MWES Newsletter
Fri, 03/31/2023 - 12:28pm
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Next week, we will be off from school for our spring break. School staff looks forward to a break each year as do our students. It is a time to refresh, restart, renew, and power through until the end of the school year. Without a few snow days in between to recover, we are looking forward to some sunshine and family time during the upcoming week. Please enjoy your time together and stay safe.
We also want to acknowledge next week as Assistant Principal Appreciation Week.(Apr. 3-7) Assistant principals deal with the issues of school management, student activities and services, community relations, personnel, and instruction, among many other things. They coordinate with principals to assist in defining and enforcing school policies and guidelines for students, and staff. The enormous contributions made by our wonderful Assistant Principal, Mrs. Jennifer Zinn is evident daily in the smooth functioning of Manor Woods. Mrs. Zinn's leadership, compassion and love of children is apparent at all times. As a close colleague, Mrs. Zinn mirrors the actions of a principal and is a true partner.
We appreciate you, Mrs. Zinn. Thanks for all you do!!!!
As of Wednesday, March 29, HCPSS has used one inclement weather day this school year. As such, the last day of school for students in full-day Pre-K through grade 12 is now scheduled to be Wednesday, June 14. The last day for half-day Pre-K/RECC students is currently Friday, June 9.
The two final weeks for the 2022-2023 school year are as follows:
Monday, June 5 – Regular school day
Tuesday, June 6 – Regular school day
Wednesday, June 7 – Schools dismiss three hours early (Professional Work Day)
Thursday, June 8 – Regular school day
Friday, June 9 – Regular school day (Last day for half-day Pre-K/RECC students)
Monday, June 12 – Schools dismiss three hours early (Professional Work Day)
Tuesday, June 13 – Schools dismiss three hours early (Professional Learning Day)
Wednesday, June 14 – Schools dismiss three hours early (Professional Work Day – Last scheduled day for full-day Pre-K-12 students)
The complete HCPSS academic calendar is available online. This information is subject to change, pending any additional inclement weather.
Thank you for your support.
Carol DeBord, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
April
4/3 - 4/10 - Schools Closed for Spring Break
4/18 - (3rd and 4th grades) - Mix It Up Day
4/19 - (5th grade) - Mix It Up Day
4/21 - Schools Closed for Students
RA Color Days For After Spring Break
School News
Mix It Up Day is Coming
On Tuesday, April 18 (3rd and 4th grades) and Wednesday, April 19 (5th grade), Manor Woods will be hosting Mix It Up Day. The purpose of Mix it Up Day is to encourage students to move out of their comfort zone, connect with someone new at lunch and help break down social divisions among students. For more information visit Learning for Justice or contact Ms. Heinlein and Mrs. Salapata at 410-313-7165.
MWES School Wide Reading Incentive
MWES is participating in the 2023 Bowie Baysox "Read & Hit a Home Run" Reading Program!!! To participate in the program children are to read a total of 4 books between Monday, March 13, 2023 and Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Children can read the books both in and out of school. Your child will need to tell their classroom teacher if they read a book outside of the school day, so it is included in the poster that the classroom teacher will keep.
Each child that reads 4 books will earn on Saturday, May 20th at 6:35 pm for MWES Reading Night. The 2 FREE tickets are for the child and an adult.
Additional tickets can be ordered at a reduced rate. That information has not been shared yet and the 2 FREE tickets will arrive to MWES a few days before the game and then given to the children once the tickets arrived.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks, so for now read, read, read!!! ???? If you have any questions please reach out to Natalie Miskimins (Reading Specialist) at natalie_miskimins@hcpss.org
Spring MCAP Testing Grades 3, 4, and 5
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual state assessments to all students in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and once in high school.
Manor Woods students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in both ELA and math. The MCAP provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. For more information, visit https://www.hcpss.org/academics/testing/mcap/.
The MCAP assessment window is Tuesday, April 11 - Friday, May 26. Specific testing dates are below for each grade level. Please make every effort to have your child attend school on testing days and to refrain from scheduling any appointments during these times to minimize missing instruction due to make-up testing. There is no need to study for the MCAP. To prepare, have your child get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time.
Third and Fourth Grade
ELA - April 14, 17, 18 and 19
Math - May 1, 2, 3 and 4
Fifth Grade
ELA - April 24, 25, 26, and 27
Math - May 5, 8, 9 and 11
From The Health Room
Important Health & Safety Message
All HCPSS students and staff must stay home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease. Families, students, and staff should perform daily health checks and stay home if they have symptoms of a communicable disease, including the seasonal flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Families are encouraged to consider taking advantage of flu and COVID vaccines and boosters.
Counselors Corner
Mrs. Heinlein and Mrs. Salapata, School Counselors, are here to support our students and families. Mrs. Heinlein works with grades K, 2, 3 and 5. Mrs. Salapata works with grades 1 and 4. Please reach out to us through email or by calling 410-313-7165 if we can be of assistance. monica_heinlein@hcpss.org; christina_salapata@hcpss.org
Summer Activities for Children
These summer programs offer children a variety of educational and recreational opportunities during the summer to learn, meet new friends and have fun:
Howard County Public Library System
Howard County Recreation and Parks
Howard Community College Kids on Campus
Spring 2023 Before/After School Classes
Spring 2023 Howard County Recreation & Parks Before/After School for students at Manor Woods ES.
These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for Manor Woods ES students, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!
PTA NewsCULTURAL NIGHT We are bringing back Cultural Night this year! May 11 from 6pm-8pm at Marriotts Ridge High School Follow the link to sign up and share your culture with us. American culture is definitely included : ) YEARBOOK ORDERS Congratulations to our Yearbook Cover Contest winners! Giselle Cheikh Rishir Chennamsetty Samantha Lee See their amazing artwork (and all the other entries) by ordering your Manor Woods Yearbook! Order your yearbook today at http://www.treering.com/validate and to Enter your school’s passcode: 1014749226162236. Order anytime but customized pages are due by May 3rd. RESTAURANT NIGHT - CRAZY MASON JAR ORDER Did your family miss our Crazy Mason night? Or would you just like additional jars? If yes, complete this form! The cost is $6 per jar and must be prepaid in full. Allie will follow-up with all families who complete this form by email for next steps. If you have any questions, please email mwesrestaurantnight@gmail.com. Save the date: June 6 at Yogi Castle! Information about the April Restaurant Night coming soon! |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
To learn more please visit: https://www.hcpss.org/diversity/#discipline-practices
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - DEI Participation
DEI Participation
As we continue to work on celebrating our differences through cultural events at MWES, we are looking for more parents to participate in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Parent Team. The mission of DEI is a school community where every member feels seen, heard and empowered.
Volunteers Needed
• Book Club - April
• Multicultural Night - May 11th from 6pm - 8pm at Marriotts Ridge HS
Please contact DD at demikajohnson@gmail.com or Jasmine Brenan at jbrennan1217@gmail.com if you would like to join or have questions.
DEI Book Club: Please join us in reading a book to discuss the subject of race and diversity. As a first step, help us decide what book to read as a group. Then we will come together to discuss the book and share our thoughts, perspective, and takeaways. If you are interested in joining the Book Club please complete the Google Form below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJbjWXrf-U82IfM99eJhEogk_K6y-_ZoAVkoaABFTKQBYepA/viewform
Cultural Night: The DEI Parent team will be hosting a Cultural Night on May 11th from 6pm-8pm at Marriotts Ridge HS. Flyers and Sign-Up Genius to come soon. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Xin at xinlouiseli@gmail.com or Jada at jada0416@gmail.com.
Community News & Events
HCPSS News
Families are encouraged to visit the HCPSS website for all your needs, including:
HCDrugFree:
Medication & Sharps Disposal Event: Free. The next safe and convenient drive-thru will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking lot near the Swim Center. HC DrugFree is accepting prescription and over-the-counter medications, sharps (needles, syringes, EpiPens, etc.), vapes, inhalers, veterinary medication and more. Medication will be guarded/transported by Howard County Police. We are in need of Teen and Adult, and medically trained adult volunteers! Groups encouraged to volunteer. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/ Members of HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) can earn community service hours for volunteering. If your student is interested in joining TAC, please visit https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/ to learn more and download an application.
Free Parenting Classes (open to grandparents too): Free. Guiding Good Choices is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. Howard County parents, guardians and grandparents will learn how to encourage your child to adopt healthy attitudes and behaviors, how to communicate more effectively, how to build a relationship of trust, and much more! Classes will be held Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more or register: https://hcdrugfree.org/2023/02/guiding-good-choices-free-classes-for-parents-2/
8th–12th Grade Teen Advisory Council: Free. HC DrugFree's Teen Advisory Council is open to all Howard County students in grades 8 through 12. This is a great opportunity to help prepare younger students for success in high school while allowing older students to develop their leadership and mentoring skills. The registration form is available at https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/ and community service hours are available. Email your registration form to admin@hcdrugfree.org or mail a hard copy the office. Meetings are on Zoom from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To register for the Monday, April 17 meeting or any upcoming meeting, click on the TAC registration link next to the meeting date https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/
Know What’s Happening in Howard County: Sign up for HC DrugFree’s newsletter at https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/ or follow us on social media to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
Audition Opportunity
Please see the for an upcoming audition opportunity for adults and children!
We are looking to cast 15-20 young actors (rising 2nd grade and up) for the "River City Boys Band" (can be female too), as well as one young male actor to play the role of Winthrop and one young female actor to play the role of Amaryllis. The other characters/ensemble will be adults. For those of you with theatrical kids, this would be a fun experience for the whole family to perform together.
This show will not interfere with any day camps/work as this production rehearses in the evening or on the weekends.
Visit https://glyndonareaplayers.com/ for more details!
Positive Solutions For Families
Registration is now open!
This Pyramid Model parent training program is designed to support children’s social and emotional development and help address challenging behaviors. It provides a foundation for understanding child development, building parent-child relationships, and promoting positive parenting practices. Please see this .
This program is designed to help address challenging behaviors in young children and is open to families of students both with and without an IEP.
Class of 2023 Graduation Dates SetHCPSS recently announced the 2023 graduation ceremony dates, which are available online. All ceremonies are scheduled to take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion, with the exception of Cedar Lane School, which will be held at that school. |
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Updates on 2023-2024 Start Times and Transportation InfoIn the coming weeks, families will receive additional information related to transportation changes for next school year. Families first will receive new non-transportation area (walk area) maps, many of which have been expanded based on changes made to Policy 5200 Student Transportation. After spring break, families then will receive instructions to register for 2023-2024 bus service. |
Non-transportation areas (walk areas) have been expanded for the majority of HCPSS schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Board of Education Policy 5200 Student TransportationLinks to an external site. increases the allowable distance students may walk to school based on the distance between a student’s home and school.
Because all students in our school receive bus transportation, these changes do not impact any households or students scheduled to attend our school next school year.
We will send out information if changes are made that impact our school community. If you would like to know more about the countywide changes that were made, please visit the HCPSS websiteLinks to an external site..
HCPSS Student & Parent Handbook
Click HERE for the county's 2022-23 handbook