Cedar Grove Friday Flash
September 11, 2020
Dear Cedar Grove Families,
The Maryland Department of Education is requiring schools to administer fall diagnostic assessments in math and literacy to students in grades Kindergarten through 12. The assessments are designed to inform instruction and determine present performance levels of students on math and literacy standards; these are not graded. As a result, we will administer the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment beginning next week to students in kindergarten, first, and second grades. Grades 3, 4, and 5 will begin testing the following week. Since these assessments are taken at home and online, it is very important that you carefully review this presentation to help your child prepare. Teachers will also be helping your child prepare and providing practice opportunities. Your child's teacher will also be sending you this same presentation and will include the dates and times of testing. Prior to testing, please have your child ready to enter their Zoom class a few minutes early and have his or her student ID (five digits@mcpsmd.net) available.
We hope you will save the date and attend our virtual Back to School Night on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. For those who are unable to attend, the sessions will be recorded and will be posted to your child's classroom. Additional details will be coming soon on accessing the Zoom invitation and teacher presentations.
Please continue to create your online application for FARMS by clicking on this link: MySchoolApps. This link is also posted on our website under Quick Links. Paper applications are also available by parent request. Applications must be completed by October 13, 2020. For additional information, please click here to access this year's Food and Nutrition Services Program guidelines and application process.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Derby and Mrs. German
Important Information Regarding Your Child's Attendance
Parents, there are some important changes to reporting your child's attendance during this time of distance learning. 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. If a particular class lesson is missed, students may then access the recording of the class lessons to engage in the daily learning during an alternate time within 72 hours of the absence. Please note that lessons are not accessible after the 72 hours. Parents/Guardians may then submit a Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form to document that their child 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.
Parents/students may view a short video on how to access missed/recorded lessons by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/k8_QZvxr760
In addition, parents are asked to continue the practice of reporting their child's absence online. If your child will be absent for one or more days, please let his/her teacher and the office staff know by submitting the form linked below:
Both of these forms are located on our school website in the green "Quick Links" box and by clicking on Attendance.
MCPS to Resume Free Meal Service for All County Children and MCPS Students - UPDATE
The following is an update we received yesterday regarding meal service. This is a change from the information that was posted in the Flash last week:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the waivers that allow school systems to provide free meals to students during the summer months. MCPS will resume providing free breakfast and lunch to all County children and enrolled MCPS students. A student identification number will not be required; however, names will be taken for each child. More information is available at news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/quicknotes/important-update-mcps-to-resume-free-meal-service-for-all-county-children-and-students/.
County Offers Immunizations for Children Returning to School
County health officials are offering free immunizations to eligible children so that immunization requirements are met for the 2020–2021 school year. Immunizations for students new to MCPS and children in kindergarten through Grade 12 are available Monday through Friday, by appointment, at locations in Silver Spring and Germantown.
Appointments are available at:
- Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring; Phone: 240-777-1050
- Germantown Health Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown; Phone: 240-777-3380
There will be two additional clinics offered on Saturday, September 12 and Saturday, September 19 at the Dennis Avenue Health Center location.
Parents/guardians can access their child’s vaccination record online at no cost on the Maryland Department of Health’s web portal. Users can view and print official copies of vaccination records without a request to their health care provider.
More information about Maryland’s immunization requirements can be found on the Maryland Health Department’s website.
George B. Thomas Learning Academy (Saturday School) Programs
The George B. Thomas Learning Academy, or Saturday School, will begin offering online instructional programs in reading, language arts, and math, small group tutoring sessions, and coding classes beginning September 26. Classes will be offered in both the fall and spring on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information or to register your child, please visit their website at www.saturdayschool.org.
Tech Tips and Reminders
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.
From Mrs. Hirschhorn, Media Specialist
Hello everyone! I am looking for student input for the Morning News Blast! I sent out an email to your students with links to forms -- one for a Joke of the Day and one for Sharing their Online Adventure Stories. Please encourage your students to contribute. The Morning News Blast is for them! Thank you!
Please click on the link below for this month's Media Monthly. You may also access the Media Monthly on our school website. This will provide you with some great information and available resources.