Dear MHES families and staff,

As we head into the last two weeks before winter break, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for your continued partnership and support. This week is especially eventful, and we encourage all our families to join us for two fantastic opportunities to connect, support, and engage with our Meadow Hall community.

On Wednesday, December 11th, we hope to see you at our Grade 5 McDonald’s Fundraiser! This is a wonderful chance to enjoy a meal with your family while supporting our Grade 5 students towards their end of year initiatives and celebrations.

Then, on Thursday, December 12th, don’t miss our Math and Reading Game Night! This fun-filled evening will feature engaging activities designed to support student learning and provide families with helpful resources to use at home. Plus, all MHES students who attend will receive a prize to take home!

We look forward to seeing everyone at these events as we continue to work together to ensure every Mustang has the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for your ongoing support as we finish the calendar year strong! Please see the information below for the week of December 8, 2024.

Desmond Mackall

Principal

Meadow Hall ES

December

11- 5th Grade McDonald's Fundraiser- Veirs Mill Rd (5-8pm)

12- Math/Reading Game Night @ 6pm

18- Walking Wednesday (8:30 am)

23-31- Winter Break (School closed for students and staff)

January

1- New Year's Day (School Closed for students and staff)

2- School open fo rstudents and staff

Effective December 4, 2024, MCPS will be disabling and collecting older Acer model Chromebooks because they have reached end-of-life and should no longer be in use. The models being retired include the Acer C720, C740, C738, and C771. Students currently using one of the listed Acer Chromebook models should return their device to your school’s ITSS. Students who need a device for home use can submit a request for a new device by completing the Home Use form.

Please notify the main office if you need support with accessing the form at 240-740-5260.

Families interested in registering their child for STAT afterschool activities can register today! Flyers went home on Friday in student backpacks. If you need a flyer please stop by the main office and we will get you the registration details. The 5 week session will run from December 11th -January 22nd. Register Today!

COMMUNITY SCHOOL UPDATES

Coffee and Conversation

We are very excited about the increased participation at our monthly principal/parent coffees. In addition to the question and listening sessions with Mr. Mackall and Ms. Simhon, we are working hard to bring in guest speakers who can discuss different topics of interest to the Meadow Hall Community.

• On January 9, 2024, Reading Specialist, Ms. Bartee, will hold a workshop on our new reading curriculum, CKLA. Parents will walk away with a better understanding of how to support their student’s reading at home.
• On February 6, 2024, Clinical Director from The Tree House Child Advocacy Center, Molly Cupid, will lead a discussion on addressing the behavioral responses associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how you can support your children should they experience trauma. Mrs. Cupid will also discuss how to speak with your child about safe and unsafe adults, and body safety.

Community Reach Montgomery

Our twice weekly English conversation classes will resume on January 13, 2025. Registration forms will go home just prior to Winter Break. We are hopeful that everyone will return to class, and we are excited to welcome many more participants!

Walking Wednesday

Everyone is encouraged to walk to school on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Starting at 8:15 students will be welcomed to school with music, prizes, and a visit from Zeal the Zebra. The goal of Walking Wednesday is to promote safe routes to school.

Coat distribution:

To date, 56 MHES students have been gifted brand new coats, courtesy of The Villages of Rockville Town Center. While we are very grateful for the donation, not all the coats donated were sized appropriately for our student population. I will continue to seek resources to fill in the gaps so that everyone has what they need to stay warm this winter. If you have a gently used winter coat you would like to donate, please drop it off in portable 4. I ask that the coat be clean and have no holes or tears.

PEP Parenting is coming to MHES!

We will host an 8-week program for parents and caregivers where parents will learn new tools each week; and meet with parents to share ideas and support one another. I am so thrilled for this community building opportunity for our families. Recruitment and registration will begin this month!

Meadow Hall Market - Coming Soon!!

We are building a community pantry where families can stop by if there is an emergency need for food. I expect that we will have it up and running after winter break. I would like to express my appreciation for Ms. Asencio (1st and 2nd grade parent) who has volunteered her time organizing the pantry shelves! I hope that after some time, our pantry will be fully stocked and as a community, we can keep it running for everyone's benefit.

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

Website: https://wideworldofya.my.canva.site/mhes-csl-site

Thank you for all who attended our PTA meeting this week and to those who participated in the cookie exchange! Please find the minutes here.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

On 12/19 the PTA will be hosting a staff appreciation breakfast to celebrate the amazing people who make our student's successful every day! Please consider donating an item for the breakfast or funds supporting our staff and celebrate them this holiday season!

Family Fun and Game Night

Join us for Family Fun and Game Night on 12/12. The 5th Grade will be hosting a bake sale to raise funds for our amazing 5th graders and their end of year celebrations and promotion. Please consider contributing a bake good or volunteering your time to support this fundraiser. Thank you!

Want to get involved in the PTA?

MHES PTA is looking for members to participate on the PTA in various ways. We encourage all families to look at the link below and consider supporting the PTA and getting involved on a committee for the new school year. See the link below:

PTA Committee Volunteer Positions-FY24

Box Tops for Education

Box Tops for Education is a program that gives money to schools for their family’s participation just by purchasing products and scanning the receipt in the Box Tops App. Box Tops earnings are used to fund items for the school and events. If you haven't done so already, Download the Box Tops App on your smartphone using Referral Code WZTM9R7Z. We promise it is a super easy task to get used to. Register and select Meadow Hall as your supporting school. SCAN your receipt with the Box Tops app within 14 days of purchase and EARN cash with every Box Tops product you buy.

JOIN THE PTA

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!

Board of Education Elects New Officers

Members of the Montgomery County Board of Education elected Julie Yang to serve as president today, Dec. 5. Grace Rivera-Oven was elected vice president. Both officers will serve a one-year term. The election of officers occurs each year during the first business meeting of December.

New Board Members Sworn In Earlier This Week

Three new Board members were sworn in by Montgomery County Clerk of Court Karen Bushell. Laura Stewart, District 4, Natalie Zimmerman, District 2, and Rita Montoya, At-Large, were sworn in on Dec. 2. All three were elected in November.

Dr. Taylor's Vision for MCPS Progress

Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor outlined a strategic roadmap for progress before the Board of Education on Dec. 5, after nearly six months of stakeholder engagement as part of his Entry Plan as the new superintendent.

Why it matters: The Entry Plan Report, built on Engagement, Evaluation and Empowerment, acknowledges key concerns from the community across the district, such as safety, morale, equity and instructional challenges, and identifies action-needed priorities, such as literacy and math improvement, special education support, emerging multilingual support, and safety and security.

The big picture: These insights will help inform the district's new strategic plan, which is in development, and the superintendent’s upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Operating Budget, which includes a focus on fundamentals and a school support framework that emphasizes equity and excellence.

What’s next: Dr. Taylor notes that advancing strategic priorities will have to be done in a constrained fiscal environment. The budget will focus on reallocating resources, reducing bureaucracy and investing in infrastructure to directly support schools as the engine for student academic success.

Tune in Live Dec. 18 to the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget Presentation

Dr. Taylor will present his recommended Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to watch the presentation live on the MCPS website or on the MCPS-TV YouTube channel.

Board Approves 2025-2026 School Calendar

The Board of Education has approved the traditional and innovative school year calendars for the 2025-2026 school year.

Key Highlights

• Student Transition Day Introduced: Scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, this new non-instructional full day is designed to support students transitioning to new school levels or schools by fostering a sense of belonging and preparedness.

• Traditional Calendar Overview:

• First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

• Last day of school: Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

• Includes 181 instructional days, with six contingency days built in.

• Key holidays and breaks align with state requirements, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and other observances.

• Innovative Calendar for Arcola Elementary:

• Features 206 instructional days, beginning July 8, 2025, with an extended break in August.

• Aligns with the traditional calendar for holidays and closures, while incorporating additional instructional days and unique scheduling features.

See the calendars.

2023-2024 Annual Report Now Available

The Annual Report to the Community for the 2023–2024 school year is now available.

The report provides the community with information about the district—student performance data, operational performance data, and steps the district has taken to fulfill the vision and mission of MCPS.

Included in the annual report are:

• Highlights from the 2023-2024 school year.

• An at-a-glance look at MCPS demographics.

• Data on student performance, graduation, programs and workforce.

• Progress on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and areas of focus for the Strategic Plan.

• Information on MCPS’ operating and capital budgets.

The annual report is available here.

Annual Used Car, Computer Sale Coming Dec. 14

Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Gaithersburg High School. The school is located at 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg (Use the Summit Avenue entrance; sales will occur in the auto shops).

The cars and computers are reconditioned by the students as part of their classroom and lab studies. The sales provide students with the opportunity to practice their sales skills, earn Student Service Learning hours and develop a deeper appreciation for community involvement.

The ATF is still seeking car donations, which will help high school students learn how to evaluate, repair and restore used cars. The ATF generally accepts donations by appointment year-round, between 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Damascus, Gaithersburg and Seneca Valley high schools and at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. Donations are tax deductible. Email Mike Snyder or call 240-740-2050 for more information.

Automotive Trades Foundation
Information Technology Foundation

County Hosting Free Community Resource Fair on Dec. 8

Montgomery County is hosting a free community resource fair from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Executive Office Building in Rockville. The United in Service and Support Community Resource Fair will provide residents with a range of information about public health and wellness, including reproductive rights, job skills training and contracting, and available resources for residents to understand their rights. In anticipation of changes coming at the federal level, Montgomery County is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to information about essential community services.

If you are a resource provider or community partner in Montgomery County interested in joining the fair, email Lucia Jimenez.

The resource fair will be held in the Executive Office Building cafeteria, 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. The building is accessible by bus and Metro service. The Rockville Station on Metro’s Red Line is the nearest stop.

Educational Foundation Offering Scholarships to High School Seniors

High school seniors who plan to pursue higher education are encouraged to apply for student scholarships and awards given by the MCPS Educational Foundation.

The primary goal for the foundation’s scholarships and awards is to fund students who are passionate about pursuing educational goals, but face opportunity gaps in achieving those goals.

Visit the website to learn more about the opportunities and eligibility. Applications are open now through Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.

For questions, send an email here or call 240-740-3216.

Apply for Financial Aid with FAFSA and MHEC One-App

High school seniors: if you’re planning to attend college, don’t miss out on financial aid opportunities! Apply for both federal and state aid by June 20, 2025.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal grants, loans and work-study programs at studentaid.gov. For Maryland state scholarships, grants and loan repayment programs offered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), including support for undocumented students, families can create a profile on MDCAPS and submit the MHEC One-App.

For more details, visit Federal Student Aid, MHEC Financial Aid Descriptions and MHEC One-App.

SSL Hours Due Jan. 3, 2025

Students who have completed Student Service Learning (SSL) hours since June 1, 2024, should submit the required SSL Activity Verification Form to their school’s SSL coordinator by the recommended due date of Jan. 3, 2025, but no later than the final required deadline of May 30, 2025.

All MCPS students must earn 75 SSL hours to graduate from high school. Winter break is a wonderful time for students to participate in SSL opportunities. To learn more, click here. Translated versions can be found here.

Students may also access their SSL record, forms, guidelines and other resources at the MCPS SSL Hub for Students/Families.

Helping to Keep Children with Autism Safe

Pathfinders For Autism is offering a Safety Kit with resources and safety measures for families and caregivers who have children with autism spectrum disorders. The Safety Kits can be found here. This website is packed with tips on topics such as what to do if your child wanders away from home or school, is resistant to first responder calls for help and guidance for calling 911.

Pathfinders for Autism, Safety Kits
MD Autism Coalition, call 911
MD Autism Coalition, call 911, Spanish
MD Autism Coalition, call 911, Mandarin Chinese
MD Autism Coalition, call 911, Korean
MD Autism Coalition, call 911, Amharic

Celebrating Latin Dance

Supported by MCPS, the 24th Annual After School Dance Fund Baila4Life Latin Dance Competition was a spectacular display of talent and passion as hundreds of Montgomery County high school students gathered at The Music Center at Strathmore for a day filled with rhythm, energy and dance. Read more and 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_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

Open Registrations

• Prekindergarten and Head Start Registration Open for Income-Eligible Families

More From MCPS

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

Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

1. 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.

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

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