Woodfield Wire
August 8, 2023
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We hope this letter finds you and your family well as we begin to get ready for the new school year. As you all are aware, our school has been very busy this summer with a bathroom remodeling project. We can’t wait for you to see them, they are beautiful!
We are excited to get the school year started. Our theme for this year will be “You are Limitless”. We will celebrate how we all have the potential to learn, try new things and be anything that we set our minds out to be so that our school community is always growing.
In order to help keep the community informed, we will be sending out “The Woodfield Wire” as needed, and will post it on our website. In addition, we will send emails through our distribution list occasionally to provide important updates, calendar dates and events for our community.
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Letter from the Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians & Caregivers,
I am honored and elated to serve as the acting principal at Woodfield Elementary School. I am filled with pride to be a part of such a strong community dedicated to academic excellence and the well-being of all students. I appreciate the opportunity to work closely with each one of you, as we partner to ensure the success of every Woodfield student.
I started my journey with Montgomery County Public Schools at Jones Lane Elementary School 22 years ago. During my career, I have served in a variety of capacities, including classroom teacher, special education teacher, resource teacher for special education for Bridge services, reading initiative teacher, and assistant principal. Prior to joining MCPS, I was a classroom teacher in the D.C. public school system, teaching at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School.
In addition to these experiences, I bring the perspective of a parent to the role of principal. My husband, Steve, and I are the proud parents of three children. As a family, we enjoy spending time together, traveling, and cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks! As a parent, I understand and appreciate the trust you put in us as educators each day when you send your students to school, and I can assure you that we will treat your children with great care, as if they were our own.
I look forward to partnering with you as we enter the 2023-24 school year focused on the Woodfield traditions of excellence, relationships, and respect. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me via email at Katherine_A_Schwartz@mcpsmd.org. It’s great to be a Woodfield Eagle!
Sincerely,
Katherine Schwartz
Acting Principal
Letter from the Assistant School Administrator
Hello! It is with tremendous excitement that I introduce myself as the new Assistant School Administrator at Woodfield Elementary School. I am eager to meet the students and families that make up this wonderful school community and to work collaboratively with each of you.
I have served the Montgomery County Public School System as an educator, collaborator, and champion of students for the past 26 years. In my school-based positions, I have been a special education teacher, intensive reading needs teacher, and a Resource Teacher Special Education (RTSE). In central office, I have been an instructional specialist and a content specialist supporting schools across the county for the Office of Special Education.
When not busy at work, I enjoy exploring new hobbies and travel destinations with my husband. Our son is a rising sophomore at the University of Maryland College Park, so we have become very skilled at being empty nesters!
As we begin the school year, please feel free to introduce yourself or say, "Hello, Mrs. H." I welcome a warm hello and friendly face! You may also email at Jacqueline_M_LosoHongladarom@mcpsmd.org if you need to contact me. I am excited to work with you to make the 2023-2024 school year a positive and successful school year for all.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, August 15
Damascus Cluster Principals will be scooping Ice Cream at the
Montgomery County Fair
Come say "hi" and enjoy some Ice Cream
3:00 - 5:00pm
Wednesday, August 16
Principal Meet & Greet 6:30 -7:30 pm
in the All Purpose Room
Thursday, August 24
New Families Meeting, 2:30 pm
Open House, 3:00 pm
Monday, August 28
First Day of School
Kindergarten - Fifth Grade
K- 5 Autism
Thursday, September 14
Back to School Night, 6:00 pm
Monday, September 4
No School
Tuesday, September 5
PEPP/CAPP First Day of School
Friday, September 22
Early Release for Students 12:55 pm
Monday, September 25
No School
Our Vision
Woodfield is a community school where engaged students, supportive parents, and a dedicated staff work together to provide a safe, nurturing environment where all students achieve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote lifelong learning.
Our Mission
The mission of Woodfield Elementary is to provide a nurturing environment that enables all student to experience success. We will prepare students for the future by:
- communicating high expectations for all students to become "College and Career Ready."
- sharing the responsibility for all students' learning.
- collaborating in the analysis of data to make informed decisions for instruction.
- recognizing our successes and accepting new challenges.
New Staff to Woodfield!
We would like to welcome the following staff to new positions at Woodfield:
Jackie Hongladarom, Assistant School Administrator
Kathryn Gehle, 1st grade Teacher
Kara Hevner, CAPP Teacher
AJ Pagano, Music Teacher
David Spitzberg, Instrumental Music Teacher
Sarah Hoffman, Art Teacher
Kersti Weddle, Special Education Teacher
Emma Lucas, Para-educator
Ashley Tippie, Para-educator
Carol Diehl, Para-educator
School Supplies
Kindergarten
Backpack (no wheels)
Crayons, large box
Glue sticks, non-toxic, clear
Headphones, for computer use Label with name
Pencils, fat (box)
Jardín de infancia
Mochila (sin ruedas)
Crayones, caja grande
Barras de pegamento, no tóxico, transparente
Audífonos, para uso de computadora Etiqueta con nombre
Lápices gruesos (caja)
First Grade
Backpack (no wheels)
Composition book, primary-style
Crayons, regular (box, no boxes with sharpeners)
Crayons, large box
Erasers, large, latex free & Eraser Caps
Glue sticks, non-toxic, clear
Headphones, for computer use Label with name
Highlighters, yellow
Markers, dry erase, various colors (box)
Pencil box
Pencils, #2 (box)
Scissors, blunt tip
Primer grado
Mochila (sin ruedas)
Libro de composición, estilo primario
Crayones, regulares (caja, no cajas con sacapuntas)
Crayones, caja grande
Gomas de borrar, grandes, sin látex y tapas de borrador
Barras de pegamento, no tóxico, transparente
Audífonos, para uso de computadora Etiqueta con nombre
Resaltadores, amarillo
Rotuladores, borrado en seco, varios colores (caja)
Caja de lápices
Lápices, #2 (caja)
Tijeras, punta roma
2nd grade
Backpack (no wheels)
Composition book, hard cover
Crayons, regular (box, no boxes with sharpeners)
Glue sticks, non-toxic, clear
Headphones, for computer use (label with name)
Highlighters, various colors
Markers, dry erase, various colors (box)
Pencil box (Ms.Pugh only)
Pencils, #2 (box of 24 sharpened)
Scissors, pointed tip
Stickers, various
Sticky Notes, 3"x5" (pack)
Segundo grado
Mochila (sin ruedas)
Libro de composición, tapa dura
Crayones, regulares (caja, no cajas con sacapuntas)
Barras de pegamento, no tóxico, transparente
Audífonos, para uso de computadora Etiqueta con nombre
Resaltadores, varios colores
Rotuladores, borrado en seco, varios colores (caja)
Caja de lápices (solo Ms.Pugh)
Lápices, #2 (caja de 24 afilados)
Tijeras, punta puntiaguda
Pegatinas, varios
Notas adhesivas, 3"x5" (paquete)
3rd grade
Backpack (no wheels)
Composition book, hard cover
Crayons, regular (box, no boxes with sharpeners)
Erasers, large, latex free & eraser caps
Glue sticks, non-toxic, clear
Headphones, for computer use (label with name)
Highlighters, various colors
Markers, dry erase, various colors (box)
Pencil box
Pencils, #2 (box)
Pencils, colored (box)
Ruler, 12", millimeters/inches
Scissors, blunt tip
Tercer grado
Mochila (sin ruedas)
Libro de composición, tapa dura
Crayones, regulares (caja, no cajas con sacapuntas)
Gomas de borrar, grandes, sin látex y tapas de borrador
Barras de pegamento, no tóxico, transparente
Audífonos, para uso de computadora Etiqueta con nombre
Resaltadores, varios colores
Rotuladores, borrado en seco, varios colores (caja)
Caja de lápices
Lápices, #2 (caja)
Lápices de colores (caja)
Regla, 12", milímetros/pulgadas
Tijeras, punta roma
4th grade
Backpack (no wheels)
Binder, 3-ring, clear view, 1"
Composition book, hard cover
Crayons, regular (box, no boxes with sharpeners)
Folders, pocket, 3 hole punched
Glue sticks, non-toxic, clear
Headphones, for computer use (label with name)
Highlighters, various colors
Markers, dry erase, various colors (box)
Paper, notebook, 8.5''x11", wide rule, 3 hole punched
Page protectors, plastic
Pencils, #2 (box)
Pouch, zippered for binder use
Ruler, 12", millimeters/inches
Scissors, pointed tip
Sticky Notes, 3"x5" (pack)
Cuarto grado
Mochila (sin ruedas)
Carpeta, 3 anillas, vista clara, 1"
Libro de composición, tapa dura
Crayones, regulares (caja, no cajas con sacapuntas)
Carpetas, bolsillo, 3 agujeros perforados
Barras de pegamento, no tóxico, transparente
Audífonos, para uso de computadora Etiqueta con nombre
Resaltadores, varios colores
Rotuladores, borrado en seco, varios colores (caja)
Papel, cuaderno, 8.5''x11", regla ancha, perforado con 3 orificios
Protectores de página, plástico
Lápices, #2 (caja)
Estuche, con cremallera para usar como carpeta
Regla, 12", milímetros/pulgadas
Tijeras, punta puntiaguda
Notas adhesivas, 3"x5" (paquete)
5th grade
Backpack (no wheels)
Binder, 3-ring, clear view, 1"
Dividers, notebook, 1/5 cut, clear tabs
Erasers, large, latex free & Eraser Caps
Folders, pocket, 3 hole punched
Glue sticks, non-toxic, clear
Headphones, for computer use (label with name)
Highlighters, various colors
Markers, dry erase, various colors (box)
Paper, notebook, 8.5''x11", wide rule, 3 hole punched
Pencils, #2 (box)
Pencils, colored (box)
Pouch, zippered for binder use
Ruler, 12", millimeters/inches
Scissors, pointed tip
Sticky Notes, 3"x5" (pack)
Quinto grado
Mochila (sin ruedas)
Carpeta, 3 anillas, vista clara, 1"
Separadores, libreta, corte 1/5, pestañas transparentes
Gomas de borrar, grandes, sin látex y tapas de borrador
Carpetas, bolsillo, 3 agujeros perforados
Barras de pegamento, no tóxico, transparente
Audífonos, para uso de computadora Etiqueta con nombre
Resaltadores, varios colores
Rotuladores, borrado en seco, varios colores (caja)
Papel, cuaderno, 8.5''x11", regla ancha, perforado con 3 orificios
Lápices, #2 (caja)
Lápices de colores (caja)
Estuche, con cremallera para usar como carpeta
Regla, 12", milímetros/pulgadas
Tijeras, punta puntiaguda
Notas adhesivas, 3"x5" (paquete)
Personal Mobile Devices
Personal mobile devices (PMD) can include cell phones, smart watches, etc. Please consider these MCPS personal mobile device procedures when making the best decision for your children. To receive approval to bring a personal mobile device to school, please complete this document. You must have approval to bring a personal mobile device to school. In accordance with the Montgomery County Public Schools Student Code of conduct, elementary students cannot use or possess PMDs (e.g. smart watches, mobile phones, etc) during the student day. Any PMD must be turned off and kept out of sight during the student day.
Birthday Policy
As a reminder, families are not permitted to bring in food or organize parties for their child's birthday. Instead, we will continue to recognize students’ birthdays within our school by reading their names aloud during our Morning Announcements and providing a birthday book. Within classrooms, students' birthdays will be recognized and celebrated by a method agreed upon by the teachers within each of our grade level teams. Teachers will communicate this information to families. Examples may include the wearing of a birthday crown/sticker or having students read their favorite book (or excerpt) aloud to the class.
Arrival and Dismissal
The student day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m. The best way to have smooth arrival and dismissal times the first week of school is to start your child’s regular routine on the first day of school. If your child normally rides a bus, please allow him/her to ride it to and from school on the first day. This way all children will be included in our first day of routines and practices. Please consult our website to view detailed information about your child’s bus schedule. Our doors will open again this school year at 8:40 a.m. At this time, students will proceed directly to their classroom. Staff members will be in the halls to guide students to their destination. To prevent disruptions in the instructional day, parents are not permitted to walk students to their classrooms in the morning.
Bicycles at School
We have a bicycle rack at school that can fit multiple scooters or bicycles. The school cannot assume responsibility for damaged or stolen bicycles. A lock is needed in order to properly secure the bicycle to our rack.
It is important that parents review bicycle safety and etiquette. Bicycles are to be “walked” on school property. Please remember that Montgomery County law requires that all children 18 years of age or younger wear bicycle helmets.
School Lunch
The Department of food and nutrition encourages all families to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application.
All meals are free for students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals.
- MCPS cafeterias use a computerized Point of Sale (POS) system. Students use either an ID card with a specialized barcode or their student ID number to access their account at mealtime.
- A student's Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARM) status is always confidential.
- Students who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged that cost—students approved for reduced-price meals will eat for fee!
- Any student can make deposits into their account, either ahead of time, on My School Bucks, or by our online payment system (see below).
To learn more and apply for FARMs, click here.
How to Prepay
- Parents/guardians may deposit any amount into their student’s school meals account. Meals and à-la-carte items are deducted from the account at the time of purchase only.
- The school meals account is not a credit system.
- Checks are the best way to make a deposit. Write the student’s name and ID number on the front of the check and make it payable to the school cafeteria.
- You may give checks to the cafeteria manager or cashier. Prepayments help serving lines run smoothly.
- If parents/guardians have more than one child in the same school, you can write a check for all your children there. Be sure to write each student’s name and ID number on the check so that it can be credited properly.
- Please indicate the deposit amount for each student next to the name.
Check Acceptance Policy
- Checks used to pay for school meals must contain an address, phone number, and student ID number.
- Returned checks are subject to recovery for the face value and a fee of $25, through an electronic debit or paper draft to the same account.
- Your payment by check constitutes your acceptance of these terms. If you have questions concerning our check acceptance policy, please call CHECKredi at 1-800-239-1222.
Manage Account Balances
- Account balances from the previous year follow the student to the public school in Montgomery County where the student is enrolled. Any money left on the account from the previous year will be available to that student for the new school year.
- If your student will NOT return to an MCPS school next year, you should request a refund.
- If you have another child currently enrolled in an MCPS school, you can request a balance transfer to that child's school.
- Email refund and balance-transfer requests to DFNSHelpDesk@mcpsmd.org.
Online Prepayments
MySchoolBucks instructions:
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- MySchoolBucks is an optional service for parents to view recent purchases and make prepayments to a student's school meals account for breakfast, lunch, and à-la-carte meals online, using a credit or debit card.
- Parents can manage their child's school meal payments by creating a secure online account, .
- Heartland has unilaterally changed the My School Bucks Terms of Services for the 2019-2020 school year. This unilateral change appears to have been prompted by a lawsuit against the company that operates My School Bucks, titled Story v. Heartland Payment Systems, LLC, currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Montgomery County Public Schools is actively working with the company to have this issue resolved. Payments to student accounts through My School Bucks is an option and not a requirement.
- You can submit a check, made payable to the school cafeteria, and give it to the cafeteria manager. The check funds will be placed on student accounts for immediate use and the checks will be deposited in the bank the same day.
- Email refund and balance-transfer requests to DFNSHelpDesk@mcpsmd.org.
Interested in becoming an MCPS Volunteer? There are a few steps to complete before beginning your service as a volunteer in our schools.
Volunteer Form
Complete the MCPS Parent/Guardian and Community Volunteer Form or the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom form as appropriate. These forms serve as an introduction of yourself, your interests and availability in volunteering, and some important reminders about volunteers in schools.
Online Training
Complete the mandatory online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training. This training is required for any volunteer who regularly supports schools, chaperones a field trip, etc. and is available in multiple languages. When the course is completed, a report is created to serve as proof of satisfying the training requirement.
Contact School
Contact the school(s) where you wish to serve and provide them with a copy of the following:
- Appropriate MCPS Parent/Guardian and Community Volunteer Form or the MCPS Volunteers in the Virtual Classroom Form and
- Your online course grade sheet that will show 100% for completing the online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training.
Mental Health Resources
Always seek immediate help if a child engages in unsafe behavior or talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else. Refer to this list of local and national resources: Where To Get Help
It can be hard for families to tell the difference between challenging behaviors and emotions that are consistent with typical child development and those that are cause for concern. In general, if a child’s behavior persists for a few weeks or longer, causes distress for the child or the child’s family, and interferes with functioning at school, at home, or with friends, then consider seeking help.
Listed below are informational resources on a variety of mental health topics to help families and educators support student success.
- What is Mental Health? | Español
- Supporting Children’s Mental Health | Español
- What to Expect: Healthy Mental and Emotional Development
- Facts for Families: Early Childhood Mental Health
- Facts for Families: When to Seek Help
- Facts for Famlies: Well-being and Resiliency
- Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers
- The Road to Resilience | 10 Ways to Build Resilience
- Parents Guide to Getting Good Care
- Finding Culturally Proficient Mental Health Providers
- Therapy in Color
- ADHD | Español
- Anxiety | Español
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder | Español
- Care for the Caregiver
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Depression
- Divorce
- Eating Disorders
- E-Cigarettes
- Grief | Grief after a Traumatic Event | Helping Children Cope
- OCD
- Oppositional and Defiant Disorders
- Psychosis
- Self Injurious Behavior | Español
- Stress
- Substance Use | Español | Keeping Youth Drug Free
- Suicide | Start the Conversation | Support for Suicidal Thinking and Threats | Español
- Tourettes and Tics
- Trauma | Español | Adult Survivors of Trauma