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Friday, March 5, 2021, Edition 14
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
Making connections no matter where students are
As we complete Week 3 of our hybrid learning model, I have been thrilled to visit students and teachers in classrooms across the county. Students in our buildings are getting acclimated to schedules and safety protocols. This is definitely progress in returning to “normal.” I can’t thank our staff enough for navigating another change as part of our pandemic journey.
Every family chose the instructional model that was best for their child. Approximately 56 percent of our families chose the hybrid model, while 44 percent of our families opted to remain in an all-virtual model of instruction.
Thus, concurrent learning is happening in classrooms countywide. I recognize this is a new term to many. Simply put, concurrent learning is a model where teachers provide direct instruction to students in the classroom and attending virtually as well. Teachers are approaching concurrent teaching in a variety of creative ways.
Earlier this year, we interviewed Windsor Knolls Middle teacher Tasha Brown about her experiences teaching concurrently during small-group instruction. Ms. Brown customized lessons each day, and she also made sure students had time together, no matter where they were. Building connections and creating a community of learners—that is the goal for educators in any model of instruction! And it has been inspiring to watch our FCPS teachers build these connections when using concurrent teaching.
Butterfly Ridge Elementary special educator Amanda Murphy shared her excitement about concurrent learning in a recent Tweet, where her in-person learners were interacting with virtual attendees.
Her lesson was with fourth grade students, who took turns reading the article “Should We Get Rid of Paper Money?” The students were working on finding evidence to support both sides of the topic.
Murphy said a debate is in the works.
“Students love to be able to work together, and I think it is such a critical part of this transition to make sure we are feeling connected as a class community,” she said.
I could not agree more. We are connecting in so many ways right now. It can be challenging, but we will keep finding a way. That’s the epitome of #TogetherFCPS.
Hot Topics
In case you missed it:
Reminders
Thursday, March 11:
Monday, March 29 - Monday, April 5
Friday, April 2 - Monday, April 5
Career & Technology Center application update: applications are due!
The Community Foundation has opened its application process.
Resources
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
Video:
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
The next Student Member of the Board of Education has been elected. Details here!
Off the Cuff: In her blog post, Superintendent Dr. Alban discusses The Courage to Change.
March is Youth Art Month. Here are the details.
March is Women's History Month: Who is your Shero?
Tweet of the Week: An FCPS second grader has a dream!
FCPS In A Minute: Teacher of the Year Awards and more!
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