On Monday, August 31, 2020, Frederick County Public Schools began the school year in a completely virtual format—something that had never been done before

Today’s guest blogger Tom Mitchell shares his thoughts about Touching the Heart of Every Student. FCPS Teacher of the Year Finalist, Mr. Mitchell teaches music at Urbana Middle School.

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.