Thurmont Primary School News
November 2020, Volume 2
Principal's Message
Dear Families,
As we enter American Education Week, and are nearing Thanksgiving, it's a perfect time to consider all we are grateful for and have to to celebrate. During an unprecedented time, we have been blessed with the opportunity for teachers and parents to partner more so than a typical year might allow. We are thankful for the at home support from parents, caregivers and neighbors who are making virtual learning possible.
Our students are experiencing success because of our combined efforts and continued dedication. To continue the positive patterns which are supporting students, we invite you to view the video linked below. It offers insights into mind brain education strategies specific to virtual learning which may assist in creating an environment for at home learning where your child can continue to thrive.
FCPS Virtual Classroom Norms Video
As always, please reach out to your child's teacher, the front office or me with any questions or needs. We are here to support you and your child!
Yours in education,
Michele Baisey
#TogetherApart
#CourageofaCougar
FCPS Hybrid Learning Model Begins January 28, 2021
The Board of Education (BOE) met last week and voted for FCPS to implement the hybrid learning model for students in grades PK-12 beginning on Thursday, January 28, 2021. All teachers and instructional staff will report back to work in school buildings on Wednesday, January 13th to facilitate the transition to the hybrid model.
Parents will continue to have the option to keep their children enrolled in the virtual learning model. FCPS will send communications to determine parents' choices. We are also reviewing survey results from the fall and making phone calls to those families who didn't respond. We are in the early planning stages now!
Please note: Decisions to modify implementation of the hybrid model or small group instruction will be determined by the Superintendent in collaboration with the FC Health Department, based on a review of the metrics provided by the MD Department of Health.
Be sure to stay tuned to www.fcps.org and your TPS FOF for updates!
American Education Week
At TPS, we work, learn and care together so we can grow in our brain, heart and body power. To celebrate American Education Week we will show our school spirit by honoring different aspects of growing our brain, heart and body power every day.
Monday, November 16th - Mathematicians grow their brain power to become better problem solvers. Wear CLOTHING WITH NUMBERS to show how you are growing your math brain power.
Tuesday, November 17th - Growing our brain power helps us become better readers and writers. Wear CLOTHING WITH WORDS to show you are learning about letters, sounds and words.
Wednesday, November 18th - Growing our body power is no sweat! Wear a SWEATSHIRT or SWEATPANTS to show how you work hard to grow your body power.
Thursday, November 19th - Growing our brain, heart and body power means taking chances, believing in ourselves and trying our best each and every day. Wear BLUE (our school color) to show your “Courage of a Cougar” and celebrate “Thurmont Thursday!”
Friday, November 20th - In PATHS, we have learned about treating others with kindness and respect. Wear RED to show how you are growing your heart power and caring for one another.
Report Cards
As a reminder, you can check your child's grades in Schoology at any time. Visit the FCPS Schoology Homepage for helpful videos on how to review grades and other features of the learning management system.
Please allow time for report cards to be delivered to your home and contact your child's teacher with any questions.
Quarter 1 Virtual Awards
Our TPS staff have observed students growing their brain, heart and body power every day throughout Quarter 1. We are proud of each and every student who is trying their best, believing in themselves and working hard in virtual learning, something none of us have had to do before!
Just as we would in person, we want to take time to celebrate students in each homeroom and all specials class who are being recognized with an award.
- PK Quarter 1 Virtual Awards
- K Quarter 1 Virtual Awards
- 1st Grade Quarter 1 Virtual Awards
- 2nd Grade Quarter 1 Virtual Awards
A special thank you to all of our staff who created video clips and Mrs. Yoder for putting them together to make these virtual celebrations possible!
TPS MLK Jr Award Recipient
We are proud to announce 2nd grader Hannah Lawrence as our TPS MLK Jr Award Recipient! Hannah recently stopped by school to receive her award and medal. She will be recognized alongside nominees from all other schools in a special virtual celebration.
Hannah, we are proud of all the ways you show your "Courage of a Cougar" to make our school a better place where we can work, learn and care together!
Below is the nomination from Hannah's teachers:
Second grader Hannah Lawrence exemplifies the pillars of character. She leads by example and consistently demonstrates caring, fairness and responsibility. Hannah’s work ethic shows her desire to always be improving and her positive attitude inspires others to do their best, regardless of the environment. In the classroom, she generously shares materials and is mindful when things are not equitable. In virtual learning, she continues to contribute to a welcoming climate, taking time to make encouraging comments on other students’ work and offering a kind word or thumbs up during Google Meets. Hannah truly embodies the positive qualities of a leader.
MLK Jr Artwork Contest Winner
Thank you Ava for reminding us to shine bright for all the world to see!
A special thanks to Mrs. Riggs for inspiring our young artists and overseeing the TPS MLK Jr Artwork Contest process!
Online Scholastic Book Fair
Check out the Book Fair Flyer for more information and browse available titles in the Fall Online Book Catalog.
Visit the TES/TPS Book Fair Homepage to start shopping!
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.
Free Flu Shots
The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) encourages all Frederick County residents to get a flu vaccination this season.
The Maryland Department of Health provides FREE flu vaccinations for children 6 months to 18 years of age who do not have health insurance, have health insurance that does not cover the cost of immunizations, or who are unable to get vaccinated by their healthcare provider. Only the injectable (the shot) is available.
Appointments are required and available on Wednesdays from 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. To schedule an appointment, call 301-600-3342 and ask to speak with an immunization nurse or visit https://www.marylandvax.org to sign up for an appointment.
Important Dates
Monday, November 9th through Sunday, November 22nd - Online Book Fair
Monday, November 16th through Friday, November 20th - American Education Week
Wednesday, November 25th through Friday, November 27th - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Break - No 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