The Paw Print
Week of January 18, 2021
Updates from Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Ajamian
On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Board of Education voted to delay the start of returning small groups of students for in-person instruction from February 1, 2021, to March 15, 2021, on the condition that health metrics are met or health guidance is adjusted as a result of vaccine distribution. We understand that there are different feelings and perspectives on this decision. We are committed to ensuring high-quality virtual instruction while also planning for a safe return when permitted. As we know more, we will share information with you.
We are also preparing for Marking Period 3 distribution on Friday, January 29. Please be on the lookout for an additional email with details around pick-up.
Please save the date for our third parent coffee of the school year on Friday, February 5th at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom to continue our discussions about race and culture. We plan to share resources and provide tools for parents that will help engage your child(ren) in these conversations. The parent coffee is open to all parents and we hope to have a strong turnout again. This work is critical and complex. We appreciate the support of our parents in helping us achieve this vision. Below is a picture that links to the invitation.
No Place for Hate at SLES
The No Place for Hate initiative will kick-start this year on January 22 as part of the Friday Show leading to a school-wide signing of the No Place for Hate pledge. The mission of No Place for Hate is to prevent bias and bullying in schools. Seven Locks is working towards our designation for the second year by planning activities that strive to create a school climate where all students can be themselves and feel safe, understood, accepted, included, and connected.
This year, our work with No Place for Hate seems more relevant than ever. At this time, we would like to extend a big THANK YOU to our No Place for Hate committee members who have volunteered their time to lead this important work. THANK YOU for all that you are doing and for your voice, time and participation in this committee. You are extraordinary leaders and change agents!
No Place for Hate Committee Members:
Staff: Megan Murphy, Paul Ajamian, Adrienne Torrey, Ellen Gronseth & Laurie Steinberg Students: Jahlil Waheed, Anya Kudelko, Patricio Pardo, Henry Corcoran, Ava Gerson & Ella Patil
Parents: Nicole Waheed, Aby Filomeno, Rafael Pardo, Julie Corcoran, Erica Gerson &Vivek Patil
The past months and weeks have brought up a range of different feelings in all of us. They have made us wonder, think, and reflect. As we move forward with our work towards a No Place for Hate designation, we are planting a seed. The more seeds we plant the more flowers, trees, and gardens grow. We can all be change agents in this positive momentum forward at Seven Locks. We look forward to working with all of you as we work together to create a school climate where all of us can shine!
Seven Locks ES along with all of the elementary schools in our cluster and our feeder schools of Cabin John MS and Churchill HS also take part in this relevant and significant work.
If you have any questions regarding the No Place for Hate initiative, please contact our School Counselor, Laurie Steinberg at Laurie_M_Steinberg@mcpsmd.org
SLES ParentVue Training
Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) Resources
Elementary-aged students may apply for a digital library card account with their parent/guardian, which provides online access to all Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) resources and the student may place holds on library materials, which then may be picked up through the Holds2Go program.
1.Go to: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/
2.Click on “Get a Library Card”
3.Click on “Get a Digital Library Card Now”
4.Fill out the Online Registration form completely (including Library = select any of our libraries)
5.Check your email and record your account number and note the PIN that you selected
We are here to help
As a Seven Locks Community, we are here to support all our families that may be in need at any time. Please reach out if your child is in need of something. 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.
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.
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
Board of Education Seeks Comments on Two Policies
The Board of Education is seeking comment on two policies—IQD, Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities, and a new draft policy, JPH, School Food and Nutrition Programs. Public comment for both policies is open until Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.
The Board is proposing amendments to Board Policy IQD, Academic Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities. As a district committed to nondiscrimination, equity and cultural responsiveness, the Board seeks to balance the state and collegiate expectations with its interest in making extracurricular activities, including interscholastic sports, accessible to as many students as possible. The Board is also proposing a new draft policy, Board Policy JPH, School Food and Nutrition Services Programs.
The new draft policy sets forth guidance regarding the ways in which MCPS is a partner in efforts to address childhood hunger in Montgomery County in order to support students’ ability to learn, grow and maintain health. You can provide comment at this website.
Engaging Students in Conversations About the Capitol Building Invasion, Riots and the Election
As the nation continues to reflect on and discuss the invasion at the U.S. Capitol building and ongoing threats of violence as we approach Inauguration Day, MCPS remains steadfast in its commitment to teach students about and modeling civility and respect for our democracy.
All MCPS schools are providing ongoing support for students as well as an opportunity for students to learn and have conversations about the election process, inauguration, race and other challenging global and national issues. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about these issues and can find some helpful tips in the resources listed in this community message.
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.
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, January 18th - No School for Staff & Students
Thursday, January 28th - Last Day of Marking Period 2
Friday, January 29th - Professional Day - No School for Students
Friday, January 29th - SLES Marking Period 3 Distribution
Monday, February 1st - First Day of Marking Period 3
Thursday, February 11th - Virtual Valentine's Day Parties (more to come)
Friday, February 12th - Professional Day - No School for Students
Monday, February 15th - No School for Staff & Students
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