W.T. Page Weekly Newsletter
February 4, 2024
Principal's Message
Mark Your Calendars with Links
MCPS News
PTA and MCCPTA News
Important Information from Past Newsletters
Past Newsletter Links
Dear Page Families,
I'm thrilled to share the highlights from an exciting week at Page ES. Our school came alive with learning and fun, showcasing the incredible spirit of our students and staff.
4th & 5th Grade Advanced Orchestra and Band Concert: Ms. Glasser and the instrumental music students performed for families last January 31, 2024. Our talented 4th and 5th-grade chorus cluster wowed us with their musical talents in a spectacular concert. It was a joyous occasion, highlighting the artistic achievements of our students. They were real "Shining Stars"! If you missed it check out the video of the concert and art show below.
Black History Month: As we enter the month of February, we are excited to share our plans for a vibrant and educational African American/Black History Month celebration at Page ES. This year, our focus extends beyond recognition; we aim to foster understanding and appreciation through a weekly themed calendar that explores various facets of African American/Black history, culture, and achievement.
Weekly Themed Calendar:
Week 1 - STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics): Explore the groundbreaking contributions of African American/Black individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Week 2 - Activism and Politics: Learn about the history of African American/Black activism and political leadership and their pivotal role in advocating for social justice, equality, and positive change.
Week 3 - HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and Educators: We will celebrate the legacy of HBCUs and their profound impact on education. Learn about the history, achievements, and significance of these institutions, and take time to appreciate the contributions of African American/Black educators who have played a crucial role in shaping the minds of students.
Week 4 - Sports Figures: Learn about the extraordinary accomplishments of African American/Black athletes in various sports and how these athletes have broken barriers and inspired future generations.
End-of-Month Celebrations: To culminate our African American/Black History Month celebrations, we will have a Spirit Week and Black History Month Assembly. The assembly will be a culmination of our month-long journey, featuring student performances and presentations. It will be an opportunity for our school community to come together, reflect on what we've learned, and celebrate history and culture.
Congratulations to Ms. Glasser - The instrumental music concert on January 31, 2024 was a huge success! See the video below
Looking forward to seeing staff and students on Monday
Ms. Brown
Principal
Mark Your Calendars Upcoming Dates
This Week
- Black History Month - See Flyer Below
- Thursday, February 1st - Immersion Lottery Opens - See Information below
- Monday, February 5th - Report Cards Go Home
- Tuesday, February 6th - PTA Meeting - Join Us for our upcoming PTA General Body Virtual Meeting on Zoom -
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84913865705?pwd=vqFuvajOzOtAQQRj2bYrc2FZa9OzOr.1- Meeting ID: 849 1386 5705
Passcode: 151940
- Meeting ID: 849 1386 5705
- Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - No Pre-Kindergarten classes - Professional Day for Pre-Kindergarten teachers
- Wed. Feb 7th - Fri. Feb 9th - Candy Grams Sales
You can treat your child, grandchild, friend, teacher, or staff member to a special Candy Gram for Valentine's Day! You may send money in with your child on the following days: Wednesday, February 7, Thursday, February 8, Friday, February 9. Each Candy Gram is $1.- Volunteer to help sell here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CA9AB2FA4F8C61-47284424-candy#/
Upcoming Dates
Monday, February 12th - Teacher Appreciate Committee Meeting at 7pm via Zoom
- https://zoom.us/join
- Meeting ID: 820 9421 9625
Passcode: 083762
- Tues., Feb. 13, Wed. Feb 14 and Thurs. Feb 15 - Hearing and Vision Screening for K, 1 and new students to MCPS
- Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Valentine's Day celebrations
- Monday, February 19, 2024 - Presidents' Day Holiday; no school for students and staff
- Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Spanish Immersion Parent Interest Meeting @ 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - BHM Assembly
- Friday, March 1, 2024 - Early Release Day
2024 - 2025 - Elementary Language Immersion Lottery Process begins - February 1st and ends April 19th
The elementary language immersion lottery process for the school year 2024-2025 starts on February 1, 2024, with a deadline of April 19, 2024.
Any Montgomery County resident scheduled to enter kindergarten through Grade 5 in the following school year may participate in the immersion lottery. All students must submit an interest form by the deadline.
Admission to the elementary language immersion program for Grades K and 1 is by lottery. Any child who has an older sibling who is currently enrolled in a language immersion program, and will continue to be enrolled in that language immersion program the year the younger sibling seeks to enroll, may participate in a lottery established by the superintendent of schools for admission into the language immersion program. Such lottery shall include a weighting process that takes into consideration factors to include: (a) students who have an older sibling who is currently enrolled in a language immersion program and will continue to be enrolled in that language immersion program in the year the younger sibling seeks to enroll; (b) socio-economic status and poverty; and, (c) other factors as identified by the superintendent of schools, such as, in specific circumstances, a catchment area.
The only exception to the lottery is for any child who has an older sibling who was enrolled in a language immersion program during the 2017-2018 school year and has an older sibling who will continue to be enrolled in the same language immersion program during the 2024-2025 school year. These students may enroll in the language immersion program without the necessity of participating in the lottery conducted for admission into that program. An immersion interest form must still be completed and submitted by the deadline.
Admission into Grades 2–5 is determined by both language proficiency and available space. The language proficiency assessment is administered after the invitation has been made to the program of choice. For all grade levels, if there are more requests than seats available, a lottery will be conducted.
Note that all students participating in the lottery process for the immersion programs must be enrolled or pre-enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and must have an MCPS ID number. This includes rising kindergarten students who must future enroll at their home school to receive a student identification number. Students applying for Early Entrance to Kindergarten (EEK) wanting to participate in the immersion lottery will need to provide the appropriate documents for enrollment but will not be given an MCPS ID until the student passes the kindergarten orientation assessment
The Immersion Interest Form and directions will be available on February 1, 2024, at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms. Thoroughly complete the Immersion Interest Form, review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and follow the directions page to submit the form electronically to the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS).
If you have any questions, please call DCCAPS at 240-740-2540.
Hearing and Vision Screening at Page ES
In accordance with Maryland State Law students in Montgomery County Public Schools are screened for possible vision and hearing problems. Trained hearing and vision screeners will be screening students new to MCPS, students in Grade (s) K an 1 and students referred by teachers because of possible signs of hearing or vision problems. The screeners will be at W.T.Page ES on Feb. 13th,14th,15th, 2024.
Children who do not see clearly or are unable to hear what their teacher and classmates are saying have a harder time learning at school. You will receive a referral form, via US mail, to take to your child’s doctor if your child fails the screening. If your child is already under care for a hearing or vision problem, or you do not wish your child to be screened at school because of conflicts with your religious beliefs, please notify the school nurse in writing.
If your child wears glasses or contacts, they should wear them every day and bring them to the screening.
School based vision screenings may not detect every vision problem. To learn more about possible vision problems and symptoms or health conditions that may require additional evaluation go to Montgomery County Government’s website at this link: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/PHS/SchoolHealth/HearingVision.html
Contact Ms. Linda Lewis, school nurse if you have questions about your child’s screening.
Things to know for Thursday, February 1, 2024
Dear MCPS Families,
Here are things to know for Thursday, Feb. 1. Get information about the state End-of-Course Exam requirement for grade nine students starting this semester, how you can provide feedback on inclement weather days, the Community Engagement Officers (CEO) program and food menu, the now open student transfer application, upcoming events, opportunities for students and more!
February Highlight: MCPS is recognizing Career Technical Education (CTE) month and Black History month.
Tell MCPS what you think on decisions impacting your student: Fill out the MCPS Surveys Below
Share Your Input on the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) Program
Take this five-minute survey to share your feedback on the MCPS and Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Community Engagement Officer (CEO) program. CEOs are sworn officers from MCPD who work directly with our schools. Your input will play a vital role in making informed recommendations to the superintendent and Board of Education as we work to review existing programs and improve systemwide safety and security. The CEO program survey will be open until Friday, Feb. 9.
Inclement Weather Communication and Makeup Days
Please provide your feedback on communication around inclement weather that may impact school operations. We would also like to hear your preferences on how MCPS approaches inclement weather makeup days.
Tell Us What You Think About Our Food
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) is still collecting feedback on what you want to see more of on school menus. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and give us your input. Survey results will directly impact menu development.
Help Needed - Open Board Positions & Committees:
- If interested please reach out to our PTA president Tawanna Stokes, president@wtpagepta.org
- Committees:
- Nominating Committee
- Spring Fling Planning Committee
- Teacher Appreciation
- Silent Auction
- Read-a-thon
- Candy Grams Volunteers - Candy Grams will be sold on the following days: Wednesday, February 7, Thursday, February 8, Friday, February 9. Each Candy Gram is $1.
- Volunteer to help sell here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CA9AB2FA4F8C61-47284424-candy#/
- In case you are interested: “Nurturing the Neurodivergent: Unique Considerations for Youth Screen Use” | February 6th 12-1:30pm
- What are the unique risks and opportunities for neurodivergent youth when introducing and monitoring use of digital media? What should parents and caregivers know to promote safety, accommodate sensory processing differences, and minimize parent-child conflict? How can new technologies be designed to better accommodate neurodiversity among kids?
- Join Children and Screens for our first #AskTheExperts webinar of 2024,“Nurturing the Neurodivergent: Unique Considerations for Youth Screen Use,” on Tuesday, February 6 at 12pm ET on Zoom. A panel of leading researchers and technologists will share the latest academic findings as well as personal lived experience with neurodivergence to provide tips and recommendations for parents and caregivers in navigating and guiding the digital experiences of neurodivergent youth.
- Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2017053440669/WN_NpuEVnSnTrmcTzgoS66_5A#/registration
FSPTA Legislative Advocacy Day and Reception, Feb. 15th - REGISTER THIS WEEK!
PTA Needs Volunteers for Upcoming Events
- We are always looking for volunteers! Please email volunteercoordinator@wtpagepta.org AND president@wtpagepta.org if you would like to join our amazing team!
- Currently looking for help with the following:
- Spring Fling Planning Committee
- Teacher Appreciation
- Silent Auction
- Read-a-thon
- We are always looking for volunteers! Please email volunteercoordinator@wtpagepta.org AND president@wtpagepta.org if you would like to join our amazing team!
WT Page PTA Calendar
- Stay up-to-date with upcoming events, news and meetings.
- Subscribe to our calendar today!
Join the PTA
- Join OR Renew your PTA Membership
Important Information from Past Newsletter
Make Payments on MySchoolBucks and Apply for Free and Reduced Priced Meals (FARMS)
Payments to your child’s account can be made directly to the school cafeteria via cash or with a check made payable to the school. We recommend not sending cash with your child as we cannot be responsible for lost cash. You also may make payments electronically at www.MySchoolBucks.com.
Free and Reduced Priced Meals: Your child may be eligible to receive Free or Reduced-price Meals. You may apply online at www.MySchoolApps.com or complete a Household Application for Free and Reduced-price Meals, which can be send home upon request.
New Withdrawn Policy for 2023- 2024 School Year
New this year MCPS is lowering the threshold of consecutive days of unexcused absences from 15 to 10 days. If a student is absent 10 consecutive days they will be withdrawn. MCPS will require schools to complete the following forms: MCPS Student Permanent Withdrawal, regardless of student age and the MCPS Educational Interview for Withdrawal Prevention. Then the forms will be filed in the student’s cumulative folder.
Updated Covid-19 Guidance for the Fall 23 - 24 school year
- COVID Positive - Positive individuals should isolate at least 5 days at home per CDC guidelines
- Case Reporting - No online self-reporting or dashboard, however please contact Ms. Hedley and classroom teacher to let them know the absent was due to COVID-19.
- Masks - required temporarily in outbreak situations and for COVID positive individuals on days 6-10. (Note: Individuals with 2 negative tests between days 5-10 can end the face covering period early and after 5 days of isolation)
- COVID-19 Vaccination - Strongly encouraged but not required for students, staff and volunteers
- COVID-19 Clinics - No more weekly clinics at schools
- COVID-19 Testing - Home test kits may be distributed for screening testing: During outbreaks, before or after school breaks, or at other times as determined by school leadership and depending on available supply.
- Health room testing - Will no longer be conducted for students presenting with possible COVID symptoms during the school day.
- Communication - We will send a letter to staff and students that have reported they have COVID-19. We will also communicate to staff or students who have been exposed in possible outbreaks only (3 or more cases in a classroom or activity within 10 days) or (5 or more cases within 10 days from different classroom and homes)
Past Newsletters and Communication Links
Welcome Back to School Newsletter - 8.20.23