Rocky's Schoolhouse Scoop
March 1st, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Fort Parents,
It is hard to believe we are already in March! In March, all fifth-grade students will take part in the Maryland Integrated Science Assessments (MISA) as part of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). The MISA session will cover science standards from kindergarten to fifth grade. Later this spring, students in grades 3-5 will participate in MCAP English Language Arts and Math assessments between April and June. These assessments will be conducted online using school desktops or students' ChromeBooks. Additionally, 50 of our 4th graders will take the NAEP test. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) provides important information about student academic achievement and learning experiences in various subjects.
We encourage students to arrive at school on time each day (before 8:00) and to avoid scheduling medical appointments on their testing dates. Please note that, as per state requirements, electronic devices such as SmartWatches, wireless (Bluetooth) headphones, or cellphones are not allowed in testing classrooms. Students are advised to either leave these items at home or place them in their bookbags outside the classroom. It's important to be aware that AACPS is not responsible for any misplaced or lost SmartWatches, wireless (Bluetooth) headphones, or cellphones. As testing approaches, additional information specific to each grade level will be sent home.
As we work together to create a positive and enriching environment for our students, your support serves as a cornerstone of our community spirit. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Fort , and for being a crucial part of the educational journey we embark upon together.
Let's continue to grow, learn, and thrive as a united Fort Smallwood family. Your support truly makes a difference, and we are grateful to have such an amazing community standing by our side.
Warm regards,
Molly Courtien
Understanding Your Student’s i-Ready Diagnostic Results
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What is the i-Ready Diagnostic?
The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions for each student. Students in Kindergarten- 5th grade have just completed their winter diagnostic. As a student answers correctly, the questions get more difficult. As a student answers incorrectly, the questions get easier. This adaptability allows the i-Ready Diagnostic to identify the strengths and opportunities for growth of each student.
Why is my student taking it?
The purpose of the i-Ready Diagnostic is not to give your student a grade but instead to determine how best to support their learning. It will help your student’s teacher(s) determine their needs, personalize their learning, and monitor progress throughout the year
Happy Women's History Month!
We believe that celebrating Women's History Month at The Fort is an opportunity for our students to learn, grow, and appreciate the beauty of diversity. By embracing and learning about different cultures, we hope to foster a sense of belonging and respect among our students.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: March 18-24
According to founder Siena Castellon, “Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported.”
What neurological differences are considered Neurodiversity? ADHD Autism Developmental Language Disorder Dyscalculia/Dysgraphia/Dyslexia/Dyspraxia Tourettes How can I help my child support all of their classmates, including both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse? Talk to your child about how no two people are the same and we all have differences in how we think and learn. One way is not better than the other, and we can support each other. If your child has a friend who is neurodiverse, encourage them to see their strengths and talents, not just the label. Read The Umbrella Gang, a comic book series about neurodivergent kids. As with any situation, talk to your child about how to treat others in a school setting, including kindness, patience, and willingness to help others. If you would like to know more about how your child can build friendships with all classmates, read Helping children who are neurodiverse build friendships. While this article is geared towards parents of neurodiverse children, it will help you provide your child with a greater understanding of what some children may be experiencing.
Attendance Updates!
I'm delighted to share some fantastic news with you. Our school has made strides in improving attendance compared to this time last year. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our students and families.
However, our journey is not complete, and we must continue to work together to maintain this positive momentum. Your ongoing support is crucial. Please continue to send your students to school regularly and on time. Every day in the classroom is a day of learning and growth for our students.
📚 Read Across America Week 📚
Monday, March 4th- Friday, March 8th
Each day of Read Across America Week, a diverse book will be shared on the morning news.
Monday, March 4th- Buddy class reading!
Tuesday, March 5th Drop Everything and Read—From 1:50-2:15 the entire school building (teachers, students, administration, secretaries, custodians, etc.) will drop everything and read their favorite book (students should have a book pre-selected to read during this time; students in CA should take their books with them). Administration will make an announcement at 1:50 that DEAR is beginning. From the beginning to the end, the whole school will be reading at the same time. 😊
Wednesday, March 6th Dress Like a Character Day – pick your favorite book character to dress like. Wear your costume to school (no facemasks or toy swords, shields, etc.) and bring a copy of the book that your costume represents (if available).
Thursday, March 7 - Buddy Reading – using the same class pairs’ as the Teacher Swap, select a 20-30 minute period in which older students can read with, read to, or echo read a picture book with younger students.
Friday, March 8th- Guest Readers
Other ideas to do with your to celebrate at home-
-Make a bookmark
-Create a book jacket
-Visit the local library
-Flashlight Reading
-Create posters persuading people to read
Keep them coming! 🎉FSES Staff Shout OUTS! 🎉
We know our FSES staff is AMAZING- but we want to hear it from you! Please nominate staff members to be recognized on this form : HERE
Community Conversations with Dr. Bedell
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell will host a series of community conversations during which attendees will receive updated information on the performance of Anne Arundel County Public Schools and have the opportunity to speak with key school system leaders.
- Monday, March 4, 2024: Broadneck High School, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 6, 2024: Bates Middle School, 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 13, 2024: Northeast High School, 6 p.m.
- Monday, April 22, 2024: Glen Burnie High School, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 24, 2024: South River High School, 6 p.m.
- Monday, May 6, 2024: North County High School, 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8, 2024: Meade Middle School, 6 p.m.
Out of Area Transfer
An out-of-area transfer is a request for a student residing in Anne Arundel County to attend a school within the county other than the assigned boundary school (often referred to as a student's home school). If a child already attends a school as an out-of-area approved student, the application must be completed and submitted each school year. Applications can be submitted to the school March 1 - May 1 for processing. After May 1, applications will need to be submitted to Central Office. The continuation of a previous year's out-of-area is not automatic, and the application must be submitted to the school during the out-of-area application window. More information can be found: https://www.aacps.org/outofarea. The application can be downloaded here.
2024 - 2025 Request for Transfer or Withdrawal
If you have moved or will move, please complete a Request for Transfer/Withdrawal form and return it to the office. If your 5th grade student will not return to AACPS for the 2024-2025 school year, or if your student will attend a school other than Chesapeake Bay Middle School please complete a Transfer/Withdrawal fillable form and return it to the office so that a transfer packet can be prepared for your student.
Early Dismissal Requests
To help streamline our dismissal process and minimize disruptions to classroom instruction, we kindly request that all early dismissals be completed before 1:25 PM. This allows us to maintain a focused learning environment for our students and ensures their educational experience remains uninterrupted.
We understand that there may be exceptional circumstances that require an early dismissal, and we will always try to accommodate those situations. However, please communicate early dismissals to the front office before 1:25 PM.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Your commitment to this effort is greatly appreciated.
AACPS Math Tutoring
Elementary Math
Virtual Family Support:
- Drop-in for assistance with understanding K-5th grade Math concepts.
- Provides assistance to students and the adults helping them.
Find the schedule and Google Meet link at aacps.org/tutoring
A Peek Ahead...
Community Information
AACPS Outreach
AACPS continues to expand outreach efforts, with the launch of four new Facebook pages in Chinese, Korean, Urdu, and Vietnamese. You can find the pages at the links below. In complement to our English and Spanish Facebook pages, the content will focus on helpful, timely information and eventually will include content specifically aimed at families who speak those languages.
Chinese: www.facebook.com/chineseaacps
Korean: www.facebook.com/koreanaacps
Urdu: www.facebook.com/aacpsurdu
Vietnamese: www.facebook.com/vietnameseaacps
AACPS Summer Programs applications February 9, 2024 through March 15, 2024
We may be bundled up now, but Summer is just around the corner! AACPS has planned a wide range of summer programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Programs will be focused on helping AACPS students engage in enrichment or unfinished learning, with a focus on mathematics, literacy, and preparing for the next grade level. All programs will support students to have fun while building healthy relationships with peers, practicing skills, and learning new concepts.
For information about programs, meals, and registration, visit our AACPS Summer site!
Interested in joining our PTA? Click HERE