Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of January 29, 2024
Monday 1/29:
No School for all students; Professional Day for Teachers
Tuesday, 1/30:
Sky’s The Limit Dance, Grades K-2
Wednesday, 1/31:
MAP Makeup Testing
Thursday, 2/1:
Sky’s The Limit Dance, Grades 3-5
Friday, 2/2:
Spirit Day- Wear Stonegate T-Shirts
LFI Community Outing 10 am -1:30 pm
Upcoming Dates
February 6: PTA Meeting (Virtual)
February 13: PreK Field Trip to Imagination Stage
February 16: Grade 1 Field Trip to Imagination Stage
February 19: Presidents' Day—Schools and offices closed
February 22: No School for PEP (Ms. Tyler’s class) and Pre-Kindergarten (Mrs. Williams’ class) only
February 23: Grade 4 Field Trip Arts on Stage Harriet Tubman Play
February 29: Black History Performance at Paint Branch High School
March- June
March 1: Early release day for students in K-5, LFI and Ms. Williams Pre-K class; No school for Ms. Tyler’s PEP classes
March 7: Ms. Smith and Ms. Whitlock Grade 3 Field Trip to Croydon Creek Nature Center
March 8: Ms. Grammar and Ms. Rem Grade 3 Field Trip to Croydon Creek Nature Center
March 11: Grade 2 Field Trip to Kid Museum
March 14: Math Night 6-7 pm
March 15: Grade 1 Field Trip Robinson Nature Center
March 19: Grade 4 Field Trip to St. Marys
March 25- April 1: Spring Break
April 2: Grade 4 Field Trip to Skate Zone
April 10: No School for all students
April 17: Spring student portraits and Class Photos
April 19: Career Day 9 am-12 pm
April 22: No School for all students
April 25: Take Your Child to Work Day
May 1: Grade 5 Panoramic Photo 2pm
May 8: Grade 3 In House field trip Bread Making
May 14: Election Day - No School
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 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,
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The celebration started as a week-long observance, which was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, “"African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Stonegate will close out Black History Month with an in-person program entitled, “Illuminating Black Brilliance through the Arts.”
I am pleased to announce that we are kicking off Black History Month this week, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse history of African Americans. Expect to see inspiring posters adorning the hallways, and each day on the announcements students will share significant contributions about Black Americans.
We will end Black History Month celebrations with special performances by our talented Stonegate students on February 29th at Paint Branch High School. This promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the creativity and dedication of our students as they pay tribute to the achievements of African Americans throughout history. Save the date!
I also want to take a moment to extend heartfelt congratulations to our Fifth Grade Chorus and Instrumental Music students, who wowed us with their talents at last Thursday's Winter Concert. The energy and passion displayed by our students were truly remarkable, and it was heartening to see such a tremendous turnout from our supportive parents. Your encouragement is invaluable and contributes significantly to the success of our school community.
Sincerely,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
Stonegate Elementary presents Black History Night - February 29th
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
Summer Camp Registration for Global Chilcare
Embark on a journey like never before with Camp Global!
FREE REGISTRATION! – Unleash your inner explorer and make memories that last a lifetime. Hurry and register your camper, sale ends February 18th! Adventure awaits! https://www.globalchildrenscenter.com/about-5
SGA Valentines Day Plush Flower Sale
Looking for a way to spread some cheer? Send your friends a plush Flower!
Starting Monday, January 29th, the Student Government Association (SGA) is excited to be selling Valentine's Day plush flowers. Each flower is $5. There is a LIMITED QUANTITY. Please don't delay purchasing. Students are welcome to purchase as many flowers as they would like. Each plush flower delivery will include a handwritten note to say who the flower is from and the SGA will deliver the plush flowers on Tuesday, February 13th. Orders can only be made online using SchoolCash Online and are due by Wednesday, February 7th or until sold out. Thank you for paying through the SchoolCash Online payment solution.
January and February Lunch Menu
There are different menus for Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Inclement weather closures can affect the meal choices.
The January Menu for School Meals:
February Menus will be at this link:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/menus/#Menus
Apply now for Free Meals at https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Interested families must reapply each school year. It takes 15 minutes!
MCPS Requests Your Input
Share Your Input on the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program
Take this five-minute survey to share your feedback on the MCPS and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program. CEOs are sworn officers from MCPD who work directly with our schools. Your input will play a vital role in making informed recommendations to the superintendent and Board of Education as we work to review existing programs and improve systemwide safety and security. The CEO program survey will be open until Friday, Feb. 9.
Inclement Weather Communication and Makeup Days
Please provide your feedback on communication around inclement weather that may impact school operations.
Tell Us What You Think About Our Food
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) is still collecting feedback on what you want to see more of on school menus. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and give us your input. Survey results will directly impact menu development.
Emergency Closures or Delays at Stonegate Elementary and MCPS
Montgomery County Public Schools makes inclement weather decisions. When the county decides about closures, they notify schools and families by text and email. Stonegate ES will also send the information out to our community.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/weather/
Schools closed or delayed opening:
For early morning decisions, road inspection begins at 3:00 a.m. so that a decision can be announced by 5:00 a.m. through MCPS emergency information sources and media, such as radio, tv and websites.
Early dismissal:
All announcements will be made by 11:00 a.m.
More about school closure , delayed opening, and early dismissal
See the information below:
MCPS Operating Status and Color Codes:
Green: Normal Operations
Yellow: Two Hour Delay
Blue: Early Dismissal
Orange: Schools Closed/Offices Open
Red: School System is Closed (Schools closed/Offices closed)
Purple: Virtual Learning Day
MCPS makes county-wide decisions about Emergency Closings. What does it mean for us at Stonegate?
1. Green: Normal Operations
All schools and offices are open on time, as scheduled.
2. Yellow: Two Hour Delay
Grades K-5 start at 10:40 a.m. and dismiss at the typical time.
Mrs. Williams' Pre-K class also starts at 10:40 a.m. and dismisses at the standard time.
Morning busses arrive at each stop 2 hours later than they normally would
Global Childcare will communicate about their hours and availability.
Ms. Tyler's AM PEP class is canceled. Ms. Tyler's PM PEP class starts at 12:50 p.m.
Parent meetings before 11:00 a.m., including IEP meetings, are canceled
Field Trips are canceled
When schools are delayed, the announcement is made no later than 5:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible).
3. Blue: Early Dismissal
K-5 and LFI start at the normal time and dismiss at 12:55 p.m.
Ms. Tyler's AM PEP class starts at the normal time and dismiss at 10:50 a.m. Ms. Tyler's PM PEP class is canceled.
Evening Activities may be canceled.
Global Childcare will communicate about their hours and availability.
When schools are closing early for emergency conditions, the announcement is made by 11:00 a.m.
4. Orange: Schools Closed/Offices Open
Classes are canceled for all students in MCPS, every grade.
Teachers and Paraeducators do not come to school
The office and school have limited staff available on site.
Parent meetings, including IEP meetings, are canceled.
Global Childcare will communicate about their hours and availability.
5. Red: School System is Closed (Schools closed/Offices closed)
Classes are canceled for all students in MCPS, every grade.
The office and schools have no one on site.
Parent meetings, including IEP meetings, are canceled.
Global Childcare is closed.
6. Purple: Virtual Learning Day
More information is coming. See the site here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/virtual-learning/
HOW TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY INFORMATION ABOUT MCPS
Given the unpredictable nature of inclement weather, it is important that all families know how to receive MCPS emergency information alerts. These alerts will provide information on school closings, school delays or early dismissal and MCPS community events.
MCPS WEB: HOME PAGE
Weather-related messages are posted in English and Spanish.
Make MCPS your home page
TEXT AND EMAIL: ALERT MCPS
Alert MCPS provides you with emergency information about school operations via text messages (i.e. SMS text or email messages) to devices you register. Signing up for Alert MCPS is free, but your wireless carrier may charge you a fee to receive text messages. This service is provided in collaboration with the Montgomery County government. Weather-related messages are sent in English and Spanish. - Sign up for Alert MCPS
To sign up for weather emergency text alerts, please follow these simple steps:
Text "JOIN" to [Your School's Text Alert Number].
You will receive a confirmation message once you have successfully enrolled.
Rest assured that your contact information will be kept confidential, and these alerts will only be used for emergency notifications.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
TV: MCPS CABLE CHANNELS
Emergency announcements are posted on the following cable channels.
Comcast Channel 34
Verizon Fios Channel 36
RCN Channel 89
TELEPHONE INFORMATION LINE: 301-279-3673
Recorded emergency information.
TELEPHONE: ASK MCPS: 240-740-3000
Staff takes calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish.
TV AND RADIO: LOCAL STATIONS
Tune in to local TV and radio stations for information.
By opting in to the MCPS text alert system, you will receive timely updates and important information regarding weather-related emergencies, school closures, and other critical announcements. This service is designed to keep you informed and provide you with the necessary details to navigate any weather challenges.
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.
Dressing for Cold Weather
Students should dress warmly every day.
Students go outside for recess for 30-40 minutes each day (as long as the weather is above 32 degrees, and not snowing or raining).
Students are outside during arrival and dismissal each day.
Some emergencies or drills require students to stand outside the building.
Some parts of the building feel cold. We continue to work on classroom temperatures every day.
We encourage students to wear long clothes and avoid bare legs.
Label coats, hats, and gloves.
It’s the perfect time to get organized by ordering clothing labels! Mabel’s Labels has Household Labels available. Every order supports the Grade 5 students end of year festivities.
This month’s special promotion from Mabel’s Labels is for labels for daycares.
Career Day 2024
PTA News
The next PTA meeting will be Tuesday, February 6 at 8 pm. The meeting agenda will include updates about the Read-A-Thon, upcoming PTA events, and school updates. The Zoom log-in access info will be shared prior to the meeting.
Become a PTA Member Today!
PTA membership is year round, and it is not too late to join. There are many PTA activities and events to plan, coordinate, and support to help our students reach their full potential. Visit the Stonegate PTA website to learn more about the PTA and become a member.
Stonegate Spirit Wear Store
Are you looking for a Valentine’s Day gift? Check-out the Stonegate On-Demand Store for new spirit wear. All orders will be shipped directly to your address.
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
Starting October 2023, MCPS has lowered the threshold of consecutive days of unexcused absences from 15 to 10 days.
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.
Clothing To Cash Recycling Program
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.
The program is operated entirely OUTSIDE and is located in the school parking lot, where students, parents, staff, and the community can drop off items throughout the year. They have state-of-the-art photo quantity sensors installed in each bin that report 3 times daily allowing the company to schedule service as needed. They empty the collection bin, weigh the contents to determine our school earnings, and pay our school each month. Every donation helps. If each family donates just one kitchen-size trash bag, we will earn $1000- $2000 yearly.
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
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
Twitter: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @FrannyWooler
Visit us on the web at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/stonegatees/