The Weekly Duck 12/15/23
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 9:49am
2023-2024 IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
DECEMBER
- 12/19 - Wear your favorite cozy winter apparel ~ Winter sweater, hat, scarf, and/or socks.
- 12/22 - Wear your PJs.
- 12/25 -1/1/24 - School Closed for Winter Break
INFORMATION TO SHARE
Winter MAP Dates
HCPSS Emergency Notifications
As we head into winter weather, families are reminded that in emergency situations (including inclement weather), information will be shared with the community only through the HCPSS website, email and text, Twitter and the HCPSS weather hotline. Be sure your Family File is up to date and that you have opted into texts to receive emergency messages.
Late Openings For Inclement Weather
If inclement weather conditions develop overnight, the Director of Transportation follows the procedures used to determine late openings or school closures. Decisions regarding closings due to inclement weather will be made no later than 5:30 a.m. Two-hour delays will be called by 5:30 a.m. and reevaluated for closure no later than 7:30 a.m.
Early Dismissals For Inclement Weather
Now that we are in the Winter Season with the possibility of Inclement Weather, please make sure your child is aware of their dismissal plan for an unexpected early closure. Additionally, please make sure their teacher is aware of this dismissal if it is different from their normal dismissal from school.
If inclement weather conditions develop during the school day, the Director of Transportation follows the procedures used to determine late openings or school closures. Generally, a decision to close schools early is made no later than 10:30 a.m. In deciding whether or not to close schools early, the Superintendent will consult with the Director of Transportation, the Deputy Superintendent, the Director of Operations, the Community Services Specialist, the Coordinator of Athletics, the Director of Public Relations, and other staff members as appropriate.
Cold Weather Reminders
Cold weather has arrived!!! We wanted to remind you that students will still be going outside for recess each day. Please make sure you send your child to school with warm clothes. All clothing needs to be labeled with your child's name. Below you will find the HCPSS criteria we consider when having outdoor activities.
• Temperature and humidity
• Wind chill
• Heat index and air quality
• Age of students
• Length of time outdoors
• Adequacy of the children’s clothing
• Condition of the playground
• Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
• Thunder and lightning
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess, physical education, or any other outdoor activity when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index is less than 95.
Book Fair December 11th-20th
The Book Fair starts Monday the 11th and runs through the 20th!
Family Shopping Night is December 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM
in the MWES Library Media Center
Students will have the opportunity to shop the fair during their Library Media classes from the 11th-19th. Students will also be creating a Wish List that they will bring home to show you after they attend Library Media next week. We are asking parents to create an e-wallet for your child to purchase items during class. See directions on creating an e-wallet here.
We hope to see you at Family Shopping Night on December 14th where we will accept e-wallets and credit cards. Alternatively, you may shop the book fair online December 11th-24th:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/manorwoodselemschool1Links to an external site.
Lost and Found
Please stop by the front lobby to pick up your items Today
Last Chance will be Friday, December 22, 2023
All Items will be up for donation after 12-22-23
If your child is missing something, tell them to take a look at the lost and found area outside of the cafeteria or on the tables in the front lobby. As our students are starting to dress in more layers with the colder weather, please consider labeling your child’s coat, sweatshirts, etc. with their name. This makes it easy to return items to students rather than place them in the lost and found area.
Register for Spring 2024 BSAP Saturday Math Academy, Jan. 6
Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, 9 a.m.- until capacity is reached, online registration
All HCPSS students in all levels of math for grades 3 through 12 are invited to participate in the HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy. Registration will take place online via HCPSS Connect and remain open until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Additional program details, including dates, cost, and payment options, are available online.
Road to Kindergarten Workshops, January 2024
First session: Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Centennial High School
Save the date for an upcoming Road to Kindergarten parent information session, providing information on expectations for school readiness, the HCPSS kindergarten program, and more.
Board of Education Coffee & Conversation, Jan. 6
Community members are invited to meet informally with Board of Education members on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 9:30-11 a.m. at Oakland Mills High School. Register by emailing boardoffice@hcpss.org.
Howard Count Recreation and Parks Afterschool Classes
These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!
Link for parents to view & register for the Manor Woods ES After School classes:
PTA NEWS
MWES Teacher and Staff Holiday Gifting
Every holiday season we do a school wide monetary collection for our wonderful teachers and staff, and ultimately present each with one cumulative gift card. Simply use the drop down menu to filter the staff list by grade or department, click on the individual's name, add how much you would like to contribute to their gift, and add it to your cart. You can go back and add as many individuals as you would like with all different amounts prior to checking out.
The store will close December 18th to give the PTA time to purchase the gift cards in the appropriate amounts and present them to the staff prior to winter break. Please note that all cards will be from "All Manor Woods Families".
https://www.mwespta.com/holiday-gifts
If you have any questions please reach out to Lizzy at mweswebmaster@gmail.com
JOIN THE PTA!
If you haven't already, please take a moment to join the PTA! It's quick, easy and membership funds help to support our school! The PTA funds and supports school-wide presentations, family fun events, teacher appreciation activities, items needed by the teachers for their lessons and classrooms and much more!
Join Today!
https://www.mwespta.com/
Did you know the PTA has a Facebook group to stay up to date with PTA events? Join here today!
Community News & Events
Holiday Jazz Cabaret
Move Over, Nutcracker! Marriotts Ridge Has a New Music Tradition to JAZZ UP Your Holiday Season!
Join us for our annual Holiday Jazz Cabaret at Marriotts Ridge High School on December 19th at 7:00 PM. It's the most swingin' celebration in town with upbeat and fun musical performances by the Marriotts Ridge Jazz Band & Combo, Madrigal Singers, and featured jazz and vocal soloists.
Fill a plate with fabulous hot appetizers and desserts (included with admission) and enjoy jazzed-up seasonal favorites in our Winter Wonderland Atrium, transformed with tinsel, tulle, and twinkle lights. Then top it all off with whipped cream and peppermint at our hot cocoa/coffee bar!
You don't want to miss this joyous, family-friendly concert event! Tickets on sale at the door - $15 for adults, $12 for students and staff, and $50 for a family (2 adults & children).
HCPSS and The Council of Elders (TCOE) Community Academies
HCPSS and The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE) have partnered to sponsor the following parent workshops series:
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December 16: Social Emotional Well-Being and Substance Abuse
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January 27: Processes for Parent Empowerment
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March 9: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships
Each engaging session is held virtually on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. Please see the save the date flyer for more information.
HCPSS News
Families are encouraged to visit the HCPSS website for all your needs, including:
HCPSS Student & Parent Handbook
Click HERE for the county's 2022-23 handbook. The Student & Parent Handbook can be found online and outlines districtwide practices and policies related to parents and students, including the Student Code of Conduct, school procedures, student responsibilities and more.
HCPSS Student Code of Conduct
The Howard County Public School System is committed to providing a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment where all policies are enforced fairly and consistently. HCPSS policies and regulations emphasize instruction and rehabilitation rather than punishment and are designed to foster and reward appropriate behavior and keep students connected to school so they can graduate college and career ready. Please read and review the HCPSS student code of conduct with your child(ren) before the school year begins: https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/student-handbook/student-code-of-conduct.pdf