Roaring Cougars Updates
April 8, 2020
Week One of Distance Learning A Success!
School Spirit
Mon. 4/6 Wear spirit wear! Go Cougars!
Tues. 4/7 Super Hero Day - wear capes, masks, super hero shirts in recognition of those who are working so hard to keep us safe.
Wed. 4/8 Hat day - hats off to our students and staff for surviving week one of DL!
Even though there is no school tomorrow or Friday, we can still celebrate our community…
Thurs. 4/9 Wear your favorite sports jersey to support your team while they wait to return to their "game"!
Fri. 4/10 Hang out with your family in your PJs, a perk of Virtual Learning!
Distance Learning Through Technology
Most of our students are now connected to Technology with a device or Wi-Fi "hot spot". Getting people connected was last week's hurdle! We are encouraging students to use technology, where they will be able to access all sites available to them. Our Specials teachers (Mrs. Dutrow, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Zumbrun) are providing activities, as well as our School Counselor, Mrs. Brotman. These are great resources to enrich and extend your child's learning. I am also posting daily morning messages for students and a weekly folder with read alouds, including those picture books nominated for our state "Black Eyed Susan" award . By accessing technology, students will feel more connected to learning.
We apologize for any "hiccups" along the way. This has been a steep learning curve for many of us, so we appreciate your patience. For instance, I have found out how to fix "broken links"; how to share links with every Schoology Classroom (the RIGHT way!); and how to get help when needed. I recognize that there have been many technology challenges, as I'm learning right beside you. So once again, we thank you for your grace during this time.
PAPER PACKETS
Paper packets will continue to be distributed to those students needing them, but nothing is to be returned at this point. We hope to provide alternative ways to share your child's completed packet. In the meantime, make sure your child is working on each weekly packet.Look for further directions regarding protocol for returning.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we work to provide safety and wellness for all.
Students with Special Needs
During this Time of Social Distancing...
- Pay close attention to your own feelings of stress or anxiety. Practice continued self-care strategies, including eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and taking breaks.
- Acknowledge and support your child(ren) in processing their full range of emotions and concerns, while offering calm and reassurance. Find ways for children to express their feelings through conversation, music, art, dance, and writing.
- Provide age-appropriate information and accurate answers about the news while limiting excessive television or social media.
- Share with your child(ren) what you’re doing to keep them safe by being proactive through frequent handwashing, maintaining daily routines, and setting clear boundaries. Consider creating a family "coping kit" including favorite songs, food and games.
- Help children and adolescents think of creative ways to maintain their friendships and social connections such as writing emails or letters to friends, scheduling "phone time" or age-appropriate technology time to communicate with peers. Reach out virtually to loved ones, friends and family to stay connected!
- Come up with fun alternatives to show signs of affection while minimizing the spread of germs. For example, elbow bumps or footshakes.
- Reach out to Mrs. Brotman, School Counselor, your child's teacher, or a community organization if you need additional support. Call the office and we can connect you!
~ Adapted rom https://casel.org/covid-resources/
End of Quarter 3
ESSA Assessment Requirements Waived
The United States Department of Education has determined that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland will NOT need to administer statewide assessments for the 2019-2020 school year to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). FCPS will NOT administer the previously scheduled state assessments for math, language arts, science, social studies, alternative assessments or the climate survey.
Spring Break!
FCPS Provides EXTRA MEALS Before Break!
Make sure to access extra meals tomorrow, Thursday, April 9th, to help you through the long weekend while we are off, Friday and Monday. FCPS recommends following social distance and mask guidelines. Be sure to handle all materials with care, including washing food containers and bags with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.
FCPS TOGETHER!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daLP0kS4LBc&feature=youtu.be
Thurmont Elementary School
Email: debra.odonnell@fcps.org
Website: education.fcps.org/tes/
Location: 805 E. Main Street Thurmont, MD
Phone: 240-236-0900
Twitter: @TESCougars1