The Weekly Duck

Fri, 12/06/2024 - 3:27pm

 

 

Dear Manor Woods Families, 

It was great to welcome back our 703 students on Monday. It has been a wonderful return following Thanksgiving break. Thank you to our parents/guardians who attended conferences last week. We truly appreciate your collaboration and partnership!

As we are fully moving into the cold weather season, we wanted to remind you that students will still be going outside for recess. Please make sure you send your child to school with warm clothes. All clothing needs to be labeled with your child's name to prevent it from being lost.

Below you will find 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 reading is less than 95. We appreciate your help to ensure all our students stay healthy and safe!

Finish 2024 Strong! We have two more weeks until winter break. The last day of school before the break is Friday, December 20th. Our goal is to maintain consistency with routines over the next two weeks. In addition, there is a lot of instruction that will continue to take place. Please talk with your child about the importance of giving their best effort each day! Let's work hard, stay focused, and finish strong!

Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend!

Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal

 

   

 

 

2024-2025 IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

 

DECEMBER

4 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM, Media Center
19 - Winter Chorus Concert, 7:00 pm, Marriotts Ridge High School
23 - 31 - Winter Break School Closed

JANUARY

1 - School and Offices Closed, New Year’s Day
2 - Schools Reopen
16 - Orchestra Concert, 7:00 PM, Marriotts Ridge High School
20 - Schools and Office Closed, MLK Day
21 - 22 - High Schools ONLY 3 Hours Early Dismissal
21 - Mount View MS, Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation, 6:00-7:00 PM
22 -  Band Concert, 7:00 PM, Marriotts Ridge High School
23 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work and Wellness Day)
23 -  Mount View MS, Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation, 6:00-7:00 PM SNOW DATE
23 - Burleigh Manor MS, Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation, 6:30-7:30 PM
29 -  Schools Closed - Professional Work Day
30 -  Burleigh Manor MS, Rising 6th Grade Parent Orientation, 6:30-7:30 PM SNOW DATE

 

 

 

Related Arts Color Calendar Schedule

                                                                                                         

 

 

MWES NEWS​​​​​​​

GET READY FOR THE HOUR OF CODE!

The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week. The 2024 Computer Science Education Week will be December 9th - 15th. Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science that allows all students to learn the basics and broaden participation in the field of computer science.  

This year's theme is CS Heroes. CS Heroes are individuals making a difference in computer science. We recognize those whose computer science work has contributed and harnessed the good in computer science. This year, we reflect on past successes while inspiring the next generation to leap into new possibilities. Our students will experience The Hour of Code during their Technology class.

MSDE REPORT CARD RELEASED THIS WEEK

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released the annual school accountability measure this past week. This is the fifth time MSDE has issued the School Report Card star ratings. The Report Card was created in alignment with ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) – a federal accountability standard initiated in 2015. The MSDE School Report Card considers multiple data points before ultimately assigning a star ranking (1-5) for every school in the state.

The Report Card provides broad insights into 4 categories of school measures on the elementary school level. They include:

  • Academic Achievement

  • Academic Progress

  • English Language Proficiency

  • School Quality and Student Success

Overall school performance is determined by a formulaic combination of these four categories. The combination of points, assigned by the state in each category, results in a percentage that is then associated with a school’s star ranking.

  • 75-100% = 5 Stars

  • 60-74% = 4 Stars

  • 45-59% = 3 Stars

  • 30-44% = 2 Stars

  • >30% = 1 Star

We are happy to announce that Manor Woods Elementary School has been designated as a 4-star school by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on the 2023-24 School Report Card. MWES earned 73.1% of total possible points, placing us in the 88th percentile among all elementary schools in Maryland. Notably, only 34% of Maryland schools achieved a 4-star designation, with 41% earning 4 or 5 stars overall.

This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, who consistently strive to create a teaching and learning environment that supports every student’s success. We remain committed to continuous growth and improvement. We view this school report card as a valuable tool to celebrate successes and identify areas for further progress. 

Together, we will use this information to build upon our accomplishments and ensure even greater success in the future.

For more information about the Every Student Succeeds Act, please visit the HCPSS website.  You can also view detailed report cards for Manor Woods and other schools across Maryland at the MSDE Report Card website.

Thank you for being part of our amazing school community and for your continued support. Together, we will keep striving for excellence!

 

PTA News

PTA Calendar: https://www.mwespta.com/calendar

Please visit the PTA website at https://www.mwespta.com/

 

HCPSS News

 

Holiday Stocking Stuffers: Bingo Night with Marriotts Ridge High School Music Foundation

Catonsville, MD – Give the gift of an experience this season while supporting the Marriotts Ridge High School Music Foundation. A Stocking Stuffer Ticket Package is on sale now for a fun-filled Bingo Night event on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at FOP Lodge #69 in Catonsville, MD. If you’re looking for a unique holiday gift and want to enjoy an evening of entertainment, this exciting event is sure to create memories for years to come!

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

  • Time: 6:00 PM

  • Location: FOP Lodge #69, 2832 Nine Mile Circle, Catonsville, MD 21228 (Near historic Ellicott City) 

The Holiday Stocking Stuffer Special: Purchase Bingo Night tickets as a holiday stocking stuffer at Marriotts Ridge High School music events throughout December or purchase them online via the QR code below. 

Ticket Package:

  • $75 for 2 tickets and a $5 concessions voucher

  • Includes 20 regular Bingo games 

Featured Prizes Include:

  • Ooni Pizza Oven

  • Solo Bonfire Smokeless Firepit

  • Gift Cards Galore!

Create Lasting Memories: This event is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends, combining the excitement of Bingo with a lively atmosphere and amazing prizes. With fun games, delicious snacks, and an array of prizes, this night promises to be a highlight of your winter season.

For questions or more information, please contact Lijuan He at Lijuanhe2008@gmail.com

Road to Kindergarten Workshops Begin Jan. 21, 2025

Save the date! HCPSS’ Road To Kindergarten workshops begin Jan. 21, with additional sessions available through the end of the month. Each workshop will provide information on expectations for school readiness, the HCPSS kindergarten program, and more. Childcare will be available for children ages 2 and older. No registration is required, but attendees are encouraged to allow ample time for parking, childcare drop off, and check in.

 

BSAP Saturday Math Academy Spring 2025 Program

The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy will offer an in-person enrichment program this spring for any students in grades 3-12 in all levels of math, based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until capacity is reached. Class space is limited.

 

HCPSS Seeks Members for Policy Advisory Committee

HCPSS is currently seeking candidates for membership on the 2024-2025 Advisory Committee for Board of Education Policy 10030 Contests Sponsored by Outside Organizations. Residents interested in participating may submit a statement of interest online by Friday, Dec. 20.

2024-2025 School Meals 

Information Click HERE to learn more about HCPSS meal information. 

Pricing for school meals for 2024-25: 

● Breakfast - $2.00 ● Lunch - $2.80 

Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program,  which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals. Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.

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.

HCPSS NEWS

Click here for the latest updated hcpss news.