Chipmunk Chatter
For The Week of March 8th through 12th
Administrators' Message
Dear Sandymount Families ~
We are very excited to transition to four day in-person learning on Monday, March 15th. We also know that four day in-person learning means an increase in the number of in-person students in each classroom. As you can imagine, this new model affects how we organize the classrooms, cafeteria, and the availability of staff needed to supervise/support students throughout the school day. We want to make sure you are aware of the changes as you consider the best learning environment for your child.
Our amazing custodians have been busy this week putting furniture back together and working on moving it back into classrooms. We are preparing classrooms based on the number of students in each homeroom that could potentially attend in-person, which ranges between 18-27 students depending on the grade. Unfortunately, we do have enough desks for every student in the building. This means that some classrooms will have student desks (intermediate level grades 3-5) and others will have tables (primary level grades prek-2). Student desks and tables will be spread apart to the greatest extent possible.
Cafeteria seating will increase to account for the increase of students in the building. Students getting a school lunch will walk through the serving line in the cafeteria to pick up their meals. During lunch shifts, students will be distanced to the greatest extent possible. Depending on the number of students in each grade level, approximately 3-6 students may be assigned to each side of lunch table. Face shields are available upon parent request for students to use during lunch. Students will be responsible for cleaning their face shield and bring it to/from school. Seating charts will be updated regularly to assist with contact tracing when needed.
During recess, students are permitted to use the playground equipment. Students will wear masks outdoors during recess due to the anticipated increase of in-person students. A mask break area will be available for students who wish to take a mask break. Social distancing is expected to be maintained in the mask break area.
Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the school building, including the cafeteria. Students will be required to sanitize and/or wash their hands before and after recess and lunch.
We hope this information helps you make an informed decision for your child(ren) and family. Whether you choose in-person or virtual learning, we are committed to providing the best instruction possible for your child. Thank you again for your continued support, patience, and flexibility as we make this transition to four day in-person instruction for students.
Enjoy your weekend!
Calendar Information
March 8th through 12th - Kindergarten Registration Week
March 14th - Spring Forward Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 20th - First Day of Spring
March 25th - Maryland Day
Reminder - No Dismissal Changes via Email
NEW IMPORTANT INFORMATION for 20-21
The office/school can no longer accept emails for any dismissal change, unless it is due to a true emergency. All notes with regards to students being released from school must be handwritten & signed by the registered parent/legal guardian. Handwritten notes must be sent to school with your child informing us that he/she will be leaving early or will have a dismissal change for that day. If you have a true emergency and need to change your child’s dismissal, please call the school office. Otherwise, all students will be dismissed their normal way. Full day absences can still be e-mailed to sesattendance@carrollk12.org.
Kindergarten Registration Information
Kindergarten Enrollment Packets will be available beginning the week of 3/1/21. Packets will be placed in a blue bin in front of the school entrance each day between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
PLEASE no pickups before 10:00 AM or between 3:30-4:30 PM due to arrival/dismissal.
Registration Process for the Upcoming
2021-2022 School Year
- Packet Pick-Up (Please read all instructions & procedures)
- Gather all necessary documentation & complete paperwork at home (Information on accepted documents is contained in the kindergarten letter included in this packet)
- Once all paperwork has been filled out & you have gathered the necessary documents, call the school office at 410-751-3215 to set up an enrollment appointment during Kindergarten Registration Week, 3/8-3/12.
In an effort to keep visitors & staff as safe as possible, we ask that only one parent/guardian attends the enrollment appointment. Please remember to wear a mask at all times while on school grounds. For your protection, it is recommended that you bring your own pen to sign the back of the enrollment form. Please be sure to bring your valid photo ID as well. Appointments are given between the hours of 10am-3pm
Detailed Kindergarten Enrollment information is available on our school website www.carrollk12.org/ses
PreKindergarten 2021-2022 Interest Flier
It is that time of year that families start to think about pre-kindergarten programs for the Fall of 2021. If you have a child who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2021, he or she is eligible to apply for the Carroll County Public School Prekindergarten program. Enrolling your child in prekindergarten is a 3-step process: 1. Interest Form (March) 2. Application (July) 3. Enrollment (once application is approved)
CCPS Prekindergarten has a tiered system for qualifying. First tier is income eligible. If your income is above the eligibility requirements, there is still a possibility your child could be accepted, so we encourage everyone to apply. Due to limited availability, we also encourage you to start applying to other prekindergarten programs if you are interested.
Please open the Interest Flier below.
Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences - March 11th
Below is the link for our next VIRTUAL conference night on Thursday March 11th, 2021. If you were unable to attend the February conferences, we encourage to sign up to conference with your child's teacher(s), including the special area staff.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094DA8AB2AABF49-parentteacher4
To schedule a conference, please click the link, scroll through the sign-ups to the teacher you would like to meet with, then select an available time slot and submit!
Please remember, all conferences will be virtual.
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Board of Education of Carroll County does not engage in discrimination that is unlawful or contrary to Maryland State Department of Education guidance on the basis of age, color, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, ancestry or national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The Board of Education of Carroll County is firmly committed to creating equal employment and educational opportunities for all persons by providing an environment that supports optimal academic achievement and productive work and is free from any form of unlawful discrimination, including access to school facilities, educational programs, and extra-curricular activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Human Resources, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157, (410) 751-3070.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of services, programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Communications Office at 410-751-3020 or publicinfo@carrollk12.org, or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed.
Sandymount Elementary
2222 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048
Phone: 410-751-3215 Fax: 410-751-3925
Office Hours 8:00-4:00
Internet Address: www.carrollk12.org/SES
Attendance Email Only: SESattendance@carrollk12.org