Welcome Back "Remote" Rodgers Forge
We are excited for the 2020-2021
New Changes at "The Forge"
Welcome back to “Remote” Rodgers Forge! Although not the start to the school year we envisioned, we are working hard behind the scenes with our amazing staff to prepare for a virtual learning experience that will provide a balance of on and off-line learning. We are committed to providing a rigorous instructional program that will partner with addressing the social and emotional needs of our students during such challenging times. Our Peacemaker House Program will continue this year! During the first half of the year we have set aside one Wednesday a month for Virtual Peacemaker House Parties!
There are a few new additions to the staff for the upcoming school year. Based on the projected enrollment for the upcoming school year, we will have four homeroom sections in 1st and 4th grade. Ms. Tamburo will join the team of amazing 1st grade teachers, transferring from Oakleigh Elementary where she taught 1st and 5th grade over the past nine years. Ms. Traynor has moved to the 4th grade team and will be teaching math along with Ms. Erdman. New to RFES, Ms. Lee transferred from Wellwood International where she taught 3rd grade over the past four years, with previous teaching experiences in New Hampshire and Kentucky. She will join Ms. Piunti teaching reading and writing. We are excited to welcome Ms. Donelan to the 2nd grade team. She joins us from just across York Rd. at Stoneleigh Elementary where she has taught 2nd and 3rd grade over her tenure. Finally, we are sad to say good-bye to Ms. Schmidt. She recently resigned from Baltimore County and has taken a position at Gilman where she will be the Director of the Middle School Innovation Lab. We wish her much luck on her new adventure and thank her for her dedication to RFES over the years. Joining the 3rd grade team is Ms. Krafft. As a recent graduate from Towson University Ms. Krafft is extremely excited to begin her teaching career at RFES after multiple internships in both Baltimore County and Baltimore City. All of our new teachers have been involved in professional development over the summer, along with our current staff, preparing for the upcoming year of remote learning.
Remote Learning Bell Schedule
First Day for Grades 1-5 is Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Our school hours have been adjusted to 8:45-3:45 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. During the seven-hour day students will have time for instruction in all content areas (both whole and small group), special areas, lunch, and movement breaks that will be a balance of both on and off-line. The Wednesday schedule will shift to 8:45-12:00 for individualized support, small group support and social emotional learning. Then From 1:30-3:45 on Wednesday’s students will have time for independent work. Specific Grade Level Schedules are posted on the RFES Website.
Please note: In order to maximize instructional time during virtual instruction, any calendar week with fewer than five (5) school days will follow the schedule for instruction as outlined on a typical Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
For more information regarding remote learning, please view the BCPS Reopening Plan located on the Baltimore County website. https://www.bcps.org/reopen/pdf/Reopening-Plan.pdf
Kindergarten Gradual Entrance
Beginning September 8th, kindergarten students will virtually meet daily with their teacher for 30 minutes so they can begin to get to know each other. We understand how nervous and anxious children and parents can be when school starts, especially this year with remote learning. Each day through September 14th, kindergarten teachers will conduct individual sessions for up to 30 minutes to discuss daily schedules, assess students in reading and math, assist with creating a BCPSOne account necessary to access on-line resources and allow for caregivers to share information about their child.
On September 15th students will have an opportunity to attend a half day of remote learning in the morning or afternoon, followed by a whole class meeting on the 16th before starting a full session of live on-line instruction on September 17th. The details and specific times for kindergarten gradual entrance will be shared by kindergarten teachers prior to September 8th so parents can plan appropriately for children to participate while at home.
Virtual "New" Parent Meet and Greet
Thursday, September 3, 2020
6:00
The evening of Thursday, September 3rd has been set aside to share information about RFES with families NEW to our school. In collaboration with the PTA, the administrators and school counselor will conduct a virtual meeting at 6:00 p.m. to share information and answer questions. If you plan to attend please email the Assistant Principal, Mrs. Rowland, at mrowland@bcps.org by Wednesday, September 2nd. She will email the meeting link 10 minutes prior to the virtual session.
Virtual "Sneak a Peek at Your Seat"
Friday, September 4, 2020
2:30-3:30
This year’s “Sneak-a-Peek” event will take place virtually on Friday, September 4th from 2:30-3:30. This virtual session will be a time for parents and students to log in and to talk to their teacher(s) prior to the first day of school. Meeting codes for teachers, grade levels, special areas, and resource teachers will be sent out prior to this virtual event.
Virtual "Back to School Night"
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
6:30 pm
A formalized opportunity to discuss the schedule, curriculum, grading policy, and attendance expectations will take place on September 8th at “Back-to-School Night”. This on-line session will begin at 6:30 p.m. with messages from the administration and PTA before teachers at every grade level present information. There will be two rotations during the evening to offer parents with multiple children at RFES a chance to meet all teachers. The second session will begin at 7:15 p.m. Meeting codes for teachers, grade levels, special areas, and resource teachers will be sent out prior to this virtual event.
Follow Us
We look forward to working together during these challenging times to provide a positive and productive REMOTE learning experience for all students at Rodgers Forge Elementary School. If you have any questions prior to opening day, please call the school office at 410-887-3582.
As we count down to the opening day you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter @missyfanshaw or @RodgersForgeES to be updated on the latest events at school.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer vacation!