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Rocket Weekly for Staff

May 4th - May 8th

Rocket Weeklyfor StaffMay 4th - May 8th

HAPPY STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK!!!!

Dear RES Staff,


We're heading into Week 4 and the bumps are continuing to settle as we refine routines and structures for our school kiddos, our families, and ourselves! I am so fortunate to be on this winding and curving journey, with no clear end in sight, with such amazing people!


Everyone has done a fabulous job and the feedback I've received from families has been very positive regarding your interactions and support!


As this is a new journey for all of us, I thank everyone for their understanding as we take "detours" on the initial path set. Feedback, from both our staff and our community, will necessitate some of these detours. That being said, our destination will always remain the same - supporting our students and families during this period of time!


As we venture into our fourth week of tele-instruction, there will continue to be bumps. Just know that working together, as a school family, we will get through all of these bumps as we continue to adjust to the "new norms" in being educators.



This is what I know in my heart... we've STILL got this!!!!!

Week at a glance

Below are links to regularly scheduled Meetings and Central Office Resources


PLEASE NOTE: Supervisors will be scheduling meetings as needed. Please be sure to check for calendar invites and the Online Learning Playbook Site for scheduled meetings.


All PLC and Meeting Agendas will be posted by 8am on the day of the meeting.


Coming Soon: The May Imagine Learning PD Calendar!

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Monday, May 4th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


9:00am - 9:30pm School-Wide Staff Meeting


9:30am - 10:00am 5th Grade Meeting RE: Transition Spreadsheets


2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting


3:15pm - 3:45pm Para Team Meeting


3:45pm - 4:15pm MTSS Tier 1 Team Meeting

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Tuesday, May 5th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


9:00am - 9:30am 1st Grade PLC Meeting


9:30am - 10:00am 2nd Grade PLC Meeting


10:00am - 10:30am Specialists PLC Meeting


1:30pm Special Education Para ZOOM

  • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
  • ID: 989 3950 6584
  • Password 46W378


2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


2:30pm 3:15pm - 3:15pm 5th Grade EOY Planning Meeting

  • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
  • Click here for the agenda


3:15pm - 4:15pm Special Education PLC Meeting

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Wednesday, May 6th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


    9:00am - 9:30am IMT Meeting


    9:30am - 10:00am School-Wide Staff Meeting


    10:00am - 10:30am 3rd Grade PLC Meeting

    • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
    • Click here for the agenda


    2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting

    • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
    • Click here for the agenda


    2:30pm - 3:15pm Pre-K PLC Meeting


    3:15pm - 3:45pm Kindergarten PLC Meeting


    3:45pm - 4:15pm 4th Grade PLC Meeting


    4:15pm Social Committee Meeting

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    Thursday, May 7th

    8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Meeting


      9:00am - 10:00am Special Education PLC Meeting


      10:00am Special Education Para ZOOM

      • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
      • ID: 913 3061 5568
      • Password yYQ5Nv


      11:00am - 11:30am Special Education - Imagine Math Reports Q&A Zoom


      1:00pm OPTIONAL Special Education Para ZOOM: Verbal Behavior

      • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
      • ID: 882 8805 9509
      • Password: KXi3N9


      2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


      2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting

      • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
      • Click here for the agenda


      3:15pm - 3:45pm 5th Grade PLC Meeting


      3:45pm - 4:15pm Collaborative Planning (Optional) - Teacher Directed

      • Contact Mrs. Batelka if you would like her to set up a Zoom Break-Out Session to include multiple staff members
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      Friday, May 8th

      8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Meeting


        9:00am - 10:00am MTSS Tier 2 Team Meeting


        2:00pm - 2:30pm Office/Admin Meeting


        2:30pm - 3:14pm Para Team Meeting


        3:15pm - 4:15pm School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings


        5:30pm Staff Zoom Gathering (Optional)

        upcoming events for next week

        DUE DATES

        Click here for an overview of all Links to Visit Daily.

        Monday, May 4th

        Send Weekly Usage and Progress Email to individual families. Click here for RES Guidance Documents and click here for RES Staff shared resources. Copy Mrs. Batelka on a communication that is representative of what is being sent.

        • Click here for screen shots on how to run overall usage custom dates for LLI
        • Click here for Primary ILL/IM templates and minimum requirements in bold on the template
        • Click here for Intermediate ILL templates and minimum requirements in bold on the template
        • Click here for Intermediate IM templates and minimum requirements in bold on the template


        Complete Character Education Nominations - Click here. This was due by Wednesday, April 29th. If it has not been completed please do so today as staff will be working on creating the recognitions for the Rocket Weekly for Families to go out on Sunday, May 10th.


        Complete the American Legion 5th Grade Award Nominations - Click here. This was due by Friday, May 1st. If it has not been completed please do so today as the 5th Grade Team will be finalizing the nominations on Tuesday, May 5th.


        Sponsors of Clubs/Teams that ended or were in process during the 3rd Marking Period - Please send a complete list of students to Mrs. Batelka and Mrs. Goddard, along with a "blurb" about the club/team, to be placed in the Rocket Weekly for Families to go out on Sunday, May 10th. This is due by Thursday, May 7th.


        Sign up to be the ClassDojo Staff Member of the Day! Click here - Our kiddos love seeing you!


        Update "Out of Office" Response: Per Dr. Smith, please use the following wording for your out of office response and please remove any reference to planned dates to reopen.

        • All St. Mary's County Public Schools and Offices are closed in accordance with the announcement made by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon, that all Maryland public schools will be closed, effective Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, May 15, 2020. Responses to emails and phone calls will likely be delayed during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
        • Click here for the template


        Submit names of students if parents request print resources.


        Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.


        Assign Math Custom Pathways (Grades 3rd - 5th) as needed. Exception: Special Education students unless suggestions have been provided by Mrs. Vanderwest.


        Assign ILL Custom Playlists (Grades 3rd - 5th) for the week of May 4th if this has not been completed for students in 3rd - 5th.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.

        Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

        Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

        Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.


        Special Education Staff: Begin to think about 4th Quarter Progress Reports

        4th quarter progress on essential goal areas during the closure will be reported before we close out the school year. For areas not addressed the department will provide a general statement to include in the progress updates. For those areas that you have targeted on your CLPs:

        • Begin to develop ways to collect data on the identification of essential goal areas; this could be anecdotal and or performance-based.
        • There are training scheduled for this week on how to run reports in the imagine platforms.


        Special Education Staff: Review the Action Items fo the Week of May 4th. Items include:

        • 4th Quarter Progress reports
        • Suggested questions to ask for print packet students
        • Informational Items regarding related services, student participation/Grading Information
        • Students assignment considerations


        OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

        • Click here to access the Site
          • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

          Tuesday, May 5th

          Message for our Students: Click here to share what you miss most about this time apart. Add words, pictures, or a combo to let our kiddos know we're thinking of them! This is due by Friday, May 8th, if you want to participate.


          Sponsors of Clubs/Teams that ended or were in process during the 3rd Marking Period - Please send a complete list of students to Mrs. Batelka and Mrs. Goddard, along with a "blurb" about the club/team, to be placed in the Rocket Weekly for Families to go out on Sunday, May 10th. This is due by Thursday, May 7th.


          Sign up to be the ClassDojo Staff Member of the Day! Click here - Our kiddos love seeing you!


          Submit names of students if parents request print resources


          Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.

          Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


          Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.


          Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

          Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

          Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.


          Special Education Staff: View Imagine Math Reports Slideshow. Click the arrow on each screen for the audio presentation of each slide.


          OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

          • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

          Wednesday, May 6th

          Message for our Students: Click here to share what you miss most about this time apart. Add words, pictures, or a combo to let our kiddos know we're thinking of them! This is due by Friday, May 8th, if you want to participate.


          Sponsors of Clubs/Teams that ended or were in process during the 3rd Marking Period - Please send a complete list of students to Mrs. Batelka and Mrs. Goddard, along with a "blurb" about the club/team, to be placed in the Rocket Weekly for Families to go out on Sunday, May 10th. This is due by Thursday, May 7th.


          Sign up to be the ClassDojo Staff Member of the Day! Click here - Our kiddos love seeing you!


          Submit names of students if parents request print resources


          Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.


          Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


          Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.


          Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

          Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

          Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.


          OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

          • Click here to access the Site
            • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

            Thursday, May 7th

            Message for our Students: Click here to share what you miss most about this time apart. Add words, pictures, or a combo to let our kiddos know we're thinking of them! This is due by Friday, May 8th, if you want to participate.


            Sponsors of Clubs/Teams that ended or were in process during the 3rd Marking Period - Please send a complete list of students to Mrs. Batelka and Mrs. Goddard, along with a "blurb" about the club/team, to be placed in the Rocket Weekly for Families to go out on Sunday, May 10th. This is due today, Thursday, May 7th.


            Sign up to be the ClassDojo Staff Member of the Day! Click here - Our kiddos love seeing you!


            Submit names of students if parents request print resources.


            Special Education Intermediate Staff - Suggestions for Custom Pathways in IM due to classroom teachers.


            Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.


            Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


            Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.


            Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.


            Special Education Staff: View Imagine Language & Literacy Reports Slideshow.


            Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

            Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.


            OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

            • Click here to access the Site
              • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

              Friday, May 8th

              Message for our Students: Click here to share what you miss most about this time apart. Add words, pictures, or a combo to let our kiddos know we're thinking of them! This is due by today, May 8th, if you want to participate.


              Submit names of students if parents request print resources.


              Sign up to be the ClassDojo Staff Member of the Day! Click here - Our kiddos love seeing you!


              Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.


              Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


              Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.


              Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

              Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

              Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.


              OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts

              • Click here to access the Site
                • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

                On-Line Instruction & Teleworking Documents/Resources

                A "new" folder to go along with our "new" school norm has been added to the RES Staff Folder SY2019-2020.
                • This folder houses all RES internal documents as well as some documents from Central Office.
                • Click here to access the Folder.
                • Click here to share resources with your peers! This folder is housed in the "On-Line Instruction and Teleworking" Folder located within our RES Staff Folder SY 2019-2020.

                Central Location for Questions/Concerns

                In an effort to have one location for questions and issues that will undoubtedly arise, we will be using “Padlet” to house all questions/issues.


                As several different staff members have varied roles of support during this time of school closure, this will provide us with a means of tracking questions and issues.


                Also, as many of you may have similar questions or issues, it will be an internal resource for all of us to support one another.


                Please click here to access the RES Q&A and School Communication Process Document.


                Click here to access our RES padlet.

                Technology Supports

                Please click here if you are in need of Technology Support.


                Topics covered are:

                • Login or access issues to platforms in Clever - Please submit an individual ticket for each student and include the student's ID number when submitting an issue specific to Imagine Learning Language & Literacy and Imagine Math.
                • Screencasting guidance
                • Zoom guidance
                • Google Calendar
                • Google Hangouts/Meet
                • Google Drive or other Google Apps
                • Hardware issue with SMCPS issued laptop/device
                • "Other" - will need to clarify


                Click here for the Distance Learning Support Guidance Sheet - Troubleshooting Flowchart

                Professional Development Supports

                Please click here if you are in need of Professional Development.


                Topics covered are:

                • Imagine Learning Math
                • Imagine Language & Literacy
                • Google Classroom
                • Google Apps
                • "Other" - will need to clarify

                Counseling Supports

                Mrs. Cox is available and willing to speak with any parent/guardian who voices concern, worry or anxiety about themselves or their kiddo(s). She is available and able to provide strategies, lessons, social stories and suggestions to help parents/guardians and students through this difficult time.


                The counselors have resources along with knowledge of therapists/counselors who are making themselves available for our families and students.


                Although counselors may not provide direct counseling services, it is very important for us to be aware and vigilant of services our families and students may need.


                This is a tough time for all of us and some do not know where to turn.


                Included in Clever, is a Distance Learning Counseling Lessons folder which includes lessons for all students. Lessons are arranged in folders. Each folder includes lessons arranged by ages and topics.

                Staff Schedules and Office Hours

                Click here to assess the RES Instructional Staff Daily Schedule March 30th - April 24th.

                Building Safety and Social Distancing Reminders

                Building access continues to be limited to only school administrators to complete essential duties.


                Mrs. Batelka will be on site this week on Tuesday, May 5th. Please let her know if there are any materials or resources needed. She will work with staff to coordinate dropping off of materials following social distancing guidelines.


                Ms. Jones and Mrs. Mills will be conducting periodic safety checks during this period of time.

                Parent/Student Communication

                RES Plan to Engage All Students/Families


                Weekly Communication: Please consider adding the school, subject, and/or grade level to the subject line.


                Staff may call parents using Google Hangout (general education) and Google Voice (special education)

                • Click here to access the directions.
                • Staff are to use their SMCPS issued device.
                • This is for staff to speak directly with parents.
                • If a parent does not answer, you can leave a message indicating that are calling from your computer, which is why there is no caller ID, and that you will try them again on XXX at XXX time.
                • This document is housed in the Parent Communication Folder.


                A Google Folder for documentation with families has been created.
                • Click here to access the folder
                • Individual folders have been set up for all classroom staff with a Google Sheet to document parent contacts. All contacts regarding not accessing on-line instructional activities for ELA/Math need to be documented on this sheet.
                • Individual folders for Specialists have been created and class-rosters will be available for them to record parent contacts, as needed, by 8am on Tuesday, April 14th.


                All staff will be in regular communication with students/families via email.

                • RES Staff will be available via email to answer and respond to any questions parents/guardians or students may have during office hours.
                • Although Staff may be available outside of these times, depending upon their schedules, please be aware that responses to any communications received outside of these hours may be delayed.


                Staff may also communicate directly with parents/guardians via ClassDo.


                A ZOOM Meeting, scheduled by Mrs. Batelka, may occur if a parent conference is needed.


                • Staff need to touch base with Mrs. Batelka if a staff member believes a ZOOM Parent Conference is needed.
                • If approved by Mrs. Batelka, the staff member needs parental consent to participate in a ZOOM Parent Conference.
                • If parent consent is received, Mrs. Batelka will schedule the ZOOM Parent Conference.
                • For all ZOOM Parent Conferences, staff may want to consider adjusting their video to have one of the pre-set virtual backgrounds.



                Staff may not "ZOOM" or "video-chat" with students.


                Staff may post video "messages" on ClassDoJo that a parent/guardian may share with his/her child. Please remember, the "messages" are not opportunities for direct instruction."

                Students requiring print resources and monitoring work process

                Each school has been tasked with developing a process for students requiring print resources.


                Click here to access the RES Process for Print Resources and Parent Communication.


                If a parent reaches out to you, please document that student under the "Staff Reporting" Tab.


                If students do not access the on-line instructional program, or respond to your attempt to contact them, it will be assumed they do not have access. Therefore we will need to work together to provide them access to the print resources.


                On-going: Update spread spread sheet with contacts for students not accessing the on-line instructional programs

                ridge elementary school relay for life team

                This year's event has been cancelled.


                All proceeds raised thus far will transfer to next year's event.


                An October event is being planned to recognize the efforts of our Relay for Life Teams across the county.


                Individuals are still able to join our team - Click here!


                Stay tuned for upcoming news!

                Central Office Updates and Informational Items

                Online Learning Playbook

                Please check the site daily for updates, resources, and current PD opportunities.


                Latest updated include:

                Central Office Updates for Families and Community

                Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning.

                4th Marking Period

                • The 4th Marking Period will be graded Pass/Incomplete based on students’ participation and progress in the online platforms, or paper packets as appropriate.
                • Teachers are monitoring progress in the online platforms and are aware of the students who have received paper packets.
                • The weighting of the 4th marking period grades in the final grade calculation will be determined based on the date of school reopening.


                5th Grade recording of a student’s “participation and progress” in HAC in the 4th quarter will be captured as follows:

                • Teachers will only use TAC/HAC as a recordation device for auditing purposes for each student’s “participation and progress.”

                • Students receive one of the following alpha marks each week during MP4 that schools are closed. They are as follows:

                  • P – Participated,

                  • NP – Not Participated,

                  • PCC – Packet Check-In Completed, and

                  • NPCC – No Packet Check-In Completed.

                • Teachers will do only one weekly capture of a student’s “participation and progress” in TAC;

                • Teachers will publish the weekly assignments;

                • Weekly Comment Pull Down Suggestions

                  • Direct contact attempted; no response

                  • Direct contact made

                  • Supplementary resource(s) shared

                  • Reteaching guidance provided

                  • Teachers may add a comment for the work done that week as needed

                  • If an NP or NPCC is recorded for the week for any student, the teacher must enter a “score comment”

                • Click here for guiding documents with screenshots for further explanation.

                Make-up Days and Last Day of School

                • The State Board of Education has waived five of the ten missed days of school.
                • The three built-in makeup days will be used, along with April 27th and April 28th now being school days.
                • The last day of school will be June 18th.

                Meals for Students

                SMCPS continues to provide a drive-up lunch service from April 27th - May 15th, 2020, Monday-Friday, at GKES, LES, LPES, and MBMS from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.

                Human Resources and Finance Updates

                Certification Renewal Credits - if you are looking for certification renewal credits or want to earn credits to move along the pay scale, here are just a few links of interest.


                The Maryland Teacher's contract has two dates identified for certificated staff to submit their resignation. Non-tenured certificated staff must submit a letter of resignation no later than May 1, 2020. Tenured certificated staff must submit a letter of resignation no later than July 15, 2020. These dates are in full effect and have not been extended or excused by the State of Maryland.


                Prudential 403(b) retirement savings plan

                • As a result of COVID-19, relief programs have been put in place to help you meet your immediate financial needs, as allowable under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
                • This includes loosened restrictions on accessing your retirement savings.
                • Some programs require you to meet certain eligibility conditions, while other measures are more broadly available. Keep in mind, short-term moves in your retirement account can impact your long-term savings strategy.
                • If you'd like to talk to a representative or have questions on these relief programs, give Prudential a call.
                • Please mention CARES Act when prompted at 1-877-PRU-2100 (1-877-778-2100) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. ET.


                SMCPS is hiring! If you are looking to join our team or know someone who is, please check out our Employment Opportunities page on the SMCPS website.


                Check out our Recruitment Calendar for updates on our online recruiting.


                OPEN ENROLLMENT for health insurance began on May 1, 2020, and ends on May 31, 2020. If you did not receive an email, please call Human Resources.


                Payroll:

                • Payroll staff were able to quickly test and implement secure teleworking for most payroll processing function.
                • However, several payroll processing functions must continue to performed from the secure technology infrastructure onsite.
                • In an effort to dispel any rumors that you’ve heard circulating across social media – your pay is continuing, without interruption.

                Instructional Updates

                Information about supporting online instruction is posted to our Online Learning Playbook site for staff. Updates and additional information is posted here as new information becomes available.


                Pre-K and Head Start Learning Packets: The Amazon order was delayed due to the pandemic. Learning packets are being mailed as supplies arrive. Several hundred packets have been mailed and more are arriving daily. All packets are expected to be in the mail next week upon receipt of the remaining order.


                Teacher Access Center (TAC) Helpful Documents: – Need assistance creating student lists with contact info or emailing students/guardians? See TAC Resources on the Department of Assessment and Accountability’s Google Site found here. There is also a link that can be accessed from your TAC account by going to the Tools dropdown on the upper right (see the News Item posted in TAC). Videos are also being created. Need other documents or videos created, please contact DAA.

                IT Updates

                If you're having trouble logging into any of the following applications/services, eSchool, TAC, Gmail, Moodle, or Destiny, ITS has developed a Password Recovery web application that will let you reset your password.


                The Password Recovery app is also linked on the Staff page of the website under Technology Resources.

                • The app requires you to enter your username, employee number, and birth date, and then you must click "Verify Identity."
                • After verifying this information, the app will prompt you for a new password, which you must type in two separate boxes to verify they match.
                • Finally, click the "Change Password" button to change/reset your password.


                If successful, you will get an on-screen message, and an email indicating your password was changed, otherwise please use a more complex password and try again.


                If you are using an SMCPS assigned laptop and using your account to log into it, please note that you will have to continue using the old password to log into the computer, and then the new password will be used for all of the above-listed services.


                The only way to update your computer password is to take your laptop to an SMCPS location with WiFi, restart your laptop, and log into the computer with your new password.

                Supporting Services Update

                With the constant news updates to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also seeing a rise in phishing attempts using this phenomenon as an attack vector. Please be wary of unsolicited emails received, and do not open links or attachments provided. Phishing scams rely on urgency and emotion to bypass caution and deliver malicious content.


                To remain vigilant at this time SMCPS recommends the following precautions:

                • Avoid clicking links and attachments of unsolicited emails
                • Do not provide personal or account information to unknown sources
                • Be cautious of emails insisting on immediate actions
                • Use trusted sites to remain up-to-date on COVID-19

                Newsletters to Read and Share

                A Message from your Math/ELA Supervisors

                Please click here to access the full message for May 4th
                • ELA: Audible is offering free access to their entire children’s collection.
                • ELA: St. Mary’s County Library is offering an Online Storytime on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.
                • Math (K-2): Cheat sheets for the Lesson Explorer have been added to the COVID 19 page of the Elementary Resources Site. In most cases, lessons in the Student Progress Report match the lessons in the Lesson Explorer. If they do not, please refer to the cheat-sheet.
                • Math (K-5): Please do not assign Math Benchmark 2 the week of May 11. If we assign any benchmarks in Imagine Math, we will assign it at the end of the school year whether we return to school or not.


                Please click here to access the message for April 27th


                Please click here to access the message for April 19th



                Most recent Kindergarten Memo



                Most recent Math Memo

                • March 2, 2020. This edition contains important information about MCAP Evidence Statements, Modeling, as well as a Modeling Checklist for Students.


                Bridges Updates and Supports:


                Most recent English Language Arts Newsletter

                • Please click here to access The Reading Corner (December 2, 2019 Edition). Please take the time to review the information as there is important information staff need to be aware of regarding upcoming standards and instructional notes for each grade level.


                Most recent Health and Physical Education Update



                Most recent Special Education Newsletter: The PIER

                • Please click here for the Aril 17, 2020 Issue. This newsletter edition contains information about the Continuous Learning Opportunities for Special Education Students and Staff


                Most recent Elementary Science Newsletter


                Science Supports and Resources

                • Click here to access RES' MISA Evidence Statement Analysis with links to STEM Gauge Items for Grades 3rd through 5th.


                Most recent Gifted and Talented Newsletter



                Most recent Library Media Newsletter



                Most recent Fine Arts Newsletter


                Most recent ESOL Newsletter


                Most recent Educational Equity Newsletter


                Department of Assessment and Accountability (DAA)

                SMCPS Sites and Quick Links

                SMCPS The Signal Site - April 27, 2020
                This issue includes information about Meals for Students, 403(b) Information, Login Assistance, IT Tips, and our Outstanding Staff for 2020 ...and more!

                As we enter another week of remote learning, we want to thank you all. We have all learned to work differently, but while we are doing so, your commitment to our students has not wavered. Thank you for your inspired and creative work. We know this will continue for as long as is needed - we also know that this will end and we will be back together - stronger than ever. Until then, know that we are all thinking of you, and missing you. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones - stay healthy and hopeful...


                Ongoing Communication - Updates are posted online:


                Ongoing Support:

                • EAP Support is available. Additional information may be found here.
                • Carefirst provides additional benefits for the Coronavirus. Additional information may be found here.


                Additional Resources:


                Updates for Families and Community:

                • Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning. This is not our normal way of doing business, so there are many questions. The SMCPS will provide ongoing updates for these questions.

                • Click here for the SMCPS Update 1 (April 9, 2020)

                • Click here for the SMCPS Update 3 (April 22, 2020)

                • Click here for the SMCPS Update 2 (April 16, 2020)


                Staying Connected: While we are working at home, technology is helping to send personalized messages of caring and support. Check out the Signal to see some examples, to include our message to our RES Students and Families!

                Professional Development & Continuing Education Opportunities

                Continuing Education Opportunities

                • McDaniel College is offering a 100% online cohort in our Equity & Excellence in Education certificate program. This unique, multi-county cohort is being made available to our county partners, with a $200 discount from the standard tuition rate for those who join the cohort (Official cohort code: HE5). This cohort begins in June 2020. (This is open enrollment, but a cohort in the sense that all students will be completing the program together and receiving the cohort tuition rate).
                • Towson University--Graduate Program WebEx Information Sessions: Towson is holding two WebEx Sessions in April for anyone interested in learning more about the graduate programs offered in Southern Maryland. The sessions are on April 21, 4:00-6:00 and April 23, 4:00-6:00. These will be informal, open sessions for teachers to ask questions. You can join any time to learn more about the programs listed below and the reduced tuition agreement Towson has with your county. If you would like a WebEx invitation or for email information please contact Alyssa Zumpano azumpano@towson.edu.


                Registration is open for additional courses:

                • Please log into the system for available courses


                Register online: https://smcps.truenorthlogic.com
                UserName: beginning of SMCPS login (without @smcps.org)
                Password: normal SMCPS password

                happy belated birthday wishes!!!!!

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                Terri Cox

                May 1st

                Staff Member of the Week!

                Each week a staff member will be randomly chosen to be recognized as the special staff member for that week.


                We will announce the staff member on morning announcements and post information about that person in the hallway for all to see.


                We also will be playing 2 truths and a myth. These will be posted on the display to give staff and students a chance to try and figure out what a staff member's myth may be. It will be revealed at the end of the week.

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                Marisa Steiger

                Week of May 4th



                Two Truths and a Myth:

                My favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean.

                I think olives are super gross!

                If I could have one super power, it be the ability to teleport


                Myth: Stay tuned!!!

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                Alison Sayers

                Week of April 27th



                Two Truths and a Myth:

                I played tennis in high school.

                My great great great grandfather is a character in a movie.

                I have been to all 50 states.


                Myth: I have been to all 50 states.

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                Jess Deeney

                Week of April 20th


                Two Truths and a Myth:

                I was born in Montana.

                I have been best friends with my best friend since PreK. I have been zip-lining before.


                Myth: I was born in Montana.

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                Stacey Fisher

                Week of April 13th


                Two Truths and a Myth:

                I was a Little League umpire.

                I am afraid of snakes.

                Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.


                Myth: Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.

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                Lynsey Rye

                Week of March 30th


                Two Truths and a Myth:

                I love chocolate.

                I have two jobs.

                Reading and Writing is my favorite to teach.


                Myth: I love chocolate.

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                Nathan Earley

                Week of March 9th


                Myth: I am a great athlete.

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                Brooke Vanderwest

                Week of March 2nd


                Myth: I drink coffee everyday.

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                Jennifer Pierce

                Week of February 24th


                Myth: I love seafood.

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                Andrea Robbins

                Week of February 17th


                Myth: I make my bed every morning.

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                Maggie Koutnik

                Week of February 10th


                Myth: I have lived in 6 different states.

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                Lisa Deputy-Randolph

                Week of February 3rd


                Myth: I don't like ice cream

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                CJ Crosby

                Week of January 27th


                Myth: I have 3 cats

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                Lisa Anderson

                Week of January 20th


                Myth: I love running.

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                Amanda Erdman

                Week of January 13th


                Myth: I collect comic books.

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                Chris Meyer

                Week of January 6th


                Myth: I like bananas.

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                Susan McDaniel

                Week of December 16th & 30th


                Myth: I love horror movies.

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                Penny Dennis

                Week of December 9th

                Myth: I have jumped out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course).

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                Karen Simmons

                Week of November 25th and December 1st

                Myth: I know how to knit

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                Lauren Shively

                Week of November 18th

                Myth: I think olives are super gross!

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                Jessie Sohn

                Week of November 11th

                Myth: I have tasted crocodile before!

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                Terri Cox

                Week of November 4th

                Myth: Two of my children were born in Virginia and two born in Maryland

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                Heath McCracken

                Week of October 28th

                Myth: I was born in Canada, and my parents moved to the U.S. in 1993.

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                Jane Miller

                Week of October 21st

                Myth: I have two kids

                Previous Rocket Weekly for Staff Links: