Principal's Message
Dear MHES families and staff,
I hope this message finds you enjoying a restful and joyful winter break surrounded by family and friends. As we take this time to celebrate, reflect, and recharge, I want to express my gratitude for your continued partnership and support in making Meadow Hall a place where every student can thrive.
We are excited to welcome our students back on Thursday, January 2, 2025, ready to continue the amazing work we’ve started together this school year. The new year brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration, and we can’t wait to see the smiling faces of our Meadow Hall Hawks filling the hallways once again.
Until then, I wish you a safe, peaceful, and happy start to 2025. May this season be filled with warmth, joy, and wonderful memories for you and your loved ones. Please see the information below for the week of December December 30, 2024.
Desmond Mackall
Principal
Meadow Hall ES
MHES School Attendance Updates
December attendance letters went home the week before winter break. A student that has missed 10% or more of school is considered chronically absent per MCPS. All students over 10% will get an attendance letter sent home monthly to make you aware of how much school your child has missed due to excused and/or unexcused absences. The absent percentage will decrease the more your child does attend school. If your child continues to receive attendance letters monthly and does not show attendance improvements, then there will be additional follow up from your child's teacher and school administration. It is very important to communicate with us when your child is out of school. To let us know your child is absent and to provide written documentation to excuse an absence, please do one of the following:
- Email Megan Algeo (megan_k_algeo@mcpsmd.org) and Renifer Mejia (renifer_r_mejia@mcpsmd.org) to let us know that your child is absent and the reason (sick, doctor apt, etc.).
- Send in a written note with your child when they return that explains why your child was absent (sick, doctor apt, etc.). It should be turned in with 3 days of the absence and include the date and be signed by the parent/guardian.
- Send in a doctor's note from your child's physician.
- Complete the Report an Absence online form located on the Meadow Hall ES website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/report-an-absence/
If you have any questions about your child's absences, please give our Attendance Secretary, Megan Algeo a call at 240-740-5260 or reach out by email to megan_k_algeo@mcpsmd.org
In addition to attendance letters, tardies will be reviewed monthly. Instruction begins at 9am and students are expected to arrive before then. Tardiness can seriously impact your child's academic progress and we need your support in ensuring all students get to school on time. We look forward to seeing everyone on January 2, 2025!
A Word from Mrs. Jackson: Community School Liaison!
COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPDATES
Coffee and Conversation
We are very excited about the increased participation at our monthly principal/parent coffees. In addition to the question and listening sessions with Mr. Mackall and Ms. Simhon, we are working hard to bring in guest speakers who can discuss different topics of interest to the Meadow Hall Community.
- On January 9, 2024, Reading Specialist, Ms. Bartee, will hold a workshop on our new reading curriculum, CKLA. Parents will walk away with a better understanding of how to support their student’s reading at home.
- On February 6, 2024, Clinical Director from The Tree House Child Advocacy Center, Molly Cupid, will lead a discussion on addressing the behavioral responses associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Community Reach Montgomery
Our twice weekly English conversation classes will resume on January 13, 2025. Tutoring will be available for K-5 students while their caregivers participate in class. We are also offering supper for students and high school volunteers! We are hopeful that everyone will return to class, and we are excited to welcome many more participants! Register here: https://forms.gle/n6yZkMfWZPALsYuH6
Josie’s Closet
Josie’s Closet was established to positively impact children experiencing clothing insecurity. We are incredibly grateful for their generous donation of brand-new clothing for 47 of our students! If your child benefitted from the new clothing, please consider writing a thank you note. I will be sure that the notes make it to the ladies at Josie’s closet. I know they will be so happy to hear about the positive impact their work had on our community!
Coat distribution
To date, 80 MHES students have been gifted brand new coats, courtesy of The Villages of Rockville Town Center; families from Rockville Day Care Association; as well as community members throughout the Twinbrook neighborhood. I would like to recognize 1st grade (Wellington) grandparent, Ms. Deidre, who generously donated five super warm coats! We are so lucky to have such a wonderful village among us!
PEP Parenting is coming to MHES!
We will host an 8-week program for parents and caregivers where parents will learn new tools each week; and meet with parents to share ideas and support one another. I am so thrilled for this community building opportunity for our families. Recruitment and registration will begin this month!
Meadow Hall Market - Opening January 2025
We are building a community pantry where families can stop by if there is an emergency need for food. I expect that we will have it up and running twice per week after Winter Break. I would like to express my appreciation for Ms. Asencio (first and second grade parent), Ms. Monterrosa (third grade parent); and Stacey Weng (big sister to MHES 3rd grader) who volunteered their time organizing the pantry shelves! Our pantry will open after winter break!
Jessica Jackson, MSW, LCSW-C
Community School Liaison for Meadow Hall Elementary School
Department of Student Engagement and Behavioral Health
Office of Well-Being and Student Services
Cell: 227-216-1193
IG: @meadowhalles_CSL
Twitter/X: @MHES_CSL
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PTA!
Staff Appreciation Breakfast
We want to thank everyone who was able to support the staff appreciation breakfast. Major thank you to RODA for sponsoring part of the breakfast and donating food items. We appreciate the collective support of our school community to show gratitude to our staff.
Want to get involved in the PTA?
MHES PTA is looking for members to participate on the PTA in various ways.
Next school year we will have 3 open board positions at the end of the school year. Please reach out to any current board member if you want to learn more about the board.
We encourage all families to look at the link below and consider supporting the PTA and getting involved on a committee for the new school year. See the link below:
PTA Committee Volunteer Positions-FY24
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education is a program that gives money to schools for their family’s participation just by purchasing products and scanning the receipt in the Box Tops App. Box Tops earnings are used to fund items for the school and events. If you haven't done so already, Download the Box Tops App on your smartphone using Referral Code WZTM9R7Z. We promise it is a super easy task to get used to. Register and select Meadow Hall as your supporting school. SCAN your receipt with the Box Tops app within 14 days of purchase and EARN cash with every Box Tops product you buy.
Why join the PTA? Among the many, many good reasons, it basically boils down to being a great way to benefit your child, the school, and yourself by being involved in the PTA functions and connecting with other parents and staff. And for those of you who have been members in past years, don’t forget to renew your membership. Memberships are $10 for family and community members (only one membership is needed per family). We are thrilled to get to know everyone and see you all at our meetings and activities!
OTHER MCPS NEWS!
Superintendent’s Releases FY 2026 Recommended Operating Budget
On Dec. 18, MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented the Recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget request to the Board of Education. The request includes multi-year corrective measures MCPS is taking to live up to its legacy of excellence. The district’s needs are extensive and the proposal transparently outlined a plan to address challenges that have built up over time.
Dr. Taylor proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for FY 2026, designed to stabilize the school system and prioritize resources for student learning and school support. The recommendation reflects a “Focus on Fundamentals” approach that targets investments directly to schools, supports student success and addresses structural deficits within the system.
More information on the proposed FY 2026 budget
The Board of Education will now hold public hearings and work sessions on the budget. The timeline:
- Public Hearings: Thursday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
- Work Sessions: Tuesday, Jan. 14, Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
- Board Approval: Tentative adoption of operating budget scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
- Final Adoption: Adjustments based on revenue projections will follow, with final adoption expected Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Resources Presented at the Budget Event
The full Recommended FY 2026 Operating Budget Book will be posted online by Friday, Dec. 20.
New Website Provides Details on Upcoming MCPS Boundary Study
In preparation for the opening of Crown High School, the expansion of Damascus High School and the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School in the 2027-2028 school year, MCPS is conducting a boundary study. This study will help determine new attendance areas and address overcrowding at some schools.
Visit the dedicated website to find detailed information, FAQs and updates on the process. Learn how these changes will impact MCPS students and families.
BOE Seeking Comment for New Policy on Investigations of Allegations of Employee Misconduct
The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking public comment for Policy GCB, Investigation of Allegations of Employee Misconduct, a new policy, developed to comply with the recommendations of the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General to establish the Board’s core principles guiding MCPS investigations of employee misconduct, and the purpose and approach MCPS shall take to investigating misconduct. The policy also emphasizes expectations for employee conduct, currently stated in regulations and the employee handbook.
The policy has been available for comment since Dec. 10, 2024, and the public comment period will remain open through Feb. 3, 2025.
Save A Student Summit Set for Jan. 4
Secondary students are invited to the Save A Student Summit from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, in the Walter Johnson High School auditorium. This event will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the impact of opioid and fentanyl use, train on how to use Narcan in an overdose emergency, receive a Narcan kit, and learn about the winners from the recent Speak Up, Save A Life PSA contest. Students can earn three Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating. RSVP.
Walter Johnson is located at 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda.
Apply for Educational Foundation Student Scholarships and Awards
Calling all seniors! Apply today for the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation’s (MCPSEF) Student Scholarships and Awards. The awards are open to students who are passionate about pursuing educational goals and face opportunity gaps in achieving those goals.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an MCPS senior.
- Graduate with the Class of 2025.
- Plan to pursue education after high school.
Applications are open through Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. For questions, email here or call 240-740-3216.
Schedule An Open House Visit at Maryland Independent Colleges, Universities
Several Maryland independent colleges and universities are opening their doors to prospective students beginning in January. Some are also offering campus tours. Be sure to schedule your open house visit! Among them: Hood College, Loyola University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Mount St. Mary’s University, Stevenson University, Goucher College, Notre Dame University of Maryland, Washington Adventist University and Washington College.
South Asian American Families Invited to Complete Survey by Jan. 31
The Maryland Governor's Commission on South Asian American Affairs is asking families of South Asian descent to complete a survey on their experiences and perspectives on education. This feedback will help the commission develop initiatives and strategies to better support students, families and educators in the South Asian American community.
Families are asked to complete the survey by Friday, Jan. 31.
Francis Scott Key Middle Schooler Combines STEM and Storytelling in Chemistories
Maya Mourshed, a student at Francis Scott Key Middle School, combines her passion for science and storytelling in her debut book, Chemistories. The collection brings elements of the periodic table to life with unique personalities and challenges. A creative writer from a young age, Mourshed has been published by the Society of Young Inklings and is also an illustrator. She is currently working on a new book focused on math. Read more.
KID Museum Offers Programs for MCPS Students and Families
KID Museum is offering a variety of opportunities this winter and spring for students, including after-school programs and holiday break sessions. What’s coming up:
Teen Innovator Program: This free program for middle and high school students provides hands-on maker skills, career exploration and life skills development.
Application Deadline: Friday, Dec. 20. Apply.School’s Out, KID Museum Is Open!: On Dec. 30-31, full-day programs for kindergarten through 8th graders. Register: Dec. 30, Dec. 31.
New After-School Programs: Starting in January, KID Museum will offer a range of after-school classes at its Bethesda Metro Center and Davis Library locations, including:
- Mini Makers (Pre-K)
- Robotics Playground (K-1st Grade)
- Cardboard Engineering (2nd-4th Grade)
- Game Makers Lab (5th-7th Grade)
Register Now: Sign up here.
Some programs have a fee. Financial assistance is available upon request. More information is available on KID Museum’s website.
Stay Connected
VISIT the MCPS homepage.
CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845)
READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.
FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in English and Spanish.
http://twitter.com/mcps
https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd
https://www.instagram.com/mcps_mdhttps://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
https://www.instagram.com/mcpsenespanol/SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.
WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89
Open Registrations
More From MCPS
ParentVUE and other Important Online Resources
Sign Up For ParentVUE to Stay in Touch With Your School
Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account at the beginning of the school year. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom, and more.
ParentVUE provides a way to view school-related information and data for students. Register for athletics, and special programs, communicate with teachers, and verify your student information annually.
ParentVUE also allows access to Canvas/MyMCPSClassroom, a digital learning platform. Parents and guardians can view instructional information and resources, and get alerts about assignments and grades.Sign up for Alert MCPS
Alert MCPS provides emergency information about school closures or emergencies via text or email messages to devices you register. Sign up here.Know These Important System Resources A. GoFan: This online digital ticketing platform offers fast and easy access to tickets for high school events, and allows fans to enter games quickly and safely. For ticketed sports, tickets are no longer sold at the gate and must be purchased online. B. SchoolCash Online: https://www.schoolcashonline.com MCPS has transitioned to this online payment system as its preferred method of payment for all school-related fees. Schools and offices will now use SchoolCash Online for fundraising, field trips, course fees and extracurricular activities. This new payment system is not related to school cafeteria accounts.
MySchoolBucks:Use MySchoolBucks to add school meal money to your child’s account. This will eliminate the need for your child to bring money to school every day. This year, meals (lunch and breakfast) will not be universally free. If your student wants to buy lunch in school, they will need a MySchoolBucks account. Families who believe they qualify for free and reduced-price meals can apply here.
Meadow Hall Principal
Email: Desmond_Mackall2@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260
Twitter: @MHES_Principal
Meadow Hall Assistant Principal
Email: Ilana_N_Simhon@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260
Twitter: @MeadowHallAP