Christie Flayhart (she/her)

To every kid with a learning disability: don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you. Dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s your strength.

👋🏾

Most people see this and think “dogs are good for you.” The actual mechanism is more interesting. Three minutes of petting your dog triggers oxytocin release in both you and the animal. Your cortisol drops. Your heart rate decreases within an hour. This happens every single day you own a dog. Twice a day, three times a day. The loop: physical touch → oxytocin release → HPA axis downregulation → lower cortisol → reduced neuroinflammation → preserved brain volume. The study everyone’s referencing had only 95 participants, which is small. But it replicates. A longitudinal European study tracking adults 50+ over 18 years found pet ownership associated with slower decline in executive function and episodic memory. Baltimore Longitudinal Study data showed the same pattern across multiple cognitive tests. Why dogs specifically? Cats showed similar effects. Fish and birds didn’t. The difference is tactile interaction frequency. Dogs demand contact. They interrupt your doom scrolling. They force you outside. Dog owners in the research showed higher physical activity levels, lower BMI, and lower incidence of hypertension. The brain age gap in this chart isn’t about dogs being magical. It’s about dogs being a delivery mechanism for consistent nervous system regulation that most people fail to achieve on their own. Human connection does the same thing. Most people just don’t have a human who wants to cuddle them twice a day and force them on walks.

As the year ends, let me thank public school teachers who, under difficult circumstances, are doing their best to educate our kids. If this country is to flourish, we need the best education system in the world. Let’s fight for a nation where teachers are well-paid & respected.

This week, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) hosts its annual Youth Apprenticeship Summit, introducing students to paid, hands-on career opportunities through the FCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program. 📅 Thursday Dec. 18 ⏰ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
📍 Frederick Community College High school sophomores and juniors will connect with local employers, explore career pathways, attend workshops, and learn how “learn-while-you-earn” apprenticeships can lead to real-world skills, credentials, and careers.

Go Bears!!!

⭐️ Schools are closed today. Offices opening 2 hours late ⭐️ Due to inclement weather, Frederick County MD public schools are closed today, Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Offices will be opening 2 hours late. If applicable or appropriate, staff have the option to take liberal leave or telework after discussing with their supervisor. All FCPS and community-group afterschool and evening activities are canceled or postponed. School-based daycare programs, Community School vendors and Parks and Recreation programs in school gyms make and communicate decisions concerning their schedules. Emergency employees should report as directed by their supervisor.

Linda McMahon does not have the power to dismantle the Department of Education. Only Congress does. This is an illegal assault on our public school children. If this continues, millions of students, teachers, and families will pay the price. I’ll keep fighting back.

Registration is open for Frederick Parks and Rec Adaptive Winter Formal! m.facebook.com/story.php?stor…

I think this would be a great email auto-response for any school or district. It protects staff time, models wellness, and sets clear expectations. @NAESP @NASSP @AASAHQ

Outstanding! Congratulations, WHS!

#ExperienceInclusion #UnifiedMd 💚🖤

@QuinnWi26055401 @GretaHarrison18 @FCPS_Baker @PatMcAfeeShow Congratulations TJ Unified!

Big Day for TJ #unified @GretaHarrison18 @FCPS_Baker @PatMcAfeeShow

📚💖

Reading is the dance of the mind — every page a new step, every story a rhythm that moves the soul. 📖📚

@DrWare_FCPS Congratulations, Stephanie!

Today was quite possibly the sweetest day of my career! Thank you to my amazing family, friends, and WHS community for making today special. I LOVE my Lions! 💙🦁💛 #ProudPrincipal

Be sure to pick up some sweet treats prepared by @FCPSMaryland SUCCESS students. We have brownies, cookies, cake pops and rice cereal treats!! #fcpssuccess #resourcefair

@FCPSMaryland Congratulations, Coach OB!

It’s our first round of Teacher of the Year Semifinalists! One of these dedicated educators will be 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year and will be Frederick County's representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program. All FCPS TOY nominees receive special, personal recognition by the Superintendent and Board of Education. The Teacher of the Year receives a variety of prizes from the State and FCPS, including professional development opportunities throughout the year, recognition at a state-hosted banquet, and other prizes. The Teacher of the Year’s home school also receives special recognition throughout the year.