Thurmont Primary School News
Continuity of Learning - Volume 6
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Ernest Hemingway was quoted as saying "Courage is grace under pressure." In reflecting on our students, families and staff who are showing their "Courage of a Cougar" during this unprecedented time I can't help but think about the importance of grace. Having grace with ourselves and each other, despite the pressures associated with adapting to a new way of life and learning, truly does take courage. Thank you for your patience, perseverance and positivity as we continue to work together, striving to ensure every student experiences success during distance learning!
Yours in education,
Michele Baisey
#TogetherApart
Youth Art Display
Kellan Boyd, K student at TPS, is featured in the 1st Lady's Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display as part of the 2020 Children's Mental Health Matters Campaign. Kellan is one of 247 participants showcased from 35 schools/programs and 16 different countries. The artwork depicts what makes students feel happy, healthy and/or hopeful.
Facebook - Children's Mental Health Matters Artwork Display
Congratulations Kellan for showing your "Courage of a Cougar" and sharing your special talents across the state! You make us proud!
Free Outdoor Internet
FCPS is offering free outdoor internet access throughout the county. The Wi-Fi access is an extension of the network available to students within the school. Service is available to any student with their FCPS login credentials.
Feeder locations for access include:
- Catoctin High School
- Emmitsburg Elementary School
- Lewistown Elementary School
- Sabillasville Elementary School
Additional locations and information is included in the FCPS Outdoor Wifi Services Flyer.
Spring Picture Pickup
To pickup your pictures please...
- pull up along the curb at the front entrance of the building
- call the front office (240-236-2802)
- provide your child's name and the teacher's name
- wait for a staff member to deliver your pictures to the passenger side window of your car
May Reading Challenge
Thurmont Primary is raising the bar for reading with our use of Beanstack. Together, we are building readers, and we want our students to know how much reading they are doing each day! Your student’s job is simple: join the TPS Lerners Sports Reading Challenge, choose something of interest to read, or be read to each day, and keep track of those minutes in our new reading tracker tool: Beanstack.
Three Steps to Participate:
Step 1: Sign in.
- Log into your child’s Clever dashboard* on our TPS media home page https://education.fcps.org/tps/mediacenter (the big blue C).
- Look for the Beanstack symbol. Click on that, and you will be signed in!
- Login: Birth year, first initial, lastname@my.fcps.org (ex. 12bsmith@my.fcps.org)
- Password: tps
- Join the TPS Lerner Sports Reading Challenge
Step 2. Log Student Reading.
- Select the ‘Log Reading’ button on the page and enter the total minutes spent reading, along with what was read (book, magazine, etc.)
Step 3. Earn Virtual Badges.
- As you log reading, you will earn virtual badges and special recognition at school.
There’s Also an App for That.
- To Download the Beanstack Tracker App, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for ‘Beanstack’. Using the app you may scan the books and time you read and more easily!
- Click ‘Get Started’ & Select the ‘Schools’ tab.
- Search for your school and select it.
- Sign in using student log in (above) OR student I.d. number (found on report card) Password: their birthdate (mmddyy)
TPS Sports Reading Challenge Flyer
Need assistance? Contact TPS Media Specialist Melissa Gaeta melissa.gaeta@fcps.org
Specials Spotlight
This week's Specials Spotlight features some of our awesome TPS cougars showing their brain, heart, and body power. Our young artists created "Colour Monsters" to express different emotions. In music, students use non-traditional instruments to play along with music videos. P.E. superstars enjoyed doing superhero workouts! Students in library voted in their favorite Black-Eyed Susan nominated books. Enjoy!
Video Messages for Students
What Do You Do With a Problem? (Dr. Baisey Read Aloud)
Morning Announcements - Week of May 11th
Please continue to watch for additional videos and updates to be shared over the coming weeks. If your child would like to send a message back you can email me at michele.baisey@fcps.org or share it with me on Twitter @MBaiseyFCPS.
Cougar Care Team
We are available to provide support, answer questions and touch base during the time school is closed. You are welcome to email with questions, concerns or needs. You are also welcome to call the school and a message can be relayed to the appropriate staff member. Specific staff available to assist are listed below.
- Classroom teachers - assistance with distance learning assignments
- Lisa McQuay - counseling and student/family assistance (lisa.mcquay@fcps.org)
- Jeannie Tippett - technology assistance (regina.tippett@fcps.org or 240-236-2810)
- Mimi Hill - school office assistance (marianne.hill@fcps.org)
- Michele Baisey - assistance with any student/family needs (michele.baisey@fcps.org)
Family Resources
During the school closure we want to be sure you are connected with resources which may support your child and family.
Counseling & Mental Health Resources
FCPS Student Services Recommended Resources
Coronavirus Resources & Social Stories
Contact Information
Email: michele.baisey@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/tps/
Location: 7989 Rocky Ridge Road, Thurmont, MD, USA
Phone: 240-236-2800
Twitter: @ThurmontPrimary