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.”
Dr. Brenda McCartney, Superintendent of Schools, will hold two “Coffee with the Superintendent” opportunities for parents, guardians, and community members in April. The first Coffee with the Superintendent is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Northern Middle School in the Community Room. The second opportunity is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Dennett Road Educational Complex 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 April sessions, both the current Superintendent, Dr. McCartney, and the incoming Superintendent, Dr. Nicole Miller, will be available to listen, answer questions, and gather community feedback on the school system and what the future holds.
These events are open to all parents, guardians, and community members interested in Garrett County Public Schools.
𝐍𝐆𝐇𝐒 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
Northern Garrett High School (NGHS) is proud to recognize two outstanding seniors for their exceptional academic achievements in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Mr. Timothy Brands has been named a Finalist, placing him among an elite group of students nationwide. Finalists are selected based on their high PSAT/NMSQT scores, academic record, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and a detailed scholarship application. This distinction represents one of the highest academic honors a high school student can achieve. The selection of 6,870 Merit Scholarship winners from a group of more than 15,000 Finalists is now in progress. In March, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will begin notifying scholarship winners by email, and in April, major news media announcements will be made.
Mr. Hayden Gring has been named a Commended Student, a recognition awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise and who rank among the top scorers nationally on the qualifying exam. Although they do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students are placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the competition and are recognized for their outstanding potential for academic success.
The National Merit Scholarship Program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, honors students across the United States who demonstrate extraordinary academic ability. Each year, approximately 1.5 million students enter the competition, with only a small percentage receiving recognition.
𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟑/𝟑/𝟐𝟔
All Garrett County Public Schools' afternoon and evening activities are permitted to take place today, Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟑/𝟑/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools will now conduct a two-hour delay Virtual Learning Day (with live instruction) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Schools will be closed for in-person learning. Virtual instruction will begin around 10:00 a.m.
Inclement Weather Status Update 3/3/26 7:50 a.m.: Garrett County Public Schools will now conduct a two-hour delay Virtual Learning Day (with live instruction) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Schools will be closed for in-person learning.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟑/𝟑/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools will open three (3) hours late on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) student progress reports for the third grading period will be released on Tuesday, March 3, 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.
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝟑/𝟑/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is preparing for the possibility of a Virtual Learning Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. All necessary learning materials will be sent home with students today, Monday, March 2, 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 3, 2026, regarding whether a virtual learning day will be implemented.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟑/𝟐/𝟐𝟔
GCPS will operate normally today, Monday, March 2, 2026, and will not use a virtual learning day.
𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝟑/𝟐/𝟐𝟔
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is preparing for the possibility of a Virtual Learning Day on Monday, March 2, 2026. All necessary learning materials will be sent home with students today, Friday, February 27, 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 Monday, March 2, 2026, regarding whether a virtual learning day will be implemented.
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐔𝐩 𝐃𝐚𝐲
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Friday, February 27, 2026, for staff development in the afternoon. County-wide staff development will take place in various schools and at Garrett College. Please note: If inclement weather causes a delayed opening at Garrett County Public Schools, the scheduled staff development and early dismissal will be canceled. Students would follow the delayed schedule and be dismissed at the regular time.
Due to today’s inclement weather day, Monday, June 8, 2026, will now be used as a make-up day, as pre-approved on the 2025-26 GCPS Calendar. Should any additional traditional inclement weather days occur, those make-up days will be added to the end of the school year.
For up-to-date information on the GCPS calendar, please visit www.gcps.net/calendars.
𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐/𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟔
All Garrett County Public Schools' afternoon and evening activities are permitted to take place today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
