Mustang Message, September Edition
September 1, 2023
Important Upcoming Dates
September
September 1 -Mustang Gallop Fundraiser Kick Off
September 4 - Labor Day - All Schools and Offices Closed
September 15 - Mustang Gallop Event
September 18 - PTO meeting 4:15pm in Media Center
September 20 - (DATE CHANGED) 4th Grade Elms Field Trip. Click here for how to prepare students and more information.
September 21 - Two Hour Early Dismissal – No School for PreKindergarten Students
September 22 - No School for Students
September 25 - Picture Day
Looking Ahead to October
October 4 - Walk to School
October 9 - Virtual Instruction Day, 2HR Early Dismissal, Parent Conference Day
October 10 - Sotterly Field Trip - Simpkin/Repenning Click here for how to prepare students and more information.
October 11 - Sotterly Field Trip Lucas/Roach Click here for how to prepare students and more information.
October 16 - Elms Field Trip - Donley/Smith Click here for how to prepare students and more information.
October 17 - Elms Field Trip Simpson Click here for how to prepare students and more information.
October 20 - Two Hour Early Dismissal – No School for PreKindergarten Students – Professional Responsibilities/Collaborative Planning – PreKindergarten Parent/Family Engagement Activities
October 27 - Two Hour Early Dismissal – No School for PreKindergarten Students – Professional Responsibilities – PreKindergarten Parent/Family Engagement Activities – End of 1st Marking Period (46 days)
Parent Handbook Reminders
Cell Phones and Smart Watches
MES students are not permitted to use cell phones or smart watches during the school day. Such items should be stowed in backpacks with notifications silenced. If it is determined a student needs to contact a parent, the office phone may be used. See the SMCPS Handbook Regarding Personal Devices.
Birthday Treats
MES staff recognize that celebrating children on their birthday helps to provide a sense of belonging. In order to properly prepare for requests from families, parents should communicate to the teacher a minimum of 2 days in advance of providing birthday treats.
- Treats need to be dropped off at least one hour prior to lunchtime.
- The nurse needs to check for student allergies prior to food items being delivered to the classroom or cafeteria.
- Treats need to be labeled with the student’s name AND the teacher’s name by a parent or guardian.
- Alternative items such as stickers, pencils, fun erasers, or inexpensive toys such as stretchy frogs or plastic tops for the class can also be considered. Be sure to label them with the student’s name AND the teacher’s name.
Early Sign Outs
Student dismissal begins at 3:40. Early departures during the school day require that a parent enter the school vestibule, sign the child out, and wait while the child is called to the office. A picture ID will be required. We need parents' help with a smooth dismissal. It is not ideal to stop in the office to check your child out between the time of 3:00-3:45 PM. Between 3:00 and 3:45 PM, MES is handling the dismissal of 300+ students, and this requires the focus of the office staff, teachers, and support staff in order to be done safely. Any parent arriving after 3:30 pm for sign-out will be directed to join the car rider line with the required ID to pick up the child.
Other options include:
- Picking students up from the car rider line that begins at 3:40PM. (contact the office in advance if your child is not a daily car rider)
- Checking your child out before 3:00 PM.
Dress Code
The SMCPS Dress Code can be found here.
Walk to School Day
PTO Communication App
Acceptable Use Agreement
Reminders from Previous Newsletters
School Meal Accounts
Menus and Accounts
Menus for School Meals are visible through Nutrislice.
If you want to view your child's meal purchases and add funds, use the My School Bucks link.
Meal Benefit Information
Free Breakfast and Lunch Requires an Application
Online applications are encouraged as they are processed more quickly.
School Meal Benefit Forms: School Year Meal Benefit forms for SY 23-24 are now available online! Easily fill out your new meal benefit form by visiting https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application on the www.smcps.org website. Families can request more information by contacting SMCPS' Food and Nutrition Services Office at 301.475.4256, Option 5, or via email at foodservice@smcps.org.
Volunteer Applications
Volunteer applications are open for new applicants for the 2023 - 2024 school year.
Both new and previously registered volunteers must complete a volunteer application every school year.