September 17, 2009
A Message From Mrs. Starr
Please make sure that you come to Back to School Night on Tuesday night (K-2) and/or Wednesday night (3-5) at 7:00 p.m. Please join us in the gym at 7:00 to hear Mrs. Walker, our counselor, talking briefly about “Filling the Bucket” as students, staff and parents. Come at 7:00 p.m. and find out what this involves. If your child’s grade level has altered the schedule so that they are not planning two duplicate sessions, then they will send you an amended schedule. If you have more than one child in the grades attending the same night and there is only one adult to attend the presentation, the teachers will work with you to insure that you get the information shared that you missed. Please note that Back To School Night is not the time to your discuss individual child. (Don’t forget to sign up for the personal conferences in November!) Expanded details on the curriculum, what is going to be taught in the subjects throughout the year and strategies to support your child, will be the topics for our Curriculum Nights (October 22nd in Grades K -2 and October 29th in Grades 3-5). Please add these important nights to your personal schedules. Rather, this night is planned to give you a picture of your child’s day, to meet the teachers, and to learn about the general practices such as homework, expectations, and procedures. This evening will provide you with valuable information that will allow you to support your child throughout this entire school year.
Back To School Night Schedule
7:00 p.m. Meeting in Gym (Have You Filled A Bucket?)
7:30 p.m. SESSION 1*
7:50 p.m. Transition *
8:00 p.m. SESSION 2*
8:20 p.m. End of Session 2
8:30 p.m. Staff Departs Woodfield
*Any grade level that has modified this schedule will be sending home their format for the evening.
Back to School Night Childcare
The PTA has arranged with Bar-T to provide Back-To-School Night Childcare Services for ages 4 and older on both nights in the All-Purpose Room. The cost per child is $2.00.
We ask that children do not attend the Back-To-School Night presentations. Others find it highly distracting when children are present in the classroom. This childcare service in the all-purpose room is an excellent way to make sure that your children are safe and entertained while you learn more about their school day. Please call Miss Sarah at Bar-T, Phone # 301-391-6120 to reserve your space.
Sally Foster Fundraiser
The deadline for our Sally Foster Fundraiser has been extended until Thursday, September 24th. As this is our biggest fundraiser we want to be sure everyone has had the chance to turn in their order. Last year we raised over $8,000 for our PTA. Every order counts!! If you have any questions, please call Julie Ates at 301-540-3008.
Seasonal FluMist on September 23rd
Please make sure that you see the very important communication given to your child on September 3rd regarding free seasonal flu vaccinations in all elementary schools in MCPS. Students are scheduled to get the FluMist at Woodfield on September 23rd. Please note this is not the H1N1 (Swine flu vaccine.) If for some reason, your child did not bring home this important document today, please call the school.
Health Room Has A Direct Line
The Health Room has a direct line. The number is 301-253-7086.
Let’s Work Together For a Clean Building
Please note that the staff at Woodfield is diligently working to ensure a clean building and learning environment for all of your children. Much of the additional work to preventively clean classrooms, due to the possibility of flu outbreaks, has become the responsibility of building services. This includes wiping desks, door knobs, etc. down with a hospital grade, one-step disinfectant cleaner and deodorant, approved by MCPS for this type of cleaning. We ask that you continue, along with the staff, to reinforce with your child the importance of washing their hands, sneezing in their elbows and flushing urinals and bathroom toilets. If your child is sick and exhibiting flu-like symptoms, please keep your child at home and let the school know their symptoms when you call to report their absence. By working together, we may not avoid outbreaks of flu in our building but we can do everything we can to ensure that we are taking appropriate preventive actions.
When Students Arrive At School In The Morning!!
Please note that parents who bring their children to school in the morning are asked to have their children go directly into the gym upon arrival and the patrols and staff will take care of your children from then on. Please do not walk your child to the classrooms! If they are tardy, they need to check into the office and we will assist them. The staff and I would really appreciate it if parents not go to the students’ classrooms in the morning or afternoon during dismissal. If you have a need to talk to the teacher or another staff member, please, e-mail them or leave a message in the office for them to contact you. We will be happy to respond as soon as possible. We are working diligently to eliminate as many classroom disruptions as possible during the school day from the minute the bell rings at the start of the day until all students have safely exited the building in the afternoon. The main office is available to assist you as needed.
School Hours
Please remember that our school hours are 8:50 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Each morning, we will continue to hold morning line up in the gymnasium. The first bell rings at 8:40 a.m. Students at that time may enter their classrooms to do morning work. Then, the second bell will ring at 8:50 a.m. This marks the beginning of morning instruction and the official start of the school day. Please ensure that students arrive on time each day. This is critical in getting off to a good start daily. Also, students are expected to arrive at school on time, but no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
Parents of children who arrive late to school, are expected to sign their children in at the office. After 8:50 a.m. a parent must accompany their child into the office. Students arriving after 8:50 a.m. are considered tardy.
Woodfield Family Picnic Moves Inside!
Thanks to all of you who attended the Family Picnic last Friday evening. Despite the rainy weather, there was a great deal of fun inside Woodfield Elementary. Thanks to the volunteers who made this event happen. It was fabulous!
Free and Reduced –Priced Meals Application Process
Each household should have received and application for free or reduced lunches with the name and information of all Montgomery County Public Schools students in the household in a packet of materials sent home with your child on the first day. This was sent with the youngest in the family, but no younger than first grade. If you feel that your family qualifies for this service then the completed application should be returned to the Division of Food and Nutrition Services office. The school office will send these to this office if you wish. It is recommended that all FARMS applications be sent to that office by September 30th, to ensure that they are processed by the October 13th deadline. Students who were eligible for free or reduced lunches last year are eligible to receive them again until October 13, 2009. After October 13 th, schools will be unable to provide free or reduced lunches for students who have not been approved for the 2009-2010 school year.
Elementary School Breakfast -$1.30 Reduced Breakfast - $.30
Elementary School Lunch - $2.50 Reduced priced - $.40
Snacks Now On Sale at Lunch for Students in 1- 5!!
If your child is in grades 1 – 5, please note that they will have an opportunity to buy snacks at least once a week. Please note the schedule and charges below. (However, to foster good nutrition, we do encourage the students to eat their lunch before purchasing snacks.) You may want to save the list below for future reference.
Kindergarten- Snacks are not sold.
1st Grade – Tuesday only – Rotate chips and ice cream
2nd Grade – Wednesday only – Rotate chips and ice cream
3rd Grade – Tuesday- Chips, Fruit Snacks, Cheese & Thursdays- Ice Cream
4th Grade - Monday – Chips, Fruit Snacks, Cheese & Wednesday- Ice Cream
5th Grade - Monday – Chips, Fruit Snacks, Cheese & Wednesday – Ice Cream
CHIPS - $.65/ SNACK BAR- $.75/ FRUIT SNACK- $.35/ CHEESE- $.25/ ICE CREAM - $.50
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
A new school year has begun and with that comes a new Box Tops challenge and opportunity to earn thousands of dollars for Woodfield. As most of you know, each qualifying coupon is worth ten cents, so when the kids brought in over 27,000 coupons last school year, Woodfield received over $2,700 for much needed supplies. ATTENTION FIFTH GRADERS...Remember that 100% of the coupons you bring in will be donated to the 5th Grade Fundraising Committee for your graduation celebration. All you need to do is clip the coupon along the dotted line and send it in to your child's classroom. It's that simple. The bright yellow collection bags are back in the classrooms waiting to be filled. Details of the contest will be announced soon. Please make sure the expiration date has not expired and is visible. The deadline is Monday, October 26th. Thanks and happy clipping!
Summer Writing Journals
Last call for summer writing journals! If your child participated in the summer writing program and has not yet submitted his/her journal, there is still time! All journals should be turned into your child's teacher no later than Monday, September 21st. If you have any questions, please contact Terri Knox (terriknox@gmail.com) or Anne Reinhold (sareinhold@comcast.net).
Deadline extended for a wonderful opportunity!
Weekly Spanish classes will be offered at Woodfield beginning Tuesday, October, 6th after school from 3:05 - 4:05. There are two different classes; K/1st : Intro to Spanish (20 weeks) and Grades 2-5 : Level I Spanish (26 weeks). A 10 week program for K/1st graders is also being offered in February and costs just $110.00.
Please contact Dee Santorelli (santorelli@hotmail.com) by Monday, 21st September to sign up.
Volunteers Make A Big Difference
Thank you to Deb Krizman and her children for caring for the plants in front of the school during the summer, as well as, weeding and mulching in front of school to assist Building Services in preparing for the arrival of our students at the beginning of school! It looks great!!
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2009 Woodfield Back to School Picnic – Volunteer Team Appreciation
Submitted by Clare Sladic, Picnic Coordinator
Woodfield families & staff members enjoyed tasty food, fun, and indoor games on Friday, September 11th at Woodfield’s Family Back to School Picnic. Despite the rain, everyone enjoyed the slide, mini golf, and games in the gym and yummy food in the all purpose room. Let’s thank the following volunteers who contributed their time and energy to make our picnic a success.
For planning, set up, supervising activities, PTA sales and clean up, we recognize the following volunteers:
Elizabeth Bradley Cindy Zammit Helen Checkan Siobhan Kopp
Tracey Beltz Annika Mog Melanie O’Leary Gregg Kopp
Kim Garrison Shannon Slovon Pam Clay Matt McDarby
Suzanne Elbaum Teah Devan Ondalyn Vance Tracey Vargas
Cora Horst Jamie Jablonski Nida Miller Keith Atkinson
Our SSL Student Volunteers
A special thank you to Tina Atkinson, Sandy McDarby and Christine Wigutow for recruiting, scheduling, and supervising all the volunteers.
Fifth grade food sales were managed by Andrea Carbonell, Anne Reinhold, Terri Knox, Angie Marella, Kathy Croom, Julie Torrence, Beth Hagan, Melanie Smith, Greg Kopp, Siobhan Kopp, Nida Miller, Cecilia Winston, Karen Allman, Elizabeth Bradley, Amy Dunham, Lisa Fruth, Paula Roberts, and Darlene McCrossan.
Also thanks to DJ Scott West (Woodfield Dad) for his services, J&J Amusements, Carmen’s Italian Ice & Gelati, Domino’s Pizza, and our own Woodfield staff, especially Mrs. West, Mrs. Greene, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Seal, Ms. Spillman, and Mrs. Starr!
Interested in Learning More for the Center for the Highly Gifted At Clemente for Next Year for Your 5th Grader?
Please note the important dates below if your child is currently in 5th grade this year and you are considering applying for your student to go to the Center for the Highly Gifted at Roberto Clemente for sixth grade. These deadlines are clearly adhered to for all applicants. The Parent and Student Information Night is very beneficial if you are just considering even the slightest possibility of your child applying. It will provide you with good information to assist you in this important decision.
October 14 Parent & Student Information Night at Roberto Clemente Middle School (7:00 pm)
November 9 Application Deadline
December 5 Testing (8:00 am to 11:00 am)
December 11 Special Needs Testing (8:00 am to 11:00 am)
December 14 Teacher Recommendations Due
Questions Regarding Emergency Procedures
Please do not forget to fill out all emergency and reunification information. We cannot release your child to anyone not listed on your emergency card or reunification form. With three possible sites listed for possible relocation in the event of a school emergency and the possibility of having to evacuate the building, depending upon the situation, a site will be chosen from those listed. Parents could be notified through Connect Ed, the school’s voice mail system, or there will be school or county personnel available at the school site to advise parents where to go to meet your children. It all depends upon the emergency as to what site is needed. School buses would be used to transport students to DHS, in case it is ever needed. Later, again this year, during the school year, the school will hold a drill of either code red or blue with parent reunification. We will solicit the help of a few parents to help us in this mock drill. This will assist us in perfectly our plan. Please make sure that you have listed all names of individuals that you give us permission to release your child to in the event of an emergency. It is much better to be prepared for emergencies, and hopefully, we will never have to use it.
In addition, the school has a code red drill, a code blue drill, a tornado practice drill, and ten fire drills during the school year. Any visitors present when these drills are taking place are expected to follow the appropriate emergency procedures as the students and staff.
Board of Education Community Forums
The Montgomery County Board of Education will hold two public forums to provide parents, staff, students, and community members the opportunity to give your input on important issues affecting the Montgomery County Public Schools. The forums will be held on Thursday, September 17th at Quince Orchard High School and Thursday, October 15th at John F. Kennedy High Schools. Both forums will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. parents, students, staff, and community members wishing to speak at the forums will be asked to address the following question: “During difficult economic times, what priorities in the MCPS strategic plan should we focus on to improve achievement for all students. The information shared at the forums will be shared at the forums will assist the county in setting priorities for the Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget. TIP (Tell It Please) cards will also be available in the main office if you wish to provide any feedback on this issue. You may also respond online at: www.montgemeryschoolsmd.org/community/forums/feedback/.
Dogs on Campus
Many people have been bringing their dogs to drop off their children and/or to pick them up at the end of the day. While I appreciate that all dogs that are brought here are very friendly and that many children adore coming to pet them, we do have a number of children who have expressed fear in exiting the building as they are afraid of dogs. To ensure a comfortable environment for the children, I am asking that parents please leave their dogs at home. If you feel that you must bring your dog, please wait for your child with your dog on the grounds away from where children will have to pass you. Also, we have had people walking their dogs here and not cleaning up after them. Thanks for keeping our campus clean and safe!
Remember every Friday is School Spirit Day – Wear your Woodfield clothing or blue and white. Go Woodfield!!
Yom Kippur-September 28th- No School
Early Release- October 2nd- 12:35 PM
2009 – 2010 Important Dates
Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Oct. 2 MAP- R testing for grades 3, 4, 5
Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Thurs., Oct. 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, September 22 Woodfield Back to School Night Grades K – 2 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23 Woodfield Back to School Night Grades 3 – 5 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23 FluMist @ Woodfield
Thursday, September 24 1st Grade Field Trip – Rock Hill Orchard
Monday, September 28 Yom Kippur – No school for students and teachers
Friday, October 2 Early release – Grading/Planning 12:35 p.m.
Monday, October 5 –Friday, Oct. 9 PTA Fall Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday, October 6 Fall portraits
Tuesday, October 6 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6 SGA Officer Elections 9:10 a.m.
Wednesday, October 7 Walk Your Child to School Day - 8:30 a.m. meet @ pool
Monday, October 12 Columbus Day – Open House 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13 2nd Grade Field Trip – Imagination Stage
Wednesday, October 14 Sally Foster Distribution
Friday, October 16 PTA School Beautification Day 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
Friday, October 16 MSTA Convention – No School for students and teachers
Tuesday, October 20 PTA Diabetes Walk during recess
Thursday, October 22 Curriculum Night – Grades K-2 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Monday, October 26 Hearing and Vision Screening
Thursday, October 29 Curriculum Night – Grades 3-5 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 30 lst marking period ends
Friday, October 30 Halloween – Parade 1:45 Parties to follow
Sunday, Nov. 1 – Monday, Nov. 30 American Indian Heritage Month
Monday, November 2 Professional day for teachers – No school for students
Tuesday, November 3 PTA Meeting 9:00 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 9 – Wed. Nov. 18 SGA Canned Food Drive
Wednesday, November 11 Early release – Parent Conferences 12:35 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11 Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 11 Report cards distributed
Wednesday, November 11 Flyer distribution day
Thursday, November 12 Early release – Parent Conferences 12:35 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17 Fall portrait make-ups
Tuesday, November 24 Grandparent’s Day 9:30 – 11:15
Wednesday, November 25 Early release for students prior to Thanksgiving 12:35 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26 – Thurs. Nov. 27 Holidays – Thanksgiving – No school
Monday, Nov. 30 Hearing and Vision Re-Screening
Tuesday, December 1 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Mon. Dec. 7 – Friday, Dec. 16 SGA Make A Happy Holiday
Wednesday, December 9 PTA Talent Show Auditions
Thursday, December 10 PTA Talent Show Auditions
Friday, December 11 PTA Family Fun Night 7 p.m.
Friday, December 11 5th Grade attends Baker MS Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 16 Woodfield ES Choral and Instrumental Concert 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23 Damascus High School Band visits Woodfield ES
Thurs. Dec. 24 – Friday, Dec. 25 Holidays – Christmas – No school
Monday, Dec. 28 – Thursday, Dec. 31 Winter Break – No school for students and teachers
Friday, January 1 Holiday – New Year’s Day
Tuesday, January 5 PTA Meeting 9 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 11– Fri., Jan. 22 Collection for PTA Student Book Exchange
Tuesday, January 12 Class and group picture day
Wednesday, January 13 5th and 6th Grade Cluster Band Concert @ DHS 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 18 Holiday – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Wednesday, January 20 PTA Talent Show Rehearsal at Woodfield
Thursday, January 21 PTA Talent Show Rehearsal at Woodfield
Friday, January 22 2nd marking period ends
Monday, January 25 Professional day for teachers – No school for students
Tuesday, January 26 –Friday, Feb. 19 MAP-R testing for grades 3, 4, 5
Wednesday, January 27 ES/MS/HS Choral Cluster Concert at DHS 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 27 – Fri., Jan. 29 PTA Student Book Exchange – Students choose books
Thursday, January 28 PTA Talent Show Dress Rehearsal – Clarksburg HS 6 p.m.
Saturday, January 30 PTA Talent Show – Clarksburg HS – 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 1 – Friday, Feb. 5 Jump Rope for Heart during P.E. Classes
Monday, Feb. 1 – Sunday, Feb. 28 African American Heritage Month
Tuesday, February 2 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3 Report cards distributed
Wednesday, February 3 Flyer distribution day
Wednesday, Feb. 10 PTA Talent Show snow date dress rehearsal
Thursday, February 11 ES/MS/HS Strings Concert @ DHS 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 12 Valentine Parties @ 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13 PTA Talent Show snow date
Sunday, February 14 Valentine’s Day
Monday, February 15 Holiday – Presidents Day
Friday, February 26 Early release – Interims/planning 12:35 p.m.
Monday, March 1 – Wed., March 31 Women’s History Month
Tuesday, March 2 PTA Meeting 9:00 a.m.
Monday, March 8 – Tuesday, March 9 MSA – Reading Grades 3and 4
Wed., March 10 – Thursday, March 11 MSA – Reading Grade 5
Friday, March 12 – Monday, March 15 MSA - Math Grades 3 and 4
Wednesday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Tues., March 16 – Wed., March 17 MSA – Math Grade 5
Thurs., March 18 – Tues., March 23 MSA – Reading/Math makeup Grades 3 – 5
Tuesday, March 23 Science Expo 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 26 3rd marking period ends
Monday, March 29 –Thursday, April 1 Spring break – No school for students and teachers
Thursday, April 1 - Friday, April 30 Autism Awareness Month
Thursday, April 1 - Friday, April 30 Arab American Heritage Month
Thursday, April 1 – Friday, April 30 Month of the Young Child
Fri., April 2 - Mon. April 5 Holidays – Easter
Tuesday, April 6 Professional day for teachers – No school for students
Thursday, April 8 PTA Meeting 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 13 Spring portraits
Wednesday, April 14 Report cards distributed
Wednesday, April 14 Flyer distribution day
Friday, April 16 Kindergarten Orientation – No School for Kindergarten
Friday, April 16 PTA Fitness Night
Monday, April 19 – Friday, April 23 Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, April 22 Earth Day
Thursday, April 22 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Monday, April 26 – Friday, April 30 Terra Nova testing – Grade 2
Wednesday, April 28 Ice Cream with Dad 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 1 – Monday, May 31 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Tuesday, May 4 5th grade picture – 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday, May 4 PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 11 MSA – Science Grade 5
Thursday, May 6 Field Day Grades K, 1, 2
Monday, May 10 – Friday, May 14 PTA Buy One Get One Free Book Fair
Monday, May 10 – Friday, June 4 MAP-R testing for grades 3, 4, 5
Thursday, May 13 Field Day Grades 3, 4, 5
Thursday, May 13 Muffins for Mom A-M 8 a.m.
Friday, May 14 Muffins for Mom N-Z 8 a.m.
Friday, May 14 PTA Year End Party
Wednesday, May 26 Woodfield ES Choral and Instrumental Concert 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 27 Woodfield Art Show 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 27 Rain date for Field Days
Monday, May 31 Holiday – Memorial Day
Wednesday, June 2 Volunteer Luncheon – Media Center 11:30 – 1:30
Monday, June 7 Presidential Awards
Sunday, June 14 Flag Day
Tuesday, June 15 5th Grade Promotion 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 15 Whole School Clap Out 10:15 a.m.
Tuesday, June 15 5th Grade Pool Party 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 16 Last day of school for students – Early release 12:35 p.m.
Thursday, June17 Professional day for teachers
Wednesday, June 23 Report cards mailed
Note: Dates that have been added this week are in bold