Marshall Street School

Dear Families,

Welcome to November! As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support, partnership, and involvement in your child’s education. We are grateful to have such wonderful families as part of our school community. This month, we look forward to celebrating our students’ growth, learning, and accomplishments while encouraging kindness, respect, and thankfulness each day. Thank you for working alongside us to make our school a positive and caring place for all. We wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and wonderful November filled with special moments and meaningful memories!

We Are: WISE-Winning Attitude, Invested in learning, Show respect and responsibility, Encourage others

Proof of Residency - The State of Maryland requires proof of residency for all students enrolled in Maryland schools. If your child was enrolled at a WCPS school last year, and you have moved, you must provide proof of residency to the school (copy of one of these documents: electric, water, oil or gas bill, rental lease, or mortgage statement).

• School Attendance - It is critical for your child to attend school daily unless he or she is ill. If your child misses a day of school, a note signed by you should accompany your child when they return to school.
• If the absence is for three or more days, then a doctor’s note is required to return to school.
• When the combined absences reach twelve days, only official/legal documentation will be accepted in order for absences to be excused (examples: doctor's notes, licensed certified healthcare provider and/or legal summons).

• All school absences are recorded as excused or unexcused.
• Any absence prevents students from accessing vital instruction.

School Routines- Helpful Hints

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.

Medications and Health Procedures – If your child requires administration of medications or health treatments at school, please have your child’s physician complete all the necessary forms before the first day of school. Medications must be provided in the original prescription bottle. Please call the school nursing office, anytime between 8:00 am-3:00 pm should you have questions, 301.766.8223.

Personal Care – If your child requires personal care for toileting, please provide the supplies. Also, having a change of clothing at school is helpful and can be sent in your child’s backpack/school bag. If providing a change of clothing, please make sure it is marked with your child’s name.

Students will be required to store their cell phones and personal devices in an assigned school locker or cubby starting in the upcoming school year. The Board of Education approved changes to Policy JICJ – Personally-Owned Electronic Communication Devices and Social Media Platforms During the School Day. The updates were made to comply with a measure approved by state lawmakers this year, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act.

Students will not be allowed to use their cell phone during the school day, which also includes during lunch, recess, passing periods, and class changing periods. The devices must be stored away in the student’s assigned locker or cubby area. Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as for students who need to use phones for health or disability accommodations. Additionally, under the revised policy, students cannot use a social media platform during the school day, even those associated with school-sponsored activities like clubs and athletics.

November 2nd- 2 HOUR early dismissal

November 3rd- NO SCHOOL for STUDENTS

November 3rd- End of Marking Period 1

November 5th- Momma K’s Buns order pickup at MSS

November 7th- MSS/JDP Annual Quarter Auction at the American Legion

November 11th- Veteran's Day

November 16th- Chipotle Fundraiser on Garland Groh

November 18th- ESP APPRECIATION DAY

November 19th- Miss Ellie's LAST DAY at MSS/JDP - Show her some LOVE!!!

November 23rd- Thankful Day for Healthy Meals (more info coming soon)

November 25-29th Thanksgiving Break....enjoy time with Family and Friends- NO SCHOOL

Attendance Focus Groups- we want students in the building learning each day. We will be collecting data on a regular basis and as we identify students that are missing several days we will be reaching out to support those students and families to help. PLEASE send in a NOTE for each ABSENCES.

MICAH'S BACKPACK PROGRAM Marshall Street School & Job Development Program is very fortunate to participate in the Micah’s Backpack weekend food supplement program sponsored by several churches within our community. This program provides students in need with a bag of food and snacks every Friday to be enjoyed over the weekend. If you are interested in your child participating in the Micah's Program, contact: Mrs. Gearhart, Community School Manager gearhbre@wcps.k12.md.us or 301-766-8612.

Exciting News! We Have an FFA Chapter!

We are thrilled to announce that we now have an FFA chapter with 13 dedicated students who are excited to begin their journey of growth, leadership, and opportunity!

Through our Agriculture Department, these students are committed to building leadership skills, investing in personal growth, and developing meaningful career and life goals that will help prepare them for a successful future.

Please join us in congratulating and encouraging our newest FFA members as they take this exciting step! We are proud of their commitment and look forward to seeing all they accomplish.

If you are interested in supporting our new chapter in any way, whether through encouragement, resources, mentorship, or other opportunities, our students would greatly appreciate your support.

Here's to growing leaders, building futures, and cultivating success!

Neary: Kai Abdulghany

Fazenbaker: Gia Corujo Cuevas

Gillenwater: Draco Allen

Hays: Alivia Boumel

Jack: Valcour Jocelyn

Rowland: Holden Faulkner

Shaffer: Carlos Santos Rodriguez

Schindel: James Boisseau & Anthony Steele

Thompson: Angel Jones

Ackerman: Melissa Rockwell

Cross: Adam Varga

Freeman: Nathaniel Rentzell

Whitaker: John Smith

Wolfrey: Jesse Hines

Zielinski: Brayan Contreras

Moore: Autumn Tuttle

Parent Advisory Committee meets once a month to discuss issues, plan events, identify resources to support our students and families. The committee is made up of parents, staff, Nurse's, leadership and community members. Please consider being a part of this group and having your voice help shape what happens here at MSS & JDP. Our next meeting is November 30th at 5:30 in the school cafeteria.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

For any student from MSS or JDP wishing to participate in Unified Sports please contact the Athletic Director from your student's home high school. Please see the list below for contact information:

Boonsboro Mike Marsh marshdav@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-8028

Clear Spring Mark Shives shivekei@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-8083

Hancock Jaime Mason-Lego masonjai@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-2863

North Hagerstown Dan Cunningham cunnidan@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-8246

Smithsburg Donna Almany almandon@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-8340

South Hagerstown Dwayne Freeman freemdwa@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-8377

Williamsport Emily Crabtree crabtemi@wcps.k12.md.us 301-766-8424

Meritus Hospital- Food is Medicine:

Food is medicine—and our Food Farmacy proves it.

Through this innovative community health program, patients receive a prescription for nutritious foods tailored to their diagnosis, along with free groceries, recipes, and hands-on cooking demonstrations. The result? Healthier meals, healthier families, and knowledge that lasts far beyond the program.

Programs like the Food Farmacy are only possible because of the generosity of our donors, partners, and supporters. Your commitment helps Meritus Health continue to innovate, respond to evolving community needs, and improve health where it starts—at home.

To learn more about the Meritus Food Farmacy: https://www.meritushealth.com/services/food-farmacy

#MeritusHealth #MeritusCares #WashingtonCountyMD #Marylandhealth #MD #westernmaryland #MeritusMedicalCenter

Meritus Hospital Patient Advisory Council: https://www.meritushealth.com/about/patients-visitors/patient-family-advisory-council

CFC Community First Choice- assists with completion of personal care tasks -The Community First Choice Program is a state plan home and community-based services benefit. It helps you get services and support in your home and community instead of in an institution. ​

The Maryland Department of Health Medicaid Administration runs this program. https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/ltss/Pages/community-first-choice.aspx

Respite Care Program- Maryland Department of Human Services -The Respite Care program offers financial reimbursement for short-term temporary care in order to provide a period of rest and renewal to family caregivers by temporarily relieving them of the demands and stresses of care giving responsibilities. Respite care is provided at planned intervals, in a time of crisis, or on an as-needed basis. We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with functional disabilities and their families.

https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-adult-services/respite-care-program/

EPSDT/ABA Therapy- Medicaid covers medically necessary Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services for members under the age of 21.

Care​lon Behavioral Health Maryland​ administers the Maryland ABA program and provides clinical, operational and provider assistance and expertise.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment for individuals with ASD that includes many different techniques to:

• Increase useful or desired behaviors such as communication and social skills, and
• Reduce behaviors that may interfere with learning or behaviors that may be harmful.

https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/epsdt/ABA/Pages/Home.aspx

WashCo Needs: P. O. Box 4675, Hagerstown, MD, United States, 21742 Contact #301-800-4226 wecare@washconeeds.com We provide services to disadvantaged people & those with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

Kennedy Krieger Seating Clinic make an appointment by calling 888-554-2080-Patients who struggle to move may need more than just a wheelchair. They may need specialized mobility equipment. The Seating Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute helps people with special needs find seating systems that optimize their mobility while ensuring safe and effective positioning, so they can participate fully in activities of daily living. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/seating-clinic

Maryland Health Connections: Support with your medical enrollment needs. https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/resources-and-fact-sheets/

Smart Beds for Special Needs- Transform your life with better sleep and safety for your loved ones. The CUBBY Bed https://cubbybeds.com/ Complete their insurance and Medicaid eligibility online

Health Coverage Assistance Team- HCAT Help with Navigating your health coverage

The Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT) can help you​ (en Español​​​​​​​)​​​​:

• ​Get answers to your health insurance questions.
  
• Address health insurance problems or concerns.
• File a complaint about your health insurance issue or concern.​
  
• Connect you to resources.

This is how H-CAT works:

First step: Contact us ​

• Click here to fill out our online form

• Or call us at 410-468-​2​442​

• ​Or email us at hcat.mia@​maryland.gov​
• Talk to one of our representatives at an event. Click here to view our upcoming events.

Next: ​A trained H-CAT staff person will contact you within one business day.​

We will work with you and stay in contact with you to:

• answer your questions;
• explain your health plan;
• understand how to find a provider;
• file a claim;
  
• help find coverage for your health services; and
• find information about other helpful resources.​

Pediatric Movement Center: offering therapy recreation services, birthday parties and summer camps. Located at 1045 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-739-5437 https://www.pediatricmovementcenter.com/

Pediatric Movement Aquatic Center offering therapy recreation services, birthday parties and summer camps. Located at 1105 Maryland Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-739-5437 https://www.pediatricmovementcenter.com/

Washington County Arts Council Located at 34 S Potomac Street, Suite #100, Hagerstown MD 21740

Phone 301-791-3132 Providing a directory of summer camps for children with Special needs. https://www.washingtoncountyarts.com/

Parents Resource Center: Providing parents with access to the resources they need for their children. Located at 6 N. East Street, Suite 200 Frederick, Maryland 21701 Phone 301-882-2001

parentresourcecenter.org/resource

ashley@parentresourcecenter.org

Disability Resource Guide of Washington County: Providing information and resources to support families and students.

washco-md.net/disability-resource-guide

The ARC of Washington County Children and Youth Services: Enriching and supporting young lives with a variety of services. Located at 820 Florida Ave. Hagerstown, MD 21740. Phone 301-733-3550

arcwc-md.org/children-and-youth-programs

Maryland's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI): Provides information and support for families who have children and youth with disabilities or special needs. Located at 802 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite H, Glen Burnie MD 21061

ppmd.org/programs/

FindHelp.org supports for adults and children with disabilities

ATLAS Adaptive Teaching & Learning Autism Services: Located at 1125 Opal Court, Suite 2000B, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-703-9923. Email: admin@abaATLAS.com sites.google.com/abaatlas.com/abaatlas

Achieving True Self: Located at 16619 Hunters Green Pkwy, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Phone: 886-287-2036 Providing support forums for family members to gather support and learn from one another's experiences, providing social engagement groups for children and teens to encourage communication and social skills development.

https://www.achievingtrueself.com/calendar/ats-hagerstown-and-frederick-family-and-social-engagement-group/1

Children In Need: Located at 131 West North Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-302-1683

Providing children with clothing, hygiene items and school supplies.

https://childreninneedwashingtoncounty.org/

CIRCLE OF SECURITY RESOURCE FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

Parenting is the hardest job on the planet. Knowing how to protect, comfort, and understand our children helps eliminate miss-understandings that can cause pain and frustration.

Circle of Security's site provides families with ideas and strategies to help understand a child's emotional world, how to support successful management of emotion, enhancing a child's self esteem and honoring the desire for a child to be secure. Check the resource below.

https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/resources-for-parents/

GRANDPARENTS, ARE YOU FEELING THE STRESS?

Raising grandchildren can be a tremendous challenge. Grandparent caregivers need to

develop a support system to help them with the many tasks at hand. It’s also important for grandparents to take good care of themselves so they can stay mentally and physically healthy enough to do the job.

Grandparents Support Group would love to have you as part of their group. Meetings are every 1st Monday of each month. For more details call (301)790-0275.

IN A CRISIS? NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE? HELP AWAITS YOU...

If you are in dire need to speak to someone, call the MD Hotline by dialing 2-1-1

You may also text to the Crisis Text Line: Text “Listen” to 741741

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH RENT, ELECTRICITY, LANDLORDS?

Community Action Council is here to help!!!! Contact Mrs. Gearhart at gearhbre@wcps.k12.md.us or 301-766-8512 for more information and program applications.

HAGERSTOWN FOOD PANTRY

Need help gaining access to quality food to help support and feed your family. Please check out both sites: https://www.wccac.org/our-services/food-pantry or https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/md-hagerstown

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

This program, activity, product, or service is not sponsored by or affiliated with Washington County Public Schools.

Email: gearhbre@wcps.k12.md.us
Website: https://mssjdp.wcpsmd.com/
Location:1350 Marshall Street, Hagerstown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-766-8214
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mssjdp/

Twitter: @marshallstjdp