Weekly Update
Good evening, Farmland Families,
I am pleased to share that our brand-new playground is open! Click here to see the students enjoying the new equipment. The musical instruments and merry-go-round-style features were a big hit—students and staff had a blast!
This week was exciting not only because of our new playground but also because we held our National PTA Reflections Arts Celebration! Students submitted creative works based on this year's theme, "Accepting Imperfections," in categories such as dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, and more.
We proudly recognized seven Farmland students who received awards at the county level:
- Ava Tzamaras - Dance Choreography
- Kian O'Hare - Film Production
- Amy Wasserman - Literature
- Naomi Lanman - Music Composition
- Miri Frank and Prisha Waghulde - Photography
- Garima KC - Visual Arts
Additionally, two Farmland students were honored at the state level with awards for Outstanding Interpretation and have advanced to the national competition:
- Prisha Waghulde - Photography
- Kian O'Hare - Film Production
Congratulations again to all the students who participated, and best of luck to Prisha and Kian!
We hope to have even more students participate next year! The 2025 theme will be "I Belong." Thank you to Mrs. Lanham, our volunteers, and the PTA for making this wonderful opportunity possible!
A reminder that TOMORROW, APRIL 7, is the last day to order a yearbook. Please see the link below in the PTA Updates section.
As a reminder, SPRING BREAK BEGINS NEXT WEEK. School will be closed beginning NEXT MONDAY, APRIL 14, through Monday, April 21. We will resume our regular schedule on Tuesday, April 22. The next Farmland Update will be sent on the evening of Monday, April 21.
Ms. Theresa Harrison will be in at the beginning of next week and can be reached at 240-740-0660 or via email theresa_t_harrison@mcpsmd.org. Otherwise, the school will be closed and staff reply ot inquiries when they return from break.
We hope everyone enjoys a restful break with family and friends. For those who are traveling, we wish you safe and smooth journeys.
Warm regards,
April
April D. Longest
Principal
Farmland Elementary School
This week in the Farmland Weekly Update:
- Pedestrian Safety Art Contest
- 2025-2026 Farmland Student Articulation Feedback
- Staff Members of the Month
- Mindfulness for Kids
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Updates
- Click here to access last week's Farmland Weekly Update.
Pedestrian Safety Art Contest 2025 - NOW OPEN!
Deadline to Submit: April 30, 2025, by: 11:59 pm
The Montgomery County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program has launched our annual Pedestrian Safety Art Contest for all elementary school (private & public) students in Montgomery County. The purpose of the contest is to have students use their creativity to educate themselves and others about the importance of walking safely. Not only is it important for students to go to school, but they MUST get there safely.
Please have your students participate in the contest by encouraging them to create artwork around pedestrian safety and SUBMIT IT HERE! Teachers, this will be a great class assignment and learning lesson for your students. Please encourage them to participate and have their parent or guardian submit their entry. There is NO entry fee for any student that participates in the contest. Winning artwork from the contest will be displayed on the SRTS website, social media and will be awarded the prizes below:
K-3rd Grade Prizes
1st Place - $75 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
2nd Place - $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
3rd Place - $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
4-5th Grade Prizes
1st Place - $75 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Place - $50 Amazon Gift Card
3rd Place - $25 Amazon Gift Card
BONUS SCHOOL PRIZE: The school with the largest number of submissions (based on percentage of student population) will win $200 to Michael's for art supplies.
CLICK HERE or visit our website below for more information about the contest.
Montgomery County, MD School Art Contest (montgomerycountymd.gov)
View Previous Winners Below
Pedestrian Safety Art Contest WINNERS 2023 | Flickr
2025-2026 Farmland Student Articulation Feedback
For students in Kindergarten through 4th grade, our staff will soon begin planning class assignments for the next school year. While we do not consider requests for specific teachers, we do welcome input about your child's learning style, strengths, and areas where they may need support.
When creating class placements, teachers consider what they know about each student's learning style, along with parent and student input. They collaborate with other grade-level teachers, counselors, English development teachers, and special educators to place students in a classroom in which they can thrive.
In addition to learning needs, teachers gather input from students about classmates they would like to have in their class. While we cannot guarantee all friend requests, we ensure that each student is placed in a class with familiar peers. Please keep in mind that some friend requests may not always be the best learning match.
If you'd like to provide input, please click here to complete the 2025-2026 Farmland Student Articulation Feedback Form for each of your children by Friday, April 18, 2025.
This feedback form is not the place to share concerns or complaints about your child's current teacher. Instead, please focus on your child's strengths, learning style, and areas of support. All teachers will have access to the results of this form.
This form is optional and not a requirement.
Staff Members of the Month
We're excited to announce that Ms. Goldberg, our new kindergarten teacher, and Mrs. Taji, one of our exceptional paraeducators, have been named Staff Members of the Month!
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations celebrating our incredible staff. We'll be sharing your kind words with all those recognized—your feedback means so much and helps us celebrate the people who make our school special.
⭐Ms. Goldberg
Ms. Goldberg joined us mid-year to support our growing kindergarten team and immediately made a lasting impact. Families shared how quickly she created a nurturing, structured classroom where students feel safe, supported, and eager to learn.
One parent wrote, "My child has learned so much in just two months with Ms. G. She's great, and my family really appreciates her!" Another said, "She's strict but teaches well—and she's not mean!"
Her clear communication, timely newsletters, and returned homework give families confidence and support at home. Thank you, Ms. Goldberg, for your dedication and the positive environment you've built so quickly!
⭐Mrs. Taji
Mrs. Taji's warmth, positivity, and compassion shine through in all she does—especially in her work with students with disabilities. One parent shared, "Every day, my child, who has only a few words, says 'Mrs. Taji' with such joy." That connection speaks volumes.
She goes above and beyond to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and understood. Her impact on student development is meaningful and deeply appreciated by families.
Thank you, Mrs. Taji, for the heart and dedication you bring to our school community each day.
Mindfulness for Kids
Teaching mindfulness to children provides them with valuable tools to boost self-esteem, handle stress, and effectively tackle challenges. Check out our guide on how to introduce mindfulness and meditation to kids of all ages.
Purpose & Definition: Mindfulness for kids involves paying gentle, honest attention to the present moment—observing their feelings, sounds, or surroundings—without the need to empty their minds.
Key Benefits: It provides children with tools to enhance self-esteem, manage stress, and boost focus, academic success, and emotional resilience.
Core Practices for Kids:
Family Kindness Meditation: Children practice sending kind thoughts to loved ones, acquaintances, and even those who challenge them.
Fun Mindfulness Activities: Engaging sensory games (like savoring snacks or making glitter jars) and gratitude practices (such as listing "Three Good Things") help kids connect with the present.
Guided Practices: Age-appropriate meditations (ranging from short audio sessions for preschoolers to 8-minute practices for older children) support kids in focusing on positive moments and breathing.
Mindful Parenting Tips: When parents engage in self-care, active listening, acceptance, gratitude, and forgiveness, they set a mindfulness example for the whole family.
A Definition of Mindfulness Meditation for Children
Mindfulness meditation, in its most basic form, involves paying attention to the present moment—whether it's your feelings, sounds, or anything else you're noticing. There's no need to find a specific place to calm or clear your mind; it's simply about observing your experiences with honesty and kindness in the here and now.
A Mindfulness Practice for Families
One easy way to introduce mindfulness to your children is through informal practices that you can do along with them. Start with a simple kindness meditation—offering good wishes and compassion to others.
- To begin, find a comfortable sitting position. You can even place a hand on the heart. Allow your eyes to close or lower your gaze toward the floor.
- Bring to mind someone who you really respect and look up to, and who really loves you in return.
- Notice how you feel as you bring this person to mind.
- Make a kind wish and send it their way. What would make them happy?
- Next, bring to mind someone else you love and care about: A family member, a friend, a beloved colleague. Just bring this person to mind, sending this person a kind wish.
- We'll move from here to a more neutral person. Perhaps someone you don't know very well: A parent you see occasionally in the pick-up line, a person who delivers your mail, or makes your coffee in the morning. Just bring this person to mind and imagine yourself sending them some kind of kind wish.
- Lastly, bring to mind someone who has frustrated you lately, someone who is a little difficult. Send this last person a kind wish—something nice for them in their life.
Check in with your mind and body as you conclude this practice. Allow your eyes to open if they've been closed. Notice if there's any shift
Christopher Willard, PsyD, is a psychologist and educational consultant located in Boston, with a focus on mindfulness for adolescents and young adults. He has been practicing meditation for more than fifteen years. Dr. Willard is a board member at both the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and the Mindfulness in Education Network. He has authored five books on contemplative practices and co-wrote The Breathing Book with Olivia Weisser. Additionally, he teaches at Harvard Medical School.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Updates
MCPS Boundary Study Information Session - April 8
The boundary study and reopening of Woodward High School (which is just 2 miles from our school) will affect Farmland families. Please attend an MCPS info session to learn about details on the boundary study scope, process, and opportunities for future engagement. There will be an in-person session on Tuesday, April 8, at 6:00 PM at Walter Johnson High School in the Auditorium.
Yearbook Order Deadline is Tomorrow
Order your child's yearbook by April 7.
https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/farmlandelementary
Not sure if you already ordered one. Use this link to check. https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/farmlandelementary/order-lookup
PTA Restaurant Fundraiser at Shake Shack
Don't know what to cook? No problem! Dine in, carry out, or order online at Shake Shack (Cabin John Shopping Center location, 7997 Tuckerman Lane) on Wednesday, April 9, from 10:30am-9:30pm, and support the PTA! Mention Donate Day or use the promo code DONATE on the Shack app, website, or in-store kiosk, and the Farmland PTA will get 25% of your purchase.
Farmland Together Committee Meeting on Wednesday
The next Farmland Together Committee Meeting will be Wednesday, April 9 at 7:30pm on Zoom. All are welcome to join!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83158480948?pwd=5uKXENEC7Ze6geNA3I3b3MdFDNOVHb.1
Meeting ID: 831 5848 0948
Passcode: 338016
Showcase Your Culture at International Night
Come celebrate our diverse and vibrant Farmland community and enjoy learning about different countries and cultures on Wednesday, May 7, 5:30-7:30 PM. We invite all parents/guardians to sign up to display a table to showcase your country's culture, arts, and way of life and/or sign up your child for the cultural showcase of performances.
Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080F4AA5AF22A0FA7-55410820-farmland
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Upcoming Important Dates |
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| Monday, April 7 | LAST CHANCE TO ORDER A YEARBOOK! |
| Friday, April 11 | Group/Class/ 5th Grade Pictures |
| Monday, April 14 - 21 | No School - Spring Break |
| Tuesday, April 22 | Back to School after Spring Break! |
| Wednesday, April 30 | Final Fire Drill |
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Wednesday, May 7 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
International Night at Farmland ES |
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Important Links and Contacts |
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Farmland Sunday Updates |
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Two-Hour Delayed Opening Schedule 11:15 a.m. Doors open 11:25 a.m. School Day Begins There will be no recess on Delayed Opening days.
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School Hours Doors Open: 9:15 a.m. Bell Rings: 9:25 a.m. Dismissal: 3:50 p.m. Farmland Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Office Phone: 240-740-0660 School Address: 7000 Old Gate Rd, Rockville, MD 20852 |
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Administration |
Health Room Contacts |
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Mrs. Olga Cardenas, Food Svc Satellite Mgr II - For questions related to menu or lunch accounts |
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Main Office |
PTA President |
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