The Paw Print
Week of September 14, 2020
Updates from Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Ajamian
Thank you for taking the time to join us for our first virtual Back to School Night. We know that the last few weeks have not been easy as each family is adjusting to our new normal. We continue to be amazed by the effort that our teachers are putting in to make this a positive experience for our students and families. We are so appreciative of the support that our parents are providing. We could not do it without you.
This week we begin our full schedule. Below is a simple graphic that outlines the elementary school day. Each grade level will share a detailed schedule with content blocks as well as how they plan to chunk the live learning blocks to include a mix of both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) instruction. Grade level schedules will also include time for Art, Music and PE. We know that there are still kinks to work out and we continue to appreciate your grace as well as your feedback.
Our teachers are working hard to not only prepare rigorous and meaningful lessons for our students but also field many emails regarding questions and technical challenges. They will continue to follow-up with families but know that it takes a little time to get through them all once they have finished their instruction and planning. If you have immediate technical issues, feel free to reach out to the office staff and/or Ms. Hickman. Depending on the needs, we may be able to support you or connect you with MCPS staff that is managing the technical helpline.
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment
Due to the emergency closure of school buildings last spring, the Maryland State Department of Education is requiring all local school districts to administer a fall diagnostic assessment in math and literacy to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
MCPS will administer the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, which will serve as the fall diagnostic. MCPS will conduct this virtual assessment during September and early October. The MAP assessment has been implemented at the elementary and middle school levels for several years. Classroom teachers will provide additional grade-specific information in the coming days.
Attendance Reminders
Students are expected to attend all live virtual learning classes in which they are enrolled. However, in some instances, this may not be possible due to illness or extenuating circumstances. Students may then access the recording of the class to engage in the daily learning during an alternate time within 72 hours of the absence. Students/Parents/Guardians may then submit a Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form to document that they engaged in the lesson and to request the unexcused absence to be reconciled to Present. If extenuating circumstances exist, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with the school’s administration ahead of time. The Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form must be completed for each documented absence. This form is accessible from the main page of the SLES website.
ParentVue and myMCPS Observer Account
If you have not set up your ParentVUE account, please do so! This helps teachers get you important information and allows you to keep up-to-date with your child's assignment status. See below for details about the Wildcat Parent Academy on 9/18 for additional information about ParentVue.
Parents have “Observer” access to myMCPS Classroom via the ParentVUE. Parents should have received a mailer from the Post Office or email to activate their ParentVue account. It will direct you to proceed to md-mcps-psv.edupoint.com and select “I am a parent” to set up your account as directed.
Full directions from mailer HERE:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UhNC4qngiyqKsdEnNlAWy-WNtsXybz4HexVI-G4zCeg/edit?usp=sharing
Full directions from email HERE:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WQyThlfNf8rQfuE8Sm61dyEn11lQizq58VHdr_ISXWQ/edit?usp=sharing
If you didn't receive the information please contact one of the following ParentVUE Support Lines
- SLES Office Staff
- 240-740-7020
- communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org
Wildcat Parent Academy
Digital Consent Form
SLES teachers may utilize a variety of supplemental online digital tools to reinforce the district’s instructional program. We are sharing with you a list of the online tools that may be used by teachers to enhance online learning. The list is embedded within the consent form. These tools have been evaluated to be safe for student use and are consistent with federal laws on student data privacy.
SLES requests you read the instructions on the linked google form and offer your consent to allow your student to use the supplemental tools listed on the Digital Consent Google Form.
4th & 5th Graders - Are you interested in Instrumental Music?
If your child is interested in enrolling in Instrumental Music, please fill out the Online Registration Form by September 18th. Click here to register:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/elementary-instrumental-music/home
Expectations to Ensure Effective Virtual Experiences (for Parents, Students, and Staff)
School-Wide Expectations for Parents
Communicate with teachers through MCPS email address and/or Canvas
Support child with having a designated learning space and being ready for class on time
Read updates from teacher
Use MCPS Checklist to get ready
Participate in MCPS technology trainings provided to parents
School-Wide Expectations for Students
Be sure to attend all sessions that your teacher assigns you to
Be on time
Be dressed and ready to learn from the beginning of the day
Have necessary materials nearby--(teachers will let students know what they are expected to have for each day)
Turn on video and mute yourself
Use the tools appropriately
Actively participate, especially but not limited to when called on (at random). Participation can include:
responding in chat
raising a hand (on screen or virtually)
responding aloud
completing assignments as required to the best of students’ abilities when technology is not an inhibitor
Follow all classroom rules set by the class at the beginning of the year
Designate a workspace that has limited distractions--sit upright
Having a water bottle nearby is recommended
Non-school items should be kept out of screen view (students can/should manage their needs for learning)
Avoid other websites during instruction unless necessary for class time
Use appropriate signals for breaks
School-Wide Expectations for Staff
Teachers will use varied means to connect with students and parents (including Zoom meetings, emails, phone calls, and myMCPS Canvas Classrooms)
Canvas Classrooms are intended to provide students and parents with pertinent and easily accessible information. They should:
Include links to Zoom classroom meetings, class expectations, weekly schedule, how to contact teacher (email info), extra resources
Include a separate page for each subject (ex: Reading page, Math page, etc.)
Use the calendar feature to assist students and parents with task due dates
Parent Technology Resources
Parents who need technical help can call 240-740-7020 Monday-Friday between 7am and 8pm or email communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org
MCPS News
Parent Resources for Virtual Learning
The MCPS Parents page has been updated to include various online resources for families to help them navigate virtual learning. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/ to see the list of resources.
MCPS to Resume Free Meal Service for All County Children and MCPS Students
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the waivers that allow school systems to provide free meals to students during the summer months. MCPS will resume providing free breakfast and lunch to all County children and enrolled MCPS students. A student identification number will not be required; however, names will be taken for each child. More information is available at news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/quicknotes/important-update-mcps-to-resume-free-meal-service-for-all-county-children-and-students/.
County Offers Immunizations for Children Returning to School
County health officials are offering free immunizations to eligible children so that immunization requirements are met for the 2020–2021 school year. Immunizations for students new to MCPS and children in kindergarten through Grade 12 are available Monday through Friday, by appointment, at locations in Silver Spring and Germantown.
Appointments are available at:
Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring; Phone: 240-777-1050
Germantown Health Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown; Phone: 240-777-3380
There will be two additional clinics offered on Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, September 19 at the Dennis Avenue Health Center location.
Parents/guardians can access their child’s vaccination record online at no cost on the Maryland Department of Health’s web portal. Users can view and print official copies of vaccination records without a request to their health care provider.
More information about Maryland’s immunization requirements can be found on the Maryland Health Department’s website.
Important Dates
Tuesday, September 15- Wildcat Parent Academy - Digital Tools, 3:15 p.m.
Friday, September 18 - Wildcat Parent Academy - ParentVue, 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 22 - Wildcat Parent Academy - Eureka Math, 12:00 p.m.
Friday, September 25 - Wildcat Parent Academy - Digital Tools, 10:00 a.m.
Monday, September 28 - No School for Students & Teachers
Seven Locks Elementary School
Email: Megan_H_Murphy@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/sevenlockses/
Location: 9500 Seven Locks Road, Bethesda, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-0940
Twitter: @SLESPrincipal