Cougar Connections
March 26 2021
Goodbye
Dear Families,
It is very difficult for me to write these words. As I shared in my last newsletter, I will be retiring on April 1st, next week. It is hard to believe that the time has already come. I am so very thankful to have had this opportunity to serve the TES community. I am so very thankful to you for sharing your children with me.
After 30+ years as an educator, I never imagined that my career would end under such unique circumstances. Together we have navigated many challenges. You have been most gracious during this unprecedented time, responsive to the many changes we’ve had to make to support the health and safety of our school community. Our TES staff has also been remarkable during this time. Watching the energy and effort that they have put forth every day to respond to these changes and challenges has been incredible for me to experience. As their leader, I couldn’t have asked for a more responsive staff.
These times have taught me so many valuable lessons, “pearls of the pandemic”, as Dr. Alban referred to them. First, take care of your family. Second, never take those you love for granted. Third, find joy in the small things. I have loved your children and my staff from the bottom of my heart, and they have brought me great joy. I will never forget them or my experience at TES. Take good care of yourself and your family. Peace and joy to you.
Yours in education,
Debbie O'Donnell
Welcome
Please offer a warm welcome to Amy Schwiegerath, who will be the Principal in charge beginning April first. Amy comes with over fifteen years of Administrative experience, serving in many different settings. She was the Assistant Principal at Ballenger Creek Elementary School when I was there as a Literacy Specialist. She served as the Principal at Lewistown Elementary and Whittier Elementary, and will be opening the new school, Blue Heron Elementary in the coming year. Amy brings great energy and passion wherever she goes, and is eager to support TES during these last months of school.
Heather Putnam will be joining Amy to provide support as an Assistant Principal, since Amy has other responsibilities with opening a new school. Heather will be the consistent face at TES, with over 13 years of Administrative experience. Heather has served as an Assistant Principal at Glade and Brunswick Elementary schools, and is excited to meet the staff and students at TES.
Changes for Quarter 4
Nominate a Teacher!
Each year the Thurmont Lions Club honors the teachers of the CHS and feeder schools. Anyone can nominate a teacher – parents, students, fellow teachers and administrators. The Thurmont LC 2021 Teacher of the Year will be selected from the eight finalists by a committee of community leaders and will be announced at their Education Night meeting on May 12th. If you would like to nominate someone, please send your nomination to Lion Gayle DiSalvo no later than Sunday, April 18, 2021. They can be emailed to Rogadodi@aol.com (include 2021 Teacher of the Year on the subject line) or mailed to Lion Gayle DiSalvo, 142 E. Hammaker Street, Thurmont, MD 21788. Questions can be directed to Lion Gayle DiSalvo at Rogadodi@aol.com or 301-271-5355.
FCPS Free Meals Program
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is serving breakfast, lunch and supper to-go during spring break. To-go meals for Monday, March 29 will be distributed on Friday, March 26 following the regular to-go meal distribution schedule and locations. FCPS Food and Nutrition Services will also distribute to-go breakfast, lunch and supper twice during spring break at 15 schools and two community drop-off sites.
Readathon
Thank you for encouraging your child to participate in our annual Readathon. We earned over $8,000 as a school, which will provide additional "literacy funds" for our TPES community. Continue to encourage your child to read independently as part of our weekly Beanstack contest.
Honors chorus
If your child is interested in performing, the Frederick Children's Chorus, for ages 8-18, will be returning to in-person rehearsals and performances during the 2021-2022 season.
Thurmont Police Dept. Sponsors Egg Hunt
Attention Elementary Aged Kids and Parents!
Safetypup® has hidden Easter Eggs at the Parks in the Town of Thurmont. The Hunt Begins on Saturday March 27th and ends on Thursday April 1st. Kids can you find the Easter Eggs? One Egg per Child. You can bring in the coupon inside the egg to the Thurmont Police Department to obtain your prize during 08:00 am - 04:00 pm, Monday March 29th till April 1st. Coupons need to be given in order for you to receive your prize. If you are unable to come into the Police Department to pick please contact our office at 301-271-0905 for other arrangements. Two Golden Eggs have been hidden if you find one of the Golden Eggs you will receive the Grand Prize! Good Luck!
Safetypup®
Delaplaine Spring Brochure
GEMS Math and Science Program
Weis 4 Education
https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/upload/76/13873.pdf
Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate!
Mark your Calendar!
- April 6 ~ Return from break
- April 12 ~ Schools closed for Teacher Work Day
- April 13 ~ Quarter 4 begins
Thurmont Elementary School
Email: debra.odonnell@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/tes/
Phone: (240) 236-0900
Facebook: facebook.com/ourschool
Twitter: @ourschool