Silver Spring International MS

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August 4, 2024

I hope that you are having a safe and enjoyable summer filled with wonderful memories and spending time with family and friends. This summer I have enjoyed working with our Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), meeting with board members of our PTSA, and listening to students and other staff about their individual goals and hopes for SSIMS during the 2024-2025 school year.

The Instructional Leadership Team, our PTSA, the counselors, and many other staff have been working all summer to prepare for the students to arrive in three weeks on August 26th! A huge thank you is in order to our Building Services staff who are working extremely hard to give the building a thorough cleaning, additional dusting from the construction, and extra shine.

During our Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) days this summer, we dedicated time to analyzing and reflecting on various academic and voice data. This reflection led us to make adjustments to our instructional programming and refine our processes and procedures to better serve all of our Jaguars. As a result, we are planning to create additional opportunities for community building, enhance the social and emotional skills of both students and staff and provide professional learning to build staff capacity in meeting the needs of all our Jaguars.

At SSIMS, our vision is to inspire and empower internationally-minded lifelong learners by acknowledging our common humanity and guiding students to become leaders in the global society. We are committed to ensuring our long-term planning and day-to-day operations support this vision.

Due to our Capital Improvement Project to build our new gymnasium, we aren't able to host any SSIMS preview days for our new Jaguars. However, the main entrance is scheduled to be back to “normal” for the return of staff on August 19th. So, after this date our Jaguars and community member visitors will be able to enter through the front doors. We will be hosting our annual New Student Orientation, or mini-day, on the morning of Thursday, August 22, beginning at 7:50 a.m and ending at 12:00 p.m. Students will go through their schedule, meet their teachers, and receive a snack. Lunch will not be provided this day. Regular bus transportation will be provided for pick-up and drop-off at your assigned bus stop location. The bus routes and schedules for the 2024-2025 school year are not yet available on the MCPS Department of Transportation Website. Once they are, we will post them to the SSIMS Website and include them in a weekly newsletter. Feel free to continue to check the site for updates. On that same day in the evening, beginning at 4:30pm we will host a Back-to-School Ice Cream Social for all SSIMS students and families. The event will take place in the cafeteria and adjoining parking lot, depending on the weather. Please come and meet several staff members and connect with other SSIMS families.

Just as last year, I anticipate that there are many questions regarding the ongoing construction projects occurring on the SSIMS and SCES campuses. We are working closely with the MCPS Division of Design and Construction (DDC), Henley Construction, and The Maryland Transit Administration to ensure the improvement projects do not compromise the safety of students, staff, and visitors and have as little impact as possible on the daily operations and instructional programming of the school. Information and ongoing updates will be provided in the SSIMS Weekly Message and during monthly PTSA meetings. Information can also be found under the “Henley Construction Updates” Tab on the SSIMS Website

Embedded in the rest of this newsletter includes information to help you prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. Please read the information under each category heading carefully. We have made our best effort to answer all the questions that we anticipate from you; however, if additional questions arise, please contact the school at 301-270-2750. You can also check out our SSIMS website at any time!

Have a wonderful rest of your summer and we will see you soon!

Mr. Patrick Bilock

Principal, SSIMS

(click on the image below to access the document)

Clear and consistent communication is a priority of Silver Spring International Middle School staff. We will prioritize communication and tell the story of Silver Spring International Middle School through multiple platforms. Please expect the following from us:

• Weekly Sunday night Connect Ed evening phone calls at 6:00 pm from administration with detailed information on activities and upcoming events happening at SSIMS.
• Weekly Smore newsletter from administration with detailed information on activities and upcoming happenings
• Remind 101 - an online platform that allows staff and families to communicate with each other in their preferred language
• Updates, information, and links on the SSIMS Webpage.
• Synergy Gradebook and Email will be utilized for communication between families and individual teachers and grade-level teams.
• MyMCPS Classroom (Canvas) will be utilized for posting announcements, instructional materials, and assignments.
• All staff can be reached via their Outlook (.org) and Google (.net) email addresses.
• Individual phone calls to provide additional student and family updates and information.

(click on the image below to access the document and live email links)

6th Grade - Outdoor Education Information Session #1

When: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Where: Zoom\ https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82134194271?pwd=YzBGMmtBYnh6dXp4QVZaR2FzWDhoUT09

Meeting ID: 821 3419 4271

Passcode: SSIMS

6th Grade - Outdoor Education Information Session #2

When: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Where: Zoom\ https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82134194271?pwd=YzBGMmtBYnh6dXp4QVZaR2FzWDhoUT09

Meeting ID: 821 3419 4271

Passcode: SSIMS

New Student Orientation

When: Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 7:50 am - 12:00 pm

Where: SSIMS

SSIMS Community Ice Cream Social

When: Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Where: SSIMS Cafeteria and Adjacent Parking Lot

First Day of School for Students

When: Monday, August 26, 2024 | 7:50 am - 3:00 pm

Where: SSIMS

Labor Day Holiday - No School for Students and Staff

When: Monday, September 2, 2024 | All Day

Back to School Night and1st PTSA Meeting

When: Thursday, September 5, 2024, beginning at 5:30 pm

Where: SSIMS

All SSIMS students and their families new to SSIMS are invited to our annual Ice Cream Social! You will have an opportunity to connect with classmates and other families, learn more about the school, and meet several staff members... oh! and enjoy a sweet treat!!

Did you know, that the number of families who qualify for free and reduced meals (FARMS) directly impacts class sizes? Schools that have a percentage threshold of families that qualify for free and reduced meals (FARMS) receive additional staffing?

Not sure if you qualify for FARMS? Please see the information below!

Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for meals! Qualifying students may take advantage of free and/or reduced meals. The prices for school lunch during the 2024–25 school year are:

• Breakfast: no cost for any student at Silver Spring International Middle School
• Lunch: $2.80 Reduced price: no cost

The 2024-25 FARMS

(Free and Reduced-price Meals System)

APPLICATION PROCESS is NOW OPEN ONLINE at:

https://www.myschoolapps.com/

Remember parents:

APPLY NOW AND AVOID LONGER PROCESSING TIMES IN SEPTEMBER!

1. Fill out a FARMS application if you need assistance with your children’s meals and your income falls within the federally set income guidelines.
2. Use only one (1) application (online or paper) for all children in a household who attend Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), even if the students attend different schools.
3. List ALL children and adults in a household on the same form and include:

• Students’ date of birth, ID number, school and grade
• Parents’ income information
• All additional personal information as asked
• Completing online applications reduces the time necessary for processing.
  

• For your convenience, the online application is available in 7 languages: English, Spanish, French, Farsi, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Click on “Language” in the upper right corner of the main web page and choose your language.
• All interested families must reapply each school year.

If you need assistance, please call the Main office at 240-740-2750 or the Counseling office at 240-740-2760.

For the Classroom Setting

• A 3-ring binder with a set of dividers
• Six (6) pocket folders
• Three (3) composition notebooks – one subject
• One (1) package #2 pencils
• One (1) package blue/black pens
• One (1) highlighter
• A zippered pencil case, if needed
• A pair of wired earbuds

For Physical Education

• Athletic Shoes (Crocs are not recommended - they result in a lot of rolled ankles!)
• A T-Shirt
• Athletic Shorts or Sweat Pants
• A Sweat Shirt (for those chilly Fall and Spring days)

*All students will receive their own, individual locker. It is strongly recommended that students use their personal lockers to store their belongings during the PE period. Students will have time to access the locker room before and after the instructional period with plenty of time to return to the main building for their next class.

Over the course of my career I have read many books about education. These two books just may be the best ones that I've read about the middle school learner... really the middle school human! There is so much development going on between the ages of 10 and 15, and these easy to read books provide very helpful and strategic ways to support your adolescent through some challenging times. Below are two synopses of each book. If I had to choose or recommend one, I would suggest the "Middle School Superpowers" as it was written most recently and takes into consideration the impact that COVID-19 has had on all of us, but especially our adolescents.

"Middle School Matters" by Phyllis Fagell is a comprehensive guide that addresses the unique challenges and developmental needs of middle school students. The book offers practical strategies and advice for parents, educators, and counselors to support students during this critical period of growth. Fagell emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience, social-emotional learning, and academic skills to help middle schoolers thrive both in and out of the classroom.

"Middle School Superpowers" by Phyllis Fagell explores the essential skills and qualities that middle school students need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The book provides actionable advice for parents, teachers, and counselors to help students develop these "superpowers," such as resilience, empathy, and self-advocacy. Fagell combines expert insights with real-life examples to offer a comprehensive toolkit for supporting middle schoolers through their formative years.

Here are some resources that might be helpful for continuing the conversation about technology in your homes.

• MCPS Digital Citizenship Website:

• Google Digital Wellbeing (free)—Use Google’s Digital Wellbeing 8 question assessment to reflect on your relationship with technology before you start a conversation with your kids. Google Digital Wellbeing provides tips and tools to help you achieve your personal sense of digital wellbeing. You can also have your kids take the interactive assessment!

• Common Sense Media— This nonprofit is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology and aims to empower parents by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives. Common Sense Media is my go-to site for app, game, and entertainment reviews and they also have great age-appropriate articles about parenting in the digital age. SSIMS is a Common Sense Media school, meaning teachers in every subject teach lessons about digital safety and citizenship Common Sense Media throughout the year.

• The Smart Talk (free)— An online tool designed to help parents create conversations and work with their kids to set ground rules about technology via a personalized and customizable contract. I highly recommend using this to create technology rules collaboratively and revisiting the site to update them as your tween or teen gets older.

• Bark & Bark Jr. (regularly $99/year for unlimited household devices or $14/month but get 20% off for the duration of service with the code SAVVYMAMA)— This application is a robust monitoring tool to help you stay on top of your kids’ online activity and communication without invading their privacy. It provides high level alerts for cyberbullying, sexting, potential drug use, acts of violence, profanity, online predators, thoughts of suicide and depression, and so much more across 25 social media platforms, texting, and email accounts and also gives us parents the tools to talk about these very hard topics with our kids. If you’re wondering about the data that Bark collects, their FAQs provided the following information: We use SSL encryption on the website to present data to you and your children. All data analyzed is stored within an encrypted database, including backups. Security is a primary concern for us. You can rest easy knowing you and your children's data is secure. I like Bark because it’s comprehensive and easy to set up. If you’d like to know more about how it works and what kinds of things you’ll be notified of, you can read my full review of Bark here.

• Bark is offering Bark Jr for free to SSIMS families with the code SAVVYMAMA. Bark Jr. doesn’t have as many features as Bark but it’s a great starting point. If you’d like to upgrade to Bark Premium, the 20% off will be automatically applied for the life of your account.

• Google Family Link (free)— Family Link lets you set digital ground rules to help guide them as they learn, play, and explore on their mobile devices. It helps ensure your child is accessing good content, keep an eye on screen time, and also see where they are. Read my full review of Family Link here.

• Life360 (plans vary from $5-$20/month)- Life360 is a geolocation app that allows you to view your family members on a map, communicate with them, and receive alerts when they arrive at home, school, or work. It allows you to keep an eye on loved ones without requiring a response from them. Life360 has monthly and annual plans available on unlimited devices. I’ve used the premium version for our family for years but take advantage of the 7 day trial to make sure it’s the right fit for your family first.

• Be Internet Awesome (free)— Created by Google, Be Internet Awesome is designed to teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence. It includes free materials and resources such as classroom curriculum, Interland an online game, as well as materials for parents to use at home with their kids to extend these lessons beyond the school day and into year-round learning. Read my full review of Google’s Be internet Awesome here.

Talking to Kids About Digital Safety Topics:

• 6 Conversations About Digital Safety Every Family Should Be Having

Considering giving your child a cell phone?

• Read my post What You Need to Do Before Giving Your Child a Cell Phone first!

• Why Getting My 11-Year-Old a Phone Was One of the Best Parenting Decisions I’ve Ever Made

Safety & Privacy:

• A Parent’s Guide to Digital Safety at All Ages

• Important Conversations to Have with Kids About Being Safe in the Digital World

Screen Time:

• 15 Ways to Unplug for a Few Hours

• 10 Tools That will Help You Take Charge of Your Digital Life

• How to Teach Your Kids to Unplug in Favor of Digital Wellbeing

• How to Talk About Digital Wellbeing with Your Teens

Social Media:

• Important Conversations to Have with Your Kids About Instagram

• Important Conversations to Have with Your Kids About YouTube Content

• 5 Ways to Keep Kids Save on YouTube and YouTube Kids

Apps & Downloads:

• Taking Control: Setting Boundaries to Keep Games Fun and Balanced

Reputation & Respect:

• Important Conversations to Have with Kids About Managing Their Digital Reputations

• 6 Questions Parents Need to Ask Kids to Reinforce Kindness in the Digital World

• How Kids Can Play Their Way Through Interland to Learn Digital Citizenship

• 3 Simple Positive Actions to Teach Tweens to Combat Bullying

A Capital Improvement Project (CIP) for an addition to SSIMS was approved by MCPS to provide a new gymnasium in the unused auditorium and physical education classrooms on a new second floor above the gymnasium. This will move the physical education facilities from the separate Fieldhouse building into the main building. A new security vestibule at the main entrance is also part of this CIP. The construction is currently underway with a scheduled completion date of August 2025 to be ready for the 2025-2025 School Year. Students and staff will continue to use the building during construction. While there may be some impacts to school operations, including arrival and dismissal, the instructional programming will not be affected.

As part of future planned CIP MCPS will renovate the Linkages to Learning space and add additional science classrooms in this same hallway. MCPS is currently in the design stage with schedule to complete design in September 2024 to submit for permit review and approval.

The Purple Line construction, separate from the CIP, is occurring along Wayne Ave. The construction impacts student access to and from SSIMS when crossing Wayne Ave and the school parking lot access at both Wayne Avenue and Dale Drive. The Purple Line representatives have assured us that the closure of through traffic across Wayne Avenue will be completed prior to the return of our staff.

Traffic and pedestrian patterns have been identified to support the safety of students and promote the flow of traffic. Please click HERE or the image below to view these routes.

Ongoing communication about progress and updates will be provided through future weekly messages, monthly PTSA meetings, our monthly School Construction Impact Team (SCIT) meeting notes, and when needed, additional messages through Connect Ed and Remind.

• Students, staff, and visitors will continue to utilize the main entrance into the International Lobby. The pedestrian walkways are outlined in BLUE.
• The upper parking lot located along Dale Drive will now be the SSIMS BUS LOOP and STAFF parking. This is outlined in RED.
• The lower parking lot along Wayne Avenue will be the PARENT DROP-OFF/PICK-UP LOOP and STAFF This is outlined in GREEN.

**Entrance into the student drop-off/pick-up loop is RIGHT TURN in and RIGHT TURN out ONLY**

The instructional school day for students is from 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. First block begins at 8:15 a.m. It is imperative that students arrive each morning and to each class on time so that learning can be maximized.

Due to the Capital Improvement Plan and Purple Line construction, students may enter the building as early as 7:40 a.m. Students being dropped off by parents/caregivers must use the student drop-off/pick-up loop (indicated by the green arrow on the map above)

Students arriving prior to 7:50 a.m. should enter through the main office and wait in International Lobby. At 7:50 a.m. students will be dismissed to their lockers and make their way to their first block.

The instructional school day ends for students at 3:00pm. Students are dismissed and must exit out the main entrance, the door nearest counseling, or the exit to the field house. Bus riders must get on their bus immediately after exiting, car riders must get picked up in the parent drop-off loop, and walkers must leave campus immediately. Students are not permitted to go to Ertters Market and return to campus and get on their bus or re-enter the school for an after school activity. Once students leave campus they must make their way home.

Bus Routes are currently being updated. You can continue to check the website.

• Click on the MCPS Transportation - Bus Routes link

• Click on the Middle Schools Tab

• Select Silver Spring International

When these are available, they will be sent out in the next weekly message and can be found on the SSIMS Webpage linked HERE

The first Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting of the new school year will be combined with Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 5th.

The PTSA is a way to get connected to what is happening at SSIMS and help support the school through activities such as our annual Jag Jog and Staff Appreciation Events.

If you have questions about the PTSA or are interested in joining the PTSA Board of Directors, please contact Ms. Megan Di Nicola, our PTSA President at ssimspresidents@gmail.com

Again, for the 2024-2025 school year, each instructional classroom will have access to a cart of Chromebooks to utilize when an activity of the lesson requires. These Chromebooks will remain in the classrooms to charge after each class period. This eliminates the need for students to bring their own Chromebooks and carry them from class to class.

Students who do not have computer access at home can request a Chromebook from MCPS using the Google Form linked HERE. Once you sign up for a Chromebook, a device will be pre-assigned in the inventory system, and the device will be delivered to SSIMS for distribution to the student. This device should be kept at home. Requesting the device implies consent of use in accordance with MCPS Policy (IGT_RA) and acknowledgment that the Chromebook, software, and issued peripherals are owned by MCPS.

To promote engagement and positive social interactions, Silver Spring International is an Away All Day School

Cell phones may not be used at school during the instructional day (8:10 AM – 3:00 PM), including lunch. Cell phones, and electronic devices, including earbuds and headphones, must be turned off and stored in students’ lockers during the school day.

Should you need to get a hold of your child during the school day, please contact the main office. Students may use their cell phones before 8:10 AM and after 3:00PM.

All students will be assigned an individual locker with their own personal combination. Students should treat these combinations just as they do passwords to their student google accounts. This school year, backpacks are permitted to be used throughout the day, however we are strongly urging students to leave their backpacks in their lockers throughout the school day. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and to visit their lockers before school, at lunch, and after school to access their belongings.

The regular bell schedule for the 2024-2025 school year will remain the same as last year with 4 instructional periods and an advisory, JAG Time. JAg Time is like a homeroom, however there will be lessons focused on Social and Emotional Learning, Community Building, and Academic Progress. In a full 5-day week, Jag Time will be the first 3 days and the last 2 days will be devoted to reteaching and reassessment built into their regularly schedule class period. You can see the different bell schedules by clicking on the link HERE.

The lessons and activities that occur in JAG Time will be designed to develop the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.

For more information on these topics, please use the following resources:

• Restorative Practices
• Social and Emotional Learning
• No Place For Hate

Middle School Athletics Registration

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) middle school interscholastic athletics program is a planned extension of the physical education instructional and intramural programs for students in grades 7 and 8. Although the athletics program offers a higher level of competition, its’ primary purpose is to provide the opportunity for advanced skill development for all students with interests and/or talents in athletics.

The middle school interscholastic athletics program operates under the jurisdiction of the Montgomery County Public Middle School Principals Association. Mr. Bryan Walker, Operations Coordinator, Department of Athletics, in the Office of School Support and Well-Beign, is responsible for the administration of the program and development of schedules and standards.

Middle School Schedules

Middle school schedules can be found here. Middle school students may only attend their local school's home athletic contests. Middle school students may only attend away contests if accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Middle School Athletics Registration

Registration for middle school athletics will be conducted through the ParentVUE Portal. The ParentVUE online registration portal, available in English and Spanish, incorporates all required paper forms and documents into an internet-based platform that can be accessed using a secure ParentVUE Portal login. Parents/guardians are also able to scan and upload their student's physical, as part of the registration process.

• Fall registration for coed cross country or boys' and girls' softball opens August 12, 2024, at 12:00 noon.
• Winter registration for boys' or girls' basketball opens October 28, 2024, at 12:00 noon
• Spring registration for boys' or girls' soccer opens January 27, 2025, at 12:00 noon

Participation Requirements

Students should complete their pre-participation physical (MCPS Form SR-8) so that the medical eligibility form (the last page) is ready for online submission via the ParentVue Portal or for email submission to the local school athletic coordinator, prior to tryouts/practices. This form is valid for two years from the date of the exam and covers participation for all sports within that time period.

If you have questions, please contact SSIMS Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Adam Seidman: adam_e_seidman@mcpsmd.org

SSIMS offers a variety of afterschool activities based on student interest and need. We are currently in the process of updating our SY25 Extracurricular Activity Offerings, but to get an idea of clubs and activities that were offered last year, you can review the SSIMS ECA Handbook linked HERE.

Afterschool Activities typically occur on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday's throughout the school year from 3:20 p.m. until 4:20 p.m. and after school buses are available. There are three routes that drop students off at specific stops close, but not exactly at, students' normal bus locations.

If there is something that is not currently available as an offering, students are encouraged to start a club! For questions, please contact Ms. Aba Anyomi, our administrator that oversees our Extracurricular Activity programming. aba_anyomi@mcpsmd.org

Additionally, SSIMS Partners with Montgomery County Recreation's RecXtra Program that works with SSIMS Staff to offer additional after school programs. To read more about RecXtra, please see their website linked HERE.

ParentVUE and StudentVUE is a valuable resource for educators, parents, and students. It creates a bridge of communication to relay important information such as homework, tests, upcoming events and grades. At SSIMS, teachers are encouraged to update their myMCPS Portal pages daily. It is important for students and parents to check regularly to keep track of assignments and grades. However, grades may take longer to post depending on the assignment. Please be patient with teachers as some assignments may take as long as two weeks to grade.

If you need assistance with setting up your account, please email us. Information is also available on the MCPS website.

Parent/Guardian ParentVUE Support Guide (Annual Verification Instructions on page 24!)

MCPS Department of Food and Nutrition Services Website

Starting on the first day of school, full lunches will cost $2.80, and various ala carte items will be available ranging from $1 to $2.

All students have the opportunity for free breakfast through the Universal Breakfast program. Breakfast will be available to ALL students upon entering the school building up until 8:15am.

When students go through the meal line, they will enter their student ID numbers to access their lunch accounts. Funds can be added to student lunch accounts using MySchoolBucks or payments can be made directly to our cafeteria using cash or a check. We will share a link to the monthly menu and specific ala carte offerings during the third week of August, 2024.

No student will be denied a meal if funds are not available on their account. In the event that a lunch account has insufficient funds, the student will still receive the meal and the price will be recorded as a credit which can be repaid at a later date.

It is important to complete the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) form if you have previously, or believe you will qualify for free or reduced meals. If your family qualifies for any level of FARMS support, all meals are free. Apply online at www.MySchoolApps.com

School Immunizations—The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2024-2025 school year.

Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year.

For students whose required vaccines are incomplete, updated vaccine records must be submitted by the first day of school; proof of exemption or a vaccination visit must be submitted within 20 days. School staff are reviewing records and contacting families of students with incomplete vaccination records. Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.

Additional Summer Health Reminders from MCPS

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students working toward a Maryland High School Diploma are required to complete 75 student service learning (SSL) hours in addition to other graduation requirements. Students may earn SSL hours beginning the summer after grade 5 and continue to accrue hours through high school. SSL hours are also awarded to middle school students who successfully pass grade 6 science, grade 7 English, and grade 8 social studies and complete all SSL activities included in these courses. Hours may be earned in school-sponsored clubs and organizations that have a service focus and through involvement with pre-approved, official nonprofit tax-exempt organizations in unpaid activities that address needs in the greater community. MCPS is highly aware of the potential for growth that can occur for students involved in the preparation, action, and reflection phases of quality SSL experiences.

The SSL hours earned while enrolled in an MCPS middle school accompany the student to high school. The SSL record of Silver Spring Middle School students will be maintained by , our SSL coordinator, Ms. Cindy Mannix. Progress toward this diploma requirement is reflected on quarterly report cards and in the MCPS Parent Portal. Students and parents should monitor this record and keep copies of all SSL documents. Documentation of any school year or summer service for which SSL hours are desired can be turned into Ms. Mannix through email or may be turned into the SSIMS Main Office.

Additional SSL information is available at the MCPS Student Service Learning website. All necessary SSL forms can be found on the homepage of the Student Service Learning website. The Superintendent’s SSL Award will be given to students who meet the high school graduation requirements by the 1st Friday in April of a middle school year. Support your child’s involvement in meeting this graduation requirement by helping them choose meaningful service-learning opportunities, follow program guidelines, and keep accurate records of participation. To find SSL opportunities in the community, both virtual and in-person, visit www.montgomeryserves.org and search for opportunities marked as MCPS SSL with the graduation cap icon.

Parents should use their ParentVue portal to update their student’s emergency information online. You may click here to view the ParentVue Guide (Student Information: How do I see student information?) for directions on how to do so. This is the best way to update your student’s information. However, if you cannot provide this information electronically, students are given student-specific pre-printed copies of these forms as well as other important forms (see a complete list of forms at the end of this letter) during the first weeks of school and are asked to take them home to be reviewed and completed by a parent or guardian. Please update all family contact information as this is our only means to contact family members in the event of an emergency. This information is not shared outside of the school system. It is essential that each form be updated and returned to the student’s JAG teacher by Friday, September 6th.

Please note that students will only be released to the parent/guardian and emergency contact person(s) identified on the Student Emergency Information form.

SSIMS staff and students practice fire evacuation and emergency drills regularly. The school’s safety and crisis preparedness plan is based on a national model and is supported by central office safety and security staff. The school’s On-Site Emergency Team (OSET) is comprised of administrators, counselors, health room staff, teachers, building service personnel, and other staff members. The team meets regularly to ensure the safety of the school building and our ability to respond to potential safety concerns and/or emergencies.

Our school has 40+ security cameras in public areas of the building. There are no cameras in classrooms, restrooms or locker rooms. Security cameras provide critical information should security issues or emergencies occur.

In the event of a school emergency, the school or school system will contact parents/guardians through public service announcements and through the use of the Remind 101 application system. (Please make sure that phone numbers and emails are kept up to date in Synergy) As we respond to any emergency, our first priority is the safety of all staff and students on our campus. Driveways and parking lot access must be available for emergency response teams and their vehicles and may be blocked for any other access. If you need to come to the school, please remember to follow the directions of emergency and/or school staff.

In an emergency event where students need to be picked up, parent reunification sites will be set up in the main office atrium and band/orchestra rooms on campus or the lower parking lot near the field house for on-site reunification. Our designated off-site reunification center will be held at Montgomery Blair High School's cafeteria.

Any parent or adult picking up students must have a valid form of identification and the name of the authorized adult must be on the student’s emergency information form. Students will not be released to anyone other than those documented on this form.

Montgomery County Public Schools requires school volunteers and partnership agencies to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.

• Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account
• Background check (dependent upon the type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation and FAQ)
• COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation - NEW!

MCPS has created a step-by-step User-Guide (with pictures) on how to access create and access their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account to complete the Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training module AND upload the Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination from the state Department of Health.

The online course grade sheet will show a total of 183.3% for completion of both compliance modules. You can show the gradesheet as evidence of successful completion to schools and your name will appear on the MCPS volunteer roster after October 1.

MCPS is asking for a pdf copy of your vaccination certificate in order to upload it to this module, you can download a copy from Maryland MyIR (directions for completing this process are located in this support guide). As an alternative, you may also upload a copy of one of the following:

• State Department of Health Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination (DC, VA, WV)
• Vaccination verification provided by the volunteer's health insurance provider
• A letter from a primary care physician attesting to your vaccine status

Principal: Mr. Patrick Bilock

Assistant Principal (7th Grade): Ms. Aba Anyomi

Assistant Principal (8th Grade): Mr. Edward Pegues

Assistant Principal (6th Grade): Ms. Katherine Lertora

Main Office Phone: 240-740-2750

Fax: 301-562-5244

Counseling Office: 240-740-2760

Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/ssims/
Location: 313 Wayne Avenue Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: (240) 740-2750