PES Family Newsletter
Week of April 11, 2022
Principal Message
Quarter 4 has started, students will be demonstrating their learning through MCAP testing, and working to show all they know and have learned through the end of the school year. As I reflect on the year up to this point, I think about all the amazing things that students have done or been a part of at PES this year. In order to truly FINISH STRONG, the actions below will be the road map towards success.
Of course, following our Parkway expectations are key. Demonstrating RESPECT for self, others and property will always be a recipe for success. To extend those concepts, students can be even more successful if they set not only themselves up for success, but also encouraging others to be their best. This could be the one ingredient that helps PES meet or exceed our goals. Students that find ways to grow their talents, their critical thinking skills, and their ability to apply new learning to challenges they face help generate a life long skill set that allows them to thrive when faced with any challenge.
At PES, we will continue to help them face these challenges, but will also expect students to demonstrate the leadership that helps them make the right decisions at the right time. Whether it is a decision to review the test question one more time, check their work, or explore a new way of demonstrating their learning, a student can use their inner leadership to help them make these decisions. We must also continue to help students develop an inner leadership that helps them make decisions about demonstrating kindness and care for those around them. I always ask students to be a leader even when no one is looking. Please help us do this by also sharing the expectations of PES at home and at school!
MCAP state testing reminder. This time of year, all students in grades 3-5 at PES take the MCAP state assessments. We take several parts of the Math and ELA over the course of a few sessions for each content. This assessment measures a student's progress towards grade level standards and informs the school of many things that help us plan for future instruction and student needs. I always share with students that it is a chance to "show what you know"! Help them be ready to do that by having a healthy bed time and good night's rest, as well as healthy meals to keep their bodies and brains ready to go!
Yours in education,
John Ridenour
Acting Principal
Parkway Elementary
Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, April 15 - Sunday, April 24: Spring Break for Students
- Monday, April 24 - Friday, May 20: MCAP State Testing
- Thursday, April 28: Pre-K/K Enrollment Event @ PES 4:00-5:30PM
- Friday, April 29: PTA Spring Fling
- Monday, May 2 - Friday, May 6: Teacher Appreciation Week
- Friday, May 6: 2 Hour Early Dismissal / Mid-Term
- Tuesday, May 10: Parkway PTA Meeting w/ WFMS Liaison and Hood College Reading Program Director
- Friday, May 20: 2 Hour Early Dismissal
- Thursday, May 26: Field Day (Rain date: Thursday, June 2)
- Monday, May 30: PTA Panda 5K
- Monday, May 30: School Closed
- Wednesday, June 1: 5th Grade Celebration
- Tuesday, June 7: Last Day of School - 2 Hour Early Dismissal
SY 22-23 Pre-K/K Enrollment
PES Families,
We will be hosting an in-person registration for students who will be in Pre-K or Kindergarten next year (2022-2023 school year) on April 28th.
When you come, it would be helpful if you bring your child's birth certificate, your license/ID,
your child's immunization records, and a gas bill, water bill, electric bill, or rental agreement/lease/property tax bill.
Please consider applying online or in person on Thursday, April 28.
Who: Anyone with a child going into Pre-K or Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year.
Child must be 4 years old by September 1st 2022 for Pre-K.
Or child must be 5 years old by September 1st 2022 for Kindergarten.
What: Register your Pre-K and Kindergarten Students
When: April 28 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Where: Parkway Elementary School
What to Bring: Birth Certificate, Immunization records, Gas, water, or electric bill or lease/rental agreement/property tax bill, & Your license/ID
Pre-K Only ALSO Must Bring: Proof of Income (Food Supplemental Program (FSP) current letter of verification, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) current letter of verification, 3 recent consecutive pay stubs from employer(s), W-2 forms from last year from employer(s), Schedule C/1099, a letter on letterhead from your employer(s) stating your income, child support or court order or letter, unemployment, disability income)
**NEW: If you register for Pre-K without a proof of income, your application will not be processed.
Reminder: Upcoming State Assessments
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP)- Grades 3-5
State mandated MCAP testing will be administered to all students in grades 3-5 throughout our assessment window of April 25 - May 13. Your child's teacher will be communicating specific dates for their classroom schedule. We ask families to try and avoid scheduling appointments during these times, however, if your child needs to be absent, please communicate with your child’s teacher and/or the front office. There are several make-up sessions available, so if your child is feeling ill, please continue to keep him/her home.
Through their daily instruction in Math and Language Arts, Parkway students are well prepared for this assessment! However, it is important that families be mindful of a few things to help their children put their best foot forward.
- Arrive to school on time
- Eat a hearty breakfast ( reminder: breakfast is served daily at Parkway!)
- Get a good night’s sleep
If you have any questions about this assessment please reach out to our school test coordinator Mrs. Krauss alicia.krauss@fcps.org.
FCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee - Seeks Members
The FCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) invites parents/families, students, staff and the community to apply for membership on the committee. SECAC's mission is to work in collaboration with all stakeholders to advise the office of special education and the Board of Education. Applications are due by May 15, 2022. SECAC and the Office of Special Education strongly encourage you to send this out in your newsletters, etc., to reach your community.
Special Education MD Parent Survey
The MSDE Special Education Parent Survey has opened for families of student with disabilities. The responses to the survey can build efforts to improve services and results for children and youth, kindergarten to age 21, and improve efforts to increase family involvement. See the attached flyer and the link to the Maryland Special Education Parental Involvement Survey, open March 21 - May 27, 2022.
After School Safety on School Grounds
Please be mindful of the dismissal procedures occurring between 3:30-4:00PM each day. It is such a great opportunity to connect and build relationships through the use of the playground, however we want to maintain everyone's safety while using the grounds.
Additionally, students have been climbing through the wooded area and running toward the playground by crossing the alley where cars are actively exiting the car rider line. Please refrain from using that specific area until car riders are finished.
Community Opportunities
- The Linganore Mountain Bike Team is all about fun, camaraderie, and fostering a lifelong love of mountain biking and is open to rising 6th graders. See the flier for more information: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=16546
- Free Range Kids & Teens enables Young Artists, Creative Thinkers, and Leaders to find and elevate their unique voices and skills through the performing arts. Click the link for more information on their summer programs: https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/GetFile.aspx?DocId=16545
Parents As Volunteers
As a reminder, any parents who are attending a field trip of any kind must go through the quick Volunteer Training and Registration process. This would include any end of year activities where parents are volunteering their time (field day, end of year picnic, etc.).
PTA News
2022 - 23 PTA Board and Committee Opportunities:
Get involved! Email ptaparkway@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about a board position.
2022 - 23 Committee Opportunities, Sign up here: https://forms.gle/oU5Df4WiX6FBgwv3A
Parkway 5k& 1K Fun Run
Monday, May 30, 2022
We need you! We are looking for a 5K & 1K Fun Run sponsorship volunteer coordinator to help with sponsorships and donations. Email ptaparkway@gmail.com for more information.
Parkway 5k& 1K Fun Run Sponsorship Information
Coming Up:
April 29: PTA Spring Fling
May 5: Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
May 10: Parkway PTA Meeting with WFMS Liaison and Hood College Reading Specialization Program Director Dr. Ellen Koitz
May 30: Panda 5k
June 1: 5th Grade Fun Day
COVID-19 Home Test Kits for Symptomatic Individuals
FCPS will now accept negative results from COVID-19 Home Test Kits in order for symptomatic individuals to return to school before the standard 5 day isolation time.
Based on FDA guidance, accepting negative COVID-19 Home Test Kit results is different from Rapid Antigen or PCR test requirements. Acceptance of negative test results from COVID-19 Home Test Kits to return to school will require two negative test results at least 24 hours apart, per FDA guidance. Many home test kits include two tests per kit.
In yesterday's message, we shared this guidance is for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. This guidance is not for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. This guidance is for symptomatic individuals who are testing in order to return to school before the standard 5 day isolation time.
If parents/guardians use a COVID-19 Home Test Kit and their child tests negative, they must test their child again with a second test no sooner than 24 hours after the first test. If the second test is also negative, their child may return to school as long as they have been fever- free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. The parent must provide the completed and signed COVID-19 Home Tests Results Form to school health staff in order for the child to return prior to the standard isolation time.
*Parents/guardians still have the option to seek a Rapid Antigen or PCR test from FCHD, FHH, a pharmacy, or a health care provider rather than using a COVID-19 Home Test Kit.
Arrival and Dismissal Reminder
Dismissal begins at 3:30PM, car riders will exit from the rear of the building and walkers exit from the College Ave. exit.
When making changes to dismissal routines please provide ample time to communicate those changes to your child's classroom teacher and the front office. If your child is going to be dismissed to a different family please ensure both families have shared communication regarding the change in dismissal.
Additional: Be mindful of the handicapped parking spaces in the front of the building. During afternoon dismissal be sure to use the car rider line if you are picking up your student as a car rider, walkers are dismissed from the College Ave. exit doors.
Attendance Reminder
Setting strong school habits and routines helps students with academic and social skill success. Being at school on time, helps students start the day in the right mindset and sets them up for the day in a positive way.
Being at school on time ensures students have the time they need to transition into the building and be ready for learning.
Arriving at school on time, before 9:00am, is important for many reasons such as:
- allowing time to unpack and prepare for the day
- allowing time for breakfast, if eating at school
- lessening anxiety and/or upset about being late
- being able to interact with friends before instruction begins
- being ready when morning meeting/PATHS lessons begin
We appreciate your support in working to establish morning routines at home which will allow your child to arrive at school on time.
Please be sure to communicate attendance absence notes with the classroom teacher and front office via email or note.
Health and Safety
Dear Parent/Guardian,
FCPS is asking for your help keeping all our schools and communities safe. Please review the list of COVID-19 symptoms below with your student prior to leaving for school every day. You will be provided a weekly communication reminder of this requirement. Students who are ill or are experiencing symptoms are expected to remain at home.
Parents/Guardians are required to screen their student(s) daily with the following to three questions:
(a) Has your student tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 5 days?
(b) Has your student been in close contact* with anyone who is either a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 5 days?
(c) Is your student currently experiencing or displaying, any ONE of the following COVID-19 symptoms?
- Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) or higher
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- New onset of severe headache
- New loss of taste or smell
If the answer is YES to any of the above statements, your student should not come to school. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions regarding next steps for your student.
Thank you for your cooperation.
* Students in a PK-12 school who are within 3 feet for 15 minutes of close contact in a cumulative 24-hour period with an individual without a facial covering.
About Us
Email: John.Ridenour@fcps.org
Website: education.fcps.org/pes/
Location: 300 Carroll Parkway, Frederick, MD, USA
Phone: (240)236-2600