The Greencastle Gazette

Principal's Message: November 24, 2024

Dear Greencastle community,

It was another wonderful week at The Castle! This week we celebrated our first marking period scholars and leaders. Students were recognized for their academic accomplishments, attendance, and ability to demonstrate LEAD behavior (ability to listen, demonstrate empathy, willingness to be accountable for their actions, and desire to do their best.) Congratulations to our Greencastle Knights! We are so proud of you.👑

Here are the slide decks from the Green & Gold ceremonies which include the names of students recognized this marking period: Grades 1 & 2, Grade 4, Grades 3 & 5.

SAFETY TRAFFIC REMINDER: When you are exiting the parking lot, it is a RIGHT TURN ONLY. We've relocated our crossing guard to better suit our walking community. We need your help to continue to keep them safe.

We are embarking on the Thanksgiving Break and there is a lot to be grateful for this season. I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to thank the Greencastle staff, students, and community for their support and partnership. You've made this school year one of the most rewarding experiences of my 24 years in education. I can't express how much I appreciate each of you and wish you a relaxing, restful Thanksgiving Break.

EARLY RELEASE REMINDER: Monday, November 25th and Tuesday, November 26th students will dismiss at 12:50 p.m.

Mrs. Dean

Principal

Green & Gold Ceremony

LEAD Celebration

Mark Your Calendar - IMPORTANT DATES

This Week

Monday, November 25:

Early Release Day; (Dismiss @12:50 p.m.)
Parent-Teacher Conference

Tuesday, November 26

Early Release Day; (Dismiss @12:50 p.m.)
Parent-Teacher Conference

Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29

Thanksgiving Break; Schools and Offices Closed

Upcoming Dates

Monday, December 2 - Friday, December 6: PTA Book Fair
Tuesday, December 3 - PTA Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 23 - Wednesday, January 1; Winter Break - Schools and Offices Closed

Help Us Address Chronic Absenteeism at Greencastle!

A student is considered chronically absent if they are marked excused or unexcused absent 10% or more days they are enrolled in school. Please make every effort to send your child(ren) to school every day. If you have any barriers to sending your child(ren) to school, please reach out to our Parent Community Coordinator, Ms. Glenda Roberts (Glenda_E_Roberts@mcpsmd.org) or Ms. Lauren Darby (Lauren_A_Darby@mcpsmd.org), attendance secretary. They are here to help.

By the end of the 2024-2025 school year, the percentage of Greencastle students who are chronically absent will decrease from 32% to 27%.

As of Friday, November 22nd, Greencastle Elementary's current percentage is 22.44% (MCPS is 14.40%.) We INCREASED by 2.33% since last week. Help us to continue to meet and exceed our goal by decreasing the number of students chronically absent.

Family Engagement Survey: We Need Your Feedback!

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Do You Have a Change in Your Student's Dismissal Plan?

If you have a change in how your student(s) will dismiss from school for the day, week, or any length of time, please communicate the change using the Greencastle Attendance Note. This will ensure the main office, teachers, and administration are aware of the adjustment in how your student is dismissing from school. This is very important because safety is paramount. We appreciate your assistance and cooperation.

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MCPS Things to Know

Things to Know

Things to Know Thursday, November 21, 2024 Bells Mill Celebrates Blue Ribbon Award The National Blue Ribbon Award, presented by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes schools for outstanding academic performance. Bells Mill Elementary School earned the award in the Exemplary High-Performing Schools category, which highlights institutions with strong achievement across all student groups.

ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org