MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL:
Hello Urbana Middle families!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break and was able to find ways to connect with extended family during this time. It is hard to believe that schools have been closed since March 16. I certainly do miss everyone and hope we can be together soon when it is safe to return to a normal routine.
I am so proud of the work our staff is doing to support our students and our families during this Continuity of Learning. Our staff really cares for our children and we miss seeing them and you! During my weekly meetings with staff, it is always evident that our students remain our priority and our focus with every lesson designed. I am also sincerely appreciative of everything our families are doing at home to support your children and our staff. We are so fortunate to have your partnership in education during this continuity of learning. While we are unsure what the future holds, please know we remain committed to providing quality instruction and continued supports to you and your family during this time.
Term 4 started on Tuesday, April 14 and I want to remind our students and their families how important it is to complete the assignments each week. If you are having difficulty, please reach out to one of us for assistance! We know many of you are also working at home, while juggling families also, and we are here to help! I hope that we are all able to be together in the near future when it is safe.
Term 3 report cards will be mailed on April 22. Please allow several days as our letters must go to Central office for postage.
I hope our families and students have enjoyed participating in our Feeder Spirit week! I (and our staff) have certainly enjoyed seeing pictures of our community as we engage in this new virtual world.
We will continue to publish our monthly community newsletter on the first or second Thursday of the month, and will publish FOF notices as appropriate. As events and dates change or are cancelled, we will continue to provide updates. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly.
I send my warmest greetings to you and your family and hope everyone is safe and doing well. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to assist you during this unprecedented time.
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
UMS continues to partner with "Blessings in a Backpack" to provide pre-packaged weekend meals for any UMS student(s) who need support. Additional details will be disclosed to our participating families. Please contact Jill Cameron directly at jill.cameron@fcps.org or leave a message on her office phone (240-566-9209) if your child would like to receive weekend meals. Please know that the information regarding families receiving this support is strictly confidential and only shared with our UMS administrative team & respective counselor.
If there is anything additional we can do to support you/your family during this time, please let us know.
FCPS MEALS - FCPS just changed their meals distribution to MWF, instead of daily. FCPS will always send Find Out First notices when changes/updates occur and you can always check for updates at:
https://www.fcps.org/about/news/1677052/fcps-feeds-children-while-schools-are-closed
www.fcps.org/update
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
For general technical support, FCPS has provided family resources, including Schoology support at:
As our students and teachers continue with Continuity of Learning (COL), we are here to support the technology needs of students and staff.
If you are in need of a Chromebook, Hot Spot, repair or replacement equipment such as a charger, please utilize the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceMASiOolqHFNVjsXbxjRC5MwMQN7qjJDJN9Y_O3mYXiHltw/viewform).
OurTechnology Team can also assist with the following:
Our User Support Specialist is Kristen Durbin. Kristen and our Technology Team has established office hours to better assist you. Once UMS receives the request, a member of our team will reach out to you, and if necessary, arrange a time for you to pick-up or drop-off of equipment/device. We will always schedule and confirm an individual appointment in advance, and we will meet you at curbside.
Ms. Durbin is available via email, Kristen.Durbin@fcps.org, Monday-Friday, 8 am-3 pm, to provide technical support.
INTERNET SUPPORT
Due to the current circumstances, many telecommunications companies have enabled access to the internet using their services free. For more information, please see the details below from the following telecommunications companies:
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
In addition to essential school-related posts, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions at fcps.org/update, here are Coronavirus COVID-19 resources you can rely on to understand and prevent the spread of disease:
Frederick County Health Department Maryland Department of Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Governor's COVID-19 Pandemic: Orders and Guidance
As of March 30, the Governor continues to define education as an essential service, with travel permitted to schools to obtain materials for distance learning and meals to go, while school buildings remain closed to the public through Friday, April 24.
http://education.fcps.org/ums/
3511 Pontius Court Ijamsville, MD 21754 240-566-9200 Fax 240-566-9201