Dear Manor Woods Families,
This week was National School Counseling Week (#NSCW25), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The purpose of the week was to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems, Howard County, and here at Manor Woods ES. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs. We are fortunate to have school counselors in each of our schools throughout Howard County. At Manor Woods, we are fortunate to have two school counselors. Ms. Heinlein and Ms. Salapata are a vital part of our school and student services team. They actively engage in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents. They both help to partner with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world. They also provide support for teachers to help them meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. Please join us in thanking Ms. Heinlein and Ms. Salapata for their dedication to our students and community!
Our students are getting excited for the upcoming Kids Heart Challenge! All students will participate in the American Heart Association's Kids Challenge Event during Physical Education March 17-21. AND we NEED your help! We are looking for 100% of our students to register! Celebrate February as American Heart Month by registering for the event at heart.org/schools. It costs $0 to register and all students that register will earn a wristband. With 50% of students registered, Manor Woods will receive $500 in Physical Education equipment which would be fantastic for the program and our students. Register today!
https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/ym_school_search.html
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Kelli Jenkins & Jennifer Zinn
Principal & Assistant Principal
2024-2025 IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
February
- 17 - Schools and Offices Closed for Presidents Day
- 19 - PTA Meeting at 6:30 PM
- 26 - PTA Explore Ramadan at MWES, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
March
- 3 - 4 - Kindergarten and New First Grader Registration Week
- 4 - Field Trip To SkateZone For 3rd Graders
- 14 - Schools 3 Close Hours Early (Professional Work and Wellness Day)
- 31 - Schools Closed For Students (Professional Work and Development)
Related Arts Color Calendar Schedule
MWES NEWS
Each year we celebrate the incredible diversity of all of our students at Manor Woods. In February, we celebrate Black History Month and highlight the important contributions of Black and African Americans who have helped shape our country and contributed to our society.
The purpose of Black History Month is to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Black/African American people throughout history. This month highlights their significant contributions to society while also reflecting on the struggles and challenges they have faced, ultimately aiming to educate the wider public about the often overlooked aspects of Black history and culture. It serves as a time to promote understanding and appreciation for Black experiences in America.
Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 9-15 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Let's help spread kindness throughout our community by practicing daily acts of kindness. Friendly February Calendar by Action for Happiness to spread kindness at home, school and in the community. All acts of kindness, no matter their size, can make a BIG difference!
Middle School Course Information for 5th Gr. Parents/Guardians:
Visit the 5th Grade Canvas page with your child to view important 6th-grade course information. The window for choosing fine arts course requests (first choice + 2 alternates) in HCPSS Connect is now open. The deadline to make course requests is February 12th.
If you need assistance with making a course request, contact Ms. Heinlein, School Counselor at mheinlein@hcpss.org or call 410-313-7165. If you have questions about your child's course recommendations for English, Math, Science, or Social Studies, contact your child's teacher.
HCPSS Student Personal Device Changes
On January 30, 2025, the Board of Education approved adjustments to Policy 8080 - Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media that changes the ability for students to use personal devices during the school day. The Board approved the following changes related to the use of personal devices by students at school:
- No students, PreKindergarten-12, will be permitted to use cell phones and other personal technology devices during the student day (first bell to last bell of the day or posted school hours) except for reasons detailed in a student’s IEP, 504, or health plan. Under the prior version of the policy, elementary and middle school students were not permitted to use personal devices during the school day at any time. For high school students, this policy removes access to personal device in between classes and at lunch. For all grade levels, the addition of consequences for violating the policy is new.
- When a personal device is used in violation of the new policy, the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the student day. Following the first violation, the student may retrieve the device at the end of the student day. For all subsequent violations, a parent/guardian must retrieve the device from the school.
- A device that is confiscated during the final period of the student day will be confiscated for the entire next student day. The student may retrieve the device at the end of the day it was originally confiscated to take home but must provide it to the front office upon arrival on the next student day.
- Students may be in possession of personal devices, but they must be “away and silenced,” meaning devices are not able to be seen by either the student or staff member and are set to make no noise. Additionally, devices may not be a distraction.
- Smart watches will be permitted to be worn to check time but may not be a distraction.
- Personal laptops may be used for instructional activities in high school when permitted by the teacher.
- A staff member on a school-sponsored field trip may permit the use of a personal technology device by a student in limited situations where capturing a picture or video may be appropriate or contacting a parent/guardian is necessary.
- School administrators and school administrators’ designees may authorize use of a personal device in rare instances such as an emergency for communication purposes.
These new expectations will take effect on Monday, March 3, 2025. The complete changes and expectations links to an external site may be found online. Please take time to review these new expectations with your student to ensure they do not violate the new policy.
Our school will adhere strictly to the policy with hopes that the elimination of the distractions that personal devices cause use will result in healthier and more productive learning and social environments during the school day. More information will be shared before the implementation date.
MWES ~ INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
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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.
PTA News
PTA Calendar: https://www.mwespta.com/calendar
Please visit the PTA website at https://www.mwespta.com/
HCPSS News
Bingo Night at Marriotts Ridge
Excellent Family night, and an opportunity to meet other families from our school and our community!
Saturday Feb. 22: Don’t miss out on BINGO NIGHT, a festive, family-friendly event which supports the Marriotts Ridge High School Music Foundation!
Bingo Tickets - $35 in advance
$40 at the door
Tickets include 20 Regular Games
- Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Doors open at 6 pm
- FOP Lodge #69, 2832 Nine Mile Circle, Catonsville, MD 21228 (Near historic Ellicott City)
Featured Prizes Include:
- Ooni Pizza Oven
- Solo Bonfire Smokeless Firepit
- Gift Cards Galore!
Buy tickets now: https://mrhsfruit.wixsite.com/fundraising
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.