News From the Falcon's Nest
February 11, 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2/1-3/1: Black History Month Celebration
2/14: Classroom Valentine's Celebrations 2:15-3:15 pm
2/19: President's Day-Schools Closed
2/20: Hybrid PTA Meeting 7:00 pm Media Center
2/23: Fallsmead Variety Show
5:30-6:30 pm K-2 Performing Artist
6:45-8:00 pm 3-5 Performing Artist
3/1: Early Release Day-School hours 9:00 am-12:55 pm
SHOP OUR SPIRTWEAR STORE! Click HERE to check out our new Fallsmead Falcons swag! Special thanks to Ms. Brown and Ms. Wasser for partnering to create new spiritwear!
🌟 Black History Month 🌟
Throughout February, as we celebrate Black History Month, we will pay tribute to and highlight the remarkable contributions of African Americans. Our morning announcements will be infused with captivating biographies and exciting highlights of historical achievements. In classrooms and during specials, students will engage in valuable learning experiences. Specifically, classroom resources have been shared to connect with the books or stories featured in the morning announcements. A big shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Mr. Reid, Ms. Brown, Mrs. Wasser, and Mrs. Puyear for their fantastic support and organization, along with our entire staff.
We also extend our gratitude to Ms. Brie Davis, Fallsmead's NAACP Parents' Council Representative, and her daughter, Bryce Davis, for their efforts in coordinating and working to build an inclusive school community. 📘✨
Valentine's Day Celebrations & Fundraising
Valentine's Day Class Celebrations
Class parties will take place on Wednesday, February 14th from 2:15-3:15 pm. Classroom teachers and room parents will provide more details.
Wednesday, Feb 14, 2024, 02:15 PM
Fallsmead Elementary
LOST & FOUND: LAST CALL
The Fallsmead Lost and Found is overflowing! Please check the lost and found for your lost items. We have clothes, coats, hats, gloves, lunch boxes, water bottles, books, stuffies, and even umbrellas! All items not retrieved by the end of the day on Friday, February 16th will be removed from school. Anything in good enough condition to be given a new home will be donated! Questions? Email sarahamron@gmail.com.
FALLSMEAD VARIETY SHOW
WOOTTON WELLNESS DAY
“Join the Wootton Community for the 10th Annual Sam Williams 5K run/walk on March 16, 2024 at 10am. There will be a shorter fun-run, DJ, field games, face painting, and more opportunities for family fun. To guarantee your t-shirt, please register by March 1 at http://samwilliamsleadershipfoundation.blogspot.com.”
CODE PURPLE: Transitioning to virtual learning is considered when the impacting event is predictable, part of a multi-day scenario such as a blizzard, or when prior communication with families, students and staff can take place. The decision to offer virtual learning will be announced by noon the day prior. Messages from schools will remind families that it is a required school day and how to log in to classes. In order to allow time for students and staff to adjust, log in and access resources on an inclement weather virtual learning day, all instruction will begin two hours later than the school's normal bell schedule. There will be a minimum of four hours of synchronous instruction. Attendance will be taken. Students who are unable to connect will receive an excused absence, and given an opportunity to make up work.
FALLSMEAD'S CODE PURPLE PLAN
The weather has been quite unpredictable. In the event inclement weather is forecast as part of a multi-day event, a Code Purple may be announced, as noted above. Here, you will find Fallsmead's Virtual Learning Plan. This includes grade level's schedule, Zoom links to access virtual classrooms, as well as helpful tips to support technology.
If you are in need of a device for home use, please complete this Student Home Use Chromebook Request form. Please reach out to Mr. Bowerman if you are in need of a Mifi.
REMIND APP: STAY UP-TO-DATE
YEARBOOK SALES
Yearbooks are exclusively sold online this year. Orders will arrive at Fallsmead near the end of the school year, typically around June 10th. Click the Yearbook Sales Link to make your purchases. Hard Cover Cost: $33 and Soft Cover Cost: $27.
Recess Volunteers
“With the school year well under way, volunteers are now welcome to join our recess monitor volunteer program! Each school day, students in Kindergarten through 5th grade partake in recess during scheduled blocks between 10:50am through 1:10pm. During this important time, students engage in exercise and play-based social interaction. Recess occurs outdoors as weather permits, or inside classrooms when weather conditions impact outdoor play spaces. As a recess monitor, you can support making outdoor and indoor recess a great experience for all students. Please contact Marybeth Henry Gill to select your recess times, and for more information, at recess@fallsmeadpta.org."
School Portraits
Great news! Fallsmead ES School student portraits, including make-up day portraits, are now online for viewing and ordering! At this point, all families of photographed students should have received an email from us with private gallery information. If you have not received this (check your spam too), please contact them at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452.
Updates & Reminders
Student Illness
If your child is sick, please keep them at home so they can get better and avoid spreading illness to others. Contact the main office and let them know your child will stay home for the day, and it is also appreciated to notify their teacher via email as well. As a general rule, your child may return to school once there is no longer a sign of illness (and should stay home for 24 hours after no longer having a fever or vomiting). Upon returning to school, your child’s teacher will help them catch up on assignments and learning that was missed while they were out.
Here are some important signs of illness:
Temperature of more than 100o F orally
Nausea or vomiting
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Pale or flushed face
Headache
Persistent cough
Earache
Thick yellowish discharge from nose
Sore throat
Rash or infection of the skin
Red or pink eyes
Loss of energy or decrease in activity
MCPS Inclement Weather Decisions
Ever wonder how decisions are made behind the scenes for weather-related school closures? Click HERE to discover the thoughtful process that goes into making these important decisions for the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community.
Thursday Things to Know-2/1/24
Stay informed about MCPS updates with our weekly "Thursday's Things to Know," bringing you the latest developments and important information every Thursday.
STUDENT ART GALLERY
Buy Nothing Fundraiser
As we kick off the 2023-2024 school year, Fallsmead will engage in a “Buy Nothing” Fundraiser. Traditional fundraisers have consisted of selling wrapping paper and various goods. However, to make things easier for families, we are asking for donations, where 100% will go towards general school expenses for students and staff. If you would like to participate in this school fundraiser, please feel free to select one or more donation amounts below. We thank you in advance for your support!
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE UPDATE
If a student arrives late, due to appointments, parents or caregivers must provide the reason as "Doctor/Dentist Appt." We will require either an email confirmation from the parent/caregiver or a doctor's note before marking it as an excused absence. The same procedure applies in cases of student absences. For each day a student is absent, we will need an email from the parent, clearly stating the reason for the absence, particularly if the child is sick. Your cooperation in following these procedures is greatly appreciated as it helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the well-being of our students. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Click HERE for the MCPS Attendance Action Plan.
Operational Support
COVID Protocols
Amid the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, we kindly request your attention to the MCPS community message. In the event that your child tests positive for COVID-19, we urge you to follow the necessary protocols.
Please promptly inform your child's classroom or homeroom teacher via email, ensuring to copy Ms. Lisa Lynch, our dedicated attendance secretary, and our assistant principal, Mr. Matthew Bowerman. This will help us take immediate and appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Personal Mobile Devices
A personal mobile device (PMD) is any device not issued by MCPS to send or receive data via voice, video, or text. Mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, personal computers, or other devices equipped with microphones, speakers, and/or cameras are considered PMD. Click HERE to review the MCPS regulation.
PMDs are allowed before or after the student's day;
PMDs are prohibited for educational use, during lunch periods, and between classes.
MCPS will not be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to a device or for unauthorized use of such PMD.
Volunteer Requirements
In order to participate as volunteers, you must complete the mandatory training program entitled "Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect." We highly recommend taking care of this so that volunteering can occur as soon as opportunities are shared. This includes chaperoning school field trips once they are planned. This resource provides guidance to support. Please reach out to the main office if you have any questions. Thank you for your commitment and cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of our children.