Dolphin Whistle
WLES Family Newsletter
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Thank you Ms. Ellis and Ms. Villasenor Hernandez!
The Next Three Weeks at the Landing
Making Up the Snow Days
As a result of the recent winter storm, MCPS needs to make up four instructional days. Two non-instructional days will be changed to instructional days: Friday, March 20 and Thursday, June 18, which will be an early release day and the new last day of the school year. Students observing Eid al-Fitr on March 20 will receive an excused absence.
Other make-up days are being considered, but no decisions have been made. MCPS will request a waiver from the state for some of the missed instructional days. Pending the outcome, the district will update its make-up plan and share a revised school calendar with families.
New Marking Period, New Momentum: Staying Connected for Student Success
Marking Period 3 officially started on Tuesday, Feb. 3. With the start of a new semester, families have the opportunity to reestablish communication to ensure everyone remains on the same page about student progress throughout the marking period and second semester. Read more for tips for a strong start and key dates.
Celebrating Black History Month at the Landing
This year we will be having schoolwide events to celebrate Black History Month instead of our evening event. There is a door decorating contest in progress, "Get Caught Celebrating Black History" photo and video sharing, assemblies, and field trips to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for students in Grades 4 and 5, as well as a trip for families. The assemblies are as follows:
February 11th On The Ball, Spinny
This dynamic program features fun and amazing basketball skills while teaching the importance of respect, education, health and anti-bullying. Using audience participation, Spinny persuades the students to believe in themselves and to embrace positive thinking. This former professional’s ambitions are to perform for students and encourage them to say “Yes To Education.”
February 24th Alison Crockett
The Evolution of Jazz Grades 3-5 ONLY
"The Evolution of Jazz" is an engaging show that traces the rich history and transformative journey of Jazz music. It explores its roots in African-based songs like "Afro Blue," moving through the soulful expressions of Spirituals, Gospel, and Blues, and culminating in the vibrant era of Swing music. The show highlights the contributions of legendary artists such as Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald, illustrating how these genres and musicians collectively shaped the sound and essence of traditional jazz.
February 26th The History Of Hip Hop
This high-energy assembly brings the history of hip-hop dance to life through interactive demonstration, jaw-dropping dance, audience participation, and a compelling Q&A. The History of Hip Hop teaches the positive aspects of hip-hop art and culture, the technical elements of this dance form, and its history. Students get to share some of their own dance moves! Djing, the Human Beat Box, and the MC are also covered in the History of Hip Hop.
A Special Thank you to Mrs. Creef, our Community School Liaison, and Mrs. Tate, our NAACP Parent Representative for all that they have done to plan this month's activities.
Send pictures or videos to waterslandingnaacprep@gmail.com.
Sign Up for our Waters Landing Dolphin Glow Run!
Waters Landing Elementary Families!
We’re ONE week away from the start of our Waters Landing Dolphin Glow Run fundraiser, where we will have fun and build community while we work to reach our fundraising goal.
Curious about the event? Find an overview of our fundraiser HERE!
Key Information to help you during the fundraiser:
💵 Goal: $10,000
🎁 For: supporting the well being of students and staff
🎉 Kickoff Date (in school): 02/11/2026
👟 Event Date: 02/25/2026
Donations for our Waters Landing Dolphin Glow Run will be collected through our fundraising platform: MyBooster.com
How to Start on MyBooster.com:
Choose “Sign Up”
Enter your School
Enter your Personal Information
Once you sign up, it’s time to share via Facebook, email and text!
Tips for Success:
Set a goal for how much to raise and make a plan with your student on how to reach it.
Share, share, share using our easy online tools!
Make sure to thank everyone who supported you after you reach your goal.
Thank you for helping make our fundraiser a success!
Information from the POD
Join the POD by clicking here. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 6:30-7:30pm.
PTA/POD Meeting Meeting in person (Media Center @ WLES) with virtual option
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/84130778754?pwd=bXkBsrH6kcBitahzmMhn6pddd5qkqf.1
Meeting ID: 841 3077 8754
Passcode: 178124
We hope you can join us!
We Must Fund Our Future!
Make your voice heard on the MCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Recommended Operating Budget! It is critical that our elected leaders hear from you about the essential role school plays in your students’ lives, and the importance of giving students access to the opportunities and resources they need to be successful. Read more for a budget timeline and upcoming meetings where you can provide input.
Phone: (240) 740-1020 Fax: (301) 601-0392
School Office Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
Mrs. Cynthia Alvarado, Registrar
Mrs. Evelyn Campos
Mrs. M. Deneise Hammond, Principal
(240) 753-9472 work cell
Mr. David Kim, Assistant School Administrator
Mrs. L. Orinda Nelson, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Padma Radhakrishnan, Administrative Secretary
Excel Beyond the Bell Elementary starts at the Landing in February
Some of our amazing parents and staff advocated to get the Excel Beyond the Bell Elementary program here at Waters Landing Elementary School. Their efforts paid off and the program starts here in February. Over 100 students were invited to attend the program. The first set of paperwork that was sent out stated that the program would be at Watkins Mill Elementary School, That is not the case. It will be right here at the Landing. If you received a packet, an email from Mrs Hammond or a phone call from Mrs. Moore or Ms. Tejada, your child was invited. We need your packet returned or completed online as soon as possible. We don't want anyone to miss out who was initially invited to the program. This program will provide academic support and recreational fun for students.
Free Breakfast and Lunch at the Landing Daily
All Waters Landing ES students qualify for free breakfast and free lunch every day. Students must order their lunch in the classroom after attendance in order to receive their first choice. If they arrive late they may order, but it might be too late to get the meal they prefer.
Interested in Volunteering for Lunch and/or Recess at the Landing?
We appreciate all of our Parent volunteers at the Landing! Please sign up to volunteer at lunch and/or recess by clicking here. Here is the Waters Landing Elementary School Volunteer Handbook. Please review it prior to volunteering at the Landing. Make sure you have done all that is outlined on the MCPS website prior to coming to school to volunteer. Always bring your state identification when you come to volunteer at school. You will not be allowed to volunteer without it.
Are you interested in working with Oceans 25, the WLES Instructional Leadership Team?
Oceans 25 meets monthly. We'd love to have a parent perspective. Feel free to join us on any of the following dates/times to collaborate with us.
- 3/4/26 8:00-9:05 am in Ms. Kwon's room, #111
- 4/7/26 4:20-5:50 pm in Ms. Tung's room, #169
- 5/6/25 8:00-9:05 am in Ms. Buckley's room, #131)
- 6/2/26 4:20-5:50 pm in Mrs. Armogida' s room, #205
Changes implemented the week of 1/19/26:
Picking students up early and notification of dismissal change: Our office is being overwhelmed at the end of the day with the number of last minute dismissal changes and people coming into the office to pick up students at dismissal time. It has been difficult ensuring students get the message that their dismissal is different and getting students down to the office and out of the door so that the bus loop is cleared for buses. Starting Tuesday, January 20, 2026, all requests to change a student's dismissal must be received before 3:15pm. Also, students who are leaving early must be picked up before 3:15pm.
Parking: WLES Staff have been given parking permits that will be enforced in the parking lots between the hours of 8:30 and 9:00am. We have been having issues with staff members not being able to find a parking space in the morning due to families parking in the parking lot instead of walking to school or getting into the car rider line. Please help us to ensure that staff members are ready to receive our students each morning.
Shared Previously
NAACP Parent's Council Newsletter
Here is the February WLES NAACP Parent Council Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/brehp. Please contact Mrs. Tate at waterslandingnaacprep@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.
Illness Rates Rising; Mask Wearing Recommended in Health Rooms
Respiratory illness rates (including COVID-19, flu and RSV) are currently high in the state of Maryland and in Montgomery County, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Based on guidance from Maryland health professionals, mask wearing is recommended — but not required —only while in school health rooms. while these rates remain elevated.
Students will not be denied access to the health room if they are unable or choose not to wear a mask. This temporary recommendation will be lifted once state respiratory illness rates decline.
