Bulldog Bulletin
March 2023
February was quite an exciting month at Arbutus Elementary! For starters, the Scholastic Book Fair was a tremendous success. This was achievable through the hard work and dedication of our AES Family, to include students, their families, and staff. Job well done Ms. Eaton! All your organization and planning made for an enjoyable Book Fair.
In addition, our students were able to learn a great deal about many accomplished and heroic individuals during Black History Month. Thank you to those fifth graders that read during morning announcements. We learned a great deal about these individuals because of your efforts. It is important that we recognize the hard work of our students during this important month; therefore, please check out the Black History Month section below.
March is off to a great start as well! We are happy to announce our SEL Family Night on March 29th. More information about this exciting event is provided below. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Happy Spring everyone!
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Title I
Arbutus Elementary School participates in a schoolwide Title I program. Title I is a Federal grant that focuses on improving the academic achievement of disadvantaged children. The grant provides funds to Title I schools to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards and state academic assessments.
AES Family Engagement Plan 22-23
Black History Month
Click the button below to see pictures of the amazing projects created by our students.
Library
Dear Parents and Families,
I am sending my sincere gratitude for making our Book Fair an outstanding success! My reward for hosting a Book Fair is watching your kids discover new books. All that joy wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from our school community – you deserve my special thanks.
I hope to see you and your child at our next Fair. Until then, happy reading!
Gratefully,
Donna Eaton
Book Fair Chairperson
Arbutus Elementary School
Physical Education
All fifth grade students will participate in a Ballroom Dancing unit at the end of the month. Students will learn ballroom dancing skills and etiquette during their Physical Education class the week of March 27th. Fifth grade parents are invited to our Ballroom Dancing Showcase on Friday, March 31st from 9:20 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. This is a great opportunity to observe your child's new skills!
Katie Henry
Physical Education Teacher
Counselor's Corner
March Madness is here! This month we are helping students begin to think about what they will do after high school. College is one option, so we are having College Shirt Mondays. Try to have your child wear a college shirt or college colors on Mondays throughout March. The Counseling lessons in May will be about exploring careers. It' is a good idea to think about college and after high school plans, sooner rather than later, especially when it comes to paying for them. The Maryland 529 website has a lot of information to help families save for college, or technical and trade schools. Home (maryland529.com)
This month, the Counseling lessons are focused on mindfulness which is very helpful in managing emotions. Here are some mindfulness resources for you and your child: 6 Sweet Mindfulness Videos for Young Kids (mindfulmemorykeeping.com)
Susanne Olsen NCC, NCSC
School Counselor
SEL Night
While attending, families will learn about:
- Community Resources for Families
- English Classes for Adults
- Conscious Discipline
- Growth Mindset and Affirmations
- Emotion Regulation Strategies
- Bullying Prevention
- Cardio Drumming
- How to Make Calm Down Bottles
The Parent Mobile will be there as well, to provide parents with additional resources. To top if off, Pizza will be served! Ace looks forward to seeing everyone there!
Notes from the nurse
I am looking for donations of gently used sweatpants or leggings to have on hand as "spares" in the Health Suite. Also, any donations of new boys and girls underwear would be appreciated. Thank You!
Mary K. Graham, RN
Arbutus Elementary School
School Nurse
443-809-1489 (Nurse's Line)
443-809-8113 (Nurse's Fax)
Grade Level Spotlights
kindergarten
We would like to thank all the parents for their support for the 100th day of School and Valentine’s Day Party. We will be very busy in March. In Science, we are learning about Weather and Transportation. In Social Studies and ELA, we are continuing to learn about Space Transportation and everything Spring. In Math, we will complete our unit on 3D Shapes and begin Number Bonds. Please remember to check your child’s folder each day for notices and to see what your child has been working on in school.
Some important dates to remember are:
March 10th – Picture Day (Group and Individual)
March 16th – St. Patrick’s Day Party (Students Only)
March 17th – School dismisses 3 hours early
March 24th – School dismisses 3 hours early
March 29th – SEL Family Night 5 – 6 pm
March 31st – Spring Party and Egg Hunt (Students Only)
Spring Break Begins at the end of the day!
Thank you again for your support,
The Kindergarten Teachers
Grade 4
PTA
Partnerships between parents, educators, and children enhance children's success. We know that children learn more and have better lives when everyone in the school community works together to share thoughts and information and work on projects to benefit children. If you have not done so already, please join the PTA today to make a difference in the education, health, and welfare of our children. 2022-2023 PTA Membership Form or go directly to https://arbutusespta.memberhub.com/store
Save the Dates!
March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th: College Shirt Mondays
March 9th (Thu): Neon Day (Wear neon colors because your future is so bright!)
March 10th (Fri): Ace's Glow-in-the-Dark Welcome Bash - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
March 17th (Fri): Schools and Offices Close 3 Hours Early
March 24th (Fri): Third Marking Period Ends - All Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students - Teachers on Duty
March 29th (Wed) : SEL Family Night at AES - 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
April 3rd (Mon) - 10th (Mon): Spring Break - Schools and Offices Closed
April 11th (Tue): Schools Reopen
April 12th (Wed): Report Cards Distributed
April 21st (Fri): Systemwide Professional Development Day - School Closed for Students, Teachers on Duty
April 25th (Tue): PreK Conference Day - No Pre-K Sessions - Teachers on Duty
April 26th (Wed): Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference Day - No Pre-K or Kindergarten Sessions - Teachers on Duty
For the full BCPS '22-'23 calendar visit: https://www.bcps.org/
Important Reminders
Arrival and Dismissal
- Arrival time is 9-9:15 a.m. and dismissal time is 4-4:15 p.m.
- AES Arrival Dismissal Procedures.pdf
Walkers in grades PK-2 (and older siblings) will dismiss from the Library door and walkers in grades 3-5 will dismiss from the Breezeway doors. All walkers must be checked out with the teacher on duty by their authorized pick-up person.
- AES Carline Diagram '22-'23.pdf Car tags were distributed at Peek at Your Seat and during the first week of school. If you need a car tag, ask Mrs. Shumway in the Carline.
Food/Nutrition
- Breakfast and lunch are provided to all students at no cost (no application needed). Students may bring lunch from home. Meal Information.pdf
- Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. To add funds to your child's account, visit https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain?requestAction=home.
- If you choose to send in birthday treats, please send non-food items only, such as stickers, pencils, etc.
Technology
- BCPS-issued Chromebook and chargers are to remain in school all year.
- New AES students will be issued Chromebooks as soon as possible.
- Tech Support: https://www.bcps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2828&pageId=66765365
- School Supply List 2022-2023.pdf
Volunteering
- All chaperones must be 21 or older and complete the volunteer application and training.
- To volunteer: go to the Community tab for Volunteers at https://www.bcps.org and follow the steps. All potential volunteers must complete this process annually.
Please Note: We are a cash only school, no checks or credit cards will be accepted.
Our Mission
Email: bgrabill@bcps.org
Website: https://arbutuses.bcps.org/
Location: 1300 Sulphur Spring Road, Baltimore, MD 21227
Phone: 443-809-1400
Twitter: @ArbutusES