From School Administration
Dear Manor Woods Families,
Spring break is just around the corner—just one more week of school to go!
Spring Break will take place from March 28 through April 5. Please note that Monday, April 6 is designated as an inclement weather make-up day, and school will be in session for students on that day. Our next Weekly Duck will be published on Friday, April 10th. As we approach this well-deserved break, we encourage all of our students and families to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments together. We hope the break provides an opportunity for renewal.
When we return from Spring Break, we will be entering an important stretch of the school year. The third quarter will end on Tuesday, April 14th with report cards viewable on HCPSS Connect on April 22nd after 4:00 PM. Our focus will be on maintaining strong routines, maximizing instructional time, and continuing to build positive learning habits. A priority during this time will be strong, consistent attendance. Daily attendance matters, and being present each day ensures that students stay connected to instruction, build momentum in their learning, and remain engaged with their classroom community. As a school and county, we are committed to reducing chronic absenteeism and ensuring that all students have as few absences as possible for the remainder of the year.
We will also continue setting clear goals with students around effort, perseverance, and demonstrating our schoolwide DUCK expectations each day. This is a critical time for students to apply all they have learned and finish the year strong—both academically and behaviorally!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Wishing all of our Mighty Duck families a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break!
Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
March
30 - April 6 - Spring Break
April
6 - HCPSS CALENDAR UPDATE ~ FULL DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
15 - HCPSS CALENDAR UPDATE ~ SCHOOLS OPEN FOR STUDENTS ~ Early Dismissal
14 - End of 3rd Quarter
16 - PTO Multicultural Night, Marriotts Ridge HS, 5:45-8:00 PM
21 - Chorus Concert, Marriott Ridge HS, 7:00 PM
22 - 3rd Quarter Report Cards Viewable, 4:00 PM
RELATED ARTS ~ COLOR CALENDAR SCHEDULE
Note: Color Calendar May Not Reflect Updated School Closures/Early Dismissals
UPDATED HCPSS CALENDAR
https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
MWES NEWS
HOWARD COUNTY ELEMENTARY HONORS ORCHESTRA
CONGRATULATIONS to Libby Eaton (string bass) and Lula Pieck (violin) for representing Manor Woods in the Howard County Elementary Honors Orchestra concert on March 14th. We are so proud of your outstanding performance and leadership!
HOWARD COUNTY ELEMENTARY GT BAND
CONGRATULATIONS to these fifth grade students on their successful audition and selection to the 2026 HCPSS Elementary School GT Band:
Ronan Bovee - Percussion
Grace Chung - Flute
Roger Han - Clarinet
Emmett Hertz - Clarinet
Hazel Smith - Clarinet
Johann Tseng - Trombone
Daniel Wang - Clarinet
Each year, Howard County auditions hundreds of students between grades four and five for the distinct honor of participation in the Gifted and Talented Band. We are very proud of our student musicians for their dedication and commitment to their music studies in Band. They will perform with the HCPSS GT Band later this spring. Way to GO!
After School Programs At MWES
Howard County Recreation & Parks
Spring 2026 After School Classes flier for Manor Woods ES
~Manor Woods ES Spring 2026 After School Classes Flier
~Manor Woods ES HCRP Program Registration Page
Information Worth Repeating
MCAP
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that states administer annual state assessments to all students in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and once in high school.
Manor Woods students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in both ELA and math. The MCAP provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. For more information, visit https://www.hcpss.org/academics/testing/mcap/.
The MCAP assessment window is Tuesday, April 7 - Friday, May 29. Specific testing dates are below for each grade level. Please make every effort to have your child attend school on testing days and to refrain from scheduling any appointments during these times to minimize missing instruction due to make-up testing. There is no need to study for the MCAP. To prepare, have your child get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time.
MCAP ELA
3rd Grade - April 20, 21, 22, and 24
4th Grade - April 8, 10, 13, and 14
5th Grade - April 8, 10, 13, and 14
MCAP Math
3rd Grade - May 4, 5, 6, and 8
4th Grade - May 4, 5, 6, and 8
5th Grade - April 27, 28, 29 and May 1
UNDERSTANDING SPEECH & LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
PTO NEWS
MULTICULTURAL NIGHT
Join us in making our Multicultural Night a vibrant celebration of the cultures that make our community so special! We're inviting parents and teachers to volunteer their time, talents, and traditions to create an evening filled with food, music, and meaningful connections. Together, we can create an unforgettable night that celebrates diversity, builds understanding, and brings our school community closer than ever. We'd love to have you be part of it! Check out the SignUpGenius below!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548A9AC23A7FAC25-61774260-mwes#/
Thursday, April 16th 5:45-8:00
COMMUNITY NEWS
BINGO NIGHT EVENT TICKETS ARE HERE!
Join the excitement at our annual Bingo Night event! Food, fun and socializing, with a chance at great prizes, auctions and raffle items! Tickets are $35 in advance at the link below (fees apply), or $40 at the door.
Only 300 seats available! Get yours now at https://events.mrhsmusic.net/bingo
Jazz at the Ridge Returns to MRHS on April 9th
The award winning MRHS Big Band, Jazz Combo & MVMS Jazz Band will be rocking the stage with the MRHS Jazz Madrigals, Vocal Ensemble and the MVMS Jazz Choir! Come early to enjoy refreshments (light appetizers & a popcorn station) at 6:30pm in the Commons and hear the Jazz Combo play. Dessert & beverages served in the Commons at Intermission.
Tickets: $10 each/$30 per family (2 adults & their children) with discounts for staff/military/senior adults. Purchase at the door, or reserve in advance at https://events.mrhsmusic.net/jatr
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