Galway Chronicle Lions Roar!
Parent Newsletter Sept. 22, 2023 Vol 14 Issue 3
Administrative Team
Nathaniel Hamilton, Assistant Principal
Latina Bobo, Assistant School Administrator
240-740-0140 Fax 301-902-1230
PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING-STUDENT LEADERSHIP
You often hear me use the word opportunity when I speak about our school. The definition of opportunity is a valuable chance or favorable conditions. The staff and I believe students must have every opportunity to excel and experience success in school. We also believe we are responsible for providing a school environment ripe with opportunity. We think one way to demonstrate high expectations is through opportunities with leadership. Galway students are not just bright future leaders; they are leaders now. If we indeed want students to demonstrate leadership, we must explicitly teach them what leadership looks like and provide a vehicle to demonstrate those skills. The fifth-grade team, other staff members, and I are purposefully developing leadership opportunities for our fourth and fifth-grade students. Students will produce the school television show, publish a school newspaper, peer mediate for younger students, design HardWork Café luncheons, make Student Government (SGA) decisions, recycle with the Green Team and keep students safe as patrols. They will assist in the media center, represent the school as ambassadors, read to younger students, support multi-language learners and discuss current events. Research tells us that student involvement in decision-making at school ultimately improves academic performance.
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet” Bobby Unser
“Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.” Stephen Covey
PRINCIPAL'S TEA
I want to provide a forum to hear your heartbeat, concerns and questions about school. We are serious about our commitment to partner with you to make Galway a school of excellence.
I am inviting you to the Principal’s Tea and Talk session. The administrative team and I are looking forward to this additional vehicle for hearing your voice. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions, share ideas and get clarification about school policies. A special guest will be featured at each event with relevant information of parent interest. Get your cup of tea and join us on Wednesday, September 27 from 6:30-7:30 pm. You can send topics you would like to hear about ahead of time to Dorothea_fuller@mcpsmd.org or ask them that evening. This will not replace resolving individual classroom questions that should start with the teacher.
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/5832591019?pwd=TXg3QnRjbnJVVDNWSS9xY0grbFV5QT09
Meeting ID: 583 259 1019
Passcode: 271413
“Where there’s tea, there’ s hope” Arthur Wing Pinero
STEM NEWSLETTER
STEMarvels
A monthly celebration of all things STEM at Galway September, 2023
STEM is a weekly special for grades K-5 for half the year. At Galway, using MCPS’ Science curriculum as a guide, STEM lessons focus on the use of the Science and Engineer Practices:
· Ask Questions.
· Develop and Use Models.
· Plan and Carry out Investigations.
· Analyze and Interpret Data.
· Use Mathematics and Computational Thinking.
· Construct Explanations.
· Engage in Argument from Evidence.
· Obtain, Evaluate, and Communicate Information.
Please visit our STEM website, for more detailed information about our STEM program.
TAKE A PEEK
5th graders have been engaged in a series of water-related challenges and investigations. On the right, a group can be seen collaborating while experimenting with water’s surface tension.
STEM AT HOME
Opportunities are everywhere for students to continue their explorations of science, technology, engineering, and math. Even with fall soon to start, squeeze in one more summer activity; chances are you already have all the materials at home!
Click here for a list of materials, step-by-step directions, and suggestions for extending the learning. This and more STEM at-home activities can be found at
STEM DONATIONS NEEDED
Each month, we will feature an item we use often in STEM. This month, please consider recycling your toilet paper and paper towel rolls with us. Just have your child bring them to the STEMnasium (room 123).
Till next month,
Maria Mauras
Galway ES STEM teacher
PERSONAL BODY SAFETY LESSONS
PERSONAL BODY SAFETY LESSONS
During the months of September, October, and November, counselors will be delivering the MCPS mandated Personal Body Safety Lessons. The lessons will be delivered with support from classroom teachers. The purpose of these lessons is for students to:
· learn skills for self-protection and identifying child abuse and neglect;
· learn skills for asking for help for self and others and practice reporting to a trusted adult;
· engage in positive and appropriate interactions with peers and adults;
· develop knowledge, decision making skills, and behaviors which promote safe living in the home, school, and community.
Please contact Dr. Ham or Mrs. Rakhi with any questions you have regarding these lessons.
PTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
UPCOMING DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, September 25
School Closed for students & staff
Wednesday, September 27
Principal's Tea 6:30-7:30 pm
Monday, October 2Fall Individual School Pictures
Wednesday, October 4
5th Grade Parents' Magnet Meeting 6:30 pm
Monday, October 9
School Closed-Professional Day
Wednesday, October 11
PTA Virtual Meeting 6:00 pm
October 16-20
Fall Book Fair
Wednesday, October 18
Parent Curriculum Night 6:30 -7:30 pm
Tuesday, October 24
HardWork Cafe'
Wednesday, October 25
5th Grade FT-Strathmore
Friday, October 27
Fall Festival-2:30 pm
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
MCPS PATHWAYS for ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
MCPS created a new guide to help families, students, and teachers work together to ensure student success. Learn about the new academic benchmarks for kindergarten, grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5.
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET CHALLENGE
Clothes for Cash is a fundraiser that supports classroom libraries. Support the school by bringing your discarded clothes to the white clothes bin. Donate your clothes to the school by placing them in the white bin near the soccer field when you clean out your closets.