DOLPHINS' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
THE WEEK OF April 17
* D A T E S *
- April 19th RETURN from Spring Break
- April 28th 4th Grade Field Trip
- May 17th- Instrumental and Choral Concerts
MCAP Testing Dates:
- 3rd Grade
- ELA MCAP Testing - May 9th, 10th, 12th, & 13th
- Math MCAP Testing - April 21st, 25th, 26th, & 29th
- 4th Grade
- ELA MCAP Testing - May 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th
- Math MCAP Testing - April 21st, 25th, 26th, & 29th
- 5th Grade
- ELA MCAP Testing - May 23rd, 24th, 26th, & 27th
- Math MCAP Testing - May 5th & 6th
REMINDER TO TEST NOW
You have undoubtedly received reminders from the county and from me about administering the COVID-19 Rapid Tests at home today which were provided before Spring Break. The reason you are receiving so many reminders is we want to ensure we are all safe when returning to the building.
I am including the link to the online form where you can report positive COVID cases. If you have a positive test, stay home and follow quarantine and isolation guidelines. If your child has COVID-19 symptoms or is sick, they should stay home.
Cellphone Reminders
We are aware that some of our dolphins carry cellphones to assist with ease of communication with caregivers during the hours before and after school. If your dolphin carries a cellphone, please be sure to reach out to the classroom teacher if you have not reviewed and signed the WLES Cellphone Contract. Some important reminders about cellphones based on recent observations are as follows:
- Technology is provided by MCPS to enhance the academic program and cellphones are not necessary for the learning environment.
- The primary use of cellphones should be outside of school hours under the direction of caregivers.
- Cellphones should be turned off during school and remain in the backpack; they may not be used during school hours unless approved by a staff member.
- Students should not take pictures or make TikTok videos during school.
Thank you for partnering with us to teach appropriate cellphone use.
Summer School (Still Under Construction)
We have shared previously that summer school registration is now open and school summer programming is for remediation and practice of skills already taught. Many of our students do not need to attend summer school. We have limited spaces for Summer School and will be using school data to determine students with the greatest need. Registration online is an application for participation and not confirmed status, so please be sure to consider alternate plans for the summer.
*Note: At this time we have not secured the number of staff needed to run the summer program onsite at WLES. Ms. Bannon is currently collaborating with neighboring elementary schools to see if a combined effort at another school is possible. Please stay tuned, as we will provide updates via the weekly newsletter.
April 7th MCPS Community Message
Please be sure you have read the MCPS Community Messages from April 7th
Wake Up Waters Landing! (4/8/22)
Incase you missed it, enjoy the April 8th edition of Wake Up Waters Landing and share it with your dolphin. We truly have a talented team who creates this production with students each week!
SAFETY REMINDERS AT SCHOOL
Masks are OPTIONAL in all MCPS schools and we respect all families' choices regarding mask wearing at The Landing.
1. Continue to report positive COVID cases using the MCPS form. You can still pick up your At-Home Test by calling the school to arrange pick up. This is how we will provide a safe environment for all of the dolphin community!
2. Families are encouraged to complete the Student Registration for Random Weekly COVID Testing at WLES.
* * * F A M I L Y * * * R E S O U R C E S * * *
SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION
TUTORING RESOURCES
FAMILY OUT OF SCHOOL WEBSITE
The Out-of-School Time (OST) website is designed to provide students and families with safe and engaging options for students on days when school is not in session (after school, weekends, scheduled school closures).These in person and/or virtual activities will address academic skills, physical and emotional wellness, and digital learning skills. Please refer to the Family out of school website (MCPS)
FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
Students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household size and income. They may also qualify if they are receiving Food Supplement Program (FSP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits. Families may apply for meal benefits by completing an Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals for the current school year. Apply online NOW at MySchoolApps.com (Translations available) Click here for English video tutorial. Click here for Spanish video tutorial.
Federal eligibility guidelines change each school year; therefore a new application must be submitted each school year. All students in the family should be listed on one household application. A notice will be mailed home for each student if you are approved for meal benefits or do not qualify for meal benefits. Please keep this important document for your records and use throughout the school year. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year. Households that are unable to apply online should contact their school or the Division of Food and Nutrition Services at 301-284-4900. Please click here to apply online.
LOW-COST INTERNET ACCESS
DID YOU KNOW LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND OLDER ADULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAN GET HOME INTERNET ACCESS FOR A LITTLE AS $9.95 PER MONTH? Please visit Montgomery County - Low-Cost Internet for more information.
W E * * A R E * * H E R E * * T O * * H E L P !
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30.
(Students may enter the building at 9:10)
Below are emails and phone numbers for support in the school:
Main Office (240) 740-1020
Admin Secretary - Ms. Ramirez: Patricia_Ramirez@mcpsmd.org
Front Office Secretary - Ms. Herrera: Jeannette_Herrera@mcpsmd.org
School Principal - Ms. Shorts: Lisa_N_Shorts@mcpsmd.org
Assistant Principal- Ms. Bannon: Gina_L_Bannon@mcpsmd.org
Parent Community Coordinator - Ms.Moore: Shanique_V_Moore@mcpsmd.org
Counselors
Ms. Jessee: nichola_r_jessee@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Vandegrift: Sarah_G_Vandegrift@mcpsmd.org
Health Room
Ms. Glad: Beth_M_Glad@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Perrelli: Jean_M_Perrelli@mcpsmd.org
Home of the Dolphins!
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/waterslandinges/
Location: 13100 Waters Landing Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-1020