The Greencastle Gazette
Dear Greencastle Elementary Families,
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the opportunities this year will bring to our school community. Our shared journey of learning, growth, and connection continues, and I am proud to witness the dedication and enthusiasm that define our school. I encourage you to stay engaged by reading the weekly Greencastle Gazette to learn more about upcoming school events and PTA-sponsored activities and fundraisers. Your involvement is the foundation of our success.
Inclement Weather Information - Make sure you know how to receive updates in the event of a weather related delay, early release, or school closure. Visit the MCPS Emergency Information page to learn how to sign up to get notifications for school system emergency messages, district weather closures and more. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/
Update your Contact Information - It is also important to stay connected with your child’s school. We want to make sure we can reach you quickly in emergencies or to share important updates. Your contact information is private, will not be shared, and is only used to support your child’s safety. This information can be updated in ParentVUE or via this form.
See you on Thursday, January 2 promptly at 8:40 a.m.
Mrs. Dean
Principal
Greencastle Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/greencastlees/
This Week
Wednesday, January 1, 2025: New Year's Day—Schools and offices closed
Thursday, January 2, 2025: Staff and Students return to school
Thursday, January 2 - 3, 2025: Greencastle ES Wellness Days
NOW until Friday, January 3, 2025: PTA Fundraiser - Regal Movie Theatre
Upcoming Dates
Monday, January 6, 2025: Greencastle ES Yearbook Sales Begin
Tuesday, January 7, 2025: PTA General Membership Virtual Meeting @ 6: 30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025: Family Articulation Night at Benjamin Banneker Middle School
Monday, January 20, 2025: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Schools and offices closed
Tuesday, January 28, 2025: End of the 2nd Marking Period
Tuesday, January 28, 2025: PTA Fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese
Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Grading and Planning for the end of term; no school for students
On behalf of the Student Wellbeing Committee, we are pleased to announce that January 2nd and 3rd, 2025, will be designated as Greencastle Wellness Days. These days are designed to help welcome both students and staff back into the building. During this time, classrooms will reconnect and engage in wellness activities.
Approval of 2025-2026 School Calendar – 181 Instructional Days
Student Transition Day for Kindergarteners - Monday, August 25, 2025
First day of school - Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Winter Break - Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Friday, January 2, 2026
Spring Break - Monday, March 30, 2026 - Monday, April 6, 2026
Last day of school for students - Wednesday, June 17, 2026
2025-2026 MCPS Calendar: LINK
Greencastle ES Breakfast and Lunch Monthly Menus: https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/GreencastleES
Click the video below to learn more about accessing our monthly breakfast and lunch menus.
By the end of the 2024-2025 school year, the percentage of Greencastle students who are chronically absent will decrease from 32% to 27%.
Greencastle Elementary ended 2024 at 23.93% of our students demonstrating chronic absenteeism. While we are below the goal we set at the beginning of the school year, we want to continue to work to get this number to continue to decline so that it is closer to the average for MCPS which is 16.88%. We can do it, Greencastle! Help us to continue to meet and exceed our goal by decreasing the number of students chronically absent.
Click on the link below from Attendance Works that outlines the Health Guidance for Attending School when your student is not feeling well.
Hello, Knight Community!
Happy New Year! We’re excited to kick off the second half of the school year and hope you all had a fantastic break.
Regal Movie Theatre Fundraiser
Don’t miss out! Our fundraiser with Regal Movie Theatres runs until Friday, January 3rd. Thank you to everyone who has used this opportunity to enjoy quality time with loved ones while supporting our school.
Upcoming PTA Meeting
Join us for our first virtual-only General PTA Meeting on Tuesday, January 7th, at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
Yearbooks Go on Sale!
Yearbooks will be available for purchase ONLINE ONLY starting Monday, January 6th. Don’t wait—order yours early to secure your copy! Yearbooks will be distributed in May and come with options:
- Soft Cover $17.00+Tax
- Hard Cover $22.00+Tax
- Personalization $3.00
Family Knight Out
Mark your calendars! Our next Family Knight Out is at Chuck E. Cheese on Tuesday, January 28th, from 3:00–9:00 PM. We hope to see you there for an evening of fun and community!
Let’s make the rest of the school year amazing, Knights!
