Heron Update

Dear HES Families,

Wow – what an incredible week at HES!

Our students had an amazing time at the Heron Fun Run, and we are absolutely blown away by your support. Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we nearly doubled our Boosterthon fundraising goal!

HES is truly a special place, and that’s because of our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families.

Thank you for everything you do to make HES a wonderful place for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.

Take Care,

Mrs. DiRenzo

October 2 - Boosterthon Event Day (Please wear HES schoolwide shirt)

October 2: Building Service Worker Appreciation Day - Thank you Mr. Butler, Mr. Smith, & Mr. Stevens

October 10:Boosterthon Reward Day! Cotton Candy, Popcorn, and Music at Recess!

October 13: 2 Hour Early Dismissal - Parent Conference Day

October 16: Great Shake Out Drill

October 17: 2 Hour Early Dismissal

October 20 - 24: Bus Safety & Bus Driver Appreciation Week

October 24: Trunk or Treat 5pm - 7pm (HES parking lot)

October 27 - 31: Red Ribbon Spirit Week

October 31: Book Character Parade 9:30am (HES Bus Lot)

Our HES Heron Fun Run event was incredible! Thank you to our volunteers who made this a fun experience for our students. It was great to have so many families cheering our students on from the Spectator Zone.

We’ve officially exceeded our goal! Our students will enjoy their Boosterthon reward on Friday, October 10th.

Here are a few quick updates:

🥁 Total Raised: We’ve raised over $22,000!

🎉 Impact: Your donations are supporting learning lab and playground improvements including communication board, enhancing the educational experience for students at Hollywood Elementary.

MyBooster.com is available for one more week for any last-minute donations.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word. Your involvement has made a tremendous difference and showcases the strength of our school community!

Thank you again for your support of our HES Heron Fun Run fundraiser!

Hollywood Elementary Parents and Guardians:

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) is currently collecting Federal Impact Aid and Emergency Information Update forms. Your cooperation in completing these forms no later than Friday, November 21, 2025, is greatly appreciated.

The federal government provides funding to the public school system in lieu of paying

taxes on federal property. This funding is based on the number of students whose

parent(s) or guardian(s) are federally connected. This includes active-duty military

personnel and federal employees who work/telework or live on federal property. It is

very important that SMCPS provides an accurate count to ensure we gain the

maximum funds for your child’s education. All information is strictly confidential.

ONLINE FEDERAL IMPACT AID FORMS are now available through the Home Access

Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online Impact Aid form can be

found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be

accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the

form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Federal Impact Aid

Survey forms is Friday, November 21, 2025. For more guidance on how to access the Federal Impact Aid Survey, please visit HERE.

Effective communication is critical to the success of St. Mary’s County Public Schools

(SMCPS). This will be crucial not only for emergencies but for our ability to communicate with families in general.

ONLINE EMERGENCY INFORMATION UPDATE FORMS are now available through the

parents’ Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online

Emergency Information form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available

HERE. It is vital that all information is updated in eSchool. The deadline for the online

submission of Emergency Information Update forms is Friday, November 21, 2025.

If you have any questions regarding these questionnaires, please call your child’s school. We appreciate your cooperation with this important task.

Begin the FARM application process here

2025-2026 Instructions for Applying for Meal Benefit

2025-2026 Meal Benefit Application

2025-2026 Meal Benefit Application Parent Letter

En Espanol

2025-2026 Instructions for Applying for Meal Benefit (Español)

2025-2026 Meal Benefit Application (Español)

2025-2026 Meal Benefit Application Parent Letter (Español)

Requests for Letters

Use this form to request a copy of your student's meal benefit letter

Pay Student Meal Account Balances

Use MySchoolBucks to pay account balances

Click here to check your child's breakfast/lunch balance and add money to their account

MySchoolBucks App

Families can request more information by contacting SMCPS' Food and Nutrition Services Office at 301.475.4256, Option 5, or via email at foodservice@smcps.org.

The MySchoolBucks app provides on-the-go access to your child's meal balances, purchases, and lets you make payments directly from your phone. You can manage lunch accounts by adding funds, setting up account automatic replenishment, and tracking purchases - all in one place. You can also pay for field trips, and a variety of school fees using your credit/debit card online or through the app.

Benefit of MySchoolBucks

• Convenience - Available 24/7 on the web

• Efficiency - Eliminate the need to write checks and for students to bring money to school

• Flexibility - Make payments using credit/debit cards and electronic checks

• Security - MySchoolBucks adheres to the highest security standards, including PCI and CISP

Enrollment is easy!

To get started with MySchoolBucks for your school's communications and payments, visit the MySchoolBucks website or download the mobile app to create an account and sign up for free.

1. Go to the MySchoolBucks website or download the "MSB Parent" app from your device's app store.

2. Click "Sign Up for Free" and create a new account
   Add your child using the name of the school they are attending, and either their student ID or birthdate.

3. You will receive a confirmation email that your account has been established.

4. Once your account is set up, you can add funds, view balances, and make payments for various school items and fees

Customer Service

• Email: parentsupport@myschoolbucks.com

• 1-855-832-5226

• Visit www.MySchoolBucks.com and click on Help/FAQ’s

St. Mary’s County Public Schools has launched 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.

• Recently added information as of October 2, 2025 is available in the above link under "New Information" and includes:
• Redistricting Information
• NEW Community Event - Frequently Asked Questions event has been added for October 28, 2025 at LHS at 5:00 PM. Registration information is available on the above link.
• Video from Community Forum #1 - The video of the information presented at the Community Forum #1 held on September 25th and 26th, 2025, can now be viewed on our YouTube channel.

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.

• Kim Jordan (kimskeggs@gmail.com) - Parent Representative
• Amanda Pasquale (adpasquale@smcps.org) - Staff Representative

As we embark on a new school year, we want to highlight a key area of focus this year at Hollywood Elementary School: attendance. This year, we will continue to be placing greater emphasis on ensuring that every student attends school regularly and on time.

Good attendance is crucial to your child’s success. Consistent presence in the classroom not only helps students stay engaged with their lessons but also builds habits of responsibility and discipline. It enables them to fully participate in educational activities, benefit from continuous instruction, and achieve their academic goals.

We have class and grade level attendance incentives in place to motivate and celebrate our students.

We understand that there may be circumstances that affect your child’s ability to attend school, and we are here to support you in any way we can. However, we encourage you to prioritize school attendance and to work with us to address any barriers that might arise.

Together, we can help our students thrive and reach their full potential. Thank you for your support and cooperation in this important matter.

Hello HES Families,

I wanted to touch base with a few important updates this week:

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

This illness is still circulating in the community and at school. Please remind your children to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their faces. It’s also important that they do not share food or water bottles with others.

Medication Policy

Just a reminder: students are not permitted to transport any medication to school. All medications—both over-the-counter and prescribed—must be brought in by an adult and accompanied by a completed medication order form from a doctor.

Without this form, I am not able to administer medication to your child.

Vision and Hearing Screenings

I have completed vision and hearing screenings for PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade. If your Kindergarten student was not screened, it may be because they were already screened in PreK last year.

All screening results were sent home with students, including referral forms if applicable.

I will be screening students who were absent as well as students new to SMCPS or Maryland starting on October 1st.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Nurse Briggs

The school based health clinics has updated their website with a new link to register students. The link can be found at https://smchd.org/sbhc/ and then you would click the blue button that says "Click Here to Enroll now for Faster Service". The school based health centers are a great way to see a provider without the long wait times at urgent care! See their website for more information.

PE:

MUSIC:

ART: The HES Art education program is looking for donations of the following:

If you have any questions about your HAC account, please contact the HES office for assistance.

https://www.smcps.org/hac

Please note that HAC opens at 5:00 pm on August 15, 2025.

Schoology is a very helpful tool and resource for teachers, students, and families. Please ensure that you are able to access Schoology for updates and information from the school and your child's teacher. If you need support in obtaining your Schoology log in information please email schoology@smcps.org for support. Please click Parent Notifications for directions to ensure your notifications are set to receive important information about your student.

Do you have the Schoology App?

Log Into the Schoology Mobile App

If you already have a Schoology account, download the Schoology app from Apple App Store, Google Play or the Amazon App Store. Tap the app icon to open it on your device.

You can use an email address or username to log into the application, depending on how your account was set up:

Log in through your School

1. Use the keyboard to enter SMCPS. As you type, matching choices populate in the list. The name, ID number, city, state, and zip code for the school should appear below.

2. Tap the name of your school or organization when it displays.

3. Use the email address or username to log in to the application, that was sent to you via email from Schoology with an app password. If you are an SMCPS student or teacher this is NOT your SMCPS password.

4. Tap LOG IN to complete.

If you are able to sign in with Google, and you are an SMCPS student or staff, please use that login process and follow the provided instructions in the prompts.

Want to enable notifications? Please check this document

Both new and previously registered volunteers must complete a new volunteer application. The application process will end on May 1 of each school year. There is no application fee for school volunteers. Parental involvement is a key component to student success. Thank you for your support.

Student Handbook - A Guide for Students & Families

Code of Conduct - A Guide for Students & Families

SMCPS Updated Cell Phones Implementation VIDEO

Please review laptop expectations by sharing this presentation with your child. Classroom teachers will be reviewing laptop expectations with students at school as well. Thank you!

HES Laptop Expectations

Need to purchase a laptop charger?

You can do one of two things:

1. Email your child's teacher or the Library Media Specialist Miss Hazuda (sjhazuda@smcps.org) that you wish to pay for the missing laptop charger. A fine then can be assessed so that you can pay using My School Bucks, sending in cash, or a check (made out to SMCPS).

OR

2. Go directly to the DELL store. You can purchase directly from their website and have it shipped to your home.

Ensure one of these links is being used:

www.dell.com/mpp/smcps (click Shop Recommended Solutions to get to the discounted power cords)

www.dell.com/mpp/smcps-chargers (leads directly to the purchasing portal)

If you purchase from Dell, please make sure that you label the charger with the student's first and last name before sending it to school. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or the Library Media Specialist Miss Hazuda (sjhazuda@smcps.org).

Students are responsible for the care and upkeep of all of their SMCPS-assigned resources, both print and technology. This newsletter and this document outlines all of the policies and procedures in addition to pricing for lost or damaged devices.

School Messenger Text Messaging FAQ's

• If you are interested in being involved with the HES PTO, please email heronpto@gmail.com
• HES PTO has a new Spirit Wear company. On top of the company getting amazing reviews for their customer service and quality, our HES PTO earns 10% in commissions for all our sales!! Woohoo!! Items will ship directly to your house as well. https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/MD/Hollywood/Hollywood+Elementary+School

PTO Updates

• Join us for our first PTO Meeting on Tuesday, September 16 at 5:30 in the Media Center. We’ll discuss plans for this year, approve the budget, and fork committees for various events and tasks!

• PTO is looking for a dinner food truck or two on October 24 from 5-7 for Trunk or Treat. If you have a dinner food truck or have connections in the community please email us at HeronPTO@gmail.com to discuss options and our vendor fee. At this time we already have enough dessert vendors. A call for trunks and additional information is coming soon!

  
  

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS FOR FAMILIES:

• College 101 Series Thursdays in Sept: The College Search (9/11), Applying for Admission (9/18), and How to Pay for College (9/25). All sessions are virtual via TEAMS. Flyer attached. Register at https://www.navymwrpaxriver.com/slo-webinar-registration

• Smooth Move Workshop: Sept 4, 10 a.m. via TEAMS. A helpful class for military families getting ready to PCS. Topics include pre-departure considerations, arrival recommendations, tips to manage stress, plus other helpful resources! Flyer attached. Register at https://www.navymwrpaxriver.com/slo-webinar-registration

• Pax River Teen Center Sept calendar (free for all students with base access ages 12 y/o, 7th – 12th grade): The Teen Center program operates after school Monday-Friday from 2 – 6 pm. At times, occasional Saturday events or events that happen later in the evenings are scheduled as well. The program offers a range of activities including STEM, Fine arts, outdoor recreation, character & leadership, and volunteer opportunities. It is free with the exception of field trip expenses. https://www.navymwrpaxriver.com/programs/d3389edd-6dac-452a-815a-37af5fcbc584.

• Joint Base Andrew Air Show/STEAM event Sept 12, 2025

• Special Ed Q&A with Naval District Washington Special Education Liaison: 2nd Tuesdays of the month, 12-1 p.m. via Teams. Registration not required. QR/Link to join is on attached flyer.

• Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Listening Sessions at Pax River – Sept 30 (in person at Pax River Fleet and Family Support Center), Oct 1 (Zoom). Help MD Developmental Disabilities Council learn about the needs of military-connected families related to supporting their family members with developmental disabilities. Flyer attached with QR Code/virtual meeting link.

MARINE CORP MILITARY KIDS RUN - Held on OCTOBER 25, 2025 in Arlington, VA at the North Pentagon Parking Lot, this one-mile fun run is the perfect place for your family to enjoy pre- and post-event hospitality, activities, entertainment, games, and mascots to make this an unforgettable event. Every runner receives a medal and event shirt. Scan QR code on flyer or visit www.marinemarathon.com to register. For groups with 15 or more runners, please contact mcmregistration@usmc-mccs.org. **HEALTHY SCHOOL AWARD - School groups compete to win the annual Healthy School Award. Top 5 schools receive $1,000.**

Birthday treats present the potential for allergic reactions for many of our students. They also interrupt instruction. However, we understand that some students enjoy celebrating their birthday with their friends at school. Because of all of these factors, birthday treats may NOT be edible. Gift bags with stickers, pencils, crayons, erasers, and/or other small toys are acceptable. They can also be shared at recess or the end of the day which doesn’t compromise instructional time. Parents who wish to provide birthday treats to a class are asked to notify the homeroom teacher in advance and to drop them off in the front office as early as possible.

...provides a rich educational experience that focuses on preparing well rounded students that are ready to succeed in their future college and career endeavors. Hollywood educates and inspires our diverse population in a safe and respectful environment. Students are engaged in authentic learning experiences that foster work habits and skills necessary to become collaborative, dedicated, and productive citizens.

Ms. Erin DiRenzo, Principal

Email: eedirenzo@smcps.org

Mr. Chris Rodkey, Assistant Principal

Email: cnrodkey@smcps.org

Website: https://schools.smcps.org/hes/
Location: 44345 Joy Chapel Road, Hollywood, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4350
Twitter: @hes_smcps