While we never know for sure what the always-changing Mid-Atlantic weather will provide, I am choosing to be optimistic.
We have reached April. We *should* be done with inclement weather days. This means, we can definitively share our plans for the last day of school.
This year, we used four inclement weather days. Thus, the last day of school for students will be Tuesday, June 7, with a 2-hour early dismissal for students on that day. The last day of school for 10-month staff will be Wednesday, June 8.
Please note that in our printed calendar handbook, we indicated the last day of school would be Wednesday, June 1, with a 2-hour early dismissal on that day. On June 1, we will now have a full day of school.
The first day of the 2022-23 school year will be Wednesday, August 17. The first day for 10-month staff will be Wednesday, August 10.
I hope this information helps everyone in our community plan their summer activities.
As we enter the final two months of the 2021-22 school year, I am grateful. We have faced many challenges, including many related to COVID-19. Fortunately, COVID-19 cases reported to us are at the lowest levels of the entire school year. Our student attendance rate has remained steady at around 92 percent for several weeks.
Students are focusing on their interests and passions, with the unwavering support of our staff.
In recent weeks, I have been visiting schools and surprising students who have been making a significant difference in their school and community. The students I have met have shown great character and are making true impacts in our community. There is much I learn from the compassion, understanding and civility our students show toward their peers and members of our community. I am proud of them all, and we are excited to share how they are making a difference.
In order for us to keep moving forward as a community, we must follow their inspiring examples. Working together and respecting one another, even when we disagree, is how we build a strong community. It’s not easy, but it’s an aspirational goal we should all have.
Students are watching the behavior of adults. Hate language, threats and chaos are simply not acceptable conduct in our buildings, including the Board room. Please see this statement from the Board of Education following Tuesday’s Family Life Advisory Committee (FLAC) meeting.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy your weekend.
Mike
Looking ahead:
Friday, April 15 & Monday, April 18
Schools and offices closed for Spring Break
Tuesday, April 19 through Friday, April 22 Schools closed for Spring Break Friday, May 6 2-Hour Early Dismissal
Congratulations to our five finalists: Mary Geasey (Middletown Primary), Jamie Hendi (Linganore High), Cindy Newmeyer (Tuscarora Elem.), Jonathan Kurtz (Gov. Thomas Johnson High), Jennifer Tony (Hillcrest Elem.)
We are so fortunate to have dedicated staff doing all they can to support students every day. We have been traveling throughout the county to showcase their invaluable roles.
Episode 6: Former FCPS Purchasing Agent Shane Ryberg
Episode 5: David Hiltbrand is one of our bus driver trainers.
Episode 4: Bus route surveyor Stacie Doherty is featured in our latest episode.
Episode 3: Food Service site manager for Waverley Elementary, Elizabeth Zeigler is featured.
Episode 2: FCPS predictive maintenance technician Elvis Correa is featured in our latest edition. He says "he enjoys everything in my job."
Episode 1: Elementary lead custodians featuring Green Valley Elementary's
Kathy Osborne
IMPACT Video Series: Governor Thomas Johnson High’s Payton Buckley is truly making an “Impact” on her school and the community. Please enjoy this episode of our FCPS “Impact” video series: https://youtu.be/TfmzPtvMXoU
FCPS Names Teacher of the Year Finalists Five outstanding nominees are in the running!
Congratulations to all who participated in the 41st Annual
FCPS Science and Engineering Fair.
FCPS History Day winners
Fourteen students are moving on to the statewide contest in the
National History Day competition!
Twin Ridge Elementary has been recognized by a worldwide entertainment company.
Read all the details here!
Seven FCPS employees have been recognized in the
2022 Support Employees of the Year Award program.
Monocacy Middle School teacher Cindy Barlow is honored by the State Department of Education.
Please see details in our press release!
FCPS has renewed its partnership with the African American Resource, Cultural Heritage Society (AARCH).
Read the details here!
Students are participating in state assessments this spring!
Their performance on these assessments will assist schools in planning educational programs for students.
FCPS In a Minute
This week, we thank all those who participated in the annual Science and Engineering Fair, including the judges! We also send kudos to a Walkersville High student who has earned a prestigious leadership award, and more!
Please enjoy the video!
We are committed to providing timely information on our FCPS COVID-19 response.
Our FCPS Health Hub features our most recent response. Our FCPS Health Metrics Dashboard is updated daily.
Updated Data
Student attendance rates
Week of March 7: 92.5 percent
Week of March 14: 91.9 percent
Percentage of staff absent
Week of March 7: 2.2 percent
Week of March 14: 2.7 percent
Percentage of students and staff reporting a COVID-19 positive case Week of March 7: 0.1 percent
Week of March 14: 0.1 percent