A meeting of world leaders is jeopardizing a field trip for hundreds of county students.
Public school students in Frederick County will get a day off May 18, the first day of the G-8 summit at Camp David near Thurmont, the school system announced Thursday.
Activities such as Advanced Placement testing, athletics, drama productions and proms will go on as scheduled May 18 and 19, but field trips, assemblies and other school-day activities will be rescheduled or canceled, school officials said.
Nearly 1,000 students were scheduled to visit the county fairgrounds May 18 to tour exhibits celebrating the fair’s 150th anniversary.
Becky Brashear, general manager of The Great Frederick Fair, said she is working with the school system to arrange another time for students to visit the weekend event, but nothing has been decided.
The Gov. Thomas Johnson High School prom is set for May 18 at the FSK Holiday Inn in Frederick. The Rock Creek School is holding its graduation and prom that evening at its Waverley Drive building.
School administrators will notify participating students and families about any modifications of scheduled activities.
The school system is working closely with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office to provide detailed information about scheduled events and related logistics. Parents and guardians who are concerned about safety have the right to keep their children at home, a school system news release stated.
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins has advised school officials that he anticipates traffic congestion and the potential for security concerns as world leaders, their staffs and the news media travel around the county.
The sheriff recommended that school be canceled for students on May 18, a Friday.
Bus transportation will be provided to students who attend non-public schools and normally receive this transportation.
Although students will not attend school on May 18, it is a workday for staff. Administrators and supervisors will provide further information to employees.
The Maryland State Department of Education has granted the county school system a waiver so students do not need to make up the day.
The last day of the school year for students is Friday, June 8, with a two-hour early dismissal.
The last day for teachers is Monday, June 11.
Hood College’s graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students are scheduled for May 19. The college has not made any changes to its schedule due to the G-8 summit, according to college spokesman Dave Diehl.
