Greetings EES Families,

We hope you had a very relaxing weekend enjoying time with your friends and family. We have a few updates for you below:

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month:

This week at Elkridge we are happy to celebrate the contributions of some famous Hispanic artists. We are recognizing the life and works of Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picaso and Diego Rivera. Frida Kahlo was a famous Mexican artist who was known for her self- portraits. Pablo Picasso was a famous Spanish painter and sculptor who created art for 80 years. Diego Rivera was a famous Mexican painter who studied art in Mexico and Spain and who was known for painting large murals.

Testing Updates:

Please be on the look out for your child's MCAP scores from the previous school year. They will be coming home in this week's Thursday Folders. This applies to our current 4th and 5th Grade students only.

MAP testing has begun this week. The Measures of Academic Progress Test is a local assessment given to all students in Grades 1-5. This assessment is used as a tool for our teachers to understand your child's academic growth. Additional information about MAP assessment and their uses can be found here. MAP Testing runs through October 17. Please refer to your child's Canvas announcements for specific dates and times of MAP assessment.

Car Loop:

Please be sure not to have any cell phones in your hands as you move through the car loop, as this is against the law. Moving through the car loop, it is important to stay alert to the staff members guiding you safely in and out of the school in the morning and afternoon. Please support our staff and students by ensuring that we are refraining from using cell phones while driving on campus. Several staff members have almost been hit by cars with distracted driving on campus. Please be aware of the motion path and movement throughout the school campus.

Recess:

We have observed students attempting to perform gymnastic stunts during recess. While we encourage active play and fun, we kindly ask for your support in reminding your child that gymnastics are not allowed during recess for safety reasons. Our goal is to ensure that all students have a safe and enjoyable recess experience. Thank you for partnering with us to reinforce this important safety message. We appreciate your support in keeping recess safe for everyone.

Early Pick-up From School:

Please know that on a full day of school, the end time to pick your child up early is at 3:15 PM. Please make sure to have your ID with you when you come in to pick your child early from school.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Kelley Powell, Principal

LaShonne Wright, Assistant Principal

Jonathan Swann, Assistant Principal

On Thursday, October 10th, our school and A Likely Story Bookstore are hosting Colleen AF Venable and Stephanie Yue as they share their newest book in the Katie the Catsitter series. Books will be delivered to the school and signed by the authors. A Likely Story is bringing us this author at no charge to the school, and purchases help support this local bookstore.

If you would like your own copy of the newest Katie the Catsitter book, or any of their previous titles in the series, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Place an order via the link below. You will need to copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.sykesvillebooks.com/search/site/katie%20the%20catsitter. You may also place your order over the phone by calling 410-795-1718.

Step 2. Fill out and submit this Google Form.

If you have any questions, please contact your child's media specialist; contact information is below. Please note that we cannot accept cash for any book orders.

HCPSS parents, guardians and family members are invited to join HCPSS Superintendent Willliam J. Barnes, school system leaders and community organizations for this valuable information night to prepare for a successful academic year. The event will also feature various workshop topics which provide access to resources and support.

The 2024-2025 Parent Academy Kick-Off will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. Dinner will be provided from 5:15-6 p.m. Registration is encouraged.

Workshop topics include:

• College and Career Readiness/Career Exploration

• Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future

• Navigating the School System for Student Success

• Mental Health

• Advanced Programs K-12

• Social Media Safety & Security

• Elementary ELA, Reading, and the Library

• Math Programs

• Financial Literacy

• Immigration Law

• Early Childhood Programs

Fliers and additional information can be found below:

HCPSS participates in the Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMs) program. Qualification. is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential.

Participation in FARMs qualifies students for a wide range of opportunities and resources beyond breakfast and lunch, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.

Families must submit a new application every school year by Oct. 31. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.

Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely. Families can:

• Apply Online by clicking the link below
• Apply by mail: Paper applications can be picked up in the Food and Nutrition Service Office (5451 Beaverkill Rd, Columbia, MD 21044). Applications can be returned to your child’s school or mailed to: HCPSS Food & Nutrition Service Office, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs or call Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743.

We thoroughly enjoy when parents come in to enjoy lunch with their child. We ask that you remember the following when visiting:

1. Before entering the cafeteria, please sign in at the front office to obtain a visitors pass.
   
   
2. Food may not be shared with other students in the cafeteria. Food that is brought in from outside sources (fast food lunch, cupcakes, etc. etc.) cannot be guaranteed to be allergen free. Therefore, to protect students, any food that is brought into the cafeteria may only be shared with the child you are visiting.
   
   
3. When dining with your child, please sit at a table that is either empty, or that has a few students at it.

As a general reminder for our students who sit at the allergy table, it is important that the same student(s) should sit at this table everyday. If two friends are going to sit at the table with a friend who has a peanut allergy, it should be the same students. If one student brings lunch that day they will not be able to sit at the allergy/peanut table that day.

Want an exciting after-school activity for your kids? Good News Club is the perfect place for them to have a blast! At our club, your children will enjoy captivating Bible stories, sing uplifting songs, and engage in fun, interactive games—all while making new friends and memories. This club is available for students in grades K - 5th.

Good News Clubs are a trusted, non-denominational organization active in 50 states and 150 countries. It provides a safe, welcoming environment where every child is celebrated as God's unique and precious creation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and thrive. Sign up today, and let the adventure begin!

The club meeting on Thursdays starts October 10, 2024, from 4 PM to 5:30 PM in the Art Room 109.

If you are interested in more information, please email Heather Radney at GoodNewsClubEES@gmail.com.

Girls on the Run is coming to Elkridge! Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others. Girls in Grades 3-5, who would like to build camaraderie sign up through the link below.

Email: yearbook@eespta.com

Please email your first day of school pictures to be included in the yearbook or post them on Facebook!