Osprey Weekly
September 25, 2020
Dear LES Families,
Thank you PTA for thinking of our staff this week and providing coffee and snacks!
We love seeing the students during the live Google Meet sessions where they are able to get the instruction with the teacher! Having that live instruction is critical in students accessing the information from the lesson, to complete the daily activities that the teacher assigns.
All students should have picked up their instructional materials at the school. If you have not picked up your materials, we have them ready for pick-up. Please call the school to set up a pick up time or call me to discuss a plan for pick up. Additionally, we have extra school supplies for anyone in need, Again, if you need them reach out.
Please note that Monday, October 12th is a 2 Hour Early Dismissal Day for students at 1:45 p.m. The afternoon will be for parent conferences as needed. Teachers will be reaching out to you in the coming days to share the structure for parent conferences. It is possible that not every student will require a conference at this time. As always, teachers will communicate concerns consistently to ensure students are supported.
Finally, below you will find information on the Standards Based Report Card for grades PK-5. Important to remember is that students are working toward mastery of year long standards. Receiving an "SC"/Strong Command on an assignment means your child is on track with those specific assignments and/or skills, this does not necessarily mean they will receive an "SC" on the report card.
If you have any questions about standards or the report card, please reach out to the teacher. The end of marking period 1 is Friday, October 30th. Report cards for marking period 1 will be available to PK-5 on Thursday, November 12th.
Dr. Quick-McQueen, Principal
New Information
Standards Based Grading and Reporting
What is a standard?
A standard is a statement that identifies what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Learning Standards for each content area subject and grade level are identified through the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS).
What is standards based grading?
Standards based grading communicates how students perform on a set of clearly defined learning targets called standards. The purpose of standards based grading is to identify what a student knows, or is able to do, in relation to those learning targets as opposed to simply averaging grades/scores over the course of the grading period, which can mask what a student has learned or not learned. A standards based grading system also provides students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning.
What can I expect to see on my child’s report card?
Standards based report cards provide the level of proficiency on specific standards for each subject area. On many traditional report cards, students receive one grade for each subject. On a standards based report card, subject area is sub-divided into a list of essential skills and knowledge that students should know and be able to do. Students will receive a separate achievement indicator for each standard. The Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS) describe what a student should know and be able to do BY THE END of the grade level.
The St. Mary’s County Report Card indicates how a student is performing on end of the year mastery expectations. A student is expected to progress towards meeting the standards over the course of the year. A student might begin the year performing at level “NY” or “PC” on some standards. A “PC” reflects normal progress and is expected as students continue to learn new content. The goal is for all students to be at level “SC” by the end of the school year.
How is my child assessed and how will I know if my child is performing on grade level?
Students are assessed using multiple techniques. Formative assessments occur during learning and may include, but are not limited to rubrics, observation, performance tasks, application activities, paper and pencil tasks as well as various summative assessments. Summative assessments occur after the learning has taken place. They measure student achievement, or mastery of standards, at a point in time.
Information Worth Repeating
SMCPS Acceptable Usage Policy
Families, please review and complete the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) with your child. These must be completed by September 30, 2020. The AUP form authorizes students to utilize the necessary applications for instruction.
Parent Permission - SMCPS Acceptable Use Policy and Online Platforms.
Students/parents/guardians should not take photos, screenshots, record any video, or audio, from these conference sessions. You do not have permission to do so, and it is a violation of our Acceptable Use Policy.
Tech Support
APP information link for iPads for access to Schoology
General Tech Help Q and A link
SMCPS Schoology Youtube Playlist:
Initial Log In Guidance for all Students with an SMCPS device:
Meals
As a result of waiver extensions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), effective immediately breakfast and lunch will be offered to all children 18 years of age and under free of charge until December 31, 2020 at all St. Mary’s County Public School locations. Starting Wednesday, September 9, 2020 drive-through meal service will be available each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at each school site. Parents/guardians and children can visit any school location and receive meals that they can take home during virtual learning.
Pre-ordering of meals will still be available and is recommended to ensure your selected meal is ready for you upon arrival. Same-day pick up will also be available at all locations.
For more information regarding meal pickup locations or to pre-order your meals please visit smcps.nutrislice.com
Mrs. Bronzell's Counseling Corner
Mrs. Bronzell will be joining classroom morning and closing meetings for the next few weeks to introduce herself.
In the meantime, if you have a concern or need support, please use the resources below to contact Mrs. Bronzell. You can also reach her at 301-475-0250 Ext. 31120.
Mrs. Bronzell's check-in form for students
Mrs. Bronzell's Request for counseling form
Mrs. Bronzell's Bitmoji Counseling Office with links to the above forms and also some brain break activities.
LES PTA
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
October
- 2 LES PTA Spirit Night at Chick Fil A
- 12 2 Hour Early Dismissal Day; Parent Conference Day
- 16 2 Hour Early Dismissal Day; Professional Responsibilities/Collaborative Planning
- 26-30 Red Ribbon Week at LES; Spirit Week (stay tuned)
- 30th End of Marking Period 1
November
- 3 Election Day; No school for students and staff
- 11 Veterans Day; No school for students and staff
- 12 Report card distribution PK-5
- 25-27 Thanksgiving Break; No school for students and staff
Leonardtown Elementary School
We're Here to Help You!
Greg LaCount, Assistant Principal
Shawnna White, Principal's Secretary
Marie Ventrone, Records Secretary
Email: cfquickmcqueen@smcps.org
Website: schools.smcps.org/les
Location: 22885 Duke Street, Leonardtown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-475-0250
Twitter: @les_smcps