Cedar Grove Friday Flash
November 12, 2021
Dear Cedar Grove Families,
The Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland State Department of Education have modified school quarantine guidance. If certain criteria are met, students may not have to quarantine, or may be asked to quarantine for a reduced period of time. This new guidance is expected to reduce the number of Montgomery County Public Schools students required to quarantine and participate in virtual learning. These guidelines became effective November 8, 2021. Please click the link below to learn more about changes to quarantine guidance. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/community/school-year-2021-2022/Community-Update-20211104.html
MCPS has developed three calendar scenarios that reflect different start and end dates for the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, one scenario (Scenario C) shows the full spring break at a different time than the other two (Scenarios A and B).
All draft scenarios include:
A minimum of 180 instructional days
Full spring break
Contingency days
Additional early release days on September 14, December 7 and March 15 for school-based professional development.
The Board is scheduled to adopt a final school calendar on Dec. 2, 2021. Please share your feedback on these options by clicking on the following link:
Learn more and share your feedback.
Earlier this week, MCPS sent a communication to school communities regarding the Board of Education's decision to change the early release day on Wednesday, November 24 to a full day of closure. We want to make sure you are aware of this change as school offices will also be closed.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Derby and Mrs. German
Pianos Available for Purchase
Once again, families have an opportunity to purchase a piano at reduced prices through an agreement with MCPs and Schaeffer's Piano Company. The sales event will take place November 13-20. For more information, please click here!
Open House - The George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Saturday School
The George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. (Saturday School) is pleased to offer a virtual open house on Thursday, November 18 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. for parents interested in additional academic support and/or acceleration on Saturday mornings.
Class sessions begin at 8:30 am each Saturday with a motivational session. After the session, students then participate in an hour of reading/English instruction and then an hour of math instruction. During the open house, information will be shared about the programs that are offered, the curriculum, and testimonials from families that have participated in the program over the years.
To register for the Open House, parents should visit https://saturdayschooltownhallnov18.eventbrite.com.
The cost for Saturday School is $40 for FARMS students and $85 for all others. This cost covers the entire school year through May and registration is open all year.
Tell the Board of Education What Qualities You Want to See in the Next MCPS Superintendent
Your input is critical in helping the Montgomery County Board of Education select the next leader of Montgomery County Public Schools. Take a survey and tell the Board what is important to you:
https://survey2.ecragroup.com/index.php/346943?lang=en
Learn more about the national search for a new superintendent and participate in upcoming virtual forums:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/superintendent-search/
Please read this important note from our counselor, Mrs. Spoales:
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Montgomery County Public Schools is taking an active role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through early prevention and intervention education.
During the months of November and December, I will be presenting lessons on the topic of child abuse and neglect. The lessons are known as Personal Body Safety Lessons and their purpose is to help students to:
- Develop knowledge, decision making skills, and behaviors which promote safe living in the home, school, and community;
- Learn skills for self-protection and identifying child abuse and neglect;
- Learn skills for asking for help for self and others and practice reporting to a trusted adult; and
- Engage in positive and appropriate interactions with peers and adults.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics that will be covered, please contact me at 240-740-6190 or Erin_M_Spoales@mcpsmd.org.
Celebrating Our Voices of Hope
Please see a wonderful opportunity below that was just published in the MCPS Bulletin:
Students and schools are invited to submit videos, presentations, artwork, stories, poetry, songs, music and other representations of hope from their culture, heritage, family, background and/or identity to “Celebrating Our Voices of Hope.” The opportunity is open to students in all grades.
Celebrating Our Voices of Hope will be a virtual event from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Alliance for Education (HAE), the League of Educators for Asian American Progress (LEAAP) and the Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE). Students can earn 10 SSL hours for completing the process. Start the application process.
Tech Tips and Reminders
From Mrs. Hirschhorn, Media Specialist
Hello everyone! We are so ready for November! Please bookmark the November Media Monthly so you have easy access to the updates as they occur over the month.
Art, Music, and PE Newsletter
Parents, each month our Arts team will share a newsletter that will provide you with what grade level students are doing in their classes.
Here is the November Specialists' Newsletter.