Paw Prints
Ritchie Park Elementary School
Keeping up Academic Skills during the Summer
Summer Packets
Every summer, Ritchie Park provides your child with the opportunity to continue their learning from this past school year and ensure that they will be able to “hit the ground running” when school begins in September. Our summer reading and math activities are available online and can be found on the Ritchie Park website. Here is the link. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/ritchieparkes
Summer is A Great Time to Read!
Montgomery County Public Libraries invites all students to participate in this year’s Summer Reading Program, which will begin Saturday, June 15 and run until Saturday, August 31. This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories,” encouraging children of all ages to dream big, believe in themselves, and create their own stories. Space is featured in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Children from newborns to 12 years old and teens, 13-17 years of age, are invited to sign up online or at any branch.
Participants who read and/or take part in fun learning activities can earn prizes (while supplies last); vouchers to a Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) bookstore; or raffle entries.
Summer Read and Learn also includes many different programs and events generously sponsored by FOLMC and local Friends of the Library chapters. Schedules of programs are on the Library’s calendar of events. For more information about the program, visit
montgomerycountymd.gov/library/programs/summer-read-and-learn.html.
Free Summer Event for Families with Children Aged Four
Montgomery County families are invited to attend the Head Start Party in the Park on Saturday, July 13 at Wheaton Regional Park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event, at the park’s train station, is co-sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Community Action Agency, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery Parks, DHHS Early Childhood Services, and Montgomery County Public Libraries. Wheaton Regional Park is located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. Parents of four-year-olds are encouraged to attend this event, which will include information about the County’s Pre-K/Head Start program, along with on-site registration. Several community agencies and organizations will participate in the event, providing helpful resources to attendees. This free event includes a DJ, food trucks, face painting, balloon animals, and other activities for children. To learn more about this event, please visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Resources/Files/Head%20Start%20Party%20in%20the%20Park.pdf for information in English and Spanish. Please visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/OCA/CommunityAction/HeadStart.html to learn more about Head Start/Pre-K registration for the 2019–2020 school year or call 240-740-4530.
Final Farewell
Usually word spreads quickly, but if you have not heard, I am leaving Ritchie Park this summer. I am leaving behind a wonderful community that consistently demonstrates its commitment to students: socially, emotionally and academically. Your support of the staff has meant a great deal. I am taking with me memories of very special people and events that I will treasure. A copy of my letter is at the end of this message.
Don’t Miss the 2019 Back-to-School Fair
Join us in a fun kickoff to the 2019–2020 school year! All MCPS students and their families are invited to Westfield Wheaton for an MCPS Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Back-to-School Fair is a great way to kick off the school year and learn about the school system’s programs and services, along with resources from government agencies and community partners. School system staff will be on hand to answer questions about MCPS curriculum and programs. There will be free, fun entertainment for the whole family, including children’s activities, health screenings for adults and children, giveaways and more! Shuttle buses will be provided; locations are to be determined. Mark your calendars and keep checking the Back-to-School Fair webpage over the summer at www.mcpsbacktoschoolfair.org/. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates as well. For more information about the fair, visit the Back-to-School Fair website or call the Department of Communications at 240-740-2837 or the Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement at 240-740-5630.
Dear Parents,
I am writing to inform you that I will be leaving Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). This was not an easy decision to make because I have become very attached to the Ritchie Park Community. After 34 years with MCPS, it is time for me to make a change. My final day at Ritchie Park will be July 26, 2019. I have not found a new position at this time; however, leaving in the summer is the best option. This will allow for a new principal to be named over the summer and transition into the role before the school year starts, and it gives me time to spend with family before making a new commitment.
MCPS has a very comprehensive system for identifying a new leader. This process seeks input from multiple stakeholder groups including parents. Staff from the Office of School Support and Improvement will be in communication with you to provide information and a timeline on the process of selecting a new principal.
I'd like to thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of working with your wonderful children. I leave knowing an excellent staff will continue to nurture and challenge your children. I hope our paths will cross again so I can learn of the many successes that are ahead for your children.
Sincerely,
Catherine Long