June 17, 2020

I think it is safe to say that the 2019 – 2020 school year will be memorable in countless ways. I have reflected many times recently on the fact that this school year seems to be divided into two distinct parts – the time before March 13, and the time of school closure and distance learning. While they were two very different experiences, I look back on both as times that included some incredible highlights. This final newsletter is a great way to capture some of those highlights and to celebrate another great year in Catoctin High School’s 51-year history. What is not reflected here and is difficult to capture in pictures is the great teaching and learning that takes place in our classrooms and, during distance learning, virtually.

The other aspect of our school experience that is difficult to capture in pictures is the tremendous partnerships and community support and involvement that is such a huge and positive part of Catoctin High School’s success. We have faced many challenges, particularly throughout the last several months, but I am proud of the work that was done inside and outside of the CHS classrooms this year. I look forward to continuing our traditions while fostering innovation next year; these will continue to be our goals no matter what challenges and opportunities are presented to us.

There are still a lot of uncertainties as we start our planning for next year. I am as anxious as all of you to know exactly what to expect as we embark upon the 2020-2021 school year. FCPS is working diligently to make plans that best serve our students, and those details will be communicated in the coming months. What I do know is that we will continue to collaborate and to work diligently to support the needs of our students and families and to provide our CHS students with great educational opportunities that challenge them and support them in their learning and growth.

Your voice is important in the planning for next year, both to our school and to the Frederick County Public School system. I encourage you to take the time to share your perspectives and insights when there are opportunities presented to do so (and always feel free to reach out to me or any of the CHS staff when there is a question, concern, input, or perspective you want to share). There have been several surveys shared recently; please be sure you have completed them so your voice can be included in the conversations:

• Students – if you have not already done so, please complete the Continuity of Learning Reflection. Please click here for the CHS-specific link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHS0620StudentCOL
• Parents/Guardians – FCPS is gathering input for next school year in a questionnaire. An email with a unique link was sent to the first contact for each student. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey – again, your voice is important in informing the work of FCPS in planning for the 2020 – 2021 school year.

As important as your input is your awareness of updates and information. Please continue to stay connected through Find Out First over the summer so you can have the most updated information as we approach the start of the next school year.

For me, like many others, this has been a year of great joy and great challenge. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve at Catoctin High School and to work with our students, staff, and community to celebrate the highlights and to overcome the challenges. My wish for all of you this summer is some time to recharge (away from the computer!) and to get ready for whatever highlights and challenges await us in the fall.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely,

Jen Clements

Principal, Catoctin High School