Stedwick History and General Information
Stedwick is one of five elementary schools belonging to the Watkins Mill Cluster in Montgomery Village. Our fifth grade students matriculate to either Montgomery Village Middle School or Neelsville Middle School.

Our school was constructed in 1974 and designed as an open space school. Over the course of ten years, many interior walls were added which modified the floor plan.  From September through December of 1974, our students were housed at Whetstone, Watkins Mill, south Lake and in some portables at the then Jr. High School.  

The school officially opened and staff moved in January of 1975.  In 1989 renovation began for a "self-contained school."  The last wall was in place at the end of the 1997 school year.  

This year Stedwick opened its doors to over 600 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade, with 33 classrooms.

Mission Statement
The mission of Stedwick Elementary School is to provide an inviting and accessible learning environment where all students can achieve their potential for communicating effectively, utilizing technology, taking risks, and solving real life problems as socially responsible citizens of our multicultural community. Our cultural climate is best maintained when students, staff, and community work cooperatively in a child-centered setting that promotes academic achievement, creativity, self-worth, mutual respect, and understanding.

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Vision Statement
The staff at Stedwick Elementary School believes that all students can reach their
maximum potential when:

There are clear standards and high expectations for academic performance
Social and emotional growth is promoted through individual and group experiences
The instructional program includes the use of teaching a variety of strategies and actively involves students
There is an environment that is safe, caring and positive.
There is a united partnership of staff, parents and community committed to excellence in learning.

School Hours

Breakfast	9:00 a.m.
Pre-K Progam	9:15 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. 1:00 - 3:30 p.m..
Kindergarten  - 5th Grade	9:15 a.m. -  3:30 p.m.
AM Announcements	9:20 a.m.
Dismissal	3:30 p.m.
Early Dismissal	1:00 p.m.

 

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MCPS Local Success for Every Student Program
On January 6, 1992, the Board of Education approved a landmark initiative that has become the strategic plan for the advancement of quality education in Montgomery County Public Schools. To accomplish this, MCPS has adopted the following four goals:

Goal 1: Ensure success for each student.

Goal 2: Provide an effective instructional program.

Goal 3: Strengthen productive partnerships for education.

Goal 4: Create a positive work environment in a self-renewing organization.

Stedwick's Instructional Program Philosophy
Our instructional program and philosophy of learning reflects the following Board of
Education priorities:

• Improve the academic achievement of all students.

• Improve student performance as measured by criterion-referenced and Maryland

• School Performance Assessment Program tests and other informal assessments.

• Increase the emphasis on teaching and learning higher order intellectual skills.

• Implement a special emphasis program which will result in substantial gains in the  academic performance of minority students in the classroom, on standardized and informal  tests, and to encourage their participation in programs for the gifted and talented, higher  level academic courses, and in extracurricular activities.

• Improve students' abilities to exercise responsibility for independent learning, and to be responsible citizens. Improve implementation of staff development activities to enhance  employee effectiveness and promote success for all students.
  
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Organization for Learning
Stedwick's experienced and dedicated staff is organized into grade level teams and provides instruction commensurate with the instructional needs of the students.  Students are assigned to a classroom teacher, grouped and regrouped for learning experiences designed to meet their ability and skill level in each subject area.  Specialists and resource teachers meet with students in individual, group, and classroom settings and plan with grade-level teams.  

Individual classrooms are reserved for music, art, computer lab, reading, speech, counseling, diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, and enriched and innovative learning projects.  In addition, we have a well stocked media center and a fully equipped gymnasium.

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Special Features & Programs
Stedwick has excellent art, music, and physical education programs.

The ESOL, resource, speech, and reading teachers provide additional support services for students. The counselor works with parents and students if there is a need.

All teachers differentiate their instructional programs to meet the unique learning needs of all students, including the highly able and Gifted and Talented students.

A challenging learning environment is enhanced by parent interest and supported by an active PTA. Some of our special programs include but are not limited to the following:

Character Counts and Goal Setting programs teach students to set realistic goals for     themselves.  Students are able to achieve their goals by having opportunities to demonstrate trustworthiness, respect, citizenship, caring, responsibility, and fairness.

Safety Patrol program for students in grades 4 and 5 promotes safety before and after school, at school crossings and on the bus.

Computer Lab which provides learning opportunities through technology for staff and students.

After-School Program that provides a variety of opportunities.  Every Tuesday and Thursday, Activity Bus (10/15 - 5/31).

Bar-T - before and after school structured day care program.

Kindergarten Orientation occurs in the spring.  We advertise this even via local newspapers and community bulletin boards.

Our instrumental music program is available for students in grades 4 and 5. It includes all  band, orchestra instruments, and choral music.

Our Science Club is a fun filled time for hands-on science.

Our Art Club is an opportunity for students to extend their art skills after school.

Our Computer Club offers students the opportunity to learn about the practical use of   computers and technology after school.

P.T.A. offers a Yearbook Club for budding journalists and publishers.

In Book Club, members share many favorite books.