October 13, 2007
A Message From Mrs. Starr
On Monday, we were so fortunate that many of you were able to attend our school’s Open House. I sincerely hope that you found the day informative. As you can tell, your child’s day is spent engaged in many learning experiences in all curricular areas. Each skill or learning objective taught builds on previous experiences provided to your child in an earlier grade. These experiences are the result of many hours of teachers collaboratively planning in an attempt to ensure that all students’ needs are being met. Thank you for all the wonderful compliments that you paid the staff as you exited the building. I am so fortunate to work in a school that has wonderful students, highly involved parents and a super dedicated staff.
A Woodfield Elementary Family Needs Our Help!
I know of a Woodfield family that needs furniture (bedroom furniture for adults and children, living room and dining room furniture, as well, as household items.) If you have furniture in your home that is in good condition and you would like to donate those items, please call the main office. We will make arrangements for you to drop the items off at school, or to pick them up at your home. Then I will ensure that those items are provided to the family. If you would also like to donate gift certificates to the family to cover household items and clothing items for the children, I will also ensure that those items are given to the family.
Fall Screening of Students New to MCPS
During the fall, all students who are new to MCPS in grades 3, 4 and 5 will participate in a Gifted and Talented screening process. The goal of this process is to recognize those students whose performance, motivation or potential ability indicate the need for accelerated and enriched instruction. The process involves information from a variety of sources. Every parent/guardian of students new to MCPS in grades 3, 4 and 5 will receive a parent questionnaire. Please contact Patricia Calvin or Holly Walker, the GT Liaisons at 301-253-7085 if you have any questions.
Get the scoop on Woodfield’s Character!
Students are scooping up character everyday! Children may earn a Character Counts scoop award at any time during the school day. Any staff member in the building can present students with a scoop award on-the-spot when they see the child demonstrating good character. Students met with Mrs. Walker to learn the six pillars of good character: citizenship, caring, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, and fairness. After earning an award, Mrs. Walker will read their scoop over the morning/ afternoon announcements and then their scoop will be placed on the Character Counts bulletin board for the month. At the end of each month the list of award recipients will be published in the Counselor’s Corner. There will also be a drawing for a scoops ice-cream social with Mrs. Walker!
Help Pave The Way T-Shirt Contest
We wanted to congratulate the winners of the Help Pave The Way T-Shirt Contest. Julia Clay in Mrs. Moran’s homeroom and Abbi Winffel in Mrs. Walsleben’s homeroom are the artists of the winning designs. All the submissions were great and will be displayed next week. The winners will have their designs printed on the t-shirts for the Family Fun Run/Walk.
Picture Day Helpers
Thank you to the following parents for helping on picture day: Kathy Green, Sandy Mantua, Suzanne Elbaum, and Dee Dauber.
Book Fair Is a Big Success!!
Each year our Scholastic Book Fair keeps getting bigger and even better, if that is possible. This year the choices of materials were extensive. This is all due to hard work of so many! Thank you to all who purchased from this year’s book fair. A special thank you to Lucy Lock and Lori Slingluff who served as co-chairs for this event. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their services and time. They are Lori Slingluff, Lucy Lock, Amy Simoncic, Holly Mullen, Jackie Danna, Debbie Thompson, Katherine Wells, Melanie Smith, Avarey Hill, Karen Love, Jaime Jablonski, Coleen Sanderson, Ali Gaylord, Amy Dunham, Nives Bidwick, Audrey Hill, Dee Santurelli, Katherine Wells, Deb Krizman, Suzanne Elbaum, Elizabeth Humphrey, Helen Checkan, Cindy Zammitt, Rita Wilkerson, Summer LaMere, Susan Billig, Julie Ates, Dina Yagodich, Jessica Slingluff, Bobbie Lock, Leenie Brown and Sara Yagodich. The PTA generously donated certificates for our summer writing participants, other students so that they could participate in purchasing books, and to staff members for classroom use, based upon their individual wish list needs.
October 19th - No School - Staff Professional Day
Morning Arrival
If your child walks to school or is driven to school, please make sure that he/she does not arrive to school until 8:30 a.m. At 8:30 a.m., students are allowed to enter the gym for line-up. Prior to 8:30 a.m., there are no staff members available who can be asked supervise in the gym. We cannot have students unsupervised in the gym prior to that established time. Please contact me if you have any concerns regarding this matter.
Bus Evacuation Practice
Bus evacuation practice for students, using the school bus exit doors, will be held on October 18th!
Halloween Celebration
Woodfield’s Halloween parade will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31st. Classroom celebrations will follow the parade. Please remember that students are asked not to wear any costumes that the younger students in the building may find scary or bring any sort of weapon. No students are allowed to wear costumes before 1:30 p.m. Students are not allowed to wear face make-up in the mornings. Students will dress in regular school clothes in the morning as we follow a regular morning schedule. Please also note that costumes should not block student’s vision and should be easy to get into. We look forward to seeing you at our Halloween parade!
SALLY FOSTER FUNDRAISER
There is still time to place an order for our PTA Sally Foster fundraiser through the internet, until January 10th, 2008. Just go to www.sallyfoster.com. and register your child in the seller’s section. You can credit Woodfield Elementary School during the checkout process, by entering our school’s account number, 501376. Orders over $60 are shipped free directly to your house. A big “Thank You” to everyone who has supported this fundraiser!
Halloween Young Run
The annual Halloween Young Run, sponsored by the Montgomery County Roadrunners Club, will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2007 at West Gude Drive and Route 355, Rockville, Maryland . Proceeds from the run will benefit Sports Plus which is a local children’s charity. The deadline for early registration is October 15, 2007.
Sports Plus is a year-round, co-ed sports program for verbal children between the ages of 5 and 14 with mild to moderate autistic spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD and other developmental disabilities. Sports Plus was designed to create opportunities for children and their families to meaningfully participate in team sports. The goal is to create a comfortable, positive experience for children and parents to learn sports, fitness, and social skills that extend far beyond the playing field.
There a limited number of paper forms in the bookcase outside the office.
For additional information & to register online see the web address below.
You may register online @ www.mcrrc.org/dyr.
Online registration is $ 3.00.
Mail in registration is $5.00.
Children may also purchase a fun t-shirt for additional $ 8.00
Please direct any questions to Ms. Spillman, physical education teacher.
Thought for this week:
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
School Walk for Diabetes
Woodfield Elementary School will hold its third annual School Walk for Diabetes, next week, on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. There will be great information, snacks, exercises and we are expecting to have Erin Henderson, Linebacker for the University of Maryland Terrapins’ Football Team, participate in our walk. Be sure to turn your permission slip in so you can participate in the walk. If you need another permission slip, contact Suzan Hoefler or Pam Clay. We had a great week raising money through the Wishes for a Cure bucket. Thank you to all students for brining in your spare change! For more information or to help on the day of the walk email suzanhoefler@hotmail.com or pjclay44@msn.com .
Keep Clipping BOXTOPS
Friday, October 26th marks the end of this contest. The top clippers in each grade wins a pizza party so please keep clipping those valuable BoxTops for Education. Remember that the expiration date must be visible.
Attention Fifth Grade Parents
Please mark November 14th at 7:00 p.m. on your calendar if you would like to find out more about the Roberto Clemente Middle School Center for the Highly Gifted. On this night, you and your 5th grader will learn more about the center at their Information Night Meeting!
NAACP Parent Cluster Meeting
There will be a NAACP Cluster Meeting on October 25, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m - at Baker Middle School – More information to follow. Woodfield will not be having a meeting on October 17th.
Spirit Wear Reminder
Spirit Wear Orders Are Due By
Friday, October 12th
The PTA fall spirit wear sale is going on now. All items are available in both child and adult sizes--Samples are on display near the cafeteria. Order forms were sent home on Monday and are due no later than October 12th. All items will be here in time for the holidays…great for Friday spirit days and as gifts. Please contact Kathleen Marella if you have any questions. Phone: 301-972-2561, e:mail: kathleenmarella@aol.com.
Friday is always School Spirit Day. Wear your Woodfield clothes or blue and white.
Attention Parents with Middle Schools Students
“How can I help my child succeed in middle school? What are the most effective ways to discipline my children? What do I need to know about internet safety? The answers to these questions will be among the topics addressed in an array of workshops for parents offered through the new MCPS Parent Academy. The workshops, which begin in October, are free of charge and will be held at schools and locations throughout the county. Interpreters and childcare will be provided. For additional information about the schedule of workshops and to register, visit www.mcpsparentacademy.org or call the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at 301-517-5940.
Art Explosion
Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education YOUTH PROGRAMS is offering a special one-day enrichment program for students in grades 2, 3, and 4 called Art Explosion. This program offers a special collection of exciting workshops designed to allow students to explore topics outside the school curriculum. It will be held at the Takoma Park Campus on Saturday, October 27, 2007. The student tuition for this one-day program is $80. Brochures are available in the office. An optional workshop titled “Using Positive Reinforcement to Bring Up Responsible Children” by Dr. Edward Harris, PhD. is being offered to parents. Tuition for the workshop is $25.00. Please call Sharon Wolfgang (240) 567-7264 if you have any questions.
Montgomery College
Workforce Development & Continuing Education
YOUTH PROGRAMS
KIDS COLLEGE
Courses for students in grades 4 - 12 held on the Rockville campus. These courses provide enrichment and advancement and cover a wide range of topics including science, math, writing, poetry, art, etiquette, study skills, and keyboarding,
Courses fill quickly, so register right away!
For brochures or registration forms, access our website at www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth.
For additional information, contact
YOUTH PROGRAMS office
at 240-567-7264 or 240-567-7917.
Johns Hopkins Talent Search
CTY Talent Search 2008 for Grades 3-5 is sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. The purpose of the Talent Search is to identify, assess, and recognize the academic abilities of highly able students.
To qualify for the Talent Search, a student must have scored in the 95th percentile or higher on any standardized test.
Brochures and applications are now available in the school office. The application deadline is November 20th. More information on CTY can be found by visiting the website: www.cty.jhu.edu.
Please feel free to contact Pat Calvin (301-253-7085) if you have any questions about the application process.
2007-2008 Important Dates
Thursday, September 13 – Sat., Oct. 13 Ramadan
Friday, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, October 16 Kindergarten Field Trip – Butler’s Orchard
Tuesday, October 16 Diabetes Walk during recess
Friday, October 19 MSTA Convention – No school
Friday, October 19 School Beautification Day 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 23 Sally Foster Distribution
Thursday, October 25 NAACP Parent Cluster Meeting – Baker 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 26 Fall Family Fun Night
Sunday, October 28 American Education Week
Monday, October 29 Damascus Cluster PTA Meeting 7 p.m. @ Woodfield ES
Wednesday, October 31 First marking period ends
Wednesday, October 31 Halloween – Parade followed by Parties – 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 31 – Friday, Nov. 9 Square 1 Art
Wednesday, November 1 American Indian Heritage Month
Thursday, November 1 Professional day for teachers – No school for students
Tuesday, November 6 PTA Meeting 7 :00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 7 Flyer Distribution Day
Friday, November 9 Early Release Day 12:35 p.m.
Parent Conferences – Report cards distributed
Monday, November 12 Early Release Day 12:35 p.m.
Parent Conferences
Monday, November 12 Veteran’s Day
Tuesday, November 13 Fall portrait make-ups
Wednesday, November 14 Roberto Clemente MS Center for the Highly Gifted
Information Night for 5th Gr. Parents 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 20 Grandparent’s Day
Thursday, Nov. 23 – Friday, Nov. 24 Holidays – Thanksgiving – No School
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 Talent Show Auditions
Thursday, December 6 Talent Show Auditions
Tuesday, December 11 Woodfield Concert
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
Friday, February 1 African American Heritage Month
Tuesday, February 5 PTA Meeting
Monday, February 11 Hearing and Vision Rescreening (K, 4, and new students)
Tuesday, February 12 Holiday – Presidential primary election
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
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.