General Information

Student Code of Conduct

1 to 1 Chromebooks - FCPS-Issued Devices

The use of technology in education is a tool to enhance the learning experience. Access will be provided for instructional use and school-related activities only.

Electronic Device Usage Agreement

The FCPS regulations in this agreement apply while using any device including but not limited to school issued Chromebooks, Personal Mobile Devices (PMD), or any other electronic device used at school. See the Electronic Device Usage Agreement (Acuerdo de Uso de Dispositivos Electrónicos) for complete details. This agreement must be reviewed, read and signed by all students and their parent/guardian each school year.

School-Issued Chromebooks

FCPS does not charge a Technology Fee for student use of an FCPS issued Chromebook. When students are assigned a Chromebook, charger, and case, the use of a school issued device, during the school day or at home, is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Secondary students will receive a Chromebook and accessories to use at school and at home. Elementary students will leave devices at school at the end of each day, except for special circumstances. If repair for a damaged device incurs a charge, a financial obligation will be issued.

Attendance

FCPS students have a 180-day school year in keeping with Maryland law. Generally, high schools have a 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. schedule, and most middle school students attend 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a few exceptions, elementary schools start at 9 a.m. and dismiss around 3:30 p.m. Check with your school for exact times.

Students should arrive at school no earlier than 30 minutes before instruction begins and leave the grounds within 30 minutes after instruction ends, except when participating in school-sponsored activities.

Regular daily attendance is expected and critical to a child's academic success. Parents' support of regular daily attendance is essential. Parents are encouraged to notify the school on the day their child is absent. A note stating the reason for absence or lateness is required upon students' return, or the absence is automatically classified as unlawful until an approved note is provided. Students who were absent from school have the responsibility to request make-up work within two days of their return. For details, please see Regulation 400-98.

Classroom Observations

An overview of the process, requirements, and procedures for classroom observations by parents, service providers, and others.

Discipline

The FCPS discipline philosophy is based on the goals of fostering, teaching and acknowledging positive behavior. For details, please see Regulation 403-01.

Forms

Find athletics, transportation, medication, bullying, and other commonly used forms here.

MD Seal of Biliteracy logoMaryland Seal of Biliteracy

Medication/Treatment Orders from Your Child's Healthcare Provider

Parents/guardians must renew a child's medication/treatment authorization forms at the beginning of each school year.  FCPS has posted medication/treatment authorization forms at https://apps.fcps.org/forms. They are also available at each school.

To help make your child’s first day a success, please bring:

  • any medication your child needs
  • all completed forms

to your child's school health room during the week of August 18 between 9 AM and 3 PM.

Important! Please check the expiration date on the pharmacy label before bringing medication to the health room with the authorization form. Maryland law allows prescription medication to be used only for 1 year beyond date of issue or expiration date indicated on the medication, whichever comes first.
For more information, please see FCPS Regulation 400-23.

Note: Students may bring and apply over-the-counter sunscreen without a written order.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

FCPS invites elementary and middle school parents to schedule a parent-teacher conference to talk with your child’s teachers, ask questions and share insights and concerns. Learn more about conference dates and other helpful information here.

Resources to Ensure a Welcoming and Affirming Environment

Please review our brief video describing Policy 443.

Restraint and/or Exclusion Complaint Process

Any student, parent, guardian, staff member, or other individual can freely express concerns regarding the use of Physical Restraint and/or Exclusion Practices. The complaint procedure is intended to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints related to Physical Restraint and/or Exclusion practices.

Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing by any student, parent, guardian, staff member, or other individual.

To make a written complaint, individuals can complete the Physical Restraint and/or Exclusion Complaint Form and submit the form through any of the following means:

  1. Hardcopy Form Submission (English Restraint and/or Exclusion Complaint Form, Spanish Restraint and/or Exclusion Complaint Form)
    1. Forms will be available at every school building in the front office.
    2. Once completed, the individual can insert it in a locked dropbox in the school’s front office. Dropbox completed forms will be sent to the Supervisor of Behavior Analysts.
  2. Digital Form Submission - Forms may be completed using the online form.
  3. Email Form Submission - Forms may be submitted by email to the Supervisor of Behavior Analysts at BCBA@fcps.org.
  4. Postal Mail Submission - Forms may be sent by U.S. Mail to:

Supervisor of Behavior Analysts, Office of Special Education
Frederick County Public Schools
191 South East Street
Frederick, MD 21701

To make an oral complaint, individuals can provide information through the following means:

  1. The FCPS Supervisor of Behavior Analysts may be contacted at 240-586-8680. Individuals may speak directly with the FCPS Supervisor of Behavior Analysts. This person will investigate all complaints and follow up with the individual in working to resolve the concern.
  2. The Ombuds for Frederick County Public Schools may be contacted at (240) 586-8906. Individuals may speak directly with the FCPS Ombuds. The Ombuds will get information on your complaint and work with the Supervisor of Behavior Analysts and you to address and resolve the concern.

The Supervisor of Behavior Analysts will complete the following steps in order to promptly respond to complaints:

  1. Investigate all complaints, including requesting additional information from complainants and affected parties if necessary.
  2. The Supervisor will provide a written determination simultaneously to all parties no later than sixty (60) days from the receipt of the complaint.

Retaliation, harassment, or negative educational consequence is strictly prohibited against any complainant (or any member of their family) for filing the complaint or otherwise participating in the complaint process.

FCPS is committed to continuous process improvement. More importantly, we are dedicated to serving the whole child; academically, socially and emotionally. FCPS will continue to work closely with our community and the United States Department of Justice to improve practice, and design programs and strategies that support the diverse needs of our student population.

School Cash Online

The way to pay for field trips, sports fees, spirit wear and more, School Cash Online is convenient, safe, time saving and no more costly than paying with cash or check.
Register now: https://frederickcounty.schoolcashonline.com

Schoology

Schoology is Frecerick County Public Schools selected learning management system to support course management, mobile learning, communication and collaboration opportunities PK-12. See Schoology details.

Testing Programs

Learn about the tests and assessments FCPS uses, test dates and helpful resources.

Underage Party Tip Line

Virtual Tutoring Services

The Frederick County Library has an online tutoring platform called Brainfuse HelpNow. This service can be used with a Frederick County Public Library card number. HelpNow is a resource designed for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2PM - 11PM to provide homework help for core subjects including mathematics, science, and English language arts. Practice long division, improve reading comprehension, and learn other key skills. Practice for standardized tests. Students may submit papers to HelpNow's Writing Lab for expert assistance and feedback, or collaborate wtih peers in virtual study spaces. More information is available at the FCPL website.