#EagleNation Updates

June 15: 8th Grade Promotion

June 16: Last Day of School (Early Release Day)

June 19: Juneteenth

August 28: SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS DUE

MCPS School Calendar

Many of our families and staff are heading to enjoy summer plans! You should know that there is a core group of leaders who work diligently throughout the summer while you are away to prepare for the upcoming school year. Of course, our staff is encouraged to take breaks for their own mental health; however, many of the summer days are spent preparing the master schedule, the building and the professional development plan for the new school year.

Instructional Planning

• Instructional leaders collaborate throughout the summer to analyze data, discuss the current state of the school, engage in professional development and make decisions about the instructional plan for the school year. There are five official days where the entire team meets together (about 24 team members) for full days and many major decisions are made during the meetings when all leaders are in person.

Scheduling

• As with every school year there are staffing changes and hiring throughout the summer. As we await additional staffing requested from the county, our master schedulers will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we plan the best schedule possible for our students. Individual student course selections will be sent out later in the summer.

• We are excited some of our students chose new electives that were in response to parent requests for rigorous offerings. We look forward to igniting an even wider range of passions in our students with expanded electives this school year.

• Note: While some misinformation has been circulated, know that the electives are important to our scheduling team since elective offerings connect students to their greater passions and we have not finished our scheduling or staffing at this time. There were some questions about staffing in the music department. All student requests are currently honored for those courses where the rest of their schedule was not in conflict. It is unfortunate that incomplete information has been circulated. It is true that overall staffing was reduced at Eastern since enrollment dropped in our school over the past few years and staffing had not been adjusted as a show of grace during COVID years. We are closely monitoring enrollment and providing updates to central office as our efforts to increase enrollment for the upcoming year have been successful. Stay Tuned!

• We will share updates after hiring is finalized, but we will continue to hire after we receive anticipated additional staffing. (Be sure to look out for the SUMMER NEWSLETTER in August) The leadership team is committed to finding the best talent as we post and interview for positions.

Facilities

• Demolition and remodeling will occur to student bathrooms (including a gender neutral bathroom).
• Locker turnover will occur to issue lockers on time.
• Deep cleaning will occur as we take advantage of the building being closed to the public and a detailed plan for summer cleaning will be implemented.

*In an effort to continue open and transparent communication, please reach out to an administrator if you have any questions. Administrators' emails are listed at the bottom of each newsletter.

Instead of binging a new Netflix series, grab your popcorn and binge watch our 8th graders' documentaries which were recently showcased at the American Film Institute in downtown Silver Spring!

On Thursday, June 8, 2023, Eastern Middle School students showcased their capstone documentaries during the 15th Annual Final Conference at the American Film Institute in downtown Silver Spring.

Use this link to access a folder that contains the introductory video, all of the documentary films, and the retrospective video from Final Conference 2023. Open, save, view and share with all the community members who were unable to attend the Final Conference 2023.

Thank you to the PTSA, family volunteers and staff who made the 8th grade dance a success. The 8th graders said they wanted an evening event and you made it HAPPEN! Enjoy the pictures of our students who experienced a decorated dance floor, food, fun at a photo booth, delicious ice cream from an ice cream truck and hours of bonding time with their friends. There were even a few tears shed with the thoughts of leaving friends and staff, but we know our 8th grade eagles are ready to FLY!

Earlier this year families expressed concern that there is a dire need for updates to student bathrooms. The time is now approaching for our bathroom demolition and remodel.

MCPS has responded as they promised. Contractors have stated they will use our cafeteria as a staging area for their materials this week and they will begin demolition of the bathrooms on the first day of summer break! Although we will not have use of the building this summer for public activity, we will be glad to offer this area of improvement to our students in the fall. We will be sure to take pictures as the work develops!

8th Grade Promotion will be held at Kennedy High School Auditorium Thursday June 15 from 10am-11:30am (Doors Open at 9:30.

1901 Randolph Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20902

• Students will receive two tickets for guests to attend this event.
• Students will receive a permission form in their English class at the end of May which must be returned in order to get their two tickets.
  
• 8th grade students will be required to return their MCPS issued Chromebook and charger starting on June 5.
• 8th grade students should clear all financial obligations to the cafeteria and media center.

Thursday, June 15, immediately following the ceremony

Wheaton Regional Park, Pavilions E, F, G near the carousel. Free Parking. Please consider volunteering (especially 6th and 7th grade parents for set up from 10-11:30) Sign Up to Volunteer

FOR 8TH GRADER STUDENTS ONLY: the PTSA will be offering hot dogs, pizza, and a frozen treat*. Snacks and drinks will also be on hand. Quantities will be limited, and our promoted 8th graders/rising 9th grade students will be prioritized. We hope to have some extra for families but cannot guarantee it.

*Families are encouraged to bring their own food, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy the afternoon! Two food trucks will also be available: Catalyst Hot Dogs and Fred's Ice Cream truck.

Please be sure to pay your school obligations. Overdue notices were sent 5/8.

*To clear an incurred obligation, the amount will need to be paid or the student’s parent or guardian will need to sign a payment plan. Direct questions to the person indicated on the specific obligation.

Here are things to know for Thursday June 8. Get information about the newly adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 operating budget, the annual back-to-school fair, summer academic resources, and more. Read message

Office hours: Monday through Friday from 7:50-4:20

Emails and phone numbers for support in the school:

• Main Office: (240) 740-6280
• Admin Secretary: Ms. Perez: priscilla_b_smith@mcpsmd.org
• Attendance Secretary: Ms. Blanco: isaura_m_blanco-flores@mcpsmd.org
• Front Office Secretary: Ms. Brioso: rosa_i_briosoenamorado@mcpsmd.org
• Financial Assistant: Ms. Zhang: rui_zhang@mcpsmd.org

Counselors:

• Resource Counselor: Cherine Roberts- cherine_roberts@mcpsmd.org
• 6th Grade Counselor: Cayla Cwerner- cayla_cwerner@mcpsmd.org
• 7th Grade Counselor: Genevieve Loving- genevieve_s_loving@mcpsmd.org
• 8th Grade Counseling needs contact Ms. Roberts: cherine_roberts@mcpsmd.org

Administrators:

• School Principal - Ms. Shorts: lisa_n_shorts@mcpsmd.org
• 6th Grade Assistant Principal- Charles McFeamster: charles_s_feamster@mcpsmd.org
• 7th Assistant Principal- Deidre Levin: deirdre_m_mcshealevin@mcpsmd.org
• 8th Grade Assistant Principal- Matthew Kerwin: matthew_f_kerwin@mcpsmd.org

Family Supports:

• Parent Community Coordinator - Mr. Pablo Molina Chemali: pablo_i_molinachemali@mcpsmd.org
• PTA President- Terry Seery: eastern.ptsa.president@gmail.com

Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/easternms
Location: Eastern Middle School, University Boulevard East, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-6280
Twitter: @EasternMS_Prin

*Our Platinum Sponsor for the Eagle Strut Fun Run is Perennial Real Estate. The event is also sponsored by The Woodmoor Pastry Shop. The PTSA is grateful for their generous support of our kids and our community.