THE ROSEMONT ROCKET
April 2023
Rosemont Elementary School
Email: keely_r_cooke@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rosemontes/
Location: 16400 Alden Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 840-7123
Twitter: @RosemontES
The Principal's Page
April always is an exciting month as students and staff return from a much deserved Spring Break to focus on a strong sprint to the end of the current school year. Take a moment to applaud your child’s successful efforts and progress.
April is Arab American Heritage Month
National Arab American Heritage Month takes place in April. It celebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness Month is a month-long observance focused on raising awareness about autism spectrum disorders, what it means to be autistic, how to support autistic people, and the difficulties and discrimination that autistic people face.
We are very fortunate to have the Comprehensive Autism Preschool Program (CAPP) at Rosemont! CAPP classes provide students with Autism Spectrum Disorder a highly structured and individualized instructional program. Program goals include increasing academic, language, social and adaptive skills to maximize student independence. Students attend class five days/week, for six hours each day, and receive approximately four hours of one-on-one instruction and two hours of prekindergarten experiences in a small group environment daily.
Let's Celebrate Math Month!
April is Math Month. Since it began in 1986, the aim has been to increase the level of interest in the study of mathematics and also increase the level of public understanding and appreciation for the wide range of applications for mathematics in fields as diverse as manufacturing, business and medicine.
Activities: https://www.verywellfamily.com/activities-for-math-awareness-month-1449065
RES Mission Statement
At Rosemont, our mission is to --
· foster positive EQUITABLE RELATIONSHIPS with students, staff, and the community,
· deliver CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE RIGOROUS instruction, and
· achieve RESULTS for ALL students.
Rosemont ES Measurable Results Assessment (MRA)
To the Families of our Students,
The Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. In order to provide a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, the MRA includes three different surveys; 1) one completed by all school staff, 2) one completed by students, and 3) one completed by the families of students in all grades. We hope you will participate so we can use the feedback to make our school an even better place for students and families. If you have any questions about the surveys or wish to see a list of questions, please contact Tawny Ditto at tawny_n_ditto@mcpsmd.org.
The online survey should be completed by one member of each household. ● The survey typically takes about 5 minutes to complete ● Questions relate to the experiences you and your child have at Rosemont ES. ● Answers are anonymous--to encourage people to be honest and open, no names and other identifying information will be collected.
The survey is now available for you to take through May 19, 2023.
The survey can be taken from any computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access, ● Simply click on this link: Rosemont Elementary Family Survey
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast - Tuesday, May 9
Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054aabab2dabfd0-teacher#/
RES STEAM DAY & SCIENCE FAIR - Thursday, April 27
Show your love of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) by conducting your own STEAM project.Your Rosemont ES STEAM Planning Guide will help you to identify a project of your choice, plan it out, and manage your time with a weekly checklist. You can display your STEAM Project at school on Thursday, April 27, 2022 for ALL to see!
Let’s get STEAMing!
Rosemont ES STEAM Project Checklist:
● Have you returned your completed STEAM Project Permission Slip?
● If you need a STEAM Planning Guide, ask your teacher.
● If you need a FREE trifold science board for your STEAM Project display, ask your teacher.
Please see your classroom teacher or Mrs. Vactor for any STEAM materials or questions!
PTA Meeting - April 6 at 7:00 p.m.
The PTA is a vital part of our school community. Please consider joining to support our staff, students, and families.
- President - Ms. Yvette Andrade - andradedc5@gmail.com
- Treasurer - Ms. Lakita Jessie - ashante36@live.com
- Secretary - Ms. Ayanna Upsher - ayanna.upsher@gmail.com
The PTA will be meeting the first Thursday of every month via Google Meet.
Hearing & Vision Screenings
GES H&V is coming on April 26, 27 and 28. This school year, only kindergarten, first grade, and students new to MCPS, and students referred by teachers will have screenings for hearing and vision. Second, third, fourth, and fifth grade students were screened last school year. If a student is in second-fifth grades and is referred, they will be screened.
Yearbooks
Preorder Your Yearbook Now!
It is time to preorder your Rosemont 2022-2023 Yearbook at a discounted price! Preorders are ONLY online for $20. We will have a limited number of yearbooks for cash purchases at the end of the school year for $25.
Order online through this link. Be sure to use the order code: 25470.
https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/ Order # 25470
STUDENT BEHAVIOR REMINDERS
At Rosemont ES, the safety of our students is top priority. Parents we need your help! Students need to demonstrate understanding of personal space and must learn to keep their hands and feet to themselves at all times. It is important that all students in kindergarten through grade five keep their hands and feet to themselves and follow school expectations so all students feel safe. Students involved in fighting at school will receive consequences. Please remind your child to keep their hands and feet to themselves at all times. Physical aggression and fighting will not be tolerated.
Spring Testing
Students in grades 3-5 will be taking MCAP assessments this spring that will evaluate your child's progress in math and reading. Students will take a portion of the MCAP on their grade level's assigned days. Instruction will continue as usual for all students not scheduled for MCAP Testing. We are working diligently to ensure that all Rosemont ES students are comfortable with the MCAP assessment tools prior to taking the assessments.
Please avoid scheduling any out-of-school appointments during your child's designated testing dates. We ask that students are well-rested and focused on testing dates.
Next Generation Leadership Day: April 15
This event is free to the students. Free transportation will be provided from each high school at 8:00 a.m. to bring the students to Northwood HS and return to the high school by 4:00 p.m.
KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION 2023-2024
Kindergarten Orientation will be on May 1 and 2!
At orientation, parents and students will meet the school principal, kindergarten teachers, and other school staff members. There will be fun activities for children and an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the school’s procedures and programs. Kindergarten orientation is primarily an opportunity for children to look forward to coming to school and to begin to build an important partnership between home and school.
Registration opened March 27!
How You Can Help at Home
Even as students are showing growth and mastery, many still must reach end-of-year reading and math goals. Please listen to your children read aloud. Encourage reading and ask questions about what was read. Have students write in journals and respond to questions about their reading and in math, students must master their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
VIRTUAL ACADEMY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
The Montgomery Virtual Academy, a full-time virtual learning program for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Students interested in the program are required to apply for admission and must be approved to participate. (Students currently enrolled in the Virtual Academy do not need to reapply). Applications will be considered on a rolling admissions basis. Application reviews will begin March 1 for initial enrollment and staffing purposes.
The Virtual Academy serves students in a comprehensive, full-time online instructional program. The program will continue to expand its infrastructure and services, innovative instructional approaches and flexible options to access coursework, particularly for high school students.
Admission considerations include:
- For elementary school students: Primarily for students with extenuating circumstances related to health or other reasons that can be mitigated through a virtual learning program.
- For middle and high school students: For students to gain access to innovative courses, flexible scheduling and specialty courses that may not be available in all schools, and for students with extenuating circumstances, including health and other reasons, that can be mitigated through a virtual program.
Applications can be submitted through ParentVUE beginning today, February 2.
For families needing to submit paper applications or via PDF, please email MoCoVirtual@mcpsmd.org.
Note for Rising Kindergarteners
Students who will be kindergartners in the 2023–2024 school year must register at their home school prior to applying to the Virtual Academy. To receive a student ID number, contact your local neighborhood elementary school to schedule an appointment. Application reviews for kindergarten students will begin May 1.
CAR RIDER SAFETY REMINDERS
The safety of our students is a top priority and we appreciate your cooperation! Please be reminded of our safety procedures.
- Please do NOT attempt to drop off students on neighboring streets from across, behind, or next to the school as it is dangerous.
- Please utilize the car loop lane when dropping off students by pulling up all the way to the end of the car loop lane.
- Please stay in your vehicle until your child is escorted to your vehicle for pick up
- Please be reminded to pick-up and drop off students during arrival and dismissal times in the car rider loop only.The bus loop should only be used for students getting dropped off by bus.
MCPS After-School Tutoring
Rosemont ES is offering FREE virtual after-school tutoring to help your child with math and reading each week. Please contact our Math Content Coach, Mrs.Vactor, for more information about FREE virtual tutoring camille.p.vactor@mcpsmd.net.
Student Chromebooks for Home Use
As a reminder MCPS has a process for students obtaining a Chromebook for students to use at home. Linked below are resources regarding a student Chromebook if you do not have a device at home to use:
Amazon Smile Donations
An easy way to help Rosemont is by using Amazon Smile when shopping on Amazon. It has the same products, same prices, same services and you can use your current Amazon account. To get started click here and Rosemont Elementary as your charitable organization. Then every time you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases back to the school.
Amazon Smile Link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-6070574
Clothes Bin
Clothes Bin’s school recycling program helps raise money for Rosemont with a textile recycling bin. With contactless textile recycling bins, we can inspire change in our community while we educate students about the environment and the importance of recycling.
Clothes Bin provides for the collection, management and distribution of unwanted shoes, clothing, and other textiles. We have a textile recycling bin at Rosemont, in the parking lot where the car rider loop is. Rosemont receives money for every pound recycled in the bin.
Bathroom Reminders & Expectations
A clean and safe environment for our students is top priority at Rosemont. Please remind your child of appropriate bathroom behavior.
- Paper towels should be put in the trashcan not the toilet
- Flush the toilet after each use
- Wash your hands after using the restroom
- Throw toilet paper in the toilet not on the floor
- Respect the privacy of others
Birthday Celebrations
Parents may bring individual store bought cupcakes, donuts, or cookies to school to celebrate their child’s birthday. Please do not bring cakes, drinks, decorations, cameras, or goodie bags. Cupcakes, donuts, or cookies need to be brought to the main office and will be served during your child’s lunch.
Cell Phones and Mobile Devices
All cell phones and mobile devices should be turned off and:
- Placed in the main office upon arrival or
- Kept in student's backpack during the school day
Calls, text messages, and recordings are not allowed in the classroom, during recess/lunch or in the restroom. In addition, the school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged devices while on school property. Thank you for your support regarding this matter.
Colder Weather, Appropriate Dress, and Lost & Found
COLDER WEATHER
Recess provides an important break for students, and is a chance to recharge energy for the remainder of the day. Students will go outside for daily recess unless the temperature or wind chill factor reaches below 32° F. Therefore, all students need to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
APPROPRIATE DRESS
Please ensure your child are dressed in clothes appropriate for school. Stomachs and undergarments should not be visible.
LOST & FOUND
Have your child check the lost and found for missing items.
Connect with Teachers
For the safety and security of our students and staff, the following procedures have been established for all parent/teacher meetings:
If you need to communicate with your child’s teacher, you may email the teacher, schedule an appointment for a phone conference or a virtual meeting. All staff emails can be found here: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rosemontes/aboutus/directory/
Forget Something? Delivering Items to Students
When it is necessary to deliver books, lunches, chromebooks, or other items to students, please bring them to the office. The students will get the item quickly without interrupting instruction.
RES Student Change in Dismissal Form
For the safety of ALL students at Rosemont Elementary School, use the attached "RES Student Change in Dismissal" form when your child’s after school dismissal plans change. Please complete the form and send it to school in your child’s backpack for his/her teacher. All dismissal changes must be in writing, signed by the parent or legal guardian, and received by 2:00 p.m. Phone calls are discouraged to change dismissal plans.
Rosemont ES Spirit Wear
Show your Rosemont spirit and get a head start on your holiday shopping by purchasing new Rosemont Rocket gear!
Order online now at https://www.rosemontspiritwear.com/.
*Free shipping for orders over $50!
Volunteering
Montgomery County Public Schools requires school volunteers and partnership agencies to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.
- Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/ Canvas account
- COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation
- Gradesheet will show 83.3% for successful completion)
- Fingerprinting/Background check (only if the volunteer is working alone with students without supervision of an MCPS staff member or other type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers Regulation and FAQ)
If you need the forms translated, please access this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IecE73crybtZ1SU51T_gtXDQXYU6pnDE?usp=sharing
Important Dates:
April
- April 1-10: Spring Break
- April 17: MCAP Testing Begins
- April 27: STEAM Day/ Science Fair
- April 21: No School for Students
May
- May 8-12: Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 10: Parent Coffee
- May 17: Career Day
- May 29: No School for Students - Memorial Day