Thoreau Matters - April 13th Issue

Message from Dr. Cipperly

Monday, April 13, 2020

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Welcome to our first week of Distance Learning! Teachers have prepared lessons and are excited to begin. In order to facilitate understanding of Distance Learning, the Thoreau administration has created a PowerPoint for students and parents. In it there will be a review of Distance Learning, student expectations, student schedules, office hours and other concepts. The PowerPoint is located here and on the Thoreau website.

I hope all continue to be well, and that this will be a successful week in Distance Learning for both teachers and students.

Sincerely,

Catherine M. Cipperly, Ed.D.

Interim Principal

Thoreau Middle School 


A Message from Thoreau Student Services

Dear Thoreau Students, Families and Friends-

We know that during this time our overall sense of wellness, which is in part fueled by our connections with one another, will be challenged as we navigate a whole new environment and sense of what is “normal.”  Just as your teachers will be sharing assignments and activities with you, the Thoreau Student Services Team will be sharing activities, tips, and ideas that we hope you will incorporate into your weekly routines.  We have created our own Blackboard site that all students have access to where we will post activities ranging from career exploration to wellness and stress management.  In addition, we hope you will follow us on Instagram (thoreaums_student_services) where we will also share inspirational ideas for our school community.

Please remember that although the platform looks different, our counselors and clinical team continue to be here to support you and your family.  Please feel free to reach out to your counselor with questions or concerns as we will continue to work alongside our teachers for the remainder of the school year. If you are uncertain of who your child’s counselor is please feel free to email Thoreau’s Director of Student Services, Rebecca Aguilar, at rjaguilar1@fcps.edu for that information.

Finally, we also want you to be reminded of the local and national mental health supports available to you as well as more general wellness tips and strategies for students that you might find especially helpful during this time.

Student Wellness: Tips and Strategies

Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information

Sincerely,

Rebecca Aguilar, Director of Student Services

Eric Fishman, School Counselor for the Wombats and Falcons Teams

Kerrie Turner, School Counselor for the Ravens and Turtles Teams

Scott Aldridge, School Counselor for the Goats and Penguins Teams

Jill Gallagher, School Counselor for the Wolfpack and Hawks Teams

Kate White, School Counselor for the Wolfpack and Hawks Teams (Level IV AAP Students)

Joy Granados, School Social Worker

Laura Hall, School Psychologist


Thoreau Yearbook News

After the reopening of Thoreau's school building and administrative offices, a date will be announced for the distribution of the 2019-2020 yearbook.  Stay tuned for updates.


Parent Issues with Blackboard

Parent/Guardians will find a parent support page on the FCPS website.  This link will walk parents/guardians through the process if this is the first time logging on to log on to Blackboard.  This site also contains information about how to request technical assistance, if needed.  


How to Stay In-Touch:

Please stay in touch with us throughout the remainder of the year by:

  • Email teachers through their FCPS Outlook email address (@fcps.edu). Teachers will answer within 48 hours.
  • Keep your contact information (home address and email address) up to date throughout the remainder of the year
  • Visit the Thoreau website  
  • Join the Thoreau PTA

PTA's Virtual Spirit Week

The Thoreau PTA has organized a Virtual Spirit Week to energize students, staff and families with the start of distance learning.

  • Tuesday, April 14th:  Think Spring! - Decorate your house windows with images of spring (think flowers,umbrellas, rainbows, baseballs, eggs) for people to see when they walk the neighborhood.
  • Wednesday, April 15th:  Thoreau Spirit Wear - Wear your favorite Thoreau gear or any blue and gold items.
  • Thursday, April 16th:  Chalk the Walk - Write inspirational messages and draw fun images on the sidewalk, driveway, or parking lot in front of your home for neighbors to notice.
  • Friday, April 17th:  Sports Jersey Day - Show your love for the sports team of your choice with a team jersey or t-shirt.