Our Elmwood Monthly News

Dear Elmwood Families,

We have so much to be proud of as a community. Our attendance rate for students continues to rise, more of our primary readers are reaching grade-level expectations as the year progresses, and our curriculum-based assessment results are trending positively across all grade levels. These accomplishments reflect the collective commitment of our students, staff, and families.

Our Elmwood teaching staff has also begun important professional work focused on developing shared beliefs for our school community. This work will continue through the remainder of the school year. Through thoughtful collaboration, staff identified three core values that resonated most strongly: respect, trust, and grace. These values will serve as a foundation for how we engage with one another as a school community.

This work is critical to ensuring that our Elmwood community continues to flourish. By grounding ourselves in shared beliefs, we strengthen our ability to create a school environment where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered. Together, we will continue building a community where all can thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.

Jeffrey Hogan

There is direct positive influence on student achievement when students attend school 94% or more of the time.

We understand that there are some absences that are unavoidable. Students should remain home if they are:

• Running a fever over 100 degrees

• Vomiting

• Experiencing diarrhea

• Under the direct care of a doctor

If you would like support on whether or not to send your child to school, please contact Nurse Daniels in our health suite at 443-809-7396.

If your child is unable to come to school, please send in a note, letter from the doctor, text message, or call the front office at 443-809-5232 to ensure your child's absence is documented accordingly.

This Wednesday, 4/1, is a half day. School will dismiss at 1:05 PM. Spring break begins at the end of the day until 4/12.

School will reopen on Monday 4/13.

All year long, students have been working hard displaying SOAR EAGLES expectations and earning lightning loot! This positive behavior system allows students to earn Lightning Loot and then cash in for prizes such as lunch bunch with a teacher, reading to a younger class, or choosing an item from our school store.

Students have started cashing in their Lightning Loot! If your student comes home with a prize, be sure to ask them what they SOAR expectation they displayed to earn it!

So proud of our Elmwood Eagles!

If your student receive speech services and you are looking for support over the summer, Towson University will be holding individual sessions (in person and teletherapy as appropriate) and the following group options:

• Teeny Tigers (age 1.5 -3 with caregiver)

• Children's Therapy Program (age 3-5)

• Social Communication Groups (elementary, middle, high)

• Wellness in Stroke and Head Injury

All new times and information including registration information will be on the website on April 1 (https://www.towson.edu/iwb/centers/speech/). Families can apply through the website which allows them to choose programs and/or identify times available for therapy.

Support your child's reading journey by accessing Amira at home! Directions are linked below for how to log on from your home device.

BCPS is excited to announce weekly office hours for Multilingual parents! Join us every Friday from 12–1 PM via Google Meet at https://meet.google.com/gmv-nhnp-ecf. This is an open space for all ML families—no matter your language or school! Come and ask questions about community and school resources. We look forward to connecting with you!

The federal government shutdown and impending funding halt for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is impacting families across Baltimore County and the state. BCPS remains committed to providing comprehensive resources and support to students and families impacted by the government shutdown.

BCPS Food and Nutrition Services

BCPS continues to serve breakfast and lunch at all schools, free of charge, every day. Snack and Supper programs are also available in many schools, reaching students that participate in after-school activities. Families can contact the school directly to learn about snack and supper programs or visit https://www.bcps.org/foodandnutrition.

BCPS Community Schools

Individual Community Schools within BCPS provide access to food and other essential resources for students and families. If your school is a Community School, please contact your Community School Facilitator for details on what support and services are available in your area. You can find contact information for all Community Schools here: BCPS Community Schools Contacts

Students Identified as Experiencing Homelessness

Students identified as experiencing homelessness can access food, housing, and other essential resources by emailing hep@bcps.org or contacting the Homeless Education Programs Office at 443-809-6311.

BCPS Student Support Services
Students and families can access support and services by connecting with counselors, social workers, pupil personnel workers and psychologists at the school to identify school specific resources. Additional information on resources can be found at Department of Student Support Services - Baltimore County Public Schools and Resources - Baltimore County Public Schools.

Additional Community Resources:

Baltimore County Food Bank Locator

Capital Area Food Bank

Maryland Food Bank

211 Maryland

Customer Service and Benefits for Maryland

State of Maryland:

State Resource Page-Impacted by Recent Federal Actions

Cornerstone Franciscan Ministries- Housing Assistance for students in Community Schools

Resources from the Baltimore County Government

Baltimore County Government has gathered resources to help with essentials like keeping the lights on, applying for unemployment benefits, finding housing assistance or connecting with services for people experiencing homelessness. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself, your family or a member of the community, the collection of linked resources can guide you to programs and organizations ready to assist.

State Resources and Information

SNAP and School Meal Programs

10.01.2025 - MD DHS - Federal Government Shutdown Update.pdf

LBHAs_Fed ShutDown Update 10.6.25.pdf

Federal Government Shutdown Resources 10.2025.pdf

Fact Sheet- Maryland Resources During a Federal Shutdown (Accessible) 10.2025.pdf

BCPS is partnering with Backpack Health to offer free virtual caregiver wellness and mental health literacy workshops on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 6 - 7 p.m. These sessions are open to all BCPS families and provide valuable tools and strategies to support the wellbeing of both caregivers and children.

This initiative is made possible through the support of the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports.

Please see the flyer linked below for information from one of our mental health partners, Tidemark Behavioral Health.

Early dismissals between 3:50 PM- 4:05 PM should be avoided. Office personnel have already begun internal dismissal procedures and working to eliminate constant disruptions between 3:50- 4:05 pm in the office will help ensure a safe and timely dismissal for all students. Thank you in advance for your immediate cooperation.

Is your student doing something amazing in the community? Volunteering? Crushing it on the ball field? Involved in extra-curricular activities? Won an award?

We would love to feature them here!

Email your amazing student's accomplishments (including pictures, if you can!) to Ms. McGrain - amcgrain@bcps.org to be featured in our student spotlight!

For updates from BCPS, check out parent news in the bi-weekly FACEtime newsletter. Available in multiple languages.

Click the link below to see the latest FACETime Newsletter

https://app.smore.com/n/eg2xd-facetime-newsletter

Parent University is a comprehensive resource provided by BCPS, designed to empower and support families in their child's journey through education. They offer a variety of tools including videos, workshops, and system updates to help you stay informed and engaged in your child's learning experience. Whether you're looking for strategies to support academic growth, navigate school systems, or foster social-emotional development, we're here to provide guidance every step of the way.

The program aligns closely with the Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) strategic goals, working to strengthen the partnership between families, schools, and the broader community. Through these efforts, the aim is to create a collaborative environment where families are well-equipped to help their children succeed academically and thrive personally.

Click the link below to see all the resources available.

https://www.bcps.org/cos/communications/face/parent_university

It's never too early to see how your student is doing in their classes! You can always check on your student's progress through Schoology and Focus.

Not sure how to get an account? Check the links below!

The Home School Compact is an agreement that all stakeholders (teachers, families and students) hold to ensure success as a school community. The compact is linked below. We love to hear from you! If you have any suggestions, please complete the family feedback survey linked below as well!

• 4/1: Schools close three-hours early; Spring Break begins at the end of the day
• 4/2-4/12: Spring Break
• 4/13: Schools reopen
• 4/21: Health & Wellness Night, 5:30-7:00 pm
• 4/23: Report Cards Distributed

Email: amcgrain@bcps.org
Website: https://elmwoodes.bcps.org
Location: 531 Dale Avenue, Baltimore, MD, USA
Phone: 443-809-5232
Twitter: @elmwoodes