The Wolf Howl

Watkins Mill families,

I want to thank you for your outstanding participation in the parent-teacher conferences last month. We value our partnership with you and look forward to a continued relationship with you throughout the remainder of the school year.

There are so many ways that you can be engaged in your child’s education – Here are some ideas:

• Make it known that you value education and it is a priority.
• Talk with your child daily about their school day, homework assignments, and activities.
• Find volunteer opportunities at our school – in the classroom, media center, field trip chaperone, etc.
• Visit our school’s website for school activities and events.

Staying in Touch with MCPS

Winter weather is coming soon. MCPS offers numerous ways for parents to learn about school closures, delayed openings, and early dismissals due to inclement weather. Sign up for AlertMCPS and receive text messages or e-mails from MCPS during weather-related emergencies and other major events that impact school system operations. Parents can also sign up to receive alerts specific to their child’s school by visiting www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/alertmcps.aspx.

Student Safety

The safety of our students is a top priority and we appreciate your cooperation! Please be reminded of our safety procedures.

• Please do NOT drop students off at school before 8:40 AM.
• Please do NOT attempt to drop off students on neighboring streets from across, behind, or next to the school, as it is dangerous.
• Please utilize the car loop lane when dropping off students by pulling up all the way to the end of the car loop lane.

At Watkins Mill Elementary, we are especially thankful for our students, their families, and our staff members, all of whom play an essential role in shaping our school community. Thank you for your continued support.

Scholastic Book Fair

Monday, December 2-Friday, December 6

Make-Up & Sibling Picture Day

Monday, December 2

PTA Meeting (In-Person)

Tuesday, December 3 @ 6:30pm

5th Grade Smith Center Field Trips

Tuesday, December 3-Wednesday, December 4

Family Market Day

Tuesday, December 10 @ 4pm

Parent Cafe (Virtual)

Thursday, December 12 @ 7pm

https://tinyurl.com/363t9n3z

Quarter 2 Virtual Bedtime Stories

Thursday, December 19 @ 7pm

https://tinyurl.com/363t9n3z

No School

Monday, December 23-Wednesday, January 1

Virtual Bedtime Stories are back at WMES this year! Each quarter, we will have a Virtual Bedtime Stories event on Zoom to bring our school community together and celebrate the joy of reading! On Thursday, December 19 starting at 7pm, join us online to listen to Mrs. Simon read a bedtime story! See attached flyer for more details. Here is the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/363t9n3z

Join us virtually for our Quarter 2 Parent Cafe to learn more about our new reading and writing curriculum, CKLA! Hear from our reading specialist about the program and break into groups to learn more about how you can help at home based on your students’ grade level. The meeting will be virtual starting at 7pm on Thursday, December 12. Use the following link to join: https://tinyurl.com/363t9n3z. See attached flyer for more details!

Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves, and fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits—including academic success and improved mental health.

*Students who participated in Book Previews this week at the Book Fair brought home a price sheet for the books they selected with tax included*

For more information, check out our school’s Book Fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/watkinsmillelemschool1

Here’s everything you need to know about the Book Fair:

• Dates: December 2nd – December 6th

• Location: Watkins Mill Elementary School Media Center

• Family Event schedule and location: Monday, November 25th, 2024 and Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 from 1:30-3:30 in the Media Center

Attendance matters! We are working hard to make sure we are coming to school on time each and every day at WMES! If your child is sick, please be sure to send in a note and report student absence form on our website.

Each day, the grade level with the highest percentage of students present (unexcused absences do not count) get to move forward in the race! The first grade level to reach the finish line gets a special reward!

Our next Family Market Day is on Tuesday, December 10 starting at 4:00pm. Please bring your own bags or boxes, all items will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. As a reminder, there is NO PARKING anywhere on school campus that is not in an available parking space.

Membership Form (English)

Membership Form (Spanish)

Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account. 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 Quick Guides: English / español

Couldn't make it? Don't worry! Click below to view the presentation with information on Title I, Attendance, Restorative Justice Practices, upcoming events, reminders, and more!

• 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_md

• https://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

Prekindergarten and Head Start Registration Open for Income-Eligible Families

• School calendar
• Parent resource page
• News and Information page/Noticias en Español
• Latest photo galleries
• MCPS TV videos
• MCPS TV español

Dear MCPS families,

I am writing to share my concern and some resources regarding the increased rhetoric and rising anxieties in our community due to the national conversation surrounding immigration and deportation efforts promised by the incoming federal administration. I want to acknowledge that this is not just a policy debate; for many, it is deeply personal, creating uncertainty and fear about the future.

To all of our families, please know this: you are part of the MCPS family. Our schools are and will always remain safe places where every child—regardless of immigration status—is welcomed, valued, affirmed, validated, respected, and loved. We want every student to be proud of who they are, and we celebrate the many cultures in our community. Your family is always welcome in our schools, and together, we make MCPS stronger.

Making our schools safe and welcoming for every student and family is some of the most important work we do because it helps create great learning experiences. When challenges arise, they provide valuable opportunities for us to reflect, learn, grow, and improve.

To provide clarity and reassurance, here are some important reminders that reflect our values of safety, inclusion, and respect for every student and family in our community:

• Schools Are Safe Spaces: Schools are places where students should feel secure, supported, and free to focus on their learning. Federal guidance recognizes schools as sensitive areas, meaning that enforcement actions by immigration authorities are generally not permitted in schools or on school grounds.

• Access to Education Is a Right: Education is a fundamental right, guaranteed to all children regardless of immigration status. The U.S. Constitution and the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a public school setting, emphasizing our commitment to equity and access for all.

• MCPS Does Not Ask About Immigration Status: Every family deserves respect and privacy. MCPS does not ask about immigration status or report family information to immigration authorities. Additionally, Montgomery County police do not enforce federal immigration laws. These practices help create a welcoming environment for all families.

• Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Bullying: We are committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and safety. MCPS does not tolerate bullying, harassment, or intimidation for any reason, including immigration status. If a student experiences such behavior, they are encouraged to notify a trusted adult, such as a school administrator.

It is also important to stay connected with your child’s school. We want to make sure we can reach you quickly in emergencies or to share important updates. Your contact information is private, will not be shared, and is only used to support your child’s safety. This information can be updated in ParentVUE or via this form.

We encourage all students to come to school, join activities, and spend time with friends without fear. You are an important part of our community, and we are here to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

If you or your child have concerns or need support, please reach out to your school staff. Together, we will ensure that MCPS remains a welcoming and safe place for all families.

Thank you for your trust.

Sincerely,

Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D., M.B.A.
Superintendent
Montgomery County Public Schools

Additional Resources

• Montgomery County Public Schools International Enrollment and Admissions Office

• Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center

• Community Guide for Immigrant Residents of Montgomery County (Translation: Spanish)

• Quick Start Guide for Immigrants in Montgomery County (Translations: Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese)

If your student(s) would benefit from having a use of an MCPS Chromebook device for home use during the school year, you can request a home device HERE.

*Requesting the device implies consent of use in accordance with MCPS policy (IGT-RA) and acknowledgement that the Chromebook, software, and issued peripherals are owned by MCPS.

Take advantage of virtual Parent Academy sessions this winter to stay informed and empowered as a partner and advocate for your student’s education. Parent Academy TO GO workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready.

Visit the parent academy website for a full schedule and to register.

SchoolCash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees. Now, with a few clicks, you can pay for your child’s yearbook, class trips and so much more from your own home. All you have to do is register an account, attach your children and in no time you will be able to make payments online.

Click here to view instructions in English

Click here to view instructions in Spanish

This resource guide provides contact information to support students and families in need of community resources. Additionally, it may be used to provide resources for suspended students and students suspected of being involved in gang activity, meeting the related COMAR requirements. School staff may refer students and their families to any of these services, as needed.

Stay up to date monthly on classes, programs and events

Register Online Today!

November 29 - December 31, 2024
(closed December 25)

The City’s Winter Lights Festival returns with a stunning display at Seneca Creek State Park, open nightly from November 29 through December 31. The festival is closed on December 25. The 3.5-mile drive through the park features over 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees. Seneca Creek State Park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, conveniently accessible from I-270.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program helps underserved children throughout the United States to experience the joy of Christmas. Come enjoy a holiday orchestral performance featuring the Montgomery Village Community Band and bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Admission is free, and complimentary refreshments will be available.

Join Santa and the Montgomery Village Community Band at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The tree is located adjacent to the Montgomery Village Center on Montgomery Village Avenue, between the parking lot and CVS. Bring your family and friends and revel in the holiday spirit with music, hot cocoa and complimentary treats.

Mrs. Brooke Simon, Principal

Ms. Alejandra Olavarrieta, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Frances Avila-Miller, Assistant School Administrator

Email: Chelsea_J_Aceves@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/watkinsmilles/
Location: 19001 Watkins Mill Road, Montgomery Village, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-5280
Facebook: facebook.com/WMESCommunity
Twitter: @WMESCommunity

• Call: 240-740-3000
  Provides answers to community questions in English and Spanish from 7:30 a.m.
  to 4:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays

• E-mail: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

• Visit: Department of Family and Community Partnerships (DFCP) at 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850