Meadow Hall Staff Newsletter

We made it through a fabulous first week of school!! Well done:) Remember, no school on Monday for Labor Day. Enjoy the three days and get some much needed rest.

We've enjoyed coming to visit classrooms this past week. Admin and core team members will continue to visit often and start providing feedback.

If you need to get a hold of administration immediately or to let us know about an unplanned absence or tardy, here are our cell phones numbers:

Desmond Mackall - 240-401-7012

Ilana Simhon - 703-864-0358

We plan to begin our WIN (What I Need) time over the next couple weeks. Once the team has determined a plan, an email will be sent to all teachers and paras supporting the grade level at that time.

Grades 4 and 5 - please include WIN on your Mustang Morning agendas.

Grades 1, 2 and 3 - please decide on a curriculum study day/time to discuss WIN in the next week or two. Let core team know so we can attend and help!

As the first week comes to an end do not forget to provide updates about what has been going on in classes. Remember that families compare across grade levels so it will be important to talk about how you are using Class Dojo to engage your families in what is going on in the classroom! Many of the families have enjoyed seeing photos and videos of the first week!

Read this document for the BTSN Plan FY 24

Other Think about:

- Consider meeting with families in your rooms separately as this is more intimate. (Grade 4 should meet together as they will present ELC)

-I would like to give Ms. Blakley the opportunity to have the media center open so she can welcome families during sessions 1 & 2.

-Consider opportunities for room parent sign-ups (Especially grade 5 to help plan grade 5 end-of-year events)

-Grade 3-5 should share planner use; ask families to sign off if they can in the 3rd column if they can

The goal of BTSN is not to simply stand and deliver. I would like for us to think about ways to streamline information so that families get pertinent that will support them with their children. How can do we engage families in a way so that they feel like they are a part of the conversation If there are things we can communicate through Dojo or an email to families then consider using that piece of communication. It will be critical that families get a chance to see their child's classroom if they choose to meet as a group. If you have questions or concerns please contact me as you begin planning!

Resources:

• Sample Community Feedback Survey Questions: To support your decision-making process it is important to gather feedback from your community so decisions best meet the needs of those we are serving.

Reimagining Back to School Night: Sample Family Survey Questions

• Sample Community Builders/Icebreakers: Engaging families in activities with purpose like a community builder to get to know your families

B2SN Community Builders Folder

As we think about how we assign homework remember that our instructional focus is about student engagement. Though worksheets are one way to encourage students to reflect on learning we encourage you to provide diverse homework experiences. Send a link home for students to practice online. Share strategies with families in your newsletter. Think about our divergent learners as we assign homework. Consider offering strategies and homework helpers to assist families in your newsletters and student take-home folders.

A reminder that as we shift from routines to our academics, we want teachers to begin moving towards the start time based on the master schedule. Kindergarten is still focused on getting to the classroom and learning routines, so we would like all K classrooms to shoot for instruction no later than 9:30 am. Grades 1, 3 and 4 will work towards the 9:20 start time as outlined on the master schedule. Grade 2 morning meeting ends by 10:10am (after specials) and Grade 5 by 10:50am (after math).

As we begin instruction in the next week or two, please review expectations in the staff handbook regarding education. All lesson objectives need to be posted in kid-friendly language. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by and let the administration know.

Staff Expectations

There have been several updates to the Performance Matters Platform over the summer. The topics are bookmarked and listed below. Please share these updates with your staff. We will continue to send Performance Matters platform updates on a monthly basis. Should you have any issues with the platform, please put in a MCPS Help Desk ticket (link).

FY’24 Performance Matters Platform Updates

FY Performance Matters Overview - Asynchronous Course

FARMS “Pill”

Shared Reports

Assessment Completion Report

Saved Filters

Default Performance Band

Student Groups

Manage Columns

We are ready to kick off our September Equity Book of the Month read aloud. Feel free to invite guest readers during this time. Our September focus is on Hispanic Heritage Month. If you would like to read both books to your class, feel free to reach out to someone on the other grade level and make arrangements to do so. There is an Equity Book google folder that contains discussion questions, activities and resources for every book. These resources are there to support your read aloud and are not required. Once you have read the book, please place the date next to your name and pass the book along to the next person on the list. The last person to read the book will return it to Mrs. Bartee room 40A.

Equity Books of the Month Folder

From our Deputy Superintendent:

Last week, an update was sent to prepare for Open House. Moving forward, we will continue to send updates regarding inclusive texts. We know schools are beginning Back to School Night, and we want you to be prepared if parents/guardians express concerns and ask questions. Supplemental texts featuring LGBTQ+ characters in our literacy instruction have been in the news recently and are the subject of ongoing litigation in court. As such, some in our community have had questions. Here are a few key things we all need to know and are essential to understand.

1.Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Our school system and board of education are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that reflects the rich diversity of our community. We aim to ensure that every student can see themselves and their experiences represented within the curriculum. This commitment aligns with Board of Education policy, which requires that, as educators, we provide an inclusive and welcoming learning environment that promotes empathy, respect, and understanding among all students.

2. Recent Court Decision:

A recent court decision has denied the request for an opt-out provision regarding the use of inclusive supplemental texts. All students are expected to participate in instruction that includes inclusive supplemental texts.

3. Educational Benefits:

Inclusive supplemental texts offer significant educational benefits. It provides students with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, promoting critical thinking skills, empathy, and a broader understanding of the world. Students are better prepared to navigate an increasingly interconnected and diverse society by engaging with diverse literacy works.

4. Student Perspective:

Our students deserve the opportunity to explore various viewpoints and experiences. By providing inclusive, diverse texts that include LGBTQ+ characters and other representations of real-life diversity, we foster a deep sense of self-awareness, respect for others, and the ability to engage in meaningful discussions about the world around them.

5. More information:

To further your understanding of the benefits of inclusive education and how to support your students’ learning, the school district has created a document with more information and frequently asked questions. This is available in multiple languages.

English Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document ( español / Chinese/ français / Português / Korean/ Vietnamese/ Arabic/ Amharic)

Our primary focus is on the well-being and education of our students. We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels respected, valued, and understood. We will continue to work together and appreciate all you are doing to support our students and school communities.

If families continue to express concern, please ask them to speak with Mrs. Simhon and me. I thank you for your continued commitment to our students! Have a great day!

Please encourage your students to bring water bottles with them to lunch. MCPS is no longer providing unlimited small waters in the lunch room. Students may refill the disposable bottles or water bottles from home with the filtered water outside the APR and/or gym.

Testing is starting this week for both MAP and Dibels. Team leaders, please communicate with Jennifer Binder your preferred testing schedule.

Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling ( LETRS) Upcoming Cohorts- NEW (Registration Coming Soon!)

We are extremely excited to announce that we are in the process of scheduling new LETRS for Educators. Opportunities are available on Saturdays and during the school day. PDO Course information coming soon.

MCPS LETRS for Educators Interest Information

Social Studies Canvas Self-Enroll Code

September Social Studies Newsletter

Grades 4 and 5 Teachers

Back to School Night Slides for New Grades 4 and 5 Curricula

• Grade 4
• Grade 5

Grades 4 and 5 Virtual Binders for Copy Plus

• Grade 4
• Grade 5

Grades 4 and 5 Summer PD on Canvas

Grades 4 and 5 Summer PD on Canvas (Teachers will not receive pay for viewing the Canvas modules.)

• Grade 4 Social Studies 2023 Summer Training
• Shared in Commons
• Title: Grade 4 ES Social Studies Training
• Link
• Grade 5 Social Studies 2023 Summer Training
• Shared in Commons
• Title: Grade 5 ES Social Studies Training
• Link

Please see our updated dismissal times for this week.

3:15pm - Only Kindergarten Patrols dismissed

3:20pm - Kindergarten and First Graders dismissed with K patrols and teachers

3:23pm - All other Patrols dismissed

3:25pm - Grades 2-5 - All students dismissed at the 3:25 bell.

Here is a list of commonly used subs in the building. If you have names to add, please let Ilana or Megan know and we will add to the list! This is also linked to the Staff Handbook.

Sub List

MCPS requires all staff to complete a test security module. It is in the assignments tab of our Meadow Hall canvas page. It is called FY24. You will need to watch the whole video and at the end, there will be a form to print. Our first testing window opens the second week of school, so your certificate is due to Jennifer Binder by Friday, September 1. Please let Jennifer know if you have any questions.

Elementary teachers must complete the online PDO course for their grade level.

Grades K–4: Staff who have not completed the initial Grades K–4 online asynchronous training must complete PDO Course #87892.

Grade 5: Staff must complete synchronous training PDO Course #89415 prior to instruction. An annual online update (PDO Course #90327) must be completed each year thereafter

Training Calendar

Looking for ways to increase engagement in your classroom?

Check out our Engagement Strategy Google Slideshow! New strategies will be continuously added throughout the school year.

Check out these resources!

Wellness Matters Resources

In the past, our entire staff appreciation budget has been used by providing water to the staff and guests of our building. In order to have those funds to contribute to other forms of appreciation, we are establishing a "water club". If you wish to have unlimited access to water (now located in the main office) you may join and pay a $20 fee for the school year. We believe this will cover the cost of water for those interested from now until mid-June.

See Renifer to join the water club!

Those who do not wish to join the water club may continue to utilize the filtered water outside of the APR and the gym.

Join the PTA - only $8 for staff members!

Ice cream Social - Thursday, September 21st!

Let Desmond and Ilana know if you are able to help with a club or activity for our students!

MHES After-School Activities

If you aren't signed up for a Committee yet, please let Desmond and Ilana know your preference! All MCEA members need to have a committee which will count has one of your three required evening commitments. Back to School Night is your other evening activity. The 3rd one will be your choice of which to attend/help!

Committees

Monday, September 4

- No School (Labor Day)

Tuesday, September 5

- Leadership Team mtg @ 3:45-5pm

Wednesday, September 6

- Back to School Night @ 6-7:30pm

Tuesday, September 12

- Staff mtg @ 3:45-5pm

September 15-22 - Scholastic Book Fair in the Media Center!

Click here for the school meeting schedule for this year. These are also on the master calendar.

Email: Ilana_N_Simhon@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/meadowhalles/
Location: 951 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-5260