Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES News
Summer of the 2023-2024 School Year - August 8
Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2023–2024 school year at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School. This school year marks the school’s 33rd opening. The first day of school is Monday, August 28, 2023. We are excited about this opening as we enter a building filled with lots of firsts due to the completion of our addition. As we are in the midst of transitioning to the new building, our summer newsletter will be in two parts to allow us to make needed changes to some of our routines and procedures.
At Dr. Ronald McNair ES, we strongly believe that fostering positive family partnerships is crucial to the success of our students. Teachers, students, parents, and guardians form a tight-knit Dr. RMES family and play an essential role in creating a supportive and positive environment that nurtures our school's success. We sincerely value your support as your student embarks on a journey of learning and personal growth in the classroom throughout the year.
Our primary goal remains to provide a high-quality educational program for your child. We remain fully committed to your student's success. Our staff theme reflects our vision of empowering students to become compassionate, independent, lifelong learners, as well as, embracing the idea of evolving and improving ourselves. At Dr. REMES, we are "Bee-coming an improved version of ourselves"!
As a kick-off to the 2023-2024 school year, we hope you will stop by the Northwest Cluster Back-to-School Resource Fair on Saturday, August 19 from 10:00–1:00. This will take place at Northwest High School.
We are excited to welcome your child to Dr. Ronald McNair ES for the upcoming school year! We encourage you to get to know your child’s teacher, read to/with your child on a regular basis, journal with your child, and become an active member of the PTA. These actions can have a significant positive impact on your child's educational journey and contribute to their overall growth and development.
This newsletter will serve as our first of two summer newsletters.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Moses (Sherilyn_R_Moses@mcpsmd.org) and Mrs. Jessica Graber (Jessicabay_Graber@mcpsmd.org) or by calling 240-740-6830.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sherilyn Moses, Principal
&
Mrs. Jessica Graber, Principal Intern
The 2023-2024 Dr. McNair ES Staffing
For the upcoming school year, Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES will have the following sections in each grade level:
- 1 full day Prekindergarten,
- 5-Kindergarten (An additional K class was added on July 28),
- 4-Grade 1,
- 5-Grade 2,
- 5-Grade 3,
- 5-Grade 4, and
- 5-Grade 5 classes.
At the end of last school year, we shared information about staff not returning. We wanted to provide an updated list. We said farewell for a variety of reasons, such as transitions to working in another elementary or middle school; retirements; or reductions in staffing. No matter the reason any staff member will not be at Dr. McNair this year, we will always consider them a part of the Dr. McNair family, and we wish them the best of luck.
- Randy Aleshevich (assistant principal)
- Ed Barger (grade 5 teacher)
- Megan Brewbaker (grade 1 teacher)
- Nancy Flowers (prekindergarten paraeducator)
- Kiarah Guice (grade 2 teacher)
- Holly Henderson (grade 1 teacher)
- Bethany Kanderian (paraeducator)
- Anne Landon (0.3 art teacher)
- Lori Leber (0.3 physical education teacher)
- Bela Meghani (reading initiative teacher)
- Ana Tan (grade 1 teacher)
Principal Intern, Mrs. Jessica Graber
Principal Intern, Mrs. Jessica Graber
Dear Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School Community
I am very humbled and honored to introduce myself as Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School’s principal intern for the coming school year. I’m thrilled to join the school community and continue the tradition of excellence that has been established. I can assure you that I share in the school community’s dedication of caring for our students every day while providing them with a safe, positive and engaging learning environment. I look forward to working closely with Mrs. Moses, principal, to ensure that the needs of our students and community are at the forefront of our work.
My initial work will focus on building relationships and learning about each member of our school community. In that vein, I’d like to share a little about myself. I am currently going into the 12th year of my professional education career. I have served as a Pre-K, 2nd and 3rd grade classroom teacher, Staff Development Teacher and most recently assistant principal. However, I did not initially go to school for education. I attended NYU, where I received my B.F.A. in theater and consequently spent years performing in New York City and around the country. With these diverse experiences, my passion for engaging teaching and learning as well as building effective relationships grew, guiding me in my work as an educator. I am looking forward to working with this amazing community to continue to foster those values and always put students first.
On a personal note, I live in Germantown with my husband, Brian, our son Ethan (9) and our miniature goldendoodle, Steve. Ethan is a swimmer, loves soccer and he has the most energy of anyone I know! When not at school, I like being crafty, going on adventures with my family and occasionally find the time to perform in a show or cabaret.
It is my distinguished honor to join Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School and I look forward to working with you as we embark on this school year together. Alongside Mrs. Moses, as principal intern, I intend to focus on building strong relationships with all stakeholders, having effective communication and maintaining a safe, positive and engaging learning environment where all students are excited to come to school each day and succeed.
Please remember that my door is always open to you and that I welcome your conversation and input throughout the year.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer!
Sincerely,
Jessica Graber
New Family Welcome
We welcome all new families of students in kindergarten through grade 5 to meet in the cafeteria on Friday, August 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. to learn about our school.
Friday, Aug 25, 2023, 02:00 PM
Ronald McNair Elementary School, Hopkins Road, Germantown, MD, USA
SNEAK PEEK FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
We will hold our popular ‘Welcome to School!’ Sneak Peek where students can meet their teachers and find their classrooms before school begins.
What: Sneak Peek
Who: For families and students in Grades K-5
Why: Meet and visit briefly with their new teacher
When: Friday, August 25
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Sneak Peek is a great opportunity for your family to become familiar with the staff and meet new friends at Dr. REMES. Parents may find additional parking on the streets or in the Leaman Park parking lot located on Eternity Road. On this day, parents of students who walk to school may want to help them practice the route they will be taking to and from school. As you arrive at McNair, please follow arrival/line-up directions. During your visit, cafeteria staff will be onsite for you to deposit money into your child's lunch account. Please be sure to stop in the cafeteria before you leave the building.
SCHOOL HOURS
Dr. Ronald E. McNair’s student hours are from 9:25 a.m. through 3:50 p.m. each regular school day.
We strongly encourage all students to arrive by 9:15 am.
PreKindergarten and Kindergarten sessions are full day and follow the same school hours.
The hours for ½ day early release are from 9:25 a.m. through 1:20 p.m.
Dr. McNair’s office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Phone number: 240-740-6830
School Supplies
Students will not be asked to pay for, or provide, textbooks, supplementary readers (such as anthologies, atlases, or workbooks), most materials for instruction, audiovisual aids, stationery items not commonly found in the home and required for the student to demonstrate mastery of course objectives, or building or office materials needed to operate schools.
Students may be asked to pay for materials of instruction that primarily fit into the three following categories:
- Component parts of a product that will become student property (example: sculpting clay).
- Materials of instruction, or items of personal use, that become the property of the student (example: recorder).
- Items eaten by the student as a part of the course (example: bread baking ingredients).
Students are still expected to bring individual organizational tools and personal supplies from home. In addition, there are student fees which are not course-related, but local school decisions made by the principal in collaboration with the school and parent leadership. These may include fees for class snacks, special grade-level assemblies, etc. There also may be fees related to field trips, but these will be shared each time there is a trip and not in advance as a school fee.
We are committed to providing all students, regardless of their economic circumstances, with full access to the instructional program. If you need assistance for any requested expense, or with providing the organizational tools and personal supplies, please contact your child’s teacher, our counselor, our assistant principal, or principal.
Parent donations of items that enhance the classroom experience are still welcomed. They are not required donations and no student will be expected to provide these items, but if you care to contribute, it will be appreciated.
PTA
We are fortunate to have the support of a great Parent Teacher Association (PTA) We encourage you to join the PTA. If you have questions, they will have a table set up at our Sneak Peek on 8/25.
A welcome letter from the Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES PTA Board is below.
Meal prices: Breakfast—$1.30; Lunch—$2.55 (Elementary), $2.80 (Middle and High)
Beginning this year, students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for breakfast or lunch meals!
FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS: Apply online NOW so that benefits will be in place when school starts! Families who meet certain federal income standards are eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits. All children use their MCPS ID number at the register, so confidentiality is maintained and no child is overtly identified as receiving free or reduced-price meals. Only one application is needed for all students in a household. A new application must be completed for any family requesting assistance this school year.
For more information and How-To videos, visit the Food Services website: www.montgomeryschools.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-payments/#FARMS
Video Guides for completing the Online FARMS application
Parent Community Coordinator - Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres
Dear Parents, and Guardians,
I am delighted to introduce myself as your new Parent Community Coordinator.
My name is Giovanna Raffo and I am thrilled to be joining this wonderful school community.
As the Parent Community Coordinator, my primary role is to foster strong relationships between the school, parents, and families, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the education journey of our children.
In my new position, I will be responsible for fostering relationships between parents, teachers, and school administrators to ensure our children receive the best education possible. My goal is to create an open and collaborative environment that encourages communication and involvement from all parties.
Throughout the year, I will be organizing various events, workshops, and activities that aim to bring us all closer together, encourage dialogue, and address any concerns or questions you may have. I am committed to providing resources and support to help us all thrive as a community.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any ideas, suggestions, or inquiries. I am here to listen, advocate, and support your needs and aspirations as parents and families. Together, we can create a strong and vibrant parent community that positively impacts the lives of our children.
I am truly excited to embark on this journey with all of you, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you soon. Let's work hand in hand to make this school year a remarkable one for our children!
Best regards,
Giovanna Raffo
Parent Community Coordinator
Division of Student, Family, and School Services/International Admissions and Enrollment
Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement
Montgomery County Public Schools
Rocking Horse Road Center
4910 Macon Rd. Room 115 Rockville, MD 20852
240-551-6090 Phone Number
Queridos Padres y Guardianes,
Estoy encantada de presentarme como su nueva Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres. Mi nombre es Giovanna Raffo y estoy encantada de unirme a esta maravillosa comunidad escolar.
Como Coordinadora de la Comunidad de Padres, mi función principal es fomentar relaciones sólidas entre la escuela, los padres y las familias, creando un entorno de apoyo e inclusivo para todos los involucrados en el viaje educativo de nuestros hijos.
En mi nuevo cargo, seré responsable de fomentar las relaciones entre padres, maestros y administradores escolares para garantizar que nuestros niños reciban la mejor educación posible. Mi objetivo es crear un entorno abierto y colaborativo que fomente la comunicación y la participación de todas las partes.
A lo largo del año estaré organizando varios eventos, talleres y actividades que tienen como objetivo acercarnos a todos, fomentar el diálogo y resolver cualquier inquietud o pregunta que puedas tener. Estoy comprometido a proporcionar recursos y apoyo para ayudarnos a todos a prosperar como comunidad.
No dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo con cualquier idea, sugerencia o consulta. Estoy aquí para escuchar, abogar y apoyar sus necesidades y aspiraciones como padres y familias. Juntos, podemos crear una comunidad de padres fuerte y vibrante que tenga un impacto positivo en la vida de nuestros hijos.
Estoy realmente emocionada de embarcarme en este viaje con todos ustedes, y espero conocerlos pronto a todos y cada uno de ustedes. ¡Trabajemos de la mano para que este año escolar sea extraordinario para nuestros hijos!
Atentamente,
Giovanna Raffo
Parent Community Coordinator
Division of Student, Family, and School Services/International Admissions and Enrollment
Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement
Montgomery County Public Schools
Rocking Horse Road Center
4910 Macon Rd. Room 115 Rockville, MD 20852
240-551-6090 Phone Number
Kindergarten Registration - Please share with your neighbors
Kindergarten registration is open for children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2023. MCPS kindergarten program is widely recognized as among the best in the nation, with students making excellent progress toward the district’s reading and mathematics goals. We believe our youngest learners should receive a rich and well-rounded early learning experience to prepare them to be successful, productive 21st century citizens.
For the 2023-2024 school year, Kindergarten registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal.
Things to consider and begin gathering to enroll a kindergartner.
1. Determine Eligibility :
Children age 5 by September 1 on the first day of school are eligible for enrollment. Age and Attendance Requirements
2. How would you Like to Register?
- Online
- You will need to create a ParentVue account here.
- If you have questions about online registration, here are helpful tips on how to Get Started with Kindergarten Online Registration
- Paper Forms
- Please contact your school directly. You can determine which school is assigned to your address by using the School Assignment Locator.
3. Important Documents
- Proof of Residency
- Identification
- Birth documents
- Health Forms
Parents registering their children for the first time in a Montgomery County public school must provide proof of county residency, identity, age and immunizations, unless homeless. Required immunizations must be completed within 20 days of registration.
Students who have previously attended school should bring their latest report card, if available. Students receiving special education services should bring a copy of the current Individualized Education Program (IEP). Examples of acceptable verification documentation
Kindergarten Playdate #2
Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023, 06:00 PM
Leaman Park, Eternity Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Kindergarten Playdate #3
Saturday, Aug 19, 2023, 10:00 AM
Leaman Park, Eternity Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES
Email: sherilyn_r_moses@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/ronaldmcnaires/
Location: 13881 Hopkins Road, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6830
Twitter: @RonaldMcNairES