The Fulton Flier

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Good morning Fulton Families,

It was wonderful to see so many of you join us for our 1st-5th Grade Back to School Night last week! Your participation and support mean a lot to us. If you were unable to attend, don’t worry—we’ll be sharing all the presentations next week so you can review them at your convenience. In the meantime, we would greatly appreciate your feedback, via this form, on this year’s Back to School Night. Your insights will help us improve future events and ensure we meet your needs and expectations.

We are moving into our 4th week of school; as we reach the midpoint of this quarter, it's a great time to check in on your child's academic progress and overall well-being. Our teachers are here to support your child’s growth and success, and maintaining open communication is key to this partnership.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s performance, assignments, or classroom experiences, we encourage you to reach out to their teacher. This dialogue not only helps us address any issues early on but also ensures we can work together to support your child in achieving their goals.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Together, we can make this a successful and rewarding quarter for your child.

Wishing you wave of joy,

Dr. Burks, Mrs. Liwosz, & Mrs. Sillers

Continuing with Compassion this week...

Make a list of people in your family, community, or school who could use some help. Schedule a time for you and your family to reach out and offer help. Be on the lookout for more opportunities to help those around you when they are in need. Remember that compassion doesn’t require great ability, it only requires availability.

HCPSS parents, guardians and family members are invited to join HCPSS Superintendent Willliam J. Barnes, school system leaders and community organizations for this valuable information night to prepare for a successful academic year. The event will also feature various workshop topics which provide access to resources and support.

The 2024-2025 Parent Academy Kick-Off will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. Dinner will be provided from 5:15-6 p.m. Registration is encouraged.

Workshop topics include:

• College and Career Readiness/Career Exploration

• Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future

• Navigating the School System for Student Success

• Mental Health

• Advanced Programs K-12

• Social Media Safety & Security

• Elementary ELA, Reading, and the Library

• Math Programs

• Financial Literacy

• Immigration Law

• Early Childhood Programs

Flyers for distribution:

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - English

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - Spanish

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - Korean

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - Chinese

Please contact 410.313.1293 for more information.

Students will have their individual pictures taken on Monday, September 30. These pictures can be purchased and will also be used in our 24-25 yearbook. If your student will be absent on September 30, there will be a picture make up day on November 8.

Each year, the Howard County Public School System partners with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention to bring flu immunizations into our schools for students. This year, they will also be offering the latest Covid vaccine if it is available at the time of the clinics. The clinic at Fulton ES will be held on Wednesday, October 16 during school hours. If you would like your child to be vaccinated against the flu and/or Covid at this clinic, please register at this link: https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/1212978605

You are not required to provide your child’s insurance information. If you have any concerns about the new Covid vaccine, you are advised to speak with your child’s pediatrician. All in-school clinics will be closed to registration one week before the clinic date to allow our health room staff time to review and prepare the consents and make sure enough vaccine is ordered. If you wish to cancel your child’s appointment after then, please call the nurse at your child’s school. In addition, we ask that parents not come to school that day to be with their child during the vaccine. Logistically it is very difficult, and it actually creates more anxiety for many children. Most children do great during the vaccine clinic. If you wish to be with your child for the vaccine, your pediatrician's office is better suited for that. If you have any questions, please call your school’s health room at 410-880-5966.

The HCPSS Partnerships 2023-2024 Annual Snapshot has just been released. The snapshot includes a link to school system partners including each school’s partners, as well as system wide, curricular, and program office partnerships. The snapshot highlights how partners play a vital role in encouraging students to reach their full potential.

As part of the HCPSS strategic planning process, students, staff and families are being asked to provide input about their values for our school system. Parents/Guardians: Please complete this HCPSS Strategic Planning Input Survey by 9/20/2024

Please be mindful of the time you join our car loop. Lime Kiln begins at 8:30 AM and dismisses at 3:15 PM. Arriving too early can affect their arrival and dismissal process. Thank you for your cooperation!

September

• 09/18: 12:55pm 3hr early dismissal
• 09/28: 9:00am-11:00am PTA Rescheduled Beautification Day
• 09/30: Fall Individual Picture Day

October

• 10/03 No School (Rosh-Hashanah)
• 10/05 2:00-5:00 PTA's Fall Festival
• 10/16: FES Flu Clinic, Optional
• 10/18 No School (Professional Work Day)
• 10/30 End of 1st Marking Period
• 10/31 No School (Professional Work Day)

For a complete list of dates and events visit https://fes.hcpss.org/calendar

PTA Happenings

Fulton Spirit wear

Are you ready to show your school spirit? Fulton's spirit wear site is up and running. A portion of the proceeds go to the school so check out our new designs and get shopping! Spirit Wear

HCPSS Calendar Magnets

Thank you to The Beth Viscarra Team for the HCPSS calendar magnets! If you were not able to pick one up at Back to School Night, be sure to pick one up at the front office!

Become A Member

Please consider joining the PTA - Member Hub

Joining is a tax deductible donation (that requires zero commitment or time) but will help make an impact on our school, our students, and our teachers. Every little bit helps!

Become A Year Long Sponsor

Help us kick off the year with a generous contribution to support the FES PTA! In doing so, your company will be promoted throughout the school year at highly anticipated events like Falcon Trot, Fall Fest, and so much more. See attached flier and email Jade at vp2@fespta.org for details!

Get Involved

Want to get involved, meet new friends, bring fresh ideas? Click the link for a committee interest form and you could join a team to organize one of our many PTA Events! Committee Interest Form

The FES PTA Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee is seeking volunteers to help the committee celebrate the cultural diversity at FES. See the attached flier and email the DEI Committee co-chairs to join the team!

Upcoming Dates

Fall Fest

10/5 • 2-5pm • Fulton Elementary

It's time to purchase your Fall Fest tickets! Join us for an afternoon of fall fun - games, food, crafts for the whole family. This event wouldn't be possible without the support of our volunteers. Please use the following link to sign up to volunteer. Can't wait to see you there! Sign Up Genius

Falcon Trot

11/2 • SAVE THE DATE

A great community event, come join the fun! Details to follow!

Rescheduled Fulton Beautification Day Project
11/28 • 9-11am • Fulton Elementary
The rain may have stopped us from making the blacktop colorful last year but we are ready to brighten it up! Seeking volunteers to paint the blacktop to close out last year’s beautification projects. Stay tuned for the date of this year’s Beautification Day!

In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019) and COMAR (2021), all Howard County Public School System kindergarten students will be screened to identify potential reading difficulties using the Amplify mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition assessment. Please click below to read the full notification.👇

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive school environment that fosters the social and emotional safety, dignity, and well-being of all students. HCPSS acknowledges the need for employees

1. to use an array of research-based positive behavior interventions, strategies, and supports to address student behaviors and keep students safe

2. to minimize the practice of exclusion from the classroom environment

3. to minimize the practice of physical restraint (which may only be used when necessary to protect a student or other person from imminent, serious, physical harm and only after other less intrusive, nonphysical interventions have failed or been determined inappropriate).

It is an expectation that HCPSS employees will be responsive to all incidents of exclusion or physical restraint and appropriately case manage impacted students to minimize unsafe behaviors and maximize instructional engagement.

Additional information can be found at HCPSS Policy 9400 - Student Behavior Intervention. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

Sometimes, compassion comes from the most unlikely source. In The Lion’s Paw, a Little Golden Book by Jane Warner Watson, a lion asks for help when he gets a thorn in his paw. One by one, the other animals reply to the lion’s need with, “Not I.” Some of the animals give excuses not to help, some of them just continue on their way. When it seems like there are no animals in the jungle willing to help the poor lion, a small mouse volunteers to help.

Take a few minutes to watch this read along version of this classic story with your children this week. Have your child share with you ideas on how they can start trying to be more like the mouse, who showed compassion by helping the lion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDDJLAj_8F8

Beginning Friday, August. 9, families with students new to HCPSS and whose registration has been finalized will begin to receive emails from security_notifications@hcpss.org with the subject “Technology account information for new HCPSS student.” The communication will be sent to the parent/guardian email address used during the student registration process and contains personalized and important information regarding new students’ technology accounts.

Families with a child new to HCPSS that do not receive the email and/or cannot locate the email in the junk/spam folder of the email account they used during registration can use the Forgot Password or Username button on the hcpss.me student landing page to retrieve both their child’s username and password.

Direct questions to TechSupport@hcpss.org with any questions.

Here are some translated messages for new Synergy families:

English

Chinese

Korean

Spanish

The Howard County Public School System seeks new members for the GT/Advanced Programs Advisory Committee. Curriculum advisories serve as a forum for sharing ideas, information, and concerns, as well as suggesting initiatives for continuous improvement and academic excellence in HCPSS.

By Sept. 13, please complete the interest form if you are interested in serving on this advisory committee. All applicants will be contacted by October 1. If you have any questions, please reach out to Debbie Blum, Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Education, at debbie_blum@hcpss.org.

HCPSS parents, guardians and family members are invited to join HCPSS Superintendent Willliam J. Barnes, school system leaders and community organizations for this valuable information night to prepare for a successful academic year. The event will also feature various workshop topics which provide access to resources and support.

The 2024-2025 Parent Academy Kick-Off will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. Dinner will be provided from 5:15-6 p.m. Registration is encouraged.

Workshop topics include:

• College and Career Readiness/Career Exploration

• Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future

• Navigating the School System for Student Success

• Mental Health

• Advanced Programs K-12

• Social Media Safety & Security

• Elementary ELA, Reading, and the Library

• Math Programs

• Financial Literacy

• Immigration Law

• Early Childhood Programs

Flyers for distribution:

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - English

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - Spanish

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - Korean

• Parent Academy Kick-Off Flyer - Chinese

Please contact 410.313.1293 for more information.

Please find the list of after school activities hosted by Howard County Parks and Recreation Department that will be here at FES. The classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students

* For assistance with registering, call 410-313-2273 (voice/ relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov

* To request sign language, interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.

September 2024 Parent Pages Newsletter here

Discipline and Communication in the Elementary Years
Moving into the school year and getting into the swing of new expectations can lead to a lot of strong emotions and conflict in the household for the entire family. Discipline is about teaching and skill building –not punishment. Learn to develop strategies to proactively prevent meltdowns by preparing your home and routine to encourage success. Become familiar with temperament types, tune into different needs and learn how to use this information to individualize your interactions with your child.
Monday, September 16, 12:30 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop, Register here

Navigating Howard County Housing Programs
Whether you're looking to rent or find affordable housing, this session will guide you through the available options, resources and support systems in Howard County. Learn about different types of housing options, financial assistance programs such as eviction prevention and foreclosure resources and how to navigate the local housing market so you can make informed decisions.
Wednesday, September 18, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop, Register here

The Power of Partnering with Your Childcare Provider

A parent’s involvement in their child's development plays a crucial role in their personal growth and lifelong success. Explore the importance of building strong partnerships with your child's program and offer strategies to enhance communication, proactively navigate challenges and engage with teachers and providers. By creating a meaningful partnership with the school, you can help nurture your child's potential, contribute to their success and create a support system that empowers them to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Tuesday September 24, 7:00 p.m., Free virtual workshop, register here

Detangle With Me
During this interactive workshop, learn firsthand how to detangle thick, curly, or coily textured hair without causing damage. Discover effective techniques tailored for these hair types and gain the confidence to apply what you've learned at home.

Thursday, September 26, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop, Register here

Drop-in Play Group

Children ages 2 to 4 and their families are invited to explore and play at our Family Support Center!

Parents must stay with their children.

Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18. 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Free, Register here

Cook With Me Playgroup

Engage your 2 to 4-year-olds in interactive healthy cooking and nutrition education class facilitated by Healthy Little Cooks! Tailored for a parent and child, these sessions focus on promoting healthy eating habits through cooking, reading, movement, and kindergarten readiness skills. Each class typically includes 1 to2 quick recipes alongside fun activities like crafts, physical activities or coloring pages. This program offers a holistic healthy learning environment for families.
Monday, September 9, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. | Free, register here

On the Journey to Fatherhood, coming in October 2024

This four-part series is designed to support Howard County fathers develop healthy parenting habits, while networking and strengthening the bond between dads and their children from birth to age five. If you are interested in participating, for more information contact Ovan Shortt 410-313-1453 oshortt@howardcountymd.gov

The Basics Howard County (updated flier attached)
Research shows that 90% of brain growth happens by age five. The Basics provide five simple things parents can do to make the most of these early years. Parents in Howard County can receive free tips directly to their phone to support their child by signing up for Basics Insights. These weekly text messages provide suggestions based on your child’s developmental stage, from birth to age five (available in English or Spanish).
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/children-families/basics

Howard County Parent Pages Newsletter

Sign up for the Parent Pages, a newsletter published by the Howard County Office of Children and Families for parents, caregivers and agencies working with families. Each monthly issue features information to help parents and caregivers learn how to promote positive parenting for children’s development. It highlights workshops, local resources, events, parenting information, and agency programs targeted to help families grow and thrive in Howard County. This newsletter is a part of the Howard County Family Institute, an education, information and community outreach program.