Dear MHES families and staff,

As we approach the long weekend, we would like to acknowledge the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20, 2025. In observance of Dr. King’s legacy, schools will be closed, and we encourage families to take this time to reflect on the values and aspirations that Dr. King held for all of us—equality, justice, and the importance of community.

As we prepare for a shortened week, we are excited to announce the return of our Instrumental Music classes. Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 21st, and we will be following the "A" week schedule. Please see the schedule included in the newsletter below for further details. We also want to extend a warm welcome to our Long-Term Substitute, Ms. Ramirez Wrenk, who will be joining us in the Instrumental Music department.

We invite all families to join us for our Thursday Principal’s Coffee at 9:00 AM, where Mrs. Lorena Bartee, our Reading Specialist, will present on the reading curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn more about how we approach reading instruction at MHES and how you can support your child at home.

Additionally, Make-Up MAP testing for Math and Reading will continue this week. If your child missed the testing window in the past few weeks, please ensure they arrive on time so they can complete their assessments. These tests provide valuable data to help us track student progress and plan for future instruction.We look forward to a great week ahead. As always, doors open at 8:45 AM. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Please see the information below for the week of January 19, 2025.

Desmond Mackall

Principal

Meadow Hall ES

January

20- Schools and Offices Closed

22- Rising Grade 6 Parent Meeting @ Wood MS (6:30pm)

23- Parent Coffee (Understanding CKLA Reading Curriculum @ 9:05 am in Cafeteria)

23- Minority Scholars Program Meeting (3:30 - 4:30 pm)

24- Small Things Matter Food Distribution

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service, our Student Government Association (SGA) is sponsoring a meaningful activity for MLK Week of Service. We are creating cards for hospitalized children, and we’d love for families to join us in spreading joy and kindness! Here’s how you can support this initiative:

• Morning Meeting (In Class): Each class will set aside time next week to create cards during Morning Meeting. Our SGA representatives will present a brief overview to their classmates using prepared slides and an example card.
• At-Home Participation: Families are welcome to join in by making additional cards at home! Attached is an infographic with information about the organization we’re partnering with, so you can participate as a family. Information to Make A Card
• Submission Deadline: All completed cards should be returned to school by Friday, January 27th. SGA representatives will collect the cards and ensure they are sent to the organization.

We encourage you to check your child’s class Remind messages for the infographic link and additional details. Let’s work together to brighten the days of children in need!

Thank you for supporting this effort and helping our students embody Dr. King’s spirit of service.

Please welcome Ms. Mendez Renk, our long-term sub for instrumental music. Instrumental Music classes will resume on Tuesday, January 21st. We're excited to start the program back up for our fourth and fifth graders! This week is an A Week. The following groups will have IM tomorrow Tuesday, January 21, 2025:

1. Clarinet 1
2. Brass 1
3. Strings 2
4. Saxophone 2
5. 4th & 5th Grade Strings
6. Flutes (Beginning and Advanced Band)

Families, please remind your child to bring their instruments this week. Please check in with classroom teachers regarding the instrumental music (IM) schedule if you have questions. We are super excited to have Ms. Mendez Renk here with us!

We want to share important updates regarding the Change of School Assignment (COSA) process for the 2025–2026 school year. Please read the details below carefully:

New COSA Submission Process

• Starting this year, COSA requests must be submitted via Synergy through ParentVue.
• After submission, the administrative team of your child’s current school will receive an email notification. Parents/guardians will also receive this email as confirmation of the request. This serves as the "receipt" and will be sent to the email address entered when completing the online form.

Important Considerations for Families

1. Enrollment & Registration:

   • Students must remain enrolled and registered at their assigned school while awaiting the outcome of their COSA request.
   • Kindergarten-aged children are expected to attend kindergarten orientation at their assigned school.

2. Reapplication Requirements:

• Families of students currently in Grade 8, who are on an approved COSA and wish to remain in the feeder pattern to high school, must reapply and demonstrate a unique hardship to continue.
• Students who entered Grade 6 during the 2021–2022 school year as part of the immersion program and wish to continue the feeder pattern to high school will also need to reapply. This exception is valid through spring 2027 only.

Next Steps for Interested Families

Families interested in applying for or reapplying for a COSA are encouraged to schedule a phone or in-person conference with Administration to discuss the process and any specific questions.

For more information, please refer to the COSA regulation and information booklet, (English, Spanish) which provide comprehensive details.

Thank you for your attention to these updates. If you have questions or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPDATES

Know Your Rights Community Event

Juntos Prosperamos!

Twinbrook Elementary has invited the Meadow Hall Community to join them for a Know Your Rights event on 1/21/25 at 6 PM. Community partners will be present to provide families and allies with resources and support. Dinner will be provided.

SNAP Clinic 2/5/25 at 5:30 PM

MANNA Foods will host a SNAP clinic for MHES families on 2/5/25 at 5:30 PM. Please register for the clinic here: https://forms.gle/f2QJZ8XVSdz5C6uu5

Coffee and Conversation:

Our January Coffee and Conversation was rescheduled due to the snow. Please join us on January 23, 2025, at 905 AM! Our Reading Specialist, Ms. Bartee will share information and answer questions about our new reading curriculum, CKLA. Parents will walk away with a better understanding of how to support their student’s reading at home.

Our February Coffee and Conversation will be held on February 6, 2025. Clinical Director from the Tree House Child Advocacy Center, Molly Cupid, will lead a discussion on Adverse Childhood Experiences and the impact they can have on child development. Parents will walk away with a better understanding of ACES, expected behavioral changes that come as a result, and how to help your child through them.

As always, interpretation will be provided. Breakfast and pastries will be on the menu!

Community Reach Montgomery

Our partners, Community Reach of Montgomery County, are back at Meadow Hall for a second session of English Conversation Classes! The classes are held on Monday and Wednesday 6:30-8:30 PM January 13 - February 26. MHES students are invited to participate in tutoring while parents are in class. Additionally, starting January 27, 2025, MCPS Division of Nutrition Services will provide supper for students and high school volunteers!

We are hopeful that everyone will return to class, and we are excited to welcome many more participants! Register here: https://forms.gle/n6yZkMfWZPALsYuH6

Thank you to PTA Parent, Ms. Rechy, for her continued support of this initiative!

PEP Parenting is coming to MHES!

We will host an 8-week program for parents and caregivers where parents will learn new tools each week; and meet with parents to share ideas and support one another. I am so thrilled for this community building opportunity for our families. Please register here: https://pep.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_03CvGtuV4kCee5o

Meadow Hall Market - Opening January 2025

We are building a community pantry where families can stop by if there is an emergency need for food. It will be open to families during the school day once per month starting on January 23, 2025.

SUN Bucks

Registration for Maryland SUN Bucks is open for Summer 2025! Maryland SUN Bucks helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable. Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August ( a total of $120) for each eligible student. Apply here: https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/sunbucks

Kudos!

Our Community School efforts do not happen in a vacuum. Thank you to the following parents for their continued support of the Community School Strategy! I am so appreciative of your time and commitment to the Meadow Hall Community!

Cristina Rechy

Angie Monterrosa

Carla Argote

Jasmine Coleman

If you would like to get more involved in the efforts to support our community, please reach out! We’re all in this together!

Jessica Jackson, MSW, LCSW-C

Community School Liaison for Meadow Hall Elementary School

Department of Student Engagement and Behavioral Health

Office of Well-Being and Student Services

Cell: 227-216-1193

IG: @meadowhalles_CSL

Twitter/X: @MHES_CSL

Website: https://wideworldofya.my.canva.site/mhes-csl-site

Need to chat with Ms. Smith, School Counselor? Check out our Counseling corner. Schedule time to see Ms. Smith if you need to speak with her or seek resources to support well-being!

Wellness Matters Link

Join us for a Winter Party at Meadow Hall on February 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. We will have a live DJ and fun activities including crafts, dancing, games, and a bake sale! This is not a drop-off event, children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $1.00 per person. We will also be collecting gently used books for MHES PTA's Books for All program, so please consider donating a book.

If you would like to help with the event either by food or monetary donations or by volunteering at the event, please use this link to sign-up. Thank you for your continued support and hope to see you there!

Want to get involved in the PTA?

MHES PTA is looking for members to participate on the PTA in various ways.

Next school year we will have 3 open board positions at the end of the school year. Please reach out to any current board member if you want to learn more about the board.

We encourage all families to look at the link below and consider supporting the PTA and getting involved on a committee for the new school year. See the link below:

PTA Committee Volunteer Positions-FY24

Box Tops for Education

Box Tops for Education is a program that gives money to schools for their family’s participation just by purchasing products and scanning the receipt in the Box Tops App. Box Tops earnings are used to fund items for the school and events. If you haven't done so already, Download the Box Tops App on your smartphone using Referral Code WZTM9R7Z. We promise it is a super easy task to get used to. Register and select Meadow Hall as your supporting school. SCAN your receipt with the Box Tops app within 14 days of purchase and EARN cash with every Box Tops product you buy.

JOIN THE PTA

Why join the PTA? Among the many, many good reasons, it basically boils down to being a great way to benefit your child, the school, and yourself by being involved in the PTA functions and connecting with other parents and staff. And for those of you who have been members in past years, don’t forget to renew your membership. Memberships are $10 for family and community members (only one membership is needed per family). We are thrilled to get to know everyone and see you all at our meetings and activities!

• Proposed FY 2026 Operating Budget Spreadsheet Available

  Earlier this week, Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor released an expanded version of the Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget spreadsheet. This document represents a commitment to increased transparency in the budgeting process and is available online for the Montgomery County community here.

  The updated spreadsheet builds upon the budget initially shared on Dec. 18, and provides greater detail of budget changes across various areas of the proposed operating budget. The budget is organized by the following categories: school revenue, changes to the base budget, non-discretionary requirements, non-discretionary requirements with Blueprint and discretionary expenditures. Each line item has exhibits which provide further details.

  The Montgomery County Board of Education is hosting community meetings to explain the MCPS budget process. Join Board President Julie Yang and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor for a presentation and Q&A about the 2026 operating budget and how it reflects the Board's priorities.

  Community Meetings Schedule:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 22 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Seneca Valley High School (RSVP)

  • Tuesday, Jan. 28 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Paint Branch High School (RSVP)

  • Thursday, Jan. 30 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Virtual Meeting (RSVP)

  The Board of Education will also hold operating budget public hearings and work sessions on the following dates:

  • Public Hearings: Today, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27.

  • Work Sessions: Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30.

  The Board will tentatively adopt the operating budget at its business meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, with final adoption expected at its business meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

  Read more and learn more about the proposed FY 2026 budget on this website.

  Working Together to Create a Safe and Welcoming School Community

  As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

  Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
  MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.

  • The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.

  • Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.

  Supporting Our Diverse Community
  Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:

  • Immigration Resources for students and families

  • MCPS Immigration webpage with more resources

  Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
  MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.

  • Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.

  BOE Seeks Comment on Workforce Excellence Policy

  The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking public comment for Policy GAA, Workforce Excellence, an updated policy, developed to build thoughtful, strategic and continuous professional growth processes for MCPS employees. The policy prioritizes effective onboarding and skill development for an employee's current position, as well as planning for skill development for career growth within MCPS. These strategies draw out and build employees’ skills, retain talent and increase MCPS capacity to respond imaginatively to unfamiliar or challenging situations—all hallmarks of a resilient organization.

  The policy has been available for comment since Jan. 10, 2025, and the public comment period will remain open through Monday, Feb. 3.

  Review Policy GAA.
  Submit comments.

  The Board is also seeking public comment on Policy GCB, Investigation of Allegations of Employee Misconduct, a new policy, developed to comply with the recommendations of the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General to establish the Board’s core principles guiding MCPS investigations of employee misconduct, and the purpose and approach MCPS shall take to investigating misconduct. This comment period has been available since Dec. 10, 2024, and is also open through Feb. 3, 2025.

  Review Policy GCB.
  Submit comments.

  Summer RISE Student Registration Now Open

  Student registration for Summer RISE 2025 is open until Feb. 18.

  Summer RISE offers a hands-on, career-based learning experience with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors who want to gain real-world experience over the summer.

  Participating students will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities from June 23 through July 25. This program allows students to:

  • Explore careers and workplace expectations.

  • Develop essential professional and technical skills.

  • Make informed college and career decisions.

  • Build a network of mentors to guide their career paths.

  To learn more, join one of our Student & Parent/Guardian Information Sessions or visit www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org.

  Registration closes on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

  Wootton High School Student Goes Viral with Music, Breaking Barriers

  Max Nguyen, a junior at Thomas S. Wootton High School, gained viral attention after his impromptu performance of "Stick Season" was shared by musician Noah Kahan on Instagram, reaching over 2 million followers. Born with cerebral palsy, Nguyen has overcome physical challenges to pursue music, starting with piano as a form of therapy and later learning guitar with the help of a supportive teacher. Now a passionate musician and aspiring biomedical engineer, Nguyen is using his experience to inspire others, creating guitar lessons for beginners and performing at local gigs. Read the full story of his inspiring journey!

  Marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month

  The following events are open to students, staff and community members. Students can earn up to two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per event.

  Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day Webinar
  Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration and Extermination Camp
  Thursday, Jan. 30, 5-6:30 p.m.
  Registration Link
  Flyer

  The Struggle for Black Freedom: Black Communities in Montgomery County Post Civil War to Today
  Featuring Celeste Winston, Author of How to Lose the Hounds: Maroon Geographies and a World Beyond Policing
  Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
  Registration Link
  Flyer

  MoCo History Day Competition Looking for Judges

  Calling community members and would-be historians: local students need your help! The 2025 Montgomery County History Day competition will be held on Saturday, March 8.

  Middle and high school students have been conducting research, diving into primary sources and creating presentations. The competition is seeking volunteers at least 18 years old and older to serve as judges in evaluating student work. The goal is to encourage and foster a passion for history.

  The event is from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 8 at Sligo Middle School, 1401 Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. Prior experience is not necessary. Sign up to be a judge.

  Students selected to represent their schools compete at the county event; top entries chosen by the judges advance to the Maryland History Day state contest at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in May.

  For more information, email Kelli Champagne, pre-K–12 social studies content specialist, or Abbie Lamb, teacher at Walt Whitman High School.

  Don’t Miss …

  The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair: Will be held from 6–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). This event offers an opportunity for students in Grades 8 through 12 and their parents/guardians to meet with representatives from more than 50 HBCUs and participate in workshops. More information

  FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at USG, this event is open to all high school seniors and their parents. More information

  Upcoming Student Events and Opportunities

  The 2025 Gaithersburg Book Festival’s annual poetry contest is open for submissions. This year’s theme is “Civic Duty.” This contest is open to high school students. The deadline is midnight on Friday, Feb. 21. First, second, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $250, $100, $50 and $25, respectively. Winners will be announced at the festival on Saturday, May 17. 2025 GBF Poetry Contest Flyer

  The Division of Sustainability and Compliance is holding its annual poster contest to increase awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate, and to vote online to determine the winners in the spring. The deadline is Friday, April 4.

  2025 Sustainability Poster Contest Entry Form
  Contest Guidelines

  Student Service Learning (SSL) Opportunities in January

  Summer Camp Registration Opens Tuesday, Jan. 21: Montgomery County Recreation is hosting safe, fun and exciting summer camps. Camp registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 for county residents. Explore the digital program guide ahead of registration day.

  Applications are being accepted for 2025 Rec Assist, which provides eligible residents the opportunity to receive a scholarship for recreation programs. For more information about summer camp registration, visit the website or call 240-777-6840.

  
  

  Stay Connected

  • VISIT the MCPS homepage.

  • CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845)

  • READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

  • FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in English and Spanish.

  • http://twitter.com/mcps
    https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd
    https://www.instagram.com/mcps_md

  • https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
    https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
    https://www.instagram.com/mcpsenespanol/

  • SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

  • WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

  Open Registrations

  • Prekindergarten and Head Start Registration Open for Income-Eligible Families

  More From MCPS

  • School calendar
  • Parent resource page
  • News and Information page/Noticias en Español
  • Latest photo galleries
  • MCPS TV videos
  • MCPS TV español

  
  

1. Sign Up For ParentVUE to Stay in Touch With Your School
   Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account at the beginning of the school year. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom, and more.
   ParentVUE provides a way to view school-related information and data for students. Register for athletics, and special programs, communicate with teachers, and verify your student information annually.
   ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.

2. Sign up for Alert MCPS
   Alert MCPS provides emergency information about school closures or emergencies via text or email messages to devices you register. Sign up here.

3. Know These Important System Resources A. GoFan: This online digital ticketing platform offers fast and easy access to tickets for high school events, and allows fans to enter games quickly and safely. For ticketed sports, tickets are no longer sold at the gate and must be purchased online. B. SchoolCash Online: https://www.schoolcashonline.com MCPS has transitioned to this online payment system as its preferred method of payment for all school-related fees. Schools and offices will now use SchoolCash Online for fundraising, field trips, course fees and extracurricular activities. This new payment system is not related to school cafeteria accounts.

1. MySchoolBucks:Use MySchoolBucks to add school meal money to your child’s account. This will eliminate the need for your child to bring money to school every day. This year, meals (lunch and breakfast) will not be universally free. If your student wants to buy lunch in school, they will need a MySchoolBucks account. Families who believe they qualify for free and reduced-price meals can apply here.

Email: Desmond_Mackall2@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260
Twitter: @MHES_Principal

Email: Ilana_N_Simhon@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260
Twitter: @MeadowHallAP