Issue 15 | November 26, 2025

Issue 15, November 26, 2025 Message from Admin We had a wonderful week here at FCCS. First, Zeus, our mascot, visited the Kindergarten and Fifth Grade homerooms as part of their popcorn party reward for having such strong turnout in completing volunteer training. Our school could not do all that it does without our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. Second, our Kindergarten students enjoyed a successful field trip where many lasting memories were made. We are very grateful to all the families who joined us during American Education Week last week, and we hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of your scholar’s classical education. Finally, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving Break. We look forward to seeing you in December!   School Bulletin Board Calling all Artists ! The yearbook for 2025/2026 will have a custom cover and we are looking for our amazing scholars to once again create it! The theme for the yearbook is  ''Virtue and Valor''  This cover contest is open to 2nd through 8th graders. Please see Ms. Weishaar to pick up the paper you need to create your cover for submission. Please return your cover artwork to Ms. Weishaar by Tuesday December 2nd. You may use the following supplies to create your cover:  Pencil  Color Pencil  Crayon  Paint  If there are any questions feel free to reach out to Ms. Weishaar or the yearbook committee at  yearbook@frederickclassicalcharterschool.org FCCS's Annual Toy Drive Through December 3 FCCS Front Office The Keziah Addoquaye Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society has begun another year  of scholarly leadership of our school!  NJHS Scholars have kicked off our annual Toys for Tots drive, taking place now through December 3rd. Please consider donating a new unwrapped toy and help make this drive the most successful yet! Toys may be dropped off in the collection boxes located in the hallway outside the front office. The Giving Tree Through December 3 FCCS Front Office Our school Giving Tree is up and ready for families to choose an ornament to support a family in need for the holiday season.  Please visit the tree in our front vestibule and take an ornament.  Unwrapped gifts are due back to Mrs. Caldwell/Front Office by December 13th.    Each ornament has a QR code on it that will link you to a Sign Up Genius.  You can sign up to purchase a gift ($30 max) for a child in need.  Please write the family number on the back of your ornament and return it with your gift. Kris Kringle Parade December 12 6:30 PM Downtown Frederick If you would like for your scholar to participate in the Kris Kringle Parade on December 12th at 6.30pm, please fill out the form below. All elementary scholars will need to be accompanied by an adult. We can accommodate only the first 100 (including adults). We are also looking for a person to be in charge and be in charge of organizing this event.  SIGN UP Holiday Gift Shop! December 10–13 FCCS Library It’s that special time of year! Our Holiday Gift Shop will be open for kids to come and shop for gifts for their family and friends. Students can enjoy picking out thoughtful, affordable presents for their loved ones in a fun and festive atmosphere. Gift wrapping will be available! Items priced for every budget. Come spread some holiday cheer and make gift-giving extra special this season! Daddy–Daughter Dance January 31 6:00-8:00 PM FCCS Cafeteria Step into the magic! Our Daddy–Daughter Dance will take place on January 31st from 6:00–8:00 PM in the FCCS Cafeteria for grades K-4. This year’s Enchanted Forest theme will transform the space into a whimsical woodland perfect for making unforgettable memories. Students and their dads (or father figures) are invited to enjoy an evening of music, dancing, crafts, and light refreshments.  Tickets go on sale soon.  We can’t wait to see you there for a night of sparkle and fun! Talent Show February 19 (tentative) 6:00-7.30 PM Frederick High School  Holidays Around the World Celebration February 21 (tentative) 2:00-4.30 PM FCCS Cafeteria We are excited to announce a possible Holidays Around the World Celebration at FCCS! This special event will explore traditions, foods, music, and festivities from cultures near and far. (this year’s version of International Day) Event Highlights: Interactive cultural displays and decorations Student performances Fun games and activities from around the world Delicious holiday treats Get Involved! We are looking for participants to: Share cultural traditions, music, or dances Present a display about a holiday from around the world Food Samples from your country or the country you will showcase Help lead student activities-games/crafts We also need volunteers to assist with setup, ideas, refreshments, and clean-up. If you’d like to participate, please click the button below or contact Salimeh Khaleeli with ideas you may have, or if you would like to lead this event, at social@frederickclassicalcharterschool.org. Let’s celebrate diversity and make this a fun, global experience for our students! EXPRESS INTEREST Got Great School Photos?  Got great school photos? We want them! Submit your pics from events, clubs, and everyday fun and help make this yearbook amazing. SUBMIT   Boys’ Basketball Team Game Schedule Please arrive at least 20 minutes before game time.  Go FCCS! Stay supportive and cheer on our boys. Upcoming Games Saturday, December 6 1:00 PM Location: Brunswick Rec Center Teams: Potomac Valley (PVYA2 – Graham) vs. Frederick Classical Charter School (FCCS1 – Wars) Saturday, December 13 4:45 PM Location: Tuscarora Rec Center Teams: FCCS1 – Wars vs. GVAA (GV1 – Ridder) Sunday, December 14 9:15 AM Location: Frederick Adventist Academy (FAA) Teams: Frederick Adventist Academy (FAA1 – Singh) vs. FCCS1 – Wars Saturday, December 20 5:45 PM Location: Middletown Rec Center Teams: Middletown Valley (MVAA3 – Perkins) vs. FCCS1 – Wars Saturday, January 10 3:30 PM Location: Tuscarora Rec Center Teams: FCCS1 – Wars vs. Middletown Valley (MVAA1 – Gordon) Saturday, January 17 3:15 PM Location: Walkersville Rec Center Teams: GVAA (GV3 – Miller) vs. FCCS1 – Wars Sunday, January 18 1:00 PM Location: Tuscarora Rec Center Teams: FCCS1 – Wars vs. Mt. Aetna (MAAS2 – Jones) Saturday, February 7 1:00 PM Location: Tuscarora Rec Center Teams: FCCS1 – Wars vs. Clover Hill (CH2 – Fer)   Upcoming Dates View the FCCS Calendar Please mark your calendars to stay up to date with FCCS community dates and events. Nov 26-28: School Closed for Thanksgiving Break Dec. 1: Board of Trustees monthly meeting, virtual, 7-9 p.m. Dec 2: 2-hour early dismissal, Term 2 Midterms Dec 12: Kris Kringle Parade Jan 31: Daddy Daughter Dance Feb 19: Talent Show Feb 21: Holidays Around the World Celebration   A Message from the BOT Call for Nominating Committee members! Each year, in accordance with the FCCS, Inc. by-laws (ARTICLE A-V. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS), “The Nominating Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board of Trustees at the first board meeting held in the new fiscal year. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) parent members who are not Trustees or applying to become Trustees, two (2) teachers, and a current Trustee who shall serve as Chair in a non-voting capacity.” The Nominating Committee performs the essential functions of recruiting, interviewing and recommending candidates for Board of Trustee elections. Members of the community can express interest in joining the Nominating Committee by emailing a letter of interest to BOT@frederickclassicalcharterschool.org. Join the Committee Board Committee Opportunities Frederick Classical Charter School is seeking dedicated volunteers to help shape the future of our community. We currently have vacancies for the Communications Committee Chair. The role is vital to advancing our mission and ensuring strong engagement across our school. If you are interested in serving, please submit a Letter of Interest to BOT@frederickclassicalcharterschool.org. Your leadership and perspective can make a meaningful difference! Express Interest Griffin’s Corner: Classical Principles Monthly oin us in bringing Classical Principles to life! Each month, see how our core principles shine at school and at home with help from our cheerful Griffin mascot and some members of our community. This fun initiative helps families turn big ideas into simple daily habits, boosts parent confidence in at-home learning, and strengthens the connection between school and home.  Click the Griffin image or the link below to explore this month’s classical principle: Songs, Chants, and Jingles! WATCH   PTC Corner Thank you to the parents who were able to join us at our PTC meeting last week. Our next meeting will be virtual on Thursday, January 8th at 6pm. Mark your calendar and come share your ideas! Library Committee News Dear Families, Currently we have 100 Overdue Books. Please have your scholar return these as soon as possible. If a book is lost or damaged, contact: library@frederickclassicalcharterschool.org. Scholars can also enjoy digital books via the Sora Reading App: Sora Reading App To explore available library titles, visit: FCCS Library Catalog Thank you for supporting a joyful reading community! Social Committee News The Social and Library committees are teaming up with NJHS to bring you a “Breakfast with Santa’ event on December 13th, 2025. Stay tuned for more information. Volunteer Corner Interested in volunteering? All volunteers must complete FCPS Registration and Training to officially serve in school or outside of school! Register to be a FCPS Volunteer. Complete FCPS Volunteer Training (24 minutes) ***PLEASE SUBMIT*** Your at home or after school service hours once you are a registered volunteer!!! Email the DATE(s) and NUMBER of volunteer hours (FCCS goal is 15 Hours per family) as well as the MEETING/EVENT/TASK the hours are associated with to the amazing Ms. Tucker to be entered into the FCPS Volunteer Database for special recognition with your scholar(s) later this year! Volunteer Opportunities Nominating Committee  One more parent volunteer needed. Help recruit, interview, and recommend candidates for the Board of Trustee elections. Interested? Please email a letter of interest using the button below.  EMAIL LETTER Library Please check out the Library Sign-up Genius each week to see what slots are open for you to sign up! Click here to email questions about volunteering or training or to sign-up for a shift click here! Training options for volunteers include signing-up when another volunteer is there, or email to ask for a training session with Mrs. Myers! SIGN UP Cafeteria Thank you for using the Lunch Sign-up Genius!!! Please check weekly to volunteer by picking an open slot on the Sign-up Genius **please note the time frame you will be here**, and then on your day(s) come into the Front Office and let them know you are a cafeteria volunteer! For a Cafeteria Volunteer Guideline Sheet, questions, or if you want in-person training, e-mail the Volunteer Committee See you at lunch!!! SIGN UP Advocacy Corner Dear Charter School Leaders, Families, and Supporters, Yesterday — Thursday, November 20 at 4:00 PM — The Maryland State Board of Education's Policy Committee advanced the proposed regulation COMAR 13A.02.10. The regulation will move to the full State Board, be published in the Maryland Register, open for a 30-day public comment period, and undergo AELR (Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review Committee) oversight. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW MSDE DRAFT The draft released yesterday is not the product of consensus. The Charter School Workgroup never reached agreement, and although MAPCS and charter sector representatives repeatedly produced clearer and more equitable language, MSDE continued to revise key provisions behind closed doors, producing a final version that: Dramatically expands local discretion, Weakens charter autonomy, Codifies historically non-compliant LEA practices, And creates an unsustainable funding environment for Maryland charter schools. This draft reflects the influence of select district leaders — not the collective voice of charter families, educators, governing boards, or students. WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW. Contact Key Decision-Makers Today And Tell Them:  A total 5% cap on withholdings is essential to viability. LEA documents already found non-compliant should not inform state policy. Undefined terms like “special education overage” must be removed. The process must be reopened for transparent, consensus-based revisions. Charter school students — predominantly low-income and students of color — deserve fair funding. CONTACTS Maryland State Board of Education – stateboard.msde@maryland.gov MSDE Charter Office – charter.msde@maryland.gov Governor Wes Moore – governor.mail@maryland.gov  ELR Committee Your Delegates and Senators   Counselor's Corner Join my Counselor’s Corner group on Schoology for all updates from the counseling department.  Use the following steps: Login to Schoology. On the homepage, click on Groups at the top of the page. Click on My Groups to the right of the page. Click on the blue Join Group button on the right of the page. Enter the following access code when prompted: KJVJ-5M6F-6SX2V 8th grade scholars and families:  Please remember to join my 8th Grade Grad Schoology group using the Counselor’s Corner steps about, but use this access code instead:  W9F5-3NDR-KTSN5 High School Registration Nights (this is a live document that will be updated as I receive more/new information) Catoctin High School: January 8th @ 5pm (snow date January 12th) Frederick High School: January 8th @ TBD Walkersville High School: Monday, January 12th, 6:00- 7:30 @ WHS, Snow date: 1/14/25 GTJHS: January 12th, 5:30 - 7:00, See Flyer Food Resources Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}* You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber. If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}*