Osprey Weekly
October 2, 2020
Dear Families,
We want to take a minute to thank all parents, grandparents, caregivers, big brothers and sisters and anyone else who is helping to support our students during virtual learning! We know it can be challenging at times to navigate through Schoology and the messages you are receiving. Remember, this is new to all of us! As I visited classes this week, it was encouraging to continue to see our teachers and students engaged in learning in this new environment!
We want to recognize the exceptional teachers and staff at LES!:) We now have a process across SMCPS by which parents, guardians, colleagues, and students can submit a nomination to let us know who they see is doing amazing work. Staff will be recognized in the SMCPS bi-weekly system newsletter, website and social media. Please use the link below to recognize a teacher or staff member.
SMCPS Return to School Response Form Please complete the form by October 8th if you have not already done so OR if you have changed your mind, since completing the form in September.
LES PTA Teacher Appreciation-Fall Basket!
Dear LES Parents,
This year we would like to have small gift raffles for the teachers to show them some extra love this year! If you are a small business who would like to donate items please contact Megs Anderson at GEM0905@gmail.com
Our October gift basket will celebrate Fall! Please sign up for the item here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4FA4AD2FAB9-teacher1, and email Megs (GEM0905@gmail.com) to receive her home address to drop off the donated items.
Thank you in advance for your support!
LES PTA
Thank you for Supporting PTA Spirit Night!!!!!!!!!
New Information
In-Person Learning FAQs
If a student is not participating in in-person learning, they will be online in the Schoology platform accessing the same content as those meeting face to face. While they will be online Monday through Friday, students would be able to participate in some whole group instruction through Google Meets, view screencasts or video instruction, complete independent activities via Schoology, and have dedicated individual assistance on Fridays. Teachers have all those instructional options available and are mastering how best to use the tools available to facilitate learning. Since the teachers will be instructing students in person Monday through Thursday, simultaneously instructing students virtually for every lesson will be challenging and we want parents to be aware that there is a difference. Friday will be the day when teachers will be expected to provide interactive time with students. Teachers can check progress in multiple ways such as Google Meets, email communication, or monitoring progress in Schoology.
Will the student's that decide to return eat in the classroom or the lunchroom?
LES staff are finalizing a plan to have students each lunch in the cafeteria. We have the cafeteria capacity to social distance students at tables and in the lunch lines. If needed we will look at an overflow area to accommodate further social distancing that will be supported by staff.
Will younger grades, specifically for me Pre-K and 2nd grade, be at tables or desks for adequate social distancing?
LES staff are working on a plan to address 6 feet of social distance in each classroom and common space where students are required to sit. We will to the extent feasible adhere to these guidelines and have in place a plan for mitigation.
Will children have recess, if so, how will staff ensure social distancing and sanitation?
LES staff are working on a plan to address recess. We know it will be important to maintain this important part of the day for students to have a break. We are looking at a walking/jogging track, contactless games, breaking up the amount of students at recess during one time etc. Playground equipment if used will be sanitized by our building service staff daily. Students will be required to wear a mask at all times on the bus and school grounds. This includes at recess.
How will the school handle sanitation of commonly used items after each use? (Example: tools in art class)
Students will be expected to have their own classroom supplies. Classroom teachers as well as the Art Teacher will let families know what supplies will be needed by students. We will have some extra supplies on hand for students if needed that we have acquired through community partnership donations.
Can we change our mind, if we decide to hybrid or virtual?
Families are asked to make a commitment to in-person learning by marking period and then communicate with the school if they decide to make a change. The second marking period ends on Friday, January 22nd, so the commitment families make now can be reversed for the start of the third marking period, which is Friday, March 25th. It will be important to communicate with the school if this is the case.
We ask that if you make a change, you notify the school at a minimum 10 days before the marking period begins so that proper arrangements can be made. The SMCPS School Calendar is available below for your reference. Thank you
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to cfquickmcqueen@smcps.org.
Unity Day-Bully Pervention Month
Grade 5 Student Council Officers
Information Worth Repeating
SMCPS Acceptable Usage Policy Deadline Extended
Families, please review and complete the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) with your child. These must be completed by October 15, 2020. The AUP form authorizes students to utilize the necessary applications for instruction.
Parent Permission - SMCPS Acceptable Use Policy and Online Platforms.
Mrs. Bronzell's Counseling Corner
Mrs. Bronzell will be joining classroom morning and closing meetings for the next few weeks to introduce herself.
In the meantime, if you have a concern or need support, please use the resources below to contact Mrs. Bronzell. You can also reach her at 301-475-0250 Ext. 31120.
Mrs. Bronzell's check-in form for students
Mrs. Bronzell's Request for counseling form
Mrs. Bronzell's Bitmoji Counseling Office with links to the above forms and also some brain break activities.
Tech Support
APP information link for iPads for access to Schoology
General Tech Help Q and A link
SMCPS Schoology Youtube Playlist:
Initial Log In Guidance for all Students with an SMCPS device:
Meals
As a result of waiver extensions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), effective immediately breakfast and lunch will be offered to all children 18 years of age and under free of charge until December 31, 2020 at all St. Mary’s County Public School locations. Starting Wednesday, September 9, 2020 drive-through meal service will be available each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at each school site. Parents/guardians and children can visit any school location and receive meals that they can take home during virtual learning.
Pre-ordering of meals will still be available and is recommended to ensure your selected meal is ready for you upon arrival. Same-day pick up will also be available at all locations.
For more information regarding meal pickup locations or to pre-order your meals please visit smcps.nutrislice.com
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
October
- 12 2 Hour Early Dismissal Day; Parent Conference Day
- 16 2 Hour Early Dismissal Day; Professional Responsibilities/Collaborative Planning
- 26-30 Red Ribbon Week at LES; Spirit Week (stay tuned)
- 30th End of Marking Period 1
November
- 3 Election Day; No school for students and staff
- 11 Veterans Day; No school for students and staff
- 12 Report card distribution PK-5
- 25-27 Thanksgiving Break; No school for students and staff
Leonardtown Elementary School
We're Here to Help You!
Greg LaCount, Assistant Principal
Shawnna White, Principal's Secretary
Marie Ventrone, Records Secretary
Email: cfquickmcqueen@smcps.org
Website: schools.smcps.org/les
Location: 22885 Duke Street, Leonardtown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-475-0250
Twitter: @les_smcps