Whittier Weekly & Book of the Week
2.07.2021
The ABC's of Hybrid at Whittier Elementary
It's been a real pleasure to have some of our Pre-K, Kindergarten, and new families in the building this past week for tours with Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Leatherman, our school counselors. I think it has been of benefit for our youngest learners to see how safety protocols like mask-wearing, social distancing, and effective hygiene practices can support the health and safety of everyone while also allowing for school to resume with some normal routines.
I'd like to thank you for your engagement and responsiveness as we navigate the logistics with everyone. I know there has been a need to confirm family preferences, which may seem repetitive at times. The truth is that families are navigating changing circumstances and we want to be responsive and supportive of these wishes while also making sure that our plans continue to allow for safety - creating cohort groups that allow for social distancing in the classroom spaces, on the school buses, and facilitate access to the teachers that work with our students. In some cases, a student may need to work with an intervention teacher during the day for example, and scheduling this effectively requires coordination.
If you have responded to the email from your child's teacher on Friday, and need some follow-up, please know that we are working on resolving any issues or concerns that you may have shared.
I know that I join with our Whittier staff and families in being so very excited to have students come back to the building. I am equally committed to the families who have elected to continue virtually for the time being. We are one school, and one family.
Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Leatherman have put together a short presentation below that your student can watch with you. It will explain some of the ways that things will be different, and how some things will be familiar when we return.
With love and a commitment to your student's wellbeing and learning,
Lorcan OhEithir, Principal
Book of the Week - Alphabreaths with Mrs. Reese
February is Black and African American History Month
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born enslaved in Maryland in 1822. She, her parents, and eight brothers and sisters were all enslaved individuals who lived on the eastern shore of Maryland and struggled daily to survive. In 1849, when Harriet was 23, she finally escaped to freedom in Philadelphia. From then on, she became an operator of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped others to escape enslavement. Over the next ten years, Harriet secretly returned to Maryland at least 13 times to lead her family and friends to safety and freedom.
Later, during the Civil War, she acted as a Union scout, spy, nurse and mentor to many important people. Afterwards, she moved to Auburn, NY and began to work with those in need of support, the elderly, the ill, and people with disabilities. Tubman then opened a nursing home for African Americans on her property. She also fought for women’s rights and the rights of others who had limited freedom. Harriet Tubman continued her work until her death in 1913 and is still celebrated for her many achievements and contributions as a human rights activist.
Along the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Bypass allows everyone to remember her efforts to make the world a better place.
Throughout this month, and every month, we want to recognize and learn about the culture and contributions of our Black and African American brothers and sisters. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me to share your thoughts and suggestions.
Mr. OhEithir
From Mrs. Reese and Mrs. Leatherman
Changes in the School Year:
The upcoming changes to a new hybrid schedule and changes in the educational environment raise many questions and concerns. In addition to sharing information directly with students in their classes, we have put together some tips for families who are sending children back to school for Hybrid Learning:
For Families: Going Back to School Hybrid Edition
Student Small Groups : As we move to Hybrid Learning, it is our goal to continue to meet with small groups. This week our groups will remain on their virtual schedule. We will resume our small group meetings in the new hybrid schedule with Mrs. Leatherman and Mrs. Reese. When we transition to the hybrid schedule, we will inform Students of our updated Small Groups Schedule in Schoology and in the Whittier Weekly News.
We are here to help during this transition Do not hesitate to contact us:
Mrs Leatherman 240-236-3135 Kirsten.Leatherman@fcps.org
Mrs Reese: 240-236-3170 Lisa.Reese@fcps.org,
We will continue to be available for students to contact us through Schoology Messenger. We will continue to work with them individually as needed and in groups.
Missed Previous Books of the Week? See below...
Whittier Elementary School - Believe, Achieve, Succeed
We will also communicate through our school website
Follow me on Twitter @fcpsOhEithir where I will communicate school news and happenings
Email: lorcan.oheithir@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whes/home
Location: 2400 Whittier Drive, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
Phone: (240) 236 3100
Twitter: @fcpsOhEithir