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Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of March 18, 2024
Monday 3/18
SHINE YOUR COLORS MONDAY - Wear your favorite color and rock your sunglasses
Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser STARTS - support our Fifth Grade class
Grade 5 Parent/Caregiver Family Life Presentation in Dual Purpose Room 6-7 pm (recording will be be made and emailed to families)
Tuesday, 3/19
TYE DYE/TIE TUESDAY - Wear tye dye or your best tie
Grade 4 Field Trip to Historic St. Mary’s City - STUDENTS MUST ARRIVE BY 7:15 am for charter bus departure
Sky’s The Limit Dance, Grades K-2
Girls on the Run, Grades 3-5 from 3:45-5 pm
Boys Let Me Run STARTS, Grades 3-5 from 3:45-5 pm
5th Grade Maryland State School Survey
Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser - support our Fifth Grade class
Wednesday, 3/20
WACKY WEDNESDAY - Wear wacky hair or a hat
Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser - support our Fifth Grade class
Thursday, 3/21
- WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY THURSDAY - Rock your Socks! Wear silly socks
- Sky’s The Limit Dance, Grades 3-5
- Girls on the Run, Grades 3-5 from 3:45-5 pm
- Boys Let Me Run, Grades 3-5 from 3:45-5 pm
- Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser - Last Day!
Friday, 3/22
DREAMING IN PJ’S FRIDAY -Wear your PJs, bring a stuffy too and dream about those magical memories you will make over your Spring Break!
LFI Community Outing
Upcoming Dates
April
April 2: Grade 4 Field Trip to Skate Zone
April 4, 5, 8, 9: Grade 5 State Testing MCAP ELA
April 8-12: Literary Festival
April 10: No School for all students
April 11, 12, 15, 16: Grades 3 and 4 State Testing MCAP ELA
April 17: Spring student portraits and Class Photos
April 19: Career Day
April 22: School Closed for all students; Asynchronous (At-Home) Learning Day
April 25: Take Your Child to Work Day
May
May 1: Grade 5 Panoramic Photo 2pm
May 3: Grade K Field Trip to National Zoo
May 6, 7: Grade 5 State Testing MCAP Math
May 7: Fun Run; PTA Meeting (virtual)
May 8: Grade 3 In House Field Trip Bread Making
May 9: Safety Patrol Picnic
May 9, 10: Grades 3 and 4 State Testing MCAP Math
May 11: Boys Let Me Run 5K
May 13: 2nd Grade MAP-P and 5th Grade MAP-R
May 14: Election Day - No School
May 15: PreK Field trip to Brookside Gardens
May 16: 1st Grade MAP-P and 4th Grade MAP-R
May 17: Kindergarten MAP-P and 3rd Grade MAP-R
May 19: Girls on the Run 5K
May 20: 4th and 5th Grade MAP-M
May 21: 3rd Grade MAP-M
May 23: Chorus and Instrumental Music Assembly 9:30 am
May 23: Spring Stonegate Chorus and Instrumental Music Concert 6:30 pm
May 23: Grade 2 Field Trip Robinson Nature Center
May 27: Holiday, Memorial Day - No School
June
June 3: Field Day
June 7: PTA Spring Carnival 6-8 pm
June 12: Clap out for 5th Graders 2:45pm
June 12: Grade 5 Promotion location TBD
June 13: Early Release 12:55 dismissal/Last Day of School
See the MCPS Yearlong Calendar
Principal’s Message
Dear Stonegate Elementary Caregivers and Families,
We had a great time on Thursday at our Reading and Math Night. We ate pizza and Kona Ice, while we read, created art, and played games. Thank you to all you came!
As we approach spring break, I wanted to extend my warmest wishes for safe travels and rejuvenating time spent together. Spring break offers a wonderful opportunity for relaxation, exploration, and cherished family moments. Whether you're embarking on a journey or enjoying a staycation, please prioritize safety and well-being above all else.
I shared that our third grade teacher Keondrea Whitlock will be moving to Germany over the break. We wish her and her husband safe travels and the very best to their new beginnings in Germany.
Let's come back refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace new learning opportunities. Let's make the most of this break to recharge our minds and bodies, so we can dive back into our academic endeavors with renewed enthusiasm.
Wishing you all a fantastic spring break filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable experiences!
Warm Regards,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Ramadan 2024
We are in of the holy month of Ramadan, which starrted Monday, March 11th. Ramadan is a time for worship, spiritual connection with God, and reflection. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Many families get up at 5:00 a.m. to eat a light meal called Suhoor, pray, and then start their day or go back to sleep till it is time to go to school/work. At sunset, families gather for breaking their fasting with dates and water, pray, and eat a full meal. Many families go to the mosque (masjid) to attend the night prayers in which a chapter of the Quran (Muslims' Holy book) is recited. These prayers might last till 10:30-11 p.m. Families can choose whether to pray at home or go to their local masjid.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Ul-Fitr which is expected to be on either April 9th or April 10th (Grading and Planning day), depending on the moon sighting. You can greet students and colleagues by saying: Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak! Both greetings communicate good wishes for the blessed month of Ramadan. If you forget what to say, Happy Ramadan will suffice! Your students will appreciate any form of acknowledgement.
Also, here are some story books on YouTube about this holiday that we shared with our teachers.
Lailah’s Lunchbox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjZ_EpecEKk
Ramadan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w04LSgOYNoE
The Gift of Ramadan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkENeu_XH1I
Moon’s Ramadan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0bYYsltpFs
Double Good Popcorn Sale starting Monday, March 18th
The Stonegate ES Fifth Graders are selling Double Good popcorn to help defray the costs of their year-end Moving Up ceremony and the adjoining activities.
When you buy Double Good’s award-winning, ultra-premium popcorn, 50% of your purchase goes to support the 5th Grade!
Sale begins Monday, March 18th! https://tinyurl.com/5thGradePopcorn
Important! MCPS Survey for Families- Due Friday, March 22
LAST WEEK TO PARTICIPATE!
60 families have already responded! We would like to get over 200 responses. We can do it!
Please click on this link and select Stonegate Elementary. Your participation is needed!
April is Autism Acceptance Month- Get your T shirt!
Stonegate's Learning for Independence (LFI) program is selling autism awareness t-shirts as a fundraiser for their big end of the year trip. This year LFI will be selling this T-shirt, which says, "Celebrating Differences." Place your order using the LFI T Shirt Order Google link by Wed, Mar 27, 2024. Orders will arrive mid-April. Payment can be online or send in cash or check payable to Stonegate. Thank you for your support!
Order Form Link:
https://forms.gle/Epa7ge6rAsM31d9G7
Payment Links:
Note – First, you must also complete the order form link to let us know what size shirt and for which person.
Students/Families should use student’s SCO online payment link https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
- Staff can use this SCO online payment link https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/58148/354/False/True
World Down Syndrome Day- March 21st
Stonegate Elementary celebrates World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st by wearing mismatched or wacky socks!
Why March 21st?
Down Syndrome is due to an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This gives someone with Down Syndrome three copies of this chromosome instead of the typical two. Since there are three 21s, World Down Syndrome day is March 21st (3/21)!
Why Crazy socks?
When looking under a microscope, chromosomes look like paired socks. Some folks even wear an extra sock to represent the extra chromosome. Another reason for wearing mismatched socks is to promote the celebration of differences. Some buddies wear the same set of mismatched socks to also point out that we are more alike than different. Plus, who doesn't have a pair of mismatched socks, so this is something in which everyone can easily participate!
Wear wacky or mismatched socks for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st.
Emergency Practice Drills
Every MCPS school completes practice drills for what to do in an emergency. By practicing, we ensure all staff and students know how to respond in an emergency.
On Thursday 3/21, students and staff at Stonegate will practice several drills.
- Fire Drill: We practice getting out of the building safely and quickly.
- Severe Weather: We practice moving to the areas of the building that are safest in bad weather.
- Earthquake Response: We will practice moving to safe areas in an earthquake, like under desks.
- Shelter: We practice what to do if there is a public safety concern in the neighborhood.
- Lockdown: We practice our response to imminent danger in the school or on campus.
You can read and review this Emergency Preparedness Brochure for families(.pdf)
English | 中文 | Français | 한국어 | Español | Việt Nam
How to Receive Emergency Information for MCPS Schools
Use this link to find all the ways you can connect with MCPS to receive emergency operational information from the school system: Emergency Information Sources
PTA News
PTA Board Nominations for 2024 - 2025
The PTA Nominating Committee has been established, and they are seeking nominations for the 2024 - 2025 Stonegate PTA Board Nominations. If you are interested in supporting your school community, consider serving on the PTA Board for the next year. More details will be shared soon.
Stonegate Spirit Wear
Check-out the Stonegate On-Demand Store for new spirit wear. All orders will be shipped directly to your address.
Join us at Lunch and Recess!
The weather is warming up and we invite family members and caregivers to volunteer to support recess or lunch!
Please sign up for any available dates/times you can volunteer using the Sign-up Genius. See Stonegate’s Volunteer Handbook for more details.
All volunteers must complete the MCPS Volunteer Training Module on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect within the last two years. Please bring a copy of your certificate or send it to Anita_B_Knuth@mcpsmd.org or Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Stonegate Yearbook 2024
Pre order your Stonegate Yearbook now! Yearbooks are being sold online at Josten’s for $25 (includes tax). Please use this link: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09866687
Place your order before 4/26/24. Yearbooks will be shipped to the school the first week of June for delivery to students.
Spring Testing for MCAP and MAP
This spring, Stonegate students will participate in state and/or district wide testing. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the Maryland state assessments known as MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program). Students in grades K-5 will participate in our district wide MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. If you would like to hear more about these assessments, please attend the March PTA meeting on Tuesday, March 5. Crystal Semitekolos, our Staff Development Teacher and one of our Testing Coordinators, will be presenting on spring testing. Here is the slideshow if you’d like to preview the information about Spring Testing: Spring Testing Slideshow
March Lunch Menu
The March Menu for School Meals:
K-5 March Menu
English | español | français | 中文 | Portuguese | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | አማርኛ
Pre-K March Menu
English | español | français | 中文 | Portuguese | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | አማርኛ
Apply now for Free Meals at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Interested families must reapply each school year. It takes 15 minutes!
Let Me Run is Coming to Stonegate
Exciting news! This Spring, Stonegate will offer Let Me Run, a unique and empowering program for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys. Let Me Run uses the power of running to teach life skills, foster personal development, and create a sense of community. The program will meet twice a week for 7 weeks and is designed to keep your boys active while inspiring them to develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
The Stonegate Let Me Run Team is open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45-5:00, beginning on March 19, 2024. The season ends with a celebratory 5k race on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Registration opens on Monday, March 4, 2024. To register, visit www.letmerun.org and search for the Stonegate team. Any questions? Contact Tarnicka Congress or Michelle Martin at michellem@letmerun.org
Upcoming Field Trips
We are learning every day in school and on field trips! Here is a list of planned and upcoming field trips. This list will continue to grow as additional trips are planned and more details are finalized. We want to thank our PTA for sponsoring several trips so our students can enjoy them for free!
Permission slips are coming home with students. Please check your student’s folder and return the permission slip.
For field trip payments, we encourage online payments at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/ School Cash Online is MCPS’ online payment system. Cash or checks payable to Stonegate Elementary are also accepted, but for safety and security purposes, online payments are preferred.
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.
SchoolCash Online
Pay for field trips online! Activate your account today. With your account, you will receive an email each time there is a new activity fee added for your child(ren).
One-Pager - Parent Registration Instructions - 2022 - Montgomery
MCPS Withdrawal Policy for 2023- 2024 School Year
Regular school attendance is a major predictor of academic success
Set routines to establish good attendance patterns
Notify the school when their child is going to be absent on any given day
Provide a written note or physician’s certificate for absences or tardiness within 3 days of the students return to school
Plan vacations or trips around the school calendar to avoid unnecessary absences.
Doors open at 8:40 am for students to begin arrival. Students should arrive at school before 8:55 a.m. each day. This allows the students time to hang their belongings and get to their classrooms. When students arrive after 9:00 a.m. they miss important announcements and important time with their teachers. Please arrive on time!
If a student is absent 10 consecutive days they will be withdrawn.
MCPS will require schools to complete the following forms: MCPS Student Permanent Withdrawal, regardless of student age and the MCPS Educational Interview for Withdrawal Prevention. Then the forms will be filed in the student’s cumulative folder.
Art Summer Camp
In 2024, Creative Adventures will offer a one-week summer art experience. Join us for another beautiful summer of artistic adventures! Children engage in a variety of hands-on art activities, learn techniques, expand their artistic vocabulary, and will develop their creative process.
or
Where: Kensington Parkwood Elementary
4710 Saul Rd, Kensington, MD 20895
Early Bird Registration rate: $410/week
March 7-June 15 rate: $450
June 16 until the day before camp starts: $480/week
From 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
For students entering 1st-6th grade.
Aftercare is available until 5:00 pm ($25 per day)
Montgomery County Food Distribution
Click on the link below for information about food assistance resources in Montgomery County.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get-help/food.html
Resources for Practice, Prep, and Review
Dear Families,
There are many amazing things happening during the school day to support the learning of our students! At times, some students need some extra support to master new learning. MCPS has gathered resources that are free or low cost to families. These resources directly align with our curriculum used to teach our students each day.
Spring cleaning? Don’t forget to Donate!
Clothing to Cash® is a program that collects new and used clothing, shoes, sheets, towels, and all textiles and pays the school for every pound collected. As your child is outgrowing clothes, don’t throw those clothes away, give clothes a second life by donating them to Stonegate.
This recycling program is a win-win! It’s free and convenient for families and also serves as an ongoing fundraiser that serves our students and school community.
Stonegate families, relatives, neighbors, and staff are all encouraged to participate!
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
Your Remind Settings
Stonegate ES is communicating through Remind, which sends texts to parents. If you aren’t receiving the messages or you would like to add additional contacts, you can add or remove email addresses and phone numbers.
Adjust your account settings for Remind at www.remind.com.
Choose “Sign up” and enter your phone number. Your account as an MCPS parent will come up and will allow you to edit your communication settings.
Add a phone number for a caregiver:
Do you need an older sibling, a grandparent or other caregiver to receive text messages from the school? Add an additional phone to receive school wide Remind text messages by using that phone to text @436ch8 to the number 81010.
Stonegate Elementary School
Stonegate Elementary School
14811 Notley Road
Silver Spring, MD 20905
Main Office: 240- 740-7430
Arrival 8:40-9:00 a.m.
Dismissal 3:25 p.m.
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.
Picking up early?
If you need to pick your child up early, please do so before 3 p.m. The main office cannot accommodate parent pick-ups after 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Linda_M_Jones@mcpsmd.org
On X: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Visit us on the web at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/