MPS Newsletter
Vol. 2 Newsletter 9- January 15, 2021
Happy New Year!
Dear MPS families-
Happy new year! I hope that each of you was able to enjoy some time over the holidays to relax and recharge. As we move into 2021, uncertainty still remains for many things. We are continuing to plan for a hybrid opening so we will be ready!
We are currently scheduled to welcome students back into the building beginning Tuesday February 16th. Please note that Wednesday February 3rd and Wednesday February 10th will be asynchronous days (no live instruction) for students, to allow staff to prepare for the return of in person students. We will continue instruction in our current virtual schedule and teacher placements. When FCPS transitions to the hybrid model, we will move to the hybrid schedule with students assigned to a hybrid or virtual cohort based on the intention forms previously completed. If a class change is needed, it will occur at that time.
Hybrid Learning - Students will be assigned to either an A cohort (Monday and Tuesday) or a B cohort (Thursday and Friday). Each cohort will attend school two days a week for in-person instruction and three days virtual. All students will receive an average of 3.5 hours of “synchronous” instruction or time with the teacher each day. Independent work will also be assigned.
When hybrid begins, students will enter the building beginning at 8:30 am and instruction will begin promptly at 9:00am (hybrid and virtual students). Hybrid students will begin dismissal at 2:00pm (please note this earlier dismissal time). Virtual students may continue with their teacher during this time.
All Virtual Learning - Students will participate in a virtual learning schedule which includes an average of 3.5 hours of “synchronous” instruction or time with the teacher each day. Independent work will also be assigned.
Face Coverings- Students are required to wear face coverings while on the school bus and in the school building. This includes when moving within a school building (e.g., hallways, common spaces, and office areas) and when entering and exiting the building at all times. Students are authorized to use their own approved face coverings. FCPS will also provide face coverings if students do not want to bring their own. FCPS Face Covering Expectation
We will work hard to minimize changes for students teachers; however, as we move into a new learning model, some teacher changes will occur.
Additional information will be coming regarding entering the school building for arrival, dismissal procedures, lunch and recess guidelines, updated specials schedules (art, music, PE, and media) and updated grade level instructional schedules. We will be hosting several google meet sessions to answer questions and review the updated schedules. Stay tuned for specific dates and times.
We always love to see your pictures of our students learning. You can share them on Twitter and tag @PrincipalMPS and include the hashtag #knightpride.
Fondly,
Sandy Fox
Principal
Important Dates
January 18th- Schools and offices closed- MLK Jr. Holiday
January 25th - 29th- Library book exchange week
January 26th- End of term 2
January 27th- Teacher work day- No school for students
February 3rd- Asynchronous work day for students- subject to change
February 5th- Second grade materials pick up (12:00-1:30)
February 10th- Asynchronous word day for students- subject to change
February 16th- 1st day of hybrid schedule- subject to change
Staffing update
Yearbook update
Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge
During the month of January, MPS will participate in Beanstack’s Fourth Annual Winter Reading Challenge, “Books Like Us.” Ten winning schools will receive prizes that include book collections or virtual author visits. We won last year, so let’s keep it going! Help us log as many minutes as possible. Download the app to your phone and start reading with your child! Here's how!
Happy reading, MPS!
Artsonia
This year MPS will continue to partner with Artsonia to create a secure online art gallery and portfolio for our student’s artwork here at MPS. The portfolio of your child’s artwork can follow them from kindergarten through grade 12! Artsonia also allows parents, grandparents and family to view artwork online and offers opportunities to purchase items featuring your child’s artwork! December 15th is the order by date for holiday gifts!!
This year we will likely hold a virtual art show in the spring. Any art work uploaded for your child can be included in our virtual art show. Therefore, we are asking in addition to schoology, please upload any artwork your child would like to have included in our virtual art show this spring!
Access links for your child’s account are located in their SCHOOLOGY art class
The access code for our school is: BZDN- MYMX
There is a folder containing directions and a link to their artsonia account
Please upload any artwork through the student account in schoology not the parent account
All uploaded artwork is reviewed before being published by the teacher
If you are new to artsonia, you will need to enter your email address to create a parent account. If you have participated in the past, you do not need to sign up again!
Feel free to email sarah.lucas@fcps.org with any questions you may have.
Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs. Lucas and Mr. Hench
MPS Art Educators
PTA Virtual Dance Party
Middletown Primary School
Email: sandra.fox@fcps.org
Website: www.fcps.org
Location: 403 Franklin Street, Middletown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-566-0200
Twitter: @PrincipalMPS