Welcome Back to School Newsletter
August 20, 2023
Contact Information
Email: stacey_m_brown@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/pagees/
Location: 13400 Tamarack Rd, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-7560
Twitter: @WTPagePenguins
WT Page Principal's Message
Good Evening Page Families,
It is hard to believe the first day of school is one week away!! Well as you may know the summer continued to be extremely busy and noisy with the ongoing construction project at Page. Three portables were successfully removed to continue with the needed construction project. The health room suite and isolation room ceiling duct work was completed. The main office, media center, former music room and cafeteria received a face lift with bumped out spaces, new furniture and enhanced functionality. The courtyard is now enclosed and will function as an outdoor instructional space and hopefully an outdoor garden with a composting station maintained by the Green Team. This last week before pre-service there were electricians working to connect power to the building addition which will allow for the needed inspections to begin.
For three weeks in July, Page ES shared an off-site local summer school program (LSP) at Burtonsville Elementary School with several neighboring schools. A huge thank to Mrs. Dean, Mrs. Reyes, Ms. Paulino, Mrs. Villa, and Ms. Gillette who worked to support the LSP. Also during the month of July and the first two weeks of August the main office moved over to Fairland ES, but we are now back at Page ES. Finally the ILT team worked off site at Galway ES to discuss how we will support ALL of our learners, how we rethink the opening of school year due to construction and how we will re-engage with our Page families.
The superintendent, Dr. Monifa B. McKnight’s message continues to emphasize the importance of students being prepared for College, Career, and Community by incorporating the MCPS Strategic Plan; Academic Excellence, Well-being and Family Engagement and Professional and Operational Excellence.
At Page we will focus on the following MCPS initiatives and campaigns that were announced by Dr. McKnight:
Pathways to Student Success in College, Career and Community
The pathway is an important guide in preparing students for lifelong success. It will empower students by providing essential academic milestones, and it identifies key competencies and experiences students should have to thrive in their academic pursuits, prepare for meaningful careers, and actively engage as responsible citizens within their communities.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
During the pandemic student absenteeism reached high levels in the district and has not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. MCPS has outlined specific guidelines and plans for the 2023–2024 school year, which will promote the importance of regular school attendance to caregivers and community members. Here at Page ES 1/6th (approximately 100 students) were in Tier 2 and Tier 3.
Anti-racist Audit Findings for Page ES
Based on the findings of the anti-racist audit, we are re-imagining and re-creating areas of school culture and climate and student well-being. These efforts will be included in the School Improvement Process (SIP) by including specific goals in these areas. The SIP will be shared in September.
If you missed Kindergarten Orientation the slide show is available here Kindergarten Orientation Slide @ WT Page
Have a great last week of Summer!!
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Open House!
Ms. Brown
Principal
Open House Update - Please Read Carefully
Parents and Students are invited to the following events:
Kindergarten OPEN HOUSE will be held Thursday, August 24th from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM **There will no longer be a NEW Parent Orientation on this day.**
1st - 5th Grade OPEN HOUSE will be held Friday, August 25th:
Last Names A - M @ 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Last Names N - Z @ 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Prekindergarten Families - First Day Information
Welcome Pre-Kindergarten Families.
We are excited to welcome Mr. Nick Joyce, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Mrs. Christine Hudacsek (Long-Term Sub for Mrs. Ruth), Mrs. Conley and Mrs. Willoughby - Pre-Kindergarten paraeducators to Page ES this year. Please note that Pre-Kindergarten families do not report during Open House, however during the week of August 28th teachers will schedule home visits and provide engagement opportunities with families.
The first days of school for Prekindergarten students are September 5 and 6. The student start day will be staggered, with half of the assigned students attending on the first day and the other half of the students attending on the second day, and then all students consistently attending on the third day.
If you have questions about Prekindergarten at Page ES, please reach out to Mr. Joyce @ Nicholas_Joyce@mcpsmd.org or the Family Service worker assigned to Page ES - Cesiah Ventura - Cesiah_Ventura@mcpsmd.org
Teacher Reveal Scratch Off Postcards!!
Again this year students will receive a postcard in the mail with a scratch off sticker revealing their 2023 - 2024 classroom teacher. Postcards will be mailed out this week (August 21st). If you did not receive a postcard we will have classroom lists during Open House, so families can find out the name of the teacher/s.
Updated Bus Transportation Routes - Please Review before the first day of school
All of the bus route numbers have been updated. The local bus routes begin with 71 and the Immersion Bus routes begin with 67 and 77. Local Page Bus Routes and Immersion Bus Routes. We will also have hard copies available during Open House.
Apply for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) for 2023 - 2024 School Year
FARMS applications must be completed each school year. New for the 2023 - 2024 school year students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for meals. The application for FARMS is online and has been updated for the new school year. Apply using www.MySchoolApps.com; this is the preferred application method. You can also apply online using the QR code.
Message from the PTA President - Mrs. Tawanna Stokes
Dear Page Families,
Welcome to a new school year at William Tyler Page! As your PTA President, I am thrilled to kick off a year filled with boundless opportunities for our incredible students. Our theme this year is “Study, Try, Achieve for Recognition and Success, (S.T.A.R.S.)” a mantra that embodies the spirit of dedication, growth, and accomplishment.
At William Tyler Page Elementary, we are privileged to have a community of vibrant and smart students who are eager to learn and thrive. As we embark on this journey together this year, our focus will be on fostering an environment that encourages every student to put in their best effort, embrace challenges, and aim for excellence in all their endeavors.
Throughout the year, we have an exciting lineup of events, and programs that will not only engage and inspire our students, but also provide them with opportunities to showcase their talents, receive recognition for their hard work, and ultimately achieve the success they deserve. Follow us on the social media channels to stay up to date.
As parents and guardians, your involvement and support are invaluable. Your partnership with our dedicated teachers and staff will undoubtedly contribute to the holistic development and academic achievements of our students. We encourage you to actively participate in our PTA activities, attend school events, and stay connected with us through regular communication channels. Please visit the PTA website to become a member.
Let’s work hand in hand to create a memorable and fulfilling school year for our students—one where they feel empowered to S. T. A. R. S. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our young learners and set them on a path to greatness.
Thank you for being a part of our William Tyler Page family. Here’s to an amazing year ahead!
Warm regards,
Tawanna Stokes
2023 William Tyler Page Elementary School PTA Executive Officers and Board
President-Tawanna Stokes
VP of Programs- Nacola Alexander
VP of Membership- Tina Chang
Treasurer- Keith Nusbaum
Corresponding Secretary- Miranda Stafford
Recording Secretary- Elizabeth Cardona
Delegate- Rachel Stalcup
Volunteer Coordinator- Tsegaye Mulugeta
Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Dates
Thursday, August 24th - Kindergarten OPEN HOUSE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM **New Family Orientation is Cancelled**
Friday, August 25th - 1st - 5th Grade OPEN HOUSE
Last Names A - M @ 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Last Names N - Z @ 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Saturday, August 26th - MCPS Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall.
Monday, August 28th - First Day of School
Monday, September 4th - Labor Day Holiday - No School for Students and Staff
Friday, September 22nd - Early Dismissal @ 12:55 PM
Monday, September 25th - Holiday - No School for Students and Staff
Back-to-School Night dates will be announced later in September!!
Wishing a Fond Farewell and Welcome to New Page Staff
As you know, with a new school year comes changes and new opportunities. Below, we have provided a list of staff members who will not be returning to Page, moving grade levels or positions at Page, and new staff members. We would like to give a fond farewell and best wishes to departing staff members and a warm welcome to the new staff members that will be joining us this year.
We send a fond farewell and best wishes to:
Ms. Yvette Mingia - Prekindergarten para - Educational Leave to pursue Social Work degree
Sra. Mayra Rosenblatt - 1st Grade moved to be closer to home.
Srta. Kiara Montalvo - 4th Grade Moved to home to Puerto Rico
Ms. Carlette Jameson - 4th Grade moved to another MCPS elementary school
Ms. Bri Gorman - 5th Grade moved to Utah
Ms. Yvanamarie Mingia - Para ELD teaching position at local middle school
Mrs. Laura Mir - Media Assistant is now a Media Specialist at an MCPS elementary school
Sra. Emelina Hoyos- 5th Grade Immersion teacher - Retired
Ms. Carmen Burton - LTS- moved to another LTS position in MCPS
Mr. Andy Acosta - Facility Aide - Moved to Texas for College
Mrs. Jenniffer Sical - Spanish Immersion Paraeducator - moved to another county
Mrs. Colleen Ichniowski - Counselor - Retired after 32 years!!
Dr. Leah Engel-Green - School Psychologist
Mrs. Kathleen Daniello - SPED teacher - moved to another MCPS elementary school
Mrs. Lili Bell - SPED teacher - moved to another MCPS elementary school
Ms. Tierra Riggs - Health Tech - moved up county closer to home.
Mrs. Wendy Davis - Admin. Secretary - Moved to Key MS to be a Financial Secretary
Mr. Liam - UniServe Volunteer - completed his program - we wish him luck!!
Mrs. Vanetta Mingia - LTS PT PE - moved on to another sub position
Mr. Joshua Wood - Permanent Substitute - moved on to support another school in MCPS
Moving Positions at Page ES:
Mrs. Michelle Byrd- 2nd grade teacher moving to 4th grade teacher
Sra. Alicia Cruz - 4th grade Immersion teacher to 5th grade Spanish Immersion teacher
Mrs. Cherell Gillette - TPT and Lunch & Recess Aide to permanent paraeducator
Welcome to Page ES:
Mrs. Erika Milosavljevic - Administrative Secretary
Mr. Nick Joyce Prekindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Christine Hudacsek - LTS Prekindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Sara Willoughby - Prekindergarten Paraeducator
Mrs. Brenda Conley - Prekindergarten Paraeducator
Sra. Brenda Feliciano- 1st Grade Immersion Teacher
Mr. Keith Bobo- 2nd Grade Teacher
Sr. Jose Ardila - 4th Grade Immersion Teacher
Sra. Stephanie Molina- 4th Grade Immersion Teacher
Mrs. Lori Payne- 5th grade teacher
Sra. Rosalina Gonzalez- 5th Grade Immersion Teacher
Mr. Leevon Floyd - 2nd School Counselor
Ms. Marina Poliak - SPED teacher
Ms. Joyce Russell - SPED teacher
Ms. Cierra Dotson -School Psychologist
Ms. Cassie Heagy - Media Assistant
Mr. Sean O’Connor - PT PE Teacher
Ms. Lesbia Alaron-Osorio - SI Paraeducator
Mrs. Barbara Williams - Health Tech
How will your child go home during the 2023 - 2024 School Year?
Please complete the following Transportation Home Form 2023 - 2024. Kindergarten - 1st grade families will also complete the 2022 Transportation Cards for their child during Open House. We want to ensure we know how students are getting home during the first week of school and beyond. We ask that your students wear their transportation cards on their backpack or be placed inside their backpack so that dismissal staff can assist students with getting to their appropriate location. Attached is the link to the Transportation Card and the PDF below of the 2023 Transportation Card if needed.
First Day of School Arrival Procedures
Here the first day of school arrival procedures
First day of school is Monday, August 28th.
Parents please make sure all students have information regarding how they are getting home the first day of school. (bus, car, walker or KAH) Parents please ensure you have completed transportation home Google Form found below in this newsletter.
First Day Arrival Procedures.
Doors open at 8:30 and students ONLY will go to the following areas and meet their teachers. There will be staff stationed throughout the building to assist student to their locations.
Kindergarten students will be lined up at the arrival locations (car riders, bus riders and walkers) and brought in groups to the media center to meet their teachers.
1st and 2nd grades - APR (Cafeteria)
3rd grades- Go straight to their classrooms upstairs
4th grade - Go to the Gym
5th grades - Go straight to the portables
Staff members will be in the lobby to direct students to their arrival locations.
At 8:50 a.m. students will be escorted to their classrooms by their teachers.
No breakfast is served on the first day of school.
Construction Updates - Phase 2
Kitchen Expansion - During the summer the construction crew expanded the food serving line by so that two grade levels be served food at the same time. The work to expand the cafeteria is still in progress.
Media Center Expansion - During the summer the construction crew expanded the media center by knocking down some walls and offices. See the pictures below -- the media center is HUGE!!
Dual Purpose Room (Formerly the music room) - During the summer the music room was transformed into a dual purpose room by taking out the cubbies, adding a sink and cabinets. For the few month of school the dual purpose room will be a kindergarten classroom.
Addition at Page ES
Kitchen Serving Line #1
Kitchen Serving Line #2
Media Center #1
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Back to School Fair - 2023
2023 MCPS BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIR @ WESTFIELD WHEATON
SATURDAY, AUG. 26, 2023 • 10 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Back to School Fair Flyers
español / 中文 / français / tiếng Việt / 한국어 / አማርኛ
FREE TRANSPORTATION:
MCPS will offer free shuttles to the event from the following MCPS high schools:
Montgomery Blair, Paint Branch, Gaithersburg and Richard Montgomery.
The first shuttle will depart from high schools at 9:00 a.m. and the last shuttle will depart from Westfield Wheaton at 2:00 p.m.