Southern Garrett High School
A Maryland 3-Star Rated School.
𝐒𝐆𝐇𝐒 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The 2026 Garrett County Envirothon competition was held on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Hickory Environmental Education Center (HEEC), during which teams and their teachers/coaches from Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools competed for points in a variety of conservation challenges.
The annual event is a full day of competition. Students prepared by attending a fall and spring training day at HEEC and then working with their coaches throughout the school year. Envirothon is a problem-solving, hands-on natural resources competition, with the objectives of promoting a deeper knowledge of how individuals and groups impact the environment by understanding environmental interactions and interdependence; being aware of current environmental issues, agencies, and resources that assist in resource protection and conservation practices; and raising environmental awareness.
Resource trainers from area agencies provided volunteer training and mentoring throughout the year for students and were integral participants during the training and testing days. The five categories of competition are traditionally: wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils, and a special fifth issue that is selected each year.
Area agencies that assisted with this year’s training and competition were: Maryland DNR Park Service, Forestry, and Wildlife Agencies; Garrett County Forestry Board; Garrett Soil Conservation District; US Department of Agriculture; and Garrett County Extension Services.
The coaches this year were Carrie Glass (Northern High) and Erin Coffman (Southern High). Special assistance was provided by Sharon Hoover, Randy Sharpless, Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler, and Jason Shank of the Hickory Environmental Education Center.
Participating students were:
• 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥—Abbigail Baker, Eoin Matteo Elica, Eden Rankin, Allison Thrush, and Madeline Smith
• 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥—Lani Daugherty, Meredith Murphy, Ayla Rodeheaver, Ava Stewart, and Logan Guthrie
Recognition is given to teams earning a high score in individual categories and overall. Category winners this year were as follows:
• Aquatics – Southern High School
• Forestry – Southern High School
• Soils – Southern High School
• Wildlife – Southern High School
• 5th Issue (Waste to Resources) – Northern High School
The Southern High team was the overall winner of the competition. They will continue to train and prepare for the Maryland State Envirothon competition, which will be held June 10-11, 2026, at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The Envirothon began in 1979 in Pennsylvania, with the first national competition in 1988. GCPS students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in Envirothon. For more information about Garrett County Envirothon teams and competitions, persons may contact Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler at rebecca.kenyon@gcps.net.
The 2026 Garrett County Envirothon competition was held on Tuesday, April 21st, at the Hickory Environmental Education Center (HEEC), during which teams and their teachers/coaches from Northern and Southern Garrett High Schools competed for points in a variety of conservation challenges.
The annual event is a full day of competition. Students prepared by attending a fall and spring training day at HEEC and then working with their coaches throughout the school year. Envirothon is a problem-solving, hands-on natural resources competition, with the objectives of promoting a deeper knowledge of how individuals and groups impact the environment by understanding environmental interactions and interdependence; being aware of current environmental issues, agencies, and resources that assist in resource protection and conservation practices; and raising environmental awareness.
Resource trainers from area agencies provided volunteer training and mentoring throughout the year for students and were integral participants during the training and testing days. The five categories of competition are traditionally: wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils, and a special fifth issue that is selected each year.
Area agencies that assisted with this year’s training and competition were: Maryland DNR Park Service, Forestry, and Wildlife Agencies; Garrett County Forestry Board; Garrett Soil Conservation District; US Department of Agriculture; and Garrett County Extension Services.
The coaches this year were Carrie Glass (Northern High) and Erin Coffman (Southern High). Special assistance was provided by Sharon Hoover, Randy Sharpless, Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler, and Jason Shank of the Hickory Environmental Education Center.
Participating students were:
• 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥—Abbigail Baker, Eoin Matteo Elica, Eden Rankin, Allison Thrush, and Madeline Smith
• 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥—Lani Daugherty, Meredith Murphy, Ayla Rodeheaver, Ava Stewart, and Logan Guthrie
Recognition is given to teams earning a high score in individual categories and overall. Category winners this year were as follows:
• Aquatics – Southern High School
• Forestry – Southern High School
• Soils – Southern High School
• Wildlife – Southern High School
• 5th Issue (Waste to Resources) – Northern High School
The Southern High team was the overall winner of the competition. They will continue to train and prepare for the Maryland State Envirothon competition, which will be held June 10-11, 2026, at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The Envirothon began in 1979 in Pennsylvania, with the first national competition in 1988. GCPS students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in Envirothon. For more information about Garrett County Envirothon teams and competitions, persons may contact Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler at rebecca.kenyon@gcps.net.
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/.
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝
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.
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.
𝐒𝐆𝐇𝐒 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬
This past week, students from Southern Garrett High School in Mrs. Jordan Storey’s eighth-grade classes proudly showcased their creativity and understanding of physics during a hands-on roller coaster design event held in the media center.
After weeks of planning, designing, and building, students unveiled their custom roller coasters, each created to demonstrate Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. The projects highlighted not only students’ grasp of scientific concepts but also their problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
“This project is a great example of how hands-on learning can bring complex concepts to life,” said Mrs. Storey. “Students took ownership of their learning and were excited to share their work with others.”
The event was well-attended and served as a fun and educational way to engage students and spectators alike, reinforcing the importance of experiential learning in the classroom.
This past week, students from Southern Garrett High School in Mrs. Jordan Storey’s eighth-grade classes proudly showcased their creativity and understanding of physics during a hands-on roller coaster design event held in the media center.
After weeks of planning, designing, and building, students unveiled their custom roller coasters, each created to demonstrate Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. The projects highlighted not only students’ grasp of scientific concepts but also their problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
“This project is a great example of how hands-on learning can bring complex concepts to life,” said Mrs. Storey. “Students took ownership of their learning and were excited to share their work with others.”
The event was well-attended and served as a fun and educational way to engage students and spectators alike, reinforcing the importance of experiential learning in the classroom.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝟒/𝟐𝟎/𝟐𝟔
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.
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.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
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.
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.
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝟕𝐭𝐡 & 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 “𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤” 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬
Seventh- and eighth-grade students at Southern Garrett High School (SGHS) recently transformed the media center into a high-stakes boardroom for a "Shark Tank" style competition. Led by Mr. John Coffman, SGHS Media Specialist, the Gifted & Talented (GT) program challenged young entrepreneurs to identify gaps in the current market and engineer original products to fill them.
The project required students to go beyond simple ideas, developing full business pitches and prototypes for inventions not yet available to consumers. After weeks of research and design, students presented their work to a panel of "sharks," defending their business models and answering questions about production and marketability.
"The energy and innovation in the room were incredible," said Mr. Coffman. "These students didn't just come up with ideas, they learned how to look at everyday problems with new eyes and design real solutions."
Highlights from the presentations included an electric bag to carry equipment for baseball and softball equipment, a meter that shows the amount of water in the stand of a live Christmas tree, an implantable knowledge chip that improves an individual’s memory, and more. These projects showcase the critical thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of Southern Garrett’s seventh- and eighth-grade GT class.
Seventh- and eighth-grade students at Southern Garrett High School (SGHS) recently transformed the media center into a high-stakes boardroom for a "Shark Tank" style competition. Led by Mr. John Coffman, SGHS Media Specialist, the Gifted & Talented (GT) program challenged young entrepreneurs to identify gaps in the current market and engineer original products to fill them.
The project required students to go beyond simple ideas, developing full business pitches and prototypes for inventions not yet available to consumers. After weeks of research and design, students presented their work to a panel of "sharks," defending their business models and answering questions about production and marketability.
"The energy and innovation in the room were incredible," said Mr. Coffman. "These students didn't just come up with ideas, they learned how to look at everyday problems with new eyes and design real solutions."
Highlights from the presentations included an electric bag to carry equipment for baseball and softball equipment, a meter that shows the amount of water in the stand of a live Christmas tree, an implantable knowledge chip that improves an individual’s memory, and more. These projects showcase the critical thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of Southern Garrett’s seventh- and eighth-grade GT class.
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝟑/𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟔
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 (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.
𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟑/𝟏𝟕/𝟐𝟔 - 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧/𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝
Garrett County Public Schools' afternoon and evening activities are canceled for today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Garrett County Public Schools' afternoon and evening activities are canceled for today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Inclement Weather Update 3/17/26
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.
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.
The GCPS 2026 Student Arts Fair takes place this Saturday, March 14th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center - Garrett College. Students throughout GCPS will have artwork displayed, performances will occur, and refreshments will be available to purchase from the Southern Band Boosters.
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.
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.”
𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡
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.
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.
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.
𝐆𝐂𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
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.
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.
