Hello, Sussex families!

Happy February and welcome to the third marking period of the school year!

Sussex Vs. Essex * Family Climate Competition!

YOUR INPUT MATTERS!

The BCPS Climate/Stakeholder Survey is open through February 28th! The survey is brief, but collects important information on BCPS as a system and our school! This year, Sussex Elementary and Essex Elementary are competing to be the school with the greatest percentage of parent/guardian participation on the BCPS Climate Survey! Ms. Wagner, principal of Essex Elementary, and I are competing for bragging rights on whose school community will participate the most! What's on the line other than bragging rights...

The school with the greatest parent/guardian participation percentage gets to silly string their principal and assistant principal with the help of the administration of the other school! If (when) Sussex wins, the principal and assistant principal from Essex will visit Sussex to help students from each grade level silly-string Ms. Bissell and me! The winning school will get to watch in-person at an assembly and the school that doesn't win will watch a secure live-cast of the event!

Help secure our bragging rights and get win the opportunity to see Ms. Bissell and me get covered in silly-string by taking a few minutes to complete the survey (available in various languages). You can access the survey using the link directly below!

Arrival and Dismissal

We want to thank everyone for their continued support of our dismissal procedures. While we understand we have limited parking, everyone's patience, flexibility, and willingness to follow established procedures helps keep everyone safe! Recently, we have had an increase in drivers parking in handicap parking spaces. We remind everyone to park legally during arrival, dismissal, and when visiting during the day.

Inclement Weather

Lastly, we want to remind everyone that BCPS has exhausted the three inclement weather closures for this school year. In the event of future inclement weather that prevents BCPS from opening school buildings, a virtual learning day will be announced. All virtual learning days will open on a two-hour delay. This means Sussex teachers will open their Google Meet live, virtual classrooms to students at 11:00 a.m. Information about BCPS' inclement weather plan is below. Sussex's virtual learning plan and resources were shared shortly after we returned from winter break, in our last family newsletter, and via School Messenger. The information and resources are linked below for easy access!

As always, Ms. Bissell and I are here to serve you and welcome your communication. The best way to reach us is via phone at the main office, 443-809-0182, or email at jszymanski2@bcps.org and mbissell@bcps.org.

Sincerely,

Jen Szymanski

Principal

Our doors open for students at 9:00 a.m. * The late bell rings at 9:15 a.m.

For safety purposes, early dismissal of students ends at 3:40 p.m.

Dismissal begins at 4:00 p.m. * Dismissal ends at 4:15 p.m.

Reminder/Overview of Our Procedures

During dismissal:

• Vehicles are not allowed to enter the car rider line from Cedar Ave. as it impedes the flow of the car rider line (no right turn from Cedar Ave. into the bus loop).
• Vehicles are not allowed to make a left when exiting the car loop (no left turn from the bus loop onto Cedar Ave.).
• Be sure to follow Maryland traffic laws when coming to and from school to pick-up/drop-off your student.
• Do not block driveways of our community members when you arrive for dismissal.

Dismissal begins at 4:00 p.m., during which our car rider line moves along and last year was generally complete between 4:10-4:13 p.m.

• We encourage families to not line up in the car rider line significantly before 4:00 p.m. as it is causes stand-still traffic on Woodward Drive.
• This creates a chain reaction of events such as: buses are not able to reach the school, families trying to park are unable to reach the school, and community members are unable to get to/from their homes.
• Our dismissal line moves efficiently once it begins at 4:00 p.m.
• We encourage families to arrive at 4:00 p.m. to join the car rider line in an effort to prevent the length of time stand-still traffic occurs on our neighborhood streets.
• Students will not be dismissed from the gym to a caregiver picking up at the door. You must pick up your student from their classroom door or use the car rider line. Thank you for your support in creating a safe and efficient dismissal for our students!

We greatly appreciate everyone's support, patience, and flexibility!

Photo ID Required

Per BCPS Policy and for the safety of all students, photo ID is required when picking-up students. For the safety of your student, your child will not be released unless a photo ID can be presented by the individual picking up. Please be mindful that this includes parents and guardians. As we welcome many new staff members to Sussex, there may be new faces when picking up your child- Please do not assume someone will be able to recognize you.

Students Called to Office Upon Arrival

For the safety of students and to minimize the loss of instructional time, students will be called to the office for early dismissal once the adult picking-up the child arrives at Sussex. All adults picking-up students must come in to the main office and show photo ID.

Early Dismissal- Ending Time

To ensure all students are dismissed safely, all early dismissals will end at 3:40 p.m. This will help alleviate any miscommunication or confusion at the end of the school day. If you are picking a student up for a doctor appointment, please be mindful of the 3:40 p.m. end time for early dismissal.

As forecasts are calling for the potential of wintry weather tomorrow morning, we want to encourage the Team BCPS community to review important information on our school closing and emergency procedures. As a reminder, decisions regarding school operations are made by 5:30 a.m.

Team BCPS—

As we head into the winter months, we want to share important information about our Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan for the 2024-2025 school year. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is providing local school systems with the option to repurpose inclement weather days as virtual school days. MSDE has approved BCPS' 2024-2025 Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan. Our plan is to transition to virtual school days after three inclement weather closures.

After those three full-day closures, when inclement weather is forecasted, families will be notified if BCPS will transition to virtual learning for that day. Students will be reminded to bring devices, chargers, and other instructional materials home. Staff will also be asked to prepare lessons and materials.

(Sussex ES will share information regarding virtual learning after the winter break. Should we experience two full-day inclement weather closures prior to winter break, information will be shared sooner!)

As you have heard/referenced above, after three full school day closures due to inclement weather, BCPS will shift to virtual learning on proceeding inclement weather days. Currently, we are not at that point and while we do not anticipate needing to shift to virtual learning anytime soon, Sussex wants to be proactive in sharing information with students and families! Please note, our plan is currently like last year’s plan and will remain the same unless we receive new information and/or guidance from BCPS.

At the beginning of January, the following information was shared with students and families:

• Students have been instructed to bring their BCPS issued devices to and from school each day. This includes their device and charger!
• Devices should come to school fully charged each day.
• All students were given a sticker with their BCPS username and password.
• Students were also given information about their grade level’s schedule on virtual learning days and their teacher’s Google Meet code!

You can access Sussex’s virtual learning resources below!

We remind everyone that these resources will not be needed until BCPS announces the official transition to virtual learning on inclement weather day, we wanted to share the information. We will continue to be in communication regarding inclement weather as needed.

Arrival

Each morning, students will turn in their cell phones at the front desk upon arrival at school. Students will be assigned a number for their cell phones. When students turn in their cell phones, they will place a checkmark with their name and number for their cell phones. Cell phones are locked in a cabinet throughout the school day.

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed to the front desk at dismissal and sign out their phones. A staff member will give the phone to each student based on his/her number. Students will place a check by their name and number when they pick their phone up at the desk.

Each year, BCPS provides an updated version of our Student Handbook to students and families. All families are required to review and acknowledge the Student Handbook each year. The following resources are linked below:

• 2024-2025 BCPS Student Handbook
• BCPS Student Code of Conduct 2024-2025
• BCPS Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Information

(Information shared by BCPS)

As a direct response to recent behaviors exhibited by students across the nation, BCPS staff from the Department of School Safety have created an addendum to the 2024-2025 Student Handbook – Code of Conduct. This addendum directly addresses disciplinary action that will be taken when students violate the code of conduct in specific ways. Students who engage in these behaviors will be subject to all legally allowable consequences including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion. School system consequences are in addition to action taken by law enforcement.

(Information shared by BCPS)

On January 23, 2025, the Maryland State Department of Education provided local school systems with guidance on how school-based personnel should respond to requests from immigration or law enforcement officials while upholding student rights. BCPS will follow the state’s guidance—as well as our established procedures and processes for law enforcement requests at schools—and we will work closely with local, state and federal partners.

The safety and well-being of our 110,000 students remains our top priority, and we want to share important reminders for all members of our community that underscore our commitment to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments where all students thrive—

• All children have a right to equal access to a free public education, regardless of the immigration status of the child or their parent/guardian. The 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe ensures equal access to education for children regardless of status.
  
• While our schools require proof of residency in Baltimore County, BCPS does not ask about a child’s immigration status at any time.
  
• Federal and state laws protect education records and personal information. BCPS does not release student information without consent from parents/guardians unless we are required to respond to a court order or subpoena.
  
• BCPS does not tolerate bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation for any reason, including immigration status. Students, parents/caregivers, and staff are urged to promptly report incidents of bullying and harassment to school administrators and/or complete the online Bullying, Harassment ( Formulario de denuncia de acoso ) , or Intimidation Reporting Form ( hostigamiento o intimidación en línea).

BCPS will continue to closely monitor developments at the local, state and federal level, and work with county and state partners to provide resources and updates and ensure that we address the needs of our school communities.

Thank you for your support.

Resources

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has identified several resources for families:

• Parents/guardians can identify a “standby guardian” to care for their child if they are detained or deported, by completing this Maryland Judiciary form ( completar este formulario judicial ) and providing a copy to schools, health care providers, and family members.
  
• Families trying to locate someone who has already been detained, may use the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee locator.
  
• Legal assistance is available from a variety of sources, including immigration lawyers in private practice, accredited representatives (non-attorneys who assist individuals in immigration proceedings), and legal-aid organizations:
• The People’s Law Library of Maryland Immigration Advocates Network
• Immigration Advocates Network

• Several immigration organizations have provided guidance related to preparing for and/or responding to immigration action.
• Family Preparedness Plans – Michigan Immigration Rights Center.
• ACLU.
• Immigrant Resource Center.
• USAHello.

For more information or support, please contact Mrs. McLaughlin, Community School Facilitator at emclaughlin3@bcps.org or 443-809-3751.

February 3rd-14th * MAP Assessment

MAP Assessment- Grades 2-5

February 6th * Report Cards Distributed

Report cards distributed to all students.

February 17th * President's Day

Schools closed for all students.

Offices closed.

February 28th * Class Picture Day

Sussex Elementary School

Students in grades 2-5 will begin take the winter MAP Assessment. This assessment measures student growth and achievement. Please make sure your student gets a good night's rest and arrives at school on time and ready to learn on their test day! Please see the schedule below:

**Depending on inclement weather, the schedule may be adjusted!

Greetings,

We have had a successful start to 2025!

• Y Fit n Fun started on November 12th and still has available spots. This free club runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:15-5:30 p.m. Transportation is now available! Please see the attachment below to sign up.
• Basketball club has started- still spots available for K-2 grade!
• Theater club has started- still spots available!
• Coming soon- STEM Club, RISE Girls (girls club), Dance club

Also, please don't forget to take the BCPS Climate survey. This survey helps guide our community school planning. Thank you!!

Community food pantry information (please call ahead to confirm):

Essex UMC Food Pantry

524 Maryland Ave. Essex, MD

410-686-2867

Hours: Wednesdays from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

* Must meet income qualifications

St John's Food Pantry

518 Franklin Ave. Essex, MD

410-687-4621

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment only

Community dinner and pantry on the last Tuesday of the month from 4-6 p.m.

Love Thy Neighbor

155 Orville Rd Essex, MD

443-915-6449

Hours: Every Tuesday 12-3 p.m.

Additional supports available through our community school. Please complete the Google Form or reach out to me directly.

Sincerely,

Liz McLaughlin

Community School Facilitator

https://forms.gle/kbhuAbHKof2WGeCP7

emclaughlin3@bcps.org

443-809-3751

Showing up matters for R.E.A.L. because it is an opportunity to:

• Build Routines
• Increase Engagement
• Provide Access to resources
• Support Learning

Routines: A daily attendance routine can help you reduce stress and develop habits that help you keep a job.

Engagement: Being in school gives you a chance to see your friends and build relationships with school staff.

Access to Resources: When you show up to school, you can get access to meals, health services, mental health supports and enrichment activities (sports, clubs, music, afterschool and summer programs, etc.).

Learning: You are more likely to pass classes and graduate from high school when you miss less than a week of school each semester.

If you need support with attending school, please reach out! We are here to help!

Liz McLaughlin

emclaughlin3@bcps.org

443-809-3751

Hello, Sussex families!

• Our Spirit Wear store has reopened until February 9th. We have shirts and sweatshirts available for purchase!
• We are hosting our annual Wooden Roses fundraiser. This is a fun way to send a sweet message to your student or favorite staff members for Valentines Day! Please see the attached flyer with details.
• The PTA is hosting our annual Black History Month door decorating contest for staff. We would love to have volunteers come in to the building to vote for their favorite door. The voting will take place on Thursday, February 20th at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers may contact the PTA or come in on voting day!
• Lastly, we will be hosting a Spirit Night at Texas Roadhouse in White Marsh on Thursday, February 27th from 3-10 p.m.!

As always, we appreciate your commitment and support!

The Sussex PTA

Girls on the Run is coming back to Sussex Elementary School! Please see the flyers below to register.

Friendly reminder that per BCPS Policy and Rule 5470, all food and beverages provided to students during the school day must meet the same nutrition standards as the school meals program. This means that outside food is not allowed for celebrations. Please do not send in items such as (but not limited to) cupcakes, cookies, and/or juice boxes for celebrations. Wellness Policy and Rule 5470 Updates document is attached below for your reference. You may also reference complete Policy and Rule 5470 on the BCPS website.

If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday, please consider donating a book to your child's classroom library! Other ideas include donating items for recess or mindfulness resources. If interested, please contact your child's teacher and/or administration to discuss possible/appropriate donations.

Don't forget, BCPS volunteer training is required annually! All volunteers must complete the BCPS volunteer training. Click the link below for easy access to information and directions on this process!

Our Sussex Volunteer Coordinator is Ms. Tate, school counselor.

As many of you have read or heard in the media, we have seen an uptick in cases of pneumonia and pertussis this fall. Recognizing that we are about to head into the cold, flu, and COVID season, the Baltimore County Department of Health has prepared the Respiratory Illness Comparison Chart (see attachment below) about the different respiratory illnesses that have been, or likely will be, affecting children and families this year.

Looking for dental health resources?! Please see below for local dental resources for you and your family!

Eastern Family Resource Center
9150 Franklin Square Drive, Third Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21237

To schedule an appointment, call 410-887-2780.

Please see flyer below for full description of services offered.

Website: https://sussexes.ss3.sharpschool.com/
Location: 515 South Woodward Drive, Essex, MD, USA
Phone: 443-809-0182
Twitter: @Sussex_ES