240.740.1420 March, 2023
Greencastle Gazette |
This month’s issue contains information about:
National Bus Safety Poster Contest
Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA)
Full STEAM Ahead at the Castle
Student Transfer Application/Change of School Assignment
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Date | School Events |
March 3 | Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal beings @ 12:55 pm) |
March 7 | PTA Meeting |
March 15 | Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal beings @ 12:55 pm) |
March 29 | STEAM Night @ 6:30-8:00 pm |
March 30 | End of MP3 |
March 31 | No School for Students (Professional Day for Teachers) |
Our Lost and Found rack is bursting at the seams with jackets, coats, pullovers, lunch bags, water bottles, and more. Please continue to have your child check it for items that they have left at school. It is located outside of the main office.
NATIONAL BUS SAFETY WEEK POSTER CONTEST
All prek12 students are invited to participate in the 2022-2023 National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. Thousands of school districts in over 40 states participate in local and state-level competitions to select artwork that depicts school bus safety-related themes and encourages and promotes school bus safety. The winning posters are used to promote safer school transportation for everyone during National School Bus Safety Week in October 2023. See contest details here. Deadline to submit Maryland entries is March 15, 2023.
TITLE I UPDATE
We are excited to share that Greencastle will remain a Title I school for the upcoming school year! This will enable us to continue to hold our summer Extended Learning Opportunities program, as well as numerous other benefits for our school community. This funding provides for additional staffing, after-school clubs and activities, materials for supporting classroom instruction, and items to support family learning at our evening events.
We are expecting that our summer ELO programming will run from July 6 through July 28. It will be free of charge and available for all rising kindergarten through fifth grade students. Stay tuned for information on how to register later in the spring.
EMERGENCY WEATHER PROCEDURES
As we enter cold severe weather season, here is a summary of the places where information is posted when the school system announces school cancellations, delayed openings, or early closures due to weather conditions and other emergencies:
- All radio and television news stations and print media
- MCPS cable television on Channel 34 (Comcast), 36 (Verizon), and 89 (RCN)
- MCPS website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org
- MCPS ConnectEd email and text message (SMS) to all families
- MCPS press release
- Alert MCPS (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/alertmcps.aspx) and MCPS Alerta (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es/alertamcps/)
- MCPS information line, 301-279-3673
- MCPS social media channels - Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
- MCPS Spanish social media channels - Twitter and Facebook
All announcements are made as early as possible either on the day of the weather emergency or the night before. Weekend decisions are made by the county’s Interagency Coordinating Board for the use of public facilities.
Here is a summary of the protocol for closed schools, delayed openings, and early closures:
Closed schools: When schools are closed, all school and community activities are canceled, including athletic practices and events. Private day care providers in schools may elect to stay open if administrative offices are open. In extreme conditions, the administrative offices may be closed.
Delayed opening: Schools will open two hours late, and all operations, including bus transportation, are delayed by two hours from the regular schedule. Morning Pre-K and PEP classes are canceled. Field trips, as well as other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 or earlier are also canceled.
Early closing: Schools will close 2.5 hours early, and all operations affecting dismissal of students, including bus transportation, will begin 2.5 hours earlier than the regular school closing time. Afternoon Pre-K and PEP classes and other early childhood programs are canceled. School and community activities for the afternoon and evening are also canceled.
Helpful Links:
- How Weather Decisions Are Made:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/weather.aspx
- How to Receive Emergency Information:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/
MARYLAND INTEGRATED SCIENCE ASSESSMENT (MISA)
5th Grade State Testing - MISA: The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is coming up in March for our 5th grade students. Students will be assessed on their science knowledge with this state mandated assessment. 5th grade students will take the MISA within the window of March 13th to March 23rd. As always with state testing, make sure your 5th grade student gets a good night of sleep, eats a full healthy breakfast, and is ready for the test when they start school on those days. Thank you for supporting your student as they take this science exam. The current schedule can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bS-sckytOaprLKAq8FsDBNcJpRTF25IjEW0k53ZVP84/edit?usp=sharing
PTA UPDATES
Our next PTA meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6:30 pm. The PTA supports a variety of school events and would like more families to join. If you have not already done so, please join the PTA.
A link to all of our important information https://linktr.ee/GreencastlePTA.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Hello everyone. My name is Barbara A. Merrick. I am from North Carolina where I worked in the school system for 16 years. This is my second year living and working in Maryland. Currently, I am a Special Education Paraeducator at Greencastle Elementary School.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Sociology and a Masters degree in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis on Family Dynamics which helps me understand different aspects of our children’s lives. I also work with Montgomery County Recreation. As you can see, I love working with children in and out of school because learning can take place anywhere.
My hobbies are watching mystery shows and watching sports. I am a UNC Tarheels and a Washington Commanders fan. My most relaxing and favorite things to do are listening to all types of music from jazz to country and reading different genres of books from autobiographies to African American history. I enjoy watching movies about American history as well. One of my favorite things to do is research my family’s history to see where we originated from.
I am looking forward to continuing my path as a lifelong learner. My next goal/achievement is obtaining my Doctorate degree. My motto is, “You are never too old to learn.”
Conflict is when you disagree or have opposing views with another person. As adults, it is sometimes hard to deal with conflict or resolve problems when you are angry or mad. So imagine how hard it can be for kids to resolve conflict at home or at school.
At school, we teach students to try to be restorative by asking:
- What happened?
- How do you feel?
- How do your actions impact or harm others?
- How do we fix it or repair harm?
Here are some steps to help your child (ren) resolve conflict:
- Calm Down: Give your child a chance to calm down before asking them to speak or tell what happened
- State and Understand the Problem: Ask what happened or what is the problem. Stress the importance of being honest and encourage him/her to use “I” statements
- Apologize Well: Don’t force your child to apologize. This should happen only when they are ready. It should include what happened and how the conflict will be fixed
- Promote Solution Finding: Empower your child to find solutions to the problems or conflicts with others
- Follow Up: Check in with your child to see how things are going and if the solution is working
EXTRA, EXTRA!
If you would like to learn more about the Leader in Program and how to integrate the 7 Habits at home, there will be a virtual workshop on March 20, 2023 at 6:00 - 7:00 pm. This is a two part series and will be in English and Spanish. Please register here to receive a link.
Until next month… if you have questions or need “A Little Peace and Calm,” email me:
Sharon Hammonds-Richardson
Student Support Teacher
240-740-1420 (ext. 1017)
sharon_j_hammonds-richardson@mcpsmd.org
For the month of March, counseling lessons will focus on self-awareness. Topics will include identifying emotions, recognizing strengths, and building self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Our character trait being highlighted is being open-minded.
Please check out our Counseling Website for resources, helpful information, and counseling request forms.
In addition to class lessons and individual counseling, we also provide lunch bunches and small group counseling.
Please feel free to reach out to us at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns. We are here to help!
Mrs. Kline and Mrs. Brock
BOOK NOOK
Thanks to everyone who logged in for our February Reading @ Home workshop on vocabulary words! Keep playing those synonym games and join us in March for our next zoom gathering. If you missed any of our previous sessions, please see our Reading @ Home Website for past presentations.
Christopher Sperl, Reading Specialist (Grades PreK-2)
Cristina Rodriguez, Literacy and ELD Coach (Grades 3-5)
MINDFUL MATHEMATICS
Thank you to so many of you for sending your students to school on February 9th ready and dressed to celebrate the 100th day of school! We were so happy that so many students and staff members were active participants in our celebration!
We hope to see you at our next Monthly Math Meet Up! We loved having so many of you at our October, November, December, and February Math Meet ups, and would love for you to mark your calendars for our March meet up (details below) where we will be discussing the upcoming math for the months of March and April. We also always make time for parent questions and would love to be able to answer any math-related questions for you during our time together. We can’t wait to see you there!
March Parent/Caregiver Math Meet Up
Thursday, March 2 @ 6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting ID: 461 336 8740
Password: knights
Thank you so much for your continued support of your students' mathematical minds, and please reach out if you have any questions or would like support with your students. Remember our Greencastle Math Matters Website is always available as a support to you and your students!
Rachel Dance, Math Content Coach Grades PreK - 2
Tiy Vandervall, Math Interventionist & Coach Grades 3 - 5
FULL STEAM AHEAD AT THE CASTLE
It’s been a full month of Science learning here at The Castle. Kindergarteners are investigating push pull. 1st and 2nd graders worked in the STEAM lab to learn about Magnets. 3rd grade is learning about electricity through their partnership with the KIDMuseum and going on some amazing field trips. 4th grade is experimenting with force, motion and energy and 5th grade is investigating the night sky.
SAVE THE DATE - Greencastle will host our STEAM Night on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. The theme this year is transportation. Come out for food, crafts, games, building and fun! Also, we will showcase our amazing 3rd and 4th graders with their KidMuseum Creations. Can’t wait to see you all there.
It’s full STEAM ahead of learning here at The Castle.
Lyndsay Fetrow, STEAM Coach
Science Measurement Topics Being Graded in Marking Period 3
PRIMARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Starting the Spring semester, first graders will embark upon an exciting unit entitled Design Dilemma. This unit is an excellent opportunity for your child to be a problem solver! The module is part of the Primary Talent Development Early Learning Program curriculum which teaches higher level thinking. While your child is working on the tasks in this unit, we will be looking for creative and resourceful behaviors. Creativity is the ability to use imaginative and original thinking to solve a problem. Resourcefulness is the ability to use what is available in a positive and effective way.
You can encourage these behaviors at home by offering opportunities for your child to think of new and novel ways to solve problems. For example, ask “What if” questions like, “What if all the clocks in the house turn off? How could we tell what time it is?” or “What if we lose a piece to a board game? What could we use?” You can also provide your child with toys that encourage imaginative play, like puppets, and toys that require children to construct objects by combining parts, like blocks.
IMMERSION PROGRAMS
MCPS offers immersion programs in three target languages at seven schools. Partial instruction in Chinese, and full instruction in both French and Spanish. Students may begin in Kindergarten and can continue through Grade 8. Some immersion programs are based on geographic location and/or give preference to local school students.
A video presentation is available for families to learn more about the elementary immersion programs - hear from each school’s lead teacher, and understand the admission process. YouTube.
The application process for the 2023-2024 school year is from February 1, 2023 to April 21, 2023. To submit an application please click on the Apply Now link below. An MCPS ID number is required to submit the immersion interest form. Please contact the home elementary school to submit the documents required for enrollment to obtain the ID number.
The Capital Area Food Bank is back at Paint Branch HS. This is a free event, and all families are welcome to attend. Fresh produce and food items will be provided to families at no cost until supplies run out. Please be sure to join us and remember to bring bags/carts to pick up food. More information regarding the time will be sent out during our weekly messages.
Market Dates
· Tuesday, March 14, 2023
· Tuesday, April 11, 2023
· Tuesday, May 9, 2023
· Tuesday, June 13, 2023
The LCMC is offering English as a Second Language classes free to MCPS parents and guardians. There will be virtual and in-person options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any parent for whom English is not their first language. Interest form for ESL classes
MCPS Parent Academy TO GO Video Series
The MCPS Parent Academy TO GO series provides families with information central to their children's academic and emotional well-being. Led by community professionals and MCPS specialists, we offer a variety of workshops and chats focused on topics important to families of MCPS students. Our goal is to empower families with the skills and strategies necessary to become active participants in their children’s education.Parent Academy TO GO Virtual Workshops
Advanced registration is required in order to participate in our workshops and chats. Participants will receive an email with the link to join prior to the event. Please join us for as many workshops as you are able to attend. We look forward to seeing you!
If you were unable to join one of our Parent Academy TO GO workshops or chats, visit the MCPS YouTube channel for recorded sessions. Please note that it may take up to a week before new recordings are posted.
STUDENT TRANSFER APPLICATION/CHANGE OF SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT
Student Transfer Application Season Schedule from the first school day in February through the first day in April 2023
Montgomery County parents/guardians who wish to request a Change of School Assignment (COSA) for their children from their home school may begin the process during the upcoming transfer season – the first school day in February through the first school day in April 2023.
Students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or assigned in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Student Change of School Assignment Media Release
MCPS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
MCPS connects with families and staff in a variety of ways. You are encouraged to share information from our newsletters and social media channels.
QuickNotes: A newsletter emailed to all families every other week. Find the latest edition here.
QuickNotes is also available in other languages to share with multilingual families:
Español (Spanish) 中文 (Chinese) Français (French) 한국어 (Korean)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) አማርኛ (Amharic) português (Portuguese)
Ask MCPS / Spanish Hotline
General information about MCPS Call: 240-740-3000 | Spanish Hotline: 240-740-2845
E-mail: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
Social Media - Connect With Us
MCPS: MCPS en Español: MCPS-TV:
https://twitter.com/mcps https://twitter.com/mcpsespanol https://twitter.com/MCPSTV
https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol https://www.youtube.com/user/MCPSTV
https://www.instagram.com/mcps_md/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MCPSTVespanol
Greencastle Elementary School is a global community of lifelong learners that works together to provide a nurturing environment where everyone is respected and empowered to become their best selves. |