Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Parent News

What an incredible October we've had together! Our school was buzzing with energy during the Trunk or Treat event - a huge thank you to our amazing PTA and all the volunteers who made it such a memorable evening. It was also wonderful to see so many smiling faces at our Halloween parade, sharing in the joy and excitement with our students.

November promises to be just as exciting! Our PTA has organized several fantastic events including multiple Spirit Nights, the much-anticipated Glow Run, and our Book Fair. We're grateful for their continued efforts to create engaging experiences for our school community.

We're especially looking forward to welcoming you into our building for two important events:

1. Open House
   • Details and schedule are included below
   • Please pre-register using the provided link to help us streamline the check-in process
2. Parent-Teacher Conferences
   • Your participation is vital to your child's success
   • In-person conferences are preferred, but virtual options are available upon request
   • If you haven't yet scheduled your conference, please do so as soon as possible

To help you make the most of your parent-teacher conference, we've included a helpful resource in this newsletter: "Tips for Parents for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences." Whether this is your first conference or you're a seasoned participant, you'll find valuable suggestions for engaging in meaningful discussions about your child's progress. Your partnership in your child's education is important to us!

While we have found our "groove" and have fallen into routines for arrival and dismissal, we wanted to share a few reminders.

• If you drive your child to or from school, you know the importance of following the posted signs and the traffic flow.
• To allow for the car rider line to flow smoothly, please have your child ready to exit the car on the side nearest the crosswalk.
  
• Students should only be exiting cars at the sidewalk, please do not allow your student to walk through cars in the parking lot.

• Please remember, parking is NOT allowed on the Steeple Road side of the school.
• If you are walking your child to school, you are a model for your child. Students should use the crosswalk with the Crossing Guard to cross Steeple Road. Please do not walk, or send your child across any street, including Steeple Road or the bus lane, unless they are in the crosswalk.
• Speaking of models, please be sure to use respectful language when speaking with staff and especially our patrols. Our staff and students should always feel comfortable when interacting with the community around following the rules.

Finally, November is also when we reconnect with family during Thanksgiving. We hope you take the time to reflect on how fortunate we all are to have family and friends who love us. The staff of Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES would like to say THANK YOU for all of your support and for continuing to trust us to provide a quality education to your child(ren).

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Moses (Sherilyn_R_Moses@mcpsmd.org) and Mrs. Mason (Rebecca_Mason@mcpsmd.org).

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sherry Moses, Principal

&

Mrs. Rebecca Mason, Assistant Principal

Emergencies can arise at any time. It is important to your child’s safety that we have your current address and current home and work numbers on file.

The school's phone number is 240-740-6830.

The health room's phone number is 240-740-6832.

Sick Student?

We understand that students will be sick and we want to help you. When your child is sick, in addition to informing the classroom teacher, please be sure to inform the main office. The best way to do so is by completing the Student Absence form. We appreciate you keeping your student at home when they are ill.

On Monday, November 11, 2024 the Northwest Cluster will be opening our school doors to welcome in adult family members to engage with their students in the learning process. McNair will be hosting two sessions. Our morning session will run from 9:45-11:30 and our afternoon session will run from 2:00-3:40. If you plan to visit us at Open House, please complete the OPEN HOUSE PRE-REGISTRATION. This will expedite your sign-in during Open House. Pre-registration is not required but highly recommended.

Students in grades Pre-K-2 will be learning how to demonstrate the crucial elements of rolling, underhand and overhand throwing as well as catching a ball. In addition, students will be learning how to dribble with each hand while maintaining personal space.

Students in grades 3-5 will demonstrate mature patterns of throwing, catching, passing and dribbling a ball individually, with a partner and in a small group setting. In addition, students will be learning and implementing offensive and defensive strategies in modified games.

The first marking period ended on November 1. Report cards will be distributed on November 13th. They will also be accessible in Synergy ParentVue in the documents tab at that time. Our teachers are currently in the process of scheduling individual conferences with parents of all students to be held between November 13th and 25th. This initial conference is of great importance because it allows for interaction between the teacher and parent, along with a free exchange of information and questions. If you have not already scheduled a conference with your child’s teacher, please do so.

Fall is here. The weather has been different from hour to hour and day to day. Please remember to dress your child for the changing temperatures. Layering clothing works best, as the mornings will be very cool with warmer afternoons. Our classroom temperatures fluctuate, as well.

As your child takes off these layers, they may lose items. Please encourage them to check the lost and found or feel free to stop by the main office to request access to the lost and found. It would also be a good idea to put your child's name on all of their belongings.

We have two early release days during the month of November.

All students will be dismissed at 1:20 p.m. on the early release days.

Montgomery County Public Schools will observe Remembrance and Reconciliation Month by supporting local Emancipation Day celebrations, providing schools with age appropriate lessons on local historic African American communities.

Spanish

Schaeffer’s Piano Company, Inc., has a public sale of instruments twice a year—the first sale is scheduled for November 16–24, 2024. During this time, the public can purchase pianos at reduced prices. Please use the information below if you're interested in this sale.

We know your student's birthday is an important day for your family. As a school, we will celebrate your student's birthday by announcing their name on the Dr. McNair Morning Show and asking them to come to the office to pick up a birthday pencil.

• Parents are not allowed to send in party decorations, cupcakes, cake, candy, trinkets, or treat bags to celebrate their student's birthday. Please do not ask your child’s teacher to bend these rules.
• Birthday party invitations may be distributed at the end of the school day under the supervision of the homeroom teacher.
• School staff members are not allowed to give out student addresses or contact information.

If a student’s plans require a change from their normal dismissal (e.g. play date, child care changes), the change must be made in writing to the homeroom teacher and front office. Please state your child’s name, the name of the individual they should be dismissed with, the date the change is occurring and your signature.

In the event of last minute changes to a student’s dismissal plans, please call the main office prior to 3:00 p.m. All students will be dismissed via their normal plan unless we have been notified of a change. Please arrange your child’s transportation home so that it is consistent. It is difficult for a child to remember where they are to go on a particular day if the routine changes daily. Students are not to call home from the school to make after school plans.

Any adults who come to school to pick up a child early will be asked to show documentation to verify identification and ensure student safety.

The front office will have quiet hours between 3:30 and 3:50 where students will not be called down for early dismissal.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) appreciates the support of the parent and community volunteers who support the essential needs of the schools. Volunteers and partnership agencies are required to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.

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In partnership with the PTA and Nothing Bundt Cake, we have an exciting reading incentive for our students. With Books and Bundts, the bakery will reward students with a FREE BUNDTLET each month for their commitment to reading 400 minutes a month (10-15 minutes a day or 20 min 5 days/week). To earn a Free Bundlet, students will track their minutes and stop by the bakery with their parent/legal guardian for their sweet treat (redemption once a month).

Thanksgiving is a great time of year. The Front Office Staff wants to share with you about our favorite Thanksgiving dessert.

Mrs. Moses, Principal:

My favorite Thanksgiving dessert is coconut tart. It is coconut baked goodness! While I LOVE chocolate, my mom knows that I need a coconut tart all for myself. It is my favorite because it brings back memories of growing up in the islands and is a piece of home away from home.

Mrs. Mason, Assistant Principal:

My favorite Thanksgiving dessert is an ooey-gooey, crunchy, sticky and sweet, classic southern pecan pie. Throw some vanilla ice cream on top and I’m in heaven.

Ms. Lee Thompson, Administrative Secretary:

My favorite Thanksgiving dessert is peach cobbler. I appreciate the time that is put into the preparation of this dessert.

Mrs. Mosquera, Attendance Secretary:

My favorite Thanksgiving dessert is pumpkin pie. Growing up my mom would bake the pie either the night before or early Thanksgiving morning. It made the house smell so wonderful. I always had pumpkin pie for breakfast Thanksgiving morning, YUM!

In partnership with the PTA and Nothing Bundt Cake, we have an exciting reading incentive for our students. With Books and Bundts, the bakery will reward students with a FREE BUNDTLET each month for their commitment to reading 400 minutes a month (10-15 minutes a day or 20 min 5 days/week). To earn a Free Bundlet, students will track their minutes and stop by the bakery with their parent/legal guardian for their sweet treat (redemption once a month).