Carson Chronicles
Rachel Carson Elementary School - August 14, 2022
A Message from Principal Reeves
Dear Rachel Carson Families:
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to the 2022-2023 school year at Rachel Carson Elementary School. I hope you are having a wonderful and relaxing summer. Each year I find myself eager and enthusiastic about the promises of a new school year, and this year comes with even greater excitement as I am honored to serve as your proud principal. The staff and I are committed to working collaboratively to continue to make Rachel Carson a great place for children to learn, grow, and excel.
During the summer, our instructional leadership team has been meeting to make plans for the upcoming school year. At our summer leadership meetings, several determinations are made which include scheduling, analyzing data, daily procedures, implementation of MCPS Initiatives, student behavior expectations, and recognition opportunities. Initial work on the school improvement plan with specific goals for equitable teaching and learning and well-being for students and staff are also in progress, as is the development of a vision and mission for our work.
Rachel Carson Elementary School’s anticipated enrollment for the upcoming school year is estimated at 700 students. We are organized at this time to have two half day pre-k classes, five classes of kindergarten, five classes of first grade, five classes of second grade, five classes of third grade, five classes of fourth grade, and five classes of fifth grade. We will continue to house our localized Centers for Enriched Studies program in grades four and five.
The school year begins on Monday, August 29 and we will have our annual Sneak Peek on Friday, August 26 from 1:00-3:00 pm. The Sneak Peek will be for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will have their open house from 1:00-2:00 pm, and students in grades K, 1, and 2 will have their open house from 2:00-3:00 pm. When attending our Sneak Peek and other school functions please respect the neighborhood and do not park in locations that are prohibited. Additionally, I ask that you adhere to the time slots provided so that staff may attend grade-level specific professional development to prepare for the start of the year.
Consistent and clear communication is important to me. You can expect weekly principal phone calls and an emailed newsletter from me on Sunday evenings. During the Sneak Peak and Back to School Night we will be soliciting your emails and phone numbers to provide this communication tool, as well as to increase communication electronically by our teachers who will be using Bloomz this year as our school-wide communication tool. Remember that my door remains open to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me in whatever medium is best, email at Mindy_D_Reeves@mcpsmd.org, phone, in-person or virtually by setting up an appointment through Mrs. Forigner. You can also follow the happenings of the school on Twitter @RCESPrincipal and through our school website. Keep a lookout for postcards from your child’s teacher a few days before school begins!
While we are ready for a year of learning and fun, safety is a top priority. This year you can expect that all student backpacks will be tagged with how children are getting home (bus, car, or walker). Additionally, if you should need to make a change in your child’s dismissal procedures we ask that you complete the change of dismissal form found here and on our website. We have also had additional card readers added around the building, including entrance to the main office. This is for the safety of all students and staff. Finally, this year, you can expect that all students will enter through the main entrance of the building where staff will be prepared to greet them with a smile and a hello.
In closing, I am thrilled to begin my first year as a principal at Rachel Carson Elementary School. I look forward to working with you in providing the best educational program for your child. Please know that we will work diligently to build opportunities for all students to excel.
Sincerely,
Mindy Reeves
Principal
Important Times
Regular Day- 8:40 AM - 3:25 PM
- Students are marked as tardy as of 9:00 a.m., and must go to the front office to check-in and be escorted to class.
Delayed opening- 10:40 AM - 3:20 PM
Early Release- 8:40 AM - 12:55 PM
Bus Transportation Information
Kindergarten Playdate
Raindate: August 25th, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sneak Peek: August 26th
- 1:00-2:00- Grades 3, 4, and 5
- 2:00-3:00- Kindergarten, grade 1 and 2
There will be a Safety Patrol meeting at 2:00 p.m. in the media center with Mr. Ash.
The PTA will also have Carmen's Ice for sale for $4.00. Cash only please!
Cheers and Tears Breakfast for New to RCES Families
Introducing our Newest Herons
Mrs. Christine Tilkens- Assistant Principal
I would like to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal of Rachel Carson Elementary School. I am excited to be a part of this wonderful school community. I come to RCES with 15 years of experience in education. I recently served as the Assistant School Administrator at Gaithersburg Elementary school where I built strong relationships that will last a lifetime. Prior to being an administrator, I taught as a general music teacher in multiple locations in Maryland including Woodmont Academy, Woodlin Elementary, Strawberry Knolls Elementary, and Gaithersburg Elementary. My background has afforded me the chance to work with diverse populations with a strong focus on equity and community engagement.
I am a lifelong learner with a passion for education. I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Vocal Performance from the Catholic University of America. In 2015 I earned my master's degree from Hood College in Administration and Supervision.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Matthew, and two amazing children, Oliver (6) and Charlotte (5). We enjoy hiking, movie nights, board games, and travel.
I believe that all children should learn and grow in an environment that is academically challenging, nurturing, and safe. I am determined to support every child, every day to help them be successful. Please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself. I am excited to get to get to know all of our community. Go Herons!
Mrs. Heidi Kern- Reading Specialist
Ms. Allison Weis- Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Alexa Axline- Grade 2 Teacher
Ms. Megan Grubb- Grade 2 Teacher
Mrs. Julie Macro- Grade 4 Teacher
Mrs. Tara Pistar- Grade 5 Teacher
Hello! My name is Tara Pistar. I am so excited to begin my 14th year of teaching at RCES. I began my career in Washington County where I taught both third and fourth grade. In 2018, I became apart of the MCPS family where I just completed my fourth year teaching fourth grade at Gaithersburg Elementary School. My husband, Nezih and I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, scrapbooking, exercising and spoiling our golden doodle, Bella. I'm looking forward to building relationships with my students and becoming apart of the RCES community!
Ms. Michelle Smith- Instrumental Music Teacher
Ms. Sara Michner- Lunch/Recess Aid
My daughter is starting at Rachal Carson this year, and I am so excited to join the community as a parent and as an educator. In my spare time, you can find me reading a book, playing basketball, and running around with my daughter. I look forward to getting to know all of you this school year.
Mrs. Ney Villatoro- Lunch/Recess Aid
Hi, this will be my first year at RCES as a Lunch Hour Aid. I have to two daughters 12 and 5. I am married and live in Gaithersburg. I enjoy cooking, reading books , watching tv, and decorating. This year at RCES I am looking forward to meeting new people, living new experiences , improving student learning, inspiring students to become successful and to set SMART goals.
Mrs. Carmen Vanessa Rivas Aguilar- Building Service
Personal Mobile Device Policy
Elementary school students are allowed use before or after the student day. PMDs are prohibited for instructional use, during lunch periods, and between classes/transitional time. The exception to this is students with an IEP or 504 Plan, special needs, learning differences, or disabilities may use the PMD to support or provide an accommodation service for the student’s special need. Principals may authorize the use of the PMD to provide an accommodation to students without an IEP. For the full regulation, click here.
Rachel Carson students are asked to turn cell phones off after arrival and keep them in their backpack until the end of the school day.
School Cash Online
Montgomery County Public Schools has transitioned to a new online payment system called SchoolCash Online as its preferred method of payment for all school-related fees.
SchoolCash Online helps parents/guardians and community members pay school-related fees safely, quickly, and easily. SchoolCash Online will help increase efficiency and security at schools by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. In addition, once registered, you will be immediately informed about school activities!
Powered by KEV Group, SchoolCash Online is the industry leader in the management of school fees. The new system puts all of the school-related fees online for purchase so users can make purchases online using a credit card or e-check. A processing fee will be included on all items available for purchase, regardless of the type of payment used on SchoolCash Online or at the school.
Parents/guardians can register now at - https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/
News from the Cafeteria
Purchasing School Meals
Upcoming Dates
August
23- Kindergarten Playdate at RCES Playground (4:30-5:30 pm)
26- Sneak Peek with Carmen's Ice (Cash only)
- 1:00-2:00- Grades 3-5
- 2:00-3:00- Kindergarten-Grade 2
29- First Day of School
- Cheers & Tears Breakfast for kinder parents and new to RCES parents (8:45-9:30 am)
September
5 - No School for Staff and Students
6- PTA Meeting (6:00-7:00 pm)
13 - Back to School Night
- 6:00-7:00- Kindergarten-Grade 2
- 7:00-8:00- Grades 3-5
14 - Early Release Day
22 - PTA Back to School Picnic
26 - No School for Staff and Students
30 - Early Release Day
Principal Reeves
Email: Mindy_D_Reeves@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rachelcarsones/
Location: 100 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-1840
Twitter: @RCESPrincipal