Thurmont Primary School News
September 2022 - Volume 2
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
The first 17 days of school have flown by! Students have built relationships, established expectations and learned routines quickly. Small groups, in both reading and math, are taking place each day in all classrooms. Opportunities for independent application of skills, station rotations and access to Lexia/iReady are also in place. We are proud of students for recognizing their role as learners and taking ownership for growing their brain, heart and body power each day!
As we commemorate the anniversary of September 11th this weekend, I am reminded of how courage, hope and love brought us together as a country and continues to be what makes our world a better place. Leading with courage and love means we embrace kindness, empathy, acceptance and inclusion while simultaneously challenging anything that could diminish these ideals. See below for some of the ways we will celebrate belonging, safety, hope and health throughout the end of September.
Yours in education,
Michele Baisey
#CourageofaCougar
#BetterTogether
Safety Week
The safety of our students and staff is top priority. Establishing routines and protocols for school safety is important to do at the beginning of the year. We will practice the following safety drills in a developmentally age-appropriate way with our students during the week of September 12th - 16th.
- Fire Drill (We are required to complete eight fire drills with three being completed within the first 45 days of school.)
- Lockdown
- Evacuation
- Reverse Evacuation
- Severe Weather
- Drop, Cover and Hold
- Shelter in Place
- Active Assailant (Avoid, Deny & Defend)
More information about school safety can be found here: https://www.fcps.org/security
Attendance
Being successful in school begins with being present and available to learn. Attending school regularly also helps children feel better about school and themselves. Families play a critical role in establishing routines so children arrive at school on time and are consistently present.
Here are a few ways you can support your child by establishing positive attendance habits.
- Follow a regular bedtime and morning routine
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks/lunches the night before
- Send your child to school unless they are too sick to attend (fever, vomiting, diarrhea and contagious illness are reasons to stay home from school)
- Talk to school staff if your child appears anxious about going to school
- Develop back up plans in case of a change to your child's transportation
- Schedule appointments and extended trips so they do not interfere with the school day
If/when your child will be absent please send a note to tps.attendance@fcps.org.
Information about attendance in FCPS is available at: https://www.fcps.org/student-services/general-info-for-parents
Purple Fridays
At TPS, we focus on the importance of growing our brain, heart and body power. We recognize the connection between our mental, emotional and physical health. Our goal is to support students, families and our community in living healthy, hopeful and happy lives!
Start With Hello Week
Check out the spirit day calendar for ways your child can participate!
SPARK
Our K-2nd grade students will be provided a dedicated time block in their weekly schedule designed to meet their unique and individual needs. Intended to "spark" student thinking, understanding and application of key skills in reading and mathematics, this block will allow all students the opportunity to be met where they are in the learning progression and provided acceleration to meet their goals.
Keeping with our focus on making sure all students are seen, heard, known and supported, a variety of TPS staff will make this exciting learning time possible. Students may remain with their homeroom teacher or work in a group with another TPS staff member (other classroom teachers in their grade level, specialists, academic support staff or special educators).
SPARK groups will begin the week of September 19th. Your child's classroom teacher will provide additional information about their schedule and SPARK groups.
Parent Resource Room
Remember, Mrs. McQuay, school counselor, is here to support students and families. Please contact her at lisa.mcquay@fcps.org or 240-236-2859.
PTA News
There are many exciting things happening with our TEPS PTA...
- Yeti Raffle - tickets are $10
- Membership Drive
- Sprit Wear orders due September 16th.
- Colorfest Parking Volunteers
Information on all this and more can be found in the TEPS PTA September Newsletter.
For questions, to become a member or to volunteer please contact tepsptacougars@gmail.com.
Important Dates
- Friday, September 16th - 2 Hour Early Dismissal at 1:10pm
- Monday, September 19th - Friday, September 23rd - Start With Hello Week
- Friday, September 23rd - 3 1/2 Hour Early Dismissal at 11:40am
- Monday, September 26th - Schools Closed for Rosh Hashanah
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