MoES Parent Newsletter
October 2020
Gator Families
We have experienced some ups and downs with distant learning, but our teachers continue to rise to the challenge. I enjoy the emails received expressing the excellent work, flexibility, and commitment you see from our staff on a daily basis. This is the best group of teachers you could possibly ask for and we are blessed to have them on our TEAM. It isn't easy. Distant learning requires more time in planning, preparation, and delivery than face-face instruction. Through all the bumps in the road we will continue to persevere. We teach our students to be relentless and especially in these times we must all be RELENTLESS. We get knocked down, but we get back up.
When you find yourself or your child getting stressed or frustrated, walk away. The work and learning will still be there. Get some phsyical activity in your schedule and give yourself the credit you deserve. Together we will help each child be the best version of themselves.
This newsletter is packed with important updates, timely information, and upcoming events requiring action.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions and/or concerns: 240-236-1371 or troy.barnes@fcps.org.
Troy Barnes
MoES Principal
One Team One Goal
October Dates
9:00 - 9:30 PATHS or Morning Meeting with Teacher
9:30 - 9:45 Overview of STEAM Day and Directions Provided
9:45 - 12:00 Students complete STEAM Acitvities: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MkahtyB-GmvATr_woWzstCX6LjUY-57lbdvo1uTRUTs/present?slide=id.p
Wednesday, October 7th: Board of Education Meeting: Discussion on Hybrid Model Implementation and Hopefully Decision on Next Steps
Wednesday, October 7th: Neighborhood Supply Distribution Part 2
We have more materials for your child and will be in your neighborhood from 6:00 - 6:30pm. If you cannot pick up supplies during this time, please stop by the school beginning October 8th from 9:30am - 3:00pm.
Willowbrook and North Crossing (Pavilion)
Amber Meadows and Clover Hill (Pavilion by Tennis Court)
Country Hills (Playground)
Applegate (Pool)
Heather Ridge (Playground at top of Heather Ridge Drive) Friday, October 16th: No School Wednesday, October 21st: 4 Hours Late (Conference Day), 1:00 - 3:30 School Day Thursday, October 22nd: 4 Hours Late (Conference Day), 1:00 - 3:30 School Day Friday, October 23rd: 3.5 Hours Early Dismissal (Conference Day), 9:00 - 12:00 School Day
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Lexia
Information
Tutoring: If your child is in need of additional support after school (academically, socially, or emotionally) please reach out to your child's teacher. We have a limited number of tutoring spaces available to support your child.
FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals): We need your help. FARM applications from last school year are going to expire. There is a good chance we can be back in school sooner than later. We want your child to receive their free and reduced meals. It is very important that we have all FARM applications completed and submitted by the end of October. Our Title I status and funding for our school is dependent on the % of FARM students we have. Applications can be found here: https://www.fcpsnutrition.com/
Martin Luther King Jr. Art Contest: This year, the 31st annual FCPS Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be going virtual! As a part of the event, the Elementary Visual and Performing Arts Office would like to feature one artwork from each elementary school that demonstrates this year’s theme: “‘Only in the Darkness Can You See the Stars’: Courage to Be The Light.” Your student's art teacher has been asked to provide information regarding this optional opportunity for student artists to submit work.
Your child may create an artwork with any selected 2D or 3D medium as long as the work exemplifies the theme “‘Only in the Darkness Can You See the Stars’: Courage to Be The Light.” Artwork must be photographed and submitted to the student’s visual art teacher by Friday, November 13, 2020. Your school's visual art teacher(s) will select the final artwork for submission to the Visual and Performing Arts Office.
Title I: Monocacy Elementary School is a Title I School. We receive federal funding based on the percent of our students receiving Free and Reduced Meals (must be greater than 50%). The additional funding we receive goes to purchase additional teachers to decrease class sizes. A letter from Dr. Alban, Superintendent will be sent home providing additional information on Title I in October. Also, stop by our website or request a copy of the frequently asked questions document that we have created to keep you informed and to provide you with important information. Home-School Compacts will be available and sent home during October's Parent-Teacher Conferences.
If you would like an additional copy of the Title I brochure, please let you child's teacher know and we will send a copy home.
Regulation 500-32 Yearly Communication:
“It is unlawful for students to possess or use any weapon on school property. Students who have or use a weapon on school property will be suspended from school, and the police will be notified of the incident. A weapon is any object designed to harm another physically or an object which is used in a way that can physically harm another. This school is committed to providing each of you with a safe environment, and we will do all we can to carry out that responsibility including, if necessary, conducting searches of student lockers.”