Lisbon Elementary
January 21, 2022
Lisbon Elementary School
Ms. LaShonne Wright, Assistant Principal
15901 Frederick Road
Woodbine, MD 21797
(410) 313-5506
(410) 313-5508 - Fax
les.hcpss.org
FROM SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
The Council of Elders Celebrates Academic Achievement
Congratulations to the following 4th and 5th grade students who were recognized at the Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE) Tuesday night during a virtual recognition ceremony:
Nurul Ali
Isaiah Bernstein
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
For a complete list of dates and events visit les.hcpss.org/calendar
- 21 - End of 2nd Quarter
- 24 - Schools closed - Professional Work Day
- 28 - Conference scheduling opens at 8:00 a.m.
- 31 - Hearing & Vision Screening
- 31 - Report Cards Issued
February
- 1 - Schools closed for Students - Professional Learning Day
- 2 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
- 4 - Conference scheduling closes at 4:00 p.m.
- 9 - Hearing & Vision Re-screening
- 10 - Schools Close 3 hours Early for Parent-Teacher Conferences, 12:10 p.m.
- 11 - Schools Close 3 hours Early for Parent-Teacher Conferences, 12:10 p.m.
- 16 - School Closes 3 hours early, 12:10 p.m.
- 21 - Schools and Offices Closed - President's Day
NEW INFORMATION
End of Second Quarter
Friday, January 21 is the final day of the second quarter. There has been a lot of disruptions throughout the second quarter primarily related to COVID illnesses, the need to quarantine, and the inclement weather we've experienced in January.
Monday, January 24 is a professional workday for staff, and schools are closed for students. Teachers will be finalizing second quarter grades so they can prepare report cards to be issued on January 31. As you know, report cards are a tool used to report how students are learning in school.
Conferences Scheduling
Parent-Teacher Conference Scheduling Opens January 28
Parent-Teacher Virtual Conferences February 10th & 11th
- Scheduling opens in Synergy ParentVue on Friday, January 28th and closes on Friday, February 4th.
- All Grades: schedule with your child’s Math teacher
- GT Math conferences will be with 5th grade students only
- Click here for directions to schedule a conference.
- If you would like to conference with a Related Arts teacher, please email the teacher to set-up a conference.
- If you have a situation that requires you to conference in-person, email the teacher to coordinate a possible time after the virtual conference dates.
Conference Days/Times
Please note that teachers have flexibility in determining schedules. Not all teachers will be available at all times listed below:
- Thursday, February. 10th 1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. or 6:45 p.m.
- Friday, February 11th 1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
- Conferences are 15 minutes.
Logging onto Google Meet for your Conference
- You will use your child’s HCPSS credentials to join the conference.
- To prevent “overlap” of conferences, teachers will be using Google Meet room joining security features. You may have to wait to be admitted into the Google Meet room.
- Google Meet Codes: You will see the meeting code for your conference in Synergy when you sign up for a conference. You will receive a reminder email with the room code from the Synergy system a few days before your conference.
COVID Contact Tracing
Finally, I want to share that we will be resuming contact tracing at the school level. Here are updates regarding who will or will not need to quarantine.
Quarantine and Vaccination Status Updates
Quarantine is required for close contacts who are:
Unvaccinated.
Ages 5-11 who have not completed a primary vaccine series.
Ages 12 or older and completed the primary series of the recommended vaccine but have not received a booster shot when eligible (5 months after either Moderna or Pfizer).
Quarantine at home for 5 days (quarantine count starts the day after last exposure).
Test on day 5 if able.
Return to school day 6 IF well and able to maintain strict mask use around others for an additional 5 days.
Return to school day 11 IF well and unable to maintain strict mask use around others.
If symptoms develop, the person should stay home and test.
No quarantine is required for close contacts who are:
Ages 12 years or older and have completed primary vaccine series AND a booster dose.
Ages 5-11 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
Diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 90 days (with positive viral test).
- Mask for 10 days.
- Test on day 5.
- If symptoms develop, the person should stay home and test.
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
Outdoor Lunch
There will be days where we must have indoor lunch for students who typically eat outside.
Indoor lunch for those students will be when there is any rain, snow falling, extremely cold temperatures (including wind chill), or when the outdoor lunch area is covered with snow and/or ice.
CogAT Testing - 3rd Grade
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 3rd grade.
4th Grade GT Math Placements
From February 14 to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to all 3rd grade students. Placements for 4th grade GT Math will be made following the CogAT administration and will include all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
CogAT Testing - 5th Grade
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 5th grade.
Middle School GT Class Recommendations
Although the CogAT administration may be delayed, all 5th grade students will be considered for potential placement in 6th GT classes using all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education. This includes data from students’ 3rd grade CogAT administration in December 2019, if available.
From February 14th to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to any 5th grade students who do not have a prior CogAT score as well as all students in 5th grade GT Math. The data will assist with identification for Accelerated GT Math and provide an aptitude measure for students who had no previous CogAT test.
From February 8 until February 22, families will be able to review course recommendations and may request a course placement that is different from the school’s recommendation through HCPSS Connect.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
I'm The Chef Too!
Join I'm The Chef Too! for a special fundraiser event and make your own Candy Bars via zoom! Each child who registers will receive our Valentine's Day Adventure Kit that includes all of the dry premeasured ingredients, specialty supplies, and a STEM activity where kids can turn their bars into homemade Valentines! Zoom links will be emailed a few days before class.
Kits will be shipped out on February 1st!
Kits can also be purchased and sent as a gift!
Enter the code: "LOVE" at checkout and receive 10% off!
Register with the link below. Please note: this is not listed in our shop, only through this special link.
https://imthecheftoo.com/product/candy-bar-lab/
Candy Bar Lab - I'm The Chef Too
Grab your beaker and safety goggles and get ready to concoct your very own chocolate candy bar for Valentines Day! Experience the science of how chocolate is made from the cacao tree and then blended together to form delicious creations! Then its off to the lab to make your own candy bar by picking chocolate flavors and topping it off with a variety of candy! Add your artistic touch by ...
imthecheftoo.com
Reporting Absences
Absence Notes
All students are required to have a note explaining why they were absent. Please send an email to your child's teacher as well as lesabsence@hcpss.org.
Masking Expectations
Masking Expectations
CDC guidance for schools has not changed regarding removing masks while eating. Students and staff are permitted to remove their masks while eating or drinking and are required to wear masks at all other times while indoors. Some students and staff have received medical exemptions for mask-wearing, which will continue to be granted.
Mask Availability in Schools
While KN95 masks are recommended by the CDC and students may bring their own if they have them, they are not mandated. Students and staff will be permitted to use disposable or cloth masks. Disposable masks will continue to be available in schools for all students and staff, especially for younger children for whom KN95 masks have not arrived at this time. Masks will be given to students who arrive at school without a mask or if their mask is lost during the school day. Masks will also be given to students who have a mask that does not cover their nose and mouth.
Weather Related Status Codes
The Howard County Public School System operates under five different codes. Normal operations are "Code Green." When schools are affected by weather, status codes are announced by 5:30 a.m.
HCPSS operational color code options are:
- Code Green – Normal Operations (in accordance with the HCPSS calendar)
- Code Red – Schools and Offices Closed
- Code Orange – Schools Closed; Offices Open with Liberal Leave in Effect
- Code Blue – Schools Open Two Hours Late (reevaluation by 7:30 a.m. to possibly change the status code).
- Code Yellow – Schools Dismiss Early
In times of emergencies/school closings, information will be shared with the community through the following:
- HCPSS status website
- HCPSS homepage
- HCPSS Information Hotline – 410-313-6666
- HCPSS News email and text message alerts. Parents are automatically signed up for email alerts, and only once need to opt-in for text messaging. All subscription information comes directly from Family File.
- Twitter – @hcpss
Please note: Weekend And Holiday Weather Closures, School Facilities/Field Closings Hotline – 410-313-6827
From the Health Room
- If your child is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID please keep your child home from school. COVID symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea or vomiting, new onset of severe headache (especially with fever), or new loss of taste or smell.
- If your child has been tested for COVID, please keep your child home until you receive a negative PCR result.
- If your child becomes ill or tests positive for COVID on an evening, weekend, or holiday, please contact both the school principal debra_anoff@hcpss.org and the school nurse at Leslie_Williams@hcpss.org.
- For COVID-19 testing information, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website.
The Howard County Health Department also has information regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
Please feel free to contact the Health Room staff with any questions or concerns.
PTA NEWS
PTA Calendar
January – Gift cards and goodies needed for staff raffles - SEE BELOW
1/17 at 6:00 p.m. – PTA info Meet LisbonPTA
1/18 at 7:00 p.m. - PTA info Meet Lisbon PTA
1/19 - Half Day of School
1/26 at 11:00 a.m.– PTA Excellence committee meet
1/31 – I’M THE CHEF TOO FUNDRAISER KITS LAST DAY TO ORDER
2/2 at 630 p.m. – PTA General Membership Meet LisbonPTA
I'm The Chef Too! VALENTINES FUNDRAISER
Join I'm The Chef Too! for a special fundraiser event and make your own Candy Bars via zoom! Each child who registers will receive our Valentine's Day Adventure Kit that includes all the dry pre-measured ingredients, specialty supplies, and a STEM activity where kids can turn their bars into homemade Valentines! Zoom links will be emailed a few days before class.
Kits will be shipped out on February 1st!
Kits can also be purchased and sent as a gift!
Enter the code: "LOVE" at checkout and receive 10% off!
Register with the link below. Please note - this is not listed in our shop, only through this special link.
International Fair – Mark your Calendars
Hi Lisbon Families!
Please join us April 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for The International Fair. We will have food trucks, dance performances, music, sports from around the world, a fashion show, and an opportunity for your family to showcase your traditions. Please email Liz at lizbanach@gmail.com to enter the fashion show and/or reserve a table to present your family's heritage or a country you have learned about in school or traveled to. Please also email if you are interested in helping organize the event. We need volunteers win many capacities and time available.
What more information come to one of the meets 1/17 at 6:00 p.m. or 1/18 at 7:00 p.m. to get information or ask questions.
Gift Cards and Goodies
Did you know or staff has raffles throughout the year for “pick me ups” raffle and game prizes? We are asking if you have $5 or $10 gift cards, candy, individually wrapped goodies (sweet and savory) our staff would love to receive them for raffle prizes. We also use donations to the Teacher Appreciation tab in Memberhub to purchase gift cards as well. Please send in any donations to the LES Office in care of Ms. Wright. All our staff thank you!!
Question and Answer Meets
Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Community...
Have you ever wanted to ask the PTA questions? Find out about events or committees? Want to volunteer but find what will fit your schedule? See events/committees like Lions Pride, Lisbon Ball, International Fair, directory, and wanted to know what is that? Find ways to support the PTA? No time, no problem there are ways to support the PTA with ideas and referrals (many events need someone to bounce ideas off). Do you have fundraiser or event suggestions?
THESE MEETS ARE FOR YOU! YOU ONLY NEED TO ATTEND 1
TUESDAY 1/18 AT 6:00 PM AND WEDNESDAY 1/19 AT 7:00 PM (two virtual meetings to match your schedule, you don't need to attend both)
LisbonPTA through your child’s account or email president@lisbonpta.org for a dial in code.
PTA members, committee chairs and Executive board members will answer questions, take ideas, and be available to chat. This is not a "meeting" but a conversation time and a time to connect!
See you there!
ATTENTION Parents!
The PTA is excited to provide a variety of fun, family friendly events and activities throughout the remainder of this school year, but we need your help! We need volunteers to help plan, organize and run the following:
*Lions' Pride Fun Run/Walk fundraiser - (Event date April 30, 2022)
*International Fair - looking for participants to present a table/display showcasing a country or culture. (Event date April 30, 2022)
*Lisbon Ball/Lions' Ball - This used to be the Father Daughter Dance but now we're including Mothers and Sons! (Event dates May 13 & 20, 2022)
*Talent Show - To be held virtually this year, so comfort with technology and online platforms such as Flipgrid or something similar is needed.
*5th Grade Celebration - coordinate with 5th grade teachers to honor this year's graduating class. (Event date TBD but around week of June 6, 2022)
*Plant Sale - Offering great prices on a large selection of flowers, vegetables, and herbs! (April/May 2022)
*Nominating Committee members - Executive Board members serve a 2 year term. This spring, we will be electing a new President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary. The job of the nominating committee is to present candidates for each of these positions to the general membership for the election.
*Lisbon Business and Community Directory (White Pages)- Are you great at google forms and spreadsheets? This project is for you! We need a parent or 2 to receive google forms with School Families Business (home or workplace) and put them in our LES white pages. This will be posted on our PTA site and Allow parents to search for services and business they may need while supporting our LES families, local businesses, and community resources.
(Events in bold are where we have the greatest need for assistance!)
If interested and available to help, please contact either Ellen Bockelman at meabbock@gmail.com or Cathy Datz at cathydatz@yahoo.com.
Both Meets on 1/17 and 1/18 will explain time commitments for committees and events
PTA Excellence
A baseline survey was deployed in the fall, which included 20 questions covering 6 key areas for Family-School Partnerships:
1) Welcoming environment toward all families
2) Communicating effectively
3) Supporting student success
4) Advocating for every child
5) Respecting and valuing families' concerns, and inputs, including viewpoints from a diversity (cultural, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic) standpoint
6) Collaborating with the community.
Thirty-six people responded to the survey. Overall, the survey results were generally very good,
with the most positive category of response being most frequently selected for nearly every question. As the basis for formulating our focus area and objective, we considered the questions with the lowest aggregate percentages in the top two categories of responses.
To Increase family engagement with the school community by creating a more welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for all students and their families, including families new to the and/or the area and students and their families of all cultural backgrounds.
By embracing our diversity and improving our inclusivity, this will make our school community more vibrant and enriching for all.
Do you have any ideas for increasing cultural awareness in our community or for supporting family engagement? Are you interested in providing your input to the School of Excellence program? We welcome your ideas and input!
Questions, comments or concerns about the School of Excellence program?
Please contact Ellen Bockelman at 1stVP@lisbonpta.org with any ideas, input, questions, comments, concerns, etc.
Gift of Gratitude Thanks
Gifts of Gratitude gift cards were sent out over the past 2 weeks. Staff, bus drivers and attendants, ALL received a gift donation. They were given a list of over 20 gift cards to choose from including hotel, shopping, dining, and fun stuff (top golf, Hulu, Stub hub). Staff were so thankful, we received cards and emails thanking us for starting this program at Lisbon. Bus personnel have not usually been included but this year they were, and they were so grateful to be thought of. Staff will reach out separately, however we as your PTA wanted to thank EVERYONE who gave and recognized the efforts of EVERY person your child(ren) see each day. We will do this again at the end-of-the-year. AGAIN THANK YOU!!
Join our Facebook page Lisbon Elementary school PTA for information, updates, and links to PTA and community events.
Memory Book Needs your Pictures
If you have attended any events or LES school related activities please send pictures for our 2021-2022 Lisbon Memory book to Elizabeth Hall at lisbonmemorybook@gmail.com
Meetings
PTA Meetings will be held virtually on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Logging in with your child’s chrome account with LisbonPTA meet code. A dial in or alternate code is available the day of the meet by emailing president@lisbonPTA.org
Clothes Bin Supports the Lisbon PTA
The clothes and textile bin located near the extra parking lot earns your PTA money. We receive 10 cents a pound for ANY textile, useable or unusable that gets put in our bin. Items get sorted in Baltimore and usable items go to shelters and foster programs unusable/wearable get recycled (damaged jeans are used as attic insulation).
Join the Lisbon ES PTA
www.lisbonpta.memberhub.com/store?category=Memberships
Your membership helps fund our free family fun events, scholarships for PTA activities, 5th grade Celebration and many other Lisbon PTA initiatives.
Connect with us. Lisbon PTA has a Facebook page that posts PTA information, event updates, and school information. We have a subgroup, the Buddy bench where community groups post information that benefits our students and families. LisbonPTA.org
Community News and Programs
The link below will take you to community notices are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System.
http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/