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:
Friday, August 13, 2021, Edition 31
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
In just five days, we will be welcoming back students for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 18! All FCPS employees are busy preparing for the upcoming school year, and the excitement is growing!
I look forward to greeting students and staff on the first day and hearing the joyful sound of students reconnecting with their teachers and friends. Our top priority is to maximize the time students are able to access face-to-face instruction while working to keep students and staff safe.
We recognize that the 2021-22 school year begins with our nation and community still facing a global health crisis. As shared in this update in recent weeks, face coverings will be mandatory inside school buildings. Contact tracing and quarantining will also be implemented, and we ask that families complete the health screening checklist. We need everyone to do their part to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
These steps come following consultation and guidance from local, state and national health experts. There are no perfect answers on how to minimize the spread of this virus, but FCPS remains committed to offering as many layers of prevention as we are able to maximize time in the classroom for our students.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, we have needed to pivot and adjust as a community. That will be true this year as well, and our community has demonstrated that we will work together to support our students! It has been inspiring to chat with dedicated FCPS employees who are ready to meet the needs of our students.
Enjoy these final days of summer break. I cannot wait for August 18 to be here!
Photo of the week
The team at Hillcrest Elementary is READY for the new school year!
In The News
School resumes next week - here's what everyone needs to know about face coverings.
FCPS and Battelle Announce $50,000 in STEM Challenge Grants. See our press release for details.
The FCPS Family Life Advisory Committee needs members.
Heritage Frederick's "End of Summer Bash" is tomorrow!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Reminders
Wednesday, August 18
First Day of School :)
Board of Education Meeting. Details here.
Health Updates
Safe schools:
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
Tweet of the Week: A music teacher on the move, spreading joy! Click here.
If you haven't seen the NEW Rock Creek School in-person, see here what you've been missing!
Tweet of the Week (8/5): FCPS Success Program. Enjoy!