Thurmont Primary School News
December 2020, Volume 1
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Hopefully your family took time to rest, relax and recharge during the Thanksgiving Holiday. While our holiday traditions may look different this year, taking time to count our blessings allows us to remember all we have to be grateful for. We continue to be thankful for a community who learns, works and cares together!
We are just 13 days away from winter break. It's hard to believe that 2020 is coming to an end (and many of us may be rejoicing for a new year!). As we continue to maximize the time we have together in December, we encourage students to regularly attend their Google Meets and complete assignments in Schoology. Consistent participation in whole class lessons, small groups and individual conferences will continue to ensure your child is receiving the support s/he needs and making progress towards meeting enrolled grade level expectations.
On Friday, December 4th, a Find Out First message was shared regarding completing an Intent Form for Hybrid or Virtual Learning Models. Please see below for the information shared and link to complete the intent form. This critical information is necessary for our school to plan to meet your child's needs either virtually or in a hybrid learning format. We appreciate a response from all families by Friday, December 11th.
Yours in education,
Michele Baisey
#TogetherApart
#CourageofaCougar
Intent Form - Hybrid or Virtual Learning Option
As you know, on November 11, the Board of Education voted for FCPS to move from a virtual learning model to a hybrid learning model for students in grades PreK-12 at the start of the second semester on January 28, 2021. Any decision to change this timeline would be made by the Superintendent in collaboration with the local health department. Parents are able to choose for their child(ren) to participate in a full virtual model instead of hybrid.
As Dr. Alban shared in the December 2 Superintendent Newsletter, “Scheduling this model takes considerable time and planning, and we must start that process. One of the first steps is the completion of intent forms for families and staff.”
FCPS recognizes that your preference for virtual or hybrid instruction has been requested previously. However, we need to hear your current preference for your child’s instructional model for the second semester for planning purposes. We are providing additional pertinent information to assist you in making the instructional decision for your child. Please read the description of each learning model carefully prior to making a decision.
To access the intent form, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HybridOpenParentIntentDec20
We ask that you complete one form per child enrolled in FCPS.
The intent form closes on Friday, December 11, 2020.
Please note at the beginning of the intent form, you are asked to provide your child’s name, school, and grade. The information is important to adequately prepare for your child’s instruction.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting FCPS!
Candy Cane Lane
Families are invited to...
- dress up in cozy, comfy and spirited holiday wear
- drive-thru the school parking lot to see TPS staff spreading holiday cheer
- bring a canned food item to donate to the Thurmont Food Bank
We hope you will join us in the socially distanced holiday celebration!
A special thank you to the Catoctin Feeder school counselors, and our very own Mrs. McQuay, for organizing this event!
Federal Aid Impact Survey
Please complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey -
- The Federal Impact Aid Survey Form will be distributed to parents thru the PowerSchool online portal.
- On December 2, 2020, parents will receive an email from PowerSchool Registration
- Parents will be provided with a link to the survey and a snap code for each of their students.
- The survey will close on Friday, December 11, 2020.
Holiday Assistance
The following community agencies are available to support families with holiday assistance.
- Seton Center - Emmitsburg
- Salvation Army Angel Tree - Frederick
- Toys for Tots - Frederick
The Holiday Assistance Information flyer includes contact and application process information.
If you have any questions please contact Lisa McQuay, school counselor at 240-236-2860 or lisa.mcquay@fcps.org.
Important Dates
Friday, December 11th - 2 Hour Early Dismissal - Virtual Learning Schedule Ends at 1:10pm
Monday, December 21st - Candy Cane Lane at TPS from 5:00-6:00pm
Tuesday, December 22nd - Midterm - Interims Issued
Thursday, December 24th through Friday, January 1st - Schools Closed for Winter Break - No Virtual Learning
Monday, January 4th - Schools Reopen for Virtual Learning
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