From School Administration
Dear Manor Woods Families,
It has been a great 5-day week of school for our students and staff! The weather this week has definitely felt like Fall with cooler weather bringing out sweatshirts and jackets. As colder days approach, please also be sure to dress your student in weather appropriate layers for recess and building transitions. Per HCPSS Weather Guidelines, all students will generally be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95 degrees. As a reminder, to prevent lost items, families are asked to label all student items with their student's full name.
We are excited for our annual PTO Sponsored Duck Dash on Monday, October 13th. 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. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates as our students and staff are excited for this event on Monday. A community message will be sent if we need to postpone this event to the rain date of Tuesday, October 21st.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Kelli Jenkins, Principal
Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal
Important Dates
October
13 - PTO Sponsored Duck Dash
17 - Schools Closed For Students (Professional Work Day)
21 - PTO Sponsored Duck Dash ~ RAIN DATE
22 - Picture Retake Day
20 - Diwali ~ Schools & Offices Closed
31 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work Day), Dismissal Time: 12:15 pm
November
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
Manor Woods School Counselors are here to support students and families. Ms. Heinlein (grades 1, 2, 4 & 5) and Mrs. Salapata (grades K & 3) are here to serve the Manor Woods community. They can be contacted through email: mheinlein@hcpss.org or csalapata@hcpss.org OR by calling 410-313-7165.
Howard County Service Navigator Newsletter
The service navigator newsletter provides valuable information and resources for students and families in Howard Co. including housing assistance, child care financial aid, food pantry locations, and upcoming events.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES DURING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
As many Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) families are impacted by the federal government shutdown, we understand that many people in our community may experience financial hardship or uncertainty. HCPSS remains committed to supporting all students and families during this time.
Howard County families who have lost pay due to the shutdown may apply for the Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FARMs) program and the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will determine their eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that would not ordinarily qualify for the FARMs program could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income.
Families that are adversely impacted, including those who do not receive FARMs assistance, will have the remainder of the school year to pay off any meal balances incurred during the government shutdown.
Additionally, many students may be suffering fear or anxiety about their family’s current financial situation. Student Services staff at each school are prepared and available to assist students at any time during the school day. Numerous resources are also available for families on the HCPSS website, and other supports are available through the Howard County Department of Community Resource and Services.
Information Worth Repeating
Picture Retake
Click Here For The Order Forms
Importance Of Attendance
Research is clear that showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic and social success, starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school, or even facing social challenges.
- Missing 10% (or about 18 days of a school year) can drastically affect a student’s academic success.
- By the 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that can indicate if a student is at risk for dropping out of high school.
- In the 9th grade, regular and high attendance predicts graduation rates better than 8th grade test scores.
Student attendance is a major point of focus for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, MSDE lowered the chronic absenteeism rate from 20% to 10%, meaning that at 10%, a student should receive support and interventions to improve their absenteeism.
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) believes that attendance is key to student success. Maryland's attendance rate represents the average daily attendance rate of students in grades 1-12, including special education students. The state's proficient standard for attendance rate is 94%, and the advanced standard is 96%.
In support of achieving Exemplary Attendance for all students, we are sharing with you a comprehensive approach to attendance supports and interventions.
With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents/guardians, staff, and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will improve student success in school and future life.
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.
PTO NEWS
PTO Website: https://www.mwespto.com/
PTO Survey: https://forms.gle/Gx5GAtAzjt4Hwmdp8
Trunk Or Treat Volunteer Sign 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