Thurmont Primary School News
December 2020, Volume 2
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
One of the highlights of the past few weeks for me has been visiting virtual classrooms and sharing a special holiday story with students. The story "Dasher" is about a brave little reindeer who follows her heart and doesn't let fear stand in her way. She believes in herself, tries new things, understands the importance of family and teamwork and becomes one of the reindeer who pulls Santa sleigh. It has warmed my heart to see students' faces as I read aloud and then remind them that they are just like Dasher - brave, curious, strong and adventurous! It continues to be my great honor to serve all of our courageous cougars and their families!
As you step away from Chromebooks, Schoology and Google Meets, please remember every single virtual learning success has been made possible because of the love, dedication and support you have provided. I sincerely hope you and your family enjoy a safe and happy winter break...we know you all deserve it!
See you in 2021!
Yours in education,
Michele Baisey
#TogetherApart
#CourageofaCougar
Hybrid & Virtual Learning Information
We appreciate the responses we received from the recent intent form which allows us to plan for both hybrid and fully virtual learning models. Information about both learning models is provided below. Additionally, TPS will host a virtual student & family orientation on Wednesday, January 20th (Time TBD) to help prepare for both learning models.
Hybrid Learning - Students will be assigned to either an A cohort (Monday and Tuesday) or a B cohort (Thursday and Friday). Each cohort will attend school two days a week for in-person instruction and three days virtually. The instructional day is a total of 5 hours (8:40am-1:40pm). Arrival will take place from 8:10-8:40am and dismissal will occur from 1:40-2:00pm daily. Students will have face-to-face or "synchronous" instruction with the teacher for an average of 3.5 hours each day and also be assigned independent work. Please see the student schedules linked below for a specific grade level overview of each day.
Students are required to wear face coverings while on the school bus and in the school building. This includes when moving within a school building (e.g., hallways, common spaces, and office areas) and when entering and exiting the building at all times. Students are authorized to use their own approved face coverings. FCPS will also provide face coverings if students do not want to bring their own. Please refer to the FCPS Guidance on Face Coverings in Buildings document for more information.
FCPS will work hard to minimize changes to student classroom assignments. However, as we move into a new semester and new learning model, it is possible a child's teacher may change.
All Virtual Learning - Students will participate in a virtual learning schedule which includes an average of 3.5 hours of “synchronous” instruction or time with the teacher each day. Independent work will also be assigned. Please see the student schedules linked below for a specific grade level overview of each day.
FCPS will work hard to minimize changes to student classroom assignments. However, as we move into a new semester and new learning model, it is possible a child's teacher may change.
Please note: The learning model you selected for your child will remain in effect until the end of Term 3 (April 12, 2021). At that time, you will have the opportunity to change from virtual to hybrid or vice versa.
TPS Grade Level Schedules for Semester 2
Beginning Thursday, January 28th, FCPS will implement new schedules for the 2nd semester. These schedules will be implemented as part of our transition to a hybrid learning model and will also be in effect should we remain fully virtual.
TPS Student Schedules:
- PK Student Schedule
- Kindergarten Student Schedule
- 1st Grade Student Schedule
- 2nd Grade Student Schedule
Please note:
- These schedules provide a general overview for each grade level. Individual teachers will share classroom specific schedules with you prior to the start of 2nd semester.
- As we continue preparing for our transition to a hybrid learning model, there may be very minor adjustments to time blocks on these general schedules. Please use these as a general overview and look for a classroom specific schedule from your child's teacher to serve as the exact schedule your child will follow.
- The learning model you selected for your child will remain in effect until the end of Term 3 (April 12, 2021). At that time, you will have the opportunity to change from virtual to hybrid or vice versa.
Mental Health Matters
We have faced so many unexpected challenges in 2020 due to the global health crisis. As a result, FCPS is introducing mental health resources for students, staff, and the community.
- The new Mental Health Matters webpage offers a variety of resources, including videos, activities, and contacts.
- FCPS will be sharing Wellness Wednesday social media posts with a mental health focus.
As we continue navigating challenging times, it is more important than ever to focus on mental health.
Winter Break Bingo Board
If you are looking to keep your child engaged in reading over the winter break, check out the bingo boards linked below. We hope these offer a fun-filled way to cuddle up with some good books while schools are closed.
Important Dates
Tuesday, December 22nd - Interims Issued
Thursday, December 24th through Friday, January 1st - Schools Closed for Winter Break (No Virtual Learning)
Monday, January 4th - Schools Reopen for Virtual Learning
Wednesday, January 20th - Student & Family Orientations for Hybrid & Virtual Learning Models (Virtual Event - Time TBD)
Contact Information
Email: michele.baisey@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/tps/
Location: 7989 Rocky Ridge Road, Thurmont, MD, USA
Phone: 240-236-2800
Twitter: @ThurmontPrimary