Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of October 23, 2023
Monday 10/23:
SGA Manna Food Drive
Red Ribbon Spirit Week: “Wear Red to Show Pride”
Tuesday, 10/24:
SGA Manna Food Drive
Sky’s The Limit Dance, K-2
Red Ribbon Spirit Week: “You Have the Power to Make Good Choices”
Dress up as superheroes.
Wednesday, 10/25:
SGA Manna Food Drive
Red Ribbon Spirit Week: “Dream Big and Make Healthy and Safe Choices”
Wear Pajamas!
No School for PEP and Pre-K Only: Ms. Merritt and Ms. Williams’ classes
Thursday, 10/26:
Grade 5 Field Trip - Strathmore Music Center
SGA Manna Food Drive
Sky’s The Limit Dance Grades 3-5
Red Ribbon Spirit Week: “Don’t Get Mixed Up In Bad Choices"
Wear mismatched clothes
Friday, 10/27:
SGA Manna Food Drive only through Oct 31
Spirit Day Wear Stonegate T Shirts
LFI Community Outing
Red Ribbon Spirit Week: “Team Up Against Unhealthy Choices”
Wear a favorite team shirt, a Stonegate shirt, or Stonegate colors!
Upcoming Dates
October 30 - November 3: Mental Health Awareness Week
October 31: Halloween Parade, Class Parties, and Harvest Festival 2-3:15 pm
November
November 1: Grading and Planning for the end of term; No School for all students
November 1-15: Square 1 Art Fundraiser
November 15-January 15: Grade 5 Papa John’s Pizza Card Fundraiser
November 2: Grade 2 Field Trip - Sharp’s at Waterford Farms
November 2: Grade 5 Field Trip - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
November 3: SGA Pumpkins and Plaid Dance 6:30-8:30 pm (New Date)
November 9: PTA Multicultural Night
November 10: Stonegate Open House
November 15: Grade 2 Field Trip Strathmore Music Center
November 16: Student Picture Makeup Day 9-11 am
November 20-21: Early Release Day, Pre K-5, LFI. No school for PEP only
November 22-24: No School for all students, Thanksgiving Holiday
December
December 25-January 2: No School, Winter Break
See the MCPS Yearlong Calendar
Principal’s Message
Dear Stonegate Families and Caregivers,
As we transition into the autumn season, we are excited to extend a warm invitation to our upcoming events, designed to foster a sense of community and celebrate the spirit of learning at Stonegate Elementary. You will find more information about these events in today’s Stonegate Greetings
1. Halloween Parties and Parade on October 31st
2. Harvest Festival on October 31st
3. Pumpkins and Plaid Fall Dance on November 3rd
4. Open House on November 10th
We were thrilled to see over 400 people engage with the Stonegate Greetings last week. Your active participation in our weekly communications is truly heartwarming. Thank you for your continued support.
We are genuinely looking forward to these events and hope to see all of you there. Your presence and participation help create a vibrant and thriving school community.
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Help us Celebrate Red Ribbon Week! October 23-October 27, 2023
Stonegate Elementary School is proud to join schools from across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a time for students to acknowledge the importance of being drug-free and their responsibility in making safe and healthy choices. In order to show our commitment to making safe and healthy choices, students can participate in the following spirit days:
Halloween and the Harvest Festival on October 31st
At Stonegate, we have two parties on Oct 31. Both parties occur from 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Halloween Party:
Students can wear costumes and participate in a Halloween Parade
Costume rules: No blood, no weapons. Characters from Horror Films are not permitted, including Freddy Krueger, Ghostface, the Joker, Pennywise the clown, Michael Myers and Jason.
The Parade will occur on the field beside the school
Students return to classrooms to enjoy a Halloween Party
Grade Levels and classroom teachers will communicate more details about your child’s Halloween Party
Harvest Party
At the same time, we have a Fall Harvest Party.
Students will enjoy crafts and activities centered around fall, pumpkins and candy!
WIll your student attend the Harvest Party? Click Here
Emergency Preparedness at Stonegate
Every MCPS school completes practice drills for what to do in an emergency. By practicing, we ensure all staff and students know how to respond in an emergency.
In the next two weeks, Stonegate will conduct drills for
Evacuate (Fire Drill): we practice getting out of the building safely and quickly
Shelter: we practice what to do if there were a public safety concern in the neighborhood.
Lockdown: We practice our response to imminent danger in the school or on campus.
Shelter and Lockdown drills are announced in advance to teachers and students. For fire drills, most are announced and some may be unannounced.
You can read and review this Emergency Preparedness Brochure for families(.pdf)
English | 中文 | Français | 한국어 | Español | Việt Nam
How to Receive Emergency Information for MCPS Schools
Use this link to find all the ways you can connect with MCPS to receive emergency operational information from the school system.
Stonegate Open House- Friday, November 10th
We are excited to welcome caregivers to Stonegate for Open House on Friday, November 10th, 2023.
There will be a Coffee with Caregivers from 9:00-9:30 am in the cafeteria.
You are welcome to come and engage with your child(ren) between 9:30-11am or 1:30-3:00 pm. Your child’s teacher will be sending out their schedule during these times as well as a sign-up so that they know when you are coming. Please be sure to sign up. We look forward to seeing you! 🙂
PTA Membership Drive ends TODAY!
The PTA Annual Membership Drive ends today, Sunday, October 22! Joining the PTA Membership helps build a stronger school community and foster positive community engagement opportunities.
We have almost reached this year’s goal, and we need your help to cross the finish line. Don’t wait to join online today. Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to support our Stonegate Sharks! The grand prize winner will win a pizza party and grade level winners will win a popsicle party!
There are a few changes, so check-out the current leader board, :
Fourth grade: Congress at 83%
Kindergarten: Nguyen at 80%
Third grade: Grammar at 73%
Fifth grade: Moon at 68%
Second grade: Dantzler at 66%
First grade: McKnight and Flanders at 56%
Pre-K: Williams at 5%
New Stonegate Spirit Wear Store
We are super excited to launch the new Stonegate Spiritwear Store and are kicking- off with a flash sale. There are many new options and long-sleeve gear just in time for cooler weather. The flash sale ends on November 1, so check out the new gear and place your orders today! Once the flash sale ends, it will take 3 - 4 weeks to process and ship all orders to the school. Let’s get ready for the upcoming Spirit Wear days with some new gear! If you have questions about the new Spirit Wear Store, please contact stonegateptapres@gmail.com or the Spirit Hero Team at 1-800-239-9948.
Stonegate Multicultural Night - Thursday, November 9th
Our school community represents many cultures, and we are excited to celebrate and showcase our diversity. During this year’s Multicultural Night event, there will be cultural art performances, the Shark Showcase (parade) of cultural attire and apparel, and cookies/treats from around the world.
Help make this event an amazing experience for our students by participating in the Shark Showcase and sharing cultural cookies/treats. For any cookies/treats provided, please include a list of ingredients for any store bought or homemade goods to display. By Tuesday, November 7, please complete the form to indicate if your student(s) or family will be participating in the Shark Showcase and sharing cookies/treats for the event. We hope you join in the fun and important event to enrich our school community!
Thanks for supporting our Stonegate Sharks and the Bear Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant Night last week!
Caregivers are welcome to help during Lunch and Recess
Please sign up for any available dates/times you can volunteer using the Sign-up Genius.
Before volunteering, all volunteers must complete the MCPS Volunteer Training Module on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. Please bring a copy of your certificate or send to Anita_B_Knuth@mcpsmd.org or
Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org See Stonegate’s Volunteer Handbook here.
Pumpkins and Plaid Fall Festival on Friday, November 3rd
The Stonegate Elementary Student Government Association is sponsoring the “Pumpkins and Plaid”
Friday, November 3rd from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Suggestion donation: $3 per person or a Non-Perishable food item
October Lunch Menu
See the October Menu for School Meals here:
Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals
Apply now for Free Meals at
https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
All interested families must reapply each school year. Apply once per school year. It takes 15 minutes!
What you will need to provide during the application process:
The names and incomes of every member of your household
The school, grade, and birthdate of every student in your household
Your social security number and electronic signature
(Optional) A valid email address or phone number for district communication about the status of the application.
Manna Food Drive Now through October 31st
The Student Government at Stonegate is sponsoring a Food Drive to benefit the Manna Food Center. Manna’s mission is to eliminate hunger through food distribution, education, and advocacy.
Send in a non-perishable food item with your student this week! The Food Drive ends October 31st.
Personal Body Safety Lessons
During November and early December, our school counselor and classroom teachers will be presenting lessons on the topic of child abuse and neglect. The lessons are known as Personal Body Safety Lessons
Please see this message about the upcoming social-emotional lessons on personal body safety. All classrooms will be receiving these lessons beginning in November.
Label your students Jacket, Water Bottles, and Hoodies
The Lost and found is filling with hoodies and jackets.
To help eliminate our lost and found, Stonegate is partnering with Mabel’s Labels to offer products to label water bottles, jackets, lunch boxes, etc. Proceeds will benefit our 5th Grade Promotion celebrations. Go to campaigns.mabelslabels.com
Upcoming Field Trips
Permission slips are coming home with students. Please check your student’s folder and return the permission slip.
We encourage online payments at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
School Cash Online is MCPS’ online payment system. Cash or checks payable to Stonegate Elementary accepted but Online payments preferred for safety and security purposes.
Students will not be denied the opportunity to attend a trip due to financial hardship. If you need to make special arrangements to cover the cost of the trip, please contact your child’s teacher via email or note.
SchoolCash Online - For Field Trips and Classroom Activities
Register for SchoolCash Online today
It’s fast, easy & free
Activate an account today so you will be notified via email and pay for your child(ren)’s school activity fees online.
One-Pager - Parent Registration Instructions - 2022 - Montgomery
Counselor’s Corner- Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is open to students, parents/guardians, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff to learn about resources that schools and families may access or to which referrals may be made to support students’ physical, social, and psychological well-being. We hope you will support this important effort by MCPS to raise awareness and discussions about our students’ mental health and wellness.
Important Dates
The live Waymaking special on student mental health forum will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Richard Montgomery High School, from 6:30–8:00 p.m.
The virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Links
For additional information visit the Mental Health Awareness Week website
Stonegate ES Counseling Website
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/stonegate-counseling/home
Information about COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Vaccines
Get ready for cough and cold season! The new COVID-19 vaccine approved on Sept. 11 is now available at local retail pharmacies and some doctors’ offices. You can find an appointment for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines through https://www.vaccines.gov/. Certain individuals, including infants and older adults, may also qualify for the RSV vaccine and should consult their health care provider.
Visit our website for more information about this season’s vaccines.
Cold and flu season is upon us!
When your child is sick, they should stay home and not attend school. This is necessary for your child, and in the best interests of other children and staff in the classroom at school.
What Are Important Signs of Illness?
Temperature of more than 100 ºF orally
Nausea or vomiting
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Pale or flushed face
Headache
Persistent cough
Earache
Thick yellowish discharge from nose
Sore throat
Rash or infection of the skin
Red or pink eyes
Loss of energy or decrease in activity
What Should I Do If My Child Has Any of These Signs?
If your child has any of these symptoms when it is time for school, it is best that they stay home. Most childhood illnesses are over soon and there is no cause for worry. But, if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should contact your private source of medical care.
Children sometimes use illness as an excuse to miss school. On the other hand, some children force themselves to go to school even though they are sick. There may be times that your child does not show signs of the above-noted symptoms but may be ill. It is up to you to be alert to your children's health and to decide when it is best to send them to school.
When Should My Child Return to School After An Illness?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals stay home at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm, flushed appearance or sweating) without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/guidance.htm
Generally, your child may return to school when there is no longer a sign of illness. However, there may be times when it is necessary for your child to see your source of medical care before returning to school. Please call your school nurse if you have any questions regarding a specific condition.
What Will Happen If My Child Becomes Ill at School?
If your child complains of being sick or does not look well after they reach school, we will contact you. Therefore, it is important that you provide the school with up-to-date information and phone numbers to call in case it is necessary to contact you.
From: COVID-19 Update
Clothing To Cash Recycling Program
Clothing to Cash® is a program that collects New and Used Clothing, Shoes, Sheets, Towels, (all Textiles) and pays the school 10 cents for every pound collected. The program is operated entirely OUTSIDE and is 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 allows 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 pays 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 trash bag yearly!! Add in parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, and staff and Stonegate’s earnings could really increase.
ParentVUE
ParentVue is a central online location for students and their parents, guardians, or other authorized adults to access MCPS student information. Parents/caregivers who do not have an account created will receive a letter from MCPS with instructions and access codes for activation.
Here is a ParentView quick guide and directions for activating your account. If you need an activation letter or assistance, please contact the office.
Here is the MCPS Parent Tech Support Website:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/tech-info-support
Stonegate Elementary School
Stonegate Elementary School
14811 Notley Road
Silver Spring, MD 20905
Main Office: 240- 740-7430
Arrival 8:40-9:00 a.m.
Dismissal 3:25 p.m.
All walkers will exit through the front doors. We ask that caregivers please greet your students behind the cones away from the front entrance of the double doors.
Picking up early?
If you need to pick your child up early, please do so before 3 p.m. The main office cannot accommodate parent pick-ups after 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Linda_M_Jones@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @FrannyWooler
Visit us on the web at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/