From School Administration
Dear Manor Woods Families,
Thank you for your patience over the past two weeks as we navigated school closures, delayed openings, closure for the professional work day, and early dismissals for conferences. There has certainly been inconsistency with schedules and structure for all, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and understanding. Our students had a smooth transition back to school this week. Changes to the routine aren't easy for anyone, so we appreciate their perseverance. We are hopeful that next week will bring a return to more consistent routines for our students and families.
On behalf of the staff we would like to thank our parents/guardians that met with us for parent & teacher conferences. Discussing your child’s progress and setting goals moving forward is essential to their growth and development and we value the partnership.
As always, our PTO spoiled the staff on our conference days. Yesterday, they treated us to a fabulous lunch catered by Squisitos. There were also many delicious sweet treats. It was AWESOME! We are grateful for our Manor Woods community and all you do to support our school. We can not thank you enough!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
February
9 - 2nd Quarter Report Cards ~ Viewable via HCPSS Connect @ 4:00 PM
12 - Group School Pictures (Pictures will be taken first thing in the morning)
16 - Schools & Offices Closed
17 - Schools & Offices Closed
20 - PTO Sponsored Be Mine BINGO
March
3 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
9 - PTO Meeting, Media Center @ 7:00 PM
10 - Spring Class Picture Day
20 - Schools Closed For Students
30 - April 6 - Spring Break
RELATED ARTS ~ COLOR CALENDAR SCHEDULE
MWES NEWS 
Community, Connecting, Cultivating & Constructing Conversations Through Literacy
- A Girl Like Me by Angela Johnson
- Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy
- Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs
- Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
- Don’t Touch My Hair! By Sharee Miller
- Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
- Hair Love by Matthew Cherry
- Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
SPELLING BEE
Young Authors’ Contest MWES Grade Level Winners 2025-2026
MWES Young Authors' Contest - Thank you so much to everyone that supported the Young Authors' Contest! There were over 40 entries. All the students worked really hard. CONGRATULATIONS to all the participants!
First Grade
Short Story - No Entries Submitted
Poetry - Animals by Iris Huang (Mrs. Golden)
Second Grade
Short Story - Little Bat Rosey by Claire Huang (Mrs. Tanis)
Poetry - Kindness Is Magic by Deekshi Gatamaneni
(Mrs. Balighian)
Third Grade
Short Story - A Panda Parent by Aveline Choi
(Mrs. Downes)
Poetry - Camping Trip by Adalyn Kim (Mrs. Downes)
Fourth Grade
Short Story - The Climber Who Can Climb by Prajna Nirmal (Mrs. Sachetti)
Poetry - The Melody of Music by Dhanya Gedela
(Mrs. Robey)
Fifth Grade
Short Story - The Mysteries of Lake Wecker by Sanvika Nalabolu (Mrs. Broadhurst)
Poetry - Dear Great-Grandfather by Grace Chung
(Mr. Weaver)
Howard County Young Author's Winner - A very special Congratulations to Aveline Choi for writing the winning entry for the Howard County Young Authors' Contest for 3rd Grade!! Her entry now moves on to the state of Maryland Young Authors' Writing Contest! We wish her the best of luck!
Group Pictures
Group School Pictures will be at MWES on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Band, Orchestra, Chorus students who bring in order forms will receive their Club Photo.
Please click here for the order form: Club Photo Order Form
YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST
2025-26 Yearbook Cover Contest flyer (3).pdf
All Students are invited to enter the Yearbook Cover Contest. Teachers and staff will vote for their favorites, based on creativity and representation of the yearbook theme. First and Second Place will be displayed on the front or back cover of the yearbook and Third Place will be included on the first inside page. All other entries will be displayed throughout the yearbook.
Please see Flyer for more details: 2025-26 Yearbook Cover Contest flyer (3).pdf
Information Worth Repeating
COLD WEATHER INFORMATION REMINDERS
To learn about the decision process for closing schools, please view the Vimeo video below.
You can also visit the section of the HCPSS website listing the many ways you can be informed of weather-related school closings. Manor Woods Elementary will not send any additional email out because that communication comes directly from the HCPSS Communications Office.
Unscheduled Emergency Early School Closing
In the event that schools need to close early due to an unexpected weather event, please be sure to share with your child how he/she will go home if it is different from their normal dismissal routine.
All parents were asked to indicate how children are to go home in the event of an emergency/unscheduled closing when they completed their Family File information in August or September.
Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Recess
Exercise outdoors is healthy and is strongly encouraged. It provides a break from the regular school routine, a chance to get some outside air, and an opportunity to run off excess energy.
If conditions preclude the full recess time, even a five-minute break can revitalize children and prepare them for more sitting and academic learning. Children are expected to wear warm clothing to protect them during cold weather when participating in recess or outside activities.
The decision to go out or stay in for recess is the decision of the Administrator at individual schools. However, the following are to be considered in determining whether recess is to be held outside:
- Temperature and Windchill
- 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)
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary.
Community News
2026 HCPSS Family Academy Conference
HCPSS families are invited to save the date for the 2026 Family Academy Conference on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 pm at Long Reach High School. Families can look forward to a light dinner, a community resource fair, and interactive workshops focused on academic achievement, well-being, and family engagement. Workshop topics will include college and career readiness, special education supports, curriculum updates, hands-on learning strategies for use at home, and more. For more information, visit HCPSS News.
Centennial HS Boosters - Boys and Girls Basketball Future Eagles Nights
Centennial High School invites all local elementary and middle school athletes to join our varsity basketball teams for our Winter Sports Future Eagle Youth Nights. Pre-registered children receive free admission, join the varsity team on the court for the pre-game introductions and the National Anthem, sit with the JV team behind the Varsity bench, and shoot around on the court with the JV team at halftime
Boys Basketball- Thursday, February 12th (5:15 pm arrival, 5:30 pm game time)
Girls Basketball - Friday, February 13th (5:45 pm arrival, 6 pm game time)
Register and get more details at centennialboostersonline.com!
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