From School Administration

We hope the school year has been off to a great start and everyone is adjusting to the routine and school schedule. It has certainly been a busy few weeks at Manor Woods! The teachers and staff have been working unbelievably hard to help all of our students in the first few weeks of school. And our students have been engaged and working so hard to adjust and learn the new routines as well as being engaged in learning and building community within their classrooms. We truly have the most amazing staff and students!

The PTA will host a Back to School Bingo on Friday, September 20th on the blacktop/pavilion area. Doors (or the blacktop) opens at 5:30 PM for our students and families and Bingo will start at 6:00 PM. This is a wonderful event sponsored by the PTA and we hope you can join the fun!

Did you know we have two amazing School Counselors at Manor Woods? Mrs. Heinlein and Mrs. Salapata, School Counselors, are here to support our students and families. Mrs. Heinlein works with grades 1, 2, 4 and 5. Mrs. Salapata works with grades K and 3.  Our School Counselors have a wealth of knowledge and are both great resources. Please reach out to either counselor through email or by calling 410-313-7165 or monica_heinlein@hcpss.org; christina_salapata@hcpss.org if they can be of assistance.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Kelli Jenkins, Principal                                                                                                                                           

Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal

 

 

 

2024-2025 BEGINNING OF THE YEAR IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

• 18 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work/Wellness Day), 12:15 PM

• 19 - PTA Restaurant Night, Phoenix, 4:00 - 10:00 PM

• 20 - PTA Back to School Bingo, 5:30 Doors Open, 6:00 Bingo Starts, Blacktop/Pavillion

• 23 - PTA Meeting, Media Center, 6:30pm

OCTOBER

• 3 - Rosh Hashanah ~ Schools and Offices Closed
• 18 - Schools Closed for Students (Professional Work Day)
• 31 - Schools Closed for Students (Professional Work and Development Day)

 

HCPSS Calendars

There will be no printed 2024-2025 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by

1. Going to School System Calendar – HCPSS

2. Scrolling down to Subscribing to a Calendar

3. Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to

4. Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut

5. Adding to your calendar of choice (See your calendar for specifics on adding a new calendar)

2024-2025 Academic Calendar Monthly Format

• English Calendar 

• Calendario del año escolar 2024-2025 

• 2024–25学年行事历 

• 2024–25학년 학사력 

MWES ~ Fridge Sheet

Please download, print and add the above MWES Fridge Sheet  to your fridge, calendar, office or place you keep important information for easy access. Throughout the school year, you can find the MWES Fridge Sheet on the website. 

Related Arts and the Color Calendar Schedule

                          

UNIVERSAL SCREENER NOTIFICATION 

In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019), COMAR (2021) and the direction from the Howard County Board of Education, all Howard County Public School System students in kindergarten to grade 5  will participate in the 2024 - 2025 administration of the Amplify mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition universal screener to identify potential reading difficulties during the following windows.
 

Beginning of the year (BOY)	September 16, 2024- September 30, 2024
Middle of the year (MOY)	January 13, 2025 - January 31, 2025
End of the year (EOY)	May 19, 2025 - June 2, 2025

Amplify mClass DIBELS 8th Edition has identified students for whom mClass is not an appropriate assessment. Students for whom this is true include those with limited verbal language skills, with fluency-based speech disorders or oral apraxia, and/or who are blind and/or deaf.

Please see below for screening areas measured in each grade.  Students will complete the screener in four to twelve minutes and will be screened three times this year during the windows indicated above in the chart.  

How will the results be used? 

Performance is an indicator of overall reading status and is not intended to be an in-depth or comprehensive measure of reading. Just like using a thermometer to take a temperature, which provides a  quick indicator of general health, these quick assessments provide information about reading health on particular early reading skills. 

A student’s scores on the screener give school staff information about whether or not a student is on track for grade-level reading success. School staff can quickly identify students who may require extra help. Parents and guardians will receive a home report with their child’s scores. 

Some information on this parent notification is taken directly from the Ready to Read Act and COMAR, while other content was summarized to reflect HCPSS procedures.

https://dibels.amplify.com/

COMAR 13A.03.08 Students at Risk for Reading Difficulties June 2021.pdf 

Ready to Read Act.pdf 

HCPSS Policy 9400 ~ STUDENT BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive school environment that fosters the social and emotional safety, dignity, and well-being of all students. HCPSS acknowledges the need for employees

1. to use an array of research-based positive behavior interventions, strategies, and supports to address student behaviors and keep students safe

2. to minimize the practice of exclusion from the classroom environment

3. to minimize the practice of physical restraint (which may only be used when necessary to protect a student or other person from imminent, serious, physical harm and only after other less intrusive, nonphysical interventions have failed or been determined inappropriate). 

It is an expectation that HCPSS employees will be responsive to all incidents of exclusion or physical restraint and appropriately case manage impacted students to minimize unsafe behaviors and maximize instructional engagement.

Additional information can be found at HCPSS Policy 9400 - Student Behavior Intervention. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

PARENT ACADEMY 24-25

2024-2025 Parent Academy Kick Off, Sept. 25, 2024

HCPSS parents, guardians and family members are invited to join HCPSS Superintendent Willliam J. Barnes, school system leaders and community organizations for this valuable information night to prepare for a successful academic year. The event will also feature various workshop topics which provide access to resources and support.

The 2024-2025 Parent Academy Kick-Off will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. Dinner will be provided from 5:15-6 p.m. Registration is encouraged.

Workshop topics include:

• College and Career Readiness/Career Exploration

• Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future

• Navigating the School System for Student Success

• Mental Health

• Advanced Programs K-12

• Social Media Safety & Security

• Elementary ELA, Reading, and the Library

• Math Programs

• Financial Literacy

• Immigration Law

• Early Childhood Programs

Flyers for distribution:

• Parent Academy Kickoff 2024 FINAL.pdf 

• Parent Academy Kickoff 2024 FINAL_Spanish.pdf 

• Parent Academy Kickoff 2024 FINAL_Korean.pdf 

• Parent Academy Kickoff 2024 FINAL_Chinese.pdf 

Please contact 410.313.1293 for more information.

STUDENT ABSENCES

When your child is absent, please send an email to the following address:

MWESabsence@hcpss.org ~ Please do not use this email to notify us of dismissal changes and early dismissals. It is for full day absences only.

Please include the following:

1. Child's name

2. Teacher

3. Grade

4. Date of absence

5. Reason for the absence. If a reason is not included, the absence will be considered unlawful. Feel free to copy your child's teacher on the attendance email.

PLEASE NOTE:

Even if you have notified MWES of your upcoming absence, HCPSS will send out an automated email message whenever a student is absent. MWES will make sure your child is marked accurately on their attendance record.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Dismissal adjustment notes should be sent with your child in the morning and should include the date, teacher’s name, child’s FIRST and LAST name. Please alert our Front Office staff as soon as possible for any adjustments to dismissal procedures for which a note was not sent.  

PLEASE NOTE:

No early dismissals after 2:55 PM.  We cannot call into a classroom for a student  after 2:55 PM. If you arrive after 2:55 PM, please plan to be in the car loop to pick up your child as soon as they dismiss. 

Guidelines for Outside Recess

The decision to go outside or stay inside for recess is the decision of the administrator at individual schools. The following criteria are considered in the decision:

• 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 when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95 degrees.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment Dates

The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment is designed to measure a student’s academic achievement and growth over time in reading and mathematics. Together with other classroom-based information, MAP results can help teachers make instructional decisions that match the needs of each child.

MAP is a computer adaptive assessment. In a computer adaptive assessment, as a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down the difficulty of the questions presented to the student. This creates a personalized assessment for every student.

Currently, MAP is being used in all elementary and middle schools in HCPSS. In order to monitor growth across the school year, students in grades 1 through 8 take MAP two or three times a year: in the beginning (fall), in the middle (winter), and at the end of the school year (spring), with students in grades 3 through 8 only participating in fall and winter.

Date	Math MAP	Reading MAP
First Grade	September 16th	September 19th
Second Grade	September 30th	September 23rd
Third Grade	September 23rd	September 30th
Fourth Grade	September 25th	October 2nd
Fifth Grade	September 25th	October 2nd

PBIS Recognition 

Manor Woods has been recognized by PBIS Maryland and has earned the Teamwork badge. Kudos to our PBIS team for the hard work!  

Please see the PBIS Recognition Badge below and help us celebrate this accomplishment!

Health Services

Health Services information can be found online and will be continually updated. All families, students, staff and visitors should conduct daily health checks prior to entering any HCPSS building and/or school bus. Details, including infection control protocols for communicable diseases like COVID-19, are availavle online:  https://www.hcpss.org/health/communicable-diseases/ 

Please note that health and safety protocols are subject to change, pending guidance and recommendations from federal, state and local health officials, among other sources.

Strategic Plan Stakeholder Input Meetings

Community members are invited to attend one of these meetings to help inform the system’s new strategic plan by providing their input about stakeholder values during this virtual, hour-long opportunity facilitated by HCPSS staff. No registration is required.

• September 17, 2024 – 5:00–6:00 pm -https://meet.google.com/dnh-udbs-epr

MWES Visitors and Volunteers

All visitors and volunteers must check in at the front office.  Please present your driver’s license to complete the check-in process. Volunteers must complete two training sessions. Please follow the steps below to complete and submit the training certificates.

1. Complete the short volunteer confidentiality training here  and then fill out the form linked below and bring it to school or send the form via email to Caroline Chisholm at caroline_chisholm@hcpss.org. We also have some you can complete during your first visit if you don't have access to a printer. Confidentiality Agreement For Conducting Classroom Visit/Observations 

2. Complete this short child abuse training here and complete the certificate linked below and bring to school (we have copies of this if needed) or send the form via email to Caroline Chisholm at caroline_chisholm@hcpss.org. click here for Child abuse and Neglect Training:  abuse_certificate (1).pdf 

​​​​​Food Services Information

HCPSS uses LINQ Connect for all things food and nutrition. LINQ Connect is a secure, online portal that allows families to view breakfast and lunch menus, make online payments to their child’s meal account, monitor their child’s accounts, schedule recurring payments and/or low balance alerts, and submit an online application for the Free and Reduced Meals program

LINQ Connect can easily be https://linqconnect.com/main or via mobile app.

• Breakfast - $2.00

• Lunch - $2.80

Information and Application for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs)

The HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Those eligible for Free and Reduced Meals receive both breakfast and lunch for free.

Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student’s eligibility. Click the button below to apply.

https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/farms/

 

HCPSS News 

Families of children birth-5 with an IFSP or IEP:

OEIS will be hosting a free Parent Café for parents of children birth-5 with an IFSP or IEP on October 9th from 6:00-8:00 PM. Dinner & childcare will be provided; registration is required. During a Parent Café parents and caregivers of children birth-5 engage in open and honest conversations about the success and struggles of parenting.  Conversations focus on building capacity, empowering parents, & strengthening families. Please see this Parent Cafe flier.pdf for additional information. Any questions about the event can be directed to EISFamily@hcpss.org Thank you!

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:  HCPSS Student Code Of Conduct 

HCPSS Student & Parent 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.

Family Guides: What your Child Will Learn this Year

Do you want to get a head start on the school year? We encourage all parents/guardians to visit the link below to learn what your child will learn this year in grades PreK-5! Once you click on your child’s grade level, use the yellow “course navigation” box in the top right corner to navigate standards, free games, and family activities for each subject area. Happy learning!

What Your Child Will Learn Guides 

Elementary Student Cell-Phone Usage Policy

Families are reminded that students must abide by Board of Education Policy 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media, and specifically Standard E. Student Use-Technology, which states that “HCPSS permits students to bring personal technology devices to school, according to the following rules:

• Elementary Schools – Students will keep personal technology devices in backpacks during the school day, unless otherwise authorized by school administrators or instructional staff.