GARRETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALENDAR

Transcription

1 GARRETT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALENDAR

2 GARRETT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Mrs. Monica Rinker 114 Keefer Road President Oakland, MD Mr. Matthew Paugh PO Box 326 Vice President Kitzmiller, MD Mrs. Charlotte A. Sebold Oakland Sang Run Road Associate Member McHenry, MD Dr. Nathan M. Sorber 1140 Cemetary Road Associate Member Friendsville, MD Mr. M. Thomas Woods PO Box 2321 Associate Member Mt. Lake Park, MD Ms. Sheyenne A. Tichnell Southern Garrett High School Student Member 345 Oakland Drive Oakland, MD Ms. Barbara L. Baker 40 South Second Street Superintendent of Oakland, MD Schools Mrs. Karen Kamauff DeVore 40 South Second Street Executive Director of Oakland, MD Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration Students from Northern Middle School and Grantsville Elementary School demonstrate their skills during a visit by Dr. Karen B. Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, on January 4, 2017.

3 From the Superintendent Dear Community Members of the Garrett County Public School System: As the newly appointed Superintendent of Garrett County Public Schools, I am excited to welcome you to the school year. This calendar will provide you with useful information regarding Garrett County Public Schools and provide a means to strengthen communication and increase awareness of our goals. Additionally, the calendar communicates various policies, valuable student and parental information, and important calendar days for schools and school activities during the school year. The Garrett County Public Schools calendar is designed with a central focus on the arts. Last school year, there was an emphasis on The Arts in Education. This focus highlighted arts-based educational programming in music, theater, media arts, and visual arts, for pre-kindergarten-through-grade-12 students and arts educators. Fine arts provide learners with benefits such as promoting self-esteem, motivation, aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, improved emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity. This calendar displays some the arts from the last school year. As we move into a new school year, parents and citizens are urged to continue their involvement in our schools as volunteers, members of parent and booster organizations, leaders on school improvement teams, advocates on behalf of students, and supporters of school activities. I look forward to meeting with various stakeholders throughout the school year as we work together to explore ways to enhance the services we provide for children. On behalf of our students, I would like to thank you in advance for your contributions towards making the school year a very successful and rewarding academic experience. Kindest Regards, Barbara L. Baker Superintendent of Garrett County Public Schools NOTE: This calendar includes successes from the previous school year. Each school has listed various highlights, as well as photos and artwork, spotlighting successes throughout the school year. NOTE: All test dates, end of grading periods, parent conferences, and some scheduled closings indicated in this calendar are subject to change if there are school closings due to inclement weather. Artwork on front cover: Top (l-r) - Jack Thomas, Accident, Grade 1; Noah Aiken, Northern High, Grade 10; and Southern Middle 7th grade students combined - Emily Baker, Scot Bowman, Aubrey Ellinger, Zoey Hardesty, Gracie Howe, Katie Lloyd, Jazzman Lynch, and Kenzie Shifflett. Bottom (l-r) - Antoine Kauffman, Swan Meadow, Grade 6; Winnie Dong, Southern High, Grade 11; and Riyana Harvey, Broad Ford, Grade 5.

4 A. Art Art education gives all students the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to explore the visual world around them. It provides a language and an avenue of expression that expands across all areas of the school curriculum. It is a basic and unique part of education. Art experiences develop abilities to perceive and respond to the environment. Art helps reveal the ideas, values, and interests of others. Art education enables the student to understand the visual arts and the role it plays in history and human experience. Student progression through the art program will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make judgments and express ideas. The overall outcome of art experiences is to enhance visual learning skills and to create effective visual learners. The Fine Arts Program Students musical experiences should bring them into contact with a wide range of examples illustrating the specific musical characteristics they are learning. For this reason, music from many historical eras and cultures is included in the instructional program. As with the visual arts, Garrett County Public Schools offer a program in music that begins at Pre-Kindergarten and extends through the high school years. All students participate in the study of general music. Beginning with grade 4, students may elect to participate in the choral and/or instrumental music program. Consistent with the guidelines of the Maryland State Department of Education, the program addresses four broad outcomes across all grades: 1) Perceiving, performing and responding aesthetic education; 2) Historical, cultural, and social contexts; 3) Creative expression and production; and 4) Aesthetic criticism. several special student performances annually. Musical, dance, and theatrical groups have been included, and students not only enjoy a professional production, but are given the opportunity to question and interact with the performers. Another supporter of art integration in Garrett County Public Schools is the Garrett County Arts Council. Garrett County Arts Council promotes Art in Education initiatives by fostering the development of art enrichment activities in our public schools. The Garrett County Arts Council has also aided in displaying and promoting student art activities. Samantha Funding the Arts is a third foundation that financially supports classroom teachers by providing scholarships, purchasing musical instruments, or supporting a field trip to various locations across the regional area. We value the partnership among all three foundations. These organizations and their commitment to Pre-K-12 are a catalyst for things that positively impact students and broaden their horizons regarding what is possible to do with their life as they set future goals. The practice of art serves to facilitate the growth of important skills. Art education provides experiences which aid intellectual, social, physical, and aesthetic maturation. Art is a multi-cultural and multi-sensory program that allows all students to experience success and enhance affective learning. Additionally, it provides opportunities for the student to explore and expand individual creativity in a supportive, enjoyable environment. Garrett County Public Schools offer a program in the visual arts that begins at Pre-Kindergarten and extends through the high school years. Consistent with the guidelines of the Maryland State Department of Education, the program addresses four broad outcomes across all grades: 1) Perceiving and responding aesthetic education; 2) Historical, cultural, and social contexts; 3) Creative expression and production; and 4) Aesthetic criticism. B. Music The music program provides a broad range of musical experiences every child needs to become a successful participant in music throughout life. Music is an art to be enjoyed, studied, and shared. Instructional activities include listening, singing, moving, improvising, composing, playing instruments, conducting, rhythmic speech, and reading music. The music curriculum assures that all students will have a sequential program resulting in continuous musical development and a lifelong love of music. C. Theatre Knowledge of the theatre brings a richness to the learning environment. The roots of theatre extend deeply into the human experience. Over time, theatre has been viewed as a disciplined, collaborative activity which requires the ability to think critically, create imaginatively, and call upon emotional resources which can be expressed both verbally and non-verbally. Sequential theatrical experiences provide an opportunity for students to learn to become better communicators, master basic skills of performance, discover and explore both personal and societal values, and develop self-esteem. The theatre curriculum in grades 9-12 has been prepared to assist students to establish a life-long relationship with the various components of the performing arts (history, literature, interpretive skills, language development, cultural appreciation, various forms of expression, the environment, etc.). The opportunities provided are designed to help students gain aesthetic qualities through understanding, analyzing, and performing a variety of dramatic forms. Individual artistic expression experienced during the theatrical study encourages students to articulate ideas, feelings, attitudes, and values. D. Support from other Agencies Garrett County Public Schools greatly appreciate the support of county and state agencies in promoting student experiences in the arts. The Garrett Lakes Arts Festival (GLAF) schedules Hickory Environmental Education Center Hickory Environmental Education Center meets the natural and planetary science needs of Garrett County school students from pre-kindergarten to high school. Located on 77 wooded acres behind Northern Middle/High Schools, Hickory includes a nature hall with animal exhibits, a 68 seat planetarium, dorms, and trails. During the school year, Hickory recorded over 6,900 student visits.

5 2017 August 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Self-Discipline and Control 6 7 Board of Education Meeting Bus inspections - Oakland Garage Bus inspections - Accident Garage Teacher Workday Staff Development/ Professional Day School Bus Inservice County-Wide Staff Development Day Staff Development/ Professional Day SAT Testing Allegany High School & Garrett College First Day of School for Students Students dismissed 3 hours early

6 A. Our Vision Education is the key to the vitality and sustainability of our community. The Garrett County Public School System maintains an environment in which staff, students, parents, and the community work collectively for a brighter tomorrow. While celebrating the culture and traditions of Garrett County, the schools create an environment where students are nurtured to become productive, enthusiastic, and successful members of society. Students will be active and engaged learners, who enjoy school. They will meet the challenges of robust curricula in a climate that is open, fair, honest, and respectful to all people. Schools as learning communities will offer opportunities for students to achieve excellence in their academics and compassion in their interactions and relationships with others. Goals and Mission Broad Ford Elementary School Partnerships are integral to building a culture of rigorous, high-quality instruction in which excellence in student achievement is normative and ensures learning and success for all students. Community contributions are encouraged and valued. Partnerships support tangibly the innovation and creativity embedded in the school system and will energize the achievement of all students. Highly-qualified employees will be recruited and hired who Value students, parents, and the larger community. Create and sustain learning environments in which students can realize their dreams. Seek continuous improvement through staff development and curriculum implementation. Immerse themselves within the schools to produce vibrant learning communities. Demonstrate stewardship of the school system s resources. Parents and family are critical to the success of students. Their involvement, participation, and engagement in the school system will benefit teaching and learning for all students. In cooperation with school staff, parents and family are important in building their children s self-confidence and assisting them in acquiring the skills necessary for lifelong success and public engagement. B. Mission The mission of Garrett County Public Schools, in partnership with our community, is to inspire and foster student growth by providing rigorous instruction and learning opportunities, sustaining a culture of excellence, and preparing our students for life in an ever-changing world. C. Goals All students will be challenged with a rigorous instructional environment preparing them to become life-long learners and responsible citizens. Partnerships with all members of our community will be fostered and strengthened by engaging them in the education of our children. All students and staff will learn in a safe, secure, and caring environment where everyone is valued and respected. Every department and school will be a good steward of system resources and will manage them in a cost-effective manner. All employees will be highly qualified and effective in their jobs contributing to a self-renewing organization. D. Values Excellence: We provide our students and staff with the means to excel above expectations while living with integrity, taking responsibility for their actions, learning from mistakes, and achieving to the best of their ability. Effectiveness: We are committed to providing a positive school climate where each student is recognized as a valued and unique learner. All students will be engaged in learning that promotes critical thinking and problem solving to cultivate lifelong learning and active, engaged citizenship. Innovation: We use innovative teaching techniques to nurture enthusiasm and curiosity by encouraging students to explore, investigate, and question the world around them as they work together to solve real world problems. Community: We foster community involvement and appreciation of diversity by collaboration among students, staff, parents, businesses, area agencies, and other stakeholders in our community. Photo to the right: Eve Beard, 4th grade student at Broad Ford Elementary School, displays her Be the Change project. Broad Ford Elementary School has an enrollment of 558 students in Pre- Kindergarten through grade 5. Pictured to the left: Garrett County Teacher of the Year - Heather Roth, music teacher at Broad Ford and Crellin Elementary Schools. Highlights from the school year were: *Broad Ford Elementary School s Blazing Bobcats Orff Ensemble traveled to Hagerstown to perform at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in December *Broad Ford Elementary School students raised nearly $1,500 to benefit Cindy s Fund by donating their change to purchase paper links, which then formed a chain that was long enough to reach around the school. *On Saturday, April 29th, Broad Ford Elementary School had its first 5K Color Run/Walk to benefit the school s Wellness Team. There was a total of 231 registered runners, with 88 of them being Broad Ford School students! Broad Ford plans to make this an annual event. * Be the Change You Want to See in the World projects were on display at Broad Ford Elementary School on May 11. All 4th grade students completed the yearlong service learning projects in an attempt to establish the importance of giving back to help families, the community, the state, and even the world! Students tackled problems in the world and looked for solutions. *Broad Ford Elementary School was selected as a Maryland Center for Character Education at Stevenson University School of the Year Award.

7 2017 September 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Self-Discipline and Control 1 2 September is Library Card Sign-Up Month 3 Labor Day 4 Schools closed International Literacy Day ACT Testing Allegany College of MD 9 Grandparents Day 10 Patriot Day Board of Education Meeting 16 Constitution Day Staff Development: Students dismissed 3 hours early Progress reports for first grading period Autumn Begins Yom Kippur

8 A. Philosophy and Rationale We believe students must attend school and all classes regularly and be punctual because there is a direct relationship between regular attendance and academic achievement and completion of a school program. We believe that each student has the responsibility to monitor his/her attendance and to be informed about the policy and the consequences of the policy. We believe that each parent and guardian has the responsibility to monitor his/her child s attendance and to be informed about the policy and the consequences of the policy. B. Standards of Attendance Each child who resides in this state, 5 years old or older and under 18, shall attend a public school regularly during the entire school year unless the child is otherwise receiving a regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age or has received a one-year maturity waiver for kindergarten. Garrett County Public Schools provides a full-day kindergarten for children who reach the age of five. A child must be five years old by September 1 in the year in which the student is enrolled in kindergarten. Garrett County Public Schools also provides a Pre-Kindergarten Program at certain designated sites. A child must be four years old by September 1 in the year in which he/ she applies for entrance into the pre-kindergarten program. C. Standards for Absence A student is counted present for a full day if the student is absent no more than one hour of the school day. A student is counted absent for a full day if the student is present for less than two hours of the school day. A student will be credited with 1/2 day attendance if the student is present two hours or more of the school day and is absent more than one hour of the school day. At the high school level, attendance is recorded by class period. Students shall be considered in attendance at school when participating in school-sponsored or school-approved educational activities during the school day, and when that participation is approved by the local superintendent of schools or the school principal, or their designee. Student Attendance D. Standards for Tardiness and Early Dismissal Any student who arrives at school after the appointed starting time and does not meet the definition of a half-day absence must be marked tardy. If the student is late as a result of a bus delay, the student should not be considered tardy. A student should not be habitually removed from school before the instructional day has been concluded. A student who is habitually tardy/dismissed early will be considered in violation of the Maryland compulsory school attendance law. A student shall be considered habitually tardy when he/she is late more than four (4) times per semester without a bona fide excuse as determined by the principal or his/her designee. A student must have a bona fide excuse to be removed from school early. These statements shall not be interpreted as limiting the authority of the school administration to develop and implement disciplinary measures to encourage promptness to school/class, to deter tardiness to school/class, or to discourage habitual early dismissals which disrupt the student s school day. Above: Art work was created by Ethan Metzger, Grade 6, at Swan Meadow School. Pictured right are Swan Meadow students on the school s walking trail during its first annual walk-a-thon to promote physical wellness. Swan Meadow School Swan Meadow School has an enrollment of 41 students in grades Kindergarten through 8. Highlights from the school year were: *Swan Meadow was recognized for collecting the most pounds of food for Garrett County s Kids Helping Kids Food and Fund Drive to support local food banks. *Swan Meadow School hosted its first annual Walk-a-thon to promote physical wellness and to also collect nonperishable food items for the local food bank. Through a wellness grant provided by the Health Department and Action for Healthy Kids, Swan Meadow reinvented its walking trail by adding signs throughout the 1/4 mile trail. A bench was added along the trail to be used for exercises or to simply relax and enjoy the local farm scenery. *Swan Meadow School s 6th-8th graders celebrated with the finding of two Rainbow Trout during their biannual survey of nearby Cherry Creek with DNR s Jody Johnson and Kenny Wampler in May Students have been involved in restoration of this part of Cherry Creek since the bridge renovation three years ago. *Swan Meadow Students read over 17,000,000 words through the Accelerated Reader Program. This was an average of about 415,000 words per students.

9 2017 October 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SAT Testing Allegany High School & Garrett College Columbus Day Board of Education PSAT Testing, Schools closed 13 Autumn Glory 14 Grade 10 National Rosh Boss s Day Bus inspections Meeting Bus inspections United Nations Day National School Lunch Week Bus inspections National School Bus Safety Week Staff Development: Students dismissed 3 hours early Hashanah Halloween End of first grading period Red Ribbon Week ACT Testing Allegany College of MD Character traits of the month Responsibility and Dependability

10 A. Philosophy and Rationale Constructive discipline is essential for an effective educational experience. The Board of Education, school administrators, teachers, staff members, and students have the responsibility to provide an environment in which appropriate standards of behavior are maintained and county and school policies are obeyed and consistently enforced. Students have the right to enroll in a safe, orderly and drug free school, free of persistent dangers. An effective learning environment should provide these basic rights: 1. To fair, consistent and equitable treatment in the school environment through the use of graduated responses and interventions, 2. To a learning environment free of disruption, 3. To a learning environment free from harassment (i.e.: verbal, sexual, racial, ethnic, etc.), 4. To be provided with instruction that fosters student engagement and encourages positive behavior and relationships. 5. To access materials which enhance learning, 6. To be provided with an environment which teaches and encourages positive, desired behaviors, prevents misbehavior, and provides opportunities to remediate and re-learn behavior that fails to meet the standards and expectations for the school environment. 7. To voice opinions and to participate in the learning process, 8. To appeal using the established procedure if these rights have been violated. B. General Behavior, Rights Each student has a right to 1. A school environment free of disruption. 2. Express concern about disruptions in the school environment. 3. Be accepted as an individual. 4. Seek help from school personnel. 5. Receive make-up work from his/her teacher. 6. Be evaluated on the basis or his/her own achievements. 7. A school environment free of vulgar, profane, or abusive language. 8. A school environment free of health and safety hazards which is orderly and drug free. 9. A learning environment free from bullying, harassment (i.e., verbal, sexual, racial, ethnic, bullying, hazing, and defamation, etc.), and intimidation. 10. Use due process procedure to protect his/her rights. C. General Behavior, Responsibilities Each student has the responsibility to 1. Seek help, either academically or emotionally, when needed. 2. Obtain and complete work missed due to absence. 3. Respect other s rights, fully know and understand school regulations, uphold them, and respect the leadership role of the teacher and school administration in the learning process. 4. Aid in creating a positive learning environment. Student Behavior 5. Use appropriate language at all times. 6. Follow the school s designated standards on appropriate apparel. 7. Refrain from willfully destroying or defacing school or private property either on or off the school grounds. 8. Report to school and class within the allotted time limits. 9. Do his/her own work and maintain academic honesty. 10. Conduct himself/herself in a manner that does not disrupt the learning process, which includes classroom, cafeteria, hallways, bathrooms, field trips, and all other school activities. 11. Use discretion in bringing valuable personal possessions to school and accept the responsibility for these items. 12. Maintain an environment which is free of health and safety hazards, and is orderly and drug free. 13. Maintain a learning environment which is free from bullying, harassment and intimidation. 14. Bullying and harassment of a student is to be reported using the reporting form available on the school website or at the school office. 15. Aid school officials in enforcing the county and school codes of conduct and adhere to local, state and federal laws. D. Guidelines for Suspension Suspension is considered one of the most serious outcomes for disciplinary offenses. It should be invoked when the behavior is serious enough to warrant the removal of the student from the student s regular school program, and when the Garrett County Discipline Policy provides for suspension, due to cases in which the student engages in chronic and extreme disruption of the educational process that has created a substantial barrier to learning for other students, across the school day, or when the student poses an imminent threat of serious harm to other students or staff. School administrators must consider factors such as developmental differences of age and maturity, and disability as mandated by state and federal regulations to modify the suspension, or the number of days of suspension required by these procedures. The principal will advise the student of the offense or allegation leveled against him/her, offer an explanation of the evidence, and permit the student to offer his/her side of the story. A student whose presence poses a danger to self, others, or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process may be removed immediately from the school. The necessary due process shall follow as soon as practicable. The principal will advise the parent/guardian and the student in writing of the reason(s) for the suspension, length of suspension, and appointment date for a private conference. Notification of the suspension shall be forwarded to the Department of Pupil Services. If the school principal feels a suspension of longer than ten days is necessary, or expulsion in the case in which a student s return to school would pose an immenent threat of serious harm to students or staff, he/she shall petition the Superintendent of Schools or his designee for an extended suspension. Yough Glades Elementary School Yough Glades Elementary School has an enrollment of 336 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5. Highlights from the school year were: *Yough Glades students had an overwhelming interest and participation in String Instruments during The students even assembled their own Dulcimers. *Using Tinkercad and 3-D printing, the students were able to design and produce some pretty awesome projects, like cars and other prototypes. *Reading Rodeo was a success at Yough Glades Elementary School. Students from PreK to 1st grade had the opportunity to read with a parent, do a STEM related project, and then received a set of books to read at home. Landon and Luke Spink, Yough Glades Elementary School students, display their cars created through Tinkercad and 3-D printing.

11 2017 November 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Caring and Giving All Saints Day SAT Testing Garrett College 4 Daylight Saving Time Ends 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences Veterans Day Schools closed Board of Education Meeting 18 American Education Week Thanksgiving Students dismissed 3 hours early Schools closed Schools closed

12 A. Policy Statement The Superintendent of Schools may close or delay the opening of schools due to unusual weather, lack of heat, power failure, water problems, or other conditions to protect the health and safety of children. In making decisions relative to the specific emergency, consideration will be given to reports on road and weather conditions as well as input from the appropriate agencies such as, but not limited to, county and state roads departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency management, power companies, and water suppliers. Emergency Closings Northern Middle School B. Bus Route Modification Bus contractors may request permission from the Director of Transportation to modify a route or to not make a run if road conditions are severe. When permission is granted, the contractor will assume responsibility to notify the families on the school bus route. C. Notification To the extent possible, announcements related to delayed openings or closings of schools will be made prior to 6:00 AM. Public announcements are made immediately on local radio stations and the school system s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts. SchoolsOut.com and School Messenger notifications are also used to alert students, parents, staff, and commuity. Public service announcements are carried on the following radio and television stations: Cumberland, WVMD FM Cumberland, WRQE FM Cumberland, WCBC AM Cumberland, WTBO AM Frostburg, WFRB AM and FM Kingwood, WKMM FM Kingwood, WFSP FM Meyersdale, WQZS FM Morgantown, WVAQ FM Mt.Lake Park, WKHJ FM Oakland, WMSG AM Bridgeport, WV, WDTV TV Clarksburg, WV, WBOY TV Hagerstown, MD, WHAG TV Johnstown, PA, WJAC TV Pittsburgh, PA, WTAE TV Pittsburgh, PA, KDKA TV Northern Middle School has an enrollment of 347 students in grades 6 through 8. Highlights from the school year were: *Olivia Wilhelm, 8th grade, was the first place winner in the Consumer and Environmental category at the Eighth Grade Science and Engineering (STEM) Fair in May * Northern Middle School was recertified as a 2017 Maryland Green School. *Ali Schilpp, media specialist, was one of 25 nominees for the 2017 Maryland Librarian of the Year award. *Northern Middle School sixth grade students sailed on a skipjack, built in 1902, with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The students spent a day on the Chesapeake Bay learning about oysters, water quality, and sailing. *Northern Middle School s student council hosted a pajama day fundraiser in September to raise money and awareness for Cindy s Fund and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The group donated $100 to both organizations. In October, the student council hosted a Freaky Friday Dance and donated $200 to a former Northern Middle School student, who suffered a severe health issue. *Northern Middle School received a FirstEnergy s Classroom Grant in the amount of $1,000. Ms. Amy Rowan, teacher, wrote the grant proposal to purchase a hydroponics system. *Northern Middle School received a $4,500 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library. *Northern Middle School was selected as a Maryland Center for Character Education at Stevenson University School of the Year. Northern Middle School students spent the day on the Chesapeake Bay learning about oysters, water quality, and sailing. Art work created by Logan Mason, Grade 8, at Northern Middle School.

13 2017 December 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Caring and Giving High School Fall Block PARCC Testing Dec Jan Staff Development: Students dismissed Hanukkah begins Board of Education Meeting 3 hours early Progress reports for second grading period 1 2 SAT Testing Allegany High School 9 ACT Testing Garrett College & Allegany College of MD Winter Begins Students dismissed 3 hours early 24 Christmas Schools closed Schools closed Schools closed Schools closed Schools closed

14 A. Parent Community Involvement Garrett County Public Schools recognizes that a student s education is a responsibility held jointly by the school, family, and the community. Only through cooperative, collaborative, and supportive efforts can our mission of schooling be achieved for all students. Through these efforts we can enhance the quality of life in our community and contribute to its development. Public Involvement Southern Middle School Garrett County Public Schools will encourage and invite parents to participate in the education of their students by 1. Affording opportunities for input into the decision/policy-making process, 2. Inviting parents and parent groups to participate in Board of Education meetings, 3. Naming parents to serve on standing and ad hoc committees, 4. Encouraging activity in these five major types of parent involvement: Communications between home and school on programs and student progress; Learning activities at home; Basic obligations of families, parenting skills, and home conditions to support learning; Volunteer opportunities; and School decision-making, including governance, committee work, and parent organizations. Parents may also serve on various advisory committees. These committees meet periodically throughout the school year on a defined schedule or as needed. B. School ImprovementTeams Garrett County Public Schools encourages participation of parents and others in the community in the education of students through involvement in school decision-making. To this end, the Board of Education directs the Superintendent to establish a School Improvement Team (SIT) in each public school in Garrett County. The function of the SIT will be to actively assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the educational program at each school. Membership on the SIT is to include school staff, parents, and community members (including a representative of the Parent-Teacher Association or other parent organization). The tenure of membership on the SIT is left to the discretion of each school. C. School Visitations Garrett County Public Schools encourages visitations in our schools by patrons and the public. These visits can and should serve students primarily as a constructive vehicle for both school personnel and the visitors. To ensure that the program of all students is kept in major focus during this process, visitors are asked to observe the following procedures when visiting schools: 1. Ring the bell for clearance through the school s security. Sign the appropriate sheet at the principal s office to receive an identification card authorizing your presence in the building. 2. Relate to the principal, or his/her designee, where and/or why you want to visit in order to ensure that the activities of interest are scheduled at a proper time and location. 3. Refrain from interrupting the instructional process in any way. 4. If you have questions relative to the teaching observed insofar as purpose, content, methodology, etc., you should air these questions at a mutually agreeable, private conference period with the teacher. If your concern is urgent in nature, the principal may be available to give some immediate understanding of the situation. If your concern persists, a parent-teacher-principal conference should be requested relative to the problem. 5. The best approach for parents and school personnel is to always keep conferences child-centered. Follow the belief that we all have the best interests of students in mind. 6. Unauthorized visitors or disruptive behavior on the part of visitors will be addressed by school personnel to ensure the educational rights of all students. Southern Middle students created a 3D Chandelier. Students are Koby Lloyd, Sierra Corbin, Jesse James, Jewel Long, and Bayleigh Hawk. Southern Middle School has an enrollment of 542 students in grades 6 through 8. Highlights from the school year were: *Serena Lewis was named a 2017 Carson Scholar. Serena was nominated by Southern Middle School for her outstanding academic achievement and humanitarian qualities. She received a $1,000 college scholarship from Dr. Ben Carson at the 21st Annual Awards Ceremony in April at Martins West in Baltimore, MD. * Mr. Gary Thompson, teacher, was named the Maryland History Day Teacher of the Year as part of the annual Maryland History Day event in April *Sophia Bishoff, an 8th grade student, received a special prize at Maryland History Day as the winner of the George Washington Leadership Prize, sponsored by the George Washington s Mount Vernon, for her junior paper on Taking a Stand against the Government: The Whiskey Rebellion of *A 3-D Chandelier, created by Southern Middle School students, was on display at MSDE. This art piece was made of recycled water bottles! It also made the front page of the 5th Floor View magazine which is an art publication showcasing outstanding art accomplishments of students from across the state of Maryland. *Southern Middle School Drama Club presented the production of Annie, Jr. in April Mr. Shaw and company worked with students twice a week from December through April to produce two evening shows and two school performances. *Southern Middle School celebrated its 40 years of excellent education: *Amariah Skipper, 6th grade, Cesilie Tasker, 6th grade, and Elisha Skipper, 8th grade, placed first in their respective categories in the American Legion Americanism Essay Contest on How to Keep Lincoln s Promise to Veterans and their Families. *Hana Nazelrod, Katrina Marraccini, Brogan Kealy, and Jarrett Miller, were first place winners in their respective categories at the Eighth Grade Science and Engineering (STEM) Fair in May 2017.

15 2018 January 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month- Fairness, Justice, and Equality New Year s Day Schools closed 1 Schools reopen Board of Education Meeting Martin Luther End of second Professional Day - 14 King Jr. Day Students dismissed grading period 3 hours early* Schools closed HSA Government and HS MISA Science, Jan. 8- Feb. 2 Staff Development: Students dismissed 3 hours early *If schools are delayed and/or closed on January 17, students will be dismissed three hours early on the next full day. High School Fall Block PARCC Testing Dec Jan. 16

16 A. The Elementary School Education is a continuum which spans an individual s life. The elementary school occupies a unique position in this continuum as it becomes the foundation of formal education and reaches children in their most formative years of life. The elementary school coordinates and integrates experiences by placing emphasis on the development and mastery of basic skills and the use of these skills in the acquisition of knowledge that allows each child to attain maximum development in relationship to ability and environment. The school also recognizes its responsibility to develop in each child a positive self-concept, to mold favorable attitudes toward all learning, and to promote growth toward independence and interdependence with the child s environment. The elementary curricula include reading, language arts, mathematics, science, health, social studies, art, music, and physical education. Appropriate time is allotted in all curricular areas. B. The Middle School The middle school continues coordination and integration of educational experiences with more emphasis on the application of knowledge than on the development of basic skills. Flexibility is the basic characteristic of the middle school not only in organization and programmatic offerings, but also in design and substance, thus allowing each individual to attain multiple experiences and to expand intellectual horizons.the middle school programs of studies include reading, language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, algebra, technology education, art, music, band, chorus, physical education, and health. C. The Secondary School The secondary school program provides each individual student with the personalized educational base that allows for life-long learning. For many students, this is the end of their formalized education; for others, it is just the beginning. It is imperative, therefore, that the secondary school and its programs be broad enough in scope and flexible enough in design to allow each student to prepare for postsecondary education, immediate employment, or the military. With several Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses with Garrett College, as well as numerous Career and Technical Educational offerings (many of which come with state or national credentials), and a thriving JROTC program, Garrett County Public Schools secondary school opportunities are impressive. The secondary school also strives to provide for the exploration of other cultures, the arts, and the humanities, as well as to provide a framework for critical thinking on issues affecting the individual and society as a whole. D. Title I Title I is a federal program designed to provide support to students, Pre- K to 5, in areas of Reading and Math. This is supplemental funding made available to qualifying schools according to Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) eligibility. The Title I mission is to have parents, families, educators, and community members working together as partners, sharing the accountability and desire to improve the achievement of all students. Instructional Programs Each school develops, with parent input, the Home/School Compact. It outlines expectations for teachers, parents, and students in order to focus on increasing the academic achievement of all students. Teachers review the compact with students and parents during the school year. Garrett County Public Schools regard parents as important team members. Research has shown that academic success is positively impacted when parents become involved in their child s education. All Title I schools implement the Garrett County Public Schools Parent Involvement Policy. In addition, each school develops, with parent input, a Parent Involvement Plan and provides materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve achievement. E. Special Programs In an effort to meet the individual needs of every student in the county, programs are made available to students with special needs. The Special Education program is designed to meet the instructional and behavioral needs of students with disabilities and is available at all grade levels. Students are first evaluated, and then with input from parents, decisions concerning the most appropriate instruction are made through team meetings. This process results in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each participating student. The Gifted and Talented Process is designed to serve students who have the ablility to excel in at least one of the following areas: (a) general intellect, (2) specific aptitude, (c) creative or productive thinking, and (d) visual and performing arts. Students may be nominated to the process through their classroom teacher, parent, or a student interview at the middle and high school levels. The process is delivered as part of classrooom instruction or during specified time frames provided by the school. The Schoolwide Enrichment Program is provided through each school in every classroom for every child through many activities such as Career Day, Science Fair, The Real Deal, AP courses, and elective courses. Southern High School Southern High School has an enrollment of 667 students in grades 9 through 12. Highlights from the school year were: * Southern Garrett High School received the 2017 Bronze national ranking as one of the best high schools in the United States by US News and World Report. Southern High was ranked #60 of the schools in Maryland. *Southern High JROTC cadet Michael Stemple finished in 7th place (out of 99) for overall individual honor in the army JROTC northeast regional championship in Camp Perry, Ohio. *Southern High School Theatre Department presented the production of Singin in the Rain in May *The Southern Garrett High School Alumni Association (SGH- SAA), the Board of Education s Information Technology Department, and Southern Garrett High School worked in conjunction to fund 12 new laptops with 22 monitors for the school s journalism program. * Declan Horner, Noah DeWitt, and Troy Cumerlato, all 11th grade students at Southern High School, won first place in the Fall 2016 session of the State Stock Market Game competition. *Destiny Gank, 10th grade, finished in first place in the Meats Evaluation & Technology category at the Maryland FFA Spring Judging Events in Westminster, Maryland. *Wesley Dixon, 10th grade, won a Gold Medal in Cabinetry, and Aaron Teets, 11th grade, won a silver medal in Cabinetmaking at the SkillsUSA Maryland State Championship. Left: Art work created by Olivia Shaffer, Grade 12, at Southern High School.

17 2018 February 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Trustworthiness, Honesty, and Sincerity February is Children s Dental Health Month 1 Groundhog ACT Testing 10 Day Allegany College of MD Board of Education Valentine s Day Presidents Day Meeting Ash Wednesday Staff Development: Students dismissed 3 hours early Progress reports for third grading period Schools closed

18 A. Participation All students have a legal right to be included to the fullest extent possible in all statewide and countywide assessment programs and to have their assessment results be a part of Maryland s accountability system. Accommodations are provided to enable students to participate more fully in assessments and to better demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Accommodations should help students move from dependence to independence; they should not encourage dependency. Accommodations must be justified and documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities and in the students records for 504 students and English Language Learners. B. Maryland Integrated Science Assessments The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is administered to students in grades 5 and 8. The science assessment is usually administered in March and requires approximately four hours of testing spread over two days. The high school Maryland Integrated Science Assessment will be given for the first time in the school year This graduation requirement will replace the HSA Biology assessment, which was retired July 1, C. Government High School Assessment The Government High School Assessment (HSA) is an end-of-course examination. The test is administered in January, May, and July to all students completing the designated course. Students completing the designated course must pass the HSA assessment in order to be eligible to receive a Maryland High School Diploma. Testing time is approximately three hours for the examination. D. PARCC Assessments Maryland implemented new statewide tests in : the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. PARCC assessments cover English/Language Arts and Mathematics in grades 3 8. In high school, PARCC is given in Algebra I, Algebra II, English grade 10, and English grade 11. Graduation requirements and College and Career Readiness are tied to PARCC and set by MSDE. E. Alternate Assessments For students whose IEPs indicate they are pursuing goals other than the Maryland Learning Outcomes, the Alternate Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (ALT-MISA) is used for Science. Students in grades 3, 8, and 11 participate in this assessment from March through May of each year. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 participate in the MSAA (Multi-State Alternative Assessment) for English/Language Arts and Mathematics. The first adminstration of MSAA was in the Spring 2016 and is given from March through May. Assessment Programs Northern High School Northern High School has an enrollment of 429 students in grades 9 through 12. Highlights from the school year were: * Northern Garrett High School received the 2017 Bronze national ranking as one of the best high schools in the United States by US News and World Report. Northern High was ranked #61 of the schools in Maryland. This is the seventh consecutive year that Northern has been awarded with a bronze or silver medal in the America s Best High Schools Program. *Northern High School Theatre Department presented the production of Bye Bye Birdie in April *Ms. Hailey Yommer, senior, was the designer of the Christmas card which was sent from the Board of Education and the Superintendent to the employees, each Maryland school superintendent, and various county and state agencies in December *Ana Rhoten, 10th grade, captured the Maryland Girls 1A Cross Country State Champion in November 2016 at Hereford High School in Parkton, Maryland. *Austin Evans, 12th grade, captured two state championships in track and field by winning the 110 meter hurdles and the triple jump, giving him a total of three state championships over his high school career. Austin was also the state champion in the triple jump last year. *The Northern High School Concert Band and Concert Chorus participated in the Worldstrides Onstage International Music Festival in Washington, D.C. as a part of the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Celebration in January The Concert Chorus received a rating of Silver/Excellent and 1st place in their division. The Concert Band received a rating of Gold/ Superior and 1st place in the division. * In October 2016, news team members from Northern High School visited Bloomberg BNA in Virginia for the opportunity to learn the inner workings of a news organization and explore career possibilities. *Northern High School s 12 teams in the Relay for Life event, Cruisin for a Cure, raised $45,000 for the American Cancer Society. Above: Art work created by Angelo Ruggiero, Grade 11, at Northern High School. Right: Northern High School Concert Chorus at the Worldstrides Onstage International Music Festival in Washington, D.C.

19 2018 March 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Courage and Facing Challenges MISA Science Assessment Grades 5 & 8: March Daylight Saving Time Begins Read Across Board of Education St. Patrick s 17 Meeting National School Breakfast Week America Day Staff Development: Students dismissed 3 hours early SAT Testing Allegany High School & Garrett College Day End of third grading period Palm Sunday Maryland Day Spring Begins Parent-Teacher Good Friday Conferences Passover Schools closed Schools closed

20 A. Garrett County Graduation Requirements 1) Students must earn 23 credits as follows: English 4 credits Fine Arts (Art, Music, Theater, Chorus, or Band) 1 credit Mathematics (Algebra & Geometry plus two additional math credits) 4 credits Physical Education 0.5 credit Health 0.5 credit Social Studies (U.S. & World Histories, Government) 3 credits Science (Biology, Earth Science, Fundamentals of Physical Science) 3 credits Technology Education 1 credit Financial Literacy course 1 credit Environmental Literacy course 1 credit Choice University System of Maryland Completer two years of same world language and Algebra II Principles of Technology (I and II) 2 credits State Approved Career/Tech Program 3+ credits Electives 2 credits 2) Competency as demonstrated by passing or earning a passing combined score on the Maryland High School Assessments 3) Student Service 75 hours B. Test Requirements High School students are required to take and successfully complete the Government High School Assessment (HSA). Students are required to successfully complete the PARCC assessments in English/Language Arts and Mathematics. The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) will be introduced in the high schools during the school year. Test results must appear on the student s transcript before the student can be awarded a diploma. Graduation Requirements D. Student Service Learning Students must show they are making a difference through actions of caring for others through personal contact, indirect service, or civic action, either in the school or in the community. Garrett County students begin to acquire the 75 service learning hours in grade 6. Outlined below is the service learning criteria for current 8th-12th grade students (graduating classes of ): Middle School - In School Activities Grade 6 14 hours Grade 7 3 hours Grade 8 13 hours High School Grade 9 (In US History) 5 hours Grades 9-12 (Independent Projects) 40 hours Beginning in , starting with incoming 6th and 7th grade students, 75 service learning hours will be achieved as outlined below: Middle School - total embedded hours will equal 50. Grade 6 20 hours Grade 7 10 hours Grade 8 20 hours High School - total embedded hours will equal 10 in 9th grade U.S. History; independent projects in grades 9-12 will total 15 hours. Hours over 75 are considered recognition hours. Crellin Elementary School Crellin Elementary School has an enrollment of 143 students in Kindergarten through grade 5. Highlights from the school year were: *Crellin Elementary School was certified as a 2017 Sustainable Maryland Green School by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education. This award signifies that Crellin has made a commitment to developing stewards of the Earth and reducing the environmental impact of the school. * Growing Good Neighbors is a gardening program sponsored by State Farm that involved community outreach. Students worked with experts from the Maryland Extension Office to plant vegetable seeds in the school s greenhouse. The students learned how to care for the plants and how to safely transplant them. At a community event, students shared their knowledge and distributed plants, soil, and containers for planting. *Partnering with Trout Unlimited and the Department of Natural Resources, students engaged in the Trout in the Classroom program. After raising trout from eggs to fingerlings, the students released 148 of them into Snowy Creek. C. Career Clusters The courses of study for Garrett County high schools are organized into four career and academic clusters: Arts & Human Services, Business Management & Finance, Engineering & Technology, and Life Sciences & Natural Resources. Specialization is secondary to the purpose of providing a sound, fundamental basis of skills and abilities in the core subjects. However, specialization is made for the purpose of acquiring job entry skills, exploration, enrichment, or career advance ment or preparation. Consequently, all students will select at least one of the approved career paths within the area of their special interest. Each career path is designed to meet at least one of the following program applications: (1) State approved Career and Technology Program; (2) Two credits of Advanced Technology; (3) Language and Mathematics programs qualifying for entrance to the University System of Maryland. Above: Crellin Elementary School students engaged in the Trout in the Classroom program. Right: Crellin Elementary School s Rhythm and Rubbish performed at the Student Arts Fair in April 2017.

21 2018 April 2018 Easter Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Easter Monday 6 7 Schools closed 8 Board of Education 9 Meeting ACT Testing Garrett College & Allegany College of MD Student Arts Fair county-wide practice 21 GCPS Student Arts Fair at Garrett College Earth Day 22 Administrative Professionals Day Arbor Day Staff Development: Students dismissed 3 hours early 30 Bus inspections - Oakland Garage Bus inspections -Accident Garage Character traits of the month Respect and Courtesy April is School Library Media Month Progress reports for fourth grading period Bus inspections - Grantsville Garage PARCC Assessments: Grades 3-8 April 9-May 18,

22 A. Immunization All students enrolling/enrolled in the Garrett County Public Schools must have the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene form #896, Maryland Immunization Certificate, completed by their physician or by the local health officer. A school principal or other person in charge of a school may not knowingly admit a pupil to, or retain a pupil in, a pre-school program or kindergarten through the sixth grade of school who has not furnished evidence of primary immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), rubella (German measles), mumps, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (chickenpox). Effective August 2014, two doses of Varicella are required of all students entering Kindergarten. This will be phased in each year until two doses are required of all students K-12. Effective August 2016, all 7th-9th grade students must show proof of a single dose of Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. This will be phased in each year until these vaccines are required of all students in grades B. Administering Medicines to Students In general, the administration of medication to students while they are in the schools is discouraged. Treatment schedules which allow doses to be given at times other than during the school hours are preferred and encouraged. However, when in the opinion of the prescribing physician it is necessary for the patient s best interest that medication be given during school hours, such medication may be administered in accordance with school system procedures. Written orders from the authorized prescriber, and written parental consent, for the administration of prescription medication must accompany medication to be administered. The authorized prescriber s written order should be dated and should identify the medication, dosage, time of day given, and anticipated duration of treatment and side effects. The medication must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian and be in the original prescription container. Only the authorized prescriber may direct the school to discontinue a medication. Health Services C. Comprehensive Health Screening Garrett County Public Schools, in cooperation with the Lions Club, will provide vision and hearing screening to the following students: pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, eighth, and new students and referrals. Screening procedures will include 1. Informing staff and parent/guardian in advance of dates, times, and procedures. 2. Accepting referrals from a teacher/principal/ counselor, and/or from a parent/guardian. 3. Documentation of screening results on SR5. 4. Reporting of students who failed screenings to parents/guardians and Department of Pupil Services. D. Tobacco-Free School Environment Garrett County Public Schools recognizes that tobacco use in any form poses a serious health threat to the members of the community. The school system also recognizes the importance of preventing youth tobacco use through the endorsement of healthy role models in a tobacco-free environment. Therefore, the sale or use of tobacco in any form, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on Board of Education owned/leased property (buildings, grounds, and vehicles) at all times by anyone. Accident Elementary School Accident Elementary School has an enrollment of 257 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5. Highlights from the school year were: *Accident Elementary School raised $7,600 for the American Heart Association while participating in Jump Rope for Heart. *The student experience at Accident Elementary has been influenced by the Northrop Grumman Award and the Elementary Makerspace Initiative Garrett County provided this past year. Teachers have been able to utilize these materials to augment lessons and bring 21st century skills into the student learning process. *The 4th-5th grade Makerspace team focused on a long term project. Over 4 months, the students planned and executed a vision to bring their town of Accident to life in the form of a 3D model. *Accident Elementary School was selected as a Maryland Center for Character Education at Stevenson University School of the Year Award. Photo to the left - The ilego Team assisted with coding instruction in Ms. Harris s Pre-Kindergarten classroom at Accident Elementary School.

23 2018 May 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Cooperation and Teamwork HSA Government and HS MISA Science Testing, May 7-June Board of Education National School 6 7 Meeting Nurse Day SAT Testing Allegany High School & Garrett College Mother s Day Teacher Appreciation Week AP Exams in High Schools Armed Forces Day AP Exams in High Schools *Final Exams Students dismissed 2 hours early 27 Memorial Day *Final Exams Professional Day - Students dismissed Last day for teachers 2 hours early Schools closed Last day for students Make-up Day Make-up Day *Final Exams Students dismissed 2 hours early PARCC Assessments: Grades 3-8 April 9 - May 18 High School PARCC Testing May 1 - June 4 *Final exams and 2 hour early dismissals occur on the last three student days.

24 A. Rules and Regulations An integral part of the educational process is getting children to and from school safely. The safety of children going to and from school, whether on foot or by bus, is a responsibility shared by many people. The Board of Education, superintendent, staff, drivers and school bus contactors are fully committed to doing so and requests the full cooperation of students and parents with this initiative. The safety of students traveling to and from their homes to the bus stop and while waiting at the stop is the responsibility of parents and students. The bus is considered an extension of the school and riding a school bus is a privilege not a right. Therefore, all Garrett County Public Schools discipline policies apply. Failure to comply with regulations may result in a revocation of this privilege. Students Awaiting Arrival of School Bus 1. Shall not stand or play on a roadway. 2. Shall not cross highway until bus arrives and has come to a complete stop. Before crossing, students should look in both directions for traffic and then pass at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus. All crossings should be made only after the driver of the bus signals them to do so. No student should direct traffic. 3. Shall remain in line at least five (5) feet from the stopped bus and move toward the bus only after the door is opened. 4. Shall be at the designated bus stop five (5) minutes before scheduled arrival of the bus and shall board with the least possible delay. Students on Boarding the School Bus 1. Shall obey the bus driver at all times. 2. Shall be seated immediately and shall remain seated at all times. If all seats are assigned, no student shall stand nearer the front of the bus than the front two seats. 3. Shall not extend arms or heads out of bus windows. 4. Shall keep aisles clear of lunch boxes, musical instruments, books, athletic bags, etc. These items may only be transported on a bus if they fit under a seat, in the student s lap without extending beyond, and/or when a seat is not occupied. 5. Shall not eat or drink on the bus. 6. Shall conduct themselves in an acceptable manner at all times. Smoking, e-cigarettes, possession of tobacco, vulgarity, boisterous or other improper conduct will be strictly prohibited. 7. Shall not deface or damage any part of the bus. 8. Shall assist in keeping the bus clean. 9. Shall obey the designated persons authorized to direct students during drill. 10. Shall use an assigned seat when so directed by the bus driver. Students Departing the School Bus 1. Shall, if necessary to cross the highway, look for traffic in both directions, pass at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, and pass only when the bus driver has signaled them to do so. 2. Shall not leave bus at any other place but at regular stop without the written consent of the principal and a written request from the student s parent or guardian. 3. Shall not stand in the roadway to direct traffic or to assist other students to cross the road. Pupil Transportation B. Routes Routes will be so made that a maximum number of children are picked up and discharged at the nearest spot to their home which is safe and economically feasible as to time and expense. C. Enforcement of Rules The purpose of the rules and regulations is primarily to provide a basic framework for safe transportation of students to and from school. Responsibilities for enforcement of these rules are shared by the school bus contractor, the bus driver, the principal of the school, and the Transportation Department. D. Issuing Passes Students are assigned to ride a school bus to and from a primary bus stop location created using the residence address on file in the student data system (PowerSchool). Permission to ride another school bus for reasons other than transportation to or from home may be approved using two types of bus passes. 1. Long Term Bus Pass - issued by the Director of Transportation or designee for a student to ride another school bus at least half the school year, ninety (90) days for the following: a. Daycare (a residential or commercial location providing adult supervision) b. Custody (issued through a court order) c. Hardship. New school bus stops can be added to the bus route. However, no route extensions will be made. 2. Short Term Bus Pass - issued by the school principal or designee for a student to ride another school bus following a process determined by school administration. No new school bus stops will be added. Students will have to utilize an existing stop already on the bus route. Above: Route 40 Elementary School 5th grade students, Maria Bequette and Kaydance Beachy, display their Student Exhibition project on Standards Used While Competing in Lego League. Route 40 Elementary School Route 40 Elementary School has an enrollment of 128 students in Pre- Kindergarten through grade 5. Highlights from the school year were: *Route 40 Elementary School raised $1,600 for Coins for Caring. As part of this effort, 2nd grade students, Chace and Ryken Winebrenner, raised $465 by managing a lemonade stand. *Route 40 Elementary School hosted a school-wide Student Exhibition in May The students presented topics they had spent time researching during the year. The students had the opportunity to shine and explain their learning experiences. *Route 40 staff was awarded a School Wellness grant for $1,500 from the Garrett County Health Department to start a daily exercise log for students to record minutes of active exercise. *Route 40 Elementary School students raised $3,732 for Hoops for Hearts for the American Heart Association. Olivia Garlitz, Grade 3, raised $400 and earned her class a reward. Above: Art work was created by Luke Kostovick, Grade 4, at Route 40 Elementary School.

25 2018 June 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Cooperation and Teamwork 3 Make-up Day SAT Testing Allegany High School High School Graduation ACT Testing Allegany College of MD 9 10 Make-up Day Make-up Day Make-up Day Make-up Day Make-up Day Board of Education Flag Day 11 Meeting Father s Day Summer Begins *Final exams and 2 hour early dismissals occur on the last three student days.

26 A. General Information Students have a right to have access to all their records in accordance with Garrett County Board of Education Procedure #474.21, Confidentiality of Student Records Procedure. Students have a right to confidentiality and privacy in regard to the disclosure of information contained in those records. Students have a right to a copy of the mini-guide to the Garrett County Board of Education Procedure #474.21, Confidentiality of Student Records Procedure. Students have a right to have removed from their records any information about the student which is determined, under conditions outlined in Garrett County Procedure #474.21, to be inaccurate or misleading. Students should know that non-custodial parents, upon written request and payment of a fee, may be given access to or copies of school related information, unless otherwise restricted by court order. Students have the responsibility of familiarizing themselves with the Garrett County Board of Education Procedure #474.21, Confidentiality of Student Records Procedure. This policy, or any other, may be read/obtained in the school s main office or media center upon request or accessed on the Garrett County Public Schools website. B. Access of Parents All records of a pupil maintained under the provisions of the policy, including confidential records, shall be available to that pupil s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in conference with appropriate school personnel. C. Confidentiality Individual pupil records maintained by teachers or other school personnel under the provisions of this policy are to be confidential in nature, and access to such records may be granted to professionals who are directly involved with the educational process of the individual student in a teaching, guidance/ Student Records counseling, or consulting situation. Individual pupil records, with the exception of such records as are designated as permanent, and with such other exceptions as provided by the law, should be destroyed when they are no longer able to serve professionals who are directly involved with the educational process of the individual student in a teaching, guidance/ counseling, or consulting situation. D. Disclosure or Release of Personally Identifiable Information Institutions of elementary and secondary education of the Board of Education of Garrett County shall not permit access to, or release of, education records of students, or personally identifiable information contained therein (other than directory information), without the written consent of the parent or the eligible student. School officials with legitimate educational interests have access to a student s educational record. These school officials include contractors, consultants, volunteers, and other outside service providers with legitimate educational interests used by the school district to perform institutional services and functions. These persons must be under the direct control of the disclosing institution and are subject to the same conditions on use and redisclosure of educational records as govern other school officials. The local superintendent or school principal may transmit the obtained information of the student for whom a criminal charge or delinquency petition is still pending, or for whom the disposition of a reportable offense was a conviction or adjudication of delinquency as a confidential file to the local superintendent of another public school system or non-public school in the state in which the student has been enrolled or been transferred. Education institutions of Garrett County also shall make available to officials of other elementary or secondary schools, or another school system in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, the cumulative records of that student. The institutions of elementary and secondary education of Garrett County Public Schools will forward without written consent cumulative records on request to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Friendsville Elementary School Friendsville Elementary School has an enrollment of 145 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5. Highlights from the school year were: * Keirsten Sisler and Walker Savage, 4th grade students at Friendsville Elementary School, were semi-finalists in the Maryland Mayors Association s If I Were the Mayor essay contest out of more than 2,100 entrants. *Friendsville Elementary School has an Early Head Start program for 2-3 year olds in a combination classroom with Sunny Days Daycare. Artwork was created by Lucas Kent, Grade 1, at Friendsville Elementary School.

27 2018 July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Independence Day Board of Education 8 9 Meeting

28 A. School Breakfast and Lunch Garrett County serves National School Lunch Pattern lunches which are eligible for support in the form of surplus commodities and monetary reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Maryland, and which fully meet federal nutritional standards. Kitchen facilities and kitchen personnel fully meet the sanitary requirements of the local health department. Nutritional breakfasts and lunches, at a minimal cost to students, are available in all schools. Cafeteria/Food Service Grantsville Elementary School B. Paying for Meals The Food and Nutrition Services Department of Garrett County Public Schools and all school cafeterias operate on a Point of Sale computer system. An account is set up for each child, which he/ she can access with a PIN (Personal Identification Number) every time he/she makes a purchase. Parents and guardians are responsible for making payments for student meals. Money placed in a student s account is deducted from the account as purchases are made, either for breakfast, lunch, or a la carte. Students may also continue to bring cash daily. Free and Reduced approved students continue to receive their meal benefits. Students approved for free meals do not need to add money to their accounts unless they wish to for a la carte purchases. Students approved for reduced meals should continue to send in money. Any amount of money is accepted for payment on an account at any time. Paying for meals in advance reduces the possibility of lost or stolen cash. Payments may be made with cash or check at each school, or by using VISA or MasterCard to prepay for school meals via the school district web site link to myschoolbucks.com. This service automatically deposits the money into the student s meal account within 24 hours of an online payment. Students and parents may request a balance update at any time. Grantsville Elementary School has an enrollment of 236 students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5. Highlights from the school year were: *Students harvested vegetables from the first school-wide garden and participated in making vegetable soup for the entire school to enjoy! *Grantsville students raised $3,488 for the American Heart Association Charity by participating in Jump Rope for Heart. *Grantsville kicked off its new student driven morning news program, complete with green screen and ipad technology, during *Dr. Karen B. Salmon, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, visited Grantsville in January, Her focus for the day was visiting with the students in PreK and Head Start classrooms. Students will be allowed to charge a set number of meals based on grade (elementary students 10 meals; secondary students 3 meals). After the allowed number of meals, students will receive an alternate meal. Regardless of outstanding balance, a child who has money to purchase a meal at the time of the meal service may purchase and receive a regular meal that day. A la carte items will not be sold to students with a negative balance. The parent or guardian of a student will remain responsible for the debt as the child progresses from school to school. Each student is responsible for learning and remembering the assigned PIN. Please help students to learn their number and to understand the importance of not sharing the number with anyone since it provides access to the account. Artwork was created by Madison Humphrey, Grade 5, at Grantsville Elementary School. Third grade students Sarah Hamilton, Charlie Ballon, Landon Yoder, Alison Maust, and Gillian Britton are making soup using vegetables from the school s garden.

29 2018 August 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Character traits of the month Self-Discipline and Control Board of Education Meeting

30 SCHOOLS Accident Elementary Jessica F. Fratz, Principal Broad Ford Elementary Dawna D. Ashby, Principal Crellin Elementary Dr. Dana M. McCauley, Principal Friendsville Elementary TBA, Principal Grantsville Elementary Dr. Nicole G. Miller, Principal Route Forty Elementary Candy L. Maust, Principal Swan Meadow School Connie L. Uphold,, Principal Yough Glades Elementary Janet L. Gregory, Principal Northern Middle School David J. Yoder, Principal Southern Middle School Brooks D. Elliott, Principal Northern High School Gary L. Reichenbecher, Principal Southern High School James H. Maddy, Principal Hickory Environmental Center Jason R. Shank, Vice Principal Deborah D. Brenneman, Teacher Telephone Directory BOARD OF EDUCATION Switchboard Fax Superintendent s Office Barbara L. Baker, Superintendent Karen Brewer, Secretary Curriculum, Instruction, & Administration Karen Kamauff DeVore, Executive Director Glenna Whetsell, Secretary Elementary Schools Penny R. Proudfoot, Director Mark Greene, Secretary Finance Alison Sweitzer, Director Robyn Bagley, Secretary Food Services T. Scott Germain, Manager Cheryl Nesselrodt, Secretary Human Resources/Certification Dr. Jane A. Wildesen, Director Angela Flanigan, Manager Kendra Berry, Assistant Information Technology Jeff L. Gank, Director Jessica Zimmerman, Specialist Maintenance William F. Swift, Director Cassie Marsh, Secretary Middle/High Schools Paul C. Edwards, Director Stephanie Wesolowski, CCR Supervisor Kristi Winters, Secretary Pupil Services Dr. Phillip E. Lauver, Supervisor Cheryl Gnegy, Secretary Research/Evaluation/Info James K. Morris, Supervisor Bonnie Edwards, Secretary Resource Center Charles Trautwein, Computer Resource Cheryl Gnegy, Secretary Special Education Heather P. Raybold, Supervisor Carol Savage, Secretary Transportation Richard Wesolowski, Director Ronald Bray, Assistant Melissa Nesselrodt, Secretary