Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
National School Counseling Week
Monday, February 3
Club Photos will be taken for Yearbook 9:15-11:00 a.m.
After School Avanti Soccer 3:30-4:30 p.m.
After School Spanish K-1 Introductory 3:30-4:30 p.m.
After School Spanish 2-5 Beginner 3:30-4:30 p.m.
DEADLINE TO ORDER SGA VALENTINES by 5 pm
Incoming Kindergarten Registration opens in ParentVue
Tuesday, February 4
After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr K-2 from 3:30-5:15 p.m.
PTA Virtual Meeting 8 pm
Wednesday, February 5
AFter School STEM Gr 2-5 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 6
Kindergarten Kings and Queens Day!
Kindergarten Royalty Ball 2-3 pm
After School Stem Grades K-1 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr 3-5 from 3:30-5:15 p.m.
AFter School Avanti Basketball from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, February 7
LFI Community Outing 10:30-1
Grade 3 Field Trip to Maryland Science Center 9:40 am -2:10 pm
After school Chess from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dear Stonegate Families and Caregivers,
Stonegate Community Update – Welcome to Quarter 3!
We have officially made it through the first semester of the school year! With Quarter 3 now underway, we celebrate the progress our students have made and look forward to continued growth. Report cards will be sent home on Thursday, February 6th, so be on the lookout.
Stay Informed!
To stay up to date with important information, we encourage all families to read their student’s newsletters from teachers and our Stonegate Greetings updates. Staying informed helps us work together to support our students!
Important February Dates
✅ Black History Celebration – Thursday, February 27th at Paint Branch High School. More details will be shared soon! (corrected)
❤️ Valentine’s Day Parties – Friday, February 14th. Teachers have already sent information about classroom celebrations. (corrected)
Presidents’ Day – No school on Monday, February 17th.
Early Pick-Up Reminder
If your student needs to be picked up early, they must be picked up by 3:00 PM. There are no early pickups after this time. This helps us maintain a smooth and safe dismissal process for all students.
Car Circle Safety Reminder
As we reset for the second half of the year, let’s continue prioritizing safety during drop-off and pick-up. Please remember:
🚗 No left turns during busy drop-off and pick-up times. Signs are posted, and this rule is always in effect.
🚗 Stay in your car – do not park or exit your vehicle in the car circle.
🚗 Keep the line moving – pull all the way up and do not stop in the middle of the line.
🚗 Students must exit on the right-hand side onto the sidewalk.
🚗 Do not drop students off in the middle of the street or in the bus loop—please use the designated car circle.
Please watch this video about Arrival and Dismissal for Cars
https://www.wevideo.com/view/3543675445
Thank you for working together to keep everyone safe! We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a great month ahead.
#StonegateIsWhereTheHeartIs
Linda M. Jones,
Principal
Black History Month, observed every February, honors the rich history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. Initiated as Negro History Week in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, it expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to highlight particular aspects of Black history and culture.
The theme for 2025, “African Americans and Labor,” emphasizes the significant roles that African Americans have played in various forms of work—both voluntary and involuntary, skilled and unskilled—throughout history. This theme encourages reflection on how labor intersects with the collective experiences of Black individuals, acknowledging their contributions across all sectors of society.
Recognizing Black History Month is essential as it acknowledges the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, educates future generations, and fosters a deeper understanding of how Black history is integral to the broader American narrative. It serves as a time to celebrate excellence, reflect on the past, and inspire a more inclusive future.
National Counseling Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the important role that counselors play in supporting individuals' mental health and well-being. This week honors the work of counselors across various fields—whether in schools, communities, or mental health settings—who help people navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and foster personal growth. It’s a time to raise awareness about the positive impact of counseling and highlight the importance of mental health support for all ages.
If you have an incoming Kindergarten student, please use ParentVUE to register for the 2025-2026 school year. Registration will open on Monday, February 3, 2025. New families will need to create an account.
Si tiene un estudiante entrante al jardín de infantes, utilice ParentVUE para registrarse para el año escolar 2025-2026. La inscripción se abrirá el lunes 3 de febrero de 2025. Las nuevas familias deberán crear una cuenta.
Visit the MCPS Kindergarten Enrollment page for everything you need to know!
LAST NOTICE - FEBRUARY 7TH IS THE DEADLINE, PLEASE APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
We are excited to announce our Stonegate Annual Career Day, and we would love for you to participate! We are inviting parents and family members to share their careers with our students in fun and interactive ways. This special event will give students the chance to learn about different careers and the many possibilities for their futures.
I am happy to announce that Career Day will be Friday, April 25th, 2025!
Please click the link below to fill out the sign up form.
https://forms.gle/6eR5UjFWkRycTrey5
Return the form by February 7th, 2025 to ensure we have time to organize the event.
Please note that regrettably we will not be able to select everyone that is interested as we have limited openings for presenters. We are so grateful for your support and look forward to an exciting Career Day with your involvement!
Warm regards,
Kedon George, School Counselor
Please reach out at Kedon_F_George2@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-7340
2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade Caregivers:
As part of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Gifted and Talented (GT) identification screening process, schools will gather information about students to help plan for the 2025-2026 school year. Information gathered includes academic performance data and input from parents and school staff.
Caregiver input is an essential data source for the GT identification process. Please complete the online Parent Input Form to tell us about your student’s strengths. The form is available from January 27 to February 28, 2025. Directions about how to access and complete the form are included below.
https://bit.ly/24-25parentinputform
Follow these steps to complete a Parent Input Form for your student:
Open an internet browser on your device (Google Chrome is the preferred browser)
Navigate to: http://www.google.com
Do you see a Google Apps profile icon (circle with picture or letter) in the upper right corner?
If YES: Click on it and sign out of any Non-MCPS Google Apps accounts, then proceed to Step 3
If NO: Proceed to Step 3
Click the blue Sign In button
Use your student’s MCPS google account credentials to sign in (studentid@mcpsmd.net)
Upon login, enter this URL address: https://bit.ly/24-25parentinputform (URL is case sensitive)
Would you like to translate the form to a different language?
If YES: Right click anywhere on the form and select your preferred “Translate to…” menu option, then proceed to Step 6.
If NO: Proceed to Step 6
Select the response that most closely matches how often your child demonstrates each behavior.
Type your name on the Electronic Signature line
Click the Submit button
Our reading specialist, Michelle Bozel, is our GT Liaison. Please reach out to her with any questions. Michelle_T_Bozel@mcpsmd.org
In times of uncertainty, it is essential for our school communities to rely on accurate information and not give way to rumors or misinformation that can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. Recently, Dr. Thomas Taylor, Superintendent of Schools, shared information from a meeting with Maryland Superintendents and the State Superintendent while conferencing with the State Director and Baltimore Field Office lead of ICE, Mr. Matt Ellison. Based on that meeting Dr. Taylor shared, “I have been reassured that there are NO plans for ICE to visit or take actions at or near schools in Maryland.” By understanding the rights of community members, we can foster a supportive environment and ensure that our schools remain safe and welcoming spaces for all.
Here are some bullet points regarding the rights of immigrant students and their families:
Access to Public Education: Under the 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe, all children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to attend public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Protection of Personal Information: Schools are not required to report students’ or families’ immigration status to federal authorities. Personal information, such as addresses or immigration status, is protected under privacy laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
No Barriers to Enrollment: Schools cannot deny enrollment based on a student’s citizenship, immigration status, or inability to provide certain documents, such as a Social Security number or birth certificate.
Right to Due Process: Immigrants, regardless of status, are entitled to due process under the Constitution, ensuring fair treatment in legal proceedings.
MCAAP, MCEA, and SEIU are the three employee organizatiions that serve in Mntgomery County Public Schools. Together, we are united in our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our school communities. We stand firm in protecting the privacy of our students and their families, advocating tirelessly for their safety, rights, and prioritizing their well-being above all else. AND WE STAND WITH YOU.
Reminders for families of their constitutional rights:
You DO NOT HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
You DO NOT HAVE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
You DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
Schools and offices were closed on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, and Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. The 2024–2025 MCPS school calendar includes 182 instructional days, two more than the state of Maryland's minimum requirement of 180. As a result, the closures on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7 will not affect the school calendar.
However, the closure on Jan. 8 requires using one designated make-up day in the calendar.
The school year will be extended by one day, with the last day of school for students now scheduled as an early release day on Monday, June 16, 2025. Additionally, Friday, June 13, 2025, which was scheduled as an early release day, will now be a full instructional day for students.
As winter temperatures settle in, we want to remind you to bundle up for arrival and dismissal times. The mornings this week in Silver Spring are expected to be very cold, with "real-feel" temperatures even lower due to wind chill.
Additionally, please remember that students play outside for recess as long as the temperature is above 32°F, so it’s important for them to be dressed appropriately to stay warm and comfortable.
Please ensure your child comes to school with a warm coat and any other cold-weather accessories like gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. Students should not be arriving at school in T shirts and light hoodies. Students know this expectation
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and warm while they enjoy their day!
And, as always, add your child's name to all items!
If you would still like to help our fifth graders have an amazing end of year party and promotion go here to donate: https://givebutter.com/rv8lIj
Creative Adventures Art starts Wednesday, Feb 12. Register here: website.
Flyers on Stonegate Website : https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/homepage/extracurricular/
New Sessions of After School Spanish
https://biglearning.asapconnected.com/
K-1 Introductory (8-week program) – WINTER SESSION STARTED Monday, 1/13 and runs through 3/17 – this class is full
Spanish 2-5 Beginner (12-week program) FALL SESSION is still in session. There are two more class meetings – 1/27 and 2/3 (which is the last class and make up)
Spanish 2-5 Beginner (12-week program) WINTER SESSION registration is open – program is scheduled to start 2/10 – 6/2
PTA Meetings & Events
Please join the February PTA Membership Meeting on Tuesday, February 4 at 8 pm via Zoom to learn more about the exciting activities (and how you can get involved!) planned for the remainder of the school year. The meeting agenda will include reports from PTA Officers and Committee Chairs and Stonegate Principal and Staff. The Zoom log-in information will be shared prior to the meeting.
Mark your calendar for a PTA Restaurant Night at Vocelli's on Thursday, February 13. Restaurant nights are fundraisers where local restaurants donates a portion of sales to support our PTA efforts. The Read-A-Thon kicks-off on Monday, February 24, and it’s a fun activity to encourage students to increase the reading time, which can support their literacy goals and expand their interest in reading.
Snack Pantry
The PTA Snack Pantry provides a snack for students during their school day, if needed. To support this ongoing effort, you can order snacks online, make a donation, or drop snacks off at the main office.
Stonegate PTA Membership
Although the membership drive has closed, membership is open year-round. You can show your school pride and join the PTA online today! Your support makes a difference in our school community!
This year has been full of photo opportunities! You may have pictures from a party, a field trip, or other fun event! Families and staff can use this Josten’s link to upload photos from field trips, class parties, class projects, assemblies, etc. for possible inclusion in the yearbook.
Yearbook Link to submit photos:
https://images.jostens.com/0UttG7hxhZq-7MutrNwsZcg
For Grade 5 families - Dropbox: Please submit a photo of your student when they were younger, such as kindergarten, to include in the flashback section of the yearbook.
https://www.dropbox.com/request/wmCXiOLgHsm1x956egJM
Makeup/Retake Day images are now viewable online.
Please visit: vosphoto.com/uc
use your student ID when prompted for the online code.
For questions regarding school pictures
please email: underclass@vosphoto.com
Upcoming Dates
Here is the 24-25 School Calendar
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org//siteassets/district/calendar/2024/2024-calendar.pdf
Feb 13 - PTA Restaurant Night Vocelli
Feb 14 - Valentine’s Parties 2-3 pm
Feb 17 - President’s Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Feb 21 - Grade 4 Field Trip Arts on Stage “Lift Every Voice” 10:30 am -2 pm
Feb 24- Mar 14 PTA Read A Thon
Feb 25 - PEP and Prek only No School for Teacher Professional Day
Feb 27 - Black History Celebration - at Paint Branch High School
Feb 28- Early Release dismissal at 12:55, No School for PEP
Mar 3-5 - Hearing and Vision Screening
Mar 4 - PTA Membership Meeting virtual 8:00 pm
Mar 11 - Grades 4 and 5 Field Trip Sherwood HS Rock & Roll Revival 9:40-12:40
Mar 11 - Gr 5 Chick Fil A Restaurant Night
Mar 13- Reading Night
Mar 27 - Spring Student Portraits
Mar 28 - Gr 5 Career Day Wax Museum 2-3 pm
Apr 2 - PTA Restaurant Night Chipotle in Aspen Hill
Apr 2 - Grade 4 Field Trip Skate Zone
Apr 7 -11 - Literary Festival
Apr 9 Rescreening for Hearing and Vision
Apr 14 - 21 - Spring Break, No School
Apr 22 - Gr 4 Field Trip Skate Zone 9:40- 2:10
Apr 24 - Take Your Child to Work Day
Apr 25 - Career Day
Apr 28 - Grade 5 Panoramic Photo 2-3 pm
May 1 - LFI Field Trip Clark's Elioak Farm 9:40 - 2:10 pm
May 1 - Grade 5 Social Studies Showcase - Inventions/Wax Museum 12:30-3
May 5-9 - Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
May 6 - PTA Membership Meeting virtual 8:00 pm
May 13 - Fun Run
May 15 - Spring Chorus and Instrumental Music Concert 5:30-6:30 pm
May 23 - PTA Carnival
May 26 - Holiday, No School
May 30 - Field Day
Jun 5 - SGA Talent Show
Jun 6 - No School
Jun 9 - Grade 5 End of Year Party
Jun 12 - Grade 5 Clap Out 2:45
Jun 16 - Last day of School, Early Release, dismissal 12:55 pm
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/StonegateES
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) has made it easier to view school menus. MCPS students, parents and community members can now view school menus with MealViewer, providing increased access to:
School-specific menu offerings with photos.
Nutritional information for each meal.
The top nine allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and sesame), helping you make informed choices based on your child’s dietary needs.
MealViewer can be accessed on a computer browser, through the MealViewer app on Android and iPhone, or using any browser on a smartphone. No sign-in or passwords are required to view menus. It is also possible (but not required) to rate food items, star favorite items, use a nutrition calculator and create a profile. Check out your school’s menu today. Learn more in this video (English) and (en Español).
Visit the Division of Food & Nutrition Services website for how-to videos, quick tips and additional resources.
Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for meals! Apply right away. One application covers the entire HOUSEHOLD. Translations in other languages are available through the online application.
Apply now at www.MySchoolApps.com
Here is a video about how to apply:
English Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJUapGLarBo
Video en Español: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsdCrtCIFJc&t=4s
All volunteers WILL need to check-in and check-out of the main office and scan their driver’s license/identification cards through the Visitor Management System (VMS). Once the volunteer clears the VMS, they must be badged (the VMS creates a sticker badge) and remain under supervision of an MCPS professional while with students.
Link to Volunteer Expectations Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tpdZrX8MRqYutpNhA3siVOajmRnxlYPa/view?usp=sharing
Clothing to Cash® is a program that collects New and Used Clothing, Shoes, Sheets, and 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 allow 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 pay 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 bag of textile mate! Add in parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, and staff, and Stonegate’s earnings could really increase.