Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
PTA Read A Thon - PTA fundraiser runs from Feb 24- Mar 14
Monday, February 24th
After School Avanti Soccer 3:30-4:30
After School Spanish K-1 Introductory 3:30-4:30
After School Spanish 2-5 Beginner 3:30-4:30
Tuesday, February 25th
NO SCHOOL for PEP and Pre-K only - Teacher Professional Day (Ms. Tyler, Ms. Mcadam, and Ms. Radway's classes only)
After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr K-2 from 3:30-5:15
Wednesday, February 26th
After School Creative Adventures 3:30 - 5:00
After School STEM Gr 2-5 from 3:30-4:30
Thursday, February 27th
Dr. Camps Dentist to visit Kindergarten classes 9:30 am
After School STEM Grades K-1 from 3:30-4:30
After School Avanti Basketball from 3:30-4:30
NO STL Dance - Blake History Performance
Black History Celebration - at Paint Branch High School 6-8 pm - All student performers admitted; only 2 audience members per family - must be wearing Stonegate wristband
Friday, February 28th
Early Release dismissal at 12:55, No School for PEP (Ms. Mcadams and Ms. Tyler's classes)
Important Information for Our Upcoming Black History Celebration
Dear Stonegate Families and Caregivers,
We are so excited for our upcoming Black History Celebration this Thursday — a cherished tradition at Stonegate for the past 10 years! We look forward to celebrating together and showcasing the incredible talents of our students.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, we have implemented a two-wristband entry system due to capacity limits at Paint Branch High School, which houses 908 seats. This allows us to accommodate families comfortably while prioritizing everyone’s safety.
Exciting News: Live Stream Available!
We understand that not everyone will be able to attend in person, so this year, we are excited to live stream the celebration! Feel free to share the link with family and friends so they can join us virtually. The live stream link will be shared with you prior to the event.
Important Details:
Wristbands: Please wear your wristbands and have them ready to show to staff upon entry.
Seating: Families with wristbands will have seats — there will be no standing. Children 2 years and under are considered lap babies and may sit on a parent’s lap.
Dismissal: Students will be dismissed at the end of the program. We cannot accommodate early dismissals, as it is disruptive to the performances, and all of our students deserve a full and supportive audience.
Arrival: All performing students should arrive between 5:30 and 5:50 PM.
Meals: Please make sure your child eats before arriving. We will provide students with water and a snack during the event.
Fundraising:
Our 5th grade students will be selling flowers and water for purchase.
Ms. Hali’s Sky’s the Limit Dance will have chocolate candy bars available for sale.
Attire: Students should come dressed in their best dress for their performances.
We truly appreciate your support and understanding as we work to make this event a safe, memorable, and inclusive celebration for everyone.
Thank you, and we can’t wait to see you Thursday — whether in person or online!
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
All students will be performing at the Black History Celebration at Paint Branch High School on February 27—make the night extra special by gifting them a flower bouquet for $8! Preorder now at https://givebutter.com/vgiU7P to reserve yours for pickup before doors open. A limited number of bouquets will be available for purchase at the event, so preordering is encouraged.
Proceeds support the 5th-grade class—thank you for your support!
Want to support the 5th-grade class but don’t need flowers? You can donate directly here: https://givebutter.com/rv8lIj. Thank you for your generosity!
Mrs. Curry-Roberts writes:
"It is with a heart full of gratitude and bittersweet emotions that I write to share some life-changing news. After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position at Stonegate to pursue an incredible opportunity that I have dreamed about for as long as I can remember, in full-time ministry. While I wanted nothing more than to finish the school year with my amazing students, my last day at Stonegate will be Friday, February 21st.
"These past eight years at Stonegate have been nothing short of transformative. The bonds I've formed with my students, the staff, my principal, and this beautiful community have changed me in ways I could never have imagined when I first walked through the old Stonegate building 8 years ago. From the laughter in the classroom to the moments of growth and discovery, every single day at Stonegate has been an extraordinary experience—one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
"What makes this decision so hard is the love I have for my students. They have been my inspiration, my reason to give everything I have each and every day. Watching them grow, learn, and navigate the world has been my greatest privilege. Their curiosity, their joy, and their boundless energy have fueled my passion for teaching. I will miss them more than words can express, but I know that the lessons we’ve shared together will stay with me—and them—for years to come. Each of them holds a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the memories we’ve created. To see them grow and flourish has been my greatest privilege. Whether it was witnessing their "aha" moments or being there to help them through tough times, each experience has left an indelible mark on me. Saying goodbye to them is undoubtedly the hardest part of this decision.
"Parents, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support, your trust, and your commitment to making this a place of kindness, growth, and opportunity. You have welcomed me into your lives, shared your hopes and dreams for our children, and partnered with me in a way that has made each day feel like a shared journey. The sense of community here is truly unmatched, and I will miss it more than words can capture.
"Stonegate, I have learned so much from all of you—from the way we work together to the way we lift each other up in times of need. It has been a true honor to be part of such a warm, welcoming, and inspiring environment.
"As I step into this new chapter, I want to leave you all with a message that has always been central to my heart: Follow your dreams. Life has a way of offering us opportunities when we least expect them, and it’s important to take those moments to reflect on what we truly desire and pursue it wholeheartedly. Though it can be scary to take a leap into the unknown, sometimes the greatest blessings come when we have the courage to chase what we once thought was impossible.
"Please know that this decision was made with a deep respect for each of you and for everything this community has given me. While I am excited for the future, I will always carry a piece of Stonegate and each of you with me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible community and your children’s lives. I will carry the love, joy, and lessons from these past eight years with me always. You will all forever hold a very special place in my heart.
With deepest gratitude and appreciation,
Mrs. Roberts
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
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.
In Person on February 25th and March 5th
Virtual on March 6, 2025
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery Goes Purple, will host a family forum on mental health and substance use prevention to provide expertise and resources to students, staff, and families regarding the dangers of substance use.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 8:00 a.m.–noon
Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
Attendees will learn about the dangers of fentanyl, alcohol, and other substances; information to keep students safe; school and community-based substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment initiatives and what insurance is required to cover.
Workshop topics will include:
starting conversations on substance use;
accessing treatment;
resources and insurance coverage and non-opioid pain management options;
and more.
School-based mental health providers will have the opportunity to gain information on how to support students and families with substance use prevention programming. This event will also include Narcan training and distribution, and a resource fair.
Breakfast will be provided and the middle and high school with the most attendees will receive free ice cream during their school lunch.
Students will receive four student service learning hours for attending the event.
Parents/guardians, students, staff, and community members can RSVP here
If you have any questions, please contact The Division of Psychological Services, Office of Well-Being and Student Services, at 240-740-5640.
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
Creative Adventures Art will start next Wednesday, Feb 19 due to the snow day.
Space still available. Register here: website.
Flyers on Stonegate Website for all after school programs https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/homepage/extracurricula
PTA Meetings & Events
Stonegate’s Read-A-Thon starts Tomorrow
Our Read-A-Thon starts, Monday February 24, 2025. This week your student brought home instructions on how to activate their personal reader page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress. Also, you can activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/qGVMit/1 and follow the simple instructions.
The Read-A-Thon will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills. There are some great prizes in-store for our top readers including passes to Sportrock Climbing Center, Zava Zone, Sky Zone, Me Land and more! We hope EVERYONE participates.
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 showcase 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 3-5 - Hearing and Vision Screening
Mar 3 - Gr 5 Parent Info Session on Family Life and Human Sexuality and Disease Prevention Session 6-7 pm in Media Center and Virtual options
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 6- 7 pm
Mar 17 - Gr 5 In House Field Trip Cosmic Adventures 10-12:45 in Gym
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 -11 - Literary Festival
Apr 9 - Rescreening for Hearing and Vision
Apr 10 - PTA Multicultural Night 6-8 pm
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 - 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 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
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.