The Weekly Duck

Fri, 04/26/2024 - 3:43pm

As we enter the month of May and Spring is in full swing, many students and families begin thinking about the school year's end. In addition, students and families have the hustle and bustle of after school activities and the many end-of-the-year school events/activities. We have many events on the horizon at Manor Woods and we are excited for the upcoming days. Please be sure to add the dates to your calendar!

Our annual Field Day is approaching quickly and this is a day our students and staff always enjoy. In order to make this day possible WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please consider volunteering on Field Day. Thank you to the parents/guardians who have already committed to volunteering. Please see below for information regarding Field Day and click on the link to volunteer.

FIELD DAY

MWES Field Day is May 10th!

Students are encouraged to wear their Field Day color or MWES spirit wear:

Kindergarten- Red

1st Grade- Orange

2nd Grade- Yellow

3rd Grade- Blue

4th Grade- Green

5th Grade- Purple

We are looking for parent volunteers for each grade. If you have completed volunteer training and are interested in assisting at a station, please sign up to join us.

All volunteers will need their HCPSS Volunteer Training completed before the event.

We look forward to seeing our students and families at the upcoming events and celebrations.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Kelli Jenkins, Principal

Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal

IMPORTANT DATES

May

8 - 4th & 5th Grade Chorus Concert

10 - Field Day, Volunteers Needed

14 - School Closed -Primary Election

17 - Schools close 3 hours early -Professional Learning Day

20 - 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearing

27 - Schools and Offices Closed -Memorial Day

30 - 5th Grade Middle School Visit Day (for students only)

June

5 - School Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work Day)

7 - Kindergarten End-of-the-Year Closing (SAVE THE DATE ~ More Information Coming)

12 - School Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work Day)

13 - School Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Learning Day)

13 - 5th Grade End-of-the-Year Promotion (SAVE THE DATE ~ More Information Coming)

14 - School Close 3 Hours Early (Last Day Of School)

INFORMATION TO SHARE

FIELD DAY

MWES Field Day is May 10th!

Students are encouraged to wear their Field Day color or MWES spirit wear:

Kindergarten- Red

1st Grade- Orange

2nd Grade- Yellow

3rd Grade- Blue

4th Grade- Green

5th Grade- Purple

We are looking for parent volunteers for each grade. If you have completed volunteer training and are interested in assisting at a station, please sign up to join us.

All volunteers will need their HCPSS Volunteer Training completed before the event.

2024/2025 School Bus Transportation Registration

Parents/guardians whose children are eligible for bus transportation are asked to register to receive bus service each year. Families whose students have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan that includes transportation do not need to register.

The transportation registration process is completed online via HCPSS Connect Synergy and must be done for each child eligible for bus service. See the Transportation Opt-In Directions for details on how to complete.

MCAP

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 toward 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 Thursday, April 4 - Friday, May 31. 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.

MCAP Math

3rd Grade - May 3, 6, 7, and 8

4th Grade - May 3, 6, 7, and 8

5th Grade - April 26, 29, 30 and May 1

Peer Conflict or Bullying

As we gear up to finish the school year strong, it's essential to address student interactions that can affect both individual students and/or our school community. Peer conflict is something that most students will experience at some point in their school career. However, it is essential to understand the difference between conflict and bullying, should bullying occur. By understanding the differences, we can better navigate challenging situations and foster a positive school environment where everyone can thrive.

We look forward to continuing to work together to end the school year on a solid and positive note. Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator. Here is the online link to report an Instance of Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation and a link to the Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form to fill out and return to your student's school administrator. More information on HCPSS Policy 9460 can be found at Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Involving Students - HCPSS.

Kindergarten and New First Grade Enrollment

It is that time of year when we enroll kindergarteners and new students to first grade for next year! If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1st, please enroll them now! If you know anyone who has a child this age, please have them enroll their child now! The official date to begin enrolling was March 4th, and the enrollment link remains open for registration. The link to on-line enrollment is below!

Please feel free to call the office at 410-313-7165 with any questions!

KINDERGARTEN, HERE WE COME!

The Howard County Library System will be hosting Kindergarten, Here We Come classes this summer!

Offered in July and August
45-60 minute classes
Classes include an opportunity for participants to practice boarding a school bus
Some classes will be offered in English and some will be offered in Spanish
Registration required

Counselors Corner

NAMI Howard County

The mission of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is to improve the lives of individuals with mental illness and their families through education, advocacy and support, and to increase awareness of mental illness throughout the community. Visit NAMI Howard County for more information about support group offerings.

Schools Counselors

Ms. Heinlein and Mrs. Salapata, School Counselors, are here to support our students and families. Mrs. Heinlein works with grades K, 1, 4 and 5. Mrs. Salapata works with grades 2 and 3. Ms. Sam Schildt, Counseling Intern from McDaniel College, will be working with us on Wednesdays this semester. Please reach out through email or by calling 410-313-7165 if we can be of assistance. monica_heinlein@hcpss.org; christina_salapata@hcpss.org

PTA News

Yogi Castle

Mark your calendars for the final restaurant night of the year at Yogi Castle on Monday, June 6!

Yearbook Purchase

Be sure to purchase a yearbook for the 23-24 school year!

Go to: www.Treering.com/validate

School Passcode 1014749226162236

Click Here To VIEW The PTA Newsletter

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

Family Read the Rainbow

Our next FAMILY Read the Rainbow book club will occur on Monday, June 3rd at 6:00PM and feature the book Twas the Night Before Pride. The book's author, Joanna McClintick, will be present at our book club meeting to answer questions and talk about writing the book. The first 50 families with students in Pre school - 5th grade who register for this book club will receive a free copy of the book sent to their home or media center. This book club is open to anyone who would like to join us - students, staff, parents, and community.

HCPSS News

Families are encouraged to visit the HCPSS website for all your needs, including:

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

WEEKLY DUCK ~ REPEATED INFORMATION

Click here to access the 4/5/24 Weekly Duck