GWC EAGLES' NEST
February 18, 2024
The start of the 2024-2025 school year is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome you back! This Back to School issue of our GWC Eagles' Nest has all of the information and resources you need to get ready for a fantastic year!
A weekly issue of our GWC Eagles' Nest will be sent each Sunday evening to parents and guardians. They will contain notable dates, highlights from our school, and important information from SMCPS, ensuring your family is well-prepared and connected.
We are looking forward to partnering with you in your child's education this school year! Enjoy this last full week of summer!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- HAC Opens for Parents: Friday, August 16th at 5:00 PM
- VIP Open House (invitation only): Monday, August 19th from 11:00-12:00
- Open House K-5: Monday, August 19th from 1:30-2:30 PM
- First Day of School K-5: Wednesday, August 21st
- Open House Pre-K: Wednesday, August 21st @ 9:00-10:00AM (Orientation will include a classroom and a bus introduction!)
- First Day of School Pre-K: Thursday, August 22nd
- Labor Day (Schools Closed): Monday, September 2nd
OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION
Open Houses & Supply Lists
We can't wait to welcome all of our students and families back into the building. Please mark your calendars and join us so you can meet your student's teachers, visit classrooms, visit resource tables, and enjoy the excitement of a new school year!
Here is this year's Open House To Do List:
Backpack Distribution
Find your student’s name on the posted lists. Lists will be posted by grade level.
A map will be provided to locate your classroom
Meet your teacher and deliver school supplies
Bus Information in the Gym/Cafe. Attendants will help families look up bus stop, time and number.
Acceptable Use Policy. Attendants will help families fill out the applications.
If you have purchased a backpack for your student(s), please be sure to bring the backpack with you on the day of Open House. We will have backpacks loaded with school supplies available at Open House. Our school supply list is linked here. Feel free to bring in school supplies the day of Open House to leave in the classrooms!
HAC INFORMATION
Home Access Center (HAC) Will Open on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
You will NOT be able to get into HAC prior to 5PM on 8/16.
Please Note: Official teacher assignments for students will be available at Open House. Information in HAC is subject to change based upon student and school needs. While the HAC opening date for parents/guardians is August 16th, FINALIZED class lists will be published at Open House.
Parents who are in need of their HAC login information should email Ms. Smith at rsmith@smcps.org or Ms. Flippin at lmflippin@smcps.org. They will retrieve the information at their earliest convenience and will email the information to you.
SMCPS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP)
Within the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is the Google Workspace for Education Additional Services Agreement. In order for students to have access to "additional services," the form granting your student access must be completed.
GWCES UPDATED BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION POLICY
We respect the many different ways that families like to recognize their child’s birthday. In addition to class recognitions of birthdays, we recognize birthdays during our weekly Community Gathering.
Although we have accepted edible treats in years past, we can no longer accept food items for birthday celebrations. We have an increased number of students with food sensitivities and schools have been encouraged to limit celebrations that involve food during the school day.
Some families choose to provide a small trinket or non-food based treat to mark their child’s birthday. If you are planning on providing something for the class on your child’s birthday, we ask that you follow these guidelines:
Inform your child’s teacher at least 3 days prior if you intend to provide something for the class on your child’s birthday.
- Trinkets/non-food items will be passed out by the child and his/her teacher near the end of the school day. This helps to minimize distractions to instruction and ensure that items are not lost or broken during the course of the school day.
2024-2025 PRE-K 4 APPLICATION
St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) offers full day Pre-Kindergarten 4 to children that reside in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, meet age requirements, and are income eligible (COMAR 13A.06.03.02). The Pre-kindergarten programs provide high-quality, early learning experiences to help children develop basic skills and concepts necessary for success in kindergarten. Per the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, acceptance in Pre-Kindergarten is based on age, proof of residency, income verification, and if a family is experiencing homelessness.
The Department of Equity, Engagement, and Early Access can also be of service in answering child specific questions regarding the Pre-Kindergarten Program. For additional help and information, you may complete the helpdesk form, call (301) 475-5511 x32285, or email cmwoodley@smcps.org. Bilingual assistance is available.
CARVER IS A CEP SCHOOL
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a meal service option that allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to enrolled students, without collecting household meal-benefit applications.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE INFORMATION
[Optional] Student Accident Insurance
Recognizing that accidents do occur and understanding that each family's insurance situation may be different, St. Mary's County Public Schools has arranged with Bob McCloskey Insurance to offer student accident insurance.
Please click on the following documents for additional information:
NOTE FROM NURSE CRYSTAL
Please review the list of medical forms: https://www.smcps.org/health-safety/immunizations-medical-forms.
If your student takes medication at school, requires an Emergency Action Plan, or has any other unique medical needs, please take the pertinent form(s) to your student's medical provider to complete them before the start of the school year.
Please note the following changes:
- Medication administration - ALL medication requires an order.
- Emergency Medications - Parent must bring meds to school, stock EpiPens NOT guaranteed.
BUS STOP LOCATOR & HERE COMES THE BUS
Bus Routes are now available through the SMCPS online look-up feature. These routes and stops will be constantly updated between now and the start of school.
Select this link to learn how to view the real-time location of your child's bus. We highly recommend signing up for this helpful app!
MARYLAND TAX FREE WEEK
HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES
HOME OF THE EAGLES!!!
Assistant Principal - David Chilson
Academic Dean - Rhonda Morgan
George Washington Carver Elementary School
A Title I and Community School
Website: https://gwces.smcps.org/
Location: 46155 Carver School Boulevard, Lexington Park, MD, USA
Phone: 301-863-4076
Twitter: @gwces_smcps