Meadow Hall Staff Newsletter
Week of October 31
Week of October 31 to November 4
During the month of November, Chris Beissel (ITSS) will be here at Meadow Hall the mornings of: November 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 29 and other dates/times as needed. If you need to print in color, please print to the color printer in the media center (rather than the main office). Let Chris know if you need that printer access.
On Wednesday, November 2nd, after school hours, we will have visitors complete a "ghost walk" in our school. They are simply going to each room and collecting their own data for us to later receive and reflect on their observations. They will not ask you questions and you don't need to be in your room. We are just letting you know, so you won't be surprised when some MCPS colleagues are wandering through our school:)
Monday, November 7 is our designated grading and reporting day. Teachers have the option of teleworking. Please fill out this google form by Friday, November 4 so Jennifer is aware of the best way to reach you. Just a reminder that regardless of work location, you must email Jennifer and get confirmation back that your grades have been finalized correctly by 3:50 on Monday. (The sooner the better :) )
https://forms.gle/zqoEGvrBWHpZiHuz7
An optional November 7th activity are these Virtual Staff Well-Being Activities.
A reminder that performance matters data in grades 1-5 is due on November 9th.
Please see the link below for the end of MP procedures. Jennifer Binder is available to answer any questions!
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Texts and Resources
Through the Evaluation and Selection of Instructional Materials and Library Books (see Regulation IIB-RA), Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has approved a selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning+ (LGBTQ+) inclusive textbooks for elementary and secondary English Language Arts curricula for use in the classroom. There are no planned explicit lessons related to gender and sexuality; however, students will have an opportunity to see LGBTQ+ identities reflected in the textbooks.
Links and Resources:
List of Newly Approved LGBTQ-Inclusive Texts
Responding to Caregiver Questions FY23
PD Opportunity
The Elementary English Language Development Team has partnered with the Wisconsin Center for Education Products and Services, WCEPS, the organization that partners with WIDA to offer some professional learning sessions for elementary ELD and content teachers. These sessions can be found on PDO and some start as early as next week. Please see the attached flyers for information. Seats are limited and we are hoping content and ELD teachers will take advantage of this learning in an effort to improve outcomes for our Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs.) Please see Jennifer’s post in Meadow Hall Private for more information.
Reconciliation and Remembrance Lessons
Please see the link below for the Reconciliation and Remembrance lessons. Lessons may be taught during the months of November-December. Team leaders, please let Admin know when the 5 lessons will be taught.
Data Reflection
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences should be offered in person and virtually (zoom, google meets, or phone). Please allow any platform that is easiest for our families.
Parents that do not sign up or show up for a conference need to be contacted twice (at least once by phone) to schedule.
If parents continues to no-show, enter attempts to contact in synergy contact log.
Teachers are responsible for signing up for a translator or using language line. We are requesting a Spanish translator for the afternoons of November 21st and 22nd.
Conferences may be conducted any time from November 7th to 30th.
Plan to speak to data, grades, and social-emotional wellbeing of the student.
Gather information from ELD, SPED and focus teachers to speak about all aspects of a child's progress.
Coordinate and invite ELD and SPED teachers when possible.
PTA News
PTA MEETING THIS TUESDAY
Our November PTA meeting is happening this Tuesday, November 1, at 7pm. Please join us in-person or on Zoom! Spanish translation will be provided. Our wonderful KAH staff will be providing free childcare for those who come in-person. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
In-Person: Meet in the Media Center
Online Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88420918867?pwd=NnhFUWV2RWhjQlRTSEpOU1EraHhNdz09
Meeting ID: 884 2091 8867; Passcode: MHESPTA
MHES SPIRIT NIGHT FUNDRAISER AT CHIPOTLE
Be sure to mark your calendar for our next Spirit Night Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 15 from 5-9pm at the Chipotle in Wintergreen Plaza! Chipotle will donate 33% of sales back to Meadow Hall. Order online for pickup using code HRVJKWC or show the attached flyer if you order in the restaurant.
To Do Items
Grades and Finalizing of Report Cards - Due Nov. 7th
Calendar Items
Tuesday, November 1
- Leadership Team mtg @ 3:45
- PTA meeting @ 7pm
Wednesday, November 2
- Ghost Walk @ 3:30
Thursday, November 3
- Kindergarten Field Trip
Monday, November 7
- Professional Day - telework OK
- Report Card Grades - finalize by 4pm
Tuesday, November 8
- Election Day - no school
- We are an election polling site, so staff is not allowed in the building on Nov. 8
Tuesday, November 15
- Staff Meeting @ 3:45
Monday, November 21 and Tuesday, November 22
- Early Release; parent conferences
November 23-25
- No School
Tuesday, November 29
- Equity PLC @ 3:45
