Thurmont Primary School News
September 2021
Principals' Message
Dear Families,
As we commemorate the anniversary of September 11th, I am reminded of the courage, hope and love that brought our country together on this day 20 years ago. It is these components of who we are and what we can offer one another that makes our world a better place. Leading with courage and love means we embrace kindness, empathy, acceptance and inclusion while simultaneously challenging anything that could diminish these ideals.
At TPS, we are committed to creating a school community where each child, and their family, is seen, heard, known and supported. We will continue to focus on making sure every child feels that they belong and learns ways they can help others feel this way too. During the week of September 20-24, TPS, along with all other CHS Feeder Schools, will participate in "Start With Hello Week" (see below for details).
Our focus on student wellness is some of the most important work we do each day. It is grounded in the policies and regulations which ensure we provide a safe, stable and nurturing environment. Our TEPS Family Handbook (click button below to access) outlines general FCPS information, health and safety, home and school communication, special services and school specific information.
As always, we are here to support your child and family. Please contact the school with any questions or needs.
Yours in education,
Michele Baisey
#BetterTogether
#CourageofaCougar
Habits of Work
Students have been spending time during the first weeks of school learning about the Habits of Work listed below.
- Learner Agency
- Self-Advocacy
- Perseverance
- Social Responsibility
There is a natural alignment to our ROAR Expectations where we focus on responsibility, ownership, academic engagement and respect.
Classroom teachers will share more information about the Habits of Work during Fall Conferences. Eventually, students will be using rubrics to self-assess their ability to demonstrate each work habit.
We are proud to support students in their academic, social-emotional and personal development!
SPARK Block
Keeping with our focus on making sure all students are seen, heard, known and supported, a variety of TPS staff will make this exciting learning time possible. Students may remain with their homeroom teacher or work in a group with another TPS staff member (other classroom teachers in their grade level, specialists, academic support staff, special educators, or school counselor).
SPARK groups will begin by the end of September. Your child's classroom teacher will provide additional information about their schedule and SPARK groups.
Start With Hello Week
Thurmont Primary School, in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise, a national, nonprofit organization led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School is taking part in Start With Hello Week during September 20th – 24th.
Start With Hello teaches students how to reach out to and include those who may be socially isolated as well as to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school or youth organization.
Start With Hello Week brings attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation
in our schools and communities and empowers young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school or youth organization.
Manipulate with Math
Although starting a new school year can be a fun, exciting time of year, sometimes learning new math concepts can be challenging. Research shows that consistent home support has a positive influence on academic achievement. We all want to support our students both at school and at home. FCPS has made friendly home resources available for each grade level to help families support their children in understanding and working through math concepts. Each math unit has an explanation of what your child is learning, what it looks like with models and strategies they are using in school, math vocabulary words and how you can help your child at home with both hands-on activities and some digital resources. The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to check out the links below!
FARM Benefits Applications
We appreciate all the families who have returned their FARM Benefits Application form. By turning in your form you can help to support our school in receiving funding for staffing/positions and/or materials and resources.
If you have not yet returned the form for your child please access the links below or call the school for assistance.
Lunch Monitors Needed
Please contact michele.baisey@fcps.org if you are interested.
PTA Support
- planning family fun events like donuts with grownups and the fall festival
- supporting school sponsored events like the book fair
- organizing spirit wear fundraisers
- providing funds to support literacy, mathematics, STEM and more
- offering staff reimbursement for classroom expenses
If you are interested in supporting TEPS with a role in the PTA please contact michele.baisey@fcps.org.
Important Dates
- Thursday, September 16th - School Closed
- Thursday, September 23rd - 2 Hour Early Dismissal at 1:10pm & Mid-Term (Interims Issued)
- Friday, September 24th - 3.5 Hour Early Dismissal at 11:40am
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