Patapsco Elementary Middle School #163
844 Roundview Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21225
Telephone: (410) 396-1400/1401; Fax: (410) 396-8631
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Ms. Rita Mullally, Principal Mr. Jeffrey Covington, Assistant Principal
July 25, 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Time is up! With the end of August fast approaching, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you, as part of our educational family, to another school year.
Summer Updates
Our faculty members have been very busy this summer. Some of the teachers have participated in staff development workshops which enabled them to further their expertise in various curriculum areas and refine their classroom management skills. Others have spent valuable time previewing instructional materials for use in our educational program, analyzing data, and preparing for professional development. All of these efforts have been made in order to offer students a rigorous and coherent instructional program wherein children will be engaged in learning. The custodians are also very busy preparing the building for student arrival.
New Programs and Initiatives
We look forward to several exciting instructional and extra-curricular additions next year. First, we are adding an additional Science / Technology / Electronics / Mathematics (STEM) program in grades K through 5. There will be cross curricular Monthly STEM Projects. The first Monthly Project will be done in school in September, modeled to students by their teachers to set standards and expectations. Projects must be completed at home beginning in October. In addition, the 4th grade Patapsco students will have the opportunity to participate in a district-wide chess program. Students who sign up will eventually compete throughout Maryland.
We also plan to improve our school’s climate. This year, students will be actively involved in daily school programs. For example, student volunteers will be responsible for leading the school in the daily Pledge of Allegiance and broadcasting the morning announcements. In addition, we will have an active Student Government and a Student Court for students who frequent detention. Finally, an after-school detention program will be initiated and maintained throughout the year by Mr. Moore, Mr. Covington, the teachers, and the Student Government. Students who refuse to comply with teacher school rules, regulations, and expectations will be required to serve detention for approximately one hour after school.
Logistics
· As with last year, breakfast will begin at 7:25 a.m. Students will not be allowed to enter the building until 7:25 AM.
· The instructional day for the students will begin at 8:00 a.m. This means that students must be in their seats and prepared for instruction by 8:00 a.m., as student achievement and academics are our foremost priorities. Students will be sent to their classrooms at 7:50 a.m. so that they are prepared for instruction at 8:00 a.m. Students will be marked late after 8:00 a.m.
· It is imperative that young students be picked up in a timely manner at the close of each school day. Dismissal is at 2:40 p.m.; early dismissal is at 11:30 a.m.
· Students are not allowed to bring any electronic equipment (examples: cell phones, IPods, MP3 players and so on) into the building. Electronic items will be taken from students and will not be returned until a parent comes to collect them. (See the attached documentation from BCPSS.)
· Patapsco is a uniform school. Many flyers and global connect messages have already been sent home to inform parents of the school’s uniform policy. Elementary students wear hunter green (dark green) tops and khaki bottoms; middle school students wear navy blue tops and khaki pants. Sweat shirts and sweaters must be hunter green for elementary students and dark blue for middle school students. If your child is not in uniform, he or she will be offered a uniform to wear for that day and will have to serve detention for thirty minutes after school.
Parent Involvement
Parent communication is an important aspect of a child’s education and I can be reached at 410-396-1400 for questions or concerns. Since we recognize that parents are their children's first and most important teachers, we need your cooperation and involvement to provide them with the best education possible. Take time to talk with your children about their school experiences. Your interest and concern in their school progress will motivate them to do their best. Maintain contact with your children's teachers and with me. Ask questions and communicate concerns so that we can build a partnership that will ensure student success. I have made a commitment to work with parents, students, and the school staff to strengthen our community and achieve our goals and objectives. To this effect, I invite you to become partners in this effort. To do so, you can:
· Attend our monthly Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings to stay well informed of all of our programs and plans, and to present and discuss your concerns. Our first meeting will be on Back to School Night. Further details will follow.
· Become a member of the School Leadership Team / School Family Council (SFC). This committee is essential to the school’s success, as it is responsible for identifying school needs, formulating action plans, and advising the principal on critical decisions.
· Attend school wide events such as our Parent-Teacher Conferences, Back to School Nights, Parent Chit Chats, Adult Computer Classes, monthly Parent Workshops, the Annual Family Trip, City Schools Training for Parents, and Awards and Ceremonies.
· Check out the Parent Portal website to monitor your child’s grade
· Volunteer to chaperone students on school trips.
· Complete parent surveys.
We hope that you are interested and that you will contact our parent coordinator, Mr. Monte Crowell, at 410-396-1400 or .
Final Comments
For parents of students in grades 3 through 8, enclosed is a copy of your child’s M.S.A. scores for the school year 2010-2011. If you need assistance interpreting the M.S.A. report card, please contact the school at 410-396-1400.
The new school year begins Monday, August 29th, 2011. On the first day of school, your child should look for a sign that indicates his/her grade level. You will then be informed of your child’s homeroom assignment. Attached also is a school supply list with the school’s uniform information.
I look forward to working with you to create a successful and rewarding school year.
Sincerely,
Ms. Rita Mullally, Principal