MWES Newsletter

 

 

Dear Manor Woods Families,
 

Today marks the end of the second quarter and the school year's mid-point. Now that we are at the midpoint, it is a great time to reflect on the first part of the school year and set goals for the second half of the school year.

Report cards for the second marking period will be available for parents to view on HCPSS Connection on February 4th after 4:00 PM.  As a reminder, you can view the resources and guides to understanding your child’s report card on the HCPSS website. Should you have questions about your child’s report card that are not answered on the parent guides, please contact the teacher for that class. Information is included in this newsletter about scheduling for the February parent/teacher conferences as well.

Parent/Teacher conferences are approaching quickly. The sign-up for a math conference will remain open through January 31 at 4:00 p.m. We are excited to share the successes so far this year and plan for continued growth during the second half of the school year.

We are looking forward to a great upcoming third marking period at MWES!

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!
 

Kelli Jenkins & Jennifer Zinn

Principal & Assistant Principal

  

 

2024-2025 IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

 

JANUARY

  • 27 - We “READ” all month long ~ Wear Red
  • 27 - MWES Family Reading Night ~ CAMP READ-A-LOT, 6:00-7:30 PM
  • 29 -  Schools Closed - Professional Work Day
  • 31 - The conference scheduling window closes at 4:00 PM
  • 31 - Get Cozy with Reading ~ Pajama Day
  • 31 - Group Picture for Band, Orchestra and Chorus Students

 

February
 

  • 5 & 6 - School Closed 3 Hours Early for Parent /Teacher Conferences
  • 7 - Schools Closed for Students (Professional Learning Day)
  • 17 - Schools and Offices Closed for Presidents Day
  • 19 - PTA Meeting @ 6:30 PM
     

Related Arts Color Calendar Schedule

                

RA Color Calendar

                                         

                                                                         

MWES NEWS
 


 

CONGRATULATIONS to our MWES 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Orchestra as well as our 4th & 5th Grade Band! Both the Orchestra Concert and Band Concert were fantastic! Our students worked hard and did an AMAZING job! We were in awe of every student! Thank you to Mrs. Lahan, Mrs. Zeitler and Mr. Marini for all your hard work and dedication to our young musicians and to our school. BRAVO! 

 

Mid-Year Bullying Information

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all our students. One of the most critical issues we face as a school community is bullying, which can have lasting effects on children’s well-being, social development, and academic success. We believe that addressing bullying requires a partnership between students, families, and school staff.
 

Understanding Bullying

Bullying is more than just occasional teasing. It is intentional, repeated aggressive behavior that can be verbal, physical, or social, and it often involves an imbalance of power. While some bullying behaviors can be overt, others are more subtle but just as harmful. Examples of bullying include:

  • Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or damaging property.
  • Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, and hurtful comments.
  • Social/Relational bullying: Spreading rumors, excluding others, and social manipulation.
  • Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass or intimidate someone.

How You Can Help at Home

Parents play an essential role in preventing bullying and supporting their children through difficult experiences. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Talk to Your Child: Encourage open communication with your child about their social experiences, both online and offline. Discuss how they should handle situations where they witness bullying or experience it themselves.
  • Set a Positive Example: Show your child how to be kind and respectful toward others. Modeling good behavior in your interactions will teach them valuable social skills.
  • Monitor Online Activity: If your child uses social media or online platforms, make sure you are aware of their online interactions. Cyberbullying can be particularly damaging, and it’s important to stay engaged with your child’s digital life.
  • Reinforce Respect and Empathy: Remind your child that treating others with respect and kindness is always the right thing to do, no matter the situation. Teach them how to stand up for others in a positive way, not by fighting, but by seeking help and offering support.
  • Support School Efforts: Be an active partner in your child’s education and in the school’s anti-bullying efforts. Attend parent meetings, participate in workshops, and reinforce school policies at home.

Together, we can build a culture of respect, kindness, and safety in our school, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe. More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying Website.  An online version for reporting is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

 

 

MWES ~ INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING

                                                      MWES FEBRUARY MATH 

                                                   PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

                                    SIGN UP OPENED TODAY ~JANUARY 23RD @ 8:00 AM


 

FEBRUARY PARENT/TEACHER

MATH CONFERENCES ~ FEBRUARY 5th & 6th
 

Parent-Teacher Conferences for February will focus on MATH. Please sign up with your child’s Math Teacher. See details below.

Winter Parent/Teacher Conference Details:

  • HCPSS elementary schools will close 3 hours early on Wednesday, 2/5 and Thursday 2/6 for parent/teacher conferences. MWES will dismiss students at 12:15 PM on both days..
  • HCPSS schools are closed on Friday, 2/8 for a Professional Learning Day.
  • The parent/teacher conference sign-up window opens TOMORROW, January 23 at 8 AM and closes on Friday, January 31 at 4 PM. Each conference will be 15 minutes. On Thursday, January 23, please login (using parent login) to HCPPS Connect to sign up for a conference time.
  • Wednesday, 2/5 - all afternoon conferences (12:45-3:30 PM) will be in person only.
    • Teachers will host afternoon conferences in person at Manor Woods and parents/guardians may only attend their scheduled conferences from 12:45-3:30 in person on this day.
  • Wednesday, 2/5, all evening conferences (starting with the 3:45 time slot) for teachers who are offering evening conferences will be virtual only via google meet. Please check individual teacher schedules in Synergy.
  • On Thursday, 2/6, afternoon conferences (12:45-3:30 PM) will be virtual only if teachers host conferences on Thursday afternoon. Please check individual teacher schedules in Synergy.

Winter Parent/Teacher Conference Sign-up:

  • Winter parent/teacher conferences will take place with your child’s Math teacher. Please know the time slots available for February conferences are limited. If you are unable to gain a time slot and have math concerns regarding your child, you can reach out to your child’s math teacher at any time.
  • Ms. Parker and Ms. Broadhurst will conference with their grade 5 math classes.
  • Related Arts teachers are offering optional conferences. Due to limited time slots, please only schedule with Related Arts if you have a concern regarding academic performance and/or learning behaviors. Related Arts grades can always be accessed in Canvas even though they will not be posted on report cards for quarters 1 & 3.
  • Virtual Conference Details ~ If joining virtually, please enter the Google Meet link one minute before your scheduled time. You’ll be in a “waiting room” until admitted. If you experience any technical issues, your child’s teacher will contact you via email, or you may connect with our Front Office staff for support.
  • The HCPSS Family Engagement Committee has developed a Parent-Teacher Conference Tip Sheet (English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean) to support families in preparation for February conferences.
  • Click here for directions to schedule a parent teacher conference

If you need assistance with scheduling conferences, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or our front office staff.

Measures of Academic Progress

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.

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 for grades 1-4).  MWES will administer the Winter MAP Assessment on the following dates:

     

Test Dates

 


 

Picture Day Is Coming (Band, Orchestra and Chorus Students)

School Pictures will be at Manor Woods Elementary School on 

Friday, January 31, 2025

Order Forms were sent home on Monday, 1/6/2025

 

Maryland Reading Month for January

Maryland Reading                                            Camp Read-A-Lot

          

COLD WEATHER INFORMATION REMINDERS

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 Parents are automatically signed up for email alerts, and only once need to opt in for text messaging. All subscription information comes directly from Family File.

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.

https://www.hcpss.org/schools/emergency-closings/

 

PTA News

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

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


 

HCPSS News

Football Camp

The head football coach of the Mt Hebron Vikings, Shawn Frederick, will be hosting a youth football camp this summer at Mt. Hebron HS from June 23-27th, 9a-3pm for 1st-9th grade students (SY 2025-26).  If interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/v1bdySFVffLUdkfw9. For questions, please contact Coach Fred at shawn_frederick@hcpss.org.
 

Road to Kindergarten

The annual  Road to Kindergarten Parent Workshops is coming this month!  We need Howard County employees to help ensure a welcoming environment for families and caregivers.  You will not be responsible for preparing anything in advance!

Sign up to volunteer by clicking below:

Sessions are 6:30-7:30 and are offered on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, Hammond High School
  • Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, Centennial High School
  • Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, Wilde Lake High School
  • SNOW DATE: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, Hammond High School

The flyer will be shared soon! Download Road to K parent Workshop flier 2020.pdf

Thank you in advance for considering this opportunity!
 

 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

Centennial High School Winter Sports Future Eagles Youth Nights
 

Girls Basketball - Wednesday, Jan. 15th at 5 p.m.

Wrestling - Thursday, Jan. 16th at 5:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball - Monday, Feb. 10th at 5 p.m.
 

All children who will feed into Centennial High School are invited to join the varsity teams for an evening of good sportsmanship and great competition in the Centennial High School gymnasium (4300 Centennial Lane).  Pre-register using the links below for free admission for your child.  Parents and guardians must pay the HCPSS required admission fee of $5/person using the GoFan website (Centennial High School Events and Tickets by GoFan). 
 

All Future Eagles will receive a free snack at these events.  For the basketball games, Future Eagles will have the opportunity to line up with the team on the bench side for the introductions, come out on the court for the National Anthem and sit with the JV team in the stands behind the team bench. Their youth basketball teams will be recognized and announced throughout the game.
 

Please completed the registration form below for the events that you plan on attending and thank you for supporting the Eagles!  Please contact Christine Fritz from the CHS Boosters with any questions at 410-245-8072.
 

Girls Basketball Registration:    https://tinyurl.com/6h8armcy
 

Wrestling Registration:   https://tinyurl.com/re35pwec
 

Boys Basketball Registration: https://tinyurl.com/4nyzu2hb
 

UNDERSTANDING EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
 

Monday, January 13, 2025 6:00 p.m.

Virtual Event

Concerned about your child's development? Research shows 68% of 3rd graders who received early intervention services no longer need special education. Learn how to request developmental testing through the Infants and Toddlers and Child Find Programs. Discover the significant benefits of early intervention and other valuable community resources to support your child's growth. For families of children ages birth to five. Visit registration page. Sponsored by Howard County Office of Children and Families
 

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.