February 2016 - Damascus Elementary School PTA
Transcripción
February 2016 - Damascus Elementary School PTA
S W E N N O DRAG A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA February 2016 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE DAMASCUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDRESS: 10201 Bethesda Church Road Damascus, MD 20872 PHONE: 301-253-7080 FAX: 301-253-8717 SCHOOL WEBSITE: http:// montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ schools/damascuses/ PRINCIPAL: Bill Collins EMAIL: William_J_Collins @mcpsmd.org TWITTER: @collinswj PTA WEBSITE: www.damascuspta.com PTA EMAIL: [email protected] The winter weather has had a great impact on our school and community this winter. There have been many days of missed instruction and many meetings and events that have had to be rescheduled or canceled due to these weather events. I would like to thank everyone for your support and flexibility during this time as we continue to forge ahead with our school program. Watch Video Recording of PARCC Webinar MCPS presented a webinar on the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assessments for parents on February 10. Staff provided important information on the upcoming changes for the 2016 tests and provided tips to help parents better understand the score reports from the Spring 2015 administration of the PARCC tests. If you were unable to watch it live, you can view the video recording of the webinar on the MCPS website at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd. org/curriculum/parcc/ The presentation document is available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Amharic. If you have additional questions about the PARCC assess- ments, visit the MCPS PARCC webpage, which features a variety of helpful tools, FAQs, videos, and much more. Summer Opportunities Fair Set for March 2 Parents can explore a wide range of summer opportunities for school-age children at a fair on Wednesday, March 2. Local and regional providers will be available to talk about summer camps, programs, and activities. During the fair, parents can meet program staff, pick up applications, and get information on financial assistance. The fair will be held from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Dr. in Rockville. Register online at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ departments/parentacademy/ parentacademyregister.aspx Stay Informed About the MCPS FY 2017 Operating Budget The Montgomery County Board of Education has recommended a $2.5 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. The budget request includes a $180.2 million increase from FY 2016, which will allow the district to make targeted investments continued on page 2 > A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 2 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE (continued from page 1) to close the achievement gap; improve students’ literacy and math skills; reduce class sizes; foster stronger partnerships with the community and families to support students; and accelerate efforts to improve and diversify the workforce. The Board’s budget request will be submitted to the Montgomery County Executive and the County Council. The County Executive is expected to release his FY 2017 operating budget recommendation by March 15. The Montgomery County Council will hold public hearings on the county budget in April before passing a final budget in May. Stay informed and engaged on the Board’s budget request on the MCPS Operating Budget website at: www.montgomeryschoolsmd. org/departments/budget/ Be sure to share your ideas and views on the importance of funding the MCPS operating budget with our elected Montgomery County officials—the Montgomery County Board of Education, the County Executive, and the Montgomery County Council—through emails, letters, short videos, and testimonials. Five Education Budget Meetings, presented by Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice, MCPS Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers, and Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard, are scheduled for February and March. Find out how budget decisions are made, what the county is doing today to get ready for FY 2017 and beyond, and the opportunities residents have to influence budget decisions. The meetings will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations: February 17, Montgomery College (Germantown), BE Building, Room 151, 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown February 24, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington March 9, Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd., Gaithersburg March 16, Col. Zadok Magruder High School, 5939 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville March 23, Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Pkwy., Rockville Board of Education Conditionally Appoints Dr. Jack R. Smith as Superintendent The Montgomery County Board of Education has identified a finalist for the position of superintendent of schools—Dr. Jack R. Smith, who is currently the interim state superintendent of Maryland schools and former superintendent of schools in Calvert County. Dr. Smith has more than 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator. Community engagement was a crucial part of the search for the superintendent of schools. Dr. Smith met with a community panel of Montgomery County stakeholders to provide feedback to Board members and help them arrive at a decision on the appropriate candidate. In the coming weeks, a contingent of the Board will be in touch with stakeholders and Dr. Smith’s colleagues. Based on the outcome of this feedback, contract negotiations, and obtaining state approval, the Board plans to hire Dr. Smith as the next superintendent of MCPS effective July 1, 2016. A series of public meetings will be scheduled in the near future for parents and the community to meet Dr. Smith. MCPS News in 90 MCPS News in 90 and Noticias en 90 (in Spanish) are 90-second updates on what is happening throughout the district. The shows are cablecast on MCPS TV and may be viewed online at: English: news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ Español: news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ es/noticias/ ~ Bill Collins Principal A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 3 NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL Grabación video del reloj del Webinar PARCC MCPS presentó un seminario en línea sobre las evaluaciones PARCC (Asociación para la Evaluación de la Preparación Universitaria y de Carreras) para los padres, el 10 de febrero. El personal ofreció información significativa sobre los próximos cambios para las pruebas del 2016 y consejos para ayudar a los padres a entender mejor los informes de calificaciones de las evaluaciones PARCC administradas en la primavera del 2015. Si usted no pudo verlo en vivo, puede ver la grabación en vídeo del seminario en el sitio de internet de MCPS, http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/parcc/. La presentación está Disponible en Inglés, español, francés, chino, vietnamita, coreano y amárico. Si tiene preguntas adicionales, sobre las evaluaciones PARCC, asegúrese de visitar la página de internet de PARCC de MCPS, la cual cuenta con una variedad de herramientas útiles, preguntas frecuentes, videos, y mucho más. Manténgase Informado Acerca del Presupuesto Operativo de MCPS Para el Año Fiscal 2017 El Consejo de Educación del Condado de Montgomery ha recomendado, un presupuesto operativo de $2.5 mil millones para el año fiscal (FY) 2017. La solicitud de presupuesto incluye un aumento de $180.2 millones con respecto al del año fiscal 2016, esto le permitirá al distrito hacer inversiones específicas para cerrar la brecha de rendimiento; mejorar las habilidades de lectura, escritura y matemáticas de los estudiantes; reducir el tamaño de las clases; fomentar las asociaciones más fuertes con la comunidad y las familias para apoyar a los estudiantes; y acelerar los esfuerzos para mejorar y diversificar la fuerza de trabajo. La solicitud presupuestaria del Consejo será sometida ante el Ejecutivo y el Concejo del Condado de Montgomery. Se espera que el Ejecutivo del Condado publique su recomendación de presupuesto operativo para el año fiscal 2017 para el 15 de marzo. El Concejo del Condado de Montgomery llevará a cabo audiencias públicas sobre el presupuesto del condado en abril, antes de aprobar un presupuesto final en mayo. Manténgase informado y comprometido en la solicitud de presupuesto del Consejo en el sitio de internet del presupuesto operativo de MCPS. Asegúrese de compartir sus ideas y puntos de vista sobre la importancia de financiar el presupuesto operativo de MCPS con nuestros funcionarios electos del Condado de Montgomery, el Consejo de Educación, el Ejecutivo del Condado, y el Concejo del Condado de Montgomery a través de correos electrónicos, cartas, videos cortos, y testimonios. Cinco reuniones del Presupuesto de Educación, presentadas por el concejal del condado de Montgomery, Craig Rice, el Superintendente Interino de MCPS, Larry Bowers, y el Presidente de Montgomery College, DeRionne Pollard, están programadas para febrero y marzo. Descubre cómo se toman las decisiones presupuestarias, lo que el condado está haciendo para estar listo para el año fiscal 2017 y más allá, y las oportunidades que los residentes tienen de influir en las decisiones presupuestarias. Las reuniones se llevarán a cabo de 6:30 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. en las siguientes ubicaciones: 17 de febrero, Montgomery College (Germantown Campus), BE Building, Room 151, 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown 24 de febrero, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington 9 de marzo, Gaithersburg High School, 101 Educación Blvd., Gaithersburg 16 de marzo, Col. Zadok Magruder High School, 5939 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville 23 de marzo, Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Pkwy., Rockville A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 4 NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL Feria de Oportunidades de Verano Programada Para el 2 de Marzo Los padres pueden explorar una amplia gama de oportunidades de verano para niños en edad escolar durante la feria del miércoles, 2 de marzo. Los proveedores locales y regionales estarán disponibles para hablar de los campamentos de verano, programas y actividades. Durante la feria, los padres pueden conocer al personal del programa, obtener las solicitudes, e información sobre ayuda financiera. La feria se realizará de 7:00 p.m. a 8:30 p.m. en el Centro de Servicios Estudiantiles Carver, 850 Hungerford Dr. en Rockville. Visite http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/parentacademyregister.aspx para inscribirse para la feria. El Consejo de Educación Nombra Condicionalmente al Dr. Jack R. Smith Como Superintendente El Consejo de Educación del Condado de Montgomery ha identificado a un finalista para la posición de superintendente de escuelas - Dr. Jack R. Smith, quien es actualmente el superintendente interino de escuelas de Maryland y antiguo superintendente de escuelas en el Condado de Calvert. El Dr. Smith tiene más de 30 años de experiencia como educador y administrador. La participación de la comunidad fue parte decisiva de la búsqueda del superintendente de escuelas. El Dr. Smith se reunió con un grupo de la comunidad del Condado de Montgomery quienes proporcionaron información a los miembros del Consejo para ayudarlos a llegar a una decisión sobre el candidato adecuado. En las próximas semanas, un contingente del Consejo se pondrá en contacto con las partes interesadas y colegas del Dr. Smith. Basado en el resultado de esta información, las negociaciones del contrato, y la obtención de la aprobación del estado, el Consejo tiene previsto contratar al Dr. Smith como próximo superintendente de MCPS, efectivo el 1ro de julio del 2016. Una serie de reuniones públicas serán programadas en un futuro próximo para para que los padres y la comunidad conozcan al Dr. Smith. Noticias en 90 El programa semanal comparte noticias, información, subraya los próximos eventos, y proporciona recursos importantes para la comunidad de MCPS. http://news.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es/noticias/ Page 5 DRAGON NEWS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Who doesn’t love a snow day? If you survived all the shoveling, the Blizzard of 2016 gave many of us a forced “staycation”. After all hustle and bustle of the holidays, it was actually nice to have time to sleigh ride, drink hot chocolate, and build puzzles as a family. As a parent of two high school students in addition to my first grader, I know how fleeting these moments can be. While we were hunkered down, your PTA was busy gearing up for a fun-packed February. The day we came back from the storm, we kicked off our Feelin’ Groovy Book Fair. Kristin Peake and all her helpers outdid themselves yet again. We packed the house for our family night. Mollada Sweet organized games and groovy crafts. We enjoyed yummy cupcakes, sold by the fifth grade, while Mr. Collins read us a story about Groundhog Day. It was such a successful book fair, Mrs. Rose was able to get lots of new books for the Media Center and we made more than $1,300 for the PTA! That same week, Melody Brown, Alexis Peterson, Kelly Jonas, and their crew of helpers warmed the hearts and bellies of our DES staff with an unofficial Chili Cook-off (after being rescheduled twice due to snow). It was a delicious way to show our DES staff just how much we appreciate all they do for our children. February 8–12, Itzel Bazan and Kimberly Llanos provided gift cards, goodie bags, cookies, brownies, and breakfast for our amazing bus drivers during Bus Driver Appreciation Week. We are so blessed to have bus drivers that take such wonderful care of their precious cargo. If you are sad the Bingo Night was canceled due to the snow, have no fear. Bingo Night is rescheduled for Friday, March 4. Feeling lucky? Bring your family for a fun filled evening out. Don’t worry about cooking dinner; the fifth grade will be selling pizza and snacks. You may even recognize some of our number callers. Our big event next month is our third annual Sock Hop and Silent Auction on March 18. This year we will have an 80’s theme. If you would like to be involved in the dance planning, please contact Tara Owens at [email protected]. Look for more information to come home soon. My sincere thanks to all the volunteers without whom all these wonderful activities and programs would not be possible. ~Melissa North DES PTA President Damascus Elementary School PTA Board President Melissa North VP Finance Kristin Peake VP Communications Laurie Murtaugh Treasurer Lisa Willis Recording Secretary Chrystie Kurz Corresponding Secretary Tara Owens PTA Website www.damascuspta.com Although the snow threatened to postpone our Science Fair, organizers, Christie Hayes, Faizah PTA Email [email protected] Kahn, and Sarah Grimshaw, made sure on February 10 it went off without a hitch. This event is becoming more popular and well attended every year. This year over one third of our “Volunteers do not necessarily students participated! I love to see the pride in our little scientists’ eyes as they tell the judges and spechave the time; they just have the heart.” tators about their projects. We rounded out last ~Elizabeth Andrew week in a sea of pink and red with our Valentine’s Day classroom parties. Page 6 DRAGON NEWS SCIENCE FAIR REPORT The 2016 Science Fair is now a fond memory, and some people deserve an extra special thanks! Sarah Grimshaw and Faizah Khan were terrific as my co-chairs. I didn’t get the names of our judges, but they came from Baker and DHS to help make this the wonderful event that it was. Our table set-up crew was Melissa North, Christine Derby, Sabrina, and students from Baker and DHS. I also want to thank Robert, who helped watch the door while I helped parents set up projects. But the biggest thank you goes to all of our student scientists, for sharing their terrific projects with us, and to the parents of our student scientists, for being so wonderfully supportive. I’m already looking forward to next year’s science fair, and I hope more of you can join us! And now for this year’s statistics! Grade K 1 2 3 4 5 Total 2016 19 10 28 18 29 27 131 2015 8 16 8 22 22 25 101 We had a total of 131 participants across all grades; in 2015, we had 101 participants across all grades. And, as always, teamwork is alive and well at DES. Good job to all of our student scientists, we hope to see you again next year! ~ Christie Hayes, Science Fair Chair A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 7 UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES FEBRUARY MARCH 19: Parents Helping Teachers Group, 9:30-11:30 am 1: After-school Group Piano 22: Student Interim Reports Sent Home 1: PTA Meeting, 7 p.m. 23: After-school Group Piano 4: Parents Helping Teachers Group, 9:30-11:30 am 23: Cluster Choral Concert 4: Bingo Night, 6:30pm 25: Cluster Band Concert 8: After-school Group Piano 26: EARLY RELEASE—Teacher Professional Day 15: Canned Food Drive Begins 15: PTA Spirit Night at Maggie’s Deli 18: Parent Helping Teachers Group, 9:30-11:30 am 18: PTA Sock Hop and Silent Auction 23: Third Marking Period Ends 24: NO SCHOOL—Teacher Professional Day 25—April 1: NO SCHOOL—Spring Break APRIL 1: NO SCHOOL—Last Day of Spring Break 15: Parents Helping Teachers Group, 9:30-11:30 am 26: NO SCHOOL—Primary Election 27: Administrative Professionals Day 29: Parents Helping Teachers Group, 9:30-11:30 am STAY CONNECTED Are you receiving emails from the PTA? If not, email Laurie Murtaugh at [email protected] to be added to the list to stay up-to-date about upcoming events and activities. Did you know your Damascus Elementary School PTA has a Facebook page? "Like" us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on PTA news and activities. https://www.facebook.com/damascusPTA A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION UNDERWAY The Montgomery County Camp Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs is now available and registration began Jan. 19. Register early as many programs fill up quickly. The guide features dozens of specialty camps, summer fun centers, and multi-interest and therapeutic camps, all with programs and activities that include aquatics, arts and crafts, sports, and dance. Page 8 The guide features hundreds of programs and activities including aquatics, arts and crafts, sports, and dance. Visit the Department of Recreation website to view the guides online at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/ Print copies are also available at county recreation centers, park facilities, government buildings, and libraries. The Spring issue of the Montgomery County Guide for Recreation and Parks Programs is now available and registration began Feb. 16. PARENTS HELPING TEACHERS WORKGROUP Thanks to Roberta Sherwood, Theresa Tenzier, Nancy Bailey, Jody Chapin, Veronique Cuthbert and Christine Derby for helping out at the Parents Helping Teachers Workgroup on Friday, February 5. We were able to complete many work requests for the teachers, and we thank so many parents and caregivers that share their time to help out the teachers and staff. Upcoming workgroups are scheduled for the following Fridays from 9:30-11:30 am: February 19 March 4 We meet at the front office and will train you on anything you need to know. If your schedule permits, please come and join us! ~ Gerry McBrinn-Choulas Co-chair BINGO NIGHT Rescheduled (again!) for Friday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the DES Cafeteria Chase away those winter blues with a fun evening of bingo at Damascus Elementary School. There is no charge to participate in bingo night – all supplies and prizes are provided by the PTA. Pizza slices, soda, water, chips, cookies and candy will be sold by the fifth grade to help raise money for their end-of-year celebration. A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 9 VOLUNTEER NEWS Thank you so much to all of our volunteers! In January, we had 40 volunteers give 279 hours of time. That’s awesome considering our crazy snow storm! I also wanted to take this opportunity to recognize some of the people who have given time and resources during the month of January. Because of the weather, many of the January events were rescheduled, but so much time still went into the planning of those events. So, a huge thank you goes out to Laurie and Beth and the Bingo Night team, Kelly and Melody and the Chili Cookoff contributors, Kristin and Mollada and the Book Fair and Family Night planners and decorators, and Christi, Sarah, Faziah, and the Science Fair Committee. All your work in January made these February events amazing! Additionally, thank you to all who have been able to help with the Parents Helping Teachers workgroup. We have accomplished an amazing amount preparing classroom materials for our teachers! Again, thank you to those who volunteered to help during breakfast and lunch during the school day. Thank you to Roberta and Christine who helped during the month of January. ~Christine Derby, Chair [email protected] VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Breakfast and Lunch Helpers We still need helpers each school day, one for breakfast and one for lunch. Sign up online at: bit.ly/DESmealhelpers Parents Helping Teachers This workgroup helps teachers prepare classroom materials by copying, cutting, and laminating. We meet Fridays from 9:30-11:30 am, and we always welcome new helpers. The next meetings are Feb. 19 and March 4. No preregistration is necessary; just show up at the main office. Bingo Night—March 4 We will need help with set-up and clean-up, as well as SSL students to help as bingo checkers. If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Christine at [email protected]. Thank you so much for all that you do to make our school an amazing place! Our 2016 book fair was a huge success! We raised $1,400 for the school AND $600 for library books. I would like to thank everyone who volunteered: Jody Chapin, Jaime Kemp, Laurie Murtaugh, Chloe Murtaugh , Christine Derby, Melissa North, Hope North, Gage North, Stephanie Desmond, Faizah Khan, Gerry Choulas, Roberta Sherwood, Brooke Wigutow, Suze Thompson, Kelly Jonas, Emma Walker, Marianne Mullinix, Mollada Sweet and Adam Peake. So many volunteered, I apologize if I didn't include someone in the list. ~Kristin Peake Book Fair Chair A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 10 RUNNING PROGRAM COMING THIS SPRING! The Damascus PTA is sponsoring "The Dashing Dragons," a kids running program. The program will be co-ed, open to all grades, and take place before school. home as dates are set. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chrystie Kurz at [email protected] or 443-375-8627. The start date will depend on weather, but hopefully we can begin the first week after spring break. Students will learn about healthy choices for the mind and body. Each session will include a small lesson, stretching, and running. We will be building up to complete a one mile run for grades K-2 and a 5K for grades 3-5. Please consider having your child participate in this great program! More information will be sent STAFF APPRECIATION SHOW YOUR DES PRIDE! The staff appreciation committee would like to thank the following volunteers for helping us make the third annual Chili Cook-off a success! Thank you to the following parents and grandparents who stepped up to provide our staff with a chili feast despite two rescheduled snow dates: Beth Walter, Jen Jacobson, Karen Sherwood, Christine Derby, Roberta Sherwood, Nicole Frasca, Gerry Choulas, Teri Trybus, Melody Brown, Melissa North, Laurie Murtaugh and Alexis Peterson. And congratulations to Beth Walters, winner of the GrillMax gift card! Please look for our next volunteer opportunity in April. Damascus Elementary School spirit wear, featuring our new logo, will be available in March. We will have t-shirts, sweatshirts, lanyards, and other items. Look for more information soon. THANK YOU TEACHERS AND STAFF SPIRIT NIGHT Thanks to everyone who braved the cold weather on February 9 for DES Spirit Night at Chipotle. We raised $425 for our PTA and had a night off from cooking dinner! Our next spirit night will be at Maggi's Pizza and Deli on Tuesday, March 15. A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 11 PAINLESS FUNDRAISING Many companies and stores offer money and credits for supplies and equipment to schools based on the purchases of customers. THAT’S RIGHT, you can help OUR SCHOOL support OUR KIDS just by doing your regular household shopping – at no additional cost to you! Box Tops for Education Labels for Education Coke Rewards Points Ink and Toner Cartridges Amazon Smile Giant Send your box tops and labels into your child’s classroom. At the end of each month the class in each grade that collects the most will receive a treat! Safeway Harris Teeter Find more information on the PTA website at: www.damascuspta.com/fundraising/ SOCK HOP AND SILENT AUCTION The DES Sock Hop and Silent Auction will be held on Friday, March 18. This has been a fantastic event for our students and families as well as a tremendous fundraising opportunity for the PTA. We are always looking for donated items from families and businesses to help make the Silent Auction a success. If you are interested in donating an item, please contact Beth Walter at bwalter425@comcast. Look for more information on classroom baskets to come home in student folders. Thank you for your support! Have an item for the next newsletter? Send it to [email protected] by March 10. A newsletter from Principal Collins and the DES PTA Page 12 GET CAUGHT READING! Catch your child reading and send your photo and caption to [email protected] by March 10 to be included in the next newsletter. Eva Colella reads everywhere… even in the hallway! Lucianna Frasca was also caught reading! GOLD BADGE PATROL SPOTLIGHT Each month we are highlighting a patrol who has shown great character while performing their duties. One who takes their job very seriously and makes smart decisions on their own, to maintain safety of the students. October: Amanda Tippett January: Yomi Adamo November: Aly Gibson February: Heaven Henning December: Belen Romero & Kason Willis DAMASCUS ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED “Your Outdoor Project Experts” Design & Installation Landscape Design* & Installation Water Garden Design* & Installation Outdoor Lighting Paver Patios & Walkways Retaining Walls Drainage Improvements Landscape Maintenance Yard Clean Up, Spring & Fall Pond Clean Out & Maintenance Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control Aeration & Seeding Edging & Mulching Tree & Shrub Pruning Tree Removal & Stump Grinding Mowing & Trimming & Weeding K-9 Clean Up Leaf Removal Gutter Cleaning Snow & Ice Management Handyman Services Estimates are Free! * Fee for Design Work 301-253-0475 www.damascusenterprises.com