The Wolf Howl
Summer 2023
Letter From The Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. As we approach the month of August, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to all of you, both returning and new families, as we prepare for another exciting academic journey at Watkins Mill Elementary School.
I trust that the summer months have provided you with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and cherished moments with loved ones. Now, with the start of the new school year just around the corner, it is with great enthusiasm that we anticipate the return of our students and the beginning of another year filled with possibilities, growth, and success.
Our dedicated staff has been working diligently throughout the summer to ensure that our school is ready to welcome students back safely and provide an enriching and inclusive learning environment. As we embark on this academic journey together, I encourage you to engage actively in your child's education. Parental involvement is an essential ingredient for a thriving learning community. Whether you participate in parent-teacher conferences, attend school events, or volunteer in the classroom, your support makes a significant difference in your child's educational experience.
This academic year promises to be one of growth, resilience, and achievement. We are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential. Our school's mission is not only to impart knowledge but also to instill values such as empathy, kindness, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Please remember that our school doors are always open, and I encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or ideas. We value your input and collaboration as we strive to continuously improve our school community.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Together, we will make this academic year memorable and transformative.
Wishing you all a fantastic start to the school year! I look forward to seeing you and your student on August 25 for Open House and our Back to School Picnic.
Upcoming Events
Community Meet & Greet: Haron's Cove Pool
Thursday, August 10
3:00pm-5:00pm
Community Meet & Greet: Woodland Hills Pool
Thursday, August 17
3:00pm-5:00pm
Open House & Back To School Picnic
Friday, August 25
2:00pm-5:00pm
First Day of School
Monday, August 28
WMES UPDATES
Back To School Checklist for Families
Click here to access a PDF of the Back To School Checklist for links & QR codes!
WMES Summer Community Meet & Greets
This summer, we want to be sure to connect with as many of our students and their families as we prepare for the school year. We will be having THREE WMES Community Meet & Greets around our school community! Come out and see WMES staff members, students, and families, receive important information and resources, and more!
🎉 Walker's Choice Pool
Tuesday, July 18 @ 3pm-5pm
18700 Walker's Choice Road
*Joined with Montgomery Village Middle School (MVMS)!
🎉 Heron's Cove Pool
Thursday, August 10 @ 3pm-5pm
19101 Mills Choice Rd.
🎉 Woodland Hills Pool
Thursday, August 17 @ 3pm-5pm
1440 Wake Forest Dr.
Open House & Back To School Picnic
2023-2024 School Supply Lists
Fall Family Survey
We want to hear from you! Help us better serve you this year by completing the 2023 Fall Family Survey. The first class to have 100% survey completion will win a pizza party! Only one survey needs to be completed per family.
Fall Before & After-School Program Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of before and after school programs this fall for our WMES students! Please see below information and flyers for more details. Registration for all programs will be first come first serve! *Transportation for all programs must be provided. All programs are free of charge to families!
⚽️Before School Soccer (Grades 3-5)
September 14-October 19
Thursdays 7:40am-8:40am
⚽️After School Soccer (Grades K-2)
September 11-October 30
Mondays 3:30pm-4:30pm
⚾️After School Baseball (Grades 3-5)
September 11-October 30
3:30pm-4:30pm
🥋After School Karate (Grades K-2)
September 12-October 3
3:30pm-4:30pm
🏃🏻♀️Girls On The Run (Grades 3-5)
September 12-November 19
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:45pm-5:00pm
Follow WMES on Social Media! @WMESCommunity
Mental Health Resources
"Where can I learn more about children's mental health?"
Always seek immediate help if a child engages in unsafe behavior or talks about wanting to hurt themselves or someone else. Refer to this list of local and national resources: Where To Get Help
It can be hard for families to tell the difference between challenging behaviors and emotions that are consistent with typical child development and those that are cause for concern. In general, if a child’s behavior persists for a few weeks or longer, causes distress for the child or the child’s family, and interferes with functioning at school, at home, or with friends, then consider seeking help.
Listed below are informational resources on a variety of mental health topics to help families and educators support student success.
What is Mental Health? | Español
Supporting Children’s Mental Health | Español
What to Expect: Healthy Mental and Emotional Development
Facts for Families: Early Childhood Mental Health
Facts for Families: When to Seek Help
Facts for Famlies: Well-being and Resiliency
Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers
The Road to Resilience | 10 Ways to Build Resilience
Parents Guide to Getting Good Care
Finding Culturally Proficient Mental Health Providers
Grief | Grief after a Traumatic Event | Helping Children Cope
Oppositional and Defiant Disorders
Self Injurious Behavior | Español
Substance Use | Español | Keeping Youth Drug Free
Suicide | Start the Conversation | Support for Suicidal Thinking and Threats | Español
MCPS Updates
Free Tutoring Available to All MCPS Students
There are several free tutoring options available to MCPS students. FEV Tutor and Tutor Me Education offer free, virtual tutoring. By logging into their Clever accounts, students can join a tutoring session. Both companies offer the same two services: On-demand homework help that require no scheduling and scheduled, ongoing tutoring for longer term support.
FEV Tutor
More information linked in English and Spanish
To set up tutoring: mcps@fevtutor.com
*Offers tutoring without cameras for students in grades 3-12 who learn best without a camera.
Tutor Me Education
More information linked in English and Spanish
To set up tutoring: MCPS@tutormeeducation.com or 240-618-2549
FREE Chromebooks for MCPS Students to Keep at Home
*Requesting the device implies consent of use in accordance with MCPS policy (IGT-RA) and acknowledgement that the Chromebook, software, and issued peripherals are owned by MCPS.
SchoolCash Online Registration
SchoolCash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees. Now, with a few clicks, you can pay for your child’s yearbook, class trips and so much more from your own home. All you have to do is register an account, attach your children and in no time you will be able to make payments online.
Click here to view instructions in English
MCPS Parent Academy To-Go
The MCPS Fall 2022 Parent Academy To Go session will begin on September 14. Please join us to engage in virtual workshops that will provide tips, tools, and strategies to support your child’s academic progress and social emotional well-being. Please see the schedule and register for upcoming workshops below.
Community Updates
MCPS Community Resource Guide
Adult English Classes
Saturday School
Previous Newsletters
Quick Links
Watkins Mill Elementary School
Mrs. Brooke Simon, Principal
Ms. Alejandra Olavarrieta, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Frances Avila-Miller, Assistant School Administrator
Email: Chelsea_J_Aceves@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/watkinsmilles/
Location: 19001 Watkins Mill Road, Montgomery Village, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-5280
Facebook: facebook.com/WMESCommunity
Twitter: @WMESCommunity
ASK MCPS/SPANISH HOTLINE
Call: 240-740-3000
Provides answers to community questions in English and Spanish from 7:30 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m., Mondays through FridaysE-mail: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
Visit: Department of Family and Community Partnerships (DFCP) at 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850