Mustang Message: Back to School

The building is sparkling thanks to the hard work of our Building Services Workers, and our Office Staff have diligently prepared to get everything organized for the return of staff and students. Teachers are joining us this week to begin getting ready for students.

We are ready and excited to welcome students back next week.

See you soon!

Principal Lynch

Timely attendance is directly connected to student success. All families are encouraged to set a goal of 90% or better attendance. Research shows a strong connection to 90+% attendance and increased school success. If there are health or other concerns impacting school attendance parents should reach out to Nurse Dana Gregory (drgregory@smcps.org) or Counselor Stephanie Hall (shall@smcps.org).

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Students begin their day at 9 AM.

Students begin dismissing at 3:40 PM.

August

August 14 - Teachers report to schools

August 16 - Homeroom Assignments are Live in the Home Access Center @ 5:00 PM

August 19 - Open House

• Kindergarten: 1:30-2:30 PM
• Grades 1-5: 3:00-4:00 PM

August 21 - Schools Open for Students

• (MES Student Day 9AM - 3:40PM)

Link to SY 24-25 Calendar

Looking Ahead to September

September 2 - Labor Day - All Schools and Offices Closed

September 19 - Two Hour Early Dismissal

September 20 - Professional Day - No School for Students

Kindergarten: 1:30-2:30 PM

• Kindergarten will begin in the Cafeteria at 1:30 PM, and then visit classrooms.
• Kindergarteners are invited to meet Mr. Lynch on the playground for a popsicle after they visit their classrooms (weather permitting).

Grades 1-5: 3:00-4:00 PM

• Grades 1-5 may go directly to classes beginning at 3:00. It is not necessary to arrive right at 3:00 PM. Consider spacing out the timing of your visits.

Remember to visit your homeroom teacher and your specials area teachers (music, art, P.E., and media).

Homeroom Assignments are live in the Home Access Center @ 5:00 PM Friday, August 16th.

• It is likely students computers have several updates to run. It is recommended you update them before you return to school.

• Student Resource Accountability: Students are responsible for the care and upkeep of all of their SMCPS assigned resources: print and technology. This document outlines all of the policies and procedures in addition to pricing for lost or damaged devices. The student accountability document is also linked in this SMORE.

Menus for School Meals are visible through Nutrislice.

If you want to view your child's meal purchases and add funds, use the My School Bucks link.

Free Breakfast and Lunch Requires an Application

Online applications are encouraged as they are processed more quickly.

• School Meal Benefit Forms: School Year Meal Benefit forms for SY 24-25 are now available online! Easily fill out your new meal benefit form by visiting https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application on the www.smcps.org website. Families can request more information by contacting the SMCPS Food and Nutrition Services Office at 301.475.4256, Option 5, or via email at foodservice@smcps.org.

• Expect minor bus delays on the first few days of school as there are often kinks to work out.
• It is recommended to arrive at your AM bus stop about 10 minutes early on the first day. Once the routes and times are consistent, 5 minutes early is sufficient.
• Remember that Kindergarten students must be met at the bus door in the PM, or they will be returned to school.
• Students should always be at the stop safely before the bus arrives. It is not safe to run to the bus stop as a bus is pulling up or after it arrives.

Use the Bus Stop and School Locator to verify your child's assigned bus stop location, bus number and expected arrival times.

Be prepared to share with teachers how your child goes home from school at Open House.

Bus Expectations:

It’s important to discuss bus expectations with your child regularly. Students are expected to stay seated in their assigned bus seats, use a normal talking voice, listen to the driver's directions at all times, and follow all relevant school rules. Parents can help by discussing bus expectations with children and showing them the bus safety video on the SMCPS Transportation Website.

• The car riders registration is online.
• Car riders enter the school near the gym.
• Drivers will enter the carpool lane using the Old Village Entrance.
• Drivers will exit onto Route 5 to avoid driving past the car rider line while students are exiting vehicles.
• Car rider applications are not for occasional pickups, but regular PM pickups.
• AM drop-offs do not require a car rider registration if students will ride the bus home.