Principal’s January Newsletter
Maryland School Assessment- Grades 3, 4 & 5
The dates for our students to take the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) are as follows:
March 3, 4 Grade 3 and 4 Reading
March 5, 6 Grade 5 Reading
March 7, 10 Grade 3 and 4 Math
March 11, 12 Grade 5 Math
March 31, Apr. 1 Grade 5 Science
It is extremely important that your child is in attendance during the Maryland State Assessment. This is a time where our children can show what they know. The Maryland State Assessment results are used to measure our success as a school. Please take this into consideration when scheduling appointments that would require for your child to be out of school.
Winter Reading Assessments
Our winter reading assessments will be administered to our pre-kindergarten through second grade students beginning Monday, January 6, 2014 and concluding January 31, 2014. The assessments are consistent with the fall reading assessments and are utilized by our teachers to monitor student progress and plan appropriate instruction. The assessments are administered to each student individually by the classroom or reading teacher.
Family Fun and Fitness Night
We will have our fourth Annual Family Fun and Fitness Night on Friday, January 24, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. in our multi-purpose room and gym. The evening will focus on fitness activities and eating well. A flyer will be sent home soliciting volunteers. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Ms. Sealander, our physical education teacher.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Parent Meeting
All parents and guardians of fifth grade students who are in the attendance zone for Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School are invited to attend a Parent Information Night regarding registration for 2014-2015 at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the school dining room. Don’t miss this chance to get important information on helping your incoming sixth grade student register for 2014-2015 courses from members of the counseling staff, sixth grade teachers, and department resource teachers. You will also learn about the typical school day of a sixth grader and have an opportunity to ask questions of the staff and a panel of students. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on January 30.
Roberto Clemente. Middle School Parent Meeting
All parents and guardians of fifth grade students who are in the attendance zone for Roberto Clemente Middle School are invited to attend a Parent Information Night regarding registration for 2014-2015 at Roberto Clemente Middle on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Don’t miss this chance to get important information on helping your incoming sixth grade student register for 2014-2015 courses from members of the counseling staff, sixth grade teachers, and department resource teachers.
Weather Related Emergencies
You should have received a letter in November explaining the procedures for weather-related emergencies and closures. The policies, procedures and guidelines outlined are from Montgomery County Public Schools central offices. Attached to this newsletter is a summary of How to Receive MCPS Emergency Information.
If schools are closed or delayed, the announcement is made no later than 6:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible). If schools are closing early, the announcements are made by 11:00 a.m.
Parent Website for Parents of Special Education Students
Please visit a website designed for parents answering frequently asked questions about the special education process and who to contact if you have specific questions regarding services and how decisions are made. The link to the website is http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/specialed/parents/
Montgomery College Kids’ College
Montgomery College is offering spring enrichment courses for students in grades K-12. These courses are offered after school and on Saturdays at the Rockville and Germantown campuses. For more information go to www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth or call 240-567-7917.
Giant A+ School Rewards
Through March 20, 2014, we can earn CASH through this exciting program each time you shop at any Giant store.
You can help! Log on to www.giantfood.com/aplus and choose “Register your Card” from the A+ menu found under “Our Stores” to register your card online. Then, each time you shop at Giant using your Giant Card, you will earn CASH for our school! You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at giantfood.com. Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Giant website. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program. The money can be used for any of our school’s educational needs!
Hearing and Vision Screening
In accordance with Maryland State Mandate, students in Montgomery County schools are screened for possible vision and hearing problems. Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, School Health Services will be screening students in kindergarten and those new to MCPS. Students may also be referred for screening by staff if they suspect hearing or vision problem. You will receive a referral form from us if your child fails the screening. If your child is already under care for a hearing or vision problem, or you do not wish your child to be screened at school, please notify the school in writing. Thank you, Donna Burke RN, School Community Health Nurse.
January 2014 Dates
January 8 PTA Meeting
January 9 Pre-K/Head Start Parent Meeting, 10:00 a.m.
January 10 4th and 5th Grade Geography Bee – Snow Date Jan. 17
January 16 Chorus Concert, 9:00 am & 7:00 pm
January 16 Rising 6th Grade Parent Info Night at Roberto Clemente MS, 7:00 pm Snow Date Jan. 22
January 17 2nd Marking Period Ends
January 20 Holiday – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday, Schools & Offices closed
January 21 Professional Day for Teachers. No School for Students
January 23 Class Pictures
January 24 Club Pictures
January 24 Family Fitness Night, 7:00 pm
January 27-28 Hearing & Vision Screening, K, 1st & New to MCPS
January 29 MLK Middle School Parent Meeting, 7:00 pm at MLK – Snow Date Jan. 30
January 30 Report Card Distribution
January 31 Awards Assembly, Gr. 3, 4 & 5, 9:00 a.m.