The Paw Print
Week of September 28, 2020
Updates from Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Ajamian
We continue to appreciate the amazing parent support that we are receiving as we navigate many new things. We do realize at times the MAP testing has been very stressful especially when the site goes down. Please know that we all realize the kids are giving it their best shot and we are taking it all in stride and addressing the challenges as needed. We are thankful that students are taking it seriously, but it is important that all adults continue to remind them it is okay if things don't go as planned and we will support them with identifying what to do. We certainly are working on developing very resilient children as we navigate everything that this pandemic is throwing our way! Please know that we appreciate our parents more than words can express and we realize that you also have many other demands requiring your attention.
In the month of October, we will hold a second distribution to pass out classroom materials for Marking Period 2. As we get additional information, we will be sure to keep you updated.
Art Supplies Needed
Please see the message from Ms. Torrey below:
I've been enjoying working with your children over the last few weeks. I appreciate their enthusiasm and creativity and look forward to continuing to explore art with them throughout the year.
It would be helpful for the students to have the following art materials accessible to them during art class in the weeks ahead. Siblings can share the materials.
Basic Supplies: Pencils, Eraser, Pencil Sharpener, Scissors, Glue Stick, Crayons, Water Based Markers, Colored Pencils. These are items that many already have and are using in their classroom, as well as in Art.
Art Supplies: Glue, Construction Paper, Watercolor Paint Set, Paintbrushes (two: one large and one small), Black Pen or Sharpie, Paper (preferably thick enough to use with watercolor, markers, etc), Folder (to keep artwork together).
Optional: Oil Pastels, Watercolor Paper (even a few sheets would be very helpful to have. A pad of watercolor paper could be shared with another family), a few sheets of Card Stock Paper.
I have ordered basic sketchbooks for all students and you will receive these in October. These are made from copy paper and will be used during some art classes. This paper is not suitable for use with watercolor paints or wet media.
If you need support with art materials for your child, please reach out to me or Mrs. Murphy.
Thank you for your support of Art and Seven Locks and I look forward to a great year ahead!
4th & 5th Grade Student Study Circles & Parent Virtual Coffee
As a staff we are committed to providing all our students with a caring and nurturing school environment that embraces and celebrates our diversity. We continue to take steps to deepen our learning through research-based professional development. As a part of our ongoing work, we are working with the MCPS Equity Initiatives Unit and Learning and Achievement Specialists from our Office of School Support and Improvement to plan Study Circles with our 4th and 5th-grade students. The purpose of these Study Circle meetings is to equip our students with the skills and opportunities that are necessary for engaging in respectful and productive conversations about race, culture, and diversity. These sessions will begin in the classroom in October. The classroom teacher will co-teach the lesson with a central office staff member. Our 5th grade students will expand on the work that they began last year.
We will hold a parent coffee on Friday, October 23rd at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom to share resources and provide tools for parents that will help them engage their child(ren) in these conversations. The parent coffee is open to all parents, not just 4th and 5th grade parents. This work is critical and complex. We appreciate the support of our parents in helping us achieve this vision. A Zoom link will be forthcoming.
We are here to help
As a Seven Locks Community, we are here to support all our families that may be in need. As it gets colder, please reach out if your child is in need of a winter coat. Please call the main office or email Megan_H_Murphy@mcpsmd.org. Also, MCPS continues to provide curbside meal service at 74 school sites. Click here for more information and for a list of pick up locations.
The Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence
Attendance Reminders
Students are expected to attend all live virtual learning classes in which they are enrolled. However, in some instances, this may not be possible due to illness or extenuating circumstances. Students may then access the recording of the class to engage in the daily learning during an alternate time within 72 hours of the absence. Students/Parents/Guardians may then submit a Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form to document that they engaged in the lesson and to request the unexcused absence to be reconciled to Present. If extenuating circumstances exist, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with the school’s administration ahead of time. The Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form must be completed for each documented absence. This form is accessible from the main page of the SLES website.
NEW!!!! myMCPS Classroom Phone App for Parents
ParentVue and myMCPS Observer Account
If you have not set up your ParentVUE account, please do so! This helps teachers get important information to you and allows you to keep up-to-date with your child's assignment status. If you missed our Wildcat Parent Academies on ParentVUE and myMCPS Classroom you can watch the recordings posted in the WPA section below.
Parents have “Observer” access to myMCPS Classroom via the ParentVUE. Parents should have received a mailer from the Post Office or email to activate their ParentVue account. It will direct you to proceed to md-mcps-psv.edupoint.com and select “I am a parent” to set up your account as directed.
Full directions from mailer HERE:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UhNC4qngiyqKsdEnNlAWy-WNtsXybz4HexVI-G4zCeg/edit?usp=sharing
Full directions from email HERE:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WQyThlfNf8rQfuE8Sm61dyEn11lQizq58VHdr_ISXWQ/edit?usp=sharing
If you didn't receive the information please contact one of the following ParentVUE Support Lines
- SLES Office Staff
- 240-740-7020
- communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org
Wildcat Parent Academy Recordings
Digital Consent Form
SLES teachers may utilize a variety of supplemental online digital tools to reinforce the district’s instructional program. We are sharing with you a list of the online tools that may be used by teachers to enhance online learning. The list is embedded within the consent form. These tools have been evaluated to be safe for student use and are consistent with federal laws on student data privacy.
SLES requests you read the instructions on the linked google form and offer your consent to allow your student to use the supplemental tools listed on the Digital Consent Google Form.
Parent Technology Resources
Parents who need technical help can call 240-740-7020 Monday-Friday between 7am and 8pm or email communitytechsupport@mcpsmd.org
MCPS News
Parent Resources for Virtual Learning
The MCPS Parents page has been updated to include various online resources for families to help them navigate virtual learning. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/ to see the list of resources.
Important Dates
Monday, September 28 - No School for Students & Teachers
Friday, October 2 - Early Dismissal (No Afternoon Instruction)
Friday, October 23 - Virtual Parent Coffee to Discuss Race & Equity, 9:30 a.m.
Seven Locks Elementary School
Email: Megan_H_Murphy@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/sevenlockses/
Location: 9500 Seven Locks Road, Bethesda, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-0940
Twitter: @SLESPrincipal