 Dear Families,
Over break, we were all elated to bid farewell to 2020 and embrace the promise of the new year. And I am confident that 2021 will fulfill its promises for happier and healthier times ahead…eventually. However, one word has been swirling around in my mind that I think best captures the emotions of this week: “turbulence.” I haven’t been on an airplane since February 2020, but it's definitely one thing I don’t miss about flying.
Turbulence shakes us into awareness that we have been--and continue to be--(literally) up in the air. Turbulence is not easily ignored. Like an airplane traveling through stormy skies, we all may be feeling unsteady and unstable these days. We are in a turbulent transition as a nation, starkly demonstrated by the events at the Capitol Wednesday. Our transition to in-person instruction was shaken up again this week as we hit pause on our plans, given the high levels of COVID transmission in our area.
What do we do when there is turbulence? Perhaps the seatback in front of us can provide some wisdom for navigating these precarious times.
First, we fasten our seatbelts. Perhaps we had hopes of walking about the cabin. We need to remain squarely in our seats for the time being, realizing physical safety is undoubtedly, insistently, the number one priority for all of us.
Then, we secure our belongings. We have to identify loose items around us that can get in the way, becoming hazards to us. This might be a good time to refocus our time and attention on things that matter most to us. Perhaps there are ways to “declutter” our days or our thoughts and embrace simplicity. Identify stressors you have the power to change. Removing my cell phone and a stack of books I “should” be reading from my nightstand was a small way to improve my sleep.
Next, we review emergency procedures, so we are prepared to take care of ourselves and others in case of danger. That includes putting on our own oxygen mask before tending to the needs of our children. What is your oxygen mask? This January, I have resolved to do more things that bring me joy: listening to records, dancing spontaneously, and taking the time to prepare home-cooked meals. What helps you return to yourself? What helps you regain your balance?
If you bought a seat in an exit row, now is the time to reevaluate that decision. It is important to remember that we aren’t required to remain seated there—this may not be the time to hold onto responsibilities beyond safeguarding our family’s well-being. Perhaps you have taken on something that no longer feels sustainable now that the turbulence has intensified. Give yourself the grace to reassess your former commitments.
Finally, we press the call button if we need help. Our mental health team stands ready with resources to support you and your child:
Never hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers or administrators as well. We feel the turbulence less when we are helping you, even if it is simply to provide a small gesture of comfort. After all, we are up in the air along with you.
I know that this turbulent time is unsettling and difficult for our staff, students and families, and my heart goes out to you. We must travel in faith that blue skies are ahead, and do our best to spot the bits of sunshine between the clouds. I look forward to the day we can gratefully rejoice together, with solid ground beneath our feet. I sincerely wish you and your families a Happy New Year.
Warm regards,
Diane Henry Leipzig, Dr. L
At this week’s School Board work session, Dr. Brabrand presented a Return to School update (VIDEO / PRESENTATION) and heard concerns from board members, principals, and teachers about the December plan to bring students and staff back into school buildings as alarming public health indicators persist.
Some key decisions were made:
- The timeline for returning to in-person instruction is paused,
- Schools will continue to follow CURRENT bell schedules, and
- FCPS leadership team will provide a revised Return to School plan at the School Board’s February 2 work session – or sooner if circumstances allow.
For CWES, that means:
- NO STUDENTS WILL ATTEND IN PERSON THIS MONTH
- We will maintain our current schedule of 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We will continue to hold Morning Meetings on Mondays (unless it is a student holiday)
Whenever in-person instruction begins, we anticipate the following changes:
- Our bell schedule will change schoolwide when the first group begins in-person instruction
- The revised bell schedule will be 9:45 AM - 4:15 PM
- All students at a grade level (virtual and in-person) will have the same daily schedule
- Lunch and recess blocks will have to be staggered to allow for social distancing for in-person students
- Draft K-2 lunch/movement break, 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM
- Draft 3-6 lunch/movement break, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
To aid in schoolwide functioning, the SCHEDULE CHANGE will be in effect whenever the FIRST group of in-person students return. However, NO TEACHER CHANGES will be made until the WEEK a particular grade level is set to return.
If your child will be attending in person when the time comes, please see these important links below:
 Picture Day is coming soon! We have chosen Lifetouch this year to handle both our school pictures and our yearbook. As the 2020-2021 school year is a year of flexibility, we have opted for just one picture opportunity, spread out over 3 days. These photographs will also serve as the official yearbook pictures, so please make every effort to bring your child in for an appointment. We will use all health and safety precautions to reduce the risk of COVID transmission. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, along with a Sign-up genius for appointment times, but mark these dates on your calendars:
Monday, February 1: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, February 3: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday, February 4: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Contact Cheryl Trimbach at ctrimbach@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
 Open to all, not just PTA members
Let's connect virtually and kickoff 2021 together and get the support you need to have a healthy New Year. Hear updates from Dr. L.
Seeking Members for Nominating Committee At our PTA meeting we will be taking nominations from the floor for anyone interested in serving on the Nominating Committee. In order to continue to operate as a PTA it is critical that we conduct succession planning for 2021-22 school year to find our board leadership (President, VP of Fundraising, Secretary, and Treasurer). All of these roles will be vacant next year. Featured Topic: Simple Changes for a Healthier Life
Certified Health Coach and Special Ed Teacher Hallie Steinberg will discuss ways to make simple, sustainable health changes for the entire family. Focusing on the Four Pillars of Health, Hallie will share lifestyle and nutrition tips as well as answer health and wellness questions.
Hallie Steinberg, a Certified Health Coach with Hallie's Healthy Living, inspires healthy living through simple changes. She provides individual and group sessions, Wellness Workshops and Health Presentations focusing on the four pillars of health: Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition. She is specialized to work with Parents and Children, Pregnant/Nursing Mothers and Prime Timers (adults preparing, entering or enjoying their mature years).
Hallie has a degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters in Education at NYU and a Masters in Special Education at Hunter University. She taught for eight years in various fields of Special Education, predominantly with Elementary students with language-based Learning Disabilities. As a Health Coach, she has participated in International Health Summits, Podcasts, Health Panels and Wellness Workshops to inspire healthy living. Hallie provides education and coaching in a fun and interactive way, focusing on the unique health journey and experiences of each person.
BLACKBOARD MEETING LINK
We look forward to connecting with you.
Frost Middle School’s Rising 7th Grade Parent and Student Orientation is January 14.
The main program will take place from 6:30 – 7:15 PM and will include an introduction to Frost Middle School and the course registration process. From 7:15-7:45 PM, Frost elective teachers will be available for families with specific questions regarding these classes. This program will be recorded for those unable to join us at this time.
Please view the Frost website for additional course selection information including the course catalog and elective videos. https://frostms.fcps.edu/index.php/student-services/course-selection/rising-7th-grade-course-selection.
Please use this link to access the orientation program: https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/eaceeb3c7f97489ca41a08769a6a8a38.
Here is a refresher on the class types we will use when we make the in-person transition:
Hybrid/Concurrent Classrooms
Some of our grade levels will have fully hybrid/concurrent classrooms. Half of the students in the class will attend in person on Tuesday/Wednesday, half will attend in person on Thursday/Friday, and on their other days, students will have concurrent access to classroom instruction. ALL VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION IS NOT AVAILABLE WITH THIS MODEL.
Virtual or Virtual/Concurrent Classrooms
Some of our grade levels will have fully virtual classrooms. All students enrolled will attend school virtually four days a week. At certain grade levels, we will offer in-person supervision with concurrent access to this virtual instruction two days a week. IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION IS NOT AVAILABLE WITH THIS MODEL. HOWEVER, STUDENTS CAN ACCESS VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION FROM THE BUILDING.
Combination Classrooms
Some of our grade levels will have combination classrooms. Half of the students will attend in person two days a week while the other half of the class, their virtual classmates, will have concurrent access to this instruction. The other two days a week, all students in the class will participate in virtual instruction together. BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION ARE AVAILABLE WITH THIS MODEL.
Below is information about the classroom teacher assignments that will be in effect the week a grade level is set to return. K-2 is a review; 3-6 is information that has not been previously shared. These assignments are based upon October elections and are TENTATIVE because your elections may change. Teacher names are listed alphabetically.
Kindergarten
- Mr. Bristol: hybrid/concurrent
- Mrs. Callahan: virtual/concurrent with option for in-person supervision
- Mrs. Germano: combination
First Grade
- Mrs. Carroll: combination
- Mrs. Mays: hybrid/concurrent
- Mrs. Tredinnick: virtual
Second Grade
- Mrs. Crump: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
- Ms. Pisera: hybrid/concurrent
- Mrs. Stephens: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
Third Grade
- Ms. Desposito: combination
- Ms. Ferguson: hybrid/concurrent
- Ms. Haas: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
- Mrs. Helmer: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
- Mrs. Quadri: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
- Ms. Simmons: hybrid/concurrent
Fourth Grade
- Mrs. Adams: combination
- Ms. Gartin: combination
- Mrs. Leiter: combination
- Mr. Svercl: combination
- Ms. Vance: combination
Fifth Grade
- Ms. Cappetta: hybrid/concurrent
- Ms. Freeman: combination
- Ms. Mouneimne: combination
- Ms. Nelson: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
- Mrs. Shaw: virtual/concurrent, with option for in-person supervision
- Ms. Wheeler: combination
Sixth Grade
Because sixth grade departmentalizes, your child will still have all the same teachers for the same subjects being taught currently. However, students will be moved if needed into homerooms that align with their instructional model. Virtual students will be taught in virtual blocks. Hybrid students will have Block 1 with their hybrid homeroom teacher and access Block 2 (and 3, if applicable) virtually from the school building.
- Dellavedova: virtual homeroom
- Lewis: hybrid homeroom
- Miller: virtual homeroom
- Randolph: hybrid homeroom
- Stafford-Nielson: virtual homeroom
Over the next few weeks, I will be reaching out to parents of third-sixth graders if your election would indicate a teacher change to confirm your preference.
Preference Changes
On October preference forms, many of you indicated a wish to remain with your child's current teacher, while others of you communicated your desire to move if needed to a classroom offering your preferred instructional model. Some of you may be feeling differently now about the preferences you expressed in October.
Please remember that students will remain with their current teacher until the in-person transition for their grade level occurs. NO CLASS CHANGES will be made until the in-person transition for that grade level is made.
If you wish to CHANGE your October election or you do not recall what you elected, please contact Cheryl Trimbach at ctrimbach@fcps.edu.
Do not hesitate to contact me with additional questions or concerns at deleipzig@fcps.edu.
CWES is hiring hourly in-person classroom monitors to provide supervision and classroom assistance for students when their classroom teachers are working virtually. If you would like more information about the position, review the job description online and apply.
CWES is also hiring full-time instructional assistants for the remainder of the year who will be instrumental in supporting general and special education in-person instruction.
Please share information about these employment opportunities with anyone you think may be interested. Email resumes to Scott Reeder at WSReeder1@fcps.edu, with “IA” or “Monitor” in the subject line.
Are you or is somebody you know interested in substitute teaching with FCPS? We will have substitute opportunities at CWES for both in-person and virtual teaching in the days ahead. Apply online or attend one of our Friday information sessions to learn more. To sign up for a session, visit the FCPS substitute teacher information page.
January 11: Asynchronous Monday(Morning Meeting at 9:00)
January 12: CWES PTA Meeting, 6:30-7:30 LINK TO JOIN
January 14: Frost Transition Night, 6:30 LINK TO JOIN
January 18: Student Holiday, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
January 20: Student Holiday, Inauguration Day
January 22: Third Grade Egypt Day (please drop off empty paper rolls); SCA Hat Day; Early Release; End Q2
January 25: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday; No morning meeting)
February 1, 3, 4: School Picture Days
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