Lansdowne Elementary School
September Newsletter
Welcome to the 2020-2012 School Year!
Dear Lansdowne families,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! Although the school year would be even better if we were together in person, we can’t wait for your child(ren) to experience the fun and engaging learning the teachers have been preparing all summer. Virtual learning provides an incredible opportunity to offer cutting edge technology and rich offline learning experiences focused on the timeless pillars of education: reading, writing, and mathematics. We can’t wait to get started! You should have received a letter along with additional information in August to help you be prepared for virtual learning this year. Please make sure you reviewed all the information carefully. Enclosed you should have found the following resources to utilize as a guide during virtual learning:
- Grade Level Schedule
- Technology “How To” Guide
- Mental Health Resources
- Student Contact Verification sheet
- BCPS Student Username/Password
Schedules:
We understand that many caregivers are balancing multiple demands at home while also supervising student’s learning online. Many families are coordinating care across families and schools. In order to support our families, we have created a schedule that offers general consistency across all grade levels. All students will have a morning class meeting and preparation for learning time from 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. All students in grades K-5 will have three blocks of whole group online instruction in ELA, Math, and Content. The length of whole group instruction will vary depending on the grade level. Students will have differentiated small group opportunities following the whole group instruction. All students will have lunch and movement time from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM. Your child’s teacher will provide a customized schedule for your child that includes whole group and small group instruction. Your child’s schedule will also be shared by your child’s teacher and will be posted on their Schoology page no later than Friday, September 4th.
Daily Instruction:
In March of 2020 we unexpectedly closed our school building for the remainder of the school year. We offered learning opportunities online in order to provide consistency and practice for our students. As we embark upon a new year of learning, we must shift our mindset. While virtual instruction last year was a stopgap, this year we are shifting our expectations and experiences. For the 2020 school year, we will offer a comprehensive virtual school experience. Instead of entering the classroom in the building, students will enter their classroom online. Students will engage in a robust learning program similar to what can be expected in a traditional brick-and-mortar school. We will follow a traditional bell schedule from 8:45 AM to 3:30 PM. Each day students will engage in whole group instruction, small group instruction, independent practice, and assessments. Students will have lunch, movement time, class counseling lessons, and special area classes.
Attendance & Grading/Reporting:
Students are expected to attend classes daily as attendance will be recorded and participation in all learning activities is expected. Teachers will provide feedback and grades in alignment with the BCPS Grading and Reporting Policy. Additional information will be provided during virtual Back-to-School night.
As we enter this school year during unprecedented times, we will face challenges. Our values of excellence, equity, wellness, and community will continue to guide us. Together we are confident that our Lansdowne community can overcome any obstacle. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that we empower every child, every day. #ListenToUsROAR!
Stay well and be safe!
Ms. Amanda McBride
Principal, Lansdowne Elementary School
Ms. Liz Turner
Assistant Principal, Lansdowne Elementary School
Back-To-School Night
Virtual Back-To-School-Night ~ Tuesday, September 15th @5:30 pm-7:00 pm
We will be offering three half hour sessions for families to attend and visit with multiple teachers if needed. Date reminders have been shared on Class DoJo as well as the phone call Monday Community Message.
Please log in using your child's Homeroom Teacher's Google Meet Nickname to join our Back-To-School Night.
~ 5:30 – 6:00 pm: Session One – Administration Welcome & Lansdowne ES 20-21 Information
~ 6:00 – 6:30 pm: Session Two – Homeroom Teacher Information Session
~ 6:30 – 7:00 pm: Session Three – Homeroom Teacher Information Session
Need help locating your child's daily schedule?
Sign Up for a BCPS One Parent Account
Sign-Up for a BCPS One parent account. A BCPSOne account provides you access to Schoology. This will allow you to view your child's teacher contact info., class schedule, assignments and grades. Additionally, the email you provide for your BCPS One account will also be the email address we use for school-wide communication.
A Message from Nurse Lowman
Hello Lansdowne Families!
My name is Kristi Lowman and I am the school nurse here at Lansdowne Elementary School. This will be my 4th year at LES, and my 33rd year as a nurse! If there is anything that I can help you or your child with this year please feel free to reach out to me either by Class Dojo, email (klowman@bcps.org) or phone 443-809-4558.
As we begin this year, and every school year, my job is to ensure that all students have met the immunization requirements that are set by the Maryland Department of Health prior to entering school. Although we are not physically in the building at this time the requirements remain the same and it is always important, and maybe in more so during this time of COVID, to keep your child’s immunizations up to date. If your child is found to be missing any of their required immunizations I will be reaching out to you personally via a phone call. Again if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s immunizations please feel free to reach out to me.
Stay safe and stay well!
Kristi Lowman MSN, RN
BCPS Free Student Meals
Lansdowne Elementary School
Email: amcbride@bcps.org
Website: https://lansdownees.bcps.org/
Phone: 443-809-1408
Twitter: @amcbride28