Paw Print #25

February 17: Presidents' Day Holiday (Schools and offices are closed)

February 28: PTSO 7th grade dance (2:45-4:30)

St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is encouraging all parent(s)/guardian(s) to please take the time to access and complete the online Impact Aid form located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started.

Our schools are heavily impacted by federally connected students. Federally connected students are those students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active-duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility.

All collected information is confidential and used solely for Impact Aid purposes. The Impact Aid grant application provides only demographic information on the numbers and locations of federally connected students attending our schools.

Impact Aid surveys will be digitally collected for this school year. Families who cannot complete the digital survey can either contact their child’s school for a paper copy or a blank form can be downloaded from HERE or from any SMCPS individual school website.

Families will be asked to voluntarily provide various pieces of information; for instance, information such as workplace employment will be requested. Specifically, the following two employment addresses will be requested:

1. the address for the employer; and

2. the address of the Federal Property where their physical work address is located.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) that are on active duty in the Reserves or National Guard, will need to either upload a copy of their active-duty orders or provide their supervisor’s contact information. (* all information on the service member’s orders can be blackened out, except for name, rank, branch of service, and Title Number “USC Title 10” or “USC Title 32”).

Your cooperation in completing the survey is greatly appreciated. The more surveys that are submitted, the greater amount of funds will be available to our students in St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your student’s school.

Good afternoon, Principals,

During the month of March, each High School will be hosting a Rising Freshman Orientation Night, which is intended for eighth-grade students who are about to transition into high school. Families are encouraged to visit the following website smcps.org/rfon for more detailed information regarding this event.

All events begin at 6pm

3/3 - LHS

3/4 - CHS

3/6 - GMHS

3/10 - Snow date

The CHS marching band and student government are hosting an indoor yard sale. Please click on the link below for more information.

CHS Yard Sale

The PTSO members are parents, teachers and students who are dedicated to promoting the education and welfare of our children. We highly encourage everyone to join our PTSO to show their support. As a member you are welcome to attend all meetings & functions; however, your membership does not require you to participate in these functions. The membership fee is $10. If interested in joining, you may email us at mbmspanthersptso@gmail.com!

Make sure you follow us on Facebook (Margaret Brent Middle School PTSO) to stay up to date on fundraisers and other events.

Events to look forward to this school year:

PTSO General Meetings

(all meetings are at 2:45pm in the Media Center)

- Wednesday, February 19

- Wednesday, May 14

Dances

- 7th Grade (February 28) - NEW DATE

- 8th Grade (May 16)

Dodgeball Tournament

- Thursday, March 13 at Chopticon High School

Spirit Nights

- Saturday, 2/8/2025- Calvert Kettle Corn - All Day

- Wednesday, 3/12/25 - Mod Pizza, California, MD - All Day

- Wednesday, 4/16/25 - Chipotle, Charlotte Hall, MD - 5-9pm

Ongoing Fundraisers

- Croc Charms/key chains

- MBMS Magnets

Ongoing Fundraisers:

Croc Charms & Magnets

- First come, First serve – limited quantity available. Orders will be delivered to students during homeroom as orders are placed. Order Forms attached.

Gift Card Fundraiser

- Need a last minute gift or just want an easy way to support the PTSO? Look no further. Purchase your gift cards through us. Parents will purchase the gift cards to use themselves when they shop. Go to this link and enter the enrollment code JJCJE4A6X9H9.