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Stonegate Greetings
Weekly Newsletter
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Week of October 1, 2023
Monday 10/2 :
PTA Book Fair
SGA Manna Food Drive
Tuesday, 10/3 :
PTA Book Fair
SGA Manna Food Drive
Sky’s The Limit Dance, K-2
PTA Meeting, Virtual 7:30 pm
Wednesday, 10/4 :
PTA Book Fair
SGA Manna Food Drive
PTA Donuts with Grown Ups 7:30-9:00 am
Walk and Bike to School Day
Thursday, 10/5 :
PTA Book Fair
SGA Manna Food Drive
Goodnight, Sleep Tight Reading Night, 6:00 pm
Sky’s The Limit Dance 3-5
Friday, 10/6:
PTA Book Fair
SGA Manna Food Drive
Spirit Day Wear Stonegate T Shirts
LFI Community Outing
Upcoming Dates
October
October 2 - 6: Book Fair
October 2-30: SGA Manna Food Drive
October 3:
- After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr K-2 from 3:30-5:15, Tuesdays
- PTA Meeting (virtual) Zoom Link coming
October 4:
- PTA Donuts with Grown Ups 7:30-9:00 am
- Walk & Bike To School Day
October 5:
- After School Sky’s the Limit Dance Gr 3-5 from 3:30-5:15, Thursdays
- Good Night, Sleep Tight Reading Night, 6:00 pm
October 9: Professional day for all staff; No School for all students
October 10: Student Picture Day 9 am-3 pm
October 12:
- Hearing and Vision Screening, All K-1 students, others by request
- Grade 4 Field Trip - Farmer Stan’s Educational Center
- Grade 5 Parent Meeting, Virtual, 6:00 pm
October 13: Hispanic Heritage Cultural Arts Assembly - 123 Andres
October 16: Hearing and Vision Screening, All K-1 students, others by request
October 17: Grade K Field Trip - Clark Elioak’s Farm
October 18: Grade 1 Field Trip - Green Meadows Farm
October 23-27: Red Ribbon Week
October 25: No School for PreK only
October 26: Grade 5 Field Trip - Strathmore Music Center
October 27: SGA Pumpkins and Plaid Dance 6:30-8:30 pm
October 30 - November 3: Mental Health Awareness Week
October 31: Halloween Parade, Parties, and Harvest Festival 2-3:15 pm
November
November 1: Grading and Planning for the end of term; No School for all students
November 1-15: Square 1 Art Fundraiser
November 2: Grade 2 Field Trip - Sharp’s at Waterford Farms
November 9: PTA Multicultural Night
November 16: Student Picture Makeup Day 9-11 am
November 20-21: Early Release Day, Pre K-5, LFI. No school for PEP only
November 22-24: No School for all students, Thanksgiving Holiday
Please see the MCPS Calendar for K-12 Here
Message from the Principal
Dear Stonegate Elementary Families,
As we step into the beautiful month of October and embrace the enchanting season of fall, we have a flurry of exciting events lined up for our students that we can't wait to share with you!
First, mark your calendars for the eagerly anticipated Book Fair, where your children will have the opportunity to explore captivating stories and expand their imaginations. It's a wonderful chance to foster their love for reading.
Next up, we have our Goodnight, SleepTight event. This is new and we are excited about this new experience for our students. We are bringing back our Fall “Pumpkins and Plaid” event. This was an amazing event. We will have games, dancing, food, and so much fun. Let’s create great Stonegate Memories. We encourage all our students to join in the fun and showcase their dance moves.
But that's not all! Our field trips are another highlight of the season. These adventures provide unique educational opportunities for our students to explore the world beyond the classroom and learn in new and exciting environments.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We will ensure that all events are conducted with appropriate precautions in place.
We can't wait to see the smiles on our students' faces as they participate in these wonderful fall activities. Your support and involvement are invaluable to us, and we look forward to sharing these memorable moments with you.
Warmly,
Linda M. Jones
Principal, Stonegate Elementary
National Walk & Roll to School on October 4th, Followed by "Donuts for Grownups"
National Walk & Roll to school day is an annual event on Wednesday, October 4th, that promotes physical activity, teaches pedestrian safety, and shows concern for the environment. Car riders are encouraged to park further down Notley Road and then walk to the building.
We also invite parents and students to PTA’s “Donuts for Grownups” that morning, October 4th from 7:30-9:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. The book fair will be open at that time. Students must be accompanied by an adult until 8:40 a.m.
Goodnight, Sleep Tight: October 5th at 6pm
On Thursday, October 5th, join us at the “Goodnight, Sleep Tight” event. Children come to the night event in their PJs and listen to stories.
The Book Fair is open during from 5-8 pm Thursday night. Come check it out!
Stonegate Book Fair on October 2nd - 6th
The Stonegate Book Fair is back and dare we say better than ever! Come out to the fair October 2-6, store hours are below and on the fair website! Students will be coming to the fair with their classes at assigned shopping times. We recommend sending a child in with cash, check, or signing up for E-Wallet here. The registers also take Google and Apple Pay.
Please consider rounding up or giving additional funds to the All for Books program which allows students at Stonegate that otherwise are unable to purchase books to receive a gift card to purchase at the end of the book fair. Our goal is to have every child at Stonegate have a new book in hand by the end of the fair, let us reach that goal by rounding up at the register! We will hold an All for Books raffle on Thursday evening so that the winner(s) can shop before the fair closes on Friday!
There are still some slots available so, sign-up to Volunteer Here. Contact Effie Kalapothakos with any Book Fair questions at stonegatepta.secretary@gmail.com.
Parents/family members are welcome to come during open hours. Hope to see everyone at the fair!
Monday:
8:00-9:00 a.m. (Parents, Students)
9:10 a.m.-9:35 a.m. (Ms. Guidot)
9:35 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (Ms. Miles)
10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m. (open)
1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. (Ms. Moon)
1:55 p.m.-2:20 p.m. (Ms. Flanders)
2:20 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (OPEN)
2:45 p.m.-3:10 p.m. (OPEN)
3:10 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (OPEN for parents, students)
Tuesday:
8:00-9:00 a.m. (Parents, Students)
9:10 a.m.-9:35 a.m. (OPEN)
9:35 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (Ms. McKnight)
10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m. (Ms. Roberts)
1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. (Ms. Williams)
1:55 p.m.-2:20 p.m. (Ms. Mitchell)
2:20 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (Ms. Fabre)
2:45 p.m.-3:10 p.m. (Ms. Congress)
3:10 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (OPEN for parents, students)
Wednesday:
7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (Parents, Students)
9:10 a.m.-9:35 a.m. (OPEN)
9:35 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (Ms. Grammer)
10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m. (Ms. Whitlock)
1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. (OPEN)
1:55 p.m.-2:20 p.m. (OPEN)
2:20 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (Ms. Wolfe)
2:20 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (Ms. Nepomuceno)
2:45 p.m.-3:10 p.m. (Ms. Dantzler)
3:10 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (OPEN for parents, students)
Thursday:
8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (Parents, Students)
9:10 a.m.-9:35 a.m. (Ms. Morales)
9:35 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (OPEN)
10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m. (OPEN)
1:30 p.m.-1:55 p.m. (OPEN)
1:55 p.m.-2:20 p.m. (OPEN)
2:20 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (OPEN)
2:20 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (OPEN)
2:45 p.m.-3:10 p.m. (OPEN)
3:10 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (OPEN)
5:00 p.m.-800 p.m. (Extended hours for Reading Night)
Friday:
8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (Parents, Students)
9:10 a.m.-9:35 a.m. (OPEN)
9:35 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (OPEN)
10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m. (OPEN)
The Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County
The Holiday Giving Project (HGP) of Montgomery County has provided Thanksgiving meals and December holiday assistance to families in need for over 30 years. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred to possibly receive assistance for the holiday season, please complete the following referral form. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. The information is required to make a referral to The Holiday Giving Project. To be referred for assistance, you must complete the form by Friday, October 20th, 2023 to be considered for services.
School Picture Day: October 10th
School Picture Day is coming Tuesday, October 10. We will need 2-3 parent volunteers to assist the photographers by organizing student picture cards, monitoring, and transporting students. The hours are from 9 am -3 pm. After picture day, the volunteers will receive a $25 discount code for pictures via email. Please email Anita_B_Knuth@mcpsmd.org with your name and a 2-3 hour time slot between 9 - 3 where you are available to help.
Student’s images will be available to view and purchase approximately two weeks following our school's picture day. Save time and Pre-order online. For questions about ordering school pictures please email underclass@vosphoto.com
Hearing and Vision Screening- October 12th and October 16th
In accordance with Maryland State Law students in Montgomery County Public Schools are screened for possible vision and hearing problems. Trained hearing and vision screeners will be screening students new to MCPS, students in Grade (s) K and 1 , and students referred by teachers because of possible signs of hearing or vision problems. The screeners will be at Stonegate on October 12 and October 16. Parent Volunteers are needed to help escort students to/from the classroom to screening location. There are 2 hour shifts each day. Please sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4AA8AE22A3FB6-44783361-hearing
Children who do not see clearly or are unable to hear what their teacher and classmates are saying have a harder time learning at school.
You will receive a referral form, via US mail, to take to your child’s doctor if your child fails the screening. If your child is already under care for a hearing or vision problem, or you do not wish your child to be screened at school because of conflicts with your religious beliefs, please notify the school nurse in writing.
If your child wears glasses or contacts, they should wear them every day and bring them to the screening.
School based vision screenings may not detect every vision problem. To learn more about possible vision problems and symptoms or health conditions that may require additional evaluation go to Montgomery County Government’s website at this link: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/PHS/SchoolHealth/HearingVision.html
Contact your school’s nurse if you have questions about your child’s screening.
Walkers to exit through the front doors! Learning stairs closed
The learning stairs continue to be under construction.
All walkers will exit through the front doors. We ask that caregivers please greet your students behind the cones away from the front entrance of the double doors. Thank you so much for your flexibility and understanding.
Upcoming Field Trips
Permission slips for field trips are coming home with students. Please check your student’s folder and return the permission slip. We encourage online payments at https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
School Cash Online is MCPS’ online payment system. Cash or checks payable to Stonegate Elementary accepted but Online payments preferred for safety and security purposes.
Students will not be denied the opportunity to attend a trip due to financial hardship. If you need to make special arrangements to cover the cost of the trip, please contact your child’s teacher via email or note.
Counselor’s Corner- Mental Health Awareness Week; Middle School Magnet Consortium
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is open to students, parents/guardians, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) staff to learn about resources that schools and families may access or to which referrals may be made to support students’ physical, social, and psychological well-being. We hope you will support this important effort by MCPS to raise awareness and discussions about our students’ mental health and wellness.
Important Dates
- The live Waymaking special on student mental health forum will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at
- Richard Montgomery High School, from 6:30–8:00 p.m.
- The virtual resource fair and expert panel will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 12:00–1:30 p.m.
For additional information visit the Mental Health Awareness Week website.
Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC)
If you missed last week’s presentation on the Middle School Magnet Consortium, you can watch the presentations and read additional information here:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/msmagnet/
The Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) is made up of three schools – Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland middle schools – each of which offers an innovative and challenging magnet curriculum. Argyle focuses on digital design and development; Loiederman offers a creative and performing arts focus; and Parkland provides students the opportunity to explore math and science through aerospace technology and robotic engineering. Admission is based upon a Choice process open to all Montgomery County students who are currently in Grade 5.
For more information and deadlines, please see the Counselor’s Corner on Stonegate’s website here. You will also find tips for parents and students on the transition to middle school.
Stonegate ES Counseling Website
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/stonegate-counseling/home
Important Updates
Bring a sweater or jacket to school
Students should dress appropriately for the weather as we play outside for recess most days.
We encourage students to bring a labeled jacket or sweater as they may feel cold in different spaces in the building.
Shoelaces & stair safety
In our new building, students use the stairs every day. Untied shoelaces are dangerous on the stairs. Please ensure your child knows how to tie their laces or that your children come to school wearing shoes without laces.
Car drop-off
For the students' safety, we ask all cars to follow our procedures.
Do not pull into a parking spot and allow your children to walk through the lot. This is a significant safety issue.
We have provided all students a card with the student's first and last name typed. Please show the card with your child's first and last name.
October Lunch Menu
Pre-K Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS) applications have been updated for the new school year, and are now available online at www.MySchoolApps.com; this is the preferred application method. All interested families must reapply each school year.
You Belong! PTA Membership Drive
On Tuesday, October 3 at 7:30 pm, we will hold the first PTA of the year via Zoom. The meeting topics include updates from PTA officers and chairs, information about upcoming activities, and updates from Stonegate staff. Zoom access information will be shared on Tuesday.
The PTA aims to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Joining the PTA helps increase the resources to support our students and staff by providing resources and activities like, the Back-To-School picnic, cultural assemblies, gym resources, teacher mini-grants, and more! To build a stronger voice, our goal is to have at least 250 members! We are moving closer to our goal, and we need your help to reach it. Please take a few minutes to join online today.
The Membership Drive adds a bit of fun and friendly competition to see which class will reach the highest percentage of PTA members. There will be a grand prize winner and grade level winners, too.
The following classes are leading the drive this week:
Pre-K: Williams
Kindergarten: Nguyen
First grade: McKnight
Second grade: Dantzler
Third grade: Grammer
Fourth grade: Congress
Fifth grade: Moon
ParentVUE
ParentVue is a central online location for students and their parents, guardians, or other authorized adults to access MCPS student information. Parents/caregivers who do not have an account created will receive a letter from MCPS with instructions and access codes for activation.
Here is a ParentView quick guide and directions for activating your account. If you need an activation letter or assistance, please contact the office.
Here is the MCPS Parent Tech Support Website:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/tech-info-support
Clothing To Cash Recycling Program
Clothing to Cash® is a program that collects New and Used Clothing, Shoes, Sheets, Towels, (all Textiles) and pays the school 10 cents for every pound collected. The program is operated entirely OUTSIDE and will be located in the school parking lot, where students, parents, staff and the community can drop off items throughout the year. They have state of the art photo quantity sensors installed in each bin that report 3 times daily to prevent overflow and allows the company to schedule service as needed (no other companies use this technology). They empty the collection bin, weigh the contents to determine our school earnings and pays our school monthly. The average school (500 - 1000 students) will earn $1000- $2000 yearly if each student would donate just one 13-gallon kitchen size trash bag yearly!! Add in parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, and staff and Stonegate’s earnings could really increase.
Stonegate Elementary School
14811 Notley Road,
Silver Spring, MD 20905
(240) 740-7340
Arrival 8:40-9:00
Students must arrive by 9:00.
Student Dismissal 3:25
Caregivers who are picking up walkers or car riders, please arrive promptly for dismissal at 3:25
Picking up early
If you need to pick your child up early, please do so before 3pm. The main office cannot accommodate parent pick ups after 3:00 p.m.
Principal: Linda_M_Jones@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @StonegatePrin
Assistant Principal: Franny_S_Wooler@mcpsmd.org
Twitter: @FrannyWooler
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