With regard to middle school athletics and activities for the 2020-21 school year, Frederick County Public Schools will follow the same guidance and season schedules as determined by the Virginia High School League for high school athletics and activities.

The JWMS FFA was recognized as a Superior Chapter in Virginia. Only 16 middle schools in Virginia were recognized and it is based on the National Chapter Program and completion of 15 activities that meet National Standards for growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Congratulations Mrs. Stern and Mrs. Hawkins and all FFA members.

Congratulations to all of our outstanding eighth graders. Best of luck in high school!

Find out when your student can clean out their locker. A limited number of students will be allowed in the building at any given time in order to keep our students and staff safe and healthy. Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced.

The Eighth Grade Awards Ceremony will be premiered on May 28 via Facebook and 8th-grade teachers' Google Classrooms. Eighth-grade students receiving awards can pick their award(s) up on June 3, 4 or 5 in the cafeteria.

All school offices are closed. In addition, all outdoor facilities such as athletic fields, courts and playgrounds are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing recommendations.

JWMS students will present The Big Bad Musical on Friday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission is $5.00. Children five and younger are free.

Parents and guardians of current fifth-grade students who will attend James Wood Middle in 2020-21 as sixth graders are invited to our Rising Sixth Grade Parent Meeting on Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

After soliciting additional information and feedback from a variety of stakeholders, the section of the 2020-21 School Reopening Plan regarding face coverings has been revised to require that students in grades two through 12 wear a cloth face covering. Students in pre-K through first grade are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering. Staff are required to wear face masks/shields except when in a private office, physically distant, and not in common areas.

A list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the School Reopening Plan is now available. The FAQs include additional details regarding the hybrid and distance learning models, health and safety protocols, and information about what learning will look like for students under each learning model.

Rising Millbrook High School sophomore Eshal Aamer has published a book entitled The Mathematical Evolution which details the history and development of mathematics throughout history. Eshal credits some of her teachers for helping her develop a love of math and inspiring her to write the book.

The members of the Class of 2020 have great things ahead of them. Combined, this year's James Wood, Millbrook and Sherando high school graduates earned nearly $5 million in scholarships.

Common Sense Education has recognized Frederick County Public Schools as a Common Sense District for its work in teaching students and their families as well as FCPS staff about digital citizenship. Fewer than 150 school districts in the United States have been recognized as a Common Sense District.

Parents with children who will be five years of age on or before September 30 are being asked to contact the registrar at the school their child will attend in order to register their child for kindergarten as soon as possible. Early registation will help FCPS plan for the 2020-21 school year.

The Virginia Department of Education has recognized Frederick County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education Program with five 2020 Creating Excellence Awards. The awards recognize excellence in career and technical education at the secondary level.

The latest edition of Frederick County Public Schools’ E-newsletter FCPS Focus is now available.