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Friday, August 27, 2021, Edition 33
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
During lunch at Deer Crossing Elementary, principal Amy Routzahn spotted a smiling sandwich. A student had placed a happy face on top of a sandwich, with two blueberries for eyes, a strawberry for a nose and more blueberries for a mouth.
That’s been the mood throughout Frederick County Public Schools, where 44,800 students are attending in-person learning and more than 1,000 are part of the Blended Virtual Programs.
Here’s a look at some of the happy moments so far from social media:
From Tuscarora Elementary:
“First day class feelings are happy and excited!” -- Tuscarora Elementary Principal Carrie Zimmerman (@TUES_pack)
From Walkersville Elementary:
“No hiding his excitement about Pre-K! Look at those eyes! Can’t blame him.” -- Walkersville Elementary Principal Christina McKeever (@WESLions1)
From Thurmont Middle:
Awesome murals students painted this summer at Thurmont Middle's Elevate Academy! “Just love our kids… the rest will take care of itself.” -- Thurmont Middle Principal Janine Smith (@JanineSmithFCPS).
So begins our FCPS journey for the 2021-22 school year. We are so excited to be back together again, and we can’t thank our tireless staff enough for making students feel welcome and helping them transition back during these first two weeks of school.
Students are already busy at work. Connections are being made. Classroom expectations have been set. On school visits, students and staff express how glad they are to be back together again.
And we hope to keep it that way.
The COVID-19 pandemic crisis continues to challenge us. Along with the gleeful return of students came the news of more than 600 students quarantining.
In order to preserve the in-person learning option, we must do all we can to limit spread in our school buildings by following the advice of local, state and national health officials.
Families understandably have questions. We wanted to share this video update with you that explains quarantine protocols and procedures. Our Frequently Asked Questions feature on FCPS.org also provides more details on quarantining and a host of other relevant topics.
We also have created the following graphics:
FCPS is supporting students who are quarantining. Teachers are putting their instructional materials into Schoology, our learning management system, so that students can access the information and assignments for days they are absent. Schoology was used last year and students and staff are familiar with this platform.
When a student is placed in quarantine, school leaders work with the families to offer tutoring options. The availability of tutors varies across schools and levels; we continue to explore ways to expand the number of tutors, including contracted services.
It is our hope that universal masking and other mitigation strategies we have in place will limit the spread of COVID-19. I am asking any staff and students who are exhibiting symptoms to please stay home. We need everyone working together to help our kids in school.
FCPS is a system that believes in continuous improvement. We always appreciate feedback that can help us improve program implementation. FCPS was the first school system in Maryland to open our doors and welcome back all of our students and staff. Leaders have appreciated the many positive messages they’ve received from students and families. One thing we know for certain, we must be #TogetherFCPS.
Photo of the Week
Students are working and learning during this the first full week of school!
In The News
Kudos to Twin Ridge Elementary School!
FCPS works to prevent bullying and other problems.
Here's what everyone needs to know about face coverings.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
FCPS will once again provide free meals to children in the community.
Now that classes are underway, motorists should be extra careful when approaching school buses.
FCPS names an acting executive director for Public Affairs!
FCPS and Battelle Announce $50,000 in STEM Challenge Grants. See our press release for details.
Reminders
Monday, September 6
Labor Day, schools and offices closed
Tuesday, September 7
Rosh Hashanah, schools closed
Health Updates
FCPS Response to Covid-19 (English) FCPS Response to Covid-19 (Spanish)
Contact Tracing information (English) Contact Tracing information (Spanish)
Safe schools: Video: Cleaning and Disinfecting Video: Ventilation and More
School Covid-19 Call Center:
Coronavirus data tracking: FCPS health metrics dashboard
Maryland Department of Health Coronavirus Dashboard - Schools Data MD COVID Alert Service
Mental health resources FCPS Mental Health Matters
Highlights
Welcome Back FCPS! See our special video!
FCPS is leaping into the new school year. We are READY!
Tweet of the Week about a very unique gardening project!
In A Minute is back! This week, we're focusing on the exciting start of school!
If you haven't seen the NEW Rock Creek School in-person, see here what you've been missing!