The TIGER Times
Together We Will Learn, Excel, and Succeed
Lewistown Elementary School
A Special Message Regarding the 2020- 2021 School Year
July 30th Edition
I hope that you and your loved ones are in good health and finding some time to enjoy the summer. I wanted to provide another brief update as it relates to the 2020-2021 school year. I know that this is a difficult time for parents and the usual “back to school” routines have been disrupted for us all.
On Wednesday, July 29th, the Board of Education voted to begin the 2020-2021 school year in a full virtual model. While we all yearn to enter the building as we once did, we are excited for the opportunity to start a new school year! There have been many unknowns placed in our path as we strive to find balance in our approach to meeting the needs of our students academically and emotionally, while protecting everyone's safety. I want you to know that at LES our commitment to health, safety, wellness and academic achievement drives everything that we do.
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.
Lewistown Elementary School will be ready to support your family as we navigate through this school year. During virtual learning, you can expect daily student and teacher schedules to help provide structure and support expectations. We will be ready with support and training for parents as you work with your children at home. Increased electronic device deployment will be communicated as the beginning of the year approaches. If you have multiple children in your home who need access to a device, we will be ready to support your needs.
Regardless of whether our students are physically present in classrooms, relationships with their teachers will shape their learning environments and their social, emotional, and academic growth.These are challenging times, but we have each other. We live and follow our mission to Learn, Excel and Succeed in everything we do at Lewistown. I know that the obstacles faced for some families are greater than others. Our LES staff is committed to providing challenging, supporting and optimal learning environments for our students. We love what we do, and are ready to meet any challenge with a successful mindset!
It is an honor to be the Principal of Lewistown Elementary School and we will do whatever it takes to ensure our student’s health and safety during this upcoming school year. You are not alone, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or if you are in need. Our office remains open weekly Monday- Thursday throughout the summer. As we move closer to the start of school, I will continue to provide any updates that are relevant for our families and communities.
Together in heart and mind,
Mrs. Belinda Fockler, principal
#TeamLES
LES VISION STATEMENT
Lewistown Elementary School
Ms. Meghan MacKay- Special Education Coordinator
Mrs. Kimberly Little- Secretary
Mrs. Stacy Bokinsky- School Counselor
Email: belinda.fockler@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/les/home
Location: 11119 Hessong Bridge Road Thurmont, MD 21788
Phone: 240-236-3750
Twitter: @TeamLES