Mustang Message

Community Commitment

At our school, creating a safe and welcoming environment is our top priority. This week we committed to Keeping it Safe!

At our community Gathering I reminded students:

My job as a school leader is to keep the entire school safe.
Your child's teacher and staff members' job is to keep the classroom and the children safe.
Our students' job is to keep themselves safe.

In classrooms, students set commitments or specific goals related to keeping our school a safe and helpful place. By making these commitments, students take an active role in creating a positive and supportive classroom community. They might commit to using their words to solve problems, doing their best work, being a kind listener, or taking deep breaths when they feel angry, etc. This routine helps students reflect on their actions and see how their choices make our school a better place for everyone.

We're excited to see your children grow as responsible and caring members of our school community.

Redistricting Update

See the updates in redistricting section of the newsletter. Remember you can contact are parent and staff representatives, Katlyn Calvano and Rebecca Plotner. They can be reached at MESredistrictcommittee@yahoo.com.

Trunk or Treat: We Need Your Help!

Our PTO is busy planning the annual Trunk or Treat, and they need your support to make it a success! We're looking for volunteers to run the concession stand and for candy donations. If you'd like to decorate a trunk, please arrive between 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., as the bus loop entrance will close at 5:45 p.m.

Please use this form to sign up so we can keep track of all participants. We can't wait to see everyone at this fun event!

https://forms.gle/HAWrdue5hw4MbzqF7

October

October 3 - Farm to School

October 6 - 17 - Joe Corbi’s Fundraiser

October 6 - PTO General Membership Meeting @ 4 pm, Media Center

October 8 - PTO Walk to School Day @ 8 am

October 13 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal, Parent Conference Day

October 15 - Unity Day

October 16 - Historic Sotterley Field Trip Mrs. Oliver & Ms. Roach Classes

October 17 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal, Professional Responsibilities

October 17 - 24 = Fall Book Fair

October 17 - PTO Trunk or Treat

October 20 - Historic Sotterley Field Trip Mrs. Bainter’s Class

October 20 - 24 - National School Bus Safety Week

SY26 Fundraising Letter

MCAP ELA and Math , and MISA (Science) state testing scores for grades 4 & 5 were sent home on Friday, September 26th. Be sure to check your child's backpack.

See the MySchoolBucks information. Our goal is to have all parents who have not already created an account to create an account on MySchoolBucks (MSB). If your child purchases lunch at school they already have an account.

The MES Trunk or Treat is right around the corner!

Trunk or Treat Sign-ups, candy donations and our concession stand volunteers!

A Reminder: Costumes must meet school guidelines: https://studenthandbook.smcps.org/dress-code

Weapon look-alikes, weapon images, and violent imagery are not permitted.

Calendar

MES Public Calendar (Use the links at the bottom to integrate the calendar to your mobile device)

Downloadable SY 25-26 SMCPS School Year 2025-2026 Calendar

MES School Calendar

The Maryland Center for School Safety and the Maryland State Police Department have asked that we pass along A Parent’s Guide to Firearm Storage to help avoid tragedy and make Maryland a safe place for children.

Updates

SMCPS Board of Education Meeting - September 24, 2025

You can watch the SMCPS Board of Education meeting by clicking the link below. The Redistricting Informational Update begins at 25.15. The presentation used at the Board meeting is also linked.

Cannon Design's presentation from Community Forum #1

The link to the presentation used by Cannon Design for Community Forum #1 can be found here.

Cannon Design Presentation

Community Survey #1

Community Survey #1 will be open from September 26, 2025 - October 6, 2025. This survey will be used to collect community input on operational and facility options being considered for the Redistricting process. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and is open to residents, parents, students, employees, and all stakeholders.

Community Survey #1

Redistricting Newsletter

General Redistricting Information & MES Contacts

St. Mary’s County Public Schools is launching a comprehensive Facility Utilization and School Boundary Study initiative to guide how our schools serve students and families in the years ahead. Your input matters. Whether you join a meeting, offer feedback, or follow along with updates, your voice will help shape the future of education in St. Mary’s County.

For more information please click on the link below.
- Redistricting Information
Our school has a parent representative and staff representative on the district-wide Community Engagement Redistricting Team. The representatives will help ensure communication of the work, timeline, and community engagement opportunities by sharing information on surveys and community engagement events through school, community, and social media resources. You can reach out to them for additional information or to share your perspective.

Katlyn Calvano - Parent Representative
Rebecca Plotner - Staff Representative
Ms. Calvano & Ms. Plotner can be emailed at MESredistrictcommittee@yahoo.com

The new website, where you can find information on the timeline, process, and how you can be a part of the community engagement events.

Menus for School Meals are visible through Nutrislice.

If you want to view your child's meal purchases and add funds, use the My School Bucks link.

Free & Reduced Meal Benefit Applications Now Open

Online applications re encouraged as they are processed more quickly. The meal benefit application for SY 25/26 is now live. Link: Free and Reduced Meals.