The PAW Print

December 20-December 31: Winter Break

January 3: School Reopen

January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr (Schools and offices are closed)

January 21: End of 2nd Marking Period (2-hour early dismissal)

#1 Rule: Keep Your Hands to Yourself

Recently we have seen an increase in the number of incidents with students "messing around" or "daring" students to hit other students on the backside. This activity is unacceptable. Students need to understand that it is not a joke but rather a serious offense. The behavior will result in a referral with consequences that may include ISI or suspension. Please talk to your students about appropriate behavior while in school. We are seeing quite a bit of horseplay and inappropriate behavior that is resulting in school disruptions.

Cell Phone and Computer Misuse

Please discuss the proper use of cell phones with your children. The SMCPS cell phone policy states that phones are to be turned off and remain out of sight during the school day. Unfortunately, students are not following that policy. Much of our day is spent working with students on issues that arise from cell phones and social media. Students who are not following the expectations and use their phones or computers to text, access apps, take pictures, etc. may receive a referral/consequences for the Inappropriate Use of Personal Electronics. Students need to understand that the misuse of these devices does not help them be better students but rather causes them an incredible amount of problems resulting in a loss of instruction. Middle school children may seem mature but do not always make the best decisions when using technology especially when they think no one is watching.

Our schools are heavily impacted with federally-connected students – those parents/guardians who work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility.

SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is December 15, 2021.

Please email rgkirby@smcps.org AND alroach@gmail before 2:00 on any day that a change needs to be made to your child's transportation. This will ensure that your message is received in the event one secretary is not available. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The vision and hearing screenings of all 8th-grade students will begin at the end of

November 29-December 17. All students will be given a letter to bring home indicating the results of the screening (pass or not passed). Any questions please contact the school nurses at: 301-884- 8937 ext 37106 or ext 37107. The nurses can also be contacted via email at cshutchins@smcps.org or cabonner @smcps.org