Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of October 8, 2023
Monday 10/9:
Hispanic Heritage Month
No School for Students
Indigenous People’s Day; Columbus Day
Tuesday, 10/10:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Student Picture Day 9-3
SGA Manna Food Drive
Sky’s The Limit Dance, K-2
Wednesday, 10/11:
Hispanic Heritage Month
SGA Manna Food Drive
Thursday, 10/12:
Hispanic Heritage Month
SGA Manna Food Drive
Sky’s The Limit Dance 3-5
Hearing and Vision Screening, All K-1 students, others by request
Grade 4 Field Trip - Farmer Stan’s Educational Center
Grade 5 Parent Meeting, Virtual, 6:00 pm
Friday, 10/13:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Cultural Arts Student Assembly - 123 Andres
SGA Manna Food Drive
Spirit Day Wear Stonegate T Shirts
LFI Community Outing
Upcoming Dates
October 16: Hearing and Vision Screening, All K-1 students, others by request
October 17: Grade K Field Trip - Clark Elioak’s Farm
October 18: Grade 1 Field Trip - Green Meadows Farm
October 18: PTA Restaurant Night - Bear Brick Oven Pizza from 4 - 9 pm
October 23-27: Red Ribbon Week
October 25: No School for PreK only
October 26: Grade 5 Field Trip - Strathmore Music Center
October 27: SGA Pumpkins and Plaid Dance 6:30-8:30 pm
October 30 - November 3: Mental Health Awareness Week
October 31: Halloween Parade, 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 2: Grade 2 Field Trip - Sharp’s at Waterford Farms
November 9: PTA Multicultural Night
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 25-January 2: No School, Winter Break
Principal’s Message: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Dear Stonegate Families and Caregivers,
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is essential for us to come together as a community and raise awareness about this critical issue. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, affecting not only the individuals diagnosed but also their families, friends, and colleagues.
On Wednesdays, October 11th, 18th, and 25th, we encourage all students and staff to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.
During this month, we recognize and honor the strength and courage of breast cancer survivors, as well as remember those who have lost their lives to this disease. By wearing pink, we symbolize our support for those affected by breast cancer and demonstrate our commitment to spreading awareness about early detection, prevention, and the importance of regular screenings.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder for all of us to educate ourselves and others about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. By understanding the risks, promoting healthy lifestyles, and supporting research efforts, we contribute to the global fight against this disease.
Let us join hands to inspire hope, promote awareness, and work towards a future where breast cancer no longer poses a threat. Your participation, empathy, and support are invaluable in making a difference. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those battling breast cancer.
Thank you for your dedication and compassion.
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Major thank you and shout out to all the Stonegate staff who attended Goodnight, Sleep Tight! We had a lot of staff volunteers to help with the event and it was extremely successful because of you all. Thank you to the PTA for organizing cotton candy, popcorn, and Kona Ice. We had so many students in pajamas with smiles on their faces. The read alouds were fantastic, the masked readers were amazing, and the entire event was so fun! It was a wonderful family engagement event!
Student Picture Day is Tuesday, October 10th!
School Picture Day is Tuesday, October 10.
Save time and Pre-order online. For questions about ordering school pictures please email underclass@vosphoto.com
Student’s images will be available to view and purchase approximately two weeks following our school's picture day. Emails will be sent to families directly from Victor O'Neill Photography.
The Holiday Giving Project of Montgomery County
The Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County has provided Thanksgiving meals and December holiday assistance to families in need for over 30 years. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred to possibly receive assistance for the holiday season and your children attend Stonegate, please complete the following referral form. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. The information is required to make a referral to The Holiday Giving Project.
To be referred for assistance, you must complete the form by Friday, October 20th, 2023 to be considered for services.
Dismissal Update
Dismissal is at 3:25 p.m. Students will not leave the building before 3:25 p.m.*
We appreciate your understanding as we have adjusted our dismissal procedures in response to our new building layout.
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.
*Afternoon Safety Patrols will report to their duty stations before 3:25 p.m.
Remind Communication at Stonegate
We are excited to announce the launch of our new communication platform, "Remind"! This innovative tool is designed to streamline our connection with you. Caregivers will receive information as text messages. These texts can be translated with your family’s language. Read them, reply back to them and save the Remind number into your Contacts area with a name you choose (i.e. Ms. Parker) so that when messages from your child's teachers and school administrators are delivered to your mobile phone, they appear more familiar to you.
With "Remind," you can expect:
Instant Updates: Receive important announcements, event reminders, and urgent notifications directly to your mobile device or email in real-time.
Easily message teachers and staff, and even reply to messages, all within the secure and user-friendly platform.
Customized Settings: Tailor your notification preferences to suit your schedule and communication preferences, ensuring you receive updates in a way that works best for you.
Multi-language Support: "Remind" offers translation capabilities, ensuring that all families can access and understand important information, regardless of language barriers.
Getting started with "Remind" is quick and easy. Caregivers should receive texts without having to download an app or join a class.
If you prefer to receive your messages using the Remind App, or to change your preferences, please see the Parent Quick Guide Here: Remind Quick Guide for Parents.pdf
When To Keep Your Child Home from School
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
Hearing and Vision Screening- October 12th and October 16th
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) K and 1 , and students referred by teachers because of possible signs of hearing or vision problems. The screeners will be at Stonegate on October 12 and October 16. Parent Volunteers are needed to help escort students to/from the classroom to screening location. There is one slot left to fill - Monday, Oct. 16 from 1-3 pm. Please sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4AA8AE22A3FB6-44783361-hearing
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 your school’s nurse if you have questions about your child’s screening.
Pumpkins and Plaid
The Stonegate Elementary Student Government Association is sponsoring the “Pumpkins and Plaid” Fall Dance on Friday, October 27th from 6:30-8:30p.m.
Suggestion donation: $3 per person or a Non-Perishable food item
Mabel’s Labels Fundraising for all Stonegate Families
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.
Cultural Arts Assembly - 1 2 3 Andrés
Thanks to a generous donation by our PTA, Stonegate will host a cultural arts assembly on Friday featuring Latin Grammy-winners 123 Andrés. 123 Andrés are Andrés and Christina, native Spanish-speakers who present an interactive bilingual show that celebrates language and culture. Through music and movement, students sing about letters, numbers and more, and by the end of the show the whole school will be moving and singing. Get ready for this high-energy show.
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.
Counselor’s Corner- Mental Health Awareness Week; Middle School Magnet Consortium
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
Bring a sweater or jacket to school
Students should dress appropriately for the weather as we play outside for recess most days.
We encourage students to bring a labeled jacket or sweater as they may feel cold in different spaces in the building.
Shoelaces & stair safety
In our new building, students use the stairs every day. Untied shoelaces are dangerous on the stairs. Please ensure your child knows how to tie their laces or that your children come to school wearing shoes without laces.
Car drop-off
For the students' safety, we ask all cars to follow our procedures.
Do not pull into a parking spot and allow your children to walk through the lot. This is a significant safety issue.
We have provided all students a card with the student's first and last name typed. Please show the card with your child's first and last name.
October Lunch Menu
Pre-K Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS) applications have been updated for the new school year, and are now available online at www.MySchoolApps.com; this is the preferred application method.
All interested families must reapply each school year.
PTA Membership Meeting and Drive
A BIG thank you to everyone that supported the Stonegate Scholastic Book Fair last week! To the students, staff, volunteers, and families, we appreciate your purchases and efforts to make this year’s fair a huge success. From set-up to pack-up, running the cash register, and helping students find items to purchase, we are grateful for our volunteers, because we could not have done this without you! We hope to see you next year!
With your All For Books donations and the PTA match, we were able to provide 40 Stonegate Sharks with gift cards to shop at the Book Fair on Friday. Also, we reached our goal of selling 1,000 books!
The Donuts with Grownups and Good Night, Sleep Tight events were well attended and lots of fun for all! It was truly amazing to see the students engaged in looking for new books and listening to the stories during the reading night event. This week’s activities are a great example of creating a fun and engaging learning environment. Book Fair 2023 is in the books!
Join the PTA today!
Joining the PTA helps increase the resources to support our students and staff by providing resources and activities like, the Back-To-School picnic, cultural assemblies, gym resources, teacher mini-grants, and more! We are moving closer to our goal, and we need your help to reach it. Please take a few minutes to join online today.
The Membership Drive adds a bit of fun and friendly competition to see which class will reach the highest percentage of PTA members. There will be a grand prize winner and grade level winners, too. Your student’s class could win a pizza or popsicle party!
This week’s leaderboard is in:
Pre-K: Williams at 5%
Kindergarten: Nguyen at 76%
First grade: McKnight at 52%
Second grade: Dantzler at 67%
Third grade: Grammer at 64%
Fourth grade: Congress at 79%
Fifth grade: Moon at 68%
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
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 will 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.
Stonegate Elementary School
Arrival 8:40-9:00
Students must arrive by 9:00.
Student Dismissal 3:25
Caregivers who are picking up walkers or car riders, please arrive promptly for dismissal at 3:25
Picking up early
If you need to pick your child up early, please do so before 3pm. The main office cannot accommodate parent pick ups after 3:00 p.m.
14811 Notley Road,
Silver Spring, MD 20905
(240) 740-7340
Principal: Linda_M_Jones@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @FrannyWooler
Visit us on the web: