DOLPHINS' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
THE WEEK OF March 13
* U P C O M I N G * D A T E S *
- March 24th- Early Release
- April 1st - Early Release
- April 11-18th Spring Break
Summer Information School Coming Soon!
Note: You will find an link to an extensive list of non-MCPS sponsored/endorsed camps and youth activities included under parent resources to help you find enrichment and other engaging opportunities for your dolphin this summer!
Wake Up Waters Landing! (3/11/22)
Check out another great edition of Wake Up Waters Landing and share it with your dolphin. We truly have a talented team who creates this production with students each week!
Buy Your Yearbook!
SAFETY REMINDERS AT SCHOOL
Masks are now OPTIONAL in all MCPS schools and we respect all families' choices regarding mask wearing at The Landing.
1. Continue to report positive COVID cases using the MCPS form. You can still pick up your At-Home Test by calling the school to arrange pick up. This is how we will provide a safe environment for all of the dolphin community!
2. Families are encouraged to complete the Student Registration for Random Weekly COVID Testing at WLES.
MCPS Community Message
Please be sure you have read the MCPS Community Messages from this week:
Things to Know for Thursday, March 10th - a reminder of the decision to make masks optional in MCPS, COVID-19 take-home test kit information, a message to stress that COVID-19 vaccinations and testing are still important to keep community spread low and a reminder for the Antiracist Audit survey (due March 31).
MCPS needs your help to better understand how our schools and the school district are doing as part of our ongoing work to address racial and systemic barriers in Montgomery County Public Schools.
- We encourage you to fill out this survey before March 31.
- You can use your mobile device or computer. The survey is part of a larger process called the MCPS Antiracist System Audit.
- You can learn more about the audit here.
- The survey, which is anonymous and available in seven languages, will ask you about your family’s experiences with your child’s school and MCPS. The goal of the survey is for us to better understand how racism affects teaching, learning and parent engagement.
Students in grades 4 through 12 will also take an age-appropriate, anonymous version of the survey in class between March 1 and March 31.
Key information about the surveys and audit:
- Parents, students and staff from these organizations were actively involved in providing input and feedback on the survey questions. Sample questions and more information about the surveys can be found here.
- A report will be sent to MCPS by the end of June. The report will provide results for MCPS as a whole and by each school.
- MCPS will communicate the report’s findings to the community.
- This website will provide updates.
- Find more answers to your questions here.
A Virtual Conversation with the Board of Education
The NAACP Parents' Council and the Black and Brown Coalition invite you to a virtual conversation with the MCPS Board of Education to discuss:
- Safety and Wellness
- Learning Loss and Gaps
- School Culture and Climate
- What does an equitable school system look like?
* * * F A M I L Y * * * R E S O U R C E S * * *
SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION
Youth Programs and Scholarships at Montgomery College
Montgomery College offers youth summer activities for kids and does have a few scholarships left. Students must meet FARMS eligibility. These are going fast. Families that participate in HOC may have the opportunity for scholarship also.
TUTORING RESOURCES
FAMILY OUT OF SCHOOL WEBSITE
The Out-of-School Time (OST) website is designed to provide students and families with safe and engaging options for students on days when school is not in session (after school, weekends, scheduled school closures).These in person and/or virtual activities will address academic skills, physical and emotional wellness, and digital learning skills. Please refer to the Family out of school website (MCPS)
FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
Students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household size and income. They may also qualify if they are receiving Food Supplement Program (FSP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits. Families may apply for meal benefits by completing an Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals for the current school year. Apply online NOW at MySchoolApps.com (Translations available) Click here for English video tutorial. Click here for Spanish video tutorial.
Federal eligibility guidelines change each school year; therefore a new application must be submitted each school year. All students in the family should be listed on one household application. A notice will be mailed home for each student if you are approved for meal benefits or do not qualify for meal benefits. Please keep this important document for your records and use throughout the school year. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year. Households that are unable to apply online should contact their school or the Division of Food and Nutrition Services at 301-284-4900. Please click here to apply online.
LOW-COST INTERNET ACCESS
DID YOU KNOW LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND OLDER ADULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAN GET HOME INTERNET ACCESS FOR A LITTLE AS $9.95 PER MONTH? Please visit Montgomery County - Low-Cost Internet for more information.
W E * * A R E * * H E R E * * T O * * H E L P !
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30.
(Students may enter the building at 9:10)
Below are emails and phone numbers for support in the school:
Main Office (240) 740-1020
Admin Secretary - Ms. Ramirez: Patricia_Ramirez@mcpsmd.org
Front Office Secretary - Ms. Herrera: Jeannette_Herrera@mcpsmd.org
School Principal - Ms. Shorts: Lisa_N_Shorts@mcpsmd.org
Assistant Principal- Ms. Bannon: Gina_L_Bannon@mcpsmd.org
Parent Community Coordinator - Ms.Moore: Shanique_V_Moore@mcpsmd.org
Counselors
Ms. Jessee: nichola_r_jessee@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Vandegrift: Sarah_G_Vandegrift@mcpsmd.org
Health Room
Ms. Glad: Beth_M_Glad@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Perrelli: Jean_M_Perrelli@mcpsmd.org
Home of the Dolphins!
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/waterslandinges/
Location: 13100 Waters Landing Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-1020