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Rocket Weekly for Staff

April 27th - May 1st

Rocket Weeklyfor StaffApril 27th - May 1st

Dear RES Staff,


We're heading into Week 3 and the bumps are settling as we develop routines and structures for our school kiddos, our families, and ourselves! I am so fortunate to be on this winding and curving journey, with no clear end in sight, with such amazing people!


Everyone has done a fabulous job and the feedback I've received from families has been very positive regarding your interactions and support!


As we venture into our third week of tele-instruction, there will continue to be bumps. Just know that working together, as a school family, we will get through all of these bumps as we continue to adjust to the "new norms" in being educators.


This is what I know in my heart... we've STILL got this!!!!!

Week at a glance

Below are links to regularly scheduled Meetings and Central Office Resources


PLEASE NOTE: Supervisors will be scheduling meetings as needed. Please be sure to check for calendar invites and the Online Learning Playbook Site for scheduled meetings.


All PLC and Meeting Agendas will be posted by 8am on the day of the meeting.

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Monday, April 27th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


9:00am - 10:00pm School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings


10:00am - 10:30am Kindergarten PLC Meeting


2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting


3:15pm - 3:45pm Para Team Meeting


3:45pm - 4:15pm MTSS Tier 1 Team Meeting

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Tuesday, April 28th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


9:00am - 9:30am 1st Grade PLC Meeting


9:30am - 10:00am 2nd Grade PLC Meeting


10:00am - 10:30am Specialists PLC Meeting


12:00pm - 12:30pm OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: IM PK - 2nd Getting Started


1:00pm - 1:30pm Special Education Imagine Math Q&A Zoom Session


1:30pm Special Education Para ZOOM on Module 1

  • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
  • ID: 989 3950 6584
  • Password 46W378


2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


2:30pm - 3:15pm 5th Grade EOY Planning Meeting

  • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
  • Click here for the agenda


3:15pm - 4:15pm Special Education PLC Meeting

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Wednesday, April 29th

8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Zoom Meeting


    9:00am - 9:30am IMT Meeting


    9:30am - 10:00am School-Wide Staff Meeting


    10:00am - 10:30am OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: IM Custom Pathways


    10:30am - 11:15 am OPTIONAL SMCPS Q&A Creating and Assigning Playlists for Students with Disabilities on Imagine Language and Literacy (Grades 3-5)

    • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
    • Meeting ID: 960 7045 7420
    • Password: 893922


    11:00am - 11:30am OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: ILL Teacher Resources


    2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


    2:00pm - 2:30pm OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: IM Grades 3rd - 5th Offline Resources


    2:00pm - 2:45pm OPTIONAL SMCPS Q&A Creating and Assigning Playlists for Students with Disabilities on Imagine Language and Literacy (Grades 3-5)

    • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
    • Meeting ID: 994 0585 5007
    • Password: 705906


    2:30pm - 3:15pm Pre-K PLC Meeting


    3:15pm - 3:45pm 3rd Grade PLC Meeting


    3:45pm - 4:15pm 4th Grade PLC Meeting

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    Thursday, April 30th

    8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Meeting


      10:00am - 10:30am Special Education PLC Meeting


      11:00am - 11:30am OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: ILL Reports


      12:00pm - 12:30pm OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: IM PK - 2nd Getting Started


      2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting


      2:00pm - 2:45pm OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: IM 3rd - 5th Getting Started


      2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting


      3:00pm - 3:45pm OPTIONAL PD with Carissa Martin: ILL Getting Started


      3:15pm - 3:45pm 5th Grade PLC Meeting


      3:45pm - 4:15pm Collaborative Planning (Optional) - Teacher Directed

      • Contact Mrs. Batelka if you would like her to set up a Zoom Break-Out Session to include multiple staff members
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      Friday, May 1st

      8:30am - 9:00am Office/Admin Meeting


        9:00am - 10:00am MTSS Tier 2 Team Meeting

        • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
        • Click here for the agenda - None available for today's meeting.


        10:0am Special Education Para ZOOM on Module 2

        • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
        • ID: 913 3061 5568
        • Password yYQ5Nv


        2:00pm - 2:30pm Office/Admin Meeting


        2:30pm - 3:14pm Para Team Meeting

        • Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
        • Click here for the agenda


        3:15pm - 4:15pm School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings


        4:30pm Staff Zoom Gathering (Optional)

        upcoming events for next week

        DUE DATES

        Click here for an overview of all Links to Visit Daily.

        Monday, April 27th

        Send Weekly Usage and Progress Email to individual families. Click here for RES Guidance Documents and click here for RES Staff shared resources.


        Complete Instructional Staff Survey if you have not already done so. This survey closes at the end of the day on Monday, April 27th. Click here for the survey.


        Complete Character Education Nominations - Click here. This is due by Wednesday, April 29th.


        Complete the American Legion 5th Grade Award Nominations - Click here. This is due by Friday, May 1st.


        Submit names of students if parents request print resources.


        Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.

        Assign Math Custom Pathways Set 2 (Grades 3rd - 5th) or the week of April 27th - May 15th if this has not been completed for students in 3rd - 5th.


        Assign Math Custom Pathways (Grades 3rd - 5th) as needed. Exception: Special Education students unless suggestions have been provided by Mrs. Vanderwest.


        Assign ILL Custom Playlists (Grades 3rd - 5th) for the week of April 27th if this has not been completed for students in 3rd - 5th.

        Imagine Learning Language & Literacy Target (ILL Grades 3rd - 5th) for this week: Creating and Assigning Playlists for Students with Disabilities in ILL (Grades - 5). Click here to Access the PD for the Week of April 27th.


        3rd through 5th Grade ILL Classroom Teachers and Special Education Staff


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.

        Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

        Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

        Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.

        OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 1: Science & Engineering Practices

        • Click here to access the Site
        • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

        Tuesday, April 28th

        Complete Character Education Nominations - Click here. This is due by Wednesday, April 29th.


        Complete the American Legion 5th Grade Award Nominations - Click here. This is due by Friday, May 1st.


        Assign Math Custom Pathways (Grades 3rd - 5th) as needed. Exception: Special Education students unless suggestions have been provided by Mrs. Vanderwest.


        Submit names of students if parents request print resources


        Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.

        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.

        Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

        Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

        Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.

        OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 1: Science & Engineering Practices

        • Click here to access the Site
        • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

        Wednesday, April 29th

        Complete Character Education Nominations - Click here. This is due today Wednesday, April 29th.


        Complete the American Legion 5th Grade Award Nominations - Click here. This is due by Friday, May 1st.


        Submit names of students if parents request print resources


        Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.

        Special Education Intermediate Staff - Suggestions for Custom Pathways in IM due to classroom teachers.


        Imagine Learning Language & Literacy Target (ILL Grades 3rd - 5th) for this week: Creating and Assigning Playlists for Students with Disabilities in ILL (Grades - 5). Click here to Access the PD for the Week of April 27th.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.

        Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

        Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

        Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.

        OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 1: Science & Engineering Practices

        • Click here to access the Site
        • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

        Thursday, April 30th

        Complete the American Legion 5th Grade Award Nominations - Click here. This is due by Friday, May 1st.


        Assign Math Custom Pathways (Grades 3rd - 5th) as needed for all students.


        Submit names of students if parents request print resources.


        Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.

        Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

        Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

        Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.

        OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 1: Science & Engineering Practices

        • Click here to access the Site
        • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

        Friday, May 1st

        Complete the American Legion 5th Grade Award Nominations - Click here. This is due today, Friday, May 1st.


        Assign Math Custom Pathways (Grades 3rd - 5th) as needed for all students.


        Submit names of students if parents request print resources.


        Confirm receipt for any print packets that have not been confirmed. Click here to review the spreadsheet.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy.


        Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math.

        Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families.

        Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers).

        Update Special Education Contact Log as needed.

        OPTIONAL NGSS 101: Dimension 1: Science & Engineering Practices

        • Click here to access the Site
        • NGSS 101 is a self-paced, optional opportunity to learn more about the NGSS

        On-Line Instruction & Teleworking Documents/Resources

        A "new" folder to go along with our "new" school norm has been added to the RES Staff Folder SY2019-2020.
        • This folder houses all RES internal documents as well as some documents from Central Office.
        • Click here to access the Folder.
        • Click here to share resources with your peers! This folder is housed in the "On-Line Instruction and Teleworking" Folder located within our RES Staff Folder SY 2019-2020.

        Central Location for Questions/Concerns

        In an effort to have one location for questions and issues that will undoubtedly arise, we will be using “Padlet” to house all questions/issues.


        As several different staff members have varied roles of support during this time of school closure, this will provide us with a means of tracking questions and issues.


        Also, as many of you may have similar questions or issues, it will be an internal resource for all of us to support one another.


        Please click here to access the RES Q&A and School Communication Process Document.


        Click here to access our RES padlet.

        Technology Supports

        Please click here if you are in need of Technology Support.


        Topics covered are:

        • Login or access issues to platforms in Clever - Please submit an individual ticket for each student and include the student's ID number when submitting an issue specific to Imagine Learning Language & Literacy and Imagine Math.
        • Screencasting guidance
        • Zoom guidance
        • Google Calendar
        • Google Hangouts/Meet
        • Google Drive or other Google Apps
        • Hardware issue with SMCPS issued laptop/device
        • "Other" - will need to clarify


        Click here for the Distance Learning Support Guidance Sheet - Troubleshooting Flowchart

        Professional Development Supports

        Please click here if you are in need of Professional Development.


        Topics covered are:

        • Imagine Learning Math
        • Imagine Language & Literacy
        • Google Classroom
        • Google Apps
        • "Other" - will need to clarify

        Counseling Supports

        Mrs. Cox is available and willing to speak with any parent/guardian who voices concern, worry or anxiety about themselves or their kiddo(s). She is available and able to provide strategies, lessons, social stories and suggestions to help parents/guardians and students through this difficult time.


        The counselors have resources along with knowledge of therapists/counselors who are making themselves available for our families and students.


        Although counselors may not provide direct counseling services, it is very important for us to be aware and vigilant of services our families and students may need.


        This is a tough time for all of us and some do not know where to turn.


        Included in Clever, is a Distance Learning Counseling Lessons folder which includes lessons for all students. Lessons are arranged in folders. Each folder includes lessons arranged by ages and topics.

        Staff Schedules and Office Hours

        Click here to assess the RES Instructional Staff Daily Schedule March 30th - April 24th.

        Building Safety and Social Distancing Reminders

        Building access continues to be limited to only school administrators to complete essential duties.


        Ms. Jones and Mrs. Mills will be conducting periodic safety checks during this period of time.

        Parent/Student Communication

        RES Plan to Engage All Students/Families


        Staff may call parents using Google Hangout (general education) and Google Voice (special education)

        • Click here to access the directions.
        • Staff are to use their SMCPS issued device.
        • This is for staff to speak directly with parents.
        • If a parent does not answer, you can leave a message indicating that are calling from your computer, which is why there is no caller ID, and that you will try them again on XXX at XXX time.
        • This document is housed in the Parent Communication Folder.


        A Google Folder for documentation with families has been created.
        • Click here to access the folder
        • Individual folders have been set up for all classroom staff with a Google Sheet to document parent contacts. All contacts regarding not accessing on-line instructional activities for ELA/Math need to be documented on this sheet.
        • Individual folders for Specialists have been created and class-rosters will be available for them to record parent contacts, as needed, by 8am on Tuesday, April 14th.


        All staff will be in regular communication with students/families via email.

        • RES Staff will be available via email to answer and respond to any questions parents/guardians or students may have during office hours.
        • Although Staff may be available outside of these times, depending upon their schedules, please be aware that responses to any communications received outside of these hours may be delayed.


        Staff may also communicate directly with parents/guardians via ClassDo.


        A ZOOM Meeting, scheduled by Mrs. Batelka, may occur if a parent conference is needed.

        • Staff need to touch base with Mrs. Batelka if a staff member believes a ZOOM Parent Conference is needed.
        • If approved by Mrs. Batelka, the staff member needs parental consent to participate in a ZOOM Parent Conference.
        • If parent consent is received, Mrs. Batelka will schedule the ZOOM Parent Conference.
        • For all ZOOM Parent Conferences, staff may want to consider adjusting their video to have one of the pre-set virtual backgrounds.


        Staff may not "ZOOM" or "video-chat" with students.


        Staff may post video "messages" on ClassDoJo that a parent/guardian may share with his/her child. Please remember, the "messages" are not opportunities for direct instruction."

        Students requiring print resources and monitoring work process

        Each school has been tasked with developing a process for students requiring print resources.


        Click here to access the RES Process for Print Resources and Parent Communication.


        If a parent reaches out to you, please document that student under the "Staff Reporting" Tab.


        If students do not access the on-line instructional program, or respond to your attempt to contact them, it will be assumed they do not have access. Therefore we will need to work together to provide them access to the print resources.


        On-going: Update spread spread sheet with contacts for students not accessing the on-line instructional programs

        ridge elementary school relay for life team

        This year's event has been cancelled.


        All proceeds raised thus far will transfer to next year's event.


        An October event is being planned to recognize the efforts of our Relay for Life Teams across the county.


        Individuals are still able to join our team - Click here!


        Stay tuned for upcoming news!

        Central Office Updates and Informational Items

        Online Learning Playbook

        Please check the site daily for updates, resources, and current PD opportunities.


        Latest updated include:

        Central Office Updates for Families and Community

        Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning.

        4th Marking Period

        • The 4th Marking Period will be graded Pass/Incomplete based on students’ participation and progress in the online platforms, or paper packets as appropriate.
        • Teachers are monitoring progress in the online platforms and are aware of the students who have received paper packets.
        • The weighting of the 4th marking period grades in the final grade calculation will be determined based on the date of school reopening.


        5th Grade recording of a student’s “participation and progress” in HAC in the 4th quarter will be captured as follows:

        • Teachers will only use TAC/HAC as a recordation device for auditing purposes for each student’s “participation and progress.”

        • Students receive one of the following alpha marks each week during MP4 that schools are closed. They are as follows:

          • P – Participated,

          • NP – Not Participated,

          • PCC – Packet Check-In Completed, and

          • NPCC – No Packet Check-In Completed.

        • Teachers will do only one weekly capture of a student’s “participation and progress” in TAC;

        • Teachers will publish the weekly assignments;

        • Weekly Comment Pull Down Suggestions

          • Direct contact attempted; no response

          • Direct contact made

          • Supplementary resource(s) shared

          • Reteaching guidance provided

          • Teachers may add a comment for the work done that week as needed

          • If an NP or NPCC is recorded for the week for any student, the teacher must enter a “score comment”

        • Click here for guiding documents with screenshots for further explanation.

        Make-up Days and Last Day of School

        • The State Board of Education has waived five of the ten missed days of school.
        • The three built-in makeup days will be used, along with April 27th and April 28th now being school days.
        • The last day of school will be June 18th.

        Meals for Students

        SMCPS continues to provide a drive-up lunch service from April 27th - May 15th, 2020, Monday-Friday, at GKES, LES, LPES, and MBMS from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.

        Human Resources and Finance Updates

        Certification Renewal Credits - if you are looking for certification renewal credits or want to earn credits to move along the pay scale, here are just a few links of interest.


        The Maryland Teacher's contract has two dates identified for certificated staff to submit their resignation. Non-tenured certificated staff must submit a letter of resignation no later than May 1, 2020. Tenured certificated staff must submit a letter of resignation no later than July 15, 2020. These dates are in full effect and have not been extended or excused by the State of Maryland.


        Prudential 403(b) retirement savings plan

        • As a result of COVID-19, relief programs have been put in place to help you meet your immediate financial needs, as allowable under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
        • This includes loosened restrictions on accessing your retirement savings.
        • Some programs require you to meet certain eligibility conditions, while other measures are more broadly available. Keep in mind, short-term moves in your retirement account can impact your long-term savings strategy.
        • If you'd like to talk to a representative or have questions on these relief programs, give Prudential a call.
        • Please mention CARES Act when prompted at 1-877-PRU-2100 (1-877-778-2100) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. ET.


        SMCPS is hiring! If you are looking to join our team or know someone who is, please check out our Employment Opportunities page on the SMCPS website.


        Check out our Recruitment Calendar for updates on our online recruiting.


        OPEN ENROLLMENT for health insurance is coming soon! Open enrollment for health insurance will begin May 1, 2020, and end on May 31, 2020. Look for more information via email on May 1, 2020.


        Payroll:

        • Payroll staff were able to quickly test and implement secure teleworking for most payroll processing function.
        • However, several payroll processing functions must continue to performed from the secure technology infrastructure onsite.
        • In an effort to dispel any rumors that you’ve heard circulating across social media – your pay is continuing, without interruption.

        Instructional Updates

        Information about supporting online instruction is posted to our Online Learning Playbook site for staff. Updates and additional information is posted here as new information becomes available.


        Pre-K and Head Start Learning Packets: The Amazon order was delayed due to the pandemic. Learning packets are being mailed as supplies arrive. Several hundred packets have been mailed and more are arriving daily. All packets are expected to be in the mail next week upon receipt of the remaining order.


        Teacher Access Center (TAC) Helpful Documents: – Need assistance creating student lists with contact info or emailing students/guardians? See TAC Resources on the Department of Assessment and Accountability’s Google Site found here. There is also a link that can be accessed from your TAC account by going to the Tools dropdown on the upper right (see the News Item posted in TAC). Videos are also being created. Need other documents or videos created, please contact DAA.

        IT Updates

        If you're having trouble logging into any of the following applications/services, eSchool, TAC, Gmail, Moodle, or Destiny, ITS has developed a Password Recovery web application that will let you reset your password.


        The Password Recovery app is also linked on the Staff page of the website under Technology Resources.

        • The app requires you to enter your username, employee number, and birth date, and then you must click "Verify Identity."
        • After verifying this information, the app will prompt you for a new password, which you must type in two separate boxes to verify they match.
        • Finally, click the "Change Password" button to change/reset your password.


        If successful, you will get an on-screen message, and an email indicating your password was changed, otherwise please use a more complex password and try again.


        If you are using an SMCPS assigned laptop and using your account to log into it, please note that you will have to continue using the old password to log into the computer, and then the new password will be used for all of the above-listed services.


        The only way to update your computer password is to take your laptop to an SMCPS location with WiFi, restart your laptop, and log into the computer with your new password.

        Supporting Services Update

        With the constant news updates to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also seeing a rise in phishing attempts using this phenomenon as an attack vector. Please be wary of unsolicited emails received, and do not open links or attachments provided. Phishing scams rely on urgency and emotion to bypass caution and deliver malicious content.


        To remain vigilant at this time SMCPS recommends the following precautions:

        • Avoid clicking links and attachments of unsolicited emails
        • Do not provide personal or account information to unknown sources
        • Be cautious of emails insisting on immediate actions
        • Use trusted sites to remain up-to-date on COVID-19

        Newsletters to Read and Share

        A Message from your Math/ELA Supervisors

        • Please click here to access the message for April 27th
        • Please click here to access the message for April 19th



        Most recent Kindergarten Memo



        Most recent Math Memo

        • March 2, 2020. This edition contains important information about MCAP Evidence Statements, Modeling, as well as a Modeling Checklist for Students.


        Bridges Updates and Supports:


        Most recent English Language Arts Newsletter

        • Please click here to access The Reading Corner (December 2, 2019 Edition). Please take the time to review the information as there is important information staff need to be aware of regarding upcoming standards and instructional notes for each grade level.


        Most recent Health and Physical Education Update



        Most recent Special Education Newsletter: The PIER

        • Please click here for the Aril 17, 2020 Issue. This newsletter edition contains information about the Continuous Learning Opportunities for Special Education Students and Staff


        Most recent Elementary Science Newsletter


        Science Supports and Resources

        • Click here to access RES' MISA Evidence Statement Analysis with links to STEM Gauge Items for Grades 3rd through 5th.


        Most recent Gifted and Talented Newsletter



        Most recent Library Media Newsletter



        Most recent Fine Arts Newsletter


        Most recent ESOL Newsletter


        Most recent Educational Equity Newsletter


        Department of Assessment and Accountability (DAA)

        SMCPS Sites and Quick Links

        SMCPS The Signal Site - April 27, 2020
        This issue includes information about Meals for Students, 403(b) Information, Login Assistance, IT Tips, and our Outstanding Staff for 2020 ...and more!

        As we enter another week of remote learning, we want to thank you all. We have all learned to work differently, but while we are doing so, your commitment to our students has not wavered. Thank you for your inspired and creative work. We know this will continue for as long as is needed - we also know that this will end and we will be back together - stronger than ever. Until then, know that we are all thinking of you, and missing you. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones - stay healthy and hopeful...


        Ongoing Communication - Updates are posted online:


        Ongoing Support:

        • EAP Support is available. Additional information may be found here.
        • Carefirst provides additional benefits for the Coronavirus. Additional information may be found here.


        Additional Resources:


        Updates for Families and Community:

        • Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning. This is not our normal way of doing business, so there are many questions. The SMCPS will provide ongoing updates for these questions.

        • Click here for the SMCPS Update 1 (April 9, 2020)

        • Click here for the SMCPS Update 3 (April 22, 2020)

        • Click here for the SMCPS Update 2 (April 16, 2020)


        Staying Connected: While we are working at home, technology is helping to send personalized messages of caring and support. Check out the Signal to see some examples, to include our message to our RES Students and Families!

        Professional Development & Continuing Education Opportunities

        Continuing Education Opportunities

        • McDaniel College is offering a 100% online cohort in our Equity & Excellence in Education certificate program. This unique, multi-county cohort is being made available to our county partners, with a $200 discount from the standard tuition rate for those who join the cohort (Official cohort code: HE5). This cohort begins in June 2020. (This is open enrollment, but a cohort in the sense that all students will be completing the program together and receiving the cohort tuition rate).
        • Towson University--Graduate Program WebEx Information Sessions: Towson is holding two WebEx Sessions in April for anyone interested in learning more about the graduate programs offered in Southern Maryland. The sessions are on April 21, 4:00-6:00 and April 23, 4:00-6:00. These will be informal, open sessions for teachers to ask questions. You can join any time to learn more about the programs listed below and the reduced tuition agreement Towson has with your county. If you would like a WebEx invitation or for email information please contact Alyssa Zumpano azumpano@towson.edu.


        Registration is open for additional courses:

        • Please log into the system for available courses


        Register online: https://smcps.truenorthlogic.com
        UserName: beginning of SMCPS login (without @smcps.org)
        Password: normal SMCPS password

        happy birthday wishes!!!!!

        Stay tuned for upcoming staff members' birthdays!

        Staff Member of the Week!

        Each week a staff member will be randomly chosen to be recognized as the special staff member for that week.


        We will announce the staff member on morning announcements and post information about that person in the hallway for all to see.


        We also will be playing 2 truths and a myth. These will be posted on the display to give staff and students a chance to try and figure out what a staff member's myth may be. It will be revealed at the end of the week.

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        Alison Sayers

        Week of April 27th


        Two Truths and a Myth:

        I played tennis in high school.

        My great great great grandfather is a character in a movie.

        I have been to all 50 states.


        Myth: Stay tuned!!!

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        Jess Deeney

        Week of April 20th


        Two Truths and a Myth:

        I was born in Montana.

        I have been best friends with my best friend since PreK. I have been zip-lining before.


        Myth: I was born in Montana.

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        Stacey Fisher

        Week of April 13th


        Two Truths and a Myth:

        I was a Little League umpire.

        I am afraid of snakes.

        Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.


        Myth: Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.

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        Lynsey Rye

        Week of March 30th


        Two Truths and a Myth:

        I love chocolate.

        I have two jobs.

        Reading and Writing is my favorite to teach.


        Myth: I love chocolate.

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        Nathan Earley

        Week of March 9th


        Myth: I am a great athlete.

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        Brooke Vanderwest

        Week of March 2nd


        Myth: I drink coffee everyday.

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        Jennifer Pierce

        Week of February 24th


        Myth: I love seafood.

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        Andrea Robbins

        Week of February 17th


        Myth: I make my bed every morning.

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        Maggie Koutnik

        Week of February 10th


        Myth: I have lived in 6 different states.

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        Lisa Deputy-Randolph

        Week of February 3rd


        Myth: I don't like ice cream

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        CJ Crosby

        Week of January 27th


        Myth: I have 3 cats

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        Lisa Anderson

        Week of January 20th


        Myth: I love running.

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        Amanda Erdman

        Week of January 13th


        Myth: I collect comic books.

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        Chris Meyer

        Week of January 6th


        Myth: I like bananas.

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        Susan McDaniel

        Week of December 16th & 30th


        Myth: I love horror movies.

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        Penny Dennis

        Week of December 9th

        Myth: I have jumped out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course).

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        Karen Simmons

        Week of November 25th and December 1st

        Myth: I know how to knit

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        Lauren Shively

        Week of November 18th

        Myth: I think olives are super gross!

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        Jessie Sohn

        Week of November 11th

        Myth: I have tasted crocodile before!

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        Terri Cox

        Week of November 4th

        Myth: Two of my children were born in Virginia and two born in Maryland

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        Heath McCracken

        Week of October 28th

        Myth: I was born in Canada, and my parents moved to the U.S. in 1993.

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        Jane Miller

        Week of October 21st

        Myth: I have two kids

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