Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
PTA Read A Thon - PTA fundraiser runs from Feb 24- Mar 14
Read Across America Spirit Week
Monday, March 3
Reading gives our World Color: Wear your favorite color!
Hearing and Vision Screening Day 1 of 3
Kindergarten Guest readers from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union 10 am
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.
Grade 5 Parent Info Session on Family Life and Human Sexuality and Disease Prevention Session 6 pm in person in Media Center or virtual option
Tuesday, March 4
Wild About Reading Day: Wear animal print or a shirt with an animal on it!
Hearing and Vision Screening Day 2 of 3
After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr K-2 from 3:30-5:15 p.m.
PTA Meeting 8 pm via Zoom
Wednesday, March 5
Reading gives us character: Dress as a book character!
Hearing and Vision Screening Day 3 of 3
After School Creative Adventures 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
After School STEM Gr 2-5 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 6
Reading is Active: Dress how you like to be active!
After School STEM Grades K-1 from 3:30-4:30
NEW Session - After School Avanti Basketball from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr 3-5 from 3:30-5:15 p.m.
PEP Kindergarten Transition Parent Meeting for Stonegate, Bel Pre, Sherwood PEP families at 6 pm Stonegate Media Center
Friday, March 7
Cozy up and Read: Wear pajamas and/or bring a stuffed animal to school
LFI Community Outing
After School Chess 3:30- 4:30 p.m.
Dear Stonegate Families and Caregivers,
We are delighted to share the resounding success of our recent Black History Month celebration! The dedication and hard work of our students and staff were evident in every outstanding performance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents for their support, understanding, and flexibility regarding the wristbands. We were also so pleased to provide live streaming, and the positive feedback has been overwhelming. Many families even shared the link with loved ones around the world—thank you for making this event so special!
Here is the link of the recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/toSYqwXYL8Y
As we transition into March, we look forward to celebrating Women’s History Month. This year’s national theme is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." Throughout the month, we will spotlight the achievements and contributions of women who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.
We kindly remind all families to adhere to our arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
Please support our PTA Read-A-Thon by registering your student today. By using the link below to share, you can celebrate your child's achievements and support our school: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/tool/qGVMit/3 The Read-A-Thon ends next Friday, March 14 so there is time to register and have students read.
We remain excited about all the incredible things we do for our students and appreciate your continued support in making Stonegate a place where learning and community thrive!
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
We will have a Read it, Recycle it (book swap) at reading night. Please feel free to drop off new or used books to the main office prior to Wednesday March 12th.
Please include a note that it goes to Mrs. Bozel. She will hold onto them until reading night. Then families will take home books at the event.
Elementary Literacy Curriculum Nights
Parents and caregivers are invited to join us for the MCPS Literacy Curriculum Night to discover what students are learning in elementary English Language Arts this year! 📚✨Families will have the opportunity to explore resources and gain valuable insights into the learning experience at MCPS.
This spring, Stonegate students will participate in state and/or district wide testing. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the Maryland state assessments known as MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program). Students in grades K-5 will participate in our district wide MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. If you would like to hear more about these assessments, please attend the March PTA meeting on Tuesday, March 4. Crystal Semitekolos, our Staff Development Teacher and one of our Testing Coordinators, will be presenting on spring testing.
Here is the slideshow if you’d like to preview the information about Spring Testing:
Spring Testing Dates as of 3.2.25 (in an easy-to-read document)
(Please continue to read Stonegate Greetings for any date changes)
Note: Some of these testing dates are not for a while, but we wanted you to be able to mark your calendars as soon as possible.
Spring Testing Calendar - Please Mark Your Calendars 🙂
March 13: 5th Grade MISA
March 14: 5th Grade MISA
March 25: 5th Grade MD School Survey
April 7, 8, 10, 11: 5th Grade MCAP ELA
April 28, 29 and May 1, 2: 3rd and 4th Grade MCAP ELA
May 5, 6: 5th Grade MCAP Math
May 8, 9: 3rd and 4th Grade MCAP Math
May 12: K, 1st, and 2nd MAP-P
May 16: 3rd, 4th, and 5th MAP-R
May 20: 3rd, 4th, and 5th MAP-M
Test-Taking Expectations:
Attendance - Students need to be at school, on time every day of testing. If your child is late to school, they will not be able to participate in testing that day. Making-up the assessments due to a student being absent or late will cause significant loss of instructional time. Please do everything you can to make sure your child is at school, on time every day of testing.
Sleep and Breakfast - Please make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast the day of testing.
Electronics - Students are prohibited from having electronics such as phones, airpods, and smart watches. They must be off and in their backpacks, or left at home.
Practice Tests (ELA & Math):
3-5th grade students will be participating in practice MCAP testing with their teachers, but it is encouraged to practice with the format of the test and the types of questions at home, too! You can access the practice tests by visiting the link here: Practice Tests
Spring MAP Testing
The Measures of Academic Progress (also known as MAP) testing window overlaps with the MCAP testing window. Please take note of the testing dates for your child below and make every effort for them to be present on testing day in order to not miss instructional time for testing makeups. Thank you!
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!
Yearbook on Sale
Order by 4/18/2025
Yearbook Price: $25 Plus Tax
Order Online at www.schoolannual.com
Click on "Buy student's Yearbook"
Enter the Stonegate, Silver Spring, MD
Place your Order
Stonegate is excited to launch our T Shirt Sponsorship program for 2025! Through this program, we will be able to provide T Shirts for EVERY student and staff in our school. These shirts will be worn during our Boosterthon Fun Run on May 13th and on Field Day on May 30th–and many days in between!
We are hoping to partner with local businesses to help sponsor these shirts. Your business logo or name will be displayed on the back of the shirt and will be worn by over 550 students and 100 staff in our school.
If you know of, or are part of a business that would be interested in becoming a Stonegate Shirt Sponsor, please send your name, phone number, and business logo in Png, jpeg, ai., eps format to email address Anita_B_Knuth@mcpsmd.org by Friday March 28, 2025. Payments can be made using SCO online (unique link, not connected to students’ account) or checks payable to Stonegate ES and sent to Stonegate Elementary, 14811 Notley Road, Silver Spring MD 20905.
All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for supporting our school!
Partnership bundles options:
Bronze NAME AD ($250)
- Name on back of Community Partner Shirt
- Recognition on School website and social media
- 15% Custom Apparel discount from Booster Spirit Wear
- One Community Partner Shirt
Silver - REGULAR AD ($500)
- Medium ad on the back of Community Partner Shirt
- Sponsor logo placed on School website and social media
- 15% Custom Apparel discount from Booster Spirit Wear
- One Community Partner Shirt
Gold - PREMIUM AD ($750)
- Large ad on the back of Community Partner Shirt
- Sponsor logo placed on School website and social media
- 15% Custom Apparel discount from Booster Spirit Wear
- One Community Partner Shirt
Platinum - SLEEVE AD ($1000)
- Ad on the sleeve of Community Partner Shirt
- Sponsor logo placed on School website and social media
- 15% Custom Apparel discount from Booster Spirit Wear
- One Community Partner Shirt
Girls on the Run starts next week! Register Now! Boys Let Me Run coming soon.
Flyers on Stonegate Website for all after school programs https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/homepage/extracurricula
PTA Meetings & Events
Please mark your calendar for the next meeting on March 4 at 8 pm via Zoom.
The December and February meeting notes were shared in the PTA newsletter on Feb 13 for your reference.
🌍 PTA Multicultural Night – Celebrate Our Diversity! 🌍
The Stonegate PTA is excited to invite you to our Multicultural Night to celebrate the rich diversity of our school community! Mark your calendar on Thursday, April 10 for this year’s event in the Stonegate Elementary APR. Come join us for an evening filled with cultural performances, fun activities for all ages, and showcases of art, music, and dance.
Whether you want to share your own culture or explore new ones, there's something for everyone. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a night of learning, food, and fun! Don't forget to wear traditional attire from your culture!
If you would or someone you know would like to perform during the event, please contact Anna Flores, at stonegatepta.vp.p.o@gmail.com.
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!
Upcoming Dates
Here is the 24-25 School Calendar
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org//siteassets/district/calendar/2024/2024-calendar.pdf
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 6- 7 pm
Mar 13 - 5th Grade MISA Testing
Mar 14 - 5th Grade MISA Testing
Mar 14 - Chuck E Cheese Restaurant Night 3-9 pm
Mar 17 - Gr 5 In House Field Trip Cosmic Adventures 10-12:45 in Gym
Mar 25 - 5th Grade Maryland Survey
Mar 26 - PreK Field Trip to Imagination Stage 9:40 - 12 pm
Mar 27 - Spring Student Portraits
Mar 28 - Gr 5 Career Day Wax Museum 2-3 pm
Mar 31 - NO school Professional Day
Apr 1 - Grade 2 Field Trip Air and Space Museum 9:40 am - 2:10 pm
Apr 2 - PTA Restaurant Night Chipotle in Aspen Hill
Apr 7- 5th Grade MCAP ELA
Apr 7 -11 - Literary Festival
Apr 8- 5th Grade MCAP ELA
Apr 9 - Rescreening for Hearing and Vision
Apr 10- 5th Grade MCAP ELA
Apr 10 - PTA Multicultural Night 6-8 pm
Apr 11- 5th Grade MCAP ELA
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 - 3rd and 4th Grade MCAP ELA
Apr 28 - Grade 5 Panoramic Photo 2-3 pm
Apr 29 - 3rd and 4th Grade MCAP ELA
May 1 - LFI Field Trip Clark's Elioak Farm 9:40 - 2:10 pm
May 1- 3rd and 4th Grade MCAP ELA
May 1 - Grade 5 Social Studies Showcase - Inventions/Wax Museum 12:30-3
May 2- 3rd and 4th Grade MCAP ELA
May 5-9 - Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
May 6 - PTA Membership Meeting virtual 8:00 pm
May 12- K, 1st, and 2nd MAP-P
May 13 - Fun Run - Wear your Fun Run/Field Day T shirts
May 15 - Spring Chorus and Instrumental Music Concert 5:30-6:30 pm - at Farquhar Middle School
May 16- 3rd, 4th, and 5th MAP-R
May 20-3rd, 4th, and 5th MAP-M
May 23 - PTA Carnival
May 26 - Holiday, No School
May 30 - Field Day - Wear your Fun Run/Field Day T shirts
Jun 5 - SGA Talent Show
Jun 6 - No School
Jun 10 - Grade 5 End of Year Party - Andy’s Inflatables 10 -1 pm
Jun 13 - Grade 5 Clap Out 2:45
Jun 13 - Grade 5 Promotion at Paint Branch High School 6 -7:30 pm
Jun 16 - Last day of School, Early Release, dismissal 12:55 pm
We have noticed many unsafe drivers at arrival and dismissal at Stonegate. Several drivers are:
- Illegally making U Turns in front of the school. No U turns allowed in front of Stonegate Elementary.
- Making buses and other cars wait behind them for an opportunity to make the illegal left in to the car rider line.
- Dropping students off unsafely on Notley Road.
- Rolling through the Stop Signs and ignoring the Crossing Guard's directions.
Be patient
For the safety of all students involved, please be patient. Take the extra minutes to drive safely and slowly. If the car rider line is not fast enough for you, find another way to manage your child's arrival and dismissal. Make use of Global Childcare, consider using our bus routes, or plan to walk to and from home safely if possible.
Follow Staff Directions
Stonegate Staff are posted outside the building and near the parking lot during arrival and dismissal. Follow staff directions and obey the posted signs.
We enforce these rules and processes exist for your children's safety. We expect full cooperation from all drivers. Drivers who consistently disregard these expectations may be asked not to use the drop-off and pick-up line. We appreciate your support in keeping our children safe at all times.
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/StonegateES
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
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.