EES Summer Update
July 30, 2020
From the Principal
Emmitsburg Families,
I hope this communication finds you well. These last few months have presented many challenges. Although I was not with you for the beginning stages of this journey, I can imagine it was no easy feat. Thank you for your diligent efforts and partnership.
I also want to thank you for your patience. The unknown can be stressful, and I know the wait has not been easy. Yesterday, the Board of Education (BOE) met to vote on the reopening plan. I am excited to share how we will soar to new heights in the 2020/2021 school year.
During this spring’s school building closure, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) staff gathered student, parent, and educator feedback and reflected on learned experiences. As a result, FCPS has adopted enhancements that will improve the virtual learning experience for students, parents, and educators. These enhancements include:
- Increased live digital interactions/expectations between students and educators
- A single digital platform for students and parents to access instruction, communication, and feedback
- Virtual courses that are more rigorous and challenging
- Robust professional learning opportunities for educators to increase their skill set for teaching in a virtual environment which include on-demand professional learning videos and courses for educators
- New parent resources
- Student training videos that will enhance their abilities to access and learning in a virtual environment
- Strategies to provide a significant focus on tending to individual student needs
- Continued efforts to connect each and every child digitally
FCPS is strongly positioned to teach students in a virtual environment and is excited to start the 2020/2021 school year.
The Board of Education has charged staff to identify targeted small groups of students to participate in face-to-face instruction to support individualized educational needs, to ensure access to virtual options, and to address specific courses requiring in person instruction.
More information will be provided to parents regarding these options. Parents/guardians will ultimately reserve the right to decline these services if they have concerns regarding their child's health in a face-to-face FCPS school building. Specific health measures will be in place to protect the health of both students and staff.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing an upgraded school website, student schedule for Distance Learning, information about parent resources, general distance learning expectations, and student device distribution for those in need. The EES staff is committed to providing the instruction our students need and deserve. Please support us by developing plans in your household that prioritize participation in this instruction.
I know this situation is not what anyone wants or has hoped for. We long to see each smiling face and witness their joy for learning in the building once more. Until then, it is incredibly important that we stay positive and productive as we navigate together. We are not just a school community, we are a family. As a small but mighty community, we are here to support and care for each other. Through our collective efforts, our students will soar to new heights this school year and our EES family will be stronger because of it.
I know that the obstacles faced by some families are greater than others. Please let us know if you are in need of resources. The office is currently open from 7:30 AM-5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday. Normal business hours will resume on August 17th. Please contact me directly by phone at or email at amber.madigan@fcps.org with questions or comments.
Amber Madigan
Principal, Emmitsburg Elementary School
Follow me on Twitter @MadiganFCPS