The Paw Print
Week of November 22, 2020
Updates from Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Ajamian
If you have not already completed the in-person preference survey we urge you to do so soon. The survey is available until December 3rd and the results will have a significant impact on re-opening planning at Seven Locks Elementary School. Please find the MCPS message and link below.
The Parent Preference Survey closes Dec. 3 and your response will play a critical part in our planning for the return of students https://bit.ly/3lJGXbW
We will hold our second parent coffee of the year on Friday, December 4th at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom to continue our discussions about race and culture. We plan to share resources and provide tools for parents that will help engage your child(ren) in these conversations. The parent coffee is open to all parents and we hope to have a strong turnout again. This work is critical and complex. We appreciate the support of our parents in helping us achieve this vision. Below is a picture that links to the invitation.
Do You Need ParentVue?
You may have forgotten to sign up for ParentVUE!
ParentVue is the brand new, powerful, single location for all information about how your child is doing in school. ParentVUE is also a new tool we use to stay connected with you.
When you are logged into ParentVUE you can:
Check your child’s grades (and report card).
Check your child’s assignments.
Send a message to your child’s teacher.
Update your contact information
If you haven’t yet activated your account, please be on the lookout for an email and/or a notification via U.S. mail because soon, we will send you a new activation letter. Once you’ve received your activation letter simply visit www.MCPSParentVUE.org to activate your account.
If you have already activated your ParentVUE account, you will not receive a notification because you are already enjoying the benefits of ParentVUE.
Parent Vue is built on the powerful Synergy platform; ‘Teachers put their energy into Synergy, and so should you!’
If for some reason you do not receive your notification in the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Virtual Book Fair
You’re invited to shop our Scholastic Book Fair online from Thursday November 12 - Wednesday November 25. All purchases benefit our school and connect kids with new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more.
You’ll love the NEW option to shop for Book Fair exclusives directly from the interactive booklist and enjoy these special online shopping features:
Over 6,000 items, including new releases, best sellers, and value packs
All orders ship direct to home
FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25*
All purchases support our school and earn 25% in rewards
Visit our Book Fair Homepage and click “Shop Now” to get started:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/sevenlocks
Book Check out with MCPL and MCPS Virtually
The Montgomery County Public Library buildings may be closed to visitors, but you can still register for a virtual library card HERE and find so much more on this flyer (in English and Spanish) with some of the resources to access audiobooks and ebooks, as well as to help with research for homework- a one-stop directory for learning at home help!
For more resources and help, see the website, call your local branch, or call our Ask a Librarian Service.
For virtual book check out from home, visit SORAApp.com!
All these resources and more can be found on the Seven Locks ES Course in myMCPS Classroom, and have been reviewed with students during Media class.
Happy Reading!
We are here to help
As a Seven Locks Community, we are here to support all our families that may be in need. As it gets colder and the holidays approach, please reach out if your child is in need of something. Please call the main office or email Megan_H_Murphy@mcpsmd.org. Also, MCPS continues to provide curbside meal service at 74 school sites. Click here for more information and for a list of pick up locations.
Attendance Reminders
Students are expected to attend all live virtual learning classes in which they are enrolled. However, in some instances, this may not be possible due to illness or extenuating circumstances. Students may then access the recording of the class to engage in the daily learning during an alternate time within 72 hours of the absence. Students/Parents/Guardians may then submit a Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form to document that they engaged in the lesson and to request the unexcused absence to be reconciled to Present. If extenuating circumstances exist, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with the school’s administration ahead of time. The Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form must be completed for each documented absence. This form is accessible from the main page of the SLES website.
Parent Technology Resources
Parents who need technical help can call 240-740-7020 Monday-Friday between 7am and 8pm or email communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org
MCPS News
COVID-19 Rent Relief Program for County Residents
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is providing short-term rental assistance to eligible families that have experienced financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While funds are available, the program will provide up to $4,000 to eligible households to cover the cost for back rent (arrears) and/or a rent credit for future months. The program is funded through a $20 million supplemental appropriation to DHHS.
You can learn more and apply for the rent relief program at this website.
Gift Card Campaign to Help Families in Need
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted many families in Montgomery County. The MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc.; the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Association, Inc.’s volunteer network; and MCPS are asking the community to support the Families Helping Families campaign. Grocery gift cards will be purchased with funds donated to the MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc.’s Crisis Relief Fund—COVID-19. Learn more about how to donate here.
Equity Hubs Open to MCPS Students
The Children’s Opportunity Fund and the Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence are coordinating low-cost child care and distance learning support for MCPS students at facilities across the county. Priority is given to low-income, kindergarten through Grade 5 students, and students needing additional assistance with virtual learning. Learn more at EquityHubs.org or by telephone at 240-200-4999.
Parent Resources for Virtual Learning
The MCPS Parents page has been updated to include various online resources for families to help them navigate virtual learning. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/ to see the list of resources.
Important Dates
Monday, November 23 - Early Dismissal for Conferences
Tuesday, November 24 - Early Dismissal for Conferences
Wednesday, November 25 - Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26 - No School for Students & Staff
Friday, November 27 - No School for Students & Staff
Friday, December 4 - Parent Coffee (Race & Equity), 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, December 24 - Friday, January 1 - No School for Staff & Students
Seven Locks Elementary School
Email: Megan_H_Murphy@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/sevenlockses/
Location: 9500 Seven Locks Road, Bethesda, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-0940
Twitter: @SLESPrincipal