The Paw Print
Week of March 15, 2021
Updates from Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Ajamian
It has been one year since we have had students in our building. We can't mask our excitement to have them begin to return to the building. We are committed to finishing this year strong no matter their learning location. We are so lucky to have a staff that embraces each change with optimism and creativity. The next few weeks will push us all out of our comfort zone, however in the end we will be further ahead than where we started. We appreciate all of your efforts in the coming days to partner with us and show us grace through our next transition.
Calendar Update
Please do not take these two virtual days as an opportunity to extend vacation or out-of-state travel.
Race & Equity Parent Book Club
Our first meeting will be on Thursday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. We will read the intro, Chapter 1 & 2 prior to this meeting. School staff will help facilitate the first meeting and then look for others who may be interested in helping to facilitate.
It is never too late for anyone to join!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/87432120570?pwd=T0hFeitPUk9FK002VSsxNUw1WVh5dz09
Meeting ID: 874 3212 0570
Passcode: 188674
Staff Update
GT / SIPPI IDENTIFICATION FOR SECOND AND THIRD GRADE STUDENTS
If you have any questions, please contact me at Paul_T_Ajamian@mcpsmd.org.
Kindergarten 2021-2022
Children who will be 5-years-old by September 1, 2021 are eligible to attend Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year. Due to current social distancing requirements we will not have traditional Kindergarten Orientation this spring and registration will be completed online. Please email Mrs. Burns (Jane_H_Burns@mcpsmd.org) and Ms. Inzelstein (Jennifer_Inzelstein@mcpsmd.org) if you plan to enroll a student for next year. A formal registration drive will begin in late April. We hope to have an incoming Kindergarten parent meeting in late spring and Orientation in August. Please notify friends and neighbors of our new registration process as well. Our teacher allocations are based on the number of students enrolled. We don't want to miss anyone!
We are here to help
As a Seven Locks Community, we are here to support all our families that may be in need at any time. Please reach out if your child is in need of something or needs helps with supplies needed for the return to the school building. 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.
MCPS News
MCPS Seeking Feedback on 2021-2022 School Year Calendar Options
During a work session on March 9, 2021, the Board of Education reviewed calendar scenarios for the 2021-2022 school year. MCPS has developed two calendar scenarios that reflect different start and end dates for the 2021-2022 school year. To view the draft calendar scenarios, please click here.
All draft scenarios include:
Full spring break
Possible make-up days
A minimum of 180 instructional days
The Board is seeking feedback on the calendar options. You can share your thoughts on the options here. The Board also reviewed and discussed two options for the Innovative School calendar (Arcola and Roscoe Nix elementary schools). The Board is scheduled to adopt the final traditional and innovative school calendars on March 23.
Hours Changed for Chromebook Distribution
Update on Mathematics Courses
MCPS recognizes the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many students’ learning in mathematics over the course of the 2020 and 2021 school years. As a result, adjustments to existing courses and alternative recommendations for course pathways are currently being discussed. While no decisions have been made for the 2021-2022 school year, MCPS continues to engage in discussions and will meet with school principals, teachers and the community to receive feedback and make needed adjustments.
A final decision about the district mathematics course offerings will be made in April. As a result, mathematics course offerings and student recommendations for the 2021-2022 school year may change in the coming weeks and months based on student data and anticipated readiness. Addressing the needs of all students continues to be the top priority for the district.
Update on State Testing
The Maryland State Board of Education recently approved that the following spring 2021 assessments will be cancelled:
English Language Arts (ELA) (grades 3-8, 10)
Mathematics (grades 3-8 and Algebra 1)
Alternate Assessments in ELA and Reading (grades 3-8, 11)
Maryland Integrated Science Assessments (MISA) in grade 8 and high school
Government Assessment in high school
The ACCESS for ELLs assessment for students who are English Language Learners will continue for those students who will be attending in-person instruction.
The MCAP ELA and Math assessments will be given to students in the fall of 2021, on a much smaller scale. School staff will use data from the assessments to assess student progress.
The Maryland State Department of Education will provide additional information on how the cancellation of these spring assessments will impact high school assessment graduation requirements.
MCPS Planning to Offer Systemwide Summer Programs
MCPS is planning a variety of summer programs for elementary, middle and high school students. Programs will be focused on helping students accelerate learning following this unprecedented school year, with a focus on mathematics, literacy and preparing for the next grade level. More information is available here.
Important Dates
Monday, March 15th - K-3 Students Return to School Building
Monday, March 29th - April 5th - No School
Tuesday, April 6th - Virtual Instruction for all students
Thursday, April 8th - 4-5 Students Return to School Building
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