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Friday, May 7 2021, Edition 22
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
We are excited to welcome more elementary school students back for in-person instruction four days per week! This is another sign of progress as our community emerges from a global health crisis.
Our elementary schools have sent communication to families outlining this change, which was made possible through a new joint Memorandum of Understanding with the three associations representing Frederick County Public Schools employees. I appreciate all FCPS employees for their hard work and willingness to adjust. This flexibility has been critically important throughout the pandemic!
The elementary school transition will take place from May 10-17. Each school will be on a unique schedule and implementation will begin when feasible. In order to prepare, elementary school teachers will assign work for students, but there will be no live Google Meets on Wednesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 19.
Elementary school families who desire students continue attending school in-person two days per week can continue doing so. Remote learning will still be provided for families who have chosen that option as well. We will continue doing all we can for students regardless of where they are learning. Nearly seven in 10 students are receiving in-person instruction at this time.
This transition comes at a time when health metrics continue improving in Frederick County. COVID-19 cases are down. The county’s positivity rate is the lowest since October. We are nearing the milestone of having 100,000 county residents fully vaccinated.
We continue to plan for welcoming all students back for five days of in-person instruction at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year with a virtual option for families who choose it.
We have come so far! Have a great weekend, and I hope all of our dedicated educators had a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week.
Photo of the week
Oakdale High has been named a Maryland Green School (see story below)
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
Thursday, May 20: FCPS Virtual Special Education Celebration!
Monday, May 31: Schools and Offices closed for Memorial Day
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
Highlights
Off the Cuff Blog: Dr. Alban on The Role of a Teacher
FCPS In A Minute: Click here for the video!
Tweet of the Week: Two golf champs from UHS!
FCPS All-Stars: Photos & info!