Crofton Meadows Elementary School
Weekly Wrap Up
February 16, 2024
It has been a wonderful week here at Crofton Meadows, filled with lots of learning and excitement! Our Valentine's festivities brought joy to every corner of our school as students exchanged heartfelt cards and treats. Additionally, our iReady Diagnostics provided valuable insights into our students' academic progress, helping us tailor our instruction to meet their individual needs.
I am thrilled to announce that our Drama Club delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing the talent and dedication of our students and staff. We couldn't be prouder of their achievement.
In the spirit of spreading love beyond our school walls, our staff members embarked on a heartwarming initiative, delivering goodies from each class to a local assisted living facility. This act of kindness not only brought smiles to the residents' faces but also fostered a sense of community and compassion among our students.
Please join us on March 5th at 6:00 PM as we welcome the Maryland Science Center to our school. This exciting event will be sponsored by the 21st Century Education Foundation.
News from Mrs. Foster
We have been working hard this year to teach and practice coping skills so that the students have the tools to navigate their feelings and self-regulate. The first semester classroom teachers taught Zones of Regulation during their wellness block. As a follow up each student is in the process of creating a toolbox with coping skills that they have practiced and found to be helpful. (For example, deep breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, thinking of a place that makes you happy). You can follow up at home by encouraging your child to practice their coping skills and share what they learned.
In addition, we are beginning lessons using a research-based curriculum called Second Step. There are four units of skills that include growth mindset, emotion management, empathy and kindness, and problem-solving.
CMES Science and Engineering Expo
Families with students in grades 3, 4, & 5:
It is time for the annual CMES Science and Engineering Expo! All classes will complete a science fair project, in class with their teacher. Students in grades 3-5 will also have the option to do a project individually or with a partner.
If your child is considering an individual or partner project, please take a moment to read this information letter for all the details. Then, use the links in the letter complete the necessary forms. The forms will need to be submitted to Mrs. Distad and approved before starting the project. If you would like a printed copy of the forms, please reach out to Mrs. Distad.
Keep in mind that only students who complete an individual or partner project will be eligible to compete in the CMES School Science & Engineering Expo. First place winners will be invited to attend the County Science & Engineering Expo. Crofton Meadows families will have the opportunity to view all the projects at school on the evening of March 5.
Please contact Mrs. Distad at jdistad@aacps.org if you have any questions or need help deciding if a specific project is appropriate for the Expo. We look forward to seeing students' science knowledge in action!
Crofton Meadows Drama Club production of "The Phantom of the Music Room"
Please join us Friday, February 16 at 6:30pm for the Crofton Meadows Drama Club production of "The Phantom of the Music Room" by Janet Gardner. Please join us for this free musical mystery as we discover who is playing the piano in the music room after dark. This opportunity was funded through our Drama Club PTO.
Yearbook Covers Are Due on Tuesday, February 20th.
A Look Ahead
February 16th-Drama Club Performance at 6:30 PM
February 19th- Schools Closed for Presidents Day
February 22nd- Crofton High School Guest Readers 1-2pm
February 26th - Green School Gardening Club After SchoolFebruary 29th - Dance Team Performance at Crofton High School
Music in Our Schools Month- Parent Musicians Visit Music Classes
March 4th-5th Grade Panoramic 8:15am
March 5th- Science Fair/Science Center Evening Event (STEM Night)
March 11th - Green School Gardening Club After School
March 11th-March 22nd APEX Fun Run
March 14th and 15th- Grade 4 Arlington Echo
March 15th- PTO Movie Night
March 19th-2 hr early dismissal-Unity Day (Wear Orange)
March 25th-April 1st Schools Closed for Spring BreakCharacter Trait for the Month of February
Inclement Weather
As we find ourselves in the midst of the cold winter months, I want to take a moment to address the possibility of inclement weather affecting our school operations. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we have plans in place to navigate any weather-related challenges.
In the event of a school delay or closure due to inclement weather, you will receive a school system message providing information on the status of our school operations for the day. It is crucial to stay informed, and we encourage you to check your preferred communication channels for updates, including our school website and local news outlets.
For detailed information about our school system's virtual day operations, please refer to the following link: https://www.aacps.org/virtualdayplan.This resource will provide you with insights into how virtual learning will be conducted during days when on-site attendance is not feasible.
In the event that the school day is designated as a virtual day, your child's teacher will reach out to you via email with specific instructions for your child's virtual learning day. These instructions will include details about the schedule, assignments, and any additional resources needed for a successful virtual learning experience.
We appreciate your flexibility and cooperation as we navigate the challenges that winter weather may bring. Our commitment to providing a safe and effective learning environment remains unwavering, and we will strive to ensure minimal disruption to your child's education.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our winter weather procedures or virtual learning, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school office. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated.
Who Do I Contact at CMES?
Our teachers work hard to create an inclusive, caring classroom environment for their students. Any concerns or questions you have about your child should start with the classroom teacher. If you have questions that aren't classroom related, your best first contact can be found at the link below.
School Calendar
Morning Arrival Reminder
Student arrival should be no earlier than 7:40 AM. Please do not drop students off prior to this time. There is no adult supervision until 7:40 AM.
Any student arriving after 8 AM will be marked tardy and must be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian.