The Paw Print
Week of December 21, 2020
Updates from Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Ajamian
We wish all of our families a safe and joyful Winter Break. We do know that the times are different, but we hope each family can make the best of it in a safe way. We continue to be thankful for each of you and look forward to all that is to come in 2021! In the coming weeks, we hope to be able to provide you additional information about the partial-return of students. Based on our parent survey results, approximately 65% of our students are looking to return in person. We are working closely with central office to determine our next steps and will hope to have more to share after the next Board of Education meeting on January 12th.
We wanted to send a big THANK YOU to all of the families who donated gifts to KINDH (Kids in Need During the Holidays). This organization provides holiday gifts to children in need in Montgomery County. Below is what KINDH had to say about Seven Locks. "WOW! Thank you. Your families were so generous. We went through all the gifts tonight and sorted them by family. There are going to be some very happy kids!" Thanks again for your support and generosity during this holiday season! We would also like to thank Ms. Steinberg, Ms. Burns, and Ms. Inzelstein for all of their behind-the-scenes communication and support.
MCPS Ethics Policy - Teacher Gifts
Given that the school building is not open and teachers aren't at the school, it is best to send cards and notes to staff via email.
SLES ParentVue Training
Winter Reading Challenge
Hey, Seven Locks reader! As we take a break from Zoom classes for Winter Break and spend some time with family, don't forget to keep reading! Here is a Winter Break Challenge board with some activities you can complete. If you complete them and email them back to Ms. Hickman as directed on the form, you may earn a prize! You can print and submit the completed form as an image email attachment or use Kami, but make sure you submit your completed form no later than Friday, January 15, 2020. Happy Reading!
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 theHolds2Go 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
Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL)is hosting MoComOnline Contest and Virtual EventMoComOnline Saturday, January 16 2021. It is an all day, all ages virtual event celebrating all things comics, graphic novels, and fandoms! As part of the event, there are Art, Cosplay, and Essay contests with prizes awarded in each category across three age groups include Child (ages 0-12), Teen (ages 13-17), and Adult (ages 18+). Entries are due by December 23, 2020. Limit one entry per category per person. For more information, see www.mcpl.link/MoComCon
We are here to help
As a Seven Locks Community, we are here to support all our families that may be in need. 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
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
Thursday, December 24 - Friday, January 1 - 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