February Newsletter
New Market Elementary
Message from Administration
Dear NMES Families,
The first day of Term 3 was January 18. It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the school year. Our teams have been spending time analyzing middle of year achievement data for our students and making plans for adjusting instruction. Additionally, we will soon spend time reflecting on our school improvement plan and progress made toward meeting our goals for English Language Arts, Math, Attendance and Health/Wellness. Our staff takes pride in making sure all students receive high quality instruction and achieve to their potential.
This time of year is a great time for you and your child to revisit beginning of year goals, reflect on progress and set goals for Term 3 and 4. Post your child's goals in a place where they can see them and have a daily reminder of what they are working towards. Some examples:
- I want to work on improving my writing.
- I want to be more focused so I can finish my work in school.
- I want to get better at solving math word problems.
From now through the spring, try to regularly reflect with your child on the goals and the progress they are making. Celebrate small and big steps towards those goals to keep your child's momentum strong. As always, we thank you for your support and appreciate the strong home-school connection.
Dr. Lockard - Principal
Mrs. McGaha - Assistant Principal
As a reminder, our NMES Vision and Mission statements are linked below for your reference.
Click HERE to read the vision statement.
Click HERE to read the mission statement.
Important February Dates
Week of February 12: Random Acts of Kindness Week - see details in the Counseling Corner section of this newsletter
- Thursday, February 1: Final day to return Valentine's Day Party Permission Slip
- Friday, February 2: Yearbook Club pictures
- Wednesday, February 7: Grade 5 move-up meeting in the cafeteria
- Wednesday, February 7: PTA meeting from 7:00 - 8:00pm in the cafeteria (refreshments at 6:30pm)
- Thursday, February 8: NMMS Incoming Grade 6 Registration Evening for parents/guardians at 6:00pm in the NMMS cafetorium
- Wednesday, February 14: Valentine's Day Parties - Click HERE to view the schedule and permission slip
- Friday, February 16: Current grade 5 students return NMMS Registration Sheet deadline
- Friday, February 16: Mid-Term
- Friday, February 16: 2-hour early dismissal (dismissal begins at 1:25pm)
- Monday, February 19: Schools closed in observance of President's Day
- Tuesday, February 20: NMMS virtual information session (See details and link in this newsletter)
- Monday, February 26: Grade 5 students participate in the MSDE Climate Survey
- Tuesday, February 27: NMES/NMMS Chick-Fil-A restaurant night - click HERE to view the flyer
- Wednesday, February 28: NMES/NMMS Chick-Fil-A restaurant night - click HERE to view the flyer
- Wednesday, February 28: Interims issued
Looking ahead to early March: All grade 5 students will take the MISA assessment on the following dates/times:
- Monday, March 4 at 1:10
- Tuesday, March 5 at 1:10
- Wednesday, March 6 at 1:10
- Thursday, March 7 at 1:10
MISA Testing Schedule for Grade 5 Students
All grade 5 students will take the MISA (Maryland Integrated Science Assessment) on the following dates/times:
- Monday, March 4 at 1:10
- Tuesday, March 5 at 1:10
- Wednesday, March 6 at 1:10
- Thursday, March 7 at 1:10
Each session is 40 minutes in length. Grade 5 will adjust their recess time to occur after testing.
There are several things you can do to support your child:
- Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep
- A healthy breakfast to start the day
- Be in attendance on March 4, 5, 6 and 7 for MISA testing
- Avoid scheduling afternoon appointments during testing days and times
- A positive note in their lunch for encouragement
Thank you for your support! We are excited for our students to show their science knowledge!
National School Counseling Week
February 5-9, 2024 is National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
Mrs. Carl and Mrs. Blake serve as our incredible NMES counselors. They are actively engaged in: helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; working in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential.
Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Carl and Mrs. Blake during the week of February 5 and thanking them for all they do for our NMES community!
NMMS Incoming 6th Grade Registration Evening
When? Thursday, February 8 at 6:00pm
Where? NMMS Cafetorium
This is an evening in person presentation designed to introduce parents to general information about NMMS and share expectations about the day in the life of a middle school student. Students are welcome to attend; however, the evening is specifically geared toward parents. If students attend then they must remain with their parent/guardian.
The students will be receiving their own middle school registration presentation at NMES the week of February 5th. They will also be receiving their Middle School Course Registration sheets during the presentation and will be instructed to return them to their NMES homeroom teacher by February 16th.
Note: On February 20th at 6pm NMMS will also be offering a virtual information session, via google meet, for any parents who may have additional questions about the transition to middle school.
Google Meet joining information:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tnz-qsxu-wvu
Or dial: (US) +1 775-468-3723 PIN: 467 138 341#
NMMS has several upcoming activities to help current 5th grade students transition to middle school including a Move Up Day in May, and an Open House and Back to School Night in August. NMMS is looking forward to welcoming your students!
Learning @ Home Days Information
As you may know, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been approved by the Maryland State Department of Education to implement up to three virtual instructional days in lieu of systemwide closure during inclement weather. While not necessarily the first option, the Learning @ Home days provide FCPS flexibility in responding to various weather emergencies. Click HERE to view an FCPS created document about Learning @ Home Days.
As a result, our school has been engaged in planning and preparation for this possibility, to ensure full readiness if a Learning @ Home Day were to be implemented. Here’s what you need to know and how you can help your child prepare:
Instructional Activities: All assignments will be independent and self-paced (asynchronous). You can expect approximately 20-30 minutes per subject area that students can complete at a time that works for them or the household. Assignments and activities will be review and practice, not new content. In many cases, students will have choice in selecting the instructional activity. Please note that the design of these instructional days does not require students to follow a typical school or “live” virtual schedule.
Assignments will include instructional activities aligned to the curriculum, as provided by FCPS.
Grades PreK-2: The default format for PreK–2 is a printed packet, which will be sent home with your child on Thursday, December 21. Families should store the paper packet in a safe location in their homes.
Grades 3-5: Assignments will be posted in Schoology. Teachers will survey families on the availability/access of a device at home for students to complete assignments. Printed packets will be sent home if a device is not available in the home.
Attendance: Students will be counted as “present” by logging into Schoology on the virtual learning day or turning in assignments upon return to school. Students who complete the paper packet will be counted as “present” by turning in the work to their teacher upon return to school. Students who were unable to access the instructional activities during the Learning @ Home Day will be provided with additional time.
Support: During a Learning @ Home Day, should you have questions regarding any of the instructional activities your child’s teacher will be available via email or by calling 240-236-1300.
Teachers will take the time to review the necessary information with students prior to our first Learning @ Home Day so students are familiar with what to do. In the event of a Learning @ Home Day, FCPS will provide communication and notice well in advance of any predicted inclement weather to ensure that schools, students, and families are aware of this possibility and are prepared.
NMES Yearbook Order Information
Out of District Applications
FCPS is accepting out of district applications from February 1 - March 1.
Click HERE to view the FCPS Information Sheet about Out of District Applications.
Click HERE to view the FCPS application for Out of District. Applications will not be accepted without a signature.
If you have any questions about the application or out of district process, contact Mary Ann Gomez at 240-236-2493.
Quarter 2 Character Counts Awards
Our quarter 2 Character Counts assemblies were held in late January. The following students were nominated by their classroom teacher because they consistently demonstrate our "Be a Wolf" expectations. Those expectations include: Be respectful; Be responsible; Be ready to learn; Be kind; and Be safe. Congratulations to all our nominees and way to be role models for excellent behavior!
Pre-Kindergarten: Alivia O'Dea and Kaia Baxter
Kindergarten: Cora Smith, Connor Yetter, Adrien Ellison, Charlie Meador, Sadie Fischer and Decker Luise
Grade 1: Emily Murnane, Camden Wheeler, Elliot Fischer, Luke Entzminger, Isaac Harris, Darleen Castillo-Romero, Briggs Chandler and Harrison McGlamary
Grade 2: Presley Witt, Alexander Reed, Frankie Jarboe, Lydia Kordek, Dominic Fazio, Jaxy Fox, Gia DiFabio, Graham George
Grade 3: Hobby Hart, Graham Ratcliffe, Scarlett Nola, Jane MacDavid, Ethan Knox, Cooper Beachy, Jade Nicholson, Luladay Yisihak
Grade 4: Jonah Shellaway, Lilly Koerber, Chase Cioffi, Mia Morris, Gavin Maloney, Laila Hogan, Sloane Maloney, Liam Applegate
Grade 5: Avaleigh Kipe, Jonathan Frame, Bodie Gable, Maddie Cleveland, Emma Wood, Kara Crawford, Blake Miller, Joey Ewen
FCPS Learning Journey to College and Career Readiness
Media Center Update
free eBooks
Did you know that all FCPS students have access to free ebooks and audiobooks through the media center? Students can check these books out to read on tablets, phones and other devices! Directions on accessing the books is available at https://bit.ly/NMESSora. For questions, please email Mrs. Siderius at jennifer.siderius@fcps.org.
Optional Choice Board for February
What do Valentine's Day, Black History Month and American Heart Month have in common? They all occur in February! Learn about these holidays and others, such as National Hippo Day, at our optional holiday choice board at https://bit.ly/NMES24Board.
From the Counselor Corner
January Role Model Monday Nominees
The following students were nominated by their classroom teacher as a "Role Model Monday" nominee. These students demonstrate our Be a Wolf expectations on a regular basis across the school day. These students are recognized on our morning announcements by Dr. Lockard. The students receive a certificate and small prize for being a great Wolf each and every day! Also, the parents receive a Good News Phone Call from Dr. Lockard.
- Penny Patton, Kindergarten student in Mrs. White's classroom. Mrs. White shared the following about Penny: "Penny is a role model for our class as she comes to school everyday with a CAN DO positive attitude. She is ready to learn, kind to her classmates and is always willing to help out."
- Mackenzie Cleveland, Third grade student in Mrs. Imboden's classroom. Mrs. Imboden shared the following about Mackenzie: "Mackenzie demonstrates how to be a New Market Wolf every day. She works hard at her assignments and always does her very best in every subject with a positive attitude. Mackenzie is both polite and kind to her classmates and teachers. She’s a great role model and always follows the rules like a great wolf should!"
- Eliana Morales, Second grade student in Mrs. Ruch's classroom. Mrs. Ruch shared the following about Eliana: " Eliana comes to school each day with a smile and positive attitude. She is kind and compassionate to her teachers and classmates. Eliana is always putting in her best effort when it comes to her school work. I can count on her to be on task and to help others when they need a helping hand. Eliana is responsible and caring. She demonstrates good character and is an excellent example of a responsible Wolf! We are lucky to have Eliana in our class."
Walking and Wheeling Wolves Program
As a reminder, our Walking and Wheeling Wolves bingo game is a year-round activity. We love to see our students on Thursday mornings from 8:30 - 8:55 in the Media Center to pick out their Bingo prizes. Students can also get a blank Bingo card at this time or print your own HERE.
NMES School Improvement
We are asking for your help in the school improvement process by reviewing the Home-School Connection document linked below and supporting your child's learning at home. Your support will help us to achieve our school improvement goals. Our school improvement plan supports our NMES Mission which is "To serve and support our students - every student...by name and need."
NMES Home-School Connection - Click HERE to view.
NMES PTA Information
NMES PTA: We are parents, teachers and staff members working together to strengthen the family-school partnership. We raise funds to provide student and family programming and supplement the NMES budget for student and teacher resources.
Please join us at our next meeting:
- Wednesday, February 7: PTA meeting in the NMES cafeteria. Come and meet us at 6:30pm for refreshments. The meeting will begin at 7pm.
Upcoming Event:
- February 27th and 28th: Chick-Fil-A restaurant night
Our NMES PTA teamed up with NMMS PTSA to hold back-to-back fundraising nights at Chick-fil-A in Mount Airy. Families may choose to go either Tuesday February 27th or Wednesday February 28th from 5:00-7:00pm. All orders must be sent via the Chick-fil-A app to be eligible for the fundraiser. Be sure to switch on the “Community Cares” toggle that appears during the check out process on the app. It is as simple as that - so anyone can participate! No flyer needed and all funds raised will be split between NMES PTA and NMMS PTSA. Click HERE for a visual of the event. Thank you for your support!
In February, join us for Project Linus and Random Acts of Kindness! Check out the many opportunities for students and families to participate in the information below.
NMES Attendance
For all attendance related emails or transportation changes, please email nmes.attendance@fcps.org and include your child's teacher. Transportation changes must be made prior to 3:00pm.
Consistent attendance is important for your child's academic and social success in school. MSDE sets the attendance goal at 96%. Below are the attendance percentages for each grade level and for the school overall as of the end of January:
Pre-Kindergarten: 92.6%
Kindergarten: 94.3%
Grade 1: 94.4%
Grade 2: 94.4%
Grade 3: 95.0%
Grade 4: 95.5%
Grade 5: 94.6%
Overall School Attendance Percentage: 94.6%
You can support by sending your healthy child to school each day on time. Instruction promptly begins at 9:00 each morning. You can also support by planning vacations around the FCPS calendar. Thank you!
Click HERE to view the FCPS calendar for 2023 - 2024.
Click HERE to view the FCPS calendar for 2024 - 2025.
Winter Weather Guidelines and Procedures
It is difficult to set guidelines that fit every circumstance and condition with regards to outside activities during cold weather. Principals use their discretion and good judgment as to whether or not students will go outside, as well as the duration of the outside activity. Sometimes we may opt for a shorter recess period in cold temperatures or specify a temperature above 20 degrees as the cut-off point for going out. Elementary students should not go outdoors for recess or physical education whenever the temperature falls below 20 degrees, including the wind chill factor. The temperature cut-off at NMES is 20 degrees, so please remember to dress your child in the appropriate clothing (labeled coat, hat and gloves).
NMES Ambassador Wolf
Schoology Tips
Mrs. Imboden is our Schoology Ambassador for the 2023 - 2024 school year. If you have any questions about Schoology, don't hesitate to reach out to her. She will be happy to support.
Supporting our Young Wolves
To support our Young Wolves still at home, we are sharing an idea to support their development.
Talk with your toddler about what you can do to have fun while you wait. You can count cars or take turns naming the colors of objects around you. Or you can ask your toddler ideas on what to do next. Waiting can be a good time to learn how to manage time.
Bus Rules and Bus Safety
If your child rides an FCPS bus to and/or from school, please take some time to review our expectations for bus behavior. Click HERE to view information to review with your child. Our FCPS bus drivers work hard every day to keep all students safe. When all students consistently follow the behavior expectations on the bus then safe and enjoyable rides to and from school can occur. Thank you for your support!
Personal Electronic Device Guidelines
Students may only use their electronic devices (including cell phones and smart watches) before or after school in a non-disruptive manner. They must be silenced and stored (out of sight) for the entire school day, except for approved instructional or medical use.