DOLPHINS' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
THE WEEK OF March 20
* U P C O M I N G * D A T E S *
- April 1st - Early Release @1:20
- April 11-18th Spring Break
MCAP Testing Dates:
- 3rd Grade
- ELA MCAP Testing - May 9th, 10th, 12th, & 13th
- Math MCAP Testing - April 21st, 25th, 26th, & 29th
- 4th Grade
- ELA MCAP Testing - May 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th
- Math MCAP Testing - April 21st, 25th, 26th, & 29th
- 5th Grade
- ELA MCAP Testing - May 23rd, 24th, 26th, & 27th
- Math MCAP Testing - May 5th & 6th
Rapid Tests Updates
Rapid Tests (including two tests per box) were sent home last week. There will be an additional distribution of Rapid Tests the week before Spring Break.
MCPS Community Message: Thursday, March 24
Please be sure you have read the MCPS Community Messages from this week:
It includes important COVID-19 reminders, including guidance for the return from spring break; information about mental health and crisis resources; a reminder to complete the Antiracist Audit survey, opportunities for out-of school time activities and tips for pedestrian safety.
Grades 3, 4, and 5 Spring MCAP ELA and Math Administration
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student growth and achievement.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual statewide assessments to all students in English Languages Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and once in high school, as well as in science once in each grade span (3-5, 6-8 and high school). The ELA assessment will be given to students in grades 3-5 and is made up of four 70-minute sessions. The Mathematics assessment will be given to students in grades 3-5 and is made up of four 40-minute sessions.
The assessment window for the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) ELA and Mathematics assessments opens in April. Please see below for assessment administration dates for Waters Landing students in grades 3 -5. More information regarding these assessments will come from your child's teachers.
To learn more about the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), please visit: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/mcap/
Summer School at WLES
Dates: July 6-July 29
Times: 9:30AM- 2:00PM
Who Should Attend? Summer curriculum and program is designed to focus on students who are struggling with the major work of the grade level and/or are currently below-grade level. Curriculum is designed to review the major work that was learned in the previous school year.
Where: Summer School registration will be through Parent Vue ONLY April 4-May 27
**In Person attendance ONLY- Virtual is NOT an Option unless the student is ALREADY in the Virtual Academy Program
Wake Up Waters Landing! (3/24/22)
Check out another great edition of Wake Up Waters Landing and share it with your dolphin. We truly have a talented team who creates this production with students each week!
Buy Your Yearbook!
SAFETY REMINDERS AT SCHOOL
Masks are now OPTIONAL in all MCPS schools and we respect all families' choices regarding mask wearing at The Landing.
1. Continue to report positive COVID cases using the MCPS form. You can still pick up your At-Home Test by calling the school to arrange pick up. This is how we will provide a safe environment for all of the dolphin community!
2. Families are encouraged to complete the Student Registration for Random Weekly COVID Testing at WLES.
REMINDER: When Returning From Quarantine
MCPS needs your help to better understand how our schools and the school district are doing as part of our ongoing work to address racial and systemic barriers in Montgomery County Public Schools.
- We encourage you to fill out this survey before March 31.
- You can use your mobile device or computer. The survey is part of a larger process called the MCPS Antiracist System Audit.
- You can learn more about the audit here.
- The survey, which is anonymous and available in seven languages, will ask you about your family’s experiences with your child’s school and MCPS. The goal of the survey is for us to better understand how racism affects teaching, learning and parent engagement.
Students in grades 4 through 12 will also take an age-appropriate, anonymous version of the survey in class between March 1 and March 31.
Key information about the surveys and audit:
- Parents, students and staff from these organizations were actively involved in providing input and feedback on the survey questions. Sample questions and more information about the surveys can be found here.
- A report will be sent to MCPS by the end of June. The report will provide results for MCPS as a whole and by each school.
- MCPS will communicate the report’s findings to the community.
- This website will provide updates.
- Find more answers to your questions here.
* * * F A M I L Y * * * R E S O U R C E S * * *
FAMILY OUT OF SCHOOL WEBSITE
The Out-of-School Time (OST) website is designed to provide students and families with safe and engaging options for students on days when school is not in session (after school, weekends, scheduled school closures).These in person and/or virtual activities will address academic skills, physical and emotional wellness, and digital learning skills. Please refer to the Family out of school website (MCPS)
SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION
TUTORING RESOURCES
FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
Students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household size and income. They may also qualify if they are receiving Food Supplement Program (FSP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits. Families may apply for meal benefits by completing an Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals for the current school year. Apply online NOW at MySchoolApps.com (Translations available) Click here for English video tutorial. Click here for Spanish video tutorial.
Federal eligibility guidelines change each school year; therefore a new application must be submitted each school year. All students in the family should be listed on one household application. A notice will be mailed home for each student if you are approved for meal benefits or do not qualify for meal benefits. Please keep this important document for your records and use throughout the school year. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year. Households that are unable to apply online should contact their school or the Division of Food and Nutrition Services at 301-284-4900. Please click here to apply online.
LOW-COST INTERNET ACCESS
DID YOU KNOW LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND OLDER ADULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAN GET HOME INTERNET ACCESS FOR A LITTLE AS $9.95 PER MONTH? Please visit Montgomery County - Low-Cost Internet for more information.
W E * * A R E * * H E R E * * T O * * H E L P !
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30.
(Students may enter the building at 9:10)
Below are emails and phone numbers for support in the school:
Main Office (240) 740-1020
Admin Secretary - Ms. Ramirez: Patricia_Ramirez@mcpsmd.org
Front Office Secretary - Ms. Herrera: Jeannette_Herrera@mcpsmd.org
School Principal - Ms. Shorts: Lisa_N_Shorts@mcpsmd.org
Assistant Principal- Ms. Bannon: Gina_L_Bannon@mcpsmd.org
Parent Community Coordinator - Ms.Moore: Shanique_V_Moore@mcpsmd.org
Counselors
Ms. Jessee: nichola_r_jessee@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Vandegrift: Sarah_G_Vandegrift@mcpsmd.org
Health Room
Ms. Glad: Beth_M_Glad@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Perrelli: Jean_M_Perrelli@mcpsmd.org
Home of the Dolphins!
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/waterslandinges/
Location: 13100 Waters Landing Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-1020