce that the 2025-26 GCPS Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Laura Witt, recently received a donation from the Andrew S. Woods Memorial Foundation through the WGW Youth Charities. The $2,500 check presented to Mrs. Witt will be utilized at her discretion to support educational initiatives and student success.
The Andrew S. Woods Memorial Foundation and WGW Youth Charities have become valued community partners, raising significant funds each year to benefit local charities, organizations, and schools, including GCPS. This donation demonstrates the group’s continued dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of Garrett County students.
Mrs. Witt expressed her appreciation while accepting the check, saying, “I am deeply grateful to the Andrew S. Woods Memorial Foundation and WGW Youth Charities for their continued support of Garrett County Public Schools. This donation will help us provide meaningful experiences and resources that directly impact student learning.”
Learn more about Mrs. Witt and past Teachers of the Year by visiting https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-teacher-of-the-year.
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝟏𝟎/𝟐/𝟐𝟓
Student progress reports for the first grading period will be released today, Thursday, October 2, 2025. Schools will release the progress reports according to their school-specific policy. Please refer to your student handbook or contact your school office with any questions.
Student progress reports for the first grading period will be released today, Thursday, October 2, 2025. Schools will release the progress reports according to their school-specific policy. Please refer to your student handbook or contact your school office with any questions.
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐭-𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
A reminder from GCPS: Parents/Guardians have the option to opt their child out of the Family Life and Human Sexuality objectives included in the Health Education Framework. To support informed decision-making, parents and guardians are encouraged to review the health education instructional materials, which are available at each school. If you have questions about the opt-out process or would like to review the materials, please contact your child’s school directly.
A reminder from GCPS: Parents/Guardians have the option to opt their child out of the Family Life and Human Sexuality objectives included in the Health Education Framework. To support informed decision-making, parents and guardians are encouraged to review the health education instructional materials, which are available at each school. If you have questions about the opt-out process or would like to review the materials, please contact your child’s school directly.
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝟗/𝟏𝟕/𝟐𝟓
Please take note of the following calendar reminder from Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS). GCPS will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, for staff development in the afternoon. Staff will participate in school-based professional learning in the afternoon. Full calendar details are available at https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-calendars.
Please take note of the following calendar reminder from Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS). GCPS will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, for staff development in the afternoon. Staff will participate in school-based professional learning in the afternoon. Full calendar details are available at https://www.gcps.net/page/gcps-calendars.
𝐅𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮
The GCPS Food & Nutrition Services Dept. is excited to add several new LOCAL items to the menu this year. The first item is a whole-grain-rich pepperoni roll, which will be served on Wednesday, September 10th, made by Chico Bakery in Morgantown, WV. The second item is a Chesapeake Blue Catfish cake, which will be served on Friday, September 12th, made from Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish at Tilghman Seafood in Tilghman Island, Maryland.
The GCPS Food & Nutrition Services Dept. is excited to add several new LOCAL items to the menu this year. The first item is a whole-grain-rich pepperoni roll, which will be served on Wednesday, September 10th, made by Chico Bakery in Morgantown, WV. The second item is a Chesapeake Blue Catfish cake, which will be served on Friday, September 12th, made from Chesapeake Bay Blue Catfish at Tilghman Seafood in Tilghman Island, Maryland.
𝐅𝐍𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬 – 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Department would like to remind families that next week will be the final week for meal handouts. To ensure students have meals beyond the program’s end date, FNS will be providing 10 days of meals instead of the normal 7 days during the final distribution.
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬:
If you have not yet registered for the Summer Food Service program, you must bring your children with you to receive meals.
GCPS thanks all participating families for their support of the meal distribution program and encourages everyone to plan ahead for the last pick-up.
For more information, please contact Mr. Scott Germain, Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services, via phone at 301.334.8917 or 888.262.2792, or via email at scott.germain@gcps.net.
The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Department would like to remind families that next week will be the final week for meal handouts. To ensure students have meals beyond the program’s end date, FNS will be providing 10 days of meals instead of the normal 7 days during the final distribution.
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬:
If you have not yet registered for the Summer Food Service program, you must bring your children with you to receive meals.
GCPS thanks all participating families for their support of the meal distribution program and encourages everyone to plan ahead for the last pick-up.
For more information, please contact Mr. Scott Germain, Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services, via phone at 301.334.8917 or 888.262.2792, or via email at scott.germain@gcps.net.
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Transportation Department is pleased to announce that bus pass information is now available for the 2025–26 school year. Student bus passes will remain unchanged from last year, meaning families do not need to update their child’s bus pass unless there is a change in transportation needs for the coming school year. If a change to a student’s bus pass is needed, parents/guardians should use the following link as soon as possible to allow for timely updates: https://www.gcps.net/page/parent-forms.
“We’re excited to welcome students back to school and want to ensure that transportation is as seamless as possible,” said Mr. Ronald Bray, GCPS Supervisor of Transportation. “Keeping the same bus passes for returning students helps simplify the process for families and our staff.”
In addition, bus stop information for all GCPS students is now available. Families are encouraged to review their child’s stop location and time to ensure a smooth start to the school year.
For more information or to review bus stop details, visit the GCPS Transportation webpage at https://www.gcps.net/page/transportation or contact the department at 301-334-8907 or transportation@gcps.net.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐄𝐏 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is pleased to announce that beginning with the 2025–26 school year, all students enrolled in GCPS will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
The approval of CEP for GCPS means that families will no longer need to complete meal benefit applications or worry about meal costs during the school year. This district-wide implementation ensures equitable access to nutritious meals for every student, supporting both academic success and overall well-being.
“Removing barriers to healthy meals is a major step forward for our school system,” said Mr. Scott Germain, Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services. “When students are well-nourished, they are better able to focus, learn, and succeed. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to all of our families.”
The CEP is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that allows eligible school systems to provide free meals to all students without collecting individual applications. GCPS became eligible by meeting federal criteria based on identified student data, including participation in programs like SNAP and TANF.
To learn more about the CEP program as it relates to GCPS, please visit https://www.gcps.net/page/community-eligibility-provision or contact Mr. Germain at 301-334-8917 or scott.germain@gcps.net.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is pleased to announce that beginning with the 2025–26 school year, all students enrolled in GCPS will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
The approval of CEP for GCPS means that families will no longer need to complete meal benefit applications or worry about meal costs during the school year. This district-wide implementation ensures equitable access to nutritious meals for every student, supporting both academic success and overall well-being.
“Removing barriers to healthy meals is a major step forward for our school system,” said Mr. Scott Germain, Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services. “When students are well-nourished, they are better able to focus, learn, and succeed. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to all of our families.”
The CEP is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that allows eligible school systems to provide free meals to all students without collecting individual applications. GCPS became eligible by meeting federal criteria based on identified student data, including participation in programs like SNAP and TANF.
To learn more about the CEP program as it relates to GCPS, please visit https://www.gcps.net/page/community-eligibility-provision or contact Mr. Germain at 301-334-8917 or scott.germain@gcps.net.
July is "Be Active Month!"
On this #GCPSMDWellnessWednesday, we focus on keeping kids active on the 4th of July by incorporating games and outdoor activities. Here are some ideas to be active on Independence Day.
- Flag Relay Race: Split kids into teams and have them race to collect American flags from buckets.
- Red, White, and Blue Tag: Play a patriotic twist on traditional tag. Designate a "red", "white", or "blue" player to tag others.
- Hula Hoop Contest: See who can hula hoop the longest or try different tricks.
- Water Balloon Toss: A classic summer game that gets everyone moving and laughing.
- Lawn Game Olympics: Set up stations with cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss, and sack races.
- Family Walk/Hike: Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise by walking or hiking to a nearby park or viewing spot.
- Bike Parade: Decorate bikes and scooters with red, white, and blue decorations and hold a parade.
- Visit a Park: Explore state or national parks with activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and stargazing.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of nature items for kids to find in a park or backyard.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art: Let kids create patriotic designs on the sidewalk with chalk.
Remember to...
- Supervise children closely, especially when they are around water, fireworks, or open flames.
- Stay hydrated by providing plenty of water, especially on hot days.
- Incorporate educational elements in activities by discussing the history of the Fourth of July and the meaning of Independence Day.
- Adjust activities for all ages by adapting activities to suit the age and abilities of all the children involved.
Have a safe, fun, active 4th of July!
On this #GCPSMDWellnessWednesday, we focus on keeping kids active on the 4th of July by incorporating games and outdoor activities. Here are some ideas to be active on Independence Day.
- Flag Relay Race: Split kids into teams and have them race to collect American flags from buckets.
- Red, White, and Blue Tag: Play a patriotic twist on traditional tag. Designate a "red", "white", or "blue" player to tag others.
- Hula Hoop Contest: See who can hula hoop the longest or try different tricks.
- Water Balloon Toss: A classic summer game that gets everyone moving and laughing.
- Lawn Game Olympics: Set up stations with cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss, and sack races.
- Family Walk/Hike: Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise by walking or hiking to a nearby park or viewing spot.
- Bike Parade: Decorate bikes and scooters with red, white, and blue decorations and hold a parade.
- Visit a Park: Explore state or national parks with activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and stargazing.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of nature items for kids to find in a park or backyard.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art: Let kids create patriotic designs on the sidewalk with chalk.
Remember to...
- Supervise children closely, especially when they are around water, fireworks, or open flames.
- Stay hydrated by providing plenty of water, especially on hot days.
- Incorporate educational elements in activities by discussing the history of the Fourth of July and the meaning of Independence Day.
- Adjust activities for all ages by adapting activities to suit the age and abilities of all the children involved.
Have a safe, fun, active 4th of July!
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐄𝐧𝐝-𝐨𝐟-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬
As a reminder, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss all students three (3) hours early on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12, 2025, with the last student day being June 12, 2025, for the 2024-25 school year. The last day for teachers will be Friday, June 13, 2025.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒-𝟐𝟓 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) proudly honored the dedicated employees who are retiring during the 2024-25 school year during a special retirement dinner held in their honor. The event, which brought together colleagues and family members, celebrated decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the students and schools of Garrett County.
The evening was filled with heartfelt reflections, laughter, and expressions of gratitude for the contributions made by this year’s retirees. Each retiree in attendance was recognized individually for their years of service and the impact they’ve had on their school communities.
The 2024-25 GCPS retirees include educators, administrators, and support staff from across the county, many of whom have served for decades. Their collective experience and care have helped shape generations of learners and left a lasting legacy in Garrett County.
GCPS extends its warmest congratulations and deepest thanks to all 2024-25 retirees. Your work has made a difference, and your presence will be missed.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Food & Nutrition Services Department is happy to announce the return of the Summer Food Service Program. Distribution will be for seven days of free breakfasts and lunches and will begin the week of June 16, 2025. There are some changes this year to the Summer Food Service program, due to Federal clarifications in the regulations. Families or a designated person must register to receive meals. Families can register using an online form (https://forms.gle/SVJWiZd9L5xWgZXt7) or at one of the meal sites. A list of meal sites can be found on the GCPS website www.gcps.net/summer-food-service. Families that have not pre-registered will be required to bring their child(ren) or a report card with them the first time to pick up meals. Additionally, only two meals per day will be served this year. Seven days of breakfasts and lunches will be distributed per week. These meals will include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and entrees. There are thirty-eight (38) sites to choose from, on Tuesday or Wednesday each week. Some sites will be in the afternoon while others will be in the evening, enabling you to pick the one that best suits your schedule. Please remember that you can only pick up from one site per week. Students attending summer school are asked not to pick up meals at one of the sites. Meals will be provided at each school, and weekend bags will be provided to those students attending. Other children in the family will need to pick up at one of the meal sites. Families from outside of Garrett County are welcome, but will need to preregister or bring their children with them. Additional information can be found at www.gcps.net. If you have any questions, please call Scott Germain at 301-334-8917, 888-262-2792, or email at scott.germain@gcps.net. All meals are free of charge to children 18 and under, regardless of whether they are enrolled in Garrett County Public Schools. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
