Frederick County schools head back to class as board of education drafts new cell phone policy

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. — Nearly 49,000 students are heading back to school in Frederick County. Dozens of students arrived to Oakdale High School before the first bell to take photos outside. 

"This is one of the Oakdale traditions you see all the way from your freshman year," said senior, Evie Graham. 

"Everybody comes early takes pictures so it’s kind of surreal that we’re already here I feel like we were just freshmen," Graham added. 

"I'm excited to start and be a senior finally," said Sophia Privett. 

Students have their cell phones out now, but Frederick County Public Schools associate superintendent, Dr. Eric Louers-Phillips says the board of education is currently working on drafting a new cell phone policy. For now, the policy depends on the student's grade level. For elementary students the rule is phones must be silenced and out of sight during the school day.

"For our middle school students they can be used expressly for approved instructional purposes," said Dr. Louers-Phillips. Middle school students are also allowed to use their phones on the bus or before and after school. 

The same rules apply to high school students, but they are also allowed to use their phones during lunch, class transitions, and on the bus. 

"You’re not supposed to have them out during class obviously but I never really found it that difficult," said Graham. 

This school year also marks the second season of the girl’s flag football team, which has soared in popularity. Last year, FCPS was the first in Maryland to launch a varsity girl's flag football program. This year there will be even more competition on the field. 

"We’re excited to compete against Montgomery and Washington counties who are playing girl’s flag for the first time," said Brandon Oland, head of communications for FCPS. 

Every high school in Frederick County offers girl's flag football, and this year 400 students have signed up to participate. FCPS is also seeing a record number of students signed up for extracurricular activities with nearly 4,200 students participating. 

FCPS has more than 7,400 full-time positions and more than 180 new staff members are joining this year. 

For the upcoming school year, FCPS is opening a parent resource center focused on supporting families with special education questions and needs. It will be located at the Lincoln A building in downtown Frederick. Community liaisons will be available to provide family support and resources to families with questions regarding the special education process.