Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. All schools and offices will be closed for the holiday. Regular operations and classes will resume on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
For up-to-date information on the 2025-26 GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
The Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) Food & Nutrition Services Department is happy to announce we will be distributing seven days of free Breakfasts and Lunches beginning the week of June 8, 2026.
Families or a designated person will need to register to receive meals. Families can register using an online form (https://forms.gle/SiQmFArPgsWLTB8U6) or at one of the meal sites. A list of meal sites can be found on the GCPS website (https://www.gcps.net/page/summer-food-services-program). Families that have not pre-registered will be required to bring their child/children or a report card with them the first time to pick up meals.
We will supply seven days of breakfasts and lunches per week. These meals will include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and entrees.
There will be 28 sites to choose from on a Tuesday or Wednesday each week. Some sites will be in the afternoon, while others will be in the evening. This enables 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.
𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: For families who struggle with transportation, GCPS is offering home delivery to a limited number of families. If you would like to apply for home delivery, please contact Scott Germain, Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services, at 301-334-8917.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to allow for staff development in the afternoon. This is a school-based staff development, which will take place in schools and other locations throughout the county.
For up-to-date information on the 2025-26 GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The Garrett County Health Department (GCHD) has confirmed the sixth case of pertussis in the past six months. This is the third case reported in 2026.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. Public health officials are actively investigating this case and are working to identify and notify close contacts to help prevent further spread of the illness.
Guidance for parents, guardians, and caregivers is available in a shareable format at: https://garretthealth.org/pertussis-guidance/.
The GCHD is urging all residents, especially those in close contact with infants or young children, to review their vaccination status and be aware of the symptoms of pertussis.
About Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis is a serious and highly contagious infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is spread easily from person-to-person through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
While typically milder in vaccinated adolescents and adults, pertussis can be life-threatening for infants and young children who are not yet fully immunized.
The incubation period for pertussis—the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms—is typically 7 to 10 days, but can range from 4 to 21 days. Close contacts who develop any cold-like symptoms within this window should notify your healthcare provider immediately.
"Pertussis initially looks like a common cold, with a runny nose, mild fever, and a slight cough," explains Jessica Carey, MSN Ed., CRNP, Director of Personal Health at the GCHD. "After a week or two the cough progresses to uncontrolled coughing. The coughing can make breathing difficult, often resulting in the characteristic 'whoop' sound when trying to inhale, or causing vomiting and exhaustion."
The illness is known as the "100-day cough" because the cough is persistent, lasting for weeks or even months.
The Critical Role of Vaccination
The best way to protect against pertussis is through vaccination. The protection provided by the childhood vaccine (DTaP) fades over time, which is why booster shots are critical for older children and adults.
"It's important for everyone to stay up-to-date on their pertussis vaccine," Jessica Carey stresses. "For children, this means completing the DTaP series and getting the Tdap booster shot around age 11 or 12. For adults, Tdap is generally recommended every ten years.
"The Tdap vaccine is also recommended for pregnant individuals during the early part of the third trimester of each pregnancy,” said Carey.
Action Steps for Garrett County Residents
● Review Vaccination Records: Check your and your family’s vaccination status. If you or your children (especially pre-teens and pregnant individuals) are not up-to-date on the Tdap vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or the Health Department.
● Monitor for Symptoms: If you or a family member develops cold-like symptoms followed by severe, prolonged, or worsening coughing fits, seek medical attention immediately.
● Prevent Spread: Anyone diagnosed with pertussis should stay home from school, work, or public places until they have completed at least 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment (or 3 weeks after the cough starts if untreated).
● Practice Good Hygiene: Cover your coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
The Garrett County Health Department’s Personal Health Unit offers pertussis vaccination (Tdap) and testing.
Contact Information
For questions regarding pertussis, vaccinations, or potential exposure, please contact the Garrett County Health Department’s Personal Health Unit at:
Phone: 301-334-7770
Email: gchd.personalhealth@maryland.gov
Online: Visit GarrettHealth.org
𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟕 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫
During the May Board of Education Meeting, a modification was made to next school year’s previously approved 2026-27 calendar due to recently issued requirements from the Maryland State Department of Education. As such, the GCPS Calendar Committee reconvened and presented the following recommendation to the Superintendent and Board:
• March 30, 2027 – Non-school day/possible make-up day
• June 2, 2027 – Full instructional day
• June 3, 2027 – Three-hour early dismissal for students
• June 4, 2027 – Students’ last day and a three-hour early dismissal for students
• June 7, 2027 – Teachers’ last day
• Possible Make-up Days – February 15, 2027; March 30, 2027; and March 29, 2027 (days will be used in this order, if possible)
These modifications were approved during the May 12, 2026, Board Meeting and are reflected in our 2026-27 Calendar at a Glance. To view this, or any other GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
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.
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.
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/.
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) will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Monday, April 20, 2026, to allow for staff development in the afternoon. This is a school-based staff development, which will take place in schools and at Garrett College.
As a reminder, there is no school for Broad Ford students only on Monday, April 20th, as the transition to the new building continues.
For up-to-date information on the 2025-26 GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
UPDATE 4/2/26 1:15 PM:
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬; 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥
GCPS ALERT: The LOCKDOWN at Southern Garrett High School has been lifted. Out of an abundance of caution, A SECURE is now in effect at Southern Garrett High School. This means that while the school building is secured, operations continue as usual inside. Students are safe. We will keep families updated as we receive new information.
GCPS ALERT: The SECURE status at all other GCPS schools has been lifted. All operations have returned to normal. We appreciate your cooperation during this time.
ORIGINAL POST:
Lockdown in Effect at Southern Garrett High School;
Secure in Effect at All GCPS Schools
GCPS EMERGENCY ALERT: A LOCKDOWN is in effect at Southern Garrett High School. All classrooms and offices are locked. Students and staff are following safety procedures, and law enforcement is on site. Please avoid coming to the school. We will provide updates as soon as we can.
GCPS EMERGENCY ALERT: Out of an abundance of caution, a SECURE is in effect at all other GCPS schools. This means that while the school building is secured, operations continue as usual inside. Students are safe. We will keep families updated as we receive new information.
As we move into the final stretch of the school year, please take a moment to review these important April 2026 calendar reminders and schedule updates for Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS):
• 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐 – End of the third grading period
• 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑 – All GCPS schools & offices are closed
• 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟔 – All GCPS 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 as a make-up day
• 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟎 – Report cards released for the third grading period
• 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟕, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎 – No school for 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 (to allow for the transition to the new building)
• 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎 – Staff Development 3-hour early student dismissal
For up-to-date information on the 2025-26 GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, for staff development in the afternoon. County-wide staff development will take place in various schools and at Garrett College. For up-to-date information on the GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
Garrett County Public Schools' afternoon and evening activities are canceled for today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Garrett County Public Schools will conduct a Virtual Learning Day (with live instruction) today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Schools will be closed for in-person learning.
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝟑/𝟏𝟕/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is preparing for the possibility of a Virtual Learning Day on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. All necessary learning materials will be sent home with students today, Monday, March 16, 2026. No decision has been made at this time. A message will be sent through our regular media outlets and school system alerts no later than 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, regarding whether a virtual learning day will be implemented.
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞:
9:00 a.m. High School Band
9:30 a.m. Middle School Band
10:00 a.m. Elementary Band
11:00 a.m. Elementary Chorus
11:30 a.m. Middle School Chorus
12:00 p.m. High School Chorus
12:45 p.m. Accident Elementary Theatre
1:00 p.m. Southern High Junior Theatre
1:15 p.m. Yough Glades Elementary Theatre
1:30 p.m. Southern High Theatre
1:45 p.m. Northern Middle Theatre
2:00 p.m. Broad Ford Broadway Bobcat Theatre
2:15 p.m. Northern High Theatre
Of note, artwork will be taken down starting at 2:00 p.m., and not every student's art is represented in the arts fair.
𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
During the March Board meeting, new curricula for Elementary English Language Arts (ELA) and Grades 6-8 Science were approved. This approval follows a public review period held from February 11 to March 4, 2026, which provided stakeholders with an opportunity to evaluate materials and submit feedback. The new instructional programs are set for district-wide implementation at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝
During the March 10, 2026, Board meeting, Mrs. Dawna Ashby was announced as the next Chief Academic Officer (CAO), effective July 1, 2026. This critical role will oversee curriculum, instruction, and academic strategy to drive student success across all Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS).
The selection follows a comprehensive search to fill the vacancy created by Dr. Nicole Miller, who will transition from her current role as CAO to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2026. Currently, Mrs. Ashby serves as the GCPS Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
As Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Ashby will be responsible for:
• Providing leadership and oversight of all district instructional programs to maximize student learning, growth, and academic outcomes.
• Establishing a clear, systemwide instructional vision aligned with the GCPS Strategic Plan.
• Leading the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, including progress monitoring and cross-departmental coordination.
• Monitoring student achievement data and leading targeted improvement efforts across all schools.
"We are thrilled for Mrs. Ashby to serve as our next Chief Academic Officer," said incoming Superintendent Dr. Nicole Miller. “Her experience, leadership, and commitment to instructional excellence reflect our shared commitment to providing rigorous and meaningful learning experiences for every student in Garrett County.”
