Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES News
Summer of the 2024-2025 School Year - August 8
Dear Families,
We are excited to welcome you to the 2024-2025 academic year at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School. The first day of school is Monday, August 26, 2024. We look forward to embarking on another year of educational excellence and personal growth for our students. The Back To School Newsletter is usually loaded with lots of great information.
As we begin this new school year, we remain committed to providing a high-quality educational program for your student. Our vision statement is that we are empowering students to become compassionate, independent, lifelong learners, and our school motto is that we are soaring toward success. We firmly believe in order to accomplish these goals we must build positive family partnerships. Teachers, students, and parents/guardians collectively form our tight-knit Dr. REMES family, each playing an essential role in creating a supportive and positive environment that nurtures our school's success. We sincerely value your support as your student learns and experiences personal growth throughout the year.
To kick off the school year, we cordially invite you to attend the Northwest Cluster Back-to-School Resource Fair on Saturday, August 17, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Northwest High School. This event provides an excellent opportunity to gather resources and information to help prepare for the upcoming academic year.
You play an important role in this being an amazing year for your student. We strongly encourage you to actively participate in your student's education by getting to know their teacher, reading with them regularly, engaging in journaling activities together, and becoming an active member of our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). These actions can significantly impact your student's educational journey and contribute to their overall growth and development.
This newsletter will serve as our first of two summer newsletters.
We look forward to another incredible year of learning, laughing, and growing together! See you soon!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Moses (Sherilyn_R_Moses@mcpsmd.org) and Mrs. Rebecca Mason (Rebecca_Mason@mcpsmd.org) or by calling 240-740-6830.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sherilyn Moses, Principal
&
Mrs. Rebecca Mason, Assistant Principal
The 2024-2025 Dr. McNair ES Staffing
For the upcoming school year, Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES will have the following sections in each grade level:
- 1 full day Prekindergarten,
- 5-Kindergarten,
- 5-Grade 1,
- 4-Grade 2,
- 5-Grade 3,
- 4-Grade 4, and
- 5-Grade 5 classes.
At the end of last school year, we shared information about staff not returning. We wanted to provide an updated list. We said farewell for various reasons, such as transitions to working in another elementary or middle school, retirements, moves out of state, or reductions in staffing. No matter why, any staff member who will not be at Dr. REMES this year will always be considered a part of the Dr. McNair family, and we wish them the best of luck.
- Ava Archer (1.0 general music teacher)
- Lynn Cavanaugh (prekindergarten teacher)
- Jennifer Dorfman (special education teacher)
- Sarah Feeney (grade 4 teacher)
- Jill Goldsborough (grade 4 teacher)
- Jessica Graber (principal intern)
- Lisa Kirkland (grade 2 teacher)
- Monica Kohout (kindergarten)
- Neurman Rexiti (building service worker)
- Karen Tsarev (reading initiative teacher)
- Mary Veroxie (special education teacher)
With the staffing changes at the end of the year, we have some new staff members joining us.
- Sarah Ayoub (grade 3 teacher )
- Lana Bartlett (kindergarten teacher)
- Camille Booth (1.0 general music teacher)
- Robin Colbert (grade 4 teacher)
- Nastasha Knight (special education teacher)
- Rebecca Mason (assistant principal)
- Jacob Orellana (building service worker)
- Julie Saclay (special education teacher)
- Kayleigh Waters (special education teacher)
Our New Assistant Principal, Mrs. Rebecca Mason
I am thrilled to join the Dr. REMES team this year as Assistant Principal.
My drive and motivation to work in the education field is fueled by my belief that every child has a right to a high-quality education. My original intentions were to work on educational initiatives from the policy/governmental side. I received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Education degree in School Policy and Leadership from American University. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, I moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the U.S. Department of Education. Before too long, it became clear to me that I needed to work on the “front lines” of education, in a school setting, where I was able to interact directly with students and families.
This led me to the magic of teaching elementary school students. In D.C. I taught grades 1, 2 and 3 before becoming an instructional coach and an assistant principal. Getting to watch students’ “aha” moments of discovery, as well as their unique strengths and interests keeps me coming back to this role year after year. Elementary schools are so special because they create deep roots within the community- we are a place of gathering, fun, growth and learning. I am excited to join the Dr. REMES family, and thank you all for continuing to be a part of it.
I currently live in Damascus, MD with my husband, Sam, and our beloved dog, Sadie. When I’m not working, I love to spend time outdoors, hiking or biking. As a new resident of Montgomery County, I’ve enjoyed exploring the many parks, trails and farmer’s markets.
I believe in continuous improvement at all levels, and look forward to learning and growing with you all this school year. Because you are your child’s first and most important teacher, I am eager to establish strong lines of communication and partnership to best support his or her needs. I am thankful for the opportunity to support teachers and education leaders at Dr. REMES this year. I know it will be an amazing school year, full of joyous and rigorous learning.
Sincerely
Rebecca Mason
New Family Welcome
We welcome all new families of students in grades 1 through grade 5 to meet in the cafeteria on Friday, August 23rd, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. to learn about our school.
Friday, Aug 23, 2024, 02:00 PM
Ronald McNair Elementary School, Hopkins Road, Germantown, MD, USA
SNEAK PEEK FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
We will hold our popular ‘Welcome to School!’ Sneak Peek where students can meet their teachers and find their classrooms before school begins.
What: Sneak Peek
Who: For families and students in Grades K-5
Why: Meet and visit briefly with their new teacher
When: Friday, August 23
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Sneak Peek is a great opportunity for your family to become familiar with the staff and meet new friends at Dr. REMES. Parents may find additional parking on the streets or in the Leaman Park parking lot located on Eternity Road. On this day, parents of students who walk to school may want to help them practice the route they will be taking to and from school. As you arrive at Dr. McNair, please follow the arrival/line-up directions. During your visit, cafeteria staff will be onsite for you to deposit money into your child's lunch account. Please be sure to stop in the cafeteria before you leave the building.
SCHOOL HOURS
Dr. Ronald E. McNair’s student hours are from 9:25 a.m. through 3:50 p.m. each regular school day.
We strongly encourage all students to arrive by 9:15 am.
PreKindergarten and Kindergarten sessions are full day and follow the same school hours.
The hours for ½ day early release are from 9:25 a.m. through 1:20 p.m.
Dr. McNair’s office hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day.
Phone number: 240-740-6830
School Supplies
Students will not be asked to pay for, or provide, textbooks, supplementary readers (such as anthologies, atlases, or workbooks), most materials for instruction, audiovisual aids, stationery items not commonly found in the home and required for the student to demonstrate mastery of course objectives, or building or office materials needed to operate schools.
Students may be asked to pay for materials of instruction that primarily fit into the three following categories:
- Component parts of a product that will become student property (example: sculpting clay).
- Materials of instruction, or items of personal use, that become the property of the student (example: recorder).
- Items eaten by the student as a part of the course (example: bread baking ingredients).
Students are still expected to bring individual organizational tools and personal supplies from home. In addition, there are student fees which are not course-related, but local school decisions made by the principal in collaboration with the school and parent leadership. These may include fees for class snacks, special grade-level assemblies, etc. There also may be fees related to field trips, but these will be shared each time there is a trip and not in advance as a school fee.
We are committed to providing all students, regardless of their economic circumstances, with full access to the instructional program. If you need assistance for any requested expense, or with providing the organizational tools and personal supplies, please contact your child’s teacher, our counselor, our assistant principal, or principal.
Parent donations of items that enhance the classroom experience are still welcomed. They are not required donations and no student will be expected to provide these items, but if you care to contribute, it will be appreciated.
Kindergarten (Only) Back To School Night
Thursday, Aug 22, 2024, 07:00 PM
13881 Hopkins Road, Germantown, MD, USA
PTA
We are fortunate to have the support of a great Parent Teacher Association (PTA) We encourage you to join the PTA. If you have questions, they will have a table set up at our Sneak Peek on 8/23.
A welcome letter from the Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES PTA Board is below.
Meal Prices for School Year 2024–2025:
Breakfast for All Schools - $1.30
Elementary Lunch - $2.55
- MCPS cafeterias use a computerized Point of Sale (POS) system. Students use either an ID card with a specialized barcode or their student ID number to access their account at mealtime.
- Any student can make deposits into their account, either ahead of time, on My School Bucks, or by our online payment system (see below).
How to Prepay
- Parents/guardians may deposit any amount into their student’s school meals account. Meals and à-la-carte items are deducted from the account at the time of purchase only.
- The school meals account is not a credit system.
- Checks are the best way to make a deposit. Write the student’s name and ID number on the front of the check and make it payable to the school cafeteria.
- You may give checks to the cafeteria manager or cashier. Prepayments help serving lines run smoothly.
- If parents/guardians have more than one child in the same school, you can write a check for all your children there. Be sure to write each student’s name and ID number on the check so that it can be credited properly.
- Please indicate the deposit amount for each student next to the name.
Division of Food & Nutrition Services encourages all families to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application. All meals are free for students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals.
Apply online NOW so that benefits will be in place when school starts! Families who meet certain federal income standards are eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits. All children use their MCPS ID number at the register, so confidentiality is maintained and no child is overtly identified as receiving free or reduced-price meals. Only one application is needed for all students in a household. A new application must be completed for any family requesting assistance this school year. A student's Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARM) status is always confidential. Students who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged that cost—students approved for reduced-price meals will eat for free!
For more information and How-To videos, visit the Food Services website: www.montgomeryschools.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-payments/#FARMS
Video Guides for completing the Online FARMS application
Parent Community Coordinator - Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres
Dear Parents, and Guardians,
I am delighted to introduce myself as your Parent Community Coordinator.
My name is Giovanna Raffo and I am thrilled to be joining this wonderful school community. As the Parent Community Coordinator, my primary role is to foster strong relationships between the school, parents, and families, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the education journey of our children.
In my position, I will be responsible for fostering relationships between parents, teachers, and school administrators to ensure our children receive the best education possible. My goal is to create an open and collaborative environment that encourages communication and involvement from all parties.
Throughout the year, I will be organizing various events, workshops, and activities that aim to bring us all closer together, encourage dialogue, and address any concerns or questions you may have. I am committed to providing resources and support to help us all thrive as a community.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any ideas, suggestions, or inquiries. I am here to listen, advocate, and support your needs and aspirations as parents and families. Together, we can create a strong and vibrant parent community that positively impacts the lives of our children.
I am truly excited to embark on this journey with all of you, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you soon. Let's work hand in hand to make this school year a remarkable one for our children!
Best regards,
Giovanna Raffo
Parent Community Coordinator
Division of Student, Family, and School Services/International Admissions and Enrollment
Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement
Montgomery County Public Schools
Rocking Horse Road Center
4910 Macon Rd. Room 115 Rockville, MD 20852
240-551-6090 Phone Number
Queridos Padres y Guardianes,
Estoy encantada de presentarme como su Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres. Mi nombre es Giovanna Raffo y estoy encantada de unirme a esta maravillosa comunidad escolar.
Como Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres, mi función principal es fomentar relaciones sólidas entre la escuela, los padres y las familias, creando un entorno de apoyo e inclusivo para todos los involucrados en el viaje educativo de nuestros hijos.
En mi cargo, seré responsable de fomentar las relaciones entre padres, maestros y administradores escolares para garantizar que nuestros niños reciban la mejor educación posible. Mi objetivo es crear un entorno abierto y colaborativo que fomente la comunicación y la participación de todas las partes.
A lo largo del año estaré organizando varios eventos, talleres y actividades que tienen como objetivo acercarnos a todos, fomentar el diálogo y resolver cualquier inquietud o pregunta que puedas tener. Estoy comprometido a proporcionar recursos y apoyo para ayudarnos a todos a prosperar como comunidad.
No dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo con cualquier idea, sugerencia o consulta. Estoy aquí para escuchar, abogar y apoyar sus necesidades y aspiraciones como padres y familias. Juntos, podemos crear una comunidad de padres fuerte y vibrante que tenga un impacto positivo en la vida de nuestros hijos.
Estoy realmente emocionada de embarcarme en este viaje con todos ustedes, y espero conocerlos pronto a todos y cada uno de ustedes. ¡Trabajemos de la mano para que este año escolar sea extraordinario para nuestros hijos!
Atentamente,
Giovanna Raffo
Parent Community Coordinator
Division of Student, Family, and School Services/International Admissions and Enrollment
Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement
Montgomery County Public Schools
Rocking Horse Road Center
4910 Macon Rd. Room 115 Rockville, MD 20852
240-551-6090 Phone Number
Kindergarten Registration - Please share with your neighbors
Kindergarten registration is open for children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2024. MCPS kindergarten program is widely recognized as among the best in the nation, with students making excellent progress toward the district’s reading and mathematics goals. We believe our youngest learners should receive a rich and well-rounded early learning experience to prepare them to be successful, productive 21st century citizens.
For the 2023-2024 school year, Kindergarten registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal.
Things to consider and begin gathering to enroll a kindergartner.
1. Determine Eligibility :
Children age 5 by September 1 on the first day of school are eligible for enrollment. Age and Attendance Requirements
2. How would you Like to Register?
- Online
- You will need to create a ParentVue account here.
- If you have questions about online registration, here are helpful tips on how to Get Started with Kindergarten Online Registration
- Paper Forms
- Please contact your school directly. You can determine which school is assigned to your address by using the School Assignment Locator.
3. Important Documents
- Proof of Residency
- Identification
- Birth documents
- Health Forms
Parents registering their children for the first time in a Montgomery County public school must provide proof of county residency, identity, age and immunizations, unless homeless. Required immunizations must be completed within 20 days of registration.
Students who have previously attended school should bring their latest report card, if available. Students receiving special education services should bring a copy of the current Individualized Education Program (IEP). Examples of acceptable verification documentation
Bus Transportation Information
Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES
Email: sherilyn_r_moses@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/ronaldmcnaires/
Location: 13881 Hopkins Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6830
Twitter: @RonaldMcNairES