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Thursday, October 15, 2020 Edition 3
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
Booker T. Washington once said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
Together, we have overcome many obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the statewide closure of schools last March to starting this school year in a full virtual learning mode, FCPS families and staff have pulled together and learned many lessons that will prove beneficial as we face the next mountain.
During the seven weeks that we have been in virtual learning mode, with some small groups attending face-to-face instruction for several of those weeks, our teachers, support staff, administrators, and families have been relentless in their support for the students and resilient in continuously adapting and improving the model. I appreciate and value the work that everyone has done on behalf of our precious students.
Now, we stand together in front of another steep and unpredictable mountain—the transition to a hybrid model that returns more students to face-to-face instruction. Some are ready to start climbing this mountain now, and others are more cautious. I know that all of us ultimately want students returned safely to face-to-face instruction—because we know that is the best way for students to learn and connect.
Whether you are standing at the foot of the mountain saying, “Climb now” or standing back saying, “Not yet,” we will all climb this mountain together!
Watch this video (transcript) about preparing for the climb.
Please feel free to share your comments via Superintendent@FCPS.org. Follow me on Twitter @FCPSMDSuper.
Hot Topics
FCPS to Continue Virtual Learning Model Board Approves Return-to-Play Recommendations
Videos: FCPS Extracurricular, Co-curricular and Athletics Return-to-Play Update Tweet of the Week shows
- October 8 with Urbana High School student Brina Ratangee
- October 14 with Butterfly Ridge Elementary teacher Casey Keyser In a Minute, featuring the Career and Technology Center Student House Project, Monocacy Elementary community outreach and more
Reminders
Friday, October 16: Schools Closed for Students Elementary and Middle Parent-Teacher Conferences All conferences are virtual; schools are providing signup details.
Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday October 22: Evening conferences. Virtual learning will begin 4-hours later than usual. No half-day pre-k virtual sessions. Friday, October 23: Afternoon conferences. The virtual day will end 3½ hours earlier than usual. No half-day pre-k virtual sessions. Tuesday, November 3: Schools Closed for Students: Election Day
Resources
FCPS Face Covering Guidance in School Buildings
Updated Step-by-Step Plan for Reopening
Superintendent's Blogs: Off the Cuff: - Innovation During a Crisis, October 6 - Quality Teaching in Any Model, October 13 Follow the Superintendent on Twitter
Highlights
October Is National Principals Month Career and Technology Student House Project
Frederick County Public Schools 191 S. East Street Frederick, MD 21701
Visit www.fcps.org
301-644-5000 Phone
301-696-6961 Fax
superintendent@fcps.org