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Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of Sept 10, 2023
Monday, 9/11:
- MAP- M Testing for Gr 5; MAP-R Testing for G 3
Tuesday, 9/12:
- MAP- M Testing for Gr 3
5:30-6:30 Back-to-School Night for Grade 1-5 Families and LFI
6:30-8:00 PTA Sponsored Back-to-School Picnic
Wednesday, 9/13:
- Instrumental Music Interest Session for Parents at 6:00 p.m. in-person at Stonegate Elementary School
Thursday 9/14:
- MAP- R Testing for Gr 4 and Gr 5
- Hispanic Heritage Month Begins,
- LFI Community Outing
- MAP- M Testing for Gr 4
Important Dates
September 22: Early release day for students; dismissal starts 12:55 pm
September 25: Non-Instructional Day—No school for students and teachers
October 9: Professional day for all staff; no school for students
November 1: Grading and Planning for the end of term; no school for students
Please see the MCPS Calendar for K-12 Here
Message from the Principal
Dear Stonegate Elementary Families
As the new school year begins, we want to emphasize the crucial role you play in your child's education. Attending Back to School Night is not just an event; it's an opportunity to show your support and commitment to your child's learning journey.
By being present at Back to School Night, you demonstrate to your child that their education matters to you. It sends a powerful message that you are invested in their academic success and overall well-being.
Staying engaged in your child's learning goes beyond this one evening. It means staying informed about their progress, communicating with teachers, and actively participating in their educational experience. When you engage with your child's school life, you become a partner in their learning adventure.
Your presence at school events, like Back to School Night, fosters a sense of community and collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. It creates an environment where your child feels supported and motivated to excel.
Remember that your involvement doesn't have to end after Back to School Night. Keep the lines of communication open, attend parent-teacher conferences, and take an interest in what your child is learning. Your active participation is an investment in their future success.
Thank you for being a vital part of your child's educational journey.
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Instrumental Music Parent Information Meeting
Parents and Guardians of current 4th and 5th-grade students are invited to attend an interest meeting for Instrumental Music. Topics include: Instrument suitability, rental cost, scheduling, performances, expectations, and parent questions.
Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Stonegate Elementary School
Your attendance is not mandatory for your child to participate in the program. I look forward to meeting you and to a successful school year. Caregivers who wish to register for the program can fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/7LSRc8HcegWxwfDp6
Bus Update Regarding Bus 6235 WHALE
Effective Monday September 11th, in order to reduce overcrowding on Bus 6235 Whale,
Students at the Layhill Road and Chapel Hill Road stop are now moved to Bus 6201- Jellyfish.
Please email your student’s teacher and Blanca_E_Gallardo@mcpsmd.org about this change so we can get your student the correct bus tag on Monday.
Counselor’s Corner
The new school year brings many exciting changes and some challenges. One of these challenges may be separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is normal and there are many tips to help reduce your child’s symptoms. Please see this article for more information.
https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/separation-anxiety-a-guide-for-parents
Social-emotional well-being can directly influence academic outcomes. When students are in tune with their emotions, they pay attention to the right things and make sound decisions. Mindfulness serves as a strategy for both staff and students to reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen attention and focus, support social and emotional growth, and better resolve day-to-day conflicts. The goal is to navigate and respond to daily tasks and challenges in healthy and productive ways.
MCPS has created a series of videos called Mindful Moments to address the stressful times we find ourselves in. The goal of this series is to deliver simple and effective tools for us all to manage our anxiety and stress that can be accessed and used at any time, on demand.
To understand more about the practice of Mindfulness and its benefits, to participate in Mindfulness activities, and to explore additional resources, please visit our Mindfulness webpage.
Stonegate ES Counseling Website
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/stonegate-counseling/home
September Lunch Menu
K-5 Lunch Menu for September
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MENU SEPTEMBER 2023
Pre-K Menu
PRE-K HEAD START SCHOOL MENU AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2023
Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS) applications have been updated for the new school year, and are now available online at www.MySchoolApps.com; this is the preferred application method. All interested families must reapply each school year.
Water Bottles
We wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of sending your child to school with a labeled water bottle.
Here's why it's crucial:
Staying Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for your child's concentration, focus, and overall well-being. Having a water bottle readily available will encourage them to drink water throughout the day, helping them stay alert and engaged in their studies.
Convenient Access to Filling Stations: We are fortunate to have modern filling stations on campus, making it easy for your child to refill their water bottle throughout the day. This ensures they have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Please take a moment to ensure your child's water bottle is labeled with their name. This simple act will help prevent mix-ups and ensure they always have access to their own water source. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community healthy and thriving.
COVID-19 Update from MCPS- from Sept 6, 2023
Dear MCPS Community,
In the past several weeks, there has been an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the community. Since last Friday, more students and staff members have reported new cases of COVID-19, with classroom outbreaks occurring in a few schools across the county. This rise in COVID-19 cases is not unexpected, as our community gathers together, following a modest summer surge. Following established procedures, schools will directly notify staff and families of students in a classroom with an outbreak of 3 or more cases.
It is important that everyone continue to practice healthy habits, such as good handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick. These vital health strategies and vaccination are key prevention measures we use every day to prevent the spread of illness in our schools. For COVID-19, other measures may be temporarily introduced during outbreaks, including screening testing, distancing, and masking to control spread in a specific space where transmission is high. Multiple strategies are used, and students who cannot safely and consistently mask due to young age, a medical condition, or developmental disability are not required to do so.
In school, identifying and responding to outbreaks early is a key step to ensure staff and students are ready to teach and learn.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to the health of our entire school community.
Patricia Kapunan, MD, MPH
Medical Officer
FAQ
Where do I find information on COVID-19 procedures in Montgomery County Public Schools?
8/24/2023 Things to Know: Back to School community message
What guidance does MCPS follow to determine health and safety procedures for COVID-19?
MCPS follows CDC COVID-19 recommendations for K-12 schools, per joint guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and MDH’s school guide for Communicable Diseases. Community health strategies are planned in coordination with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
What is the MCPS policy for face coverings?
MCPS procedures including masking are described on the COVID-19 Information Portal
Masks are not mandatory in most situations. The exceptions are:
Individuals who have been recently diagnosed with COVID who are returning to work and school after day 5, per CDC guidelines they should wear a mask until day 10
In outbreak situations temporarily, for those exposed to multiple cases in their classroom. Masking is one of multiple mitigation strategies
What changes have been made to MCPS COVID-19 health procedures this school year?
The Back-to-School message on the Information Portal describes changes to COVID-19 school procedures for this school year. The biggest change is that students and staff members no longer have to use the online reporting tool, and can simply inform their school or program about an absence due to COVID-19. We continue to rely on core health strategies to prevent infectious disease, and apply COVID-19 specific measures temporarily to limit spread in high risk situations or a suspected outbreak.
Where can I learn more about the use of face coverings to prevent respiratory infections?
Healthy Children.org: Mask Mythbusters: Common Questions about Kids & Face Masks / Rompe mitos sobre la mascarilla: preguntas frecuentes sobre el uso del tapabocas en niños
CDC: COVID-19 - Use and Care of Masks / Cómo usar y cuidar las mascarillas
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
Reminder to Dog Owners in the Neighborhood
As members of our wonderful school community, it's important that we all play a role in maintaining a clean and safe environment for our students and staff. One issue that has come to our attention recently is the presence of dog poop on our school grounds.
While we understand that many of our community members are dog owners and enjoy spending time on our beautiful campus, it's crucial that we also ensure the grounds remain a safe and clean space for everyone. Dog poop left on the school grounds poses health risks and can be unsightly.
We kindly ask that if you bring your furry friends onto school property, you do so responsibly:
1. **Clean up after your dogs:** Please carry waste bags and ensure that you pick up after your dog. There are designated trash bins located throughout the school grounds for your convenience.
2. **Follow leash regulations:** Ensure that your dog is on a leash at all times, as per our school's rules and local ordinances.
3. **Educate fellow pet owners:** Help spread the word about responsible pet ownership within our community. Encourage others to clean up after their pets as well.
4. ** Do not walk your dogs during school hours on the school grounds. From 8:40 a.m. til 4:00 p.m neighbors may NOT be present on the school grounds.
By taking these simple steps, we can maintain a clean and pleasant environment for all of our students, teachers, and visitors. Let's set a positive example for our children, teaching them the importance of respecting shared spaces and taking care of our school grounds.
Thank you for your cooperation and for being responsible members of our school community. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
Meet Wellbeing Support for Stonegate Elementary
Click here to Meet Wellbeing Support at Stonegate
Ama Mensah, School Health Tech
Kayla Gisseman, School Nurse
Jordan Bolinger, School Counselor
Zoe D’Eugenio Pinel, Parent Community Coordinator
Leah Eengel-Green, School Psychologist
Nadia Silva, ELD Teacher and Student Wellness Support
April Henderson, Josh Allen and Govina Etwarooo, Special Education Teachers
Lisa Clark, Pupil Personnel Worker
Bethlehem Beru, Restorative Justice Instructional Specalist
School Hours
Please note our arrival and dismissal times.
Arrival 8:40-9:00
Students must arrive by 9:00.
Student Dismissal 3:25
Caregivers who are picking up walkers or car riders, please arrive promptly for dismissal at 3:25
Picking up early?
If you need to pick your child up early, please do so before 3pm. The main office cannot accommodate parent pick ups after 3:00 p.m.
Car Rider Etiquette
For the students' safety, we ask all cars to follow our procedures.
Do not pull into a parking spot and allow your children to walk through the lot. This is important!
Do not use the lanes in the parking lot to cut in line. Stay in the car rider line.
We have provided all students a card with the student's first and last name typed. Please show the card with your child's first and last name.
As you drive, be mindful of the families who live near the school.
Please remember, BE PATIENT.
Students Walking Home
For student safety, Stonegate Elementary wants to verify which students walk home alone and which students wait for a caregiver to pick them up. On Friday, students who were dismissed as "Walkers" took home this permission slip. Please return the slip as soon as you can.
Stonegate PTA- You Belong!
PTA Membership Drive
The annual PTA Membership Drive is underway and runs from August 1 through October 15. If you have already joined (thanks!), your membership will be included in this year's membership drive. If not, don't wait, sign-up today to support a variety of community engagement activities and various educational enrichment resources for our school community throughout the year.
Mark Your Calendar
NEW DATE: The Back-To-School Picnic will be held on Tuesday September 12, at 6:30 pm immediately following the Back-To-School Night. This is our first community engagement event of the school year with a live DJ, Pirate Ship Bounce House, Soccer Darts, Obstacle Course, Pa’Torta El Papi food truck, Pizza, Kona Ice and more! Place your Pa’Torta El Papi order in advance via: patortaselpapi.com.
Check out the updated PTA and School Calendar, you can download each month to your personal calendar to keep up with events, days off and half days.
https://stonegatepta.memberhub.com/calendar
New Stonegate Gear Alert
With a new school year, let's get some new Stonegate gear! Stop by the PTA table at the Back-To-School Picnic to purchase your new Stonegate T-shirts. There will be limited quantities on hand, so don't wait. T-shirts size range from youth small - youth large and adult small - adult 2XL and cost is $15.
Label your child's belongings
Label your child’s items now and throughout the year!
Please label:
Jackets
Sweaters
Water Bottles
Lunch boxes and any items that could be lost
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
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 will 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.
Stonegate Elementary School
14811 Notley Road,
Silver Spring, MD 20905
(240) 740-7340
Principal: Linda_M_Jones@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @FrannyWooler
Visit us on the web:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/
Links to Previous Stonegate Greetings: