• Sign In
  •  
  •  
Menu
  • Community Fliers
  • Newsletters
  • Notices
Options
All
News
Notice
FAQs
Docs
Opportunity
Superintendent's Update Edition 15
 




This newsletter contains images that your email service may block;

to see them, please view the newsletter online.

 

 

To see a Google translation of this message in Spanish, please use the “Spanish” link at the top of this message:
Utilice el enlace "Spanish" en la parte superior de este mensaje para ver la traducción de Google en español:

 

Superintendent's Update Header

 Friday, March 12, 2021, Edition 15

 

A Message from Dr. Terry Alban

 

 

As we complete the fourth week of our transition to the hybrid instructional model, I am deeply appreciative of the hard work and cooperation between staff and families! The success of this model was dependent on the meticulous planning by staff and the willingness of staff, students and families to adhere to safety protocols and procedures. Thank you to everyone, and let's continue to follow safety protocols and procedures going forward.

 

Planning continues for 4th quarter, spring events, summer sessions, and the 2021-22 school year! We have received many questions about next steps. In every situation, we are looking at Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C because we have learned that during the pandemic, circumstances change quickly! Whether it is a press conference introducing new executive orders, or concerning health metrics that force a change in plans, our staff must be able to respond quickly and flexibly. And sometimes, we need clarification on mandates before we can definitively provide an answer. 

 

So, let’s address a few key questions coming our way right now.
 

  1. Will we have graduation ceremonies?
    We are planning to host outdoor graduation ceremonies with graduates and spectators socially distanced. The details of those ceremonies will be dependent on the capacity requirements set forth by the governor and Frederick County’s Board of Health for our school stadiums. Recent changes in the governor’s executive order are promising. We are working with the county to determine compliance with county regulations as well.

     
  2. Will we have proms?
    The capacity limitations on indoor venues are more restrictive. Additionally, the requirement to socially distance is still in effect. These factors make it challenging to hold a traditional “prom” for students and therefore, FCPS has indicated that we will not be hosting proms for students.

     
  3. Can we bring students back to school five days a week?
    Currently, the plan is to continue with our hybrid model for this school year and to look at the 2021-22 school year for the return to five days of in-person instruction. This is based on the current social distancing guidance for maintaining six feet.

    There is much speculation that the distancing guidance will change to be three feet. Thus, we are looking at how that would affect our options for Quarter 4 and the 2021-22 school year. The Board of Education will be discussing these options at Board Meetings from March 24 through June. Please watch these discussions and share your input.

     
  4. Will you increase the number of spectators at sports events?
    The governor’s latest executive order did increase the opportunity to have more spectators at sports events. The Return to Play Committee indicated that we were going to have two spectators per student athlete and would monitor the implementation. The Return to Play Committee meets regularly and will review the new executive order.  We will communicate any change to the spectator plan as soon as possible.

     

I hope this week’s update addresses some of the most pressing questions. And again, I appreciate the understanding from the community as we grapple with new directives and guidance. It is our goal to provide the optimal learning environment for our students and staff with health and safety remaining a priority.

 

Please continue to limit the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, maintaining social distance and frequently washing hands. These mitigation strategies, coupled with more people getting vaccinated, are what will make it possible for us to move forward in fully opening our schools!

 

 
 
 

 

Hot Topics

  • Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremonies Update - click for details!
  • Board of Education issues statement regarding administration of state testing.
  • BOE Policy Update: click for details
  • The next Student Member of the Board of Ed. has been elected. Details here!
  • The Academic Tournament has concluded; the winner is!
  • Deadlines are approaching to submit nominations for the Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award and the Support Employee of the Year Award.
  •  FCPS Calendar Changes
  • A Time to S.H.A.R.E. 
 
 

 

Reminders

 

Monday, March 29 - Monday, April 5

  • Schools Closed: Spring Break
     

Friday, April 2 - Monday, April 5

  • Offices Closed: Spring Break

 

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:

  • A day in the life of a high school student during hybrid learning
  • A day in the life of a middle school student during hybrid learning
  • A day in the life of an elementary school student during hybrid learning

 

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

 

March is Youth Art Month. Here are the details.

 

March is Women's History Month: Who is your Shero?

 

Tweet of the Week with a national award winning FCPS teacher!

 

FCPS In A Minute: click here for the video.

 

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

Brandon Oland, FCPS, Address: 191 S East St Frederick MD 21701, Phone: 301-696-6911, Email: findoutfirst@fcps.org