Bannockburn Star Newsletter June 2013 edition

Bannockburn Star Newsletter
June 2013 edition
Dear Bannockburn Parents,
Another successful school year is coming to an end! Reflecting on the past school year makes us realize how fortunate we are at Bannockburn Elementary. Our school has been successful due to the wonderful, collaborative partnerships between students, staff members, and parents. Our students are meeting high standards of performance
due to the excellent teaching from our wonderful staff and the support from our parents. We must recognize our
students for their perseverance, hard-work, and effort displayed throughout the school year. Last week’s Volunteer
Appreciation Breakfast was one way for the staff to express to you our appreciation for the incredible support volunteers have made to our school. We are thankful to the hundreds of volunteers who have assisted in our classrooms, media center, and lunch/recess duty this past school year. This past year we welcomed over 330 volunteers!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful PTA and executive board, Allison Harrison and Dina
Yetman, PTA co-presidents, for providing excellent leadership and support to the PTA committees, the school staff
and administration, and most importantly to the students at Bannockburn ES. A special thank you to Allison Harrison for completing her two year term as PTA president. Job well done! Thank you to all parents on the PTA and
the various committees for your endless contributions and dedicating a great deal of time to provide beneficial activities, programs and events to our school. Without your support and dedication we would not have been able to
have such wonderful and successful school activities including and not limited to before/after school clubs, school
fundraisers, charity events, volunteering, staff appreciation week, arts integration programs, May Fair, Math Day, a
variety of Cultural Arts assemblies, the annual Book Fair, and the always popular Fun Run. We are very thankful for
your generous support throughout this past school year and we look forward to next year.
Thank you to our wonderful Bannockburn Climate Committee including our parent representatives for organizing
Character Education activities throughout the year and a wonderful end of the year Character Education assembly.
Our third grade students, under the direction of their classroom teachers and Adventure Theatre, performed a variety of student-created skits that focused on our school character education values. All students in grades K-5 were
recognized with individual certificates.
During the next two weeks of June, staff and students are busy with teaching and learning, assessments, and exciting
events such as Field Day, field trips, end of the year picnics/parties, school events, and celebrations. Please see the
calendar of events in this newsletter for specific times/dates that pertain to your child’s grade level. Our annual
Field Day will be held on Tuesday, June 4th. Grades 3-5 will have field day in the morning and grades K-2 will
have field day in the afternoon. Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately, have sunscreen, water,
and hats/glasses if needed.
The 5th grade Promotion Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 13th at 1:00 p.m. Our 5th
grade Clap Out will be held on June 13th following the Promotion Ceremony at approximately
2:15 p.m. Friday, June 14th, is the last day of school for students, which is an early dismissal day.
Dismissal begins at 1:00 p.m.
We have already started the planning and preparation process for the 2013-2014 school year. One of the
planning areas is to ensure our staff exemplifies the very best of educators who demonstrate a passion for
teaching and learning. Unfortunately, we will be saying farewell to one of our staff members at the end of the
school year, who will be moving onto new experiences and challenges. We would like to thank her for her
dedication and commitment to our students during her time at Bannockburn ES. Ms. Annie Pendleton, our
wonderful music teacher, is moving to New Jersey. Replacing such a teacher and staff member will be challenging, but our focus will continue to be recruiting and hiring talented teachers who are passionate, energetic, and creative in the art of teaching and learning. This change in staffing is for the 2013-2014 school year
and does not impact the current school year in any way. The teacher mentioned will be here for the remainder of the school year to ensure academic and social success for all of our children. On behalf of the Bannockburn staff and school community, I wish Ms. Pendleton the very best in her future endeavors. As we
say farewell to a great staff member, we are looking forward to welcoming new staff to our school community. On a positive staffing note, we are excited to report that our part-time media specialist position has been
reinstated to full-time. We are excited to welcome back Ms. Kathleen Moore, as our
full-time media specialist. We will keep you informed throughout the summer of any staff changes or any
new additions to the Bannockburn staff.
Towards the end of this school year and over the summer Bannockburn Elementary will experience a few
building summer projects including the installation of a new Access Control System as a security measure for
the main entrance area and the first phase of the replacing of the school HVAC (heating & air-condition) system. Due to the HVAC project, a majority of the building will be closed and off-limits during the summer.
The main office will be relocated to the portable classrooms in the back of the building for majority of the
summer.
Please enjoy the change of pace that the summer brings. Have a happy, relaxing, and safe summer with your
children. We look forward to seeing everyone upon our return for the 2013-2014 school year for our Meet
& Greet on Friday morning, August 23rd from 11:00 am -12:00 noon. Just before the Meet & Greet there
will be a kindergarten parent meeting at 10:00 a.m. Post cards will be mailed to your children during the
week of August 20th, naming their teacher for the new school year. Mrs. Errigo, Mrs. Ford, and I will keep
the main office (in the portable classrooms) open throughout the summer, so please feel free to contact us
should you have any questions in preparation for the upcoming school year. Have a wonderful, relaxing
summer and we will see you on August 23rd for our Meet & Greet at 11:00 a.m.
Sincerely,
Daniel Walder
Principal
IMPORTANT JUNE DATES
2nd:
BES 4th/5th Grade Chorus Sings National Anthem at the Big Train Baseball Game 7:30 p.m. at Shirley Povich Field
4th:
Annual Field Day event: grades 3-5 from 10:00-12:00 and grades K-2 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. PTA Meeting and the
State of the School Presentation– 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the media center
5th:
Rain Date for Field Day
6th:
5th Grade leaves for Williamsburg overnight field trip– be at school no later than 8:00 a.m. Buses leave at 8:30
a.m.
7th:
5th Grade returns from Williamsburg field trip — approximately at 6:00 p.m.
10th: Second Grade End of the Year Party from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
12th: First Grade End of the Year Party from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Safety Patrol Change-Over Ceremony from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
13th: Kindergarten End of Year Party in the classroom for special lunch at 12:45 p.m. Third Grade End of Year Party from
10:00-12:00. Fourth Grade End of Year party from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
5th Grade Promotion Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. in the gym
Clap Out for 5th grade in the bus circle approximately 2:15 p.m.
5th Grade Reception to follow in the APR at 2:25 p.m.
14th: Last Day of School (1/2 Day) Early Release at 1:00 p.m.; 4th quarter comment reports sent home
Fourth Marking Period Ends
25th: Fourth Marking Period Report Cards mailed home by MCPS
FUTURE DATES:
August 23rd– 11:00 a.m. Meet & Greet (Students meet their new teacher) Kindergarten parent meeting at 10:00 a.m.
(childcare will be provided only for the Kindergarten meeting)
August 26th– 1st Day of School– students can begin arriving to school no earlier than 8:50 a.m. on the blacktop.
Congratulations to Sara Willhauck, 1st grade student in Ms. Fagel’s class for being selected as the winner of the
Bethesda Literacy Festival Youth Writing Contest. Sara’s writing piece was about one thing she does well. Her
winning writing piece is on display in the front foyer of the school in our display case. Congratulations Sara!
Drive For Supplies: an MCPS project designed to encourage students to donate used, but usable school supplies at the end
of the school year when you clean out your desks and backpacks. Please place all used, but still usable school supplies in the
Drive for Supplies boxes located in each class. These supplies will be distributed to students in need. By donating your used,
but usable school supplies, you are helping to reduce our solid waste that end up in landfills. Any questions about this project,
please see Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting, counselor.
STUDENT SUPPLY LIST FOR 2013-2014: A student supply list for 2013-2014 for each grade level is included in this
newsletter. Our student supply list is also posted on the school website, http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/
bannockburnes/. Each grade-level has identified the necessary supplies based on what organizational materials students will need
next year. The supply list materials are available in most office supply stores. Also, we continue to work with School-Pak Inc.
to provide families with one stop shopping opportunities to order school supply kits for students entering grades kindergarten
through fifth grade and have it delivered right to your door step. The link to School-Pak is listed below and is also available on
our school website. The last day to order supplies through School-Pak is July 24th! However, School-Pak offers an early order
special by ordering between now and June 12th. After June 12th, the prices go up by 7%.
Order your Bannockburn School-Paks here! http://www.schoolpak.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=990
SUMMER/MAILING INFORMATION: All BES families will receive a 2013-2014 school year summer newsletter packet electronically in late July/early August. This packet will include information on bus routes and times, staffing updates, back
to school events, PTA events, etc. All BES families will receive an email from the school indicating when the summer mailing
information has been posted to our school website. If you prefer to receive a paper copy of the summer mailing, please
complete the form on the last page and return to school by no later than July 20th or send an email to Mrs. Dawn Ford at
[email protected]. In addition, during the week of August 19th, your child will receive a postcard from the
school informing him/her of their teacher for the upcoming school year. If you are out of town during this time, you can call
the main office on Wednesday, August 21st after 2:00 p.m. and the main office staff will notify you of your child’s teacher.
Class lists will be posted on the main door windows on Thursday, August 22nd.
Revised Teacher/Staff Gift Policy: Based on the recent revision of the MCPS Ethics Policy, MCPS employees may not accept
gifts that exceed $20 in value, which is a decrease from the $25 previously allowed. A friendly reminder that the school and
MCPS policy for staff accepting gifts from parents/families is that the staff member cannot accept a gift exceeding $20 in value or a series of gifts exceeding $100 in value in a calendar year from any person or family. If parents/families decide to contribute to a class gift for the staff member, it must follow the MCPS policy and each parent/family contributing to the gift
cannot exceed $20 in value. For example, if 15 parents contribute $10 each to make the class gift value of $150 or 10 parents contribute $20 each to make the class gift value $200, then this will be in accordance with the MCPS gift policy because
it does not exceed $20 per person contributing to the class gift. If parents choose to contribute to the class gift, please
contact your child’s classroom room parent/treasurer.
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From Our School Counselor- Elizabeth Whiting
Drive for Supplies
The MCPS yearly Drive for Supplies is this month. Students are encouraged to recycle used but usable school materials rather than throwing them away at the end of the school year. As students prepare to leave for the summer, it is amazing
how much stuff is no longer wanted. Rather than tossing these things in the trash, MCPS encourages students to help collect them for donation to disadvantaged children. Bannockburn students help me sort supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, rulers, notebooks, pens, glue, binders, etc.) and box them in preparation for summer pick up. The unwanted supplies are taken to a central location where older students sort again and help with the distribution. Reuse-Recycle results in less trash in
Montgomery County landfills and more supplies for students who need them.
Lost & Found Corner
Don't forget to check the lost and found corner in the All Purpose room as well. The pile of clothing in the AP room is
overflowing. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity on June 14.
Technology and the Summer
It used to be that concerns of parents about technology centered around TV, movies, and the internet. That almost seems
like a simpler time doesn't it? These things still need to be monitored by parents but the list of possible dangers has expanded. They now include cell phones, Facebook, e-readers, and all sorts of web connected devices and apps. A parent's
roll in keeping a child safe regarding technology has also expanded. It is still the recommendation to keep computers, TVs,
etc. out of a child's bedroom and in a more public place in the household, but now WiFi is everywhere and so are the
devices that use them. Parents, however, are still in control of the use of any piece of technology. Summer allows more
free time to explore technology. It is also a good time for parents to make sure it is a safe time. MCPS has lots of information for parents on it's website. You can go to: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/cybersafety.
Summer Reading Challenge 2013
Bannockburn students are encouraged to build on their independent reading throughout the summer. We have
provided a reading challenge for students to maintain and enhance these skills during the summer.
Summer Reading
The Montgomery County Public Library has provided suggested summer reading lists for each grade level.
Please see the links to the reading lists for the grade level your child will enter next year. Students in grades 15 are encouraged to read every day. Students must record the titles of books read on the My Reading Log
form. Logs are to be returned to their teacher by Friday, September 6, 2013, in order to participate in Bannockburn’s Reading Celebration Party!!! We are aiming for 100% participation.
Primary Students (entering grades 1 & 2)
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Set a reading GOAL and read books at an appropriate level
Read for 20-30 minutes a day
Complete the Primary Reading Log* (each slot represents 20 minutes of reading)
Intermediate Students (entering grades 3, 4, & 5)
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Set a reading GOAL and read books at an appropriate level
Read for 30-60 minutes a day
Complete the Intermediate Reading Log* (each slot represents 30 minutes of reading)
(*Kids, even if you complete the log, keep reading.)
Summer Reading Lists (entering grades K-5)
Students entering Grade K
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/summerreading/2013/k2013.pdf
Students entering Grade 1:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/summerreading/2013/1grade2013.pdf
Students entering Grade 2:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/summerreading/2013/2grade2013.pdf
Students entering Grade 3:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/summerreading/2013/3grade2013.pdf
Students entering Grade 4:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/summerreading/2013/4grade2013.pdf
Students entering Grade 5:
http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/libraries/summerreading/2013/5grade2013.pdf
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Summer Reading logs can be found at the following web link:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/bannockburnes/news/Summer%20Reading%20C
hallenge%202013.pdf
Summer Math Challenge 2013
Bannockburn students are encouraged to build on their math skills throughout the summer. We have provided a math
challenge for students to maintain and enhance these skills during the summer.
Incoming Bannockburn 1st through 5th grade students are encouraged to use this calendar and the recommended
websites to review the concepts learned in math during the past school year. Reviewing the learned skills will maintain
the foundation for math success at the next grade level.
Challenge Details for Students Entering Grades 1-3:
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Complete every activity on the attached calendar. The calendar activities should be completed with an adult so that
students’ reasoning can be shared aloud.
Visit at least three of the math websites listed on the second page.
Upon completion, a parent should sign the upper left-hand corner of the calendar.
In order to participate in Bannockburn’s Math Summer Challenge Celebration Party, calendars are to be returned to
your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, September 6, 2013.
Challenge Details for Students Entering Grades 4-5:
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Complete at least 8 activities from the attached pages. The activities should be completed with an adult so that students’ reasoning can be shared aloud.
Practice your multiplication facts 0-10 at least three times per week. By the end of 3rd grade, it is expected that all
students are fluent with multiplication facts 0-10.
Upon completion of the packet and regular fact practice, a parent should sign in the space provided on page 2 of
this document.
In order to participate in Bannockburn’s Math Summer Challenge Celebration Party, packets are to be returned to
your child’s homeroom teacher by Friday, September 6, 2013.
Summer Math Activities (entering grades K-5)
Students entering Grade 1:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/bannockburnes/news/Grade%20K%20to%201%20Summer%20Math%20Challenge%202013.pdf
Students entering Grade 2:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/bannockburnes/news/Grade%201%20to%202%20Summer%20Math%20Challenge%202013.pdf
Students entering Grade 3:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/bannockburnes/news/Grade%202%20to%203%20Summer%20Math%20Challenge%202013.pdf
Students entering Grade 4:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/schools/bannockburnes/news/Grade%203%20to%204%20Summer%20Math%20Challenge%202013.pdf
Students entering Grade 5: the link to the 5th grade summer math activities will be posted soon.
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At-Home Practice with Xtra Math
Students can continue to use the online resource, www.xtramath.org, to continue practicing math facts fluency at
home. All students in 1st-4th grade have been given an enrollment code and should access the site regularly. Students
entering 1st grade can create their own login from home.
In order to participate in the Summer Reading and/or Math Challenge Celebration Parties, all completed challenge work should
be returned to your child's homeroom teacher for the 2013-14 school year by Friday, September 6th.
Bannockburn Elementary School
Individual Student Organizational Tools and Personal Supplies
2013-2014 School Year
The items listed below are the recommended student supply list at each respective grade-level. Students are
encouraged to bring the following individual organizational tools and personal supplies to school. Students can
bring a few of each item to get the school started and then replenish as needed throughout the school year.
Kindergarten
Box of Large Crayola Crayons (8 count)
Erasers, Pink Pearl
Glue Sticks, Avery, .26 oz.
Backpack
Plastic-Coated Art Smock
First Grade
*Please DO NOT label supplies with student’s name.
Box of Crayons (24 count)
Eraser, Pink Pearl
Glue Sticks, Small
Pencils, #2, Sharpened, Yellow
Scissors, 5", Pointed
Colored Pencils
Pencil Sharpener with Container
School Box (8”x 5”)
Folders, Non-laminated, 2-Pocket (red, blue, green, yellow)
Notebook, Composition, Hardcover Marble, Wide Rule
Expo Dry Erase Markers & Eraser, 1 box
Second Grade
Box of Crayons (no more than 24 count)
Erasers, Pink Pearl
Eraser Tops, Pencil Cap, 12ct
Glue Sticks, Small, 6 ct.
Pencils, #2, Sharpened, Yellow (24 count)
Scissors, Pointed
Colored Pencils (1 box)
Highlighters, Broad, Yellow
Pencil Sharpener with Container
8 Folders, 2-Pocket, Unlabeled (2 red, 2 blue, 2 green, 2 yellow)
2 Notebooks, Composition, Hardcover Marble, Wide Rule
Binder, 1”, Heavy Duty, White, Clear Front Cover
Binder, ½”, Heavy Duty, White, Clear Front Cover
Dividers, 5-subject, Colored Tab
Loose-leaf Paper, Wide Rule
Fourth Grade
Box of Crayons (no more than 24)
Eraser Tops, Pencil Cap
Glue Sticks, Small
Pencils, #2, Sharpened, Yellow
Pen, Multicolor
Colored Ballpoint Pens
Scissors, Pointed
Supply Box or Bag
2 Folders, Durable, 2-Pocket, 3-hole Punched
Notebook, Composition, Hardcover Marble, Wide Rule
Binder, 2”, Heavy Duty
Binder Dividers, 5-Subject, Colored Tabs
Loose-leaf Paper, Wide Rule
Third Grade
Box of Crayons (no more than 24)
Erasers, Pink Pearl
Glue Sticks, Small
Pencils, #2, Sharpened, Yellow
Pens (red, green, or purple)
Scissors, Pointed
Highlighters, Broad, Yellow
Pencil Sharpener with Container
Pencil Case, Small, Soft
Folders, 2-Pocket
Notebooks, Composition, Hardcover Marble, Wide Rule
Loose-leaf Paper, Wide Rule
Fifth Grade
Erasers, Pink Pearl
Eraser Tops, Pencil Cap
Pencils, #2, Sharpened, Yellow
Colored Pencils
Pen, Multicolor
Dry Erase Markers
Marker, Black, Fine
Highlighters, Broad, Yellow
Notebooks, Spiral, 70-Pages, Wide Rule
Binder, 3”, Heavy Duty
Dividers, 5-subject, Colored Tab
Hole Punch, 3-Holed (for binder)
Loose-leaf Paper, Wide Rule
Post-it Notes, 1.5” x 2”
Possible Voluntary Donations for Classroom Use
These items are not required, but will be greatly appreciated.
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Liquid soap
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant soap
Paper towels
Facial tissues
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Gallon and quart-sized plastic zip-lock bags
Expo dry erase markers
Pack of post-it notes
Stickers
MCPS NEWS AND UPDATES:
Mcpssuper: The latest edition of Mcpssuper showcases the work being done to measure student and staff engagement in MCPS. In the fall, thousands of students and staff members took surveys created by Gallup, and the results are
providing insight into employee and student engagement as well as student well-being—information that has a direct
impact on student achievement. During the show, Superintendent Starr and his guests discuss the survey results and
how they can be used in the school improvement process. The show will be broadcast regularly on MCPS TV and can
be viewed at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/superintendent/mcpssuper/current/.
New Search Feature on School Websites
A new search feature will be launched on all MCPS school websites in the upcoming weeks. A search box will be located on the upper-right corner of our school’s homepage and will help you quickly find important information on our
website. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on this new search function, please email [email protected].
2013 Back-to-School Fair Set for Aug. 24
Save the date! Plan to kick off the 2013-2014 school year at the MCPS Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 24,
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The fair is a
great way for families to learn about school system programs and services while enjoying entertainment, children’s activities and much more. Free transportation will be provided from 12 locations throughout the county. Please note
that this year, backpacks will not be given out at the fair, but will be sent to schools for distribution to students in
need. Visit www.mcpsbacktoschoolfair.org over the summer for updates.
MCPS Give BACKpacks Campaign Under Way
The MCPS Give BACKpacks campaign is under way and needs your help to raise funds to purchase 50,000 backpacks
filled with school supplies for MCPS students in need. The Give BACKpacks drive will support families that are struggling financially and cannot afford basic necessities like school supplies. A backpack filled with school supplies only costs
$10, and donors will have the option to sponsor an individual student, a classroom, a grade level or an entire school.
Additional information will be posted at www.mcpsgivebackpacks.org in the coming weeks.
County Council Approves FY 2014 Budget
The Montgomery County Council approved a $2.23 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 operating budget for Montgomery
County Public Schools (MCPS) on Thursday, May 23. The budget represents a 2.6 percent increase over the current
year, the minimum increase allowed by state law. The budget will allow MCPS to manage its continued enrollment
growth, re-energize efforts to narrow achievement gaps, and prepare for the future. The budget also will allow the
district to invest in key areas, such as mathematics instruction, middle schools, professional learning for staff and the
restoration of some positions that have been eliminated over the past several years. The Board of Education is expected to approve a final budget for FY 2014 on June 13.
Superintendent Starr’s Latest Podcast Now Available
The fifth episode of Superintendent Joshua Starr’s podcast, “What’s the BIG Idea?” is available on the MCPS website
and on iTunes. In this episode, Dr. Starr and his cohost, Christopher Lloyd, are joined by Frederick Hess, author of
Cage-Busting Leadership. The discussion focuses on a broad array of topics, including school reform and leadership. Visit
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/superintendent/podcast/ to listen to the episode or subscribe to the podcast via
iTunes.
Bannockburn Elementary School
Summer Mailing Preference
In our continued efforts to support “green” efforts, our summer mailing will be distributed
electronically to each family. All information for the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year
will be posted electronically on our Bannockburn Elementary School (BES) website:
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/bannockburnes/.
All Bannockburn families will receive a connect-ed email over the summer indicating when the
summer mailing information is available on our website. If you would prefer to continue
receiving a paper copy of the summer mailing, please send an email to Mrs. Dawn Ford, attendance secretary, at [email protected] or fill out the form below and have your child
return it to the main office before the last day of school, June 14th, or no later than July 20th.
Have a safe and relaxing summer break. We look forward to seeing everyone in August.
_____________________________________________________________________
Bannockburn Elementary School
Summer Mailing Preference Form
Please send me a paper copy of the summer mailing information.
Student’s Name: _____________________________________________________
Parent’s Name: _______________________________________________________