Park Hall's Weekly Newsletter

A partial solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024, in St. Mary’s County. The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. and end just after 4:30 p.m., with maximum coverage at approximately 3:20 p.m. During the eclipse, there will be 86-88% coverage, during which it will get darker outside, but there will not be total darkness. All St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) dismiss at some point during the eclipse period.

Families and students should be aware of the following safety tips:

• Never look directly at the sun, especially during a solar eclipse. It is dangerous and can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Do not look at the sun through sunglasses, telescopes, or binoculars.
• Anyone using special viewing glasses or filters should only use those that conform to all International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
• If you purchase special viewing glasses, ensure they are from reputable manufacturers. There have been reports of counterfeit products labeled as if they conform to international safety standards. The American Astronomical Society, whose products are known to conform to ISO standards, provides a list of reputable companies that conform to safety standards.

Families may now make special placement requests for the next school year. This can be for a specific teacher (please list two), to separate your child from another student, (twins or a student they may have had issues with), or to put your child with another student. These requests are due by May 15th. Any request after May 15 will not be honored. Please email requests to Mr. DiRenzo, the principal at jddirenzo@smcps.org.

Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from MSDE during the week of February 12, 2024. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope by May 24, 2024. The Survey may also be completed online. Parent feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in SMCPS. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.

SMCPS and SMC R&P have partnered to offer the new Summer Sports Academies. Campers will be instructed by area high school coaches. Camps are held Monday -Thursday. Click below for more information. Registration begins March 1st. Don't miss this opportunity.

• https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate/camps

• https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/thescoop.pdf

If your child is absent from school, please call (301) 863-4054 or go to the Park Hall website https://schools.smcps.org/phes then selecting the "report absence here" link.

Have a great week!

MCAP testing all week grades 3-5

Monday 4/8

• Regular school day 8:45-3:30
  
• FLOW/SPARK after school
• PTA sponsored spirit night at Panera from 4-8:00 pm

Tuesday 4/9

• Regular school day 8:45-3:30

Wednesday 4/10

• Regular school day 8:45-3:30
• Report Card distribution

• Regular school day 8:45-3:30

Friday 4/12

• Regular school day 8:45-3:30

• April 17 Class picture day
• April 18 1st grade concert at 6:30 pm
• April 19 Two hour early dismissal and the PTA Spring Dance
• April 22-Thomson field trip to Sotterly
• April 23 Chase/Gyorgy to ELMS and Haskin/Halbritter to Sotterly
• April 24 Powell/DiDomenico to ELMS and Carlisle/Shaffer to Sotterly
• April 25 Powell to ELMS and Rawlings/Citrin to Sotterly
• April 26 Character Tea- by invitation only
• May 1 PTA meeting 5:00
• May 6 and 7 Kindergarten field trip to ELMS
• May 6-10 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
• May 9 PTA Movie Night
• May 10 2 hour early dismissal
• May 14 Election Day- no school
• May 23 Chorus/Band/Strings Concert
• May 24 Field Day and PTA Movie Night
• May 27 Memorial Day Holiday

• All families and extended families are encouraged to join our fantastic PTA. Membership is $5.00 and families can join by clicking this link: https://phespta.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true
• Stay current with the PTA by visiting the PHES PTA Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/ParkHallPTA
• The PTA sponsors movie nights, spirit nights, Trunk or Treat, the spring dance, teacher appreciation week, spring and fall outdoor clean-up days and much much more. Your support is much appreciated!!!

Park Hall Elementary School provides a rich educational experience that focuses on preparing well rounded students that are ready to succeed in their future college and career endeavors. Park Hall educates and inspires our diverse population in a safe and respectful environment. Students are engaged in authentic learning experiences that foster work habits and skills necessary to become collaborative, dedicated, and productive citizens.

Email: mlbell@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/phes/
Location: 20343 Hermanville Road, Park Hall, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 863-4054
Twitter: @phes_smcps