The Lisbon Lines
September 18, 2020
Lisbon Elementary School
We are here to help!
Principal, Mrs. Anoff Debra_anoff@hcpss.org
Assistant Principal, Ms. Wright Lashonne_wright@hcpss.org
Principal's Secretary, Mrs. Johnson Christine_Johnson@hcpss.org
Teachers' Secretary, Mrs. Linda Drews Linda_drews@hcpss.org
Teachers' Secretary, Mrs. Johnson Karen_johnson@hcpss.org
Website: les.hcpss.org
Location: 15901 Frederick Road, Woodbine, MD 21797, USA
Phone: (410) 313-5506
Twitter: @hcpss_les
FROM SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Greetings! We are at the end of week 2, and it is clear that everyone is starting to get settled into our new normal. As we enter week 3, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need help in any way!
I also want to share that our school serves breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and lunch 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. daily. Feel free to stop by Lisbon Elementary and pick-up a "Grab-n-Go" meal! There is no charge for the meals! If you are closer to Bushy Park Elementary School, or Glenelg High School, you can go to those schools as well. You can go to ANY school in the county if it is more convenient for you!
As we continue in this virtual model, I want to reiterate the importance of regular attendance and to be sure to have an established learning space within your home. If you need any help, please feel to reach out to me or Ms. Wright. We are here to help!
Finally, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below. I hope those answers will provide some guidance as we continue to navigate this new learning environment.
Take care!
Mrs. Anoff, Principal
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
For a complete list of dates and events visit les.hcpss.org/calendar.
September
- 24 - General PTA Meeting, 6:45 p.m.
- 28 - No School - Yom Kippur
- 29 - General PTA Meeting, 6:45 p.m. (raindate)
October
- 16 - Professional Work Day - Schools close 3 hours early
NEW INFORMATION
Gifted & Talented Instructional Seminars
MAP TESTING
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments are computer adaptive achievement assessments in Reading and Math. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student by adjusting the difficulty of the questions presented, up or down, to the student. MAP assessment items align to objectives in the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. This assessment is designed to measure student growth in Math and Reading, both during the school year and across multiple school years. The assessment allows teachers to see instructional strengths and needs for each student.
At the conclusion of the assessment, each student receives a score that aligns to an instructional level. MAP, in conjunction with other measures throughout the school year, helps teachers differentiate instruction within their classrooms. Home reports will be sent at the end of the testing window. A reminder will be shared with families for when these reports are being sent home.
On Wednesday October 7 and 14, students in grades 2-8 will take the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers measure where your child is starting the year academically. The HCPSS intends to also give the assessment in winter and spring to measure how your child’s learning is progressing throughout the year. The MAP test does not affect grades and the difficulty adjusts depending on how your child responds. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/
The Reading test will be offered on October 7 at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The Math test will be offered on October 14 at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Students may choose to attend either the morning or afternoon session. If your child is unable to attend, makeup testing will be offered during asynchronous learning times. Teachers will share Google Meet information and your student’s testing group as we get closer to the Oct 7th date.
Message from Our PTA
Upcoming General Membership PTA Meeting
6:45 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2020 (rain date: Tuesday, September 29, 2020)
Lisbon Park (directly in front of Lisbon Elementary School)
This PTA meeting will be brief; we’ll be conducting official business that requires in-person voting in order to close out the 2019-2020 school year. The meeting will not be informational in nature. We'll be electing the new board, approving minutes from the last general membership meeting in February, and conducting any financial business that's needed. We're as excited to kick off this new school year in ROARsome PTA style as you are, so look for information on upcoming general membership meetings, filled with lots of great information about the new school year, at lisbonpta.org and on Facebook soon!
Nominees for all Board positions can be found by visiting the Lisbon ES PTA website at lisbonpta.org.
A few notes:
- We need a minimum of seven (7) 2019-2020 LES PTA members to meet quorum. As a reminder, your 2019-2020 membership is valid through 9/30/2020. We'd love to see you at a safe virtual distance!
- Please remember to bring a mask or other face covering. We’ll be maintaining 6 feet of space from each other. Hand sanitizer will be available.
- We are not able to provide chairs, but you can bring a chair or blanket if you wish.
- We will not be handing out paper copies of the agenda. Instead, we’ll post it to the Lisbon ES PTA website no later than noon on 9/24.
- Please bring pen and paper if you’d like to take notes.
- If the weather is questionable, we'll make the call about the meeting date no later than noon on Thursday, 9/24.
Please let us know if you have any questions by sending an email to president@lisbonpta.org.
CHORUS - BAND - ORCHESTRA
*REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TODAY*
Interested in Chorus, Band or Orchestra this year? Visit the Lisbon Music website to see your options and to enroll.
Email any questions or concerns to the addresses below.
Chorus: kristy_trueblood@hcpss.org
Band/Orchestra: daniel_carter@hcpss.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Google Chrome extensions should we have?
The Chromebook computers that students were provided allows for automatic updates from the Howard County Public School System. This includes the addition of approved extensions to the Google Chrome web browser. Extensions, such as the latest Google Meet Grid, should already be part of the Google Chrome web browser. There should not be a need to manually add extensions.
Your child's HCPSS issued Chromebook is a learning tool for school. Therefore, we ask that you refrain from using the Chromebook for anything other than school activities.
This includes refraining from adding extensions to Google Chrome that are not educational. Please note, that the addition of extraneous extensions could mean that data is collected by those third-party extension developers, and that is a violation of school policy.
What if I need to manually update the Chrome web browser?
What is Pear Deck
You may be seeing/hearing your child's teachers using Pear Deck to instruct students and perhaps even asking your children to use Pear Deck for engagement purposes.
Pear Deck is a great tool for our teachers to use as they develop engaging virtual lessons. You can download the attached Pear Deck Directions below if needed.
Your engagement and assistance with your child's learning during this virtual learning experience is very much appreciated! Thank you so much for your persistence and amazing support of your children!
What if we need technical support?
Please find below information regarding technology support for fall virtual instruction that includes both self-help resources and how to request technology support.
Student Technology Resources: Provides guides, resources and videos for HCPSS student technology. Below are some direct links to commonly used resources:
Canvas Orientation - includes how to navigate Canvas
Google Meet - includes a video overview of how to login
Chromebooks - provides a variety of resources for using an HCPSS Chromebook
Password and Username Self-Service: Allows families to request a password reset or student’s username. New students can use this application to retrieve their account information. This application is also linked off the hcpss.me website, which also includes user directions.
HCPSS Connect Parent Resources: Provides HCPSS Connect—including Synergy, Canvas, and Family File—guides and videos for parents.
If after reviewing these resources, your family continues to need support, please complete LES Tech Support Form and one of our staff members will reach out to you as soon as possible. If you cannot access the online form for any reason, please call the school at 410-313-5506.
Staff will attempt to resolve the issue, and if unsuccessful will provide directions for exchanging the broken device for a working one at the school system’s Onsite Technology Center.
How can I organize a quick reference page?
Is there an APP for Canvas?
Parents can use the Canvas Parent app on Android devices and Apple iOS devices. The Canvas Parent app is designed to provide visibility into your child’s education at a glance.
Canvas Parent allows parents to:
- View assignment descriptions and due dates
- Set reminders for assignments
- View assignment grades
- View course grades
- Set grade alerts
- View course announcements
Please visit the Google Play Store or the App Store and search for Canvas Parent in order to download the app to your device.
Where should I direct questions about Related Arts?
Why does the Canvas Calendar not always show all classes?
The classes are located on the right side of the calendar.
How will students be graded?
Just like in normal operations, teachers will grade student assignments and work and provide feedback. Not all assignments are graded, as some are used for learning and practice. Teachers will follow the HCPSS grading policy: Policy 8010: Elementary Grading and Reporting
Students will not receive grades for learning behaviors while in virtual learning. Related Art will only provide grades twice per year during quarter 2 and 4. You will be able to view your child’s grades and assignments on Canvas.
What are the attendance requirements? What happens if my child misses a Meet due to technology issues?
If your child misses a class due to technical difficulties, please email your child’s teacher.
If your child completes the work from that class, he/she will be counted as present.
Do you need School Supplies
The USA Science & Engineering Festival is going virtual!
We want to let you know about an exciting opportunity that is available to K-12 students, college students, educators, and families.
You are invited to participate in a FREE virtual expo featuring interactive STEM activities and stage shows. This virtual event runs from September 16-23, 2020. Attendees will have a full week to experience over 100 exciting and innovative exhibits featuring interactive STEM activities. Virtually explore all aspects of STEM from outer space to the inner body.
Discover something new every day!
For more information or to register, visit https://usasciencefestival.org/scifest/
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
ATTENDANCE DURING 2020-2021 FALL SEMESTER
Active student participation is the key to student achievement, both in the classroom and during distance learning. Teachers will design engaging lessons and activities, both for virtual live classes and online assignments. Regular participation is essential for student growth, and students are expected to engage in learning activities every week.
Student attendance for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday instruction will occur as follows:
- At the elementary level, both the Homeroom teacher and Mathematics teacher will take attendance, noting whether students were present online for synchronous instruction.
- Daily attendance will be based on teacher-recorded attendance for the entire school day.
- If there is a technical difficulty, a student may submit asynchronous work for a particular day to receive credit for attendance.
Student attendance for Wednesday instruction will occur as follows:
- A student will be counted as present if they do one or more of the following since the previous Wednesday:
- Submit an assignment to one of their teachers
- Engage in synchronous instruction with an HCPSS teacher
- Complete work in the Canvas learning management system, DreamBox or Lexia Core5
If your child is absent, please send a note explaining the absence to this email address: LESattendance@hcpss.org
Important Links for Attendance
Attendance Notes: Please send all attendance notes to LESattendance@hcpss.org
An absence note is required for every absence, within 24 hours of your child returning to school. The note should include:
- Your child's first and last name
- Your child's grade
- Your child's homeroom teacher
- The date of the absence
- The reason for the absence
Extended Absences:
If your child will be absent for more than 3 days, please fill out an HCPSS Extended Absence Form for approval and email the form to Mrs. Drews at linda_drews@hcpss.org. The form can be found at https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/absence_request.pdf.
GOOGLE MEET EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Behavioral Expectations for Students
Students at all levels are now engaging in virtual class check-in sessions on Google Meet. To ensure a positive and productive learning environment during these sessions, it is important that all students adhere to the following behavioral expectations.
- Always be respectful and courteous to other students and teachers during Google Meet virtual check-in sessions. Inappropriate, offensive or threatening comments; misrepresentation of identity, and/or disruptive behavior by any participants during Google Meet virtual check-in sessions will not be tolerated.
- Students must use their HCPSS email account to log into a Google Meet virtual check-in session.
- Login credentials must not be shared. Sharing of login information violates other students’ and teachers’ rights to confidentiality and could allow class participation by unauthorized persons and/or lead to disruptive behaviors that detract from a productive and positive learning environment.
- Students who are disruptive and/or “trespass” Google Meet virtual check-in sessions will receive appropriate consequences in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Consequences may result in temporary or permanent loss of technology access, which would prevent the student from participating in Google Meet virtual check-in sessions. Students receiving this consequence would have assignments provided to the student’s parent/guardian.
- Students should adhere to the provisions identified under Individual Responsibilities in Board of Education Policy 8080 Responsible Use Technology and Social Media. Other applicable policies include:
Privacy Guidelines for Parents/Guardians
To maintain a positive, productive learning environment and assure confidentiality for students and teachers during distance learning, all parents/guardians are asked to follow the following privacy guidelines.
- Google Meet virtual check-ins are designed for students. To prevent disruptions to the learning environment, parents/guardians should not actively participate in check-in sessions, although parents/guardians may assist their child with technology and/or remain nearby.
- Do not video record, audio record, photograph, live stream, or transmit in any other way any part of a Google Meet virtual check-in, including not posting on any social media platform.
- Any confidential or personally identifiable information related to students participating during Google Meet virtual check-ins should not be collected, discussed or shared.
- Parents/guardians should not engage with students during Google Meet virtual check-ins. If you need to speak with your child during a check-in session, first mute your child’s microphone.
- If a parent/guardian has a question, please email your child’s teacher.
Parents/guardians should email your child’s principal with any questions or concerns regarding privacy or virtual classroom expectations.
Thank you for your support and cooperation in ensuring that distance learning is a positive, productive and enjoyable experience for all participants.
FOOD SERVICES INFORMATION
Meals will be provided at no cost to all students through December 31, 2020, subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture funding availability.
The food services program during the 2020-2021 first semester (Sept. 8, 2020-Jan. 28, 2021) will consist of Grab-and-Go meals served Monday through Friday from 8–9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., beginning Tuesday, September 8. Breakfast and lunch can be picked up at either mealtime.
MEAL LOCATIONS
Lisbon is a site for meals. Grab-and-Go meals will be distributed at the cafeteria door (to the right of the Lisbon Mural) in the front of the school building . For convenience, meals may be picked up at any location where meals are being served.
Details and updated information on meal service for all school locations is provided on the HCPSS Nutrislice website and mobile application.
MEAL PICKUP
Children do not need to be present; parents/guardians may pick up meals for their child(ren). Those with children attending multiple schools may do a single-stop meal pickup.
Parents must indicate their child(ren)’s name(s) when picking up meals.
ASSIGNING A DESIGNEE
Some families may find it difficult to pick up meals for their children at the locations or times when meals are served. Parents/guardians may pick up meals for their children and up to one other family without completing a request form. Families also may authorize a designee, who may pick up meals for up to three families, by submitting an online or paper form.
See guidelines for meal pickup by designees for detailed information.
Visit the Food Services website for all the information about Food Distribution during the first semester.
HCPSS News
Parents/guardians new to the system are automatically enrolled for email notification, however must opt in to receive text alerts
Immunization Information
All students need the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school. Parents are responsible for providing proof of immunization to the school prior to the start of school or proof of an appointment for necessary immunizations within 20 calendar days of the first day of school.
The health room will contact families directly if their student still requires additional vaccinations to meet state requirements. Please see Vaccine Flyer for upcoming immunization clinic opportunities.
Immunization records can be emailed to the school nurse at leslie_williams@hcpss.org. Please also use this email for any health-related questions you may have. Thank you!
FAMILY FILE EMERGENCY FORM IS OPEN IN HCPSS CONNECT
It is time to update your child's Emergency Contact information in HCPSS Connect even though we are starting the school year online. This is the most important step as we prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 School Year. Your Family file needs to be updated every school year.
You will be asked to update or provide the following information:
- Parent/guardian contact information.
- Emergency contacts.
- Medical information
- Arrival and Dismissal procedures.
- Media coverage.
- Data confidentiality.
- PTA Directory.
You can access HCPSS Connect here http://www.hcpss.org/connect/
Parents who have forgotten their login credentials for Family File may click the “Forgot Password” link on the sign-in page.
If you need additional assistance, please fill out this Connect Help Form.
CONNECT WITH LES AND STAY INFORMED
Website
- Our website, les.hcpss.org, is updated regularly.
- Important news and information is located on the main page of the site including an archive of our weekly newsletter, Lisbon Lines.
- Staff information and email is located under the "Our Staff" tab.
- A subscribeable google calendar is located on the "Calendar" tab.
- Email is our main form of communication.
- You will receive news and information automatically to the email address you provide in your Family File. We will not inundate your inbox with email. Look for the weekly Lisbon Lines on Fridays.
- If you would like email sent to different email addresses, update your email in Family File with the email address you prefer.
- You can subscribe additional email addresses by visiting the HCPSS News site here. http://www.hcpss.org/hcpss-news/
- Weekly announcements, important information, updates, and more will primarily be sent through email.
- You also have the opportunity to opt-in for text messaging