The Gator Gazette
February, 2026
Welcome back, and welcome to February! We hope your family was well and warm during the extended weather closure, and we are so excited to see our Gators!
This issue of the February Gazette will provide news and information about upcoming events this month, including Valentine's Day parties, PTA Skate Night, and more.
As we start Marking Period 3, we look forward to the continued successes of our students. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, as we journey through this school year together.
Wishing you a fabulous February!
Warmly,
Mrs. Seidel and Mrs. Sinon
National School Counseling Week
The week of February 2-6 is National School Counseling Week. At Greenwood, we are so very grateful for our counseling team, Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Lee. While Mrs. Lee is on long-term leave at this time, we are very grateful for the service of Ms. Anne Moran, retired MCPS counselor, who is supporting students at Greenwood in Mrs. Lee's absence.
If your student or your family would like to send in a little note for our counselors, this would be a great week to honor and show appreciation to them!
THANK YOU for participating in the food drive!!
Thanks to all families who donated items to our food drive sponsored by our grade 5 ambassadors. We were able to make a large donation to the Olney Help. We also appreciate the help of Ms. Creel and family, who helped to transport the food on behalf of our school. Our Greenwood community always comes through when it's time to serve others. THANK YOU!
Valentine's Day Parties
Valentine’s Day parties will be held on Friday, February 13. Grade 2 will host their party from 1:30-2:15. All other grades will hold their parties from 2:15-3:00. Students may exchange valentines (one for each student in the class, if so). As with our fall celebrations, the parties will be limited to the room parents.
If students bring wrapped candy or other items (pencils, tattoos, etc) attached to their Valentines, we do ask that they remain wrapped and not eaten in the classroom. (Please be mindful of allergies in the class.) These items will need to be placed in students’ backpacks at the end of the party. Please remind students that these items should only come out once home (not on the bus), and these items should be left at home. We thank our room parents for all the work that they've been doing to plan for the parties!
MAP Testing and DIBELS Testing
Most students in grades K-5 have taken the MAP tests and most students in grades K-2 have taken the DIBELS assessments. As we return from the extended closures, we have a few students who will be taking make-up tests, and the window will then close. Thanks to all who made sure students were well-rested and at school on time, as we gathered this data, which helps us to plan for instruction, during the month of January.
ACCESS for Emergent Multilingual Learner Testing Update
The Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs) is the annual English language proficiency test that is aligned to the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) English language development standards. The testing window for our emergent multilingual learners is January 8-February 18. Please reach out to ELD teacher, Mrs. Eugenia Chang, with any questions.
February PTA Updates
2/4: PTA Meeting, 7 p.m. - Via Zoom Only
This is a Wednesday (please note the change).
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89058666698?pwd=hKEB74HE1HaMWJ7RxOZMDcx9ED0r1M.1
Meeting ID: 890 5866 6698
Passcode: GreenGator
2/10: Dining Night Out, Ledo Pizza in Olney
2/13: Valentines Parties (room parents only) Please consider donating $6 per student.
https://www.givebacks.com/causes/459e8129-9724-446e-a5e1-fefa82562ec3/shop/items/1150630
2/13: Skate Night at Rockville Ice Rink $10 pay at the door.
POSTPONED: Bingo Night (stay tuned for new date). When school returns we will be able to reschedule.
Science Fair is coming Wednesday, March 11th
To learn more: About the Science Fair
For students to sign up: Science Fair Google Form
To help coordinate: email sciencefair@greenwood-pta.org
5th Grade Fundraising Opportunities
- It's the coldest it's ever been...label those layers with Mabel's Labels! Support the 5th grade's fundraiser while minimizing Greenwood's lost and found!
- https://mabelslabels.com/fundraising/support
- Teacher Bouquets-Help the teacher appreciation committee and the 5th grade class by sponsoring a bouquet of flowers for a staff member. Our goal is to hand every staff member a bouquet on Thursday, February 26th. Each bouquet is $15. The money raised helps support the 5th grade class with their end of the year party and other activities. Thanks for supporting our 5th grade class!
- https://greenwoodpta.givebacks.com/shop
Katie Phillips
GES PTA President
Would you like to share photos of school and PTA events to be used in the Greenwood ES Yearbook?
Please consider sharing your photos of school or PTA events to be used in the Greenwood ES yearbook. Below is the link families will use to upload yearbook photos. There are folders for each grade level and school event.
https://books.yearbooks.me/cg/3gnqfe5mufkeemhmeexfw3r39kpecwxk5
The password to upload photos is: GreenwoodES1!
Once families enter the password for their chosen folder, the upload process is simple and allows them to submit their selected photos on a mobile device or desktop. The deadline for families to submit photos is Monday, March 16th.
MCPS Volunteer Training Requirement
Montgomery County Public Schools requires school volunteers and partnership agencies to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.
Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account
Background check (fingerprinting)-dependent upon the type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation. Fingerprinting is now required on trips where a volunteer takes on full responsibility for a group where the teacher is not present for any length of time. This falls under the “unsupervised field trip chaperones” in the last column of the chart below. Further information is available on the MCPS Volunteer Information Page on the MCPS website as well.
MCPS Updates
For Students
● HBCU Fair: Register for this event, 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville. If MCPS has an early release or closure due to inclement weather, this event will be moved to a virtual format.
● Summer RISE registration: Open until Tuesday, Feb. 17, to high school sophomores and juniors. This program offers a hands-on, career-based learning experience.
● SMOB Filing Period: Interested students can submit nominations through 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29.
● Choose Respect Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, this contest challenges teens to create an original video promoting awareness of dating violence/abuse among teens. Videos can be in English or Spanish. Top prize is $1,000. Deadline: Sunday, Feb. 15.
● Gaithersburg Book Festival Poetry Contest: This year’s theme is “What Is Humanity?” Students must be in high school to participate. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 20.
● Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Scholarships: For graduating seniors, MAEOE is offering three $1,500 scholarships for plans to study environmental fields in college or at a community college. Applications due Monday, March 2.
● Water Safety Poster Contest: Open to artists in grades K–12, this contest asks participants to create a poster that highlights the importance of water safety. Deadline: Sunday, March 15. Learn more and submit.
● Keeping It Safe Video Contest: Open to middle and high school students, the contest invites students to create a 30-second video on the risks and dangers of under 21 alcohol use. Deadline: Tuesday, March 31.
● World Food Prize: The 4-H team at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension is inviting high schoolers to participate in the upcoming Maryland Youth Institute of the World Food Prize in May. This event offers an opportunity to engage with critical global issues related to food security while enhancing research, writing and leadership skills. An essay is required and due by Tuesday, March 31.
● Sustainability Poster Contest: All students and staff can participate in this annual contest to increase awareness of energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. Check out the new digital art category! Deadline: Friday, April 3.
Stay Connected to MCPS
● VISIT the MCPS homepage.
● CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845). Visit the AskMCPS website.
● READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.
● FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol
● SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.
● WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89
More MCPS Resources
● News and Information page / Noticias en Español
School Hours
Instruction starts promptly at 9 a.m. Please be sure to have your students at school prior to 9:00 a.m., so they can unpack, eat breakfast, and prepare their materials. Student drop off begins at 8:40 a.m., and all students will enter through the front doors of the school. Please do not leave students unattended on school grounds prior to 8:40 a.m. to ensure the highest level of safety and security for each student. Staff are not outside to provide supervision until 8:40 a.m.
Students who arrive after 9:00 a.m. must be accompanied by an adult to sign them in, as they will be marked tardy and will miss the start of instruction. Please help us to ensure that every Gator is here and ready for a great day before that 9:00 a.m. start time!
School hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. (Doors open at 8:40 a.m.)
Two-hour delay: 11:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. (Doors open at 10:40 a.m.)
* *Bus routes would shift by two hours* *
On a two-hour delay, doors open at 10:40 a.m.
Early release days: Dismissal is at 12:55 p.m.
Reporting an Absence, Late Arrival and Early Dismissals
Please use the link below to report your child's absence from school.
Additionally, this link can be found under the Quick Links on the left side of the HOME PAGE of our Greenwood Elementary School website by clicking "Report an Absence."
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/greenwoodes/
MCPS requires a written note for absences, and completing the form will take care of that requirement and save you the phone call!
This link is also the place for you to report all planned late arrivals and early dismissals. Just click the appropriate box and add the reason and any other details in the comment section at the bottom entitled “Anything else”. If the late arrival or early dismissal is due to a doctor’s appointment, please remember to provide a (required) doctor’s note upon your student’s return to school.
Please bookmark the page for future use, and reach out to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Susan Ostrinsky (Susan_A_Ostrinsky@mcpsmd.org) with any questions.
Please Share Changes to Dismissal Plans
Please note that changes to dismissal should happen prior to 3:00 pm to ensure there is
enough time for the messages to be relayed to the teachers and dismissal teams. Please
communicate any changes with your child's classroom teacher and our attendance secretary, Mrs. Ostrinsky. Please be aware that teachers may be not be checking email during instruction. As a result, it is very important for the front office (240-740-3420) to be made aware of any change in dismissal routine by 3 p.m.
Car Rider Information
Students who will be routine car riders will be given a family number card that will need to be displayed in the car window nearest the car loop line. Students will exit to the car loop when their number is called to be reunited with their family vehicle at that time. Please pull up to the end of the walk to maximize the number of cars we can load safely with adult supervision and keep the line moving quickly.
Car Loop
Please enter the car loop by turning RIGHT into the loop from Gold Mine Road. Please DO NOT turn left into the lot. Please go around the block so you can turn RIGHT into the loop. This helps us to ensure the safety of our walkers who have to cross at the car loop!
Please remain in your car, as our staff will assist those students who need assistance. Additionally, please know that staff can not buckle children into car seats. Please teach your children how to do so, or please pull forward into a parking space to do so, to avoid holding up drivers behind you in the loop.
Bus Rider Safety
Please meet students at the bus stop at the end of the day to ensure your child's safe return from school on the bus. If you are not able to meet your child at the stop, please make other arrangements for your child to get from the stop to the home safely.
In the event you or your designee are running late or are otherwise unable to get to the bus
stop, please call the school as soon as possible to have your child held at the school for pick-up. Please call the front office 240-740-3420 before 3 p.m.
We encourage you to review the school bus rules with your child if they are a bus rider so they
are aware of the expectations. Those rules can be found at https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/transportation/rules/a_parents_role.pdf
Please understand that safe student transportation is a joint responsibility. Please remind
your child to look for you before leaving the bus. We look forward to a safe and successful
school year.
Guest Bus Riders
Students may ride only their own bus to and from school. Students are not permitted to
ride to school or to home from school with friends on any other bus.
Breakfast and Lunch
Meal prices:
Breakfast: $1.30
Lunch: $2.55
Funds can be added to student meal accounts at no charge by bringing cash or checks directly to the Greenwood cafeteria manager, Mrs. Frias.
Prepayments on student meal accounts can be made through www.MySchoolBucks.com; note the increase from $1.95 to $2.49 per transaction for the 2025-2026 school year.
Meal Payment Procedures:
Further information: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-prices--payment-procedures/
Menus and Special Dietary Needs Menus, including nutrition and allergen information, can be viewed at:
DFNS website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/menus/
MealViewer: https://schools.mealviewer.com/district/MontgomeryCountyPublicSchools
MealViewer can be accessed on a computer browser, through the MealViewer app on Android and iPhone, or using any browser on a smartphone. No sign-in or passwords are required to view menus. It is also possible (but not required) to rate food items, star favorite items, utilize a nutrition calculator, and create a profile. Check out your schools' menu today!
MCPS Form 240-23, Special Dietary Needs Form https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/detail.aspx?formID=3699&formNumber=240-23&catID=2&subCatId=0)
This form may be used to request meal accommodations for students eating in the cafeteria.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served from 8:40-8:55 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Lunch Room Seating
Our cafeteria includes an allergy-free table to ensure the safety of all students. Please be sensitive to student allergies in your child's classroom and work with the classroom teacher to support any event or activity that includes food.
Greenwood ES MealViewer: https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/GreenwoodElemSchool
Introductory Video: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/menus/
How to Print a Menu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNLhHfLijQM
Free and Reduced Meals Applications are NOW OPEN! Apply today!
Apply online NOW so students receive free meals. All meals are free for students who qualify for Free And Reduced-price Meals; students who are approved for reduced-price meals eat for free!
The Department of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) encourages families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a FARM application online. Applications for the 2025–2026 school year will be available July 30, 2025.
APPLY ONLINE (TRANSLATIONS AVAILABLE)
Click here for an English video tutorial on how to complete the FARM application.
Vea aquí un vídeo paso a paso en español sobre cómo completar la solicitud de FARM.
Click here for additional "How To" PowerPoint (in English & Español) made by MCPS Family Engagement Specialist, Alejandra Jarquin.
- Households must apply for FARMS every school year. Student meal benefit eligibility from the prior school year carries over for the first 30 operating days OR until a new eligibility is determined. If a new eligibility is not determined by the 30th school day, students default to a paid status and will be charged for meals.
- Households may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year.
- Students qualify for free meals when total household income is the same or less than the amounts on the Income Chart below.
- Use ONE application for ALL students in the household—including Pre-K, kindergarten, and foster—even if they attend different schools. **If one student in household attends a CEP school, a FARM application must still be submitted for students enrolled in non-CEP schools. Include ALL student names on the application (see list of CEP schools above).
- Paper applications are available in each school's front office. Households who apply online should not submit a paper application.
- If applying for a child who is homeless, a migrant, or a runaway, please complete and submit MCPS Form 335-77 Homeless Status, call the child's school, or contact the MCPS Homeless liaison at 240-740-4511.
- Each student will be notified of meal benefit status (including both those approved, and those who do not qualify) by mail. Please keep this important document for your records and use throughout the school year.
- Meal Eligibility is confidential information. Federal regulations governing school meal programs require that a student's eligibility for FARMS are used only to provide meal benefits.
- Verification of FARM applications is conducted annually each October. A random selection of households approved for FARMS will be required to verify the information listed on the application. Households selected will be notified, including details for how to comply with the verification process.
- Households that are unable to apply online should contact their school or the Department of Food and Nutrition Services at 240-740-7400.
Students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive meals at no charge!
Students use their MCPS ID number when receiving a meal, so confidentiality is maintained and no child is overtly identified as receiving free or reduced-price meals.
2025-2026 Health Room Updates and Information
Greenwood Elementary School's health room is staffed by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services with a full-time health technician, Ms. Teresa Edwards, and an assigned nurse, Ms. Angela Niemiec.
MCPS schools follow guidance from the CDC, state & local health departments. We strongly recommend, if your child has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms of illness, that you keep your child home from school.
Required Childhood Vaccinations for Preschool Programs and Schools
The Annotated Code of Maryland (10.06.04.03) requires all Maryland students new to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and those entering Grade 7 and Grade 9 provide documentation of required, age-appropriate vaccinations or a medical or religious exemption. This documentation is required within 20 calendar days from their date of admission. Principals will receive a list of students who have not provided documentation by the deadline from School Health Services (SHS) staff. Students on this list must be excluded from school until such documentation is provided.
Hard copies of the vaccination records are to be submitted to the Greenwood ES School Health Services health room staff.
All medication/treatment authorization form(s) must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. Please ensure that the appropriate authorization form is completed by your healthcare provider. Per MCPS and School Health Services regulations, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to deliver medication/treatment authorization form(s) and medications directly to health room staff.
Please do not send your child to school with medication of any kind.
Important Dates:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025: Students must provide documentation of required vaccinations or a permitted exemption as explained above by the first day of school or their date of admission. Students who have not received their vaccinations may enter school if they provide evidence of an appointment to be vaccinated by Monday, September 15, 2025, (or 20 calendar days from their day of admission).
Monday, September 15, 2025: Students who have not provided documentation of the required vaccinations by this date (or 20 calendar days from their day of admission) must be excluded from school until such documentation is provided.
More information:
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the health room staff at 240-740-3422.
Food Allergies and Food in the Classroom for Parties and Events
Cell Phones, Smart Watches and Other Personal Mobile Devices May NOT be used during the school day
MCPS regulation COG-RA prohibits elementary school students from using personal devices (phones, smart watches, etc.) during the school day. Personal devices(phones, smart watches, etc.) may only be used before or after the student day. Students will be asked to keep these devices in their backpacks during the school day. It is advised that students keep such devices at home, if possible.
RESPONSIBILITY/LIABILITY
MCPS will assume no responsibility or liability for loss, theft, or damage to a device or for the unauthorized use of any such PMD.
As always, our priority is ensuring that every student at Greenwood ES is challenged academically and supported socially and emotionally. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the MCPS personal mobile device policy, please review Regulation COG-RA Personal Mobile Devices.
Birthdays! We love birthdays!
We love birthdays at Greenwood, and each day on our GGTV morning program, we announce those who are celebrating, and students are invited to come to the office for a birthday pencil.
While we do not do any formal in-school birthday celebrations with food or other items, we do make sure that each student feels special on their special day.
We do ask that birthday party invitations be sent outside of school, and unfortunately, due to federal privacy issues, we can not provide class lists or contact information.
Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. Please see the multiple ways you can file a report below.
Dates to Remember
February, 2026
4 - PTA Meeting, 7 p.m. Zoom Only
10 - PTA Dining Night Out at Ledo's
13 - Valentine's Day Parties (Room parents only)
13 - PTA Skate Night
16 - No School
17 - No School
26 - No School for PEP students ONLY
27 - Early Release Day, Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.
25-26 Traditional School Calendar
Contact us
Email: Jennifer_A_Seidel@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/greenwoodes/
Location: 3336 Gold Mine Road, Brookeville, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-3420
Twitter: @GES_Principal