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Friday, April 30, 2021, Edition 21
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
During Monday’s Frederick County PTA chat, I received many questions about what the 2021-22 school year will look like.
In the midst of a global pandemic, it is difficult trying to predict the future. But I shared with the more than 100 chat participants that we are planning to welcome all students back for in-person instruction five days a week, while providing a virtual option for families who request it for the 2021-22 school year.
The day after our chat, the Maryland State Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution stating schools should be open for the required 180 days of in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year.
Reopening five days a week for in-person instruction will require everyone in our community doing their part, and I am confident Frederick County is up to the task. Health metrics are improving in Frederick County. Total COVID-19 cases are down. So too are hospitalizations. Meanwhile, more than 32 percent of Frederick County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccine supply is meeting demand. And many of our high school students are getting vaccinated as well.
As we move forward as a community and new health guidance or state mandates are changed, FCPS continues to work with our local health experts to ensure we make decisions that align with minimizing the risk of spread of COVID-19 among our students and staff. We want to keep moving forward, and not have to take steps backward. Frederick County Health Department officials have been amazing partners throughout this pandemic, and we continue to value their expertise and advice.
I appreciate the efforts of staff who are working so hard to successfully end the 2020-21 school year, while also planning for reopening our schools five days a week for in-person instruction in the 2021-22 school year! The collective hope we shared as 2021 began, to overcome this pandemic, is being realized a little more each day!
Photo of the week
West Frederick Middle's Jennifer Perez Ryan (right) is named FCPS Teacher of the Year! Joining her was Jill McWilliams, the outgoing Teacher of the Year.
In The News
In Case You Missed It:
Reminders
Friday, May 14: Mid-Term
Tuesday, May 18: 2-Hour early dismissal for students: secondary only, teacher work-session
Wednesday, May 19: 2-hour early dismissal for students: elementary and Rock Creek only, teacher work-session
Hybrid 101
Personal safety:
Wear a Face Covering:
Video: The COVID Cover Up FCPS Face Covering Guidance in School Buildings
Safe schools: Video: Safe Schools: Cleaning and Disinfecting Video: Safe Schools: Ventilation and More
Hybrid Model:
Video: Concurrent Teaching Model
Videos:
Coronavirus data tracking: FCPS debuts health metrics dashboard
Maryland Department of Health Coronavirus Dashboard - Schools Data MD COVID Alert Service
Mental health resources FCPS Mental Health Matters
FCPS All-Stars: Photos & info!
Highlights
FCPS In A Minute: Click here for the video!
Tweet of the Week: Conversation about AARCH