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Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of October 30, 2023
Monday 10/30:
SGA Manna Food Drive
Mental Health Awareness Week
Tuesday, 10/31:
SGA Manna Food Drive
NO Sky’s The Limit Dance tonight! Gr K-2 on Thursday this week
Mental Health Awareness Week
Harvest Festival 2-3:15 in APR
Halloween Parade 2 pm, Visitors arrive by 1:45 outside at fields
Wednesday, 11/1:
No School for Students
Thursday, 11/2:
Mental Health Awareness Week
Square 1 Art Fundraiser - November 1-15th
Sky’s The Limit Dance K-5
Field Trip - Grade 2 to Sharp’s Farm
Field Trip - Grade 5 to Smithsonian Environmental Research Center - Charter Bus will return after dismissal - Please make arrangements for students to be picked up at 4 pm
Friday, 11/3:
Mental Health Awareness Week
Spirit Day Wear Stonegate T Shirts
LFI Community Outing
Pumpkins and Plaid Dance 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Upcoming Dates
November 9: PTA Multicultural Night
November 10: Stonegate Open House
November 15: Grade 2 Field Trip Strathmore Music Center
November 15-January 15: Grade 5 Papa John’s Pizza Card Fundraiser
November 16: Student Picture Makeup Day 9-11 am
November 20-21: Early Release Day, Pre K-5, LFI. No school for PEP only
November 22-24: No School for all students, Thanksgiving Holiday
December
December 5: PTA Meeting (in-person)
December 25-January 2: No School, Winter Break
See the MCPS Yearlong Calendar
Principal’s Message
Dear Stonegate Families and Caregivers,
I hope that everyone is in good health and high spirits. We have some exciting updates and events to share with you:
Halloween and Harvest Parties: We're thrilled to announce that our Halloween and Harvest parties will be taking place this coming Tuesday. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all students, we kindly request that those participating in the Halloween parade bring their costumes to school in a bag or backpack. Students should refrain from wearing their costumes to school.
Open House on November 10th: Save the date! Our Open House event is scheduled for November 10. Further details regarding specific timings and activities will be provided by your child's grade level teachers. We look forward to seeing you there.
Sidewalk Chalk Usage: We deeply appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain the beauty of our school grounds. We kindly request neighboring families to refrain from using sidewalk chalk on the school property. Your support in this matter is highly valued.
Mental Health Awareness Week: This week, we're dedicating special attention to Mental Health Awareness. Here's a glimpse of how we'll be celebrating and promoting mental well-being:
Each day of the week, there will also be a different mental health activity for our students. The activities can be found below.
Ms. Ho (a Stonegate parent) will also lead students in a brief mindful moment on the morning announcements each day of the week. She will also be leading our students in yoga sessions by grade level on Thursday and Friday in the APR.
- Pumpkins and Plaid: The Stonegate Elementary Student Government Association is sponsoring the “Pumpkins and Plaid'' Fall Dance. Please join us! Friday, November 3rd from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Suggestion donation: $3 per person or a Non-Perishable food item
The Stonegate SGA is looking for volunteers to support this year’s Pumpkins and Plaid! Are you interested in contributing to the fun or earning SSL hours?! If so, click this link: https://forms.gle/927hBqKLaBMvpEhx8
to complete the volunteer form. We appreciate you!
We truly value your continued support in making Stonegate Elementary a nurturing and thriving educational community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.
Thank you for being an integral part of our school family.
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Halloween and the Harvest Festival on October 31st
We are looking forward to our annual Halloween and Harvest Celebrations. These are separate events that are both occurring on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 2:00-3:15 pm. Here are some updates and important reminders.
🎃Halloween🎃
For those students who celebrate Halloween, a costume parade will begin at 2:00. Please click the link below to see the parade map and where visitors will stand for the parade. You are welcome to go to the visitor section on the field at 1:45 pm.
Parade map link: rmd.me/zhCvHhAUjTj
Parents and guardians are welcome to watch the parade and then enjoy a classroom party until 3:15.
School costumes must be safe, and no pretend weapons of any kind are allowed.
🍂Harvest Celebration🍂
Simultaneously, the Harvest Celebration will be for students who do not celebrate Halloween and will take place in the APR from 2:00-3:15. If your student will attend the Harvest Celebration instead of the parade, please complete the online google form at rmd.me/tM06rhiteHo OR complete the permission slip that was sent home. If your student will be bringing a costume and celebrates Halloween, then do NOT complete the form.
If your child is participating in the Harvest Celebration, you are welcome to join, but please sign in at the office.
Treats for all parties must be Nut/Peanut free, store bought, and still in original wrappers/ unopened containers.
🚗Dismissal Changes for 10/31🚗
We will ask that parents notify teachers of any change in dismissal plans no later than 10 a.m. the
Please remember, any volunteers who will be assisting with these celebrations must sign in. You will be able to sign in with your child's teacher in the classroom. We want to ensure the safety and security of all students and visitors in the building so please bring your ID and wear your visitor's sticker.
If you are taking your child home at the end of the party, you must sign them out using the sign-out sheet in your child's classroom.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's classroom teacher.
Pumpkins and Plaid Fall Festival on Friday, November 3rd
The Stonegate Elementary Student Government Association is sponsoring the “Pumpkins and Plaid'' Fall Dance. Please join us!
Friday, November 3rd from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Suggestion donation: $3 per person or a Non-Perishable food item
The Stonegate SGA is looking for volunteers to support this year’s Pumpkins and Plaid! Are you interested in contributing to the fun or earning SSL hours?! If so, click this link: https://forms.gle/927hBqKLaBMvpEhx8
to complete the volunteer form. We appreciate you!
Stonegate Spirit Wear Store Flash Sale Ends Wednesday November 1st
Don't forget that the Stonegate Spirit Wear Store flash sale is ending soon. Check out the new colors and styles available for purchase and place your order by Wednesday, November 1. Once the flash sale ends, it will take 3 - 4 weeks to process and ship all orders to the school. Let’s get ready to show-off our Shark spirit with some new gear! If you have questions about the new Spirit Wear Store, please contact stonegateptapres@gmail.com or the Spirit Hero Team at 1-800-239-9948.
Countywide Application Programs Calling all Families- APPLICATION DUE FRIDAY
DCCAPS Deadlines are approaching
MCPS Regional / Countywide Application Programs Calling all K-12 Families!
The regional/countywide programs available to middle and high school students this season. The deadline to apply is November 3, 2023, and families will hear the results in January 2024.
Here are some resources for parents:
All families this document illustrates how MCPS is providing enrichment throughout the K-12 experience.
All MCPS families this is a one sheeter of all the K-12 MCPS regional programs for the year and admission cycles.
Spanish - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dQ-5Hy9InByWtwOh6Cjp8kGmK0ZuLzyZ/view?usp=drive_link
English - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mdNT4XFwScOso5anpcS-LWC9t7ap1Ry6/view?usp=drive_link
MCPS Families of Grade 5 and 6 this is the Middle School Magnet Consortium admission season is open and there are three schools in the MSMC- Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland.
Parents can apply on the website or at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-buzPfI-IbxPFGYcN9GQtQGh0jEtGcptqjM96woYP55zSoA/viewform
Questions
Contact your counselor
Visit the website
Send a message to DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org
Call the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services at 240-740-3000
Kids Day Out
Free Fun Day for Kids 8:30-4:00 p.m. on select days when school is closed.
To register, visit ActiveMontgomery.org 240-777-6840 • Hablamos Español • www.mocorec.com
Time to Order Square 1 Art Keepsakes!
Coming home to you soon will be your child's custom catalog for the Square 1 Art fundraiser. Get a head start, and start ordering keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW, if you like!
Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order!
Order by: 11/15/2023
Upload additional art if you like, using Art Upload!
If you have questions, or need anything at all, contact customer care online .
Thank you for supporting our school!
Maria Del Cid
Square 1 Art Fundraiser Coordinator
xMinds - Annual IEP Clinic
xMinds - the Partnership for Extraordinary Minds is a resource organization for parents and educators who want to improve education for autistic students in Montgomery County, MD
XMInds will hold its annual IEP Clinic on Nov. 4 | 12:30pm - 3:30pm .
It will include presentations at 12:30 and 2:00 PM at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring. This year we are inviting professional members and providers in the autism community to attend this event for free. We hope this will help families learn about resources in Montgomery County. https://www.xminds.org/event-5414919
Toys at Stonegate ES
At Stonegate, toys are only allowed when:
The class has earned an incentive
The toy is not a distraction from learning
The teacher and parent have an understanding about the toy.
Spirit Days-when students can bring in their stuffed animals
Toys should NOT be at outdoor recess or in the cafeteria. Students may misplace or lose toys. This rule also applies to trading cards, like Pokemon cards.
Stonegate is not responsible for missing or lost toys. Toys can be confiscated by the teacher or administration if the toy distracts from learning after staff reminders.
For safety reasons, students are not allowed to play with Footballs during Recess. Please do not bring footballs, toys, or other play equipment to school.
Saturday morning STEM Clubhouse
Join us at our upcoming Saturday STEM Clubhouse where we will be working on all new projects that incorporate a micro:bit with coding projects in Scratch. Younger coders will create a game of their own design in Scratch and will then try their hands at engineering by creating their own game controller using a micro:bit.
At each Clubhouse, we will be working on creating a game, such as a car race or guiding a space shuttle, that incorporates the micro:bit as an external controller. Children are encouraged to follow their own ideas and passions while designing and animating their projects.
Need a scholarship? Apply through Montgomery County Parks and Recreation
Stonegate Multicultural Night - Thursday, November 9th
Our school community represents many cultures, and we are excited to celebrate and showcase our diversity. During this year’s Multicultural Night event, there will be cultural art performances, the Shark Showcase (parade) of cultural attire and apparel, and cookies/treats from around the world.
Help make this event an amazing experience for our students by participating in the Shark Showcase and sharing cultural cookies/treats. For any cookies/treats provided, please include a list of ingredients for any store bought or homemade goods to display. By Tuesday, November 7, please complete the form to indicate if your student(s) or family will be participating in the Shark Showcase and sharing cookies/treats for the event. We hope you join in the fun and important event to enrich our school community!
Emergency Preparedness at Stonegate
Every MCPS school completes practice drills for what to do in an emergency. By practicing, we ensure all staff and students know how to respond in an emergency.
In the next two weeks, Stonegate will conduct drills for
Evacuate (Fire Drill): we practice getting out of the building safely and quickly
Shelter: we practice what to do if there were a public safety concern in the neighborhood.
Lockdown: We practice our response to imminent danger in the school or on campus.
Shelter and Lockdown drills are announced in advance to teachers and students. For fire drills, most are announced and some may be unannounced.
You can read and review this Emergency Preparedness Brochure for families(.pdf)
English | 中文 | Français | 한국어 | Español | Việt Nam
How to Receive Emergency Information for MCPS Schools
Use this link to find all the ways you can connect with MCPS to receive emergency operational information from the school system.
Stonegate Open House- Friday, November 10th
We are excited to welcome caregivers to Stonegate for Open House on Friday, November 10th, 2023.
There will be a Coffee with Caregivers from 9:00-9:30 am in the cafeteria.
You are welcome to come and engage with your child(ren) between 9:30-11am or 1:30-3:00 pm. Your child’s teacher will be sending out their schedule during these times as well as a sign-up so that they know when you are coming. Please be sure to sign up. We look forward to seeing you! 🙂
PTA Membership Update
The Membership Drive ended last week, and we are grateful for all families and staff that have joined the PTA this year! Together we are a stronger voice and community network!
Although the drive has concluded, it's never too late to join the PTA! There are many ways that we plan to support our students and staff this year, so let’s work together and help our students thrive!
And the winners of the Stonegate Membership Drive are as follows:
Overall winner of a pizza and popsicle party goes to
Ms. Nguyen's Kindergarten class!
Grade level winners that will have a popsicle party are:
Fourth grade: Congress
Third grade: Grammar
Second grade: Dantzler
First grade: McKnight & Flanders
Pre-K: Williams
Caregivers are welcome to help during Lunch and Recess
Please sign up for any available dates/times you can volunteer using the Sign-up Genius.
Before volunteering, all volunteers must complete the MCPS Volunteer Training Module on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. Please bring a copy of your certificate or send to Anita_B_Knuth@mcpsmd.org or
Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org See Stonegate’s Volunteer Handbook here.
Lunch Menu
When MCPS publishes the November Menu, it will be at this link:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/menus/
Note there are different menus for Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
See the October Menu for School Meals here:
Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals
Apply now for Free Meals at
https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
All interested families must reapply each school year. Apply once per school year. It takes 15 minutes!
What you will need to provide during the application process:
The names and incomes of every member of your household
The school, grade, and birthdate of every student in your household
Your social security number and electronic signature
(Optional) A valid email address or phone number for district communication about the status of the application.
Manna Food Drive Now through Tuesday!
The Student Government at Stonegate is sponsoring a Food Drive to benefit the Manna Food Center. Manna’s mission is to eliminate hunger through food distribution, education, and advocacy.
Send in a non-perishable food item with your student Monday or Tuesday!
The Food Drive ends Oct 31.
Label your students Jacket, Water Bottles, and Hoodies
The Lost and found is filling with hoodies and jackets.
To help eliminate our lost and found, Stonegate is partnering with Mabel’s Labels to offer products to label water bottles, jackets, lunch boxes, etc. Proceeds will benefit our 5th Grade Promotion celebrations. Go to campaigns.mabelslabels.com
Upcoming Field Trips
Permission slips are coming home with students. Please check your student’s folder and return the permission slip.
We encourage online payments at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
School Cash Online is MCPS’ online payment system. Cash or checks payable to Stonegate Elementary accepted but Online payments preferred for safety and security purposes.
Students will not be denied the opportunity to attend a trip due to financial hardship. If you need to make special arrangements to cover the cost of the trip, please contact your child’s teacher via email or note.
SchoolCash Online - For Field Trips and Classroom Activities
Register for SchoolCash Online today
It’s fast, easy & free
Activate an account today so you will be notified via email and pay for your child(ren)’s school activity fees online.
One-Pager - Parent Registration Instructions - 2022 - Montgomery
Counselor’s Corner- Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is open to students, parents/guardians, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff to learn about resources that schools and families may access or to which referrals may be made to support students’ physical, social, and psychological well-being. We hope you will support this important effort by MCPS to raise awareness and discussions about our students’ mental health and wellness.
Important Dates
The live Waymaking special on student mental health forum will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Richard Montgomery High School, from 6:30–8:00 p.m.
The virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Links
For additional information visit the Mental Health Awareness Week website
Information about COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines
Get ready for cough and cold season! The new COVID-19 vaccine approved on Sept. 11 is now available at local retail pharmacies and some doctors’ offices. You can find an appointment for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines through https://www.vaccines.gov/. Certain individuals, including infants and older adults, may also qualify for the RSV vaccine and should consult their health care provider.
Visit our website for more information about this season’s vaccines.
Cold and flu season is upon us!
When your child is sick, they should stay home and not attend school. This is necessary for your child, and in the best interests of other children and staff in the classroom at school.
What Are Important Signs of Illness?
Temperature of more than 100 ºF orally
Nausea or vomiting
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Pale or flushed face
Headache
Persistent cough
Earache
Thick yellowish discharge from nose
Sore throat
Rash or infection of the skin
Red or pink eyes
Loss of energy or decrease in activity
What Should I Do If My Child Has Any of These Signs?
If your child has any of these symptoms when it is time for school, it is best that they stay home. Most childhood illnesses are over soon and there is no cause for worry. But, if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should contact your private source of medical care.
Children sometimes use illness as an excuse to miss school. On the other hand, some children force themselves to go to school even though they are sick. There may be times that your child does not show signs of the above-noted symptoms but may be ill. It is up to you to be alert to your children's health and to decide when it is best to send them to school.
When Should My Child Return to School After An Illness?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals stay home at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm, flushed appearance or sweating) without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/guidance.htm
Generally, your child may return to school when there is no longer a sign of illness. However, there may be times when it is necessary for your child to see your source of medical care before returning to school. Please call your school nurse if you have any questions regarding a specific condition.
What Will Happen If My Child Becomes Ill at School?
If your child complains of being sick or does not look well after they reach school, we will contact you. Therefore, it is important that you provide the school with up-to-date information and phone numbers to call in case it is necessary to contact you.
From: COVID-19 Update
Clothing To Cash Recycling Program
Clothing to Cash® is a program that collects New and Used Clothing, Shoes, Sheets, Towels, (all Textiles) and pays the school 10 cents for every pound collected. The program is operated entirely OUTSIDE and is be located in the school parking lot, where students, parents, staff and the community can drop off items throughout the year. They have state of the art photo quantity sensors installed in each bin that report 3 times daily to prevent overflow and allows the company to schedule service as needed (no other companies use this technology). They empty the collection bin, weigh the contents to determine our school earnings and pays our school monthly. The average school (500 - 1000 students) will earn $1000- $2000 yearly if each student would donate just one 13-gallon kitchen size trash bag yearly!! Add in parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, and staff and Stonegate’s earnings could really increase.
ParentVUE
ParentVue is a central online location for students and their parents, guardians, or other authorized adults to access MCPS student information. Parents/caregivers who do not have an account created will receive a letter from MCPS with instructions and access codes for activation.
Here is a ParentView quick guide and directions for activating your account. If you need an activation letter or assistance, please contact the office.
Here is the MCPS Parent Tech Support Website:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/tech-info-support
Stonegate Elementary School
Stonegate Elementary School
14811 Notley Road
Silver Spring, MD 20905
Main Office: 240- 740-7430
Arrival 8:40-9:00 a.m.
Dismissal 3:25 p.m.
All walkers will exit through the front doors. We ask that caregivers please greet your students behind the cones away from the front entrance of the double doors.
Picking up early?
If you need to pick your child up early, please do so before 3 p.m. The main office cannot accommodate parent pick-ups after 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Linda_M_Jones@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @FrannyWooler
Visit us on the web at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/