The Wellwood Globe

At Wellwood International, our mission is to help students grow into knowledgeable, kind, and confident learners. We provide a challenging and supportive education in a multicultural setting, where every child learns to respect and value differences. We want our students to feel safe, cared for, and inspired to do their best every day.

Dear Wellwood Families,

May always arrives quickly and reminds us that we are in the final stretch of the school year. Our focus now is simple and important: finishing strong.

Our students have put in months of effort, and this is the time to stay consistent by showing up every day, staying engaged in class, and doing their best work through the end. These final weeks matter. They help solidify learning, build strong habits, and set students up for a confident transition into next year.

You will see continued learning, assessments, and end-of-year activities throughout the month. Please help by making sure students arrive on time, come ready to learn, and understand that expectations remain high until the very last day of school.

May is also a time when we celebrate the incredible staff who support our children each day. Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 4, and it is a wonderful opportunity for families and students to recognize our teachers for their dedication, care, and commitment.

In addition, School Nurse Day is May 6. We are grateful for the important roles our school nurse, Ms. Seidler, and our Health Assistant, Ms. Lewis, play in keeping our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

If you are able, I am hopeful you will consider sending a card, small gift, flowers, or any token of appreciation to show thanks for our staff during this special time.

I appreciate the partnership we have with our families and the steady support you provide. Together, we can ensure our students close out the year with pride in what they have accomplished.

Thank you for being part of our school community!

Warmly,
Mrs. Alonna Thompson
athompson8@bcps.org

Read "Dog Days" by Karen English with us!

Our students came in both 1st and 3rd places out of 11 teams in the area! We are so proud!

May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 (W): School Nurse Day

May 7 (Th): Kindergarten Trip to The Science Center

May 8 (F): Wellwood's Annual Diversity Day Celebration

May 12 (T): Spring Concert @ Wellwood, 5:30-7:00 pm

May 19 (T): First Grade Trip to the Zoo

May 22 (F): Reading on the Lawn @ 9:30 am

May 25 (M): Schools & Offices Closed - Memorial Day

May 28 (Th): No School for Students - System PD Day - Eid al-Adha

May 29 (F): 5th Grade Spring Fling hosted by the Wellwood PTA @ Wellwood, 5:30-7:30 pm

June 1 (M): 5th Grade Trip to Pikesville Middle School

June 2 (T): Level Up Night, Family Event @ Wellwood, 5:30-7:00 pm

The Department of Special Education in Baltimore County has a Family Support Services Division that holds regular workshops for parents and families.

Upcoming workshops:

• Thursday May 7th 11:30-12:30 Ending The Mental Health Silence Presented my NAMI: Recognizing and Responding to the Warning Signs of Mental Health Conditions in your Adolescent Child
• Monday May 11th 11:30-12:30 Understanding Emotional Disability Presented by Behind Behaviors. Unpack the definition of Emotional Disability in Special Education and learn tips for how to partner with your child’s school to build appropriate supports.
• Wednesday May 13th 11:30-12:30 Help My Child is Anxious Presented by Kennedy Krieger Institute. Learn about childhood anxiety, and gain parenting strategies for assisting your child in managing their anxiety
• Miércoles 19 de mayo 11:30-12:30 Ayuda para mi hijo/a con ansiedad

• Tuesday May 19th 5-6 Maryland ABLE Accounts Learn how to save and invest for the future without jeopardizing federal, state, and local benefits such as SSI and Medicaid

Visit the link below to register for a workshop

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=3cPDSRs_g0GOdLONSDpa_aBgotZPQd5LpsKKjcQCcNhUQ0QyMEFQNTBFQlRUSEFMSUxIVTNPOTRTRS4u&route=shorturl

MCAP

The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is the umbrella for annual statewide assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. MCAP is a computer-based assessment. The English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/L) assessments will be given in April and will focus on reading and understanding literature and informational text, as well as writing effectively when analyzing texts.

The May assessment includes 4 math sessions. Each regular session is 40 minutes in length. Students will take the Math assessment this month.

3rd and 4th grade will be testing 9:00-10:00 AM

5th grade will be testing 10:30-11:30 AM

Tuesday May 12th

Wednesday May 13th

Friday May 15th

Monday May 18th

On these days, we ask that students leave their cell phones and smart watches at home as they are not allowed to be with your child during the test. If your child brings their cellphone and/or smart watch to school, they will be asked to turn their device off and place it in their locker or in a basket in the front of the room during the test.

If you would like your child to practice and prepare for MCAP at home, you can visit https://support.mdassessments.com/practice-tests/ complete practice tests.

STAR:

Students will take the spring administration of the STAR Suite of assessments to monitor their achievement and growth in reading and math. Students will be assessed throughout the month. Below are a list of the assessments given in the spring:

• STAR Math (Grades K-5): Adaptive computer assessment measuring counting and cardinality, operations and algebraic thinking, geometry, expression and equations, number and operations, functions, ratios and proportional relationships, the number system, measurement and data, statistics and probability.
• STAR Early Literacy (Grades K-2): Adaptive computer assessment measuring print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary acquisition and use, and early Numeracy.
• STAR Reading (Grades 2-5): Adaptive computer assessment measuring vocabulary, comprehension strategies and constructing meaning, analyzing literary texts, understanding author’s craft, analyzing argument and evaluating text
• STAR CBM (Grades K-3): One on one paper assessment measuring rapid automatic naming (RAN), phoneme segmentation, letter sounds, passage oral reading, expressive nonsense words, sight and high-frequency words, encoding.

New in STAR testing: 2nd grade students who scored at or above 862 on the Early Literacy Assessment in the winter will take the STAR Reading Assessment instead of the Early Literacy Assessment.

Wellwood International will not be holding a summer program for the Summer of 2026. Special education students who qualify for Extended School Year (ESY) will receive their IEP services at Summit Park Elementary. ESY runs from July 6th- July 31st. Information on transportation to this summer site will be provided at the end of June.

Spring has been a busy and exciting time at Wellwood! We’re still feeling the impact of our March Wellness Night, which was a huge success in bringing families together with great resources, activities, and support. A big thank you to our PTA for always showing up, whether it’s supporting events, providing snacks, or just being a constant partner, we truly couldn’t do it without you.

We continue to value opportunities to connect with families through our Shared Decision Team/PTA meetings, where we share updates and gather feedback around attendance, academics, and school climate.

We also had a great turnout for our virtual Chat & Chew for 3rd–5th grade parents focused on MCAP, giving families the chance to learn more and ask questions about how to support their students.

Our Earth Day celebration, in partnership with the PTA, was a big success! A special thank you to the Pikesville High student volunteers who created and led a fun recycling presentation and activity—our students loved it!

We’re also looking forward to our upcoming community cleanup, sponsored by Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, along with STEM Night, Career Day, and more opportunities for family engagement.

We’re already planning ahead for an even stronger 2026–2027 school year!

As always, please be in touch with any needs or ideas. I’m here to help connect your family with resources and support! Mfriedberg@bcps.org

Wellwood International cordially invites you to its

Annual Diversity Day Celebration

May 8, 2026

Featuring:

FOOTWORKS PERCUSSIVE ENSEMBLE

Presenting

Keeping The Beat: Multicultural Influences in American Music and Dance

12:30 - 12:45: Parade of Nations #1

12:45 - 1:30: Assembly - Grades PreK-2

2:00 - 2:15: Parade of Nations #2

2:15 - 3:00: Assembly - Grades 3-5

Hi Wellwood Families!

Welcome to the Counseling Corner, where we will showcase helpful tips and information about Social Emotional Learning.

Theme of the Month

As part of our School Counseling Program, your child’s class will have the opportunity to engage in monthly counseling lessons throughout the school year. In the month of May, the theme for students in grades K - 4 is mindfulness. This important skill helps children by improving their focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness—such as deep breathing or paying attention to their senses—students learn to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and stay present in the moment.

Students in grade 5 will focus on the transition to middle school. Preparing for the transition is crucial for their confidence and academic success. This shift brings new challenges, such as changing classes, increased academic expectations, and greater independence. Providing guidance and reassurance reduces anxiety, fosters resilience, and sets students up for a positive middle school experience.

• Kindergarten: Using our senses (activity)
• 1st grade: Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deborah Sosin
• 2nd grade: Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
• 3rd grade: Angry Octopus: A Relaxation Story by Lori Lite
• 4th grade: Stoplight Brain (activity)
• 5th grade: Middle school schedules and locker combinations (activity)

It is our hope that the core curriculum counseling lessons will help to promote the social emotional, academic, and career development of our students. We hope that you can help your child reflect on these lessons by discussing their content together.

Parent University Events

May 1st – 12:30 PM

Lunch & Learn: Fun Ways to Teach Children About the Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle

Virtual Presented by Dora Bingeman the Center for Family Success

May 6th – 6:30 PM

Dine & Learn: Brain Health

Virtual Presented by Emily Kearns, Dementia Specialist, Baltimore County Department of Aging

May 7th – 12:30 PM

Lunch & Learn: Emerging Online Threats to Youth

Virtual Presented by Nicholas DeGeorge, Federal Bureau of Investigation

May 12th – 12:30 PM

Lunch & Learn: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer (Talkspace) Virtual Presented by Gabriella Stajic of Talkspace

May 15th – 12:30 PM

Lunch & Learn: Preserving Learning Mode

Presented by Thrive Behavioral Health

Click here to register for any of the events

Resources

• BCPS Virtual Calming Room

• Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214

• Crisis text line: Text the word "TALK" to 741741 for free 24-hour support

• Maryland Food Bank: 410-737-8282

• 211 Maryland: dial 211 or https://211md.org/

• Maryland Suicide and Crisis Hotline: dial 988

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

• Trevor Lifeline: Text “START” to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386

• Baltimore County Department of Social Services: 410-853-3000

• Sheppard Pratt's Urgent Walk-In Clinic is available through virtual appointments. https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/virtual-crisis-walk-in-clinic/

Mind Over Matters is an ongoing movement to raise awareness about mental health and promote wellness for students, staff, and families.

Theme for May & June: Responsible Decision-Making

Definition: The ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations.

Responsible Decision Making could look like:

• Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness

• Learning how to make a reasoned judgment after analyzing information, data, and facts

• Identifying solutions for personal and social problems

• Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions

Lindsey Delis

ldelis@bcps.org

443-809-1167

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Now is a great time to schedule appointments and have your child’s healthcare providers complete updated Health Forms for the 2026–2027 school year. This includes the Medication Administration Form if your child will need medication during school hours.

All required forms can be downloaded from Wellwood’s website. Please continue to send in any updated immunization records. You may also download health information from your child’s portal and email it directly to: cseidler@bcps.org.

Help your child stay safe and comfortable by making sure they:

• Bring a water bottle to school every day

• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses

• Dress in light-colored, lightweight clothing

With more outdoor play—bike riding, sports, and time with friends—minor injuries can happen. If your child needs to limit activities:

• Medical documentation is required for all activity restrictions

• Examples include: “No PE for 2 weeks” or “No PE until further notice”

• Restrictions apply to all physical activities, including recess and field trips

• Documentation must include a clear return date for full participation

Keeping students healthy, safe, and ready to learn is a team effort. Thank you for your continued support!

Check out our new recycling bins in the lobby! If you have sneakers or used ink cartridges at home, Wellwood would love to recycle them for you!

Sneaker Recycling: Do you have any old sneakers or tennis shoes and don't know what to do with them? Drop them off in our lobby in our collection bin to be recycled!

Ink Cartridge Recycling: We take LaserJet and inkjet cartridges. Drop them off in our bins in the lobby to support Green School activities at Wellwood!

Wellwood is proud to be one of the first schools in Baltimore County to participate in school-wide cafeteria composting!

Looking for ways to support your student in math and reading at home? Students can access all the same apps that they do in school from their personal devices. Check out the How To guide below!

Ms. Waesche's class sang about the Earth and played "Snail Snail" while following the leader in music class.

Throughout the month of April we continued to explore how math is represented in art forms and took as many sunny opportunities as possible to explore outside!

Over the past couple weeks, our primary grades have begun working on beginner jump rope basics, emphasizing steady single jumps, proper wrist turns, and good posture with elbows close to the body. The students enjoyed tracking their progress, and many were already stringing together more consistent jumps by the end of the session. Great work and effort all around!

Our intermediate grade level students have been learning the fundamentals of lacrosse with a focus on cradling and ball control. Students practiced relaxed grips, smooth wrist action, and quick wall passes to build technique and confidence with the stick. The students showed great energy and noticeable improvement in keeping the ball secure.

Students are starting to work on our Percussion Family unit! We are learning about how different percussion instruments make sound. This gives students exposure to an entire instrument family so that they can make an informed decision about the instrument they decide to play in 5th grade!

Please make sure students are practicing their concert music up until the concert on May 12!

Make sure students are checking the calendar and bringing their instrument when they have instrumental music, including full band or full orchestra! Please make sure to encourage them to practice at least 10-15 minutes, 5x per week. We want to give you the best 5th grade concert we can, so practice, practice, practice! May 12 is our concert date! Students are wearing a white top and black bottoms just like in the winter.

PreK 3 enjoyed popsicles after an amazing Earth Day!

PreK4 students loved visiting the Fire Museum of Maryland! They even got to use a water pump to see what it was like to be a firefighter before there was electricity.

Our kindergarten students have learned all the letters in the alphabet! They are now working on long vowel sounds. We are excited to celebrate the alphabet with our ABC countdown starting May 8.

Students are researching a National Holiday with their table group.

In math, students used connecting cubes to strengthen their counting and measurement skills. They practiced counting by 1s, 5s, and 10s, building number sense and recognizing patterns in counting. Students also used the cubes as tools to measure and compare objects, identifying which were longest and shortest. This hands-on activity helped make math both engaging and meaningful in a visual and interactive way.

SNAP-Education with Ms. Thomas: Second Grade enjoyed listening to "The Couch Potato" and tasting kiwi and zucchini.

Earth Day: Second Grade was excited to learn about ways to help the Earth. We were able to hold a snake and a chicken. We also planted vegetables and decorated a backpack.

In April, our 4th graders wrapped up their ELA unit on tall tales and trickster stories and began a new unit focused on healthy eating and environmentally conscious food choices. In Math, students worked on building their understanding of fractions by finding equivalent fractions and common denominators. In Content, they completed their health unit, “A Healthy and Safe Me,” where they explored ways to make safe and healthy choices in their daily lives

April was an exciting month. We learned about exploration of the oceans, the atmosphere, and space. The successful mission by Artemis gave us some real-life action that we had read about.

Now an annual tradition, Earth Day gave the kids opportunities to harvest oysters and spending some time with the Critter Dude’s animals.

2901 Smith Avenue

Baltimore MD 21208

Phone: 443-809-1212 | Fax: 443-809-1213