Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
Translate this newsletter using the "Translate" button at the top of this page.
Traduzca este boletín usando el botón "Translate" en la parte superior de esta página.
Dịch bản tin này bằng nút "Translate" ở đầu trang này.
Traduza este boletim informativo usando o botão "Translate" no topo desta página.
Week of November 12, 2023
Monday 11/13:
Students and staff wear “Odd Socks” as we kick-off Anti-Bullying week
Grade 5 Field Trip to see Clue at Springbrook High School 10 am-12:30 pm
Square 1 Art Fundraiser - November 1-15th
Native American Heritage Month
Tuesday, 11/14:
Sky’s The Limit Dance, Grades K-2
Native American Heritage Month
Wednesday, 11/15:
Grade 2 Field Trip to Strathmore Music Center 11:20 am - 2 pm
Native American Heritage Month
Grade 5 Papa John’s Pizza Card Fundraiser, November 15-January 15
Thursday, 11/16:
Student Picture Makeup Day 9-11 am
Grade K in house STEM Field Trip 9 am - 1:30 pm (in classrooms)
LFI Fall Feast / Thanksgiving 2-3 pm
Sky’s The Limit Dance, Grades 3-5
Native American Heritage Month
Friday, 11/17:
Spirit Day Wear Stonegate T Shirts
SGA Candidate Speeches 9:15- 10:15 Virtual
LFI Community Outing 10 am -1:30 pm
Native American Heritage Month
Upcoming Dates
November 15-January 15: Grade 5 Papa John’s Pizza Card Fundraiser
November 20-21: Early Release Day, for Grades K- Grade 5, and K-5 LFI; No school for Pre-K and PEP
November 22-24: No School for all students, Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, November 29: Grade 3 Trip to Imagination Stage: A Year with Frog and Toad
December
December 5: PTA Meeting (in-person)
December 25-January 2: No School, Winter Break
Principal’s Message
Dear Wonderful Families and Caregivers,
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who graced our school events with your presence, making them truly special occasions. Your commitment to attending our school functions, such as the Pumpkins and Plaid Fall Dance, Multicultural Night, and Friday's Open House, has been truly heartwarming.
It was a delight to witness over 200 students at our Pumpkins and Plaid Fall Dance, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Multicultural Night on Thursday was a beautiful celebration of diversity, with families coming together to share their rich cultural heritage. The array of delicious treats from various cultures was not only a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to the cultural richness of our school community.
Friday's Open House was a resounding success, with the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of parents. Your presence during these events goes beyond mere attendance; it plays a crucial role in shaping a positive and supportive school environment. Research consistently shows that active parent involvement leads to improved academic performance, enhanced social skills, and increased motivation in students.
Your dedication to being an integral part of your child's educational journey makes a significant impact not only on them but on the entire school community. The sense of community and collaboration that we experience during these events is truly uplifting and sets the stage for a successful academic year.
Once again, thank you for your continued support and active participation. We look forward to more wonderful moments together as we strive to create an enriching and inclusive educational experience for every student.
With gratitude,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Odd Socks on Monday 11/13
Students can wear "odd socks" on Monday as we we kick-off anti-bullying week!
Odd Socks can be mismatched socks or funny socks.
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: WEDNESDAY 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
See some examples of what you can order with your child's artwork. They make great gifts for loved ones!
Parent Teacher Conferences are underway!
This November, we are scheduling parent-teacher conferences so you can talk with your child's teacher about their growth and progress. Please be sure to sign up for a conference. The conferences can be in-person, virtual, or over the phone for your convenience.
Contact your child’s homeroom teacher if you have not yet signed up for a conference.
Honoring Our Veterans
We are proud to have many veterans among the Stinegate family.
Here are some veterans we showcased on Friday.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hZflKa_ThkGl9TfyTcXj7RKRZc4lbBVw/view?usp=sharing
School Picture Make Up Day- November 16
Victor O’Neill Studios is coming back Thursday, November 16th from 9 - 11 am for student portrait makeups/retakes! This session is open to those who meet the following criteria:
Any student or staff member who was absent for the original session on October 10, 2023
Any new/transfer students or staff who joined after October 10th
Any student/staff who was dissatisfied with their original picture day portrait. Please note:
No purchase is necessary to retake photos. Any student may retake their photo for use in the yearbook.
The new portrait will replace their original yearbook portrait and then be available for purchase.
Students who previously purchased a photo package and would like to retake their photo MUST return their original photo package to the photographer in order to receive a new package.
Please email your teacher and Anita_B_Knuth@mcpsmd.org if you would like your student’s photo retaken.
You can view student photos from the October picture day (and still submit online orders) at Victor O’Neill Studios:
https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001035670#login The online code is the student’s MCPS ID.
We need your pictures!!
Please send us your Multicultural Night, Field Trip, Open House, Halloween or other class event pictures for possible use in Stonegate’s yearbook. Use this link to upload images: https://images.jostens.com/0DHkYRkGRGW2eMGcaDqH0YA
To ensure high quality printing in the yearbook, please provide only high resolution images. Images can be uploaded in JPEG, TIFF, or PNG file format.
Yearbooks will go on sale in Spring and arrive in early June.
Native American Heritage Month
Every year in November, Native American Heritage Month is celebrated to honor the remarkable Native Americans who have contributed a lot to improve the character of the nation, and to call attention to the culture, traditions, and achievements of the nation's original inhabitants and of their descendants. This month allows us to spread awareness about tribes or to educate people about the various challenges faced by the Native Americans in the past and today. Throughout this month, we commit to keep on supporting the remaining Native American tribes and let the world know about their sacrifices.
Your Remind Settings
Adjust your account settings for Remind!
You can add/remove email addresses and phone numbers at www.remind.com. Choose “Sign up” and enter your phone number. Your account as an MCPS parent will come up and will allow you to edit your communication settings.
If you would like to add a phone to receive Remind text messages from the school, text @436ch8 to the number 81010
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.
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.
November Lunch Menu
There are different menus for Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
The November Menu for School Meals here:
K-5 Menu Pre-K MenuLost and Found
The Lost and Found is overflowing with hoodies and jackets. We have over 200 sweaters, hoodies, jackets, and even winter coats! Please take a look.
We know that your child will need their items back in this cold weather.
Please take a few moments and add your children’s names to jackets, water bottles, and lunch boxes. Coats and lunch boxes with names are easily returned to students.
Upcoming Field Trips
We are learning every day in school and on field trips! Here is a list of planned and upcoming field trips. This list will continue to grow as additional trips are planned and more details are finalized. We want to thank our PTA for sponsoring several trips so our students can enjoy them for free!
Permission slips are coming home with students. Please check your student’s folder and return the permission slip.
For field trip payments, we encourage online payments at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/ School Cash Online is MCPS’ online payment system. Cash or checks payable to Stonegate Elementary are also accepted, but for safety and security purposes, online payments are preferred.
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.
PTA News
PTA Meeting on December 5
Mark your calendars for the next PTA meeting on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 - 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held in the APR and Global will be providing childcare during the meeting. Please RSVP if you plan to attend to provide an estimate for planning. The meeting ageda will be provided as we get closer to the meeting date. If you have any questions or comments, please contact StonegatePTAPres@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting the Stonegate Multicultural Night!
The Stonegate Multicultural Night was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended the event. We appreciate all the families who shared cultural treats, joined the Shark Showcase and volunteered to help out! We look forward to next year’s event.
Clothing To Cash Recycling Program
Clothing to Cash® is a program that collects new and used clothing, shoes, sheets, towels, and all textiles and pays the school for every pound collected. As your child is outgrowing clothes, don’t throw those clothes away, give clothes a second life by donating them to Stonegate.
This recycling program is a win-win! It’s free and convenient for families and also serves as an ongoing fundraiser that serves our students and school community.
The program is operated entirely OUTSIDE and is 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 allowing the company to schedule service as needed. They empty the collection bin, weigh the contents to determine our school earnings, and pay our school each month. Every donation helps. If each family donates just one kitchen-size trash bag, we will earn $1000- $2000 yearly.
Stonegate families, relatives, neighbors, and staff are all encouraged to participate!
SchoolCash Online - For Field Trips and Classroom Activities
Activate your account today! With your account, you will receive an email each time there is a new activity fee added for your child(ren).
One-Pager - Parent Registration Instructions - 2022 - Montgomery
Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals
Apply now for Free Meals at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Interested families must reapply each 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.
Apply once per school year.
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/