(6/1) The Catoctin Class of 2021 will celebrate their big day on Thursday, June 3 at 10 am in an outdoor graduation ceremony at the home stadium at the high school. Many months of planning and consultation with the Frederick County Health Department has gone into the graduation ceremonies this year and recent developments have resulted in some significant late changes as well.
A few weeks ago, as a direct result of changes to COVID-19 restrictions at both the county and state level, Frederick County Public Schools announced an increase in attendance at graduation ceremonies, allowing each graduate four guests instead of the previously planned two. The graduation ceremony will still be livestreamed on both Catoctin’s and FCPS’s YouTube channels.
The ceremony is specifically planned for 10 am to try to avoid high afternoon temperatures and possible inclement weather. However, the current plan is to hold graduation ceremonies rain or shine with plans to delay the ceremonies only in the case of severe inclement weather. In this event, ideally the ceremony will be able to be rescheduled for later the same day in the afternoon. Otherwise, it will be delayed until the following day. In preparation for the ceremony, the Catoctin stadium will be closed for public and community use from May 27 to June 5.
Frederick County Public Schools did not announce specific guidance related to masks at graduation ceremonies, but did officially update guidance on masks for students, staff, and visitors at county schools. The official guidance still calls for and requires all individuals to wear masks while inside of school buildings. However, the change comes with regard to guidance for individuals when outside of the building.
Masks can now be removed when outside the school building during recess and other outdoor events as long as proper social distancing can be maintained. Otherwise, masks are still required, even outdoors, if proper social distancing cannot be maintained. For outdoor sporting events, masks are "recommended" for all spectators when social distancing cannot be maintained.
In terms of policy, the major news of the month was the passage of Policy 516, which concerns the teaching of controversial issues in the classroom. The policy stemmed from an incident last year when a Nazi flag was visible from a classroom window in the county. In part, the policy dictates that historical artifacts are allowed to be used in educational objectives and recognizes the importance of artifacts in education objectives.
Per the policy, a controversial issue is defined as "a point or matter about which there exist significant opposing viewpoints and/or multiple perspectives". When a controversial issue is to be taught, teachers are responsible for presenting information of all viewpoints from a factual view. Teachers are permitted to express their own view on the issue, but must clarify that the view is an opinion only, not a fact. The complete policy document can be found on fcps.org under the "Policies and Regulations" section.
Karen Yoho
Frederick County School Board
According to the Maryland State Education Association, The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was enacted on March 11. The total allocation for Maryland schools is $1.9 billion. At least 20% of these funds must be used to address pandemic-associated learning gaps through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive after school programs or extended school year programs. These interventions must address students' academic, social, and emotional needs and the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on the communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
So, what does Frederick County Public Schools have planned for our students? Plenty. Here is a list of all the programs that will be offered by FCPS this summer:
Elevate Academy - this is a 20-day summer program that is designed to support the unfinished learning of students throughout FCPS due to the pandemic. Identified student in grades PreK-12 will engage in a robust and energizing program where they will experience enrichment and academics through an integrated approach. The goals are: Expanding skills & knowledge, Learning school routines & structures, Exploring interesting topics & subjects, Visiting with friends, Acclimating to new environments, Tackling new & exciting challenges, and Engaging in lots of fun!
FAST - FAST is a 20-day summer program that is designed to provide students with academic enrichment opportunities as well as services to complement their regular academic program. Through this program our four elementary schools (Lincoln, Waverley, Monocacy, and North Frederick) and two middle schools (West Frederick and Monocacy) serve as community learning centers. This program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities; and connects families to educational services.
ESY - Extended School Year (ESY) is provided for students with disabilities based on IEP team decisions for students that demonstrate ongoing issues with regression and recoupment as it relates to critical life skills.
Recovery/Compensatory Education - are additional services for students with disabilities beyond their IEP. Services are offered based on an IEP team decision that the student demonstrated a loss of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) which resulted in a negative impact due to the pandemic.
English Learner Summer Program - this program provides high school English Learner students opportunities to earn credits that are required for graduation in English, Health, and PE. These credits can be for original credit or credit recovery. The program also provides an opportunity for English Learners, who need to fill in mathematical learning gaps, access to foundational math skills through specialized coursework and instruction.
Young Scholars - entering its second - Decade of Dreams & Discovery, Young Scholars (YS) is a talent development program for the emergent scholars who are traditionally underrepresented in advanced coursework. YS participants at Hillcrest and Monocacy ES are ?talent spotted? through multiple measures as rising Grade 2 students They travel as a cohort through Monocacy and West Frederick Middle Schools, concluding the program at Frederick and Gov. T. J. High Schools. The YS Summer Camp participants engage in rigorous, STEAM-focused talent development opportunities. Young Scholars channels participants? curiosity to develop the foundational knowledge and skills that will prepare them to enter into and succeed in advanced-level coursework. From hands-on exploration and labs to guest speakers and field trips, YS teachers cultivate a collaborative community that extends beyond the summer camp into the school year.
New Horizons Summer Academy - This program serves students who are housing insecure under McKinney-Vento. High School Students earn 1 academic credit and take job/life skills class. Students receive support from New Horizons Counselors with the goal of enrolling in NH next academic year. Upon completion, students receive a stipend (funded by SHIP).
Child Development Program (THS) - One week opportunity: July 19-22 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tuscarora High School. Teacher or Instructional Assistant needed to assist in the FCPS Child Development summer program. This program provides high school Child Development students the opportunity to prepare for careers in Early Childhood by working directly with young children under the direction of a high school Child Development teacher. Structured activities will be led by up to ten high schoolers. Each week has a featured theme and is open to children of FCPS Elevate staff ages 3-7.
Career and Technical Education (CTC) - Career and Technology Center students will receive instruction and hands-on practice to successfully complete industry certificates and required laboratory hours. Students will be invited if they were unable to successfully earn industry certificates or achieve the required hours needed.
Frederick County Virtual School - Frederick County Virtual School offers two 5-week summer session options to students in grades 8-12. Virtual School Summer Session (VSS) is designed for independent and self-motivated learners. VSS offers honors level courses and electives for original credit and grade improvement. Site Based Summer Session (SBSS) is designed for students who benefit from a structured learning environment and who need to recover core credits required for graduation.
Most run during the month of July and are half-day programs. Contact your child's school for more information.
