November 16, 2007
A Message From Mrs. Starr
As we all stop to reflect during this Thanksgiving, I wish to say thank you for all the support and hard work that you have provided to the Woodfield staff and to your own child(ren) and other students to ensure that all at Woodfield are being provided with unique opportunities on a daily basis to reach their full potential. I am truly honored to be principal of such a special place where everyone works together for the good of all. “It takes a village!”
Have a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by family and laughter!
School Activity Bus Begins For After-School Clubs
The After-school Activity Bus began on Wednesday, November 14th at 4:15 p.m. for the specific students who will be participating in the Slam Dunk Club (Mr. Deeb, sponsor), the Homework Club (Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Dougherty, sponsors) and the Off A Lots Club (Mrs. Wilson, sponsor). Other students, if pre-arranged appointments have been made with specific staff members, may use the activity bus, with written permission from a parent and that staff member. This activity bus will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week until March 20th. The activity bus is only to be used by students who are eligible to ride the bus to and from school daily. Since it will probably be dark when the students arrive into their neighborhoods, someone may need to be there to meet them at the identified bus stop to walk with them home. Remember no student will be allowed to ride the bus without specific written permission from the parent and staff member. Arrangements should have clearly been established between home and school prior to the day that your student stays at school. MCPA policy does not allow Kindergarten students to ride the activity bus. This bus is being paid for by MCPS and Woodfield PTA funds.
Second Graders Go to Strathmore for Concert
All 10,000 second graders in MCPS attended a concert the music center at Strathmore to hear the National Philharmonic conducted by Maestro Piotr Gajewski t the concert hall. There was music included by Leonard Bernstein, Brazilian composer Heitor Villa- Lobos and other. The educational concerts are a result of a unique partnership between MCPS, National Philharmonic and Strathmore. The concerts are sponsored in part by a gift from Montgomery County residents Carolyn and Jeffrey Leonard.
Mia Johnson, a Woodfield second grader, wrote of her experience, “When we came into the concert they were playing music. Then the conductor turned around and told us what it was called. Then they played something else and another person came and played with them. Then they played a song where the kids were picking berries.”
Thought for this week:
“If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.” Abraham Sutzkever
Reflections Program “I Can Make A Difference By….”
Time is getting close for submissions to the Reflections program.
This is a reminder to all students interested in the Reflections creative arts program. This year’s theme is “I Can Make a Difference By…..” Any student can submit entries in any of the following categories: Literature, Visual Arts, Photography, Musical Composition, Dance Choreography and Film/Video Production. Students can draw, paint, or photograph. They can write fiction or non-fiction, prose or poetry.
Informational packets can be found on the white cabinet outside the Woodfield office.
Submissions are due by Monday, November 26, 2007.
Please direct any questions to Karen Love at 301-916-5432 or klove@ullico.com.
Preparing for Grandparents’ Day
You are cordially invited to join us at our annual Grandparents’ Day on Tuesday, November 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Please respond to Mrs. Holly Walker if your child’s grandparents or surrogates will be attending this event. For students who do not have grandparents in this area, please feel free to send someone close to your child who can be a surrogate grandparent that day.
Ian Osterman, Principal for the Day on November 16th
Ian Osterman (Grade 2) was principal for the day today. He was the winner of the K-2 Fun Night Raffle. Look for his article, based upon his experiences, in our next issue of this newsletter.
Bringing Literature to Life
Chris Fascione is a professional actor-storyteller “who uses a unique combination of storytelling, mime, clowning, and a touch of juggling to bring colorful characters from literature to life as he educates, entertains and leads children into the world of books. Many different cultures and literary styles are included in his repertoire.” This show is expected to be active and participatory! Thanks to the PTA and the hard work of Dee Dauber, we will welcome this actor-storyteller in an assembly for K-2 from 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. and 3-5 from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. on November 27th.
Friday is always School Spirit Day. Wear your Woodfield clothes or blue and white.
2007-2008 Important Dates
Tuesday, November 20 Grandparent’s Day
Thursday, Nov. 22 – Friday, Nov. 23 Holidays – Thanksgiving – No School
Tuesday, November 27 P.M. Cultural Arts – Chris Fascione - Storyteller
Friday, November 30 Damascus High School Chorus visits
Sunday, December 2 National Inclusion Week
Tuesday, December 4 PTA Meeting 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 5 A.M. Cultural Arts – Kids on the Block - Puppet Show
Tuesday, December 11 Woodfield Concert
Tuesday, December 18 Talent Show Auditions – Room 2
Wednesday, December 19 Talent Show Auditions – Room 2
Friday, December 21 Damascus High School band visits
Monday, December 24- Tuesday, Dec. 25 Holidays – Christmas – No School
Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Friday, Dec. 29 Winter Break – No School
Tuesday, January 1 Holiday – New Year’s Day – No School
Thursday, January 3 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 7 – Tuesday, Jan. 8 Hearing and Vision Screening (K, 4, and new students)
Wednesday, January 9 Talent Show Rehearsal at Woodfield
Thursday, January 10 Talent Show Rehearsal at Woodfield
Thursday, January 10 Class and Group Picture Day
Thursday, January 17 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal @ Damascus High School
Friday, January 18 Talent Show @ Damascus High School
Friday, January 18 2nd Marking period ends
Monday, January 21 Holiday – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 22 Professional Day for teachers – No school for students
Wednesday, January 23 Flyer Distribution Day
Wed., January 23 – Friday, Feb. 15 MAP R Winter Window for grades 3, 4, 5
Tuesday, January 29 – Friday, Feb. 1 PTA Book Exchange
Wednesday, January 30 Report cards distributed
Wednesday, January 30 K – 2 Curriculum Night
Thursday, January 31 3 – 5 Curriculum Night
Friday, February 1 African American Heritage Month
Tuesday, February 5 2nd Grade in School Field Trip – Mad Science
Tuesday, February 5 PTA Meeting
Friday, February 8 A.M. Cultural Arts – Billy B. - Song and Dance Man
Monday, February 11 Hearing and Vision Rescreening (K, 4, and new students)
Tuesday, February 12 Holiday – Presidential primary election
Wednesday, February 13 Hilary Hyland – Author Visit
Thursday, February 14 Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 18 Holiday – Presidents Day
Tuesday, February 19 DHS and ES choral concert @ DHS
Thursday, February 21 Science Expo
Wednesday, February 27 Early Release Day – 12:35 p.m.
Tuesday, March 4 Spring Portraits
Tuesday, March 4 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 13 Donuts for Dads
Friday, March 14 Donuts for Dads
Monday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Friday, March 21 – Monday, March 24 Holidays – Easter (Note: Passover begins at sundown 4/19)
Tuesday, March 25 – Friday, March 28 Spring break – No school for students and teachers
Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 30 Autism Awareness Month
Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 30 Arab American Heritage Month
Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 30 Month of the Young Child Celebration
Tuesday, April 1 PTA Meeting
Tuesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 11 MSA Testing Window grades 3, 4, 5 (Math & Reading)
Friday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 16 MSA Make-up Window grades 3, 4, 5 (Math & Reading)
Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18 Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, April 17 Kindergarten Orientation – No School for Kindergarten
Friday, April 18 Kindergarten Orientation – No School for Kindergarten
Monday, April 28 – Friday, May 2 Terra Nova testing – Grade 2
Monday, April 21 – Friday, May 16 LAS Links (ESOL Testing) Grades K- 5
Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, May 16 MAP R Spring Window for grades 3, 4, 5
Thursday, April 24 Take Your Child to Work Day
Friday, April 25 PTA International Night
Friday, April 25 A.M. Cultural Arts – Nada Brahma – World Music
Monday, April 28 – Friday, May 2 Terra Nova testing – Grade 2
Tuesday, April 29 4th Grade In School Field Trip – In Space
Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 31 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Thursday, May 1 5th Grade Picture – 1:45 p.m.
Friday, May 2 Field Day Grades 3, 4, 5
Tuesday, May 6 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7 – Tuesday, May 13 MSA Testing grades 3, 4, 5 (Science)
Thursday, May 8 Muffins for Moms
Friday, May 9 Muffins for Moms
Friday, May 9 Field Day Grades K, 1, 2
Friday, May 16 Rain date for Field Day K, 1, 2
Saturday, May 17 School Beautification Day 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, May 19 – Friday, May 23 Spring Book Fair
Thursday, May 22 Woodfield Art Show
Friday, May 23 Rain date for Field Day Grades 3, 4, 5
Monday, May 26 Holiday – Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27 4th & 5th Gr. Band, Strings, & Chorus Concert
Wednesday, June 11 5th Grade Promotion
Thursday, June 12 Last day of school for students – Dismissal 12:35 p.m.
Friday, June 13 Professional day for teachers
Saturday, June 14 Flag Day
Thursday, June 19 Report cards mailed
Note: Dates that have been added this week are in bold.