Dr. Ronald E. McNair ES Parent News
April 2024
Dear Families,
March was definitely a month that seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye! The month started with warm temperatures, but as the first day of spring arrived on the 19th, March lived up to its reputation, roaring like a lion and bringing cooler weather. Despite having only three weeks of instruction, our students were actively engaged in various activities and events. One of the highlights was the Kids Heart Challenge, where our students showed their commitment to heart health and raised funds for a worthy cause. Additionally, our fifth grade students participated in the MISA assessments, demonstrating their knowledge in relation to the science curriculum.
Spring Break begins on Monday! Students will not have school beginning on Monday, March 25 through Monday, April 1. The first day back from Spring Break is Tuesday, April 2; students are expected to be here at their normal starting time of 9:15 a.m. Spring Break is a great time for relaxation and rejuvenation; powering our students through the end of the school year.
Can you believe the 3rd marking period is over? The end of the quarter is April 9. April 10 is a professional day for staff to complete the grading and reporting process. This means the fourth and final quarter of the 2024 -2025 school year begins on Wednesday, April 11. Third quarter report cards will be available in Synergy on April 17 and distributed on April 18. Report card time provides a wonderful opportunity to sit with your child and celebrate their achievements. Starting the conversation with their strengths not only boosts confidence but also sets a positive tone for discussing any areas needing extra attention. It's not too late to set goals for this school year. Our teachers are more than willing to lend a hand with advice or clarification on the report card details, should you need it. We look forward to seeing all our students thrive as we enter this school year's final quarter!
Just a reminder, we moved our highly anticipated International Night to April 12th. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating the diversity of our school community. In the spirit of embracing the rich diversity that characterizes our school community, we also find ourselves at a pivotal moment—preparing to extend a warm welcome to our newest members. Kindergarten registration opened on Monday, March 18 for the 2024-2025 school year. Children who will be five by Sept. 1, 2024 are eligible. Based on community feedback, MCPS has decided that current kindergarten classes will not be canceled to hold orientations this year. We are seeking your assistance in ensuring a smooth transition for all incoming students. If you or your neighbors have a child or children who are currently 5 years old or will be turning 5 by September 1, 2024, we kindly ask that you encourage them to contact the school to begin the registration process. Our goal is to accurately account for and extend a warm welcome to all incoming kindergarten students joining us at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School.
Within the body of this newsletter is information about MCAP testing for students in grades 3, 4, and 5.
We hope you enjoy your Spring Break and look forward to April being another great month at Dr. REMES. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email both Mrs. Moses (Sherilyn_R_Moses@mcpsmd.org) and Mrs. Graber (JessicaBay_Graber@mcpsmd.org).
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sherilyn Moses, Principal
&
Mrs. Jessica Graber, Principal Intern
CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergencies can arise at any time. It is important to your child’s safety that we have your current address and current home and work numbers on file. If your address or phone number changes, please be sure to notify the office.
Sick Student?
We understand that students will be sick and we want to help you. When your child is sick, in addition to informing the classroom teacher, please be sure to inform the main office. The best way to do so is by completing the Student Absence form. We appreciate you keeping your student at home when they are ill.
Status of COVID-19 Procedures
As we head into spring break, please note that MCPS has not officially changed COVID-19 procedures. COVID, flu and norovirus are still circulating so remember healthy habits when traveling and gathering over the break. MCPS continues to follow the five-day isolation period for COVID-19 and will announce updated procedures after the break, effective April 15.
State Standardized Testing - MCAP
Testing season is upon us!
Congratulations to our fifth grade scholars on their successful completion of the MISA (Maryland Integrated Science Assessment) and the Maryland School Survey earlier this month. After spring break, we truly enter testing mode as grades 3, 4 and 5 take the MCAP.
What is this assessment? The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provides information to educators, parents and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland state content standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student achievement and growth.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual assessments to all students in English/Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and one time in high school.
Mark your calendars! Here are when students at Dr. McNair will take the MCAP assessment. Please avoid scheduling appointments for your child so that he/she will not have to take the assessment during a make-up session. Also keep in mind that if a student should arrive late or return from an appointment and the testing session is in progress, they will not be permitted to join the testing session and will also need a make-up.
Game Changer Conference Set for April 20; Essay Contest Deadline: April 10
Calling all parents/caregivers of young male students Grades 4-12! Register your student for the spring 2024 Game Changer conference and help empower and ignite their path to success. The conference will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Universities at Shady Grove, 8 a.m–2 p.m. Transportation may be available through MCPS from your area. Registration closes Wednesday, April 3. Spaces are limited.
Kindergarten Orientation
For the 2024-2025 school year, Kindergarten registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal starting March 18th.
For enrollment information visit: Kindergarten Enrollment
April General PTA Meeting
The April General PTA meeting will be April 2 at 6:30 pm and will be a virtual only meeting.
The Zoom link will be provided through the Remind app one-hour before the meeting.
BOE Seeking Community Feedback for the Next Superintendent
The Montgomery County Board of Education is launching a nationwide search for the next superintendent of MCPS, who will assume the role on July 1.
The Board invites input from the community to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive search. The vital characteristics of the next superintendent will be collected through multiple channels including a general Feedback Form, a survey to Surveys to students, staff and families, which was released on March 13 and community engagement events during the first week of April on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday April 2, 3 and 4.