Guest blogger: Ashley Lillard, Thurmont Primary Teacher and FCPS Teacher of the Year Finalist: Computer Science in the Primary Grades? No way? Yes way!

In a time of fear and uncertainty, we all need a place to find solace. And frequently, it is the simple things that bring solace to us…like a smile.

Guest blog by Phil Arnold, Career and Technology Center

Guest blogger Rachel Eversole is the FCPS coordinator of Behavioral Interventions and Supports in the Student Services Department. Find out why she endorses the Superintendent’s Summer Book Club selection, Eyes Are Never Quiet: Listening Beneath the Behaviors of Our Most Troubled Students, by Lori Desautels and Michael McKnight.

I remember the excitement of those first days of summer vacation when I was a teacher and my children were young. The time before us seemed endless, just like the possibilities!

After 14 weeks of closed school buildings and navigating the “unknown,” FCPS is preparing plans for the 20-21 school year, and the only thing we know for sure is there is still uncertainty. This will be the final blog in the series, “Dealing with the Pandemic.”

As Maryland moves into Stage 2 of re-opening and the sun shines brightly on warm spring days, I almost have to remind myself we are still dealing with a pandemic crisis. These months have felt like a roller coaster ride.

I weep for our country as social injustice continues to tear us apart, yet our staff and students give me hope.

This week’s Off the Cuff features a guest blogger whose son attends Tuscarora High School. See her message about a special project THS undertook to encourage students to wear masks for community safety.

As we all struggle with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, I have been encouraged by the ways our staff and students have risen above the challenge and found a positive outlook about this experience.