Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Parent News

It’s hard to believe we are entering the fourth month of the school year and the final month of 2024! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Open House—seeing so many families participating in their students’ classrooms was wonderful. We also want to express our gratitude to those who supported our Boosterthon and Glow Run fundraisers. Your contributions help the PTA provide vital support to our school community, and we truly appreciate your involvement.

We also want to thank all parents and guardians who attended the November Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, it’s not too late! Please contact your student’s teacher to schedule a time to meet to discuss their progress.

These conversations are invaluable for understanding your child’s strengths and areas for growth, enabling us to work together to support their success. A special thank-you to our PTA and the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School community for providing meals for our staff during conference evenings and for the thoughtful tokens of appreciation.

Additionally, over the Thanksgiving Break, Mrs. Mason welcomed a baby boy. We are excited about this addition to the Dr. REMES family. Mrs. Mason will be on maternity leave through February. Please be on the lookout for information on who will serve as the acting assistant principal during this time. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MASON FAMILY!

As December unfolds, many families will have busy schedules filled with holiday events and activities. While enjoying the season’s festivities, please remember that learning doesn’t take a holiday. With four full weeks of instruction this month, we are excited about the opportunities for academic growth. To help your child succeed, please ensure they are well-rested, complete homework, and arrive at school on time daily.

Winter Break begins after a full day of school on December 20. The main office will reopen, and classes will resume on January 2, 2025. Although this break is shorter than summer, it can feel long when the weather limits outdoor activities. Here are some fun ideas to keep your family engaged:

• Indoor Picnic: Spread a blanket and enjoy a fun meal together indoors.
• Cook Together: Involve your child in meal preparation to teach valuable life skills while creating special memories.
• Winter Nature Walk: Bundle up and explore the outdoors, observing the season's beauty.
• Visit the Library: Check out your local library's programs or resources during the break.

Included in this newsletter:

• PTA Meeting Information
• Talent Show Interest Meeting Reminder
• SGA Comfort Cases Drive
• Hearing and Vision Screenings
• Information on a school-wide Spirit Week!

Finally, we would also like to take this opportunity to send warm wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Moses (Sherilyn_R_Moses@mcpsmd.org) and

Mrs. Mason (Rebecca_Mason@mcpsmd.org).

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sherry Moses, Principal

&

Mrs. Rebecca Mason, 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.

7th Annual Talent Show Interest Meeting

Date: Dec 4, 2024

Place: Gym

Time: 8:30am to 9:00 am

(Parents are welcome to attend to this meeting.)

We are excited to host our 7th Annual Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Talent Show. We typically have more than 150 students auditioning for only 30 spots each year. While we would love to provide every student the opportunity to perform, space is limited. Please understand that participation in the talent show is not guaranteed, but students will never know unless they give it a try!

It is essential that all participants are fully committed to attending every practice. It would be unfair to those students who were not selected if participants miss or skip practices. If you anticipate any potential conflicts, such as sports practices or other activities that may interfere with your commitment to the talent show, we kindly ask that you refrain from signing up. Please note, we are unable to accommodate early dismissals or missed practices, and doing so may result in disqualification from the show.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing the incredible talent our students have to offer! If you have questions, please see Mrs. Margaret Taylor or email her at Margaret_E_Taylor@mcpsmd.org. (or) Margaret.E.Taylor@mcpsmd.net. Good luck to all!!!!

Our SGA is excited to sponsor a donation drive for Comfort Cases. This will take place during the week of December 9th. Comfort Cases provides a backpack filled with comfort and personal care items for children entering foster care. All items brought in must be new and can be dropped off in the front office. Requested items include: baby wipes, baby washcloths, baby bibs, baby lotion, diaper cream, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, coloring books, pens, pencils, and crayons.

Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Please have your student check the Lost and Found for missing items. We will be donating all items in the Lost and Found during the Winter Break!

In accordance with Maryland State Law students in Montgomery County Public Schools are screened for possible vision and hearing problems. Trained hearing and vision screeners will be screening students new to MCPS, students in Grade (s) Kindergarten and first grade, and students referred by teachers because of possible signs of hearing or vision problems. The screeners will be at Dr. Ronald McNair ES on December 10-12.

Children who do not see clearly or are unable to hear what their teacher and classmates are saying have a harder time learning at school. You will receive a referral form, via US mail, to take to your child’s doctor if your child fails the screening.

If your child is already under care for a hearing or vision problem, or you do not wish your child to be screened at school because of conflicts with your religious beliefs, please notify the school nurse in writing.

If your child wears glasses or contacts, they should wear them every day and bring them to the screening.

School based vision screenings may not detect every vision problem. To learn more about possible vision problems and symptoms or health conditions that may require additional evaluation go to Montgomery County Government’s website at this link: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/PHS/SchoolHealth/HearingVision.html

Contact Mrs. Nicole Eyman our school’s nurse if you have questions about your child’s screening.

De acuerdo con las Leyes del Estado de Maryland, los estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Montgomery (MCPS), son examinados para identificar problemas de vista y de audición. Personas que han sido entrenadas estarán examinando la vista y la audición de los estudiantes que han sido matriculados por primera vez en MCPS, incluyendo la de los estudiantes en grado (s) K, 1, y aquellos estudiantes cuyos nombres han sido remitidos por sus maestros porque han demostrado señales de que posiblemente tengan problemas con la vista o de audición. Los estudiantes de Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES serán examinados Deciembre 10-12.

Los estudiantes que no puedan ver claramente o no puedan escuchar lo que sus maestros o compañeros están diciendo tienen mucha dificultad para aprender en la escuela.

Si el estudiante no pasa el examen de vista o de audición usted recibirá un formulario por correo con nuestra recomendación para que lleve al estudiante a su doctor.

Si el estudiante ya ha sido examinado y está bajo tratamiento por problemas de visión o audición, o si usted no desea que el estudiante sea examinado en la escuela por conflictos con sus creencias religiosas, por favor escríbale una carta a la enfermera de la escuela y hágaselo saber.

Si el estudiante usa anteojos o lentes de contacto, ellos deben usarlos todos los días y llevarlos puestos el día del examen.

Es posible que las evaluaciones escolares de vista y audición no detecten todos los problemas de la vista. Para averiguar más sobre los posibles problemas de vista y síntomas, o condiciones de salud que pueden requerir de exámenes adicionales visite el sitio de web del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Montgomery, en el siguiente enlace: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/PHS/SchoolHealth/HearingVision.html

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca de la evaluación de su hijo(a) por favor póngase en contacto con la enfermera escolar.

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 will observe Remembrance and Reconciliation Month by supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations, providing schools with age appropriate lessons on local historic African American communities.

Spanish

Now that the cold weather has arrived, students need to be prepared to be outside for recess and in warm classrooms. Please remember to dress your child for the changing temperatures. Layering clothing works best, as the mornings will be very cool with warmer afternoons. A shirt with a sweater over top is great for the classroom, and then they can add a heavy coat for recess.

All students should be prepared by wearing hats, scarves, mittens or gloves, and boots, if needed. The time outdoors is important for energy release which helps with concentration for afternoon instruction. Normally, students go outside if the temperature is 32 degrees or above, including wind chill, and the blacktop areas are clear of ice and snow.

Please remember to label EVERYTHING with your child’s name. That way, as they shed their layers, we can make sure the items make their way back to the correct children.

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).