Frederick County Association of Student Councils

Platform 2012 Edit

I. Maryland Association of Student Councils Platform

In addition to the adoption of the FCASC Platform, FCASC recognizes sections of the Maryland Association
of Student Councils (MASC) platform that do not conflict with the most recent FCASC Platform.
Furthermore, FCASC also supports the MASC Platform as a viable document in expressing the opinions of
Marylands youth.
II. Student Member of the Board of Education
FCASC supports the position of the Non-Voting Student Member on the Frederick County Board of
Education, yet believes that the Student Member should be granted partial voting rights. FCASC supports
giving the vote to the student member on all issues except budget items, negative personnel matters,
school closings/openings, and boundary changes. In addition, FCASC understands that the Student
Member is not a representative of FCASC, but is a representative of the students of Frederick County.
III. Student Representation
FCASC supports the inclusion of FCPS students in all county committees that review policies and
regulations regarding students rights and responsibilities and all policies and regulations that pertain to the
improvement of the FCPS system.
IV. Students' Rights
FCASC supports all efforts to inform students of their rights and responsibilities in the school system.
FCASC endorses every student's right to advocate for him or herself as well as others, and supports their
efforts to do so.
V. Weighted Grading
FCASC supports weighted grading for advanced level courses and calls for the formalized use of weighted
grading (i.e. on report cards, for eligibility). In addition, FCASC believes grade weighting should reflect the
course's level of difficulty. FCASC believes Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB),
and all other advanced level courses should receive a higher weighting than honors courses which should
be weighted higher than regular classes.
VI. Advanced Level Courses
FCASC supports advanced level courses. We feel that every student should have the opportunity to take
advanced level courses. FCASC believes the decision to register for such classes should be made by the
student with his or her parents and not by a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Additionally, FCASC
strongly supports a students right to decide whether to take or not take Advanced Placement (AP) exams
and other optional exams, and opposes administrative pressure on a student to do so.

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Frederick County Association of Student Councils

Platform 2012 Edit

VII. Differentiating Absences

FCASC opposes combining excused and unexcused absences on a students transcript.
VIII. Pledge of Allegiance
In accordance with Frederick County Board of Education Policy, Section 425.2 Salute to the American
Flag, FCASC recognizes that students have the right to not participate in the pledge of allegiance. FCASC
encourages all students to stand and participate as a sign of respect. We do not support teachers making
an example of a student who chooses not to participate.
Policy 425.2 - Each classroom shall have a program at the beginning of each day of classes providing
for the salute to the flag and other patriotic exercises approved by the United States Government; and
requiring students and teachers in charge to stand and face the flag while reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance. Any student or teacher who wishes to be excused shall be excused.

The General Assembly will pick up their review of the Platform HERE in February.
IX. Extra-Curricular Activities
FCASC supports the maintaining of after school and extracurricular activities, and believes that school
administrations should be open to working with students in creating new clubs and organizations to better
the student body and the relationship with local communities.
X. Alternative Education
FCASC supports FCPS providing students with a means for alternative education, including vocational and
night courses.
XI. Discrimination
In accordance with current FCPS policy, FCASC opposes all forms of discrimination against any persons or
groups based on their race, gender, socio-economic status, creed, physical or mental condition, culture,
religion, sexual orientation, or any other basis of discrimination. FCASC supports character education
programs in every school for both students and faculty. FCASC also supports the integration of diversity
into course curriculum.
XII. Environmental Issues
FCASC supports recycling programs within Frederick County as well as additional funding for the
improvement of such programs. FCASC encourages the establishment of environmental clubs within
schools to raise student awareness. We oppose the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals on
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Frederick County Association of Student Councils

Platform 2012 Edit
school property. We encourage the use of environmentally safe products to tend to school grounds and
buildings.
XIII. Funding for Students with Special Needs
FCASC believes that FCPS should advocate with lawmakers to recognize the need for additional resources
for students who have mental or physical disabilities, limited English proficiency and economic
disadvantages.
XIV. Mental Health
FCASC recognizes the need for mental health resources in Frederick County schools and supports
ensuring adequate and accessible mental health professionals for all schools.
XV.
Busing
In order to ensure the diversity and continued existence and success of FCASC, we strongly support the
continued use of bus transportation to and from FCASC General Assembly meetings.
XVI.

Activity Buses

FCASC supports the creation of additional transportation such as activity busses for after school
programs/activities to allow more people to have opportunities to participate in after school activities and
tutoring.
XVII.

Class Size

FCASC believes that small class sizes provide a comfortable and more effective learning environment;
therefore we support all efforts to maintain low class sizes without regard to overall school student to
teacher ratio.
XVIII. Learning Environment
FCASC supports the FCPS goal that every student is guaranteed a safe and orderly learning environment.
As a result, FCASC strongly supports disciplinary action against all forms of harassment, discrimination,
and bullying as provided for in FCPS regulation 400-48. In addition, FCASC encourages the continuation
and strengthening of policies that educate our students about the prevention, reporting, and consequences
of harassment throughout middle and high school.
XIX.

Military Recruitment

To ensure continued success of FCPS students and their respective rights, FCASC recognizes that the
current FCPS policy on recruitment provides preferential access to military recruiters and that this policy
does not reflect the conscience of Frederick County Students, and encourages that the Board of Education
to adopt a balanced military recruitment.

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Frederick County Association of Student Councils

Platform 2012 Edit

XX.

Modern Facilities

FCASC strongly supports the ONGOING modernization of our educational facilities as well as updating the
technology in our schools.
XXI.

Web page

FCASC appreciates the ongoing assistance of the technology staff in assisting in the establishment of a
web page for FCASC.
XXII.

Nutrition Food Services

The FCASC supports the food services advisory committee in maintaining food quality in our school
system. Individual schools need to pay attention to quality and quantity so that students of all lunch shifts
continue to have options throughout the year. Hot meals should be hot and cold, cold.
XXIII. Block Schedule
The FCASC supports the current four block schedule in High Schools. Currently FCASC can come to no
agreement on middle school scheduling.
XXIV. Cell phones and Portable Electronic Devices
FCASC supports the use of cell phones and portable electronic devices during the school day if they do not
interfere with instruction or testing.
FCASC 2012-2013 Proposed Drug/Alcohol Stance
In accordance with Board of Education Policy 112, FCASC recognizes
and supports that Frederick County Public Schools has the ability to
discipline students who use and/or are under the influence of
alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs during the school day and at schoolsponsored events. FCASC does not support measures, such as
former FCPS Regulation 400-86, that permit FCPS to discipline
students for incidents involving alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that do
not occur during the school day or at school-sponsored events.
Topic for consideration this year:
Alcohol and drug policies Present at GA

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Frederick County Association of Student Councils

Platform 2012 Edit
Charter schools what is the issue? Do we have to have a stance? Any attempts by charter
schools to be in FCASC? Isnt it just A THING? Whats the benefits of a charter school?
Background information?
Middle school schedules easier to adjust to high school supporting block schedules like HS.
4X4 blocks. Much variation. Some schools still have A, B, & C days. What is the concern?
Standarization? Survey MS students at GA.
All schools are requested to submit topics for consideration prior to the October 4, 2012
General Assembly.

FCASC 12/6/2012