Cougar News
Community Edition, Volume I, Issue III
Cougar Pride
The JMES staff would like to thank you for attending our first Virtual Back to School night last Wednesday and our Material Distribution Day last Friday. I know that the transition to distance learning has definitely forced us to work in uncomfortable situations, however I am happy to see us work together to meet the needs of our students.
Important Dates
September 21 | Inter. Science Diagnostic Testing (8:30 a.m.): Grades 4 and 5
September 22 | First Day of Fall
September 22 | Inter. Science Diagnostic Testing (8:30 a.m.): Grades 3
September 23 | Flexible Wednesday
September 24 | Inter. S. Studies Diagnostic Testing (8:30 a.m.): Grades 3-5
September 25 | Professional Development - Schools Closed for Students
September 28 | Schools and Offices Closed
School Website/Sitio web de la escuela
Use this link to access the school website.
Free Meals/Comidas gratis
WHEN
Monday, Sep. 21st, 10am to Thursday, Dec. 31st, 1pm
WHERE
8909 McHenry Lane, Lanham MD, 20706
MORE INFORMATION
Free Meals will now be provided to PGCPS students, until December 31. Meals can be picked up from the school between the hours of 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays!
On Mondays, breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided for Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesdays, breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided from Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Students and/or Parents/Guardians can pick up meals at any school, if they have a Student ID, PIN Number, or current Report Card. If PIN Numbers are needed, parents can request from their child's teacher.
It is still required for Parents to complete the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application here.
Accessing Zoom Through Clever
Technology Resources
Grading and Reporting
The grading factors do not include homework. The term, “Homework” has been replaced with “Independent Assignments.” Please review the grading policy.
In Schoolmax, the following areas will be coded as non-graded (NG) for SY21.
Reading Level | NG
Work Habits | NG
Social Skills | NG
Attendance
Students must be online, during live instruction, to be marked present. Students who have an unlawful absence will earn a zero for all work missed on that day.
Technical Difficulties
A new absence reason code has been created to reflect when students are unable to participate in live instruction due to technological difficulties. When this issue occurs, parents must alert the child’s teacher of the difficulty by email. Although parents may see “absent” in SchoolMAX for the day the issue occurred, the student will be considered “present” when the new absence reason code “TC” is used. Students must submit all missed assignments.
STUDENTS MUST REMAIN ONLINE DURING CREATIVE ARTS CLASSES - ART COUNSELING, MEDIA, MUSIC, AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION!
Technology Assistance
WiFi Assistance
PGCPS continues to cover the cost of the Comcast Internet Essentials program, which provides affordable high-speed internet at home, for families eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS). The school system will also help non-FARMS families obtain a Comcast or Verizon hotspot for home internet access. To request a hotspot, please call our Parent Center Hotline at 240-696-3315 or pgcps.family@pgcps.org.
Resetting Student Passwords
Parents can reset passwords online by visiting self-service at idm.pgcps.org and following the appropriate steps to reset passwords.
Testing Information
The Department of Testing, Research, and Evaluation (DTRE) provided parent letters in English and Spanish, announcing the Fall Bridging Diagnostic assessments for the Fall of 2020.
TestNav Student Simulation Results
TestNav Simulations were conducted with students at Elementary, Middle, and High Schools using PGCPS issued chromebooks and personal devices. At all levels, and using both types of devices, students were able to successfully log in to the TestNav app using their PGCPS Single Sign On (SSO). In addition, students were able to launch and sign into the TestNav app while staying logged into the chromebook as well as staying logged into a Zoom or Google Meet session.
TestNav Update to PGCPS Devices
It is important that all students have access to appropriate testing software on their devices. If a students is using a school-issued device, the software is embedded in their provided device. If a student is using a personal device, please read the linked document to find out how to download
the necessary software on the device.
An update to the TestNav application was pushed out by information technology. All students with a PGCPS issued chromebook should restart their devices while connected to the internet so they receive all updates on their device. TestNav will now be available to students while logged into the device.
If you are in need of assistance, please contact a Technology Parent Support Center at: 240 - 696 - 3315.
Securing a Testing Environment
- Testing MUST be secured. To ensure that authentic data is captured, answers SHOLD NOT be provided to students.
Students SHOULD NOT have cell phones and calculators during testing.
Students SHOULD be separated.
Students SHOULD Headphones; they are required.
Extension
Due to technology issues with the TestNav application, device OS being used, and the teacher professional development day on Friday, September 25th, the Fall Brigding Diagnostic Test Administration Window has been extended until Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Distance Learning Hotline
PGCPS has launched the Distance Learning Hotline to afford parents, guardians and caregivers the opportunity to receive “real time” assistance with technical support and other needs, such as navigating aspects of distance learning or accessing instructional packets. It will be managed through the collaborative efforts of the Division of Information Technology, Departments of Communications, Community Schools and Family and School Partnerships.
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hotline Number: 240 - 696 - 6229
Parent Support Center
PGCPS has launched nine Parent Support Centers to provide a bridge between families and the schoolhouse. Under the direction of the Department of Family and School Partnerships, the Parent Support Centers will assist parents, guardians and caregivers - by appointment only - with technology, accessing and navigating platforms, and other troubleshooting such as navigating aspects of distance learning or accessing instructional packets. There will be a Parent Distance Learning Support Center located in each Board of Education District. The closest location to James McHenry Elementary is Charles Carroll Middle School.
No children will be permitted to enter the center in support of PGCPS efforts to keep children safe. Parents may schedule a 30-minute appointment by calling the Parent Support Center Line: 240-696-3315 or the Parent Distance Learning Hotline: 240-696-6229. Other opportunities to schedule an appointment will be provided on the school system's website and Facebook page. Centers will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., by appointment only.
Main Office Hours
The Main Office is open on Mondays and Wednesdays, between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Appointments must be made for school visits. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, please email the staff member, you wish to contact.
James McHenry Elementary School
@McHenryCougars