Sligo Weekly Newsletter

This Week:

September 16-20: Outdoor Ed

Save the Date:

September 23: Map R begins

September 27: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (1/2 day)

October 15: Fall Concert

Each week, the “Sligo Spotlight” will showcase the excellent teaching and learning happening within our walls. One teaching highlight and one student highlight will be shared to shine a light on our teachers and students for you- our community members. Please check this link each week for new updates.

During the school week your child’s math teacher may use IXL to reinforce math concepts learned in class, assign practice problems, work together to find solutions and practice MAP-M skill plans.

IXL is an online math program that breaks down the topics that students learn into bite-sized pieces that we call "skills." The skills are matched to Maryland educational standards, the Common Core, and the Illustrative Math curriculum (which is the curriculum that we use at Sligo). The standards are arranged into skill plans so you can easily find IXL learning material that covers what your child is working on.

Your child should be able to access IXL when they log into Google Chrome with their MCPS.net account. Then they should have access to their MCPS Resources folder, which has Clever bookmarked. As long as Google Chrome is installed on the device, they can access the same things as their MCPS Chromebook.

We're excited to announce that after-school activities will begin on Tuesday, September 17th! You can check out the updated list of clubs with established dates and times here. If you have any questions about exact start dates or times, please reach out directly to that club's sponsor. Keep in mind that more clubs will be added throughout the year.

If you're interested in starting a new club, all you need is two friends and a sponsor! We are thrilled to partner with Montgomery County’s Rec Xtra program to offer even more opportunities for our students.

We can't wait to see everyone getting involved!

Attention all 6th grade families attending Outdoor Education Session One!

All students have received reminders about Outdoor Ed each day in their science class this week.

Below, please read some important “Do’s and Don’ts.”

DROP-OFF:

• Students must arrive at school at 9am on the day they depart (Monday for Session 1, Wednesday for Session 2). Students attend school during regular hours when not on the trip.

• Students cannot ride the regular school bus with all of their belongings. Transportation must be pre-arranged to get to school

• Please ensure students have lunch from home with no reusable items (except water bottles) or bags. If you requested a school lunch, that will be provided on-site.

PICK-UP:

• Make sure there is a parent, guardian, or approved emergency contact who picks up your child at 1pm on their return date (Wednesday for Session 1, Friday for Session 2).

• Those picking up a student must show ID.

• Students are not allowed to walk home unless an adult picks them up.

• Students can be picked up by another adult who is not an approved person only with a written note. That adult can bring the note and must show ID.

DO:

• Ensure your student has packed appropriately! Outdoor Ed goes on rain or shine. Students should wear closed-toed athletic shoes. Bedding is not provided. Don’t forget personal hygiene and shower items!

• Check the weather and plan ahead for rain-related items or cold/heat related items, such as water bottle and layers.

• Label all items with your full name.

• We strongly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.

DON’T:

• Panic! Outdoor Ed is a great experience. While it may be a new challenge, students always end the trip wanting more!

• Send your child with any expensive/important items

• Bring any unapproved items, such as snacks, candy, gum, and any electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras. School rules apply at all times on the trip.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Fenton, Ms. Shuchatowitz, or Dr. Redder

Get ready for a great Outdoor Education experience!

If your family requires a Chromebook for home use to complete schoolwork, you can request one by filling out the form at the following link: Chromebook Request. These requests are managed internally by central office and computers will be sent to schools when they are ready. Computers are not required to complete work at home, they are simply an option for families that think it would be beneficial.

To accommodate all families, Student Home Use request flyers are available in both English and Spanish.

We are excited to announce that our school will again participate in the National History Day (NHD) competition this year! NHD is a prestigious academic program that encourages students to explore historical topics of their choice through extensive research and presentation. To ensure this event's success, we need our community's support! We are seeking volunteers to serve as judges for these projects. No specific expertise is required—just an interest in history and a willingness to help our students learn and grow. We will provide all necessary training and materials. See the flyer for more details.

National History Day Request for Volunteers to Judge

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lTqY0k9S4cwgIDBIHLYHeZ9w0SOp7C7D4W2JBV4auxk/edit

Registration for middle school Fall Coed Cross Country, and Boys and Girls Softball Registration is open on the Parent Portal beginning on Aug. 12th. Try-outs begin Sept. 10th.

Students need to be registered and have a current physical on the MCPS Form SR-8, (good for 2 years), and be academically eligible (2.0 GPA) to try-out.

SR-8 forms can be uploaded during the registration process, or turned in to Mr. Endler.

MCPS Athletics Information

• Athletic Registration Video - A quick video for parents/guardians on how to register their students in athletics.
• Pre-participation physical (MCPS Form SR-8)
• Medical Card for Student Athlete (form 560-30)
• ParentVue Guide - A "Quick Guide to ParentVue for Athletics" in English for parents/guardians when registering their students for athletics.
• ParentVue Guide - A "Quick Guide to ParentVue for Athletics" in Spanish for parents/guardians when registering their students for athletics.
• ParentVue Guide - A "How to Guide" for parents/guardians for Getting Started with ParentVUE.pdf
• Care for Kids - A health care program that provides access to health care services for uninsured children in Montgomery County.
• Clinics for Sports Physicals - an annual list released by MCPS Athletics, pricing is subject to change

Personal Mobile Devices (PMD) such as cell phones, tablets, wireless headphones, handheld gaming systems, etc. will not be used during the school day. Students should expect to keep devices out of sight at 8:15, or keep their devices at home. PMDs can be used after school or after-school activities. Parents will be asked to pick up devices used during the school day.

Parents and caregivers, we appreciate your support in helping our students stay engaged in learning. If you need to send a message to your child during school hours, please contact the main office at (301) 287-8890. We are happy to relay messages to students during non-instructional times.

Below are useful parent resources about kids and personal mobile devices.

• Away for the Day
• About Screenagers
• Internet Addiction