From School Administration
Dear Manor Woods Families,
We are excited for our annual PTO Sponsored Duck Dash on Tuesday, October 21st. While the weather did not cooperate this week for the original date, we are ready for our rain date on Tuesday! The PTO is proud to invest directly in the experiences that help our students and teachers thrive. Donations make it possible for our PTO to provide enriching programs, bring engaging assemblies to the school, support teachers and staff and host community-building events that bring families together. Every contribution goes right back into strengthening our school community and creating opportunities that benefit every student.
This is a reminder that HCPSS schools are closed for students, tomorrow, October 17th and schools and offices are closed on Monday, October 20th. We look forward to seeing our Mighty Ducks return on Tuesday morning!
For our families celebrating Diwali, "Shubh Diwali!" May this Diwali bring peace, happiness, health and prosperity to your life. Wishing you and your family a joyous and prosperous Diwali!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
October
21 - PTO Sponsored Duck Dash ~ RAIN DATE
22 - Picture Retake Day
30 - PTO Sponsored Trunk or Treat, Burleigh Manor MS, 5:15-6:30 PM
31 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work Day), Dismissal Time: 12:15 pm
November
2 - Daylight Savings Ends
7 - Parent Teacher Conference Scheduling Window Opens
10 - 1st Quarter Report Cards ~ HCPSS Connect
12 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
17-21 - American Education Week
24 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
25 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
26 - 28 - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving
RELATED ARTS ~ COLOR CALENDAR SCHEDULE
MWES NEWS
Picture Retake
Click Here For The Order Forms
The Young Authors’ Contest
The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors Contest Guidelines for information about the rules and guidelines. Stories and poems must be typed and saved as a Word Doc or Googledoc. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet sent as a PDF. Submissions may be emailed to natalie_miskimins@hcpss.org by December 15, 2025. Contact Mrs. Miskimins with any questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.
Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information about joining.
Digital Citizenship Week - October 20-24
With all of the technology in our lives, it’s never too early to begin talking about digital citizenship. The digital world requires many skills and habits that kids don’t learn without direct instruction. Digital citizenship helps them learn those skills. HCPSS elementary schools are proud to have digital citizenship as an integral part of the technology and media curriculum. In grades K-2, the lessons are
focused around healthy media habits and how to be safe online. Lessons for students in grades 3–5 reinforce previously taught lessons of online safety, how to recognize cyberbullying, what is and isn’t OK to share online, and how to maintain a positive digital footprint.
October 20-24, we celebrate Digital Citizenship Week to continue to raise awareness and educate students and the community on internet safety. Technology can be a powerful and beneficial tool, but like any tool, we want to ensure students acquire the necessary skills to navigate and use technology properly. Working together as a community, we can support our students and help them use technology in a safe, smart, and responsible manner.
Family Talking Points on Media Balance
Family Activities & Parent Resources
PTO NEWS
PTO Website: https://www.mwespto.com/
Duck Dash Student Registration (Oct 21)
Trunk Or Treat Volunteer Sigh Up(Oct 30)
Community News
Free Weather Gear
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