Principal's Message
Dear MHES families and staff,
This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school on Monday, February 17, 2025, as we recognize Presidents' Day. We hope you enjoy the long weekend and take some time to rest and recharge!
We also want to invite you to join us for a fun-filled evening at our Annual MHES Ice Skating Party on Friday, February 21, 2025! This is always a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together, enjoy some winter fun, and create lasting memories. We hope to see many of our Meadow Hall families there! For more details and to register, please check the link in the newsletter below. Looking forward to a fantastic time on the ice!
Please see the information below for the week of February 17, 2025.
Desmond Mackall
Principal
Meadow Hall ES
IMPORTANT DATES:
This is A Week Schedule: Grades K-2- Media Lessons; Gr. 3-5- Counseling Lessons
February
21- MHES Annual Ice Skating Party (5-7pm)
25- Growth and Achievement Awards Qtr. 2
26- All Yearbook Cover Submissions are Due (See below)
27-MHES Read-A-Thon Begins
28- MHES New Family Orientation (see below)
MHES gears up for Read-A-Thon in celebration of Read Across America Week!!
The Read-A-Thon is returning to Meadow Hall this year! This fun two-week event invites students to track their reading minutes on a calendar. Students will submit their calendars on Wednesdays and Fridays, and we’ll tally up the totals. Our school-wide goal is to reach a certain number of minutes, with exciting prizes like a dance party at recess. There will also be grade-level winners and individual winners for the most minutes read.
A few important rules to remember: All reading must be done at home, and parents need to initial their child’s calendar each week. I will be talking to students about the Read-A-Thon in the Media Center, starting next week with grades K-2, followed by grades 3-5 the following week.
Read-A-Thon packets will be sent home with students on Thursday, February 27. If you'd like to preview the materials, click here.
The event officially kicks off on Monday, March 3, with Books for Breakfast. This is a special pre-school event where students and their families can join us in the school cafeteria from 8:15-8:45 for donuts and books. Students who attend will receive 60 free minutes for their calendar!
In honor of Read Across America Week and to launch the Read-A-Thon, we’ll also be hosting a spirit week! Keep an eye out for flyers with more details in the coming weeks.
Meadow Hall's Yearbook Cover Competition has started!
This year’s theme is: COMICS!
It must say Meadow Hall 2024-2025 on it.
Other Ideas:
· Any of your favorite (appropriate!) comics!
· A mustang or a High Five
· Anything that shows how much you love Meadow Hall!
Rules:
- Use a regular-sized white piece of paper (NO lined paper!).
- It also must be vertical!
- Correct spelling only!
- Make sure your name and your teacher’s name is on the back!
Turn it in to Ms. Hellman NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26TH!
Your design could be picked to be this year’s cover! First place winner gets a free yearbook!
Questions?
Mrs. Fensterstock- Katherine_Fensterstock@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Hellman- Rachel_B_Hellman@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Umbel- Lorin_E_Umbel@mcpsmd.org
Counseling Corner Updates
A Word from Mrs. Jackson: Community School Liaison!
COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPDATES
New Family Orientation
On February 28, 2025, at 9 AM, families of students who enrolled at Meadow Hall between November and February will be invited to participate in a New Family Orientation. Caregivers will meet with our Reading Specialist, Math Focus Teacher, Community School Liaison, and a representative from our English Language Development Department. They will then be offered an opportunity to tour our school! If your student is not new, but you would also like to participate please RSVP here
Kids for Kids Fund
Ms. Smith and I are partnering to run an exciting program new to Meadow Hall! Kids for Kids Fun meets once a week for 8-week during 5th grade lunch. The students in the group will learn all about what it means to be a philanthropist and put what they have learned into action by identifying a local kid-focused organization to win $1,000 to support its work!
Girls On The Run
GOTR is returning to Meadow Hall this Spring and we are so very excited! I will serve as head coach, and will be supported by Ms. Meyer, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Hermans! We will meet on Monday and Wednesday 3:30-4:45 PM starting on March 24th.
The cost of the program is $180.50; however, financial aid is available and is included in the registration process. Registration opened on February 11, 2025. Register here!
Parent Academy TO GO continues through March!
Parent Academy TO GO has some exciting workshops scheduled for February and March. They cover parenting topics across all developmental levels. A list of workshops and registration information can be found here.
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
MHES Ice Skating Party
Please join us Friday, February 21st from 5-7PM for an evening of Ice Skating and fun at the Rockville Ice Arena (50 Southlawn Court, Rockville MD 20850).
Discounted tickets are available for purchase online through February 19th for $13.00 a ticket. Ticket price includes skate rental. Tickets can be purchased at https://form.jotform.com/250326909056155
Scholarships will be available on a limited basis. Please consider donating to this fund when registering so that all of our students can participate. Donations can be tax-deductible.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, but they cost $15.00. We can accept cash, check, or paypal.
If you don't know how to skate, no worries, push skate helpers are available.
Come early and enjoy some delicious food before skating at the on-site restaurant the Village Grill, or just stop by to purchase drinks and snacks. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to our PTA.
For questions or scholarships, contact Emily Quaglieri at Quaglieri.Emily@gmail.com
Hope to see you there and remember to dress warmly!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PTA!
Ice Skating Party
Please join us Friday, February 21st from 5-7PM for an evening of Ice Skating and fun at the Rockville Ice Arena (50 Southlawn Court, Rockville MD 20850). Hope to see you there and remember to dress warmly!!
- Purchase tickets online February 19th for $13.00 a ticket at https://form.jotform.com/250326909056155. Ticket price includes skate rental.
- Tickets can be purchased at the door, for $15.00. We can accept cash, check, or paypal.
- Scholarships will be available on a limited basis. Please consider donating to this fund when registering so that all of our students can participate. Donations can be tax-deductible. Please reach out to Emily Quaglieri at Quaglieri.Emily@gmail.com for questions about scholarships
- Any food purchases at the on-site restaurant/snack stand will donate 10% of the proceeds to our PTA.
- If you don't know how to skate, no worries, push skate helpers are available.
Thank you to all those who attended the February's PTA meeting. PTA meeting notes can be found here: https://www.mhespta.org/board/meeting-minutes.
Volunteer Opportunities
The PTA has some key volunteer opportunities that will open up at the end of this school year. Please contact any of the board members if you are interested in learning more about one of these positions.
- Vice President -- MHES PTA has two Vice Presidents on the board and one of the positions will be open at the end of the year. Please consider taking on this role to help make next year's PTA events and activities amazing!
- Secretary -- MHES PTA will need a Secretary at the end of the year. If you can take notes and send emails this is the spot for you!
- Book Fair Team -- MHES PTA is trying to establish a Book Fair team to organize next year's book fair. This is a great fundraiser for the school. We have some volunteers and need a few more so that we can have the book fair thrive!
Thank you for your constant support of the PTA and the school community! We are so grateful to you all!
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!
Celebrating Black History Month: A Spotlight on Brenda Wolff
MCPS is proud to honor Black History Month with its celebration and recognition of Black history, culture and achievement. Throughout February, students, staff and the community will engage in meaningful activities that highlight the contributions of Black leaders. Don’t miss this Q&A with Brenda Wolff, a dedicated member of the Board of Education representing District 5, as part of this month’s celebration. Read the profile.
Nominations Open for R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award
Nominations are now open for the MCPS Department of Athletics’ R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award, given to an individual who exemplifies the R.A.I.S.E. core values in a leadership role for the 2024–2025 school year. All MCPS athletics specialists, athletic coordinators, coaches, sport directors, district representatives, student-athletes, athletic trainers and other stakeholders are eligible. The nomination deadline is noon on Friday, Feb. 28.
R.A.I.S.E. Champion of the Year Award Nomination Form
Save the Date: Family Forum Set for March 1
In partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery Goes Purple, MCPS is hosting a Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Family Forum from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 1 at Gaithersburg High School. It is free and open to all MCPS families, staff and community members. Workshops will be held in English and Spanish. Secondary students will receive four Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending.
Attendees will learn about the dangers of fentanyl, alcohol and other substances; information to keep students safe; school and community-based substance use prevention; and harm reduction and treatment initiatives. Narcan training will also be provided. Details will be posted on the event website.
Breakfast will be provided. RSVP.
Gaithersburg High School is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg.
Literacy Curriculum Nights Scheduled
The Elementary and Secondary Literacy teams are hosting three Curriculum Nights to introduce families to the new elementary literacy curriculum, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), and to discuss how to support your child in reading as they transition from elementary school (Grade 5) to middle school (Grade 6).
Two sessions will be held in person—Tuesday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, March 5—and the third will be virtual. The same information will be presented at all three sessions. Details are below:
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Kingsview Middle School, 18909 Kingsview Road, GermantownWednesday, March 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
John F. Kennedy High School, 1901 Randolph Road, WheatonThursday, March 6, Virtual session via Zoom, 6:30-8:10 p.m.
RSVP.
Literacy Curriculum Nights, 2025
Student Opportunities
LEAAP Scholarships: The League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) of MCPS is offering $3,000 scholarships to graduating MCPS Asian and Pacific American high school seniors and plan to major in the field of education. More information
The deadline is Tuesday, April 1.
LEAPP Scholarship Flyer 2025
Keeping It Safe Video Contest: The Montgomery County Keeping It Safe Coalition for Under 21 Alcohol Prevention is inviting middle and high school student teams to submit a 30-second video on one of the following topics:
- Standing Your Ground: Fighting Peer Pressure from Friends to Drink
- How Does Social Media Affect Under-21 Alcohol Use
- Dangers of Under-21 Alcohol Consumption
Students can win cash prizes and earn five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. Entries are due Sunday, March 23. More information
RespectFest: Save March 30–April 6 on your calendars for middle and school students, and their parents to learn about healthy relationships, dating violence prevention and consent, and resources in the community. This event will offer virtual workshops and an in-person festival at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. Learn more and subscribe for more info.
The Matt Papirmeister Award: Youth Art for Healing created two $3,000 scholarships for student artists who are creating, giving and doing good in their community. Winners' paintings are installed in a healthcare partner's hospital or clinic setting to provide comfort, inspiration, and healing for patients and their loved ones, healthcare staff, and all who view their works of art. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Apply.
FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove, this event is open to all high school seniors and their parents. Spanish interpreters will be available. If you would like individual assistance with the FAFSA or MHEC One application, sign up for an appointment. Walk-ins can also be accommodated. This event is happening concurrently with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair, open to students in Grades 8-12 and their parents. More information
Model Railroading Scholarship: The Rockville Model Railroad Society (RMRS) is awarding a $2,500 scholarship to a graduating senior active in model railroading and pursuing a degree in one of the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Math). Apply by Wednesday, April 30.
COSA Transfer Season Closes on April 1
The MCPS 2025-2026 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season will close on Tuesday, April 1. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school.
Students are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or are assigned based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Learn more about the criteria.
Requests submitted after April 1 will not be considered unless there was a recent move or an emergency event that could not have been foreseen prior to April 1.
All COSA requests must be submitted online through ParentVue in Synergy.
Detailed information related to the COSA process can be found in the 2025-2026 COSA information booklet. Other languages:
Spanish | 中文 | français | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ | Portuguese
For questions, call the Division of Pupil Personnel and Attendance Services at 240-740-5620.
Good News
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School music department has won an Exemplary Music Program Award from the Maryland Music Educators Association. The school has about 400 students participating in a variety of music classes, including guitar, piano and music technology classes and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Music. The school has three bands, three orchestras, jazz and percussion ensembles and two choirs. Read more.
Students from nine middle and high schools performed during the 11th annual MCPS Dance Showcase held at James Hubert Blake High School. Check out the photo gallery.
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