Lake Seneca Family Newsletter

Welcome back, Cougar families!

I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving break filled with joy and quality time with loved ones.

This week, we are diving back into learning and continuing our work to help every student grow and succeed. As we enter the final weeks of 2024, let's keep the momentum going strong!

Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s finish the year strong together!

Always Learning, Always Growing!

Mr. Henderson

Monday, December 2:

• Karate After School 3:45-4:45
• Homework Club 3:30-4:30

Tuesday, December 3:

• Patrol Meeting 12:00

Thursday, December 5:

• WIZE STEAM After School Club 3:45-4:45

Friday, December 6:

• Picture Retakes

In November, we made significant strides as a school community. Our overall attendance rate is nearly 11% better than it was at this time last year—an incredible achievement!

Here’s how grade levels ranked for attendance during the month of November:

• 3rd Place: 1st Grade with 94%
• 2nd Place: 5th Grade with 94.5%
• 1st Place: 2nd Grade with an impressive 95%!

While we celebrate this progress, we also recognize areas for growth. Pre-K had the highest rate of chronic absenteeism at 38.64%. Consistent attendance in Pre-K is critical for building strong foundations for learning.

Remember, attendance data is tracked by the state and impacts our school’s overall report card. Let’s keep up the great work by ensuring our Cougars are present and ready to learn every day!

Thank you for your continued partnership!

In light of recent national conversations around immigration and deportation, we want to assure you that Lake Seneca Elementary and all MCPS schools are safe, inclusive spaces where every child and family is welcomed, respected, and valued.

Here are important reminders about our commitment to your family:

• Schools Are Safe Spaces: Immigration enforcement actions are generally not allowed on school grounds, ensuring a safe environment for learning.
• Access to Education Is a Right: Every child has the right to a public education, as protected by the U.S. Constitution and the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe.
• MCPS Does Not Ask About Immigration Status: Your family’s privacy is respected. MCPS does not ask for or share immigration status information.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Bullying: Bullying or harassment for any reason, including immigration status, will not be tolerated. Please encourage your child to report any concerns to a trusted adult.

It’s important to stay connected with us. To ensure we can reach you quickly during emergencies or share important updates, please keep your contact information up to date in ParentVUE or by completing this form.

If you or your child have concerns or need support, please reach out to school staff. Together, we will continue to ensure that Lake Seneca remains a safe and welcoming place for every family.

Thank you for being an important part of our school community!

This year, our theme is "Always Learning, Always Growing," a reminder of our dedication to continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

In the spirit of growth, we are excited to share that an MCPS employee from Waters Landing Elementary, who is currently pursuing their doctorate, is conducting important research on the pacing of the MCPS curriculum. They are seeking valuable feedback from families across the community to gain insights into experiences related to this topic.

As a doctoral student myself, I understand the importance of community input and support. I encourage you to take a moment to participate in their survey and contribute to this important research.

Please see the flyer below for more information on how to get involved.

Winter is coming and with it can bring inclement weather. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the color code statuses and don't miss our Superintendent's Video linked below as well.

• Green: Normal Operations
• Yellow: Delayed Opening
• Blue: Early Dismissal
• Red: Schools and Offices Closed
• Orange: Schools Closed Offices Telework

We're excited to announce this year's Yearbook Cover Contest! Our theme is Always Learning, Always Growing—a wonderful opportunity for students to create a cover that reflects this inspiring message. Encourage your child to get creative, perhaps with a design featuring elements like a tree or flower with students actively learning and growing together!

Important Details:

- All instructions for the contest are included in the attached flyer.

- All cover submissions are due by Monday, December 2.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Thank you for helping us make this yearbook memorable for our students!

At Lake Seneca Elementary, we are committed to ensuring that all students have the tools they need for success, including access to a device and reliable Wi-Fi at home. To help us determine which students need these resources, we are asking families to complete a brief survey.

For students who need a device at home, families can submit the Student Home Use Chromebook Request form. Once submitted, the student’s information will be verified for take-home device eligibility, and a Chromebook will be sent to the school for the student to check out. Please note that students will not be required to bring the home-use Chromebook to and from school. The request form is available in both English and Spanish for your convenience.

If your family needs Wi-Fi access, you can also request a MiFi device by notifying a staff member, who will complete the Student MiFi Request form on your behalf.

We are here to support you and ensure every student has the resources they need. If you have any questions or need assistance with these requests, please contact the school office.

We understand that enrolling your children in before and after care can be a financial challenge. That's why Global Children's Center is committed to helping families access scholarship programs that make care more affordable. If you need assistance with enrollment or would like more information about our scholarship options, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Voucher Specialist, Ms. Naureen, at vouchers@globalchildrenscenter.com. We're here to help!