Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Parent News

Wow! January definitely ended with lots of snow, followed by warmth and rain! February is upon us and the weather can continue to be unpredictable. Please be sure your contact information is updated to receive alerts from the school and school delay/late opening/closure messages from MCPS.

We're thrilled to share that the Dr. REMES STEM Night was an outstanding showcase of student talent! Our young scientists impressed everyone with their diverse projects and confident presentations, demonstrating both their research skills and public speaking abilities. Thank you to all families who supported their children's participation in this wonderful PTA-sponsored event.

February may be our shortest month, but it's packed with exciting events and learning opportunities! Here's what's happening at our school:

• First, we acknowledge that February is Black History Month. During this month, we will share "Did You Know Facts" with our students during the morning announcements.
• National School Counseling Week for 2024 is celebrated from February 3-7, 2025, with the theme "School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive ". We appreciate Mrs. Privman and Mrs. Lavo for all they do for our students!
  
• Also during the week of February 17, we will hold our Grades 3-5 Spelling Bee. This is a great experience for our upper elementary students.
  
• February also heralds the 100th day of school on February 10, recognized by our kindergarten and first grade classes.
• Then students will be exchanging Valentines at our parties on February 14. Valentine’s Day parties will begin at 2:30 - 3:30 for PK, K, 2, & 3-5 and 1:45 - 2:45 for 1st grade.
• The next week, schools will be closed on February 19 for Presidents’ Day.
• February will be the kickoff to our students displaying their heart skills in our annual Kids Heart Challenge. All classes will be participating in a Kids Heart Challenge Obstacle Course during PE class in March.

We will definitely be busy! While there are a few other grade-level specific events, February is a month in which you want to be sure to read all messages from the school.

As we transition into the second semester, it is imperative to underscore the importance of punctuality. Habitual tardiness results in students missing critical instruction, announcements, and classroom routines that are essential for academic success. Moreover, punctuality is a fundamental lifelong habit that underpins future achievements. To ensure a productive start to each school day, students should be seated in their classrooms by 9:20 a.m. All students may enter the school at 9:05 a.m. and are directed to proceed to the gym. Students purchasing breakfast should go directly to the cafeteria, which closes for breakfast at 9:20 a.m.

We look forward to great things happening for our students this month. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Moses (Sherilyn_R_Moses@mcpsmd.org) and Mrs. Oglesby (Jerri_B_Oglesby@mcpsmd.orgg).

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sherry Moses, Principal

&

Mrs. Jerri Oglesby, Acting Assistant Principal

Emergencies can arise at any time. It is important to your child’s safety that we have your current address and current home and work numbers on file.

The school's phone number is 240-740-6830.

The health room's phone number is 240-740-6832.

Sick Student?

We understand that students will be sick and we want to help you. When your child is sick, in addition to informing the classroom teacher, please be sure to inform the main office. The best way to do so is by completing the Student Absence form. We appreciate you keeping your student at home when they are ill.

On Tuesday, February 4, report cards will be available in Synergy and posted in ParentVUE.

On Thursday, February 6, report cards will be distributed to students.

Accessing Report Cards via ParentVUE Tech Short - This tech short video provides a quick tutorial on how parents can access their child's report card using the ParentVUE mobile app. Accessing Report Cards with the ParentVUE Mobile App

The recent change in weather has resulted in increased congestion in our car rider line, a higher number of families present during arrival and dismissal, and, consequently, a rise in near misses and accidents. It is imperative that we provide clear reminders to prevent further incidents.

Car Rider Line Procedures

• Child Exit Protocol: Please ensure that your child is prepared to exit from the passenger side of your vehicle directly onto the sidewalk. Under no circumstances should your child exit on the driver's side. Additionally, we request that you remain in your vehicle and allow your child to exit independently.

• Designated Exit Locations: For safety reasons, students should never be allowed to exit vehicles to walk through the parking lot during arrival. All students must exit vehicles only at the designated locations, as illustrated in the image provided below. Allowing students out at the top of the driveway and in the parking lot forces drivers to make abrupt stops, thereby slowing the entire car rider line and increasing the risk of accidents.

• Vehicle Movement in the Car Rider Line: For everyone's safety, please be patient and avoid pulling around other vehicles; groups of cars will be released together to maintain efficient flow.

Parking Guidelines Around the School

• Use of Designated Parking Areas: We encourage families to use the Leaman Park parking lot and the Manchester Farms Clubhouse parking lot, parking only in the designated areas. Recently, we have observed that many families are parking in unauthorized zones, which complicates the dismissal process.

• Respect for Local Residents: There have been reports of vehicles parking in a manner that blocks neighborhood driveways and mailboxes. We kindly ask that you park considerately to avoid inconveniencing those living near our school.

Pedestrian Safety Measures

• Designated Crosswalks and Sidewalks: For the safety of everyone, please use the designated crosswalks and sidewalks when approaching the school. If walking along the bus loop on Steeple Road, do not walk in the bus loop to reach the school. Instead, cross over the bus loop entrance and exit to access the sidewalk adjacent to the building.

• Crossing Steeple Road: Please avoid crossing Steeple Road in the middle of the street. Instead, proceed to the top of the road and use the crosswalk, where a crossing guard is stationed, to cross safely.

Our primary concern is the safety of our students and all community members. Recent near misses underscore the need for these measures. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Dr. McNair’s Valentine’s festivities will take place on Friday, February 14. Grade levels will celebrate in the following ways:

• PRE - K (10:15 - 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.) - Morning: Valentine's Day themed station rotation which includes Valentine delivery and Valentine snack with juice after nap
• Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades grades (2:45 - 3:30) - Decorate Valentine's card bags, distribute Valentine's cards, enjoy a snack, play a games, and/or engage in a simple craft.
• 1st Grade (1:45-2:45) - Decorate Valentine's card bags, distribute Valentine's cards, enjoy a snack, play a games, and/or engage in a simple craft.
• 5th (2:45-3:30) - Combined party in cafeteria.

Please be on the lookout for more information from your child's teacher.

During the third quarter, all students will be participating in the Black-Eyed Susan book study. Black- Eyed Susan books are chosen by school and public librarians, as well as the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL). These books are chosen as being outstanding books that broaden the human experience and provide students with new insights into their lives. We will also use these opportunities to review important topics, such as a story map, character traits, and sequencing.

We will be reading these nominated books and later voting on our favorite. The exciting part of this award is that adults are not allowed to vote, so kids will be picking the winning books. Our votes will be added to those all over the state of Maryland for a state winner!

Our starting book is I Want 100 Dogs. We brainstormed about having 100 animals. Ask your students what animal they chose to (pretend) have 100 off!

February is Heart Month!

Get ready for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge (KHC)! This year, in March, our school will be learning about staying strong in body and mind, we’ll get moving with fun activities, meet kids with special hearts and raise funds for the health of all hearts. Plus, they’ll feel good for doing good!

Download the Kids Heart Challenge App or visit https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/khc_resources_search.html to register today!

Look for more info to come Thank you for keeping more hearts beating strong!

Families and students can stay engaged throughout the school year with Parent Academy TO GO, a series of virtual webinars for families to watch at home. The February and March webinars are available on the Parent Academy website. Registration is available here.

The MCPS 2025-2026 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season opens on Monday, Feb. 3, and closes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school.

Students are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or are assigned based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Learn more about the criteria.

Important changes for the upcoming COSA transfer process:

• Requests submitted after April 1, 2025, will not be considered unless there was a recent move or an emergency event that could not have been foreseen prior to April 1.
• All COSA requests must be submitted online through ParentVue in Synergy. Parents who need support on how to use ParentVue to complete an online COSA request are encouraged to reach out to a staff member at their child’s assigned school.
• Detailed information related to the COSA process can be found in the 2025-2026 COSA information booklet, which will be available at the end of January.

For questions, call the Division of Pupil Personnel and Attendance Services at 240-740-5620.

ALERT MONTGOMERY

Alert Montgomery is the official emergency communications service for Montgomery County, MD. During a major crisis, emergency, or severe weather event, Montgomery County officials can send event updates, warnings, and instructions directly to you on any of your devices.

Signing up for Alert Montgomery is free, but please check with your wireless provider about charges associated with text messages. Sign up at http://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov.

WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION

Winter weather emergencies, such as snow and ice, may cause disruptions in school operations, including the closure of school, a delayed opening, or an early dismissal. Information about school operations is announced publicly as soon as possible on area radio and television stations, Montgomery County Public Schools Cable TV, Outlook, and on the Internet at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org. Emergency e-mail announcements are available by signing up for MCPS Quicknotes on the school system’s home page. If schools are closed or delayed, the announcement is made no later than 5:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible). If schools are closing early, the announcement is made by 11:00 a.m. Please make sure you have a plan for delayed openings and early closings.

MCPS offers numerous ways for parents to learn about school closures, delayed openings, and early dismissals due to inclement weather.

• Remind Updates from the school

• AlertMCPS: Subscribe to AlertMCPS
• Receive text messages or emails from MCPS during weather-related emergencies and other major events that impact school system operations. Parents can also sign up to receive alerts specific to their child’s school.

• MCPS homepage: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
  

• MCPS cable channels: Comcast 34, Verizon Fios 36 or RCN 89
  

• Recorded information: 301-279-3673
  

• Ask MCPS: 240-740-3000
• Staff takes calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish.
  

• Social Media:
  
• • MCPS on X (formerly Twitter)
  • MCPS on Facebook
  • MCPS on Instagram

• Local radio and TV stations
• Please make sure emergency contact information on file at your child’s school is up to date.

Learn more about how weather decisions are made and how to receive information about any changes.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) appreciates the support of the parent and community volunteers who support the essential needs of the schools. Volunteers and partnership agencies are required to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.

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In partnership with the PTA and Nothing Bundt Cake, we have an exciting reading incentive for our students. With Books and Bundts, the bakery will reward students with a FREE BUNDTLET each month for their commitment to reading 400 minutes a month (10-15 minutes a day or 20 min 5 days/week). To earn a Free Bundlet, students will track their minutes and stop by the bakery with their parent/legal guardian for their sweet treat (redemption once a month).