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Panther Press

February 7, 2025

Panther PressFebruary 7, 2025
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Dear RBES Families,

This week we celebrated National School Counseling Week 2025. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Running Brook’s amazing counselor, Ms. Debbie Pauletta, has been at RBES since 2006.

I want to celebrate and acknowledge Ms. Pauletta’s commitment to our families and students. She is actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents. She works in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world and focuses on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development. Ms. Pauletta does an outstanding job working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational environment where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. If you would like to send a message of thanks to Ms. Pauletta you can do so at deborah_pauletta@hcpss.org. Thank you to Ms. Pauletta for being an amazing school counselor!

Take Care,


Mrs. Spivey

Important Dates Important Dates

February 13th

Virtual PTA Meeting @ 7pm

February 14th

House Color Day - Wear your house colors!

February 17th

School & Offices Closed

President's Day

February 20th

3rd & 4th Grade Family Night

February 21st

PTA Sponsored Me & My Hero Dance

February 26th

2nd Grade Field Trip to HC Conservancy

March 14th

Early Dismissal - Students will be dismissed at 12:55 pm

CLICK HERE for the HCPSS 24-25 Academic Calendar (Dates Only) CLICK HERE for the HCPSS 24-25 Academic Calendar (Dates Only)

New Updates New Updates

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2nd Quarter Report Cards are Available Now

How to Access

Parents/Guardians may view/download report cards by taking the following steps:

Español | 中文 | 한국어


  1. Log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy using parent/guardian credentials
  2. Select More Options from the left panel
  3. Select Report Cards from the middle
  4. Select the report card you wish to access


Please contact the front office at RBESRegistrars@hcpss.org if you need assistance accessing your student's report card.

Student Shout Out from Mrs. Pincheira!

Congratulations to Suzie D, Kyla F, Abel S and Rowan H. Who have had their artwork selected for 3rd grade showcase. Their artwork will be displayed at the Department of Education Gallery opening on Jan 24 and running through March 25.

3rd & 4th Grade Grade Family Night on 2/20

Our 3rd and 4th grade Math Family Night is coming up! The event includes a pizza dinner as well as time for you to learn about your student's math progress and get some resources to use at home! A yellow flyer was sent home last week with more information and to RSVP. If you would like to RSVP electronically, please use this link. We look forward to seeing you there!

Running Brook’s Got Talent!

Attention 4th and 5th Grade Students!! Do you have an amazing talent or skill that you want to share with the rest of the school community? Well the time is coming to show us what you’ve got! The Annual Student Talent Show will take place on Wednesday, May 28th from 7:00-8:00 and Running Brook is looking for 4th and 5th grade students with mind blowing abilities to perform for our school audience. Students can perform as groups, pairs or as solo artists.


Past performance have included:

  • Singing

  • Dance Routines

  • Lip Sync Battles

  • Gymnastics Routines

  • Martial Arts Demonstrations

  • Instrumental Music Performances

  • Cheer or Step Routines

  • Poetry Readings

  • Skits

  • Comedy Routines

  • Magic Shows


All ideas are welcome and the only limit is your imagination.



Auditions will be held in early and mid March so you have plenty of time to start planning and practicing your act. Sign-ups for auditions will begin the week of February 17th. Just see your homeroom teacher the week of February 17th and let them know what your act will be and who will be performing. We can’t wait to see your awesomeness!!

Learning Together Program:

The RBES Early Childhood Classes are making preparations for the upcoming 2025 school year and are accepting applications for general education students to participate as peers through the Learning Together Program (LTP). These classes include general education and special education students. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills. Parents of children who will be 3 by September 1st, applications will be available and accepted in mid-February.


In alignment with Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, new LTP applications for students turning 4 by September 1 will not be available. The Howard County Public School System continues to offer Prekindergarten for income eligible children who will be 4 years old by September 1. For additional information contact the school or visit: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/pre-k-programs/



HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, in person, or class quarantine). If you have any additional questions, please contact Emma Salisbury or Lakesha Ott at (410) 313-6893 .

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Parents, is your child interested in STEM and leadership?

STEMVillage Leadership Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity for rising 3rd–6th graders to explore the exciting worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math, all while building key leadership skills! Through hands-on projects and fun challenges, campers will strengthen their critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and public speaking—all while creating lasting summer memories.

This summer, we’re offering two exciting sessions:

Session 1 (July 7–11, 2025):
Dive into the world of simple machines and rockets! Campers will build catapults, design bottle rockets, and work on group STEM pitches. They’ll also boost their confidence with interactive presentations and public speaking activities.

Session 2 (July 28–August 1, 2025):
Get creative with problem-solving challenges, including egg drops, bridge-building competitions, and teamwork exercises. This session focuses on collaboration, innovation, and leadership in group settings.

Early bird pricing is just $350 per week if registered by February 28, 2025!
Don’t miss out on a summer full of STEM fun and leadership development—sign up now!

For more details and to register, visit tinyurl.com/stemvillage25 Spaces are limited!

BSAP Summer Institute Registration

It's time to start thinking about summer programs and HCPSS is offering many great options!

Synergy online enrollment requests will be open until February 17th at 12 p.m. for the following Summer programs:

  • BSAP Summer Institute (Entering Grades K-9)
  • Gifted and Talented Summer Institutes for Talent Development (Entering Grades 1-8)
  • Parents/guardians will be notified via email of enrollment status (enrolled or waitlisted) prior to the next registration window, which opens Monday, March 3 at 12 p.m.

Registration in February and March is highly recommended, as program availability may be limited during the later registration dates.

BSAP Summer Institute Courses 2025

Gifted and Talented Summer Institute Courses


Financial Assistance Application

*Students who qualify for FARMs are eligible for a 50% reduction in fees. Additional financial assistance may also be available.


Program course lists can be viewed under each Program Description .


Please view the Enrollment section for directions on how to submit a request.


  • All programs meet in-person at a HCPSS school building; there are NO virtual options.
  • Enrollment requests do not guarantee placement in summer programs.
  • Enrollment requests are NOT first-come, first-served.
  • Families will receive an email when a student is enrolled in a course or added to the applicable course waitlist.
  • To submit a BSAP Summer Institute enrollment request for a student entering Kindergarten, email SummerInstitute@hcpss.org to receive the Kindergarten Enrollment Request Form. NOTE: Registration in this course will not be completed until a kindergarten enrollment verification for the 2025-26 school year, or a birth certificate showing a qualifying age, is provided by April 30, 2025. A “qualifying age” requires the student to be age 5 by September 1, 2025.

Spring Break Basketball Camp

Get ready for an unforgettable basketball experience! The 8th Annual Skyy 2 Win Spring Break Basketball Camp is here, offering your young athlete the chance to learn from one of the best in the game!

This camp is designed to help your child take their game to the next level while building memories that last a lifetime.

From April 14-17, 2025, at Long Reach High School in Columbia, Maryland, your player will train under the guidance of Coach Patterson (Coach P)—a world-renowned coach who has traveled the globe teaching basketball. Known for his high-energy coaching style and innovative techniques, Coach P is dedicated to helping players develop their skills and build confidence on the court.

Secure your spot today!


Visit www.skyy2win.com to register.

Family Resources Family Resources

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Free Parenting/Grandparenting Classes

Free! On Zoom and open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in HoCo or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in HoCo. This evidence-based, interactive prevention program provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs including alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years olds, but we believe it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: March 18, 21, 25, 28 and April 1 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.


Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Spring2025GGC

Family Support & Resource Center

Assists families in advocating for their child with a disability.

Services include:

  • Workshops for parents and caregivers
  • Guidance in the IEP/IFSP process
  • Lending library including disability and special education related books and DVDs
  • Facilitation of parent groups
  • Weekly emails with upcoming events for you and your student
  • Service, community and recreational resources to support the specific needs of your family


Contact FSRC@hcpss.org for more information.

Services are free

PTA News & Updates PTA News & Updates

February 10th - Spring Spirit Wear

If you missed your chance to grab a RBES or Nukumori tee shirt in the fall, we're bringing everything back for the Spring!

February 20th - Me & My Hero Dance

Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Female students are invite to dance the night away with an adult of their choice at the Slayton House in WIlde Lake.

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Spring Fair

The RBES PTA is seeking a lead volunteer for the Spring Fair. If you would like to lead, please rbesptavicepresident@runningbrookpta.org

PTA Newsletter

CLICK HERE for the latest Updates

Recurring Information Recurring Information

Attention Families of Rising Kindergarten Students

If you have concerns about your child's development - whether it's their speech, motor skills, social skills or learning - it's important to act now. Waiting until the summer for a referral can delay crucial support that your child may need before starting kindergarten.

Contact us today to schedule a screening. Let's work together to ensure your child has the best possible start in kindergarten!


Call 410-313-7046 or email ChildFind@hcpss.org

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School Start & End Times

9:10 am : Doors Open

9:25 am: Late Bell Rings

3:15 pm: End of Dismissal Changes and Early Dismissals


The front office staff must receive all dismissal changes and.or early dismissal requests by 3:15 pm daily.


3:55: End of School Day

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Birthday Celebrations

Cupcakes are not permitted in classrooms for birthday celebrations. If please review the list of approved food items for In-School Celebrations. Please be sure to check with your student's teacher about in school celebrations

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Arrival & Dismissal Reminders

  • Please follow the directions of staff in the car loop.
  • Please refrain from walking through the parking lot during arrival and dismissal. Use the sidewalks and crosswalks.
  • Please refrain from parking/backing in the parking lot and walking your student. It has caused major delays when vehicles attempt to get out of the parking lot during arrival and dismissal.
  • For the safety of our staff and students, family members are not permitted in the building (classrooms, restrooms, band room, etc.) during arrival and dismissal.
  • To ensure efficient arrival and dismissal procedures, please make appointments with your child’s teacher to conference so that our teachers can give our parents the quality time deserved, rather than holding quick conversations during arrival and dismissal in the car loop.
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Family File - Must be Completed Each School Year!

HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. All parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year. Parents/guardians can complete Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect selecting the "More Options" tab on the left and then selecting "Family File" in the center column.

Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  • Student Information

  • Parent/Guardian Contact

  • Emergency Contacts

  • Medical Information

  • Arrival/Dismissal Procedures and Transportation Options

  • Photo Approval

  • Data Confidentiality

  • Student Creative Work Approval

  • PTA/PTSA Directory

Changes of address may not be made through Family File. If you have recently moved, please contact your child’s 2023-2024 school as soon as possible.


Resources on how to use Family File may be found online, including instructions on how to reset passwords. Written directions can be accessed here on how to complete the HCPSS Family file. If you need additional assistance, please contact your child’s school or complete this Connect Help Form.

Title I Parent's Right to Know

2024-2025 Parent's Right to Know from Superintendent

School Wide Title I Program

Running Brook is a Title I School wide Program school. Title I is a federally funded program designed to close achievement gaps and ensure all children have an opportunity to access a high-quality education by providing funding for supplemental academic services and supports. A Family-School Compact & Plan is an agreement between families, students, and teachers that is jointly developed and distributed to all families. It explains how families, students, and teachers will work as a team to make sure all students meet with success and get the support they need to achieve grade level goals.


CLICK HERE to view Running Brook Family School Compact and Calendar of Events for 2024-2025 school year.


Jodi Aikens | Title I Teacher | Jodi_Aikens@hcpss.org
Kim Filler | Title I Teacher | Kimberly_Filler@hcpss.org

Lisa Goldberg | Title I Teacher | Lisa_Goldberg@hcpss.org
Jane Hartlove | Parent Liaison | Jane_Hartlove@hcpss.org

Running Brook Elementary
http://rbes.hcpss.org/
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