Mrs. Debra Anoff, Principal
Mr. Bradley Scobie, Assistant Principal

15901 Frederick Road
Woodbine, MD 21797

(410) 313-5506
(410) 313-5508 - Fax

les.hcpss.org

Although this was a short week, I am pleased to share that we are all settling into excellent routines to start off our school year. One of the many routines we take care of at the beginning of the year is emergency preparedness. We work hard to teach our students about the importance of being prepared for any emergency situation while here at school. Teachers share emergency procedures and instructions in a student-centered manner that is developmentally appropriate for that age group. This week, we had our first evacuation drill (fire drill) as well as our first modified lockdown drill. We will continue to have emergency drills throughout the school year.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. We all need to be prepared at any time for the challenges that an emergency might cause. How we prepare for and react to situations as adults will help reassure and keep our children safe. As stated last week, please be sure to keep your Family File up-to-date and communicate your instructions to your child.

We encourage you to visit ready.gov and take advantage of so many planning resources for families. Additionally, please review how we prepare for a variety of emergency situations below as a school community.

Each team's slideshow is on the LES website.

For a complete list of dates and events visit les.hcpss.org/calendar

September

• 13 - PTA General Meeting (7:00 p.m. Virtually)
• 14 - PTA Give Back Night at The Crazy Mason (4-7 p.m.)
  

• 15 - Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices closed
• 15 - National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month begins
• 25 - Yom Kippur - Schools and Offices closed
• 27 - PTA Give Back Night at Tony Locos (11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.)
  

October

• 4 - PTA General Meeting (7:00 p.m. Virtually)
• 9 - Professional Learning Day - Schools closed for students
• 10 - PTA Give Back Night at Manor Hill Tavern (11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
  
• 11 - Fall Pictures (Individual)
  
• 20 - Professional Work Day - Schools closed for students
• 27 - PTA Fall Festival
  

• Fall Festival Sensory Friendly Hour 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Fall Festival Parade 5:30 p.m.
• Fall Festival General Admission 6:00 p.m.
  

• 31 - End of Quarter 1 Marking Period
  
• 31 - Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 p.m.)

November

• 1 - PTA General Meeting (7:00 p.m. Virtually)
• 1 - PTA Giveback Night at E.W. Beck's (11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
  
• 8 - Report Cards Available
• 17 - Fall Picture Re-Takes
• 17 - PTA Community Night (6:30 p.m.)
  
• 20 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 p.m.)
• 21 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 p.m.)
• 22 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Schools closed for students
• 23 - Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and Offices closed
• 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and Offices closed
  

There will be no printed 2021-2022 calendars. Staff, students, and families may add our online calendar to their own mobile/online calendar by

1. Going to https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
2. Scrolling down to Subscribing to a Calendar
3. Right-clicking on the calendar you wish to subscribe to
4. Selecting Copy Link Location/Address/Shortcut
5. Adding to your calendar of choice (See your calendar for specifics on adding a new calendar)

You also may view and/or download printable PDFs of the full calendar and/or important dates only. Updates to the PDFs will be noted on the HCPSS calendar page.

PLEASE NOTE! The calendar is subject to change. The online calendar reflects the most recent version.

Calendars in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean

Calendario en español

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

HCPSS kindergarten to grade 5 students will participate in the 2023 - 2024 administration of the Amplify mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition universal screener to identify potential reading difficulties. The first DIBELS screener window begins 9/11/23. Families can access full details regarding this in the following Universal Screener Notification.

Starting this school year HCPSS will report student academic progress in grades PreK to 2 using standards-based reporting.

There are no changes to Grades 3-5 report cards. Intermediate grades will transition to standards based reporting in 2024-2025.

Families with students in grades Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd grade will learn more about Standards-Based Instruction and Reporting and how to support your children at home.

Please mark your calendars:

Wednesday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m.

Lisbon will administer the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment to all students in 1st through 5th grades in Reading and Math between September 18 - October 6. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers measure your student’s academic progress. The MAP test does not affect grades and the difficulty adjusts depending on how your child responds. The test is a computer-adaptive test, which means the test automatically adjusts the difficulty level depending on how your child responds to test questions. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly. Please check with students to see if they need headphones to use at school. The HCPSS website contains detailed information about MAP testing here. If you have questions about MAP testing, please contact Bradley Scobie at bradley_scobie@hcpss.org.

Attention 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade parents,

During the first week of school, students will hear about the possible Instructional Seminar offerings for their grade level for this school year. Instructional Seminars are small, interest-based groups that meet with a G/T Resource Teacher approximately once a week during recess. The purpose of these seminars is for students to develop advanced-level and interpersonal skills while generating a curiosity to learn about a topic of interest to them. The duration of each seminar varies based on the topic and may range from a few weeks, to a few months, to all-year long (most offerings will be approximately 6 weeks). Students may participate in more than one seminar during the year. Also, students who participate in band or strings may still participate in a seminar. Should there be an occasional conflict, students are asked to attend band or strings rather than the seminar that day.

To participate, your child may obtain an Application located in an envelope hanging in their pod area. Parents may print their own at home using the links below. Once complete, including a parent signature, your child may return it to the “Completed Applications” blue bin also in their pod area. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 6th.

• Grade 2 Seminar Application

• Grade 3 Seminar Application

• Grade 4 Seminar Application

• Grade 5 Seminar Application

Note that finalized offerings will be based upon teacher availability and the number of students who are interested in participating. These schedules will be shared with classroom teachers and student lists will be posted in the pod for reference.

Please ask your child about their interest in the Instructional Seminars presented. Though we appreciate parents encouraging their children to apply to participate, we have learned that the students who are most successful are those who truly have an interest in or a passion for the topic. If you have further questions, please contact a G/T Resource Teacher: AJ Nath at Anjan_Nath@hcpss.org or Jodi O’Connor at Jodi_OConnor@hcpss.org. Thank you.

In order to minimize disruptions to the classroom, the early release of students should be limited to emergency situations and unavoidable circumstances. Parents are asked to avoid scheduling non-school related activities that conflict or interfere with LES’s regular dismissal times.

Students may not be released from the office after 3:30 p.m.

Once dismissal starts, your child will depart as scheduled by either taking their assigned bus home or exiting the building as a walker or car rider.

In order for your child to be released to anyone other than the parent/guardian, that person MUST be listed on the emergency card and present photo identification to the Front Office staff. Please make sure to indicate on your Family File Emergency Form who you are allowing the school to release your child to by checking the box "☑ release to".

Parents of student bus riders must provide WRITTEN NOTIFICATION to have their children dismissed with the walkers or car riders.

Everyone’s cooperation in this regard is important to ensure safe and smooth school operations.

As a school, we take emergency preparedness seriously. In addition to evacuation drills, we conduct emergency drills to prepare for an emergency situation.

Our Lisbon ES Emergency Preparedness Team meets regularly to review our school-based emergency plan. During our initial meeting, staff members had an opportunity to learn their role in our plan. Furthermore, different scenarios were discussed so we can respond in a coordinated manner in the event of an emergency. Our primary goal is to keep all students and staff safe.

Protective actions below are used in times of emergency.

Shelter-In-Place – The purpose of a shelter in place emergency response is to protect the inhabitants of a building from dangerous fumes or other environmental poisons that are outside the building. This means moving students into the school building if they are outside. In some situations, the school’s HVAC system would be shut down and doors and windows would be sealed and locked.

Shelter-in-Place emergency procedures would be initiated in the event of a hazardous materials spill in the area (especially with our close proximity to MD Route 29 or 32) or in the event of some type of bioterrorism in the region.

Modified Lockdown – This command would be given if there were a potential for violent or criminal activity but not an imminent threat to our school. The day-to-day operation of the school would continue but with modifications. Students would not be permitted to go outside for recess or physical education, and classes in the portable classrooms would be relocated.

Lockdown – This emergency command would be given in the most extreme and threatening situation such as violence or criminal activity inside the school or in the surrounding area. Students, staff, parents, and any visitors to the building are expected to stay where they are and follow instructions given.

Duck, Cover, and Hold On - The “Duck, Cover, and Hold On” command would be given in the event of an explosion (bomb, mechanical malfunction), severe winds (tornado, extreme weather), earthquake, or other situations that might cause significant structural damage to the school. Students, staff, parents, and any visitors to the building should drop to the ground where they are and cover their heads until the extreme activity subsides.

Off-Site Evacuation – In the event that our building is no longer safe, we may determine that we need to evacuate the students. We have designated locations for our off-site evacuation. If necessary, transportation to those sites may be provided by HCPSS. Students will be released to parents or other individuals listed on the student's emergency form.
Please keep in mind that no student is released to any individual who is not specifically listed on the student's emergency form including an older sibling.
All adults must show photo I.D. when picking up a student.

Parents can help by:

• Giving and updating the most accurate, up-to-date health and emergency information on your child to our school office and your child’s teacher.
  
• Ensuring your own safety.
  
• Do not call the school during an emergency situation; it jams the phone lines.
  
• Do not rush to the school to pick up your child in the event of an emergency. It creates congestion which can delay the tasks of emergency responders and school staff in responding to the emergency.
  
• Tuning in to local radio and television stations and checking the HCPSS website.
• Keep your Family File up to date throughout the year especially when information changes.
  

Parents have a right to expect a certain level of protection and privacy for their children while they are in the care of HCPSS. As a protective measure, parents and others who are not school employees who intend to photograph, videotape or audiotape students in school or on school grounds during the regular instructional day using smart phones, cell phones or other devices must have prior approval from the building administrator. This does not apply to photographing, videotaping or audiotaping during extracurricular activities, such as public concerts and athletic events.

We value our volunteers and their contributions to our students and schools. Parents who wish to volunteer or visit LES must complete a brief training course online and submit a certificate of completion to their school. This also includes anyone who chaperones a field trip. Volunteer opportunities may be offered by grade level teams or individual teachers. When you arrive, be ready to sign-in with Lobbyguard. You will need your drivers license and the printed volunteer training certificate.

Details are available on our website.

We are very excited to share that in collaboration with our amazing Lisbon PTA, we have created a "Quick Reference Refrigerator Guide" for all families. This helpful guide provides Lisbon specific information for families to use on a daily basis. For your convenience, we are sending home a hard copy of this guide next week to all of our "youngest and only" students as well as providing the electronic guide below!

The Student & Parent Handbook can be found online and outlines district wide practices and policies related to parents and students, including the Student Code of Conduct, school procedures, student responsibilities and more.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment. HCPSS policies and regulations emphasize instruction and restoration rather than punishment. They are designed to foster a sense of belonging, affirm positive behaviors, and ensure all students are college, career, and community ready. HCPSS strives to enforce all policies equitably.

The HCPSS Student Code of Conduct provides a framework for behavioral goals and disciplinary policies. All students are expected to be aware of and abide by this Student Code of Conduct. Parents/guardians are encouraged to read the Student Code of Conduct carefully and to discuss the information with their children. HCPSS employees will follow HCPSS Policies and Student Code of Conduct when supporting students and determining consequences for violations. Students and parents will be informed of the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct and the provisions of Policy 9200 Student Discipline on an annual basis.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. The BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school, or interfere with the educational environment. An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe that a student has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible.

Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the compaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.

We want to take a moment to specifically lift up cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines. While this will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership.

More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which provide families with significant benefits to help save money. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Free and Reduced Meals eligibility provides discounts for summer programs, SAT, recreation programs, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and internet programs. Other discounts are listed below. FARMs eligibility also may provide your school with much-needed Federal funding. Visit the HCPSS Food & Nutrition Site for more information.

If you are visiting LES, please be ready to show your picture ID. All visitors will sign in using our Lobbyguard Visitor Management check-in system. The Lobbyguard system will print a visitor's badge. That badge/sticker must be worn and visible during your visit. When leaving, you must use the sticker's barcode to sign out.

You can locate all of our events on the Lisbon PTA Website . Please take a moment to join the Lisbon PTA, look at our calendar of events, and find ways you can volunteer.

Registration for FALL SESSION is open for tennis, golf, and pickleball and they will start NEXT WEEK!! Drama Club will be on Tuesdays again and start at the end of September. The PTA Activities Page will be updated with the link to register and the class and showcase dates as soon as they're available. Programs offered through Howard County Recreation and Parks are here.

Tennis, Golf, and Pickleball with TGA of Howard County

$169 for 8 1-hour sessions
3:45 to 4:45 pm
See program specific info below

Make sure to select the appropriate activity, age group, and session.
Please also note activity dates, as some sessions skip 2 dates in October.

Golf ages 5-8 yrs and Tennis ALL AGES
Wednesdays
Registration is open for sessions throughout the school year. Check website for specific dates.
https://howard.playtga.com/pd/2029/2023-lisbon-es-pta-golf-or-tennis-wednesdays?returncom=productlist

Golf ages 9-12 yrs and Pickleball ALL AGES
Thursdays
Registration is open for sessions throughout the school year. Check website for specific dates.
https://howard.playtga.com/pd/2993?returncom=productlist&diid=2994#Detail

PTA PARTNERING WITH TGA AFTERSCHOOL GOLF/ TENNIS/ PICKLEBALL PROGRAM AT LISBON ELEMENTARY. THIS PROGRAM IS FOR STUDENTS AT LISBON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ONLY. CLASSES WILL RUN FROM 3:45-4:45PM. CHECK OUT THE SECTIONS BELOW FOR THE DATES OF EACH PROGRAM.
ALL EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED.

Parents will create a free account that will ask them for all the information like a permission slip, emergency contact, address, phone numbers, etc.

Then, they will “add” their student as a participant to their account, which then they are able to select the program and pay online all at one time.

If they have never been in our TGA programs then it will take just a little longer to get setup but then every subsequent time /program it’s just clicking the program and paying for it.

Disney’s Zombies Showcase with Drama Learning Center

TBA for 6 2-hour sessions
3:50 to 5:50 pm
Tuesdays
Starting September 26

Disney’s Zombies Musical Theatre Showcase: in this six-week introduction to the basics of musical theatre (singing, dancing, acting) and working as a group to create a final artistic product based on their favorite moments in Disney’s Zombies. Students will practice listening, following directions, spatial awareness, improvisation, and vocal expression.

Registration Link coming soon!!

In alignment with Howard County Board of Education Policy 10010, Distribution and Display of Materials and Announcements, the following announcements have been approved by the Public Information Office for distribution. Please visit Distributing Community Information through the School System or contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682 if you have any questions.

The link below will take you to community notices are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System.
http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/