Principals Page
Summer Newsletter August 2023
Principals Page, September 11, 2023
SPOTLIGHT: We are off...
SPOTLIGHT:
What a fantastic start to the 2023-24 school year! We have welcomed just fewer than 500 students back to school this year. We were excited to have our preK students return last week, after opening with students in grades K-5. In addition to getting to know our students, implementing structures and routines, and beginning instructional groups, grade levels have been busy studying and analyzing the grade level curricula and planning lessons to deliver instruction in multiple ways. We hope that many of our parents were able to join us for our annual Back to School Nights to meet their child's teachers, visit the classroom, and learn more about the grade level expectations. We look forward to continuing to build home/school relationships throughout the school year.
During the summer, Beallβs Leadership Team worked hard to identify our instructional strengths and areas of need. As we reviewed data, it was clear that we have many successes to celebrate, but also recognized the need to focus on inequities in our achievement scores as determined by the Superintendentβs Evidence of Learning standards. We then began to identify systematic ways that we will collect and monitor data to support implementation of this instructional focus. This year, our instructional focus will also have student well-being and culture/climate goals aligned to our reading and math school improvement goals. Additional information about our School Improvement Plan will be shared throughout the next month.
Early Dismissal and No School
ππ
- Students will be dismissed early on Friday, September 22.
- No School for students on Monday, September 25.
Friday, Sep 22, 2023, 01:00 PM
Staff Member Update
Mrs. King was recently diagnosed with a health condition that required a serious medical procedure. Unfortunately, this means that Mrs. King will not be returning to Beall this year. We know many students recognize Mrs. King from previously being in her class to the warm smiles and greetings she offers during morning arrival. Students who would like to send well wishes to Mrs. King may drop off cards, notes, or pictures in the main office. We will make sure that they are delivered to Mrs. King.
Important Dates π
Coming Soon...
- September 15- Instrumental Music Registration Forms Due (Grades 4 & 5) Click here to sign up
- September 19- PTA Dine Out Night Jersey Mike's / SweetFrog
- September 22β Early Dismissal for Students
- September 25β No School
- First day of afterschool activities (see below for more information)
- October 3- Individual Student Picture Day
- October 3- PTA Meeting (6:30 pm)
- October 4- Walk to School Day
- October 9- No School for Students
After School Activities
Beall PTA sponsored After School Activities- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The schedule of after school offerings from the City of Rockville is out and registration is open! Click here to view the flyer for details (also in backpacks last week).
- These are fun, optional after school classes that take place at Beall. They start at 3:30 pm and end at 4:30 pm.
- Fall Classes:
- Sports and Games: $99, Mondays Oct 2 to Nov 13.
- Abrakadoodle Art: $170, Tuesdays Sep 26 to Nov 14
- Magnus Chess Academy: $220, Wednesdays Oct 4 to Nov 15
- Lego Invention Lab: $199, Thursdays Sep 28 to Nov 16
- Sign up here. There are discounts and support available for Rockville residents and for any students in need.
- Beall PTA will ask for feedback and additional ideas to enhance after school opportunities.
News from MCPS
Pathway to Learning- MCPS created a new guide to help families, students and teachers work together to ensure student success. The Pathway to College, Career and Community Readiness helps identify studentsβ strengths and areas of improvement to ensure each student receives the support they need. Hereβs how it works:
- The milestones described below will be used to address any learning gaps before students transition to a new grade level, college or the workforce.
- Parents will receive information about whether their child is meeting or not meeting these specific benchmarks.
- School staff, students and families will meet together to decide the best way to help the student succeed.
- In addition to academic benchmarks, schools will also provide opportunities for students to cultivate core competencies and skills to prepare them for life after high school.
Click here to view the Pathway for elementary schools. Click below to view the video (or click here to view the video in Spanish.)
Inclusive and Welcoming Environment- Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment and seeks to create opportunities where all students see themselves and their families in curriculum materials. In alignment with Board of Education Policy, MCPS has a responsibility to include instructional materials that reflect the diversity of the local and global community by exploring the aspirations, issues, and achievements of men and women, people with disabilities, people from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, as well as those of diverse gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Click here for more information about this policy and how MCPS selects materials that can be incorporated into classroom lessons.
Volunteer at Beall
REMINDER: Volunteers must be on the Approved Volunteer List.
We are excited to be able to welcome parent volunteers back to the building! In order to volunteer at Beall (or any other MCPS school), you must be on the approved volunteer list. All volunteers must sign-in at the main office.
- Click here to view MCPS requirements for volunteering.
- Click here to view Beall volunteer guidelines.
- Click here to sign-up to be a lunch/recess volunteer in advance. The link can be found in our Volunteer Guidelines and will also be available on our website (Principal's Page).
Technology Reminders- Personal Mobile Devices
Can my child use their Apple Watch at school?
MCPS revised and updated the policy that regulates the use of Personal Mobile Devices (PMD) that include cell phones, Apple Watches, iPads, headphones, etc. The major change is that students may possess PMDs on MCPS property and at MCPS-sponsored activities; but may not turn them on until the end of the school day for independent use with a few exceptions. At the elementary level, these types of devices are allowed before or after the student day, but are prohibited for instructional use, during lunch/recess periods, and between classes/transitional time. It is especially important that parents avoid calling their child on their phones or watches during the school day. Students must understand that they may not use their phone cameras or other recording devices to create videos or take pictures of other students, as this may violate other MCPS policies.
As a reminder, MCPS will assume no responsibility or liability for loss, damage, or theft to a device or for the unauthorized use of any personal device.
Click here to view the Regulation at a glance. Click here to view full regulation.
It is not too late to join the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA supports Beall students in a variety of ways, including after -school programs, cultural arts programs, social activities, fundraising and parent workshops. The PTA also supports student learning by funding programs, technology and staff support. See their website for more information or registration forms.
Beall Vison Statement
A high-quality education is the fundamental right of every child at Beall Elementary School. Staff, children, parents and the community will form a multicultural learning environment which provides knowledge, skills and attitudes that will empower every student, every day to be successful.