Public Information
What you need to know
- We're streamlining and expanding how, when and where we communicate with stakeholders.
- We're asking for feedback so we can improve our communications.
- We're using new tools to communicate with ACPS families and staff, like PowerSchool's School Messenger.
- We love being in the schools!
"We believe that the families of our students and our community members deserve clear, consistent and regular news about our school system. Changes are underway to share information that's relevant and accessible for all audiences."
Distribution of Information
For ACPS Partners & Community Organizations
Do you want to share your program or event with families? Please fill out the ACPS Distribution of Materials Form so we can approve and share your flyer with ACPS families electronically (which is our preference) or provide you with instructions and our permission to deliver printed copies of your flyers (in stacks of 25) to our schools.
You'll receive an email from Christian Brooks, Coordinator of Special Projects, in response to your form submission.
You must include the following text on your flyer: DISCLAIMER: these materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Board of Education of Allegany County, the Superintendent, or this school.
If you have any questions, contact Christian Brooks, Coordinator of Special Projects, by calling 301-759-2092.
What Gets Shared
We share info about community activities and events for students and families. When we approve a flyer, we're not saying "this is the best program ever"—we're just helping you stay informed about what's available.
Why We Do This
Great schools need great community partners. When local organizations can easily connect with families, everyone wins—especially students.
Maryland Public Information Act Requests
Allegany County Public Schools follows Maryland's Public Information Act (MPIA), Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 4 of the General Provisions Article, when people ask for public records. This policy explains how to request information from the schools.
Anyone can ask to see or get copies of school system records, unless those records are protected by law.
How to make a request
- You need to submit a written request that includes your signature as the applicant.
- Your request should include your full name, mailing address, and phone number, and identify and describe the public record you seek.
- You may need to pay fees to access copies of the records you request.
(Please visit our policies page for more information at: Section K: KDB-Access to Public Records.) - Allegany County Public Schools must, by law, respond to your request within 10 business days, but only if they think it will take them longer than 10 days to get you the records.
To request information under the Maryland Public Information Act, send a written request to:
Christian Brooks, Coordinator of Special Projects
108 Washington Street
P.O. Box 1724
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-759-2092
[email protected]
SchoolMessenger Communications
Allegany County Public Schools uses SchoolMessenger for one-way communications with our students, families of students and emergency contacts, full-time staff and the media. ACPS part-time and contractual staff and long-term substitutes do not currently receive SchoolMessenger communications.
SchoolMessenger is part of our PowerSchools platform, and it's how our Public Information Officer notifies you about closings, delays, virtual learning days, school emergencies and related events.
School personnel use SchoolMessenger to confirm student absences and make you aware of school activities or athletic events.
How we contact you about non-emergency events (closings, delays, delays-to-closures, virtual learning or events.)
- Phone calls are made to the PowerSchool Priority 1 & 2 contacts for every ACPS student - parents/guardians.
- Emails are sent to Priority 1 & 2 contacts if we have your emails on file through PowerSchool.
- Text messages are sent to contacts who have opted-in to receive SMS texts.
- At present, we can translate emails and text messages to Spanish.
How we contact you about emergency events:
- Phone calls are made to the PowerSchool Priority 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 contacts for every ACPS student - parents/guardians, immediate family members/close contacts, and emergency contacts,
- Emails are sent to Priority 1 & 2 contacts if we have your emails on file through PowerSchool.
- Text messages are sent to contacts who have opted-in to receive SMS texts.
- At present, we can translate emails and text messages to Spanish.
How we contact you about student absences or school-only events:
- Phone calls are made to the PowerSchool Priority 1 &2 contacts for every ACPS student - parents/guardians.
- Optional: Emails are sent to Priority 1 & 2 contacts if we have your emails on file through PowerSchool.
- Optional: Text messages are sent to contacts who have opted-in to receive SMS texts.
How to receive or SMS text messages from SchoolMessenger
ACPS families, employees, and contacts must opt-in to our SMS text messaging system.
- Text "Y" or "Yes" to 67587 to opt-in.
- If you want to opt-out of our texts, text "End" or "Cancel" or "Stop" to 67587.
How to stop receiving calls from SchoolMessenger
When you receive a call from our SchoolMessenger Mass Notification phone number (301-759-2090), select "5" using your keypad. This will opt you out of every phone call, including emergency calls.
How to report problems with SchoolMessenger:
- Complete this Google form to let us know which issues you're experiencing.
How to locate the most current status of Allegany County Public Schools:
- Visit our homepage. You'll see a pop-up box at the top the page.
- Check out our social media. We're active on Facebook, Instagram and X, as well as LinkedIn, YouTube and Spotify.
- Listen to your local radio station or visit their website and/or social media.
How & When We Share Information
- Directory Information
- Inclement Weather
- Bus Delays & Cancellations
- Hold
- Secure
- Lockdown
- Evacuate
- Shelter