Principal's Message
Dear MHES families and staff,
Dear Meadow Hall Families,
We are so grateful for everyone who was able to join us for the Parent/Child Winter Dance! It was a joy to see our students and families come together to celebrate, dance, and create special memories. Your continued commitment to our community is truly appreciated, and we look forward to more opportunities to connect and engage in the future. Wishing you a wonderful weekend—we look forward to seeing everyone next week! Please see the information below for the week of February 10, 2025.
Desmond Mackall
Principal
Meadow Hall ES
KAH: Kid's Night Out Valentine's Day
KAH is offering a Kid's Night Out Valentine's Day Celebration for the MHES community. Families looking for a safe space for their kids while they get some "time off" to enjoy Valentines' Day can consider KAH as an option in the event you cannot find child care. The Kid's Celebration is from 6:30-9:30 and is $25 per kid. Scan the QR code on the flyer if you are interested!
B Week Instrumental Music Schedule
This week is an B Week. The following groups will have Instrumental music on Tuesday February 11, 2025:
- 4th Grade Strings 1
- 5th Grade Strings 1
- Clarinet 1
- Flute 1 & 2
- Saxophone 2
- Strings 2
- Brass 1
Families, please remind your child to bring their instruments this week. We had many students forget their instruments last week so we are pushing for perfect attendance as we are excited to prepare for the Spring Concert. Please check in with classroom teachers regarding the instrumental music (IM) schedule if you have questions or reach out to Ms. Renk at Elissa_J_MendezRenk@mcpsmd.org.
Meadow Hall's Yearbook Cover Competition has started!
This year’s theme is: COMICS!
It must say Meadow Hall 2024-2025 on it.
Other Ideas:
· Any of your favorite (appropriate!) comics!
· A mustang or a High Five
· Anything that shows how much you love Meadow Hall!
Rules:
- Use a regular-sized white piece of paper (NO lined paper!).
- It also must be vertical!
- Correct spelling only!
- Make sure your name and your teacher’s name is on the back!
Turn it in to Ms. Hellman NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26TH!
Your design could be picked to be this year’s cover! First place winner gets a free yearbook!
Questions?
Mrs. Fensterstock- Katherine_Fensterstock@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Hellman- Rachel_B_Hellman@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Umbel- Lorin_E_Umbel@mcpsmd.org
Counseling Corner Updates
A Word from Mrs. Jackson: Community School Liaison!
COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPDATES
First Aid, AED, CPR, and NARCAN training
On Monday, February 10, 2025, Elite Response will hold a First Aid, AED, CPR and Narcan training in portable 4. The training is $50 but will be reduced to $40 if we have 12 participants. This is open to parents, older siblings, and staff. Register here
Small Things Matter produce distribution
Fresh produce will be distributed on February 7, 2025, and February 21, 2025. The distribution will be held out of portable 4 starting at 330 PM.
New Family Orientation
On February 28, 2025, at 9 AM, families of students who enrolled at Meadow Hall between November and February will be invited to participate in a New Family Orientation. Caregivers will meet with our Reading Specialist, Math Focus Teacher, Community School Liaison, and a representative from our English Language Development Department. They will then be offered an opportunity to tour our school! If your student is not new, but you would also like to participate please RSVP here
Kids for Kids Fund
Ms. Smith and I are partnering to run an exciting program new to Meadow Hall! Kids for Kids Fun meets once a week for 8-week during 5th grade lunch. The students in the group will learn all about what it means to be a philanthropist and put what they have learned into action by identifying a local kid-focused organization to win $1,000 to support its work!
PEP Parenting
Parent Encouragement Program’s Family Resiliency program was delayed a week due to the 2-hour delay on February 6. The first session will be held in portable 4 on February 13, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The in-person cohort is for Spanish speaking parents. It is not too late to register! Sign up tinyurl.com/MHES-PEP
Girls On The Run
GOTR is returning to Meadow Hall this Spring and we are so very excited! I will serve as head coach, and will be supported by Ms. Meyer, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Hermans! We will meet on Monday and Wednesday 3:30-4:45 PM starting on March 24th.
The cost of the program is $180.50; however, financial aid is available and is included in the registration process. Registration opens on February 11, 2025. Register here!
Parent Academy TO GO continues through March!
Parent Academy TO GO has some exciting workshops scheduled for February and March. They cover parenting topics across all developmental levels. A list of workshops and registration information can be found here.
KUDOS!
Shoutout to the following parents and staff for their support of the Community School Strategy over the last couple of weeks!
Mr. Larson, kindergarten parent
Ms. Monterrosa, 2nd grade parent
Ms. Gibbs, classroom teacher and MHES parent
Mrs. Hennessey, 5th grade parent
Ms. Rechy, kindergarten, and 3rd grade parent
Ms. Argote, MHES parent
Ms. Hellman, classroom teacher
Ms. Campbell, classroom teacher
Ms. Bartee, Reading Specialist
Ms. Retamozo, paraeducator
I also want to acknowledge “Villagers of Rockville Town Center” who have donated healthy snacks for our homework club and tutoring program. I am so thankful for your time and thoughtfulness.
Jessica Jackson, MSW, LCSW-C
Community School Liaison for Meadow Hall Elementary School
Department of Student Engagement and Behavioral Health
Office of Well-Being and Student Services
Cell: 227-216-1193
IG: @meadowhalles_CSL
Twitter/X: @MHES_CSL
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PTA!
Why join the PTA? Among the many, many good reasons, it basically boils down to being a great way to benefit your child, the school, and yourself by being involved in the PTA functions and connecting with other parents and staff. And for those of you who have been members in past years, don’t forget to renew your membership. Memberships are $10 for family and community members (only one membership is needed per family). We are thrilled to get to know everyone and see you all at our meetings and activities!
OTHER MCPS NEWS!
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
Board of Education Tentatively Adopts Operating Budget for FY 2026
Earlier this week, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted unanimously to tentatively adopt the MCPS Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The $3.6 billion budget, Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor's first for MCPS, focuses on fundamentals by investing directly in schools, supporting student success and addressing structural deficits. Read the full news release.
Girls With Impact Spring Program Now Open for Registration
Annelise Allport, a senior at Poolesville High School, has plans to own her own business one day. She came to Girls With Impact (GWI) last fall to learn how to be a business owner.
“My favorite part of the course was seeing my business plan presentation finally come together,” she said. “This program helped me solidify the direction I want to take in my career journey.”
Annelise said she learned a lot in the program’s 10 weeks, including budgeting, attracting and building relationships with customers, and dealing with finances.
GWI offers a free 10-week entrepreneurship program to MCPS high school girls. This program focuses on building critical business and leadership skills through a hands-on curriculum that covers topics including business planning, marketing and financial literacy.
A junior at Winston Churchill High School, Jaylin Adames got involved with GWI to gain leadership experience and pick up business tips. She was one of five students chosen to present her business venture—affordable curly hair products with healthy ingredients. She said that making the business pitch was her favorite part of the program; she also enjoyed collaborating with MCPS students from other schools.
She said that GWI helped hone her presentation skills and learn business management skills.
The spring session of GWI, which begins the week of March 3, is open for registration. Learn more and register.
BOE Seeks Community Leaders and Communication Experts to Join Advisory Committee
Montgomery County community leaders and professionals with expertise in communication and engagement are invited to apply to join the Board of Education’s newly formed Advisory Committee on Communication and Community Engagement, a key initiative designed to deepen collaboration between the Board and the community.
This committee will play a critical role in strengthening community ties, improving transparency and driving meaningful engagement around the Board’s most important initiatives. By partnering directly with the school system, members will help bolster and amplify the district’s communication strategies and ensure that all voices are heard on vital issues impacting schools and communities.
For 2025, the committee's focus will be on the upcoming boundary studies for the Crown, Woodward and Damascus high school construction projects.
The Board is seeking individuals who are skilled in communication and engagement, especially with diverse communities. Highly engaged community leaders who are passionate about building strong, collaborative partnerships would be valuable to the committee’s work. The committee’s goal is to expand the reach and impact of district communications, ensuring that all communities—particularly those directly affected by the committee’s focus—are actively involved and informed.
The committee will meet throughout the year as needed. Members are volunteers who will serve a one-year term, with the Board's vice president serving as the standing Board representative.
Interested individuals are asked to complete and submit the application form by Friday, Feb. 28.
For more information, visit the Advisory Committee on Communication and Engagement webpage.
NAACP Awarding Scholarships to Graduating Seniors
The Montgomery County branch of the NAACP is awarding $1,000 scholarships to MCPS graduating seniors. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 21. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, participate in extracurricular activities, participate in faith-based, religious-based or volunteer activities, and submit a 300-word essay addressing the theme, “The Fight for Justice Continues!”
Completed applications should be sent to Rebecca Gibson, Board of Education office, 15 W. Gude Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD, 20850.
The scholarships will be presented during the annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Sunday, May 18.
2025 NAACP Scholarship Awards Application Form
Student Opportunities & Reminders
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Students in Grades 8 through 12 and their parents/guardians will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. There will also be on-the-spot scholarship opportunities for seniors (offered by the National Pan-Hellenic Council), a panel discussion on college life and workshops. More information
FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at USG, this event is open to all high school seniors and their parents. Spanish interpreters will be available. If you would like individual assistance with the FAFSA or MHEC One application, sign up for an appointment. Walk-ins can also be accommodated.
More information
FAFSA, MHEC Completion Event Flyer, Feb. 14, 2025Summer RISE 2025 Student Registration: This program is open to current sophomores and juniors who want to gain real-world experience over the summer. Participating students will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities from June 23–July 25. Registration closes on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Car and Computer Sale: Students in the Automotive Trades Foundation and Information Technology Foundation will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus. For a list of cars for sale, check the Automotive Trades Foundation website closer to Feb. 22.
Heads Up, Phones Down Video Contest: Open to all high schoolers, this competition raises awareness about the dangers of distracted walking and driving. Create a 30-second video to promote the importance of staying focused on your surroundings, not your phone, while on the road. Students could win an Apple MacBook Air, Apple Watch or up to $800 for group submissions (plus SSL hours)! Videos can be submitted in English or Spanish. Submissions are due by Friday, Feb. 28.
Marking Black History Month
The following event is open to students, staff and community members. Students can earn up to two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours:
Student-led Advocacy: Black Students Creating Safe Spaces for Learning
High school Black Student Union members will share how they use advocacy to create learning environments that embrace Black students.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30-8 p.m.
Zoom Registration Link
FlyerSouth Asian American Parents, Students Invited to Complete Survey
The Maryland Governor's Commission on South Asian American Affairs is asking parents and students of South Asian descent to complete a survey on their experiences and perspectives on education. This feedback will help the commission develop initiatives and strategies to better support students, families and educators in the South Asian American community. Complete the survey.
Mark Your Calendars!
Get ready to feel the excitement! The MCPS County Bocce Championships are happening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road in Gaithersburg.
The 60th Annual Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships will be held from Feb. 5-8. This event is a powerful testament to the spirit of young athletes as they dive into the waters of the Germantown Indoor Swim Center, chasing dreams and igniting the passion within all of us. Join us!
Cheering the Poms On to Victory!
The 28th Annual Pompons County Competition brought high energy as teams from all 25 MCPS high schools competed for top honors. Damascus High School took first place in Division I, earning its fourth county title, while Clarksburg High School and Seneca Valley High School claimed victories in Divisions II and III, respectively. Read more on the winning performances and check out a photo gallery.
S Stay Connected
VISIT the MCPS homepage.
CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845)
READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.
FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in English and Spanish.
http://twitter.com/mcps
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https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
https://www.instagram.com/mcpsenespanol/SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.
WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89
Open Registrations
More From MCPS
ParentVUE and other Important Online Resources
Sign Up For ParentVUE to Stay in Touch With Your School
Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account at the beginning of the school year. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom, and more.
ParentVUE provides a way to view school-related information and data for students. Register for athletics, and special programs, communicate with teachers, and verify your student information annually.
ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.Sign up for Alert MCPS
Alert MCPS provides emergency information about school closures or emergencies via text or email messages to devices you register. Sign up here.Know These Important System Resources A. GoFan: This online digital ticketing platform offers fast and easy access to tickets for high school events, and allows fans to enter games quickly and safely. For ticketed sports, tickets are no longer sold at the gate and must be purchased online. B. SchoolCash Online: https://www.schoolcashonline.com MCPS has transitioned to this online payment system as its preferred method of payment for all school-related fees. Schools and offices will now use SchoolCash Online for fundraising, field trips, course fees and extracurricular activities. This new payment system is not related to school cafeteria accounts.
MySchoolBucks:Use MySchoolBucks to add school meal money to your child’s account. This will eliminate the need for your child to bring money to school every day. This year, meals (lunch and breakfast) will not be universally free. If your student wants to buy lunch in school, they will need a MySchoolBucks account. Families who believe they qualify for free and reduced-price meals can apply here.
Meadow Hall Principal
Email: Desmond_Mackall2@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260
Twitter: @MHES_Principal
Meadow Hall Assistant Principal
Email: Ilana_N_Simhon@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260
Twitter: @MeadowHallAP