Osprey Weekly
Summer Edition-August 14, 2020
From Administration
This week, our Board of Education approved the SMCPS Fall Reopening Plan. If you have not had the time to review it yet, I encourage you to do so. The SMCPS Reopening Plan and website will be continually updated as new information becomes available. This is a total redesign of the educational system. It will be different from our traditional in-person program and this spring’s online model. It is extremely important to get this plan right, and I will work extremely hard to help facilitate an outstanding new model of school and learning for our students and community. Having school in this new redesigned manner impacts everything. It impacts every facet of our operations; registration, orientations, school supply lists, school schedules, daycare, and food services to name a few. My goal, at this point of the summer, is to share important information to help prepare families for the start of school. Please know that Leonardtown Elementary School is working closely with the Central Office, and while many decisions and communications remain school-based, there is an increased need for centralized communication to ensure consistency during this time of change.
Communication is always key, both in a traditional setting and in this new redesigned online setting. At Leonardtown Elementary School, we do our best to consolidate communication in our weekly newsletter, the Osprey Weekly. The Osprey Weekly will be published weekly throughout the school year through email. Since you will receive email from your child's teachers and potentially other schools and teachers, if you have older children, we want to be sure we do not inundate your email inbox day in and day out. Be sure to look for the Osprey Weekly newsletter on Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in your email inbox starting in September. It will be packed full of a lot of important information in one location. If you ever miss an issue of the Osprey Weekly, we archive each issue on the main page of the LES Website. There will be times when we send email communication from the office between the Osprey Weekly issues, so please be sure to check email regularly. Additionally, be sure to follow LES on Twitter. We often post information and reminders there in addition to fun posts sharing what's going on in our school.
I hope you are able to enjoy the next few weeks of summer, and I look forward to seeing you online to start the school year. Now more than ever, I encourage you to contact me personally with any questions, concerns, or needs that you may have as you prepare to support your children during this school year. As your principal, I am committed to help make a difference even from a distance! Finally, I want to close by sharing a quote on the school sign straight ahead as you enter on Seymour Street:
"Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen!"
This year may be different than any other, but we can make it meaningful and wonderful for our children.
Dr. Quick-McQueen, Principal
Welcome to 2020-21 School Year!
Dear LES Parents and Families,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! I hope you were all able to have fun with your family
and enjoy the beautiful summer weather, even during this unique summer break. Our teachers
and staff have been working hard to get ready for the new school year, and we cannot wait to
welcome you back on the first day of school, Monday, August 31, 2020, starting at 9 a.m. in a
virtual setting.
This year, we will be starting the year off with 100% distance learning in virtual classrooms.
Sometime during the year, when it is safe to do so, we may be able to welcome students back
in person using a Hybrid Learning model. We will keep you updated through a variety of
communication methods including our LES website( https://schools.smcps.org/les/ ), Twitter
and (@les_smcps).
This letter will provide you with information needed to get you off to a smooth start for the
2020-2021 school year:
IMPORTANT: Personal Demographic Information
Please make sure the school has your up to date address, phone number(s), and email address.This is required for all students in SMCPS and is especially important this year for
communication and safety reasons.
OFFICE HOURS
The school office is available via phone and email only, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at (301) 475-0250. Currently, the office is closed to any in-person visitors.
TECHNOLOGY DEVICE DISTRIBUTION
Student devices will be distributed the week of August 24-28 and August 31-September 4 (as needed). Please refer to the Technology Device Distribution Schedule to see your assigned pick up time. Pick up will be drive-through only. Please note if a student does not have their own device and/or share a device, you can request a district device. The district devices are configured to support district apps and online programs that teachers will be using. Students in Pre-K-1st grade will receive district iPads, while students in Grades 2-5 will receive district laptops. Students that already have a district device will need to return that device and request a new updated device. Any Kindergartner who borrowed a device last year must return the laptop and will receive an iPad.
iPad
Students Pre-K through 1st grade will use an iPad to access their learning during the 2020-21 School Year.
Laptop
Students entering 2nd through 5th grade will use a laptop to access their learning during the 2020-21 School Year.
It is important for each child in your home to have their own device. If you are in need of a device, please complete the Device Survey here. If you have your own device, please feel free to use it. If using your own device please click the link here for Technology Requirements.
Each district device will be updated with pre-installed apps and resources to support student learning in the Schoology platform.
STUDENT TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS
Distribution of student textbooks and instructional materials will occur between August 31 – September 4 and September 8-September 11. Times are TBD. Schedule of distribution times for each grade level will be provided as soon as possible. We are working hard to get all needed materials assembled and ready for drive thru pick up.
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
To view your child’s classroom assignment, you will need to log in to Home Access Center (HAC) on Wednesday, August 26th after 4:00 p.m. You will need to have your username and password to access Home Access Center (HAC). The school office cannot provide you with your password. To reset your password, you will need to click on the “Forgot My Username/Password” link in HAC to reset your information. Please note, the email you have on file with the school is where the reset link will be sent. To access HAC, you may click here https://www.smcps.org/hac to be taken to the sign in portal.
NEW LES FAMILIES
If your family is new to LES this year, we welcome you and are excited to have you join our family. There are several virtual events being planned for you and your child to get acclimated to LES and Staff that will be working with your child this school year. Virtual events include: Kindergarten Read Aloud with the Principals, Meet the School Counselor, and Meet the Teacher. Please stay tuned.
OPEN HOUSE
We will not have a traditional in person Open House this year, but we certainly understand the need for parents/students to connect before the school year begins to learn about each other and the start of the year expectations. Each teacher and/or grade level will set up a Google Meet to connect with parents/students. Please expect to hear from your child’s teacher to share the Google Meet code. It is important for teachers to connect with your child prior to the first day of school.
DAILY SCHEDULES
Daily schedules and specific information regarding individual classes will be provided by
teachers. In virtual learning, students will participate in both live interactive synchronous
instruction, as well as asynchronous learning throughout the day. Virtual learning will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Fridays will be asynchronous learning with a short live check-in with students for attendance. Once we can return to in-person
learning, new schedules will be shared with you. Tune in to the SMCPS Town Hall on Wednesday, August 19th for more information on schedules.
ATTENDANCE AND GRADES
Attendance will be taken daily. Students are expected to be present for live interaction to get attendance credit and for teachers to monitor their learning progress to accurately report their learning on the Standards Based Report Card at the end of each quarter. We understand that each family will have different situations, so we ask you to please work closely with your child’s teacher and administration, so we understand how we can support your family. We appreciate your support in making sure, your child is ready for school by signing on to their virtual class on time, dressed for school, and sitting in a location (ex. desk/table) that would be best for their learning.
ABSENCE REPORTING
Daily attendance for virtual learning is expected. During distance learning, you must report absences by calling our office at (301) 475-0250 or by visiting the LES website (https://schools.smcps.org/les/) and clicking on the Report a Student Absence blue button at the top right of the page. You may also send an email to Mrs. Ventrone at mhventrone@smcps.org. Please include the date of the absence, the student’s name, and the reason for the absence in the email.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM
During distance learning, families may pre-order school meals for pickup at LES school. Meals are only available for enrolled students of SMCPS and will be distributed three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Meal applications for the 2020-2021 school year are now available online; applications must be submitted annually. All families that will apply for free or reduced-price meals can apply online at:
https://www.smcps.org/dss/food-services/meal-benefit-information
For more information about meal applications and the breakfast/lunch program, please visit the Nutrition Services website at: https://www.smcps.org/dss/food-services/meal-benefit-information or call (301) 475-4256 Option #5.
We are excited to welcome you for the new school year. Please feel free to reach out to us for
any questions. I look forward to a wonderful year. Go Ospreys!
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
- 20 'Virtual Kindergarten Read Aloud with the Principals' (code to join will be sent via email next week); last name A-L @ 5:30 p.m. AND last name M-Z @ 6:30 p.m.
- 24-28 Grade Level Technology Distribution
- 25 Virtual Meet the School Counselor (code to join will be sent via email next week); last name A-L @ 5:30 p.m. AND last name M-Z @ 6:30 p.m.
- 26-28 'Virtual Welcome Back Orientation' with the Teacher via Google Meets (code to join will be sent by the teacher)
- 31 First Day of School
- 31 'Pre-K Virtual Orientation' with the Teacher via Google Meets 9:30 a.m. (Pre-K AM students only) AND 1:30 p.m. (Pre-K PM students only) (code to join will be sent by the teacher)
- 31- September 4 Grade Level Instructional Materials Distribution
September
- 7 No School-Labor Day
- 8-14 Grade Level Instructional Materials Distribution (if needed)
- 24 Early Dismissal Day
- 25 No School for Students
Learning at Home Tips
Below are some tips that you may find helpful or useful as you prepare your child for this year of learning. We recognize that all families are at a different place at this time in terms of school readiness, but for those of you who are curious as to ways you can support your child, we have compiled a beginning list for you.
- Provide a designated learning space for your child. This will help your child with understanding that school is important. If your child has their own area that is strictly for their schooling, they are less likely to be distracted and it will help your child get in the zone for learning. This can be a small table, a small tv tray, a corner table in a kitchen, etc. Please do whatever works best for you, however, we recommend that this area has a “permanent” spot in the house.
- Within the designated space, have organized items that your child will be able to find, put away and use. This will allow students to work in their area without needing to leave it to find needed materials.
- Schoolbox or bin for crayons, pencils, scissors, glue and markers.
- Headphones are helpful to avoid distractions to others AND they will block out distractions from the house.
- Small whiteboard or thick paper in sheet protectors and black expo markers. Often teacher will ask your child to hold up their work and paper can be hard to see in an online format.
Change of Address
- A completed change of address form
- A copy of your new lease or deed
- A copy of your current utility bill with your new address
New to LES Registration for the 2020-2021 School Year
School Supplies
Additionally, LES will be distributing bundled consumable instructional materials for all students. Items include materials for ELA, Writing, and Math for most grade levels. We are working on pick-up procedures and schedules, and we will communicate that information soon.
Staffing Updates
Please see below for an introduction to our newest staff members.
Ms. Stacy Kent
Mrs. Lauren Goldsmith: First Grade
Mrs. Nicole Hastings: Fifth Grade
Hello, my name is Nicole Hastings. I have been teaching for 8 years and absolutely love my job! I have 5 years of experience teaching fifth grade and 3 years of experience in sixth grade. In 2011, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University. In 2019, I graduated with my Master’s Degree from Towson University in Reading Education.
I was raised in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. My wonderful husband brought me to St. Mary’s county about 4 years ago. We have an energetic one-year-old son named Ben and a dog named Marty. They both keep us very busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way. When I am not teaching I enjoy going to the beach, cooking, gardening, and spending time with my family.
I am so excited to be a part of Leonardtown Elementary school! I can not wait to get to know each and every one of my students!
Ms. Paige Stanley: Speech Pathologist
Ms. Stephanie Barnes: School Pyschologist
My name is Stephanie Barnes and I am Leonardtown ES School Psychologist for the 2020-2021 school year. This is my 4th year working with St. Mary's County Public Schools district. Just a little about myself: I grew up in Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma where I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I pursued my Educational Specialist's degree in School Psychology at the College of William & Mary. As a School Psychologist, I conduct psychological assessments, provide prevention and intervention services, collaborate with school staff and families/community providers to improve student outcomes, promote positive behavior and mental health, and support diverse learners. For the past six years, I have primarily served school-aged children in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.
During my free time, I enjoy visiting historical places, attending concerts, plays, and comedy shows, volunteering, and going on international mission trips during my summer break.
I look forward to working with LES staff and families to help provide supportive learning environments for our students to succeed and achieve their fullest potential. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or send an email.
Mrs. Maria Bronzell: School Counselor
Ms. Ariana Paribello
This will be my 23rd school year as an SMCPS teacher. In my tenure, I have taught first through third grade at Carver and Evergreen Elementary Schools. ESOL is my dream teaching position and I am thrilled to have this opportunity! Out of the classroom, I enjoy reading, visiting places old and new, learning about cultures, and co-directing Evergreen's school musicals.
Connect with LES and Stay Informed
Connect with LES and Stay Informed
Twitter
- Follow us on Twitter at @les_smcps
- We use Twitter to inform, celebrate, and engage our community
- Twitter is used to share what is going on in our school, our community, and throughout the St. Mary's County School System
- Turn on notifications to get information the second it is tweeted
Website
- Visit our school website at schools.smcps.org/les
- Our website is updated regularly
- Important news and information is located on the main page of the site including our 'Osprey Weekly' Message
- Staff information and email is located under the "Our Staff" tab
- A google calendar is also located on the website, which shares LES Events
- Email is our main form of communication
- You will receive news and information automatically to the email address you provided in your registration packet (if you would like to update, please contact the Main Office). We will not inundate your inbox with email. Look for the 'Osprey Weekly' Message on Fridays once the school year starts
- Weekly announcements, important information and updates, and more will primarily be sent through email
- You also have the opportunity to opt-in for text messaging (see the link to the flyer with more information below)
PTA News!
Dear LES Families,
In anticipation of the new school year, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of the new and returning students, parents, and staff to the 2020-2021 school year at Leonardtown Elementary. I know this year has a different landscape, but our mission to build stronger families and community at Leonardtown Elementary stays the course.
I want to take a minute to introduce the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). We are working within schools to positively impact our children and families. I joined the PTA because I wanted to be a part of that mission. Over the years, our PTA at LES has continued to grow and become a strong supporting component to our school and students. As we continue to weather the uncharted waters of this global health crisis, we find ourselves challenged by the impact on families and their children’s education. Now more than ever, I encourage each and every family to join me on our mission and be a light to enrich our students lives this school year.
Over the summer your PTA Executive Board has been busy developing the details for outreach, focusing on addressing parent’s needs and enhancing the educational environment for all of our students and community beyond the walls of the classroom. We will strive to be a resource that strengthens the sense of community and that encourages our students and families as we adapt to the new normal.
You can keep up with school happenings by using the school directory, visiting the school Website, following the Leonardtown Elementary Facebook page and through our newsletters and flyers in email. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me at lesospreyspta@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting, working with, and learning from all of you in the coming year! Together we will make our Ospreys soar!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Weatherly, PTA President
Leonardtown Elementary School
Greg LaCount, Assistant Principal
Email: cfquickmcqueen@smcps.org
Website: schools.smcps.org
Location: 22885 Duke Street, Leonardtown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-475-0250
Twitter: @les_smcps