The Weekly Duck | Manor Woods Elementary School

From School Administration

Dear Manor Woods Families,

At Manor Woods, we are continuously looking for ways to learn, grow and focus on school improvement! We have a dedicated School Improvement Team working each year to give our students the best learning experience possible. Together, we identify a strategy for each area of focus and action steps to strengthen teaching, learning, and our school environment using feedback, assessment scores, and other important data. Our team meets regularly to monitor progress and make adjustments, ensuring that our staff, students, and families stay informed and involved.

We use our School Improvement Plan, along with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), to create a safe, supportive environment where every child can succeed. Throughout the year, we’ll share updates on our progress in our Manor Woods Elementary Measures That Matter (see the EOY 24-25 Edition), our School Improvement publication. You can also view our School Improvement Plan Snapshot which can be found on our website as well. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Kelli Jenkins, Principal

Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal

Important Dates

September

23 - Rosh Hashanah - Schools & Offices Closed
26 - PTO Duck Dash Spirit Day ~ Pajama Day

October

2 - Yom Yippur Schools & Offices Closed
3 - PTO Duck Dash Spirit Day ~ Silly Hat and Sock Day
3 - PTO Movie Night ~ See registration link below
10 - PTO Duck Dash Spirit Day ~ School Spirit Day
13 - PTO Sponsored Duck Dash
17 - Schools Closed For Students (Professional Work Day)
20 - Diwali ~ Schools & Offices Closed
31 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work Day), Dismissal Time: 12:15 pm

HCPSS 2025-26 School Calendar

There will be no printed 2025-2026 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by:

Going to School System Calendar - HCPSS
Scrolling down to Subscribing to a calendar.
Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to.
Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut
Adding to your calendar of choice (See your calendar for specifics on adding a new calendar)

In addition families can access the 2025-2026 HCPSS academic calendar on line and/or print if desired by clicking on the link below.

2025-2026 Academic Calendar, Monthly Format

2025-2026 Academic Calendar, Dates-Only List

RELATED ARTS ~ COLOR CALENDAR SCHEDULE

MWES NEWS

MCAP ASSESSMENTS HOME REPORTS

GRADES 4 & 5 ONLY

Students in grades 4 and 5 who participated in the Spring 2024 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) will be bringing home score reports today, Friday, 9/19/25.

The reports show the prior grade level’s understanding in math and English language arts. These assessments are just one measure of your child's performance and provide you with insight into your child's level of proficiency. Federal accountability requires that students assess annually in grades 3-8 and once in high school.

Please visit HCPSS MCAP for more information.

PARTNERING TOGETHER FOR POSITIVE BUS BEHAVIOR

At Manor Woods Elementary, we believe that safe and respectful bus rides help set the tone for a successful school day. Riding the bus is an extension of the school environment, and we want our students to feel proud of their behavior. To guide them, we use the acronym BUS:

B – Be Responsible

No eating or drinking on the bus
Keep the bus clean and free of litter
Be a positive problem solver when challenges arise

U – Use Respect

Use kind words with peers and the driver
Keep hands, feet, and belongings to yourself
Listen and follow the driver’s directions the first time

S – Stay Safe

Remain in your seat whenever the bus is moving (or stopped at a light)
Face forward at all times
Use an appropriate “bus voice” so the driver can focus on the road

We encourage you to partner with us by reviewing these expectations with your child and talking about what they look like in real life. For example, you might ask, “What does it mean to use respect when someone accidentally bumps into you on the bus?” or “Why is it important to stay in your seat, even when the bus stops?”

Together, we can ensure that the bus ride is a safe, respectful, and positive start and end to every child’s day.

Thank you for your support!

HOWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ~ FREE FLU SHOTS

The Howard County Health Department will offer FREE flu shots at various community events this fall. Below please find more information about the flu vaccines available: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/seasonal-flu

View Flu Vaccine Clinics Locations Here: Vaccine Clinics Dates and Locations

PTO NEWS

Click to view the PTO Newsletter

Duck Dash Registration: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/duckdash2025

Spirit Wear: https://manorwoods25.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Movie Night Registration: https://www.mwespto.com/packet/324868348

PTO Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgcjalu2Q_-KjyRaSdd_xHfM8mRMCMRh-im2HTcP7w8wyGWQ/viewform

Community News

Free Cold Weather Gear

HCPSS News/Events

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

HCPSS / Community News and Programs

https://community-programs.hcpss.org/

HCPSS NEWS

https://news.hcpss.org/