The Dolphin News
News & Information 11/22/20
South Lake Elementary School’s Biweekly Information & News
A Message From Ms. King
On November 11th, parents should have received information on completing a parent survey. This survey lets the school know whether you want your child(ren) to continue with only virtual learning or if you want a combination of in-person and virtual instruction during the second semester. Parents will also be asked to indicate if their child needs MCPS-provided transportation. We want to reiterate that families do have the choice to remain in a fully virtual model if they are uncomfortable with sending their child(ren) back to a school building. Please note that once you’ve made your selection, changes may be made only under unique circumstances. Additionally, any family that does not fill out the survey will automatically default to the virtual-only experience in order to ensure we consider and plan for maximum staffing and space use. ALL PARENTS must fill out the survey by Dec. 3. Families will receive details on next steps and school-specific information in January.
Here is the link to fill out the survey CLICK HERE
If you need assistance in filling out the survey, there are guides to help determine your choice CLICK HERE. You can contact our parent community coordinators for help in filling out the survey.
PreK & Headstart - Cesiah Ventura (English & Spanish)
Email Cesiah_Ventura@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-740-4530
Kindergarten & First Grade - Maria Romero (English & Spanish)
Email Maria_G_Romero@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-457-9242
Second & Third Grade - Allison Suarez-Charles (English & Spanish)
Email Allison_J_Charles@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-753-0411
Fourth Grade - Dary Herrera (English & Spanish)
Email Dary_Y_Herrera-Jurado@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-550-4712
Fifth Grade - Tony (Fernando) Maturana (English & Spanish)
Email Fernando_A_Maturana@mcpsmd.org Phone 724-259-7903Chat with South Lake Administrators
Want to speak to Ms. King, Mrs. Levy, or Mr. McKinley? Come join us online, every TUESDAY from 8:30 am until 9:30 am for our open office hours. You can join by clicking on the Google Meet link, meet.google.com/ett-vojp-kuh or you can call in. Call in Phone Numbers (US)+1 501-819-2397 PIN: 582 026 222#
Ms. Celeste King Principal
Mrs. Leah Levy Assistant Principal
Mr. Aaron McKinley Assistant School Administrator
Important Dates
Nov 23rd - Move-It Monday; Wear your favorite exercise clothing
Nov 23rd & 24th - Early Release Day, Students dismissed at 11:30am for Parent Conferences
Nov 25th - Early Release Day, Students dismissed at 11:30am for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 26th & Nov 27th - Schools and offices closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 30th - Move-It Monday; Wear your favorite exercise clothing
Dec 2nd - PTA Parent Circle 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dec 3rd - Parent Preference Survey Due
A Message From Mrs. Levy
As we continue our health and wellness month at South Lake, I wanted to highlight wellness resources available through MCPS. MCPS has launched a video series, Waymaking, which highlights mental health and well-being resources for staff and students as families adapt to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The show is hosted by Dr. Christina Conolly, director of psychological services for MCPS.
See the entire series on YouTube CLICK HERE (and don't forget to subscribe to MCPS-TV CLICK HERE).
Thank you to everyone who joined us online for our evening wellness events: Family Urban Line Dancing and Cook & Calm Night. We had so much fun with our focus on wellness and hope everyone continues focusing on their wellness, not just for the month of November. Special thanks to the South Lake Wellness Committee for all of their hard work in organizing and carrying out all of our activities and events!
From everyone at South Lake, we are thankful for all of our students and parents and wish everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
Adult English Classes Online
Covenant Life will be starting the Winter Term of online adult English classes on November 30th, and we are recruiting new students. If you are interested, please register at the link below.
English Classes for Adults
Online via ZOOM
Winter Term: November 30 - February 11
More information and registration:
Ms. Hissey - School Counselor
Ms. Hughes - School Counselor
Visit our Website
Counselor's Corner
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is taking an active role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through early prevention and intervention education.
During the week of December 7/14, our school counselors and classroom teachers will be presenting lessons on the topic of child abuse and neglect. The lessons are known as Personal Body Safety Lessons and their purpose is to help students to:
Develop knowledge, decision making skills, and behaviors which promote safe living in the home, school, and community;
Learn skills for self-protection and identifying child abuse and neglect;
Learn skills for asking for help for self and others and practice reporting to a trusted adult; and
Engage in positive and appropriate interactions with peers and adults.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics that will be covered, please contact Ms. King, your child’s classroom teacher, Ms. Hissey or Ms. Hughes.
SLES & MCPS Updates
IMPORTANT—Complete the Parent Preference Survey by December 3
MCPS hosted a virtual conversation on Thursday, November 12 on the plan for students to return to in-person learning beginning January 2021. If you missed the conversation, you can watch it here. MCPS leaders answered questions about the plan and the parent preference survey.
The Parent Preference Survey launched Wednesday, November 11 and the responses will play a critical part in our planning for the return of students.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
We will move forward with our return plan only if health metrics are met.
We understand this is a difficult decision to make given that details on what in-person learning will look like are yet to be determined. We are asking parents/guardians to make a selection now because the number of students who want to return and other information shared through the survey will help inform the design of the in-person instructional model, the number of school buildings we can open, and scheduling. This one-page guide was developed to help parents/guardians determine what works best for their specific family circumstances.
Our planning also is dependent on staff availability. Staff members have been asked to submit their requests for leave or accommodations based on qualifying health concerns or dependent care needs. Staffing numbers will impact the way we provide in-person instruction and could vary from school to school. For example, your child’s teacher may qualify for an accommodation and may not return to the school building, but will continue to provide instruction virtually. If you opt for your child to return to in-person learning, it is possible that your child may not have that specific teacher in the building.
On Friday, November 6, we shared that families who select the in-person experience (which still will include some virtual components) can change to the all-virtual model at any time. Families that select the all-virtual option only can change their selection based on availability and unique circumstances.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. All students and staff who are in school buildings will be required to follow our COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of face coverings, physical distancing of classroom desks, hand-washing and sanitizing, health screening protocols, and enhancements to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, where needed.
Families can expect to receive more information about their school-specific plan and instructional model in January.
Available seats on school buses will be limited in alignment with safety protocols and we may not be able to provide transportation for all families who request it.
Here is the link to fill out the survey CLICK HERE
If you need assistance in filling out the survey, there are guides to help determine your choice CLICK HERE. You can contact our parent community coordinators for help in filling out the survey.
Don’t Forget to Activate Your ParentVue Account
ParentVue is the brand new, powerful, single location for all information about how your child is doing in school. ParentVUE also is a new tool we use to stay connected with you.
When you are logged into ParentVUE you can:
See your child’s schedule;
Check your child’s grades (and report card);
Check your child’s assignments;
Send a message to your child’s teacher; and
Update your contact information.
Soon, you will even be able to see a report on Student Service Learning Hours (SSL). If you haven’t yet activated your account, please be on the lookout for an e-mail and/or a notification via U.S. mail because MCPS will send you a new activation letter. Once you’ve received your activation letter, simply visit www.MCPSParentVUE.org to activate your account.
Equity Hubs Open to MCPS Students
The Children’s Opportunity Fund and the Black and Brown Coalition for Educational Equity and Excellence are coordinating low-cost child care and distance learning support for MCPS students at facilities across the county. Priority is given to low-income, kindergarten through Grade 5 students, and students needing additional assistance with virtual learning. Learn more at EquityHubs.org or by telephone at 240-200-4999.
Gift Card Campaign to Help Families in Need
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted many families in Montgomery County. The MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc.; the Montgomery County Council of Parent Teacher Association, Inc.’s volunteer network; and MCPS are asking the community to support the Families Helping Families campaign. Grocery gift cards will be purchased with funds donated to the MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc.’s Crisis Relief Fund—COVID-19. Learn more about how to donate here.
Reach out to our Parent Community Coordinators!
Parent Resources
If you have questions about technology assistance, lunch, or other assistance, please see below to contact one of our parent community coordinators.
PreK & Headstart - Cesiah Ventura (English & Spanish)
Email Cesiah_Ventura@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-740-4530
Kindergarten & First Grade - Maria Romero (English & Spanish)
Email Maria_G_Romero@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-457-9242
Second & Third Grade - Allison Suarez-Charles (English & Spanish)
Email Allison_J_Charles@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-753-0411
Fourth Grade - Dary Herrera (English & Spanish)
Email Dary_Y_Herrera-Jurado@mcpsmd.org Phone 240-550-4712
Fifth Grade - Tony (Fernando) Maturana (English & Spanish)
Email Fernando_A_Maturana@mcpsmd.org Phone 724-259-7903
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL APPLICATION FY20-21
CLASSDOJO
PARENTVUE
Parent Academy Holding To-Go Virtual Webinars, Chats, and Workshops
Families and students can stay engaged throughout the school year with Parent Academy TO GO. Parent Academy TO GO is a series of virtual webinars for families to watch at home. In addition, there are several virtual chats and workshops coming up that may be helpful for families. You can find the complete list of virtual workshops, chats, and webinars on the Parent Academy website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/.