The Eagle's Nest

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8/24 - Kindergarten and New to Gaithersburg ES Transition Day 8:55-3:25

8/24 - Open House 12:00-1:00 p.m.

8/25 - First Day of School for ALL K-5 Students

9/7 - No School for Students - Labor Day

9/10 - Back to School Night - 5:30-7:30 pm

8/24 pizza

8/25 Chicken Nuggets or Pupusa

8/26 Chik’n parmesan or mini corn dogs

8/27 French toast or Grilled Cheese

8/28 Pizza or smoked Turkey sandwich

Fill out a car rider application in our main office. We will have the forms available at the open house on Monday.

Students in grades 1st through 5th grade walkers enter through the main entrance.

Kindergarten students enter through the doors by the side parking lot near the health center.

Bus Riders

Bus riders enter through the main entrance.

Car Riders

Car riders enter through the side doors near the health room.

Parents, please do not drop off students in the parking lot on teacher's way. We will not be allowing parent drop off or pick up at that location. If you want your child to be a car rider, please complete a car rider application in the main office and use our car rider line for pick up and dismissal.

Bus Riders will gather in a specific location in the building. Then they will be brought out of the building by a staff member altogether and load the bus when it arrives.

Car Riders

Car riders will go to the gym and be seated near their car rider number. As cars pull up our students will be ready to join their families in the car.

Walkers

Grades K, 1, 2 will be picked up on the blacktop on the playground.

Grades 3, 4, 5 will be released from the main entrance. Parents who want to pick their 3, 4, 5th grade students must stand by the flagpole...not by the front doors.

Date: Monday, August 24, 2026

We will welcome our new students to Gaithersburg and Kindergarten students on Monday. At student arrival, we will open our doors to students and families to enter the classroom and visit for the first 30 minutes 8:40-9:10 a.m. You will have an opportunity to meet the teacher, see where your child will sit and spend their days at school. At 9:10 a.m. we will have a short meeting in the APR, if you are able to stay, with Ms. Summers, our school principal, and Mr. Berg our assistant principal. We look forward to seeing you then.

Date: Monday, August 24, 2026

We welcome returning students and families to our annual open house from 12:00-1:00 p.m. We will open our doors so you can visit the 1st through 5th grade classrooms. Our Kindergarten classrooms will be occupied and we will not be able to accomodate our Kindergarten families at this time. K families are welcome to visit from 8:40-9:10 a.m. only.

• Kindergarten and New to GES students ONLY Transition Day – Monday, August 24:

8:40 arrival and 3:25 dismissal. A special day for all incoming Kindergarteners and New to GES students to explore the school, meet staff, and learn classroom routines in a calm, supportive environment before the rest of the school returns.

• Kindergarten and New to GES Parents will walk their child to the classroom on the first day only - August 24.
  @ 9:30 a.m. we will hold a short welcome to our new parents in the Cafeteria. While our Kindergarteners and new students get to know the school, families are invited to join the principal for a welcome breakfast to learn more about our school, meet staff, and hear about the support available through our Parent Teacher Association and Community Schools Team.

• Open House for Grades 1–5 – August 24, 2026 at 12:00-1:00 p.m.
  Students and families in 1st through 5th grade are invited to come meet their teachers and visit their new classrooms before the first day of school. Please enter through the Main Office\

• Back to School Night – Thursday, September 10:
  5:30-7:30 p.m. One of our favorite traditions! We will start in the APR to review the school year expectations, then students will lead their families on a tour of the school, visiting different spaces, meeting teachers and receiving important information for their child, all while trying to complete their bingo card for a chance at a raffle prize. Students who attend with their families will earn extra recess the next day!

Students are prohibited from using Personal Mobile Devices during the Academic Day. A personal mobile device (PMD) refers to any non-MCPS-issued device used to connect to the Internet and send or receive data via voice, video, or text. This includes mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, personal computers, smart watches, smart glasses or other devices equipped with microphones, headphones (including airpods/earbuds), speakers, and/or cameras.

RESPONSIBILITY/LIABILITY

MCPS will assume no responsibility or liability for loss, theft, or damage to a device or for the unauthorized use of any such PMD.

Please read the full MCPS Policy below.

Student Responsible Use Guidelines:

• Students will use the MCPS network productively, appropriately, and for school-related purposes and will avoid using any technology resource supplied by either the district, the student, or the student’s family in such a way that would disrupt the activities of other students and staff members.
• Students will use email and other means of communication (e.g., social media, blogs, wikis, podcasting, chat, instant messaging, discussion boards, and virtual learning environments) responsibly.
• Students will keep their personal information (including home/mobile phone number, mailing address, and user passwords) and that of others private.
• Students will report the inappropriate use of PMDs and other technology immediately.
• Students understand that MCPS administrators will use regulations and policies (e.g., MCPS Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security) to deem what conduct is inappropriate use, if such conduct is not specified in this regulation.
• Students understand that all MCPS equipment, the MCPS network, and the student’s MCPS network account are the property of MCPS that must be used for educational purposes only and can be monitored, logged, and archived.
• Should students violate Board policies or MCPS regulations or rules, students understand that the consequences of their actions could include suspension of computer privileges, disciplinary action (as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct in MCPS and related regulations), and/or referral to law enforcement.

MCPS mode of electronic communication is through Parent Square. At Gaithersburg ES we share weekly messages along with information throughout the week that is important for you to know as a family.

ParentSquare accounts have been created for all teachers, school administrators and staff and caregivers. Your preferred language to receive and send communication may already be set in ParentSquare. If it’s not, you can select your preferred language while logged into your ParentSquare account using the website or app.

We encourage you to watch the ParentSquare Overview Video (English | Spanish) and review the quick guide below to learn how to begin using ParentSquare.

Translated ParentSquare Quick Guides
English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Amharic, Korean

We're excited to begin our transition to using ParentSquare which will facilitate streamlined communication in MCPS between the district, school administrators, teachers and caregivers, maintaining school-to-home information and updates all in one place.

For more information click here:

Parent Letters

• English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Amharic

Gaithersburg Elementary School will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch this year for all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Students attending Gaithersburg Middle School and Gaithersburg High School will need to pay for their meals unless the household qualifies for Free or Reduced-priced Meals. If you have Middle or High School student, please complete the Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) Applications.

Households meeting federal income standards are eligible for free school meals, and students who qualify for reduced-price meals will continue to receive meals at no cost. To receive this benefit, a new FARMS application must be completed every school year. Please submit the online FARMS application

through www.MySchoolApps.com. Only one application is needed for all students in a household.

Menus, including nutrition and allergen information, can be viewed on the DFNS website through

MealViewer. MCPS Form 240-23, Special Dietary Needs Form, may be used to request meal accommodations for students eating in the cafeteria.

Official school hours for all students are: 8:55 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Doors will open for students: 8:40 a.m.

Students enter classrooms: 8:40 a.m.

Regular Dismissal will begin: 3:25 p.m.

Early Dismissal will begin: 12:55 p.m.

Parents who want to pick up their child early for a scheduled appointment must do so prior to 2:45 p.m.

Parents who want to pick up their child early for a scheduled appointment must do so prior to 2:45p.m. When a child needs to be picked up at school prior to dismissal, the following procedures will be followed to ensure that each child is released only to the parent (or designated adult) with valid identification:

• Parents / Guardians need to report to the main office to sign out the child
• Students will be dismissed ONLY from the main office
• A written release/excuse is required prior to dismissal if anyone other than persons designated on the emergency contact form are to pick up a student.

For the safety of your child and professional courtesy to our office, if you are running late to pick up your child, please be sure to call us at 240-740-4900 prior to the start of dismissal. We will not call students out of the classroom until you arrive at the main office.

Are Your Student’s Immunizations Up to Date?: Here are the latest requirements. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding immunization clinics in August and September. MCPS is also planning for immunizations at the regional Back-to-School Fairs on Saturday, Aug. 22.

This week students and staff will practice the safety standard response protocols. On Tuesday, every student will bring home a quick guide explaining the protocols, reviewing the staff role, student role and parent/guardian role. It is very important to review the information. The first week of school, every student will practice to ensure they know the expectations in an emergency.

Back-to-School Fairs are Saturday, Aug. 22; Transition Day is Monday, Aug. 24 and First Day of School for all students is Tuesday, Aug. 25. 9 a.m.–noon

See you soon!

English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese

As we get ready for the new school year, we encourage families to take a few minutes to review two recent messages from Superintendent Thomas Taylor. The Aug. 11 message on school safety shares important information and resources about the role we all play in keeping our schools safe. The Aug. 17 message on teaching and learning highlights what families should know about learning this year, including grading, assessments, curriculum, study habits and the tools that can help you stay connected to your child’s education. Safety and learning are at the heart of a successful school year, and strong partnership with families makes both possible.

Here are the highlights:

Safety

• Know our emergency procedures. Review the Standard Response Protocol.

• Speak up. Remind your child that if something doesn’t feel right, they should tell a trusted adult. Learn more about MCPS hate/bias protocols.

• Review the Student Code of Conduct. This document helps us create schools that are welcoming, respectful, orderly and safe.

• Practice safe firearm storage. Have firearms? Unload them, lock them up and store the ammunition separately.

• Use social media thoughtfully. Talk to your children about their online presence.

• Talk about mental health. The start of school is exciting, but it can also bring anxiety and stress. Remind your child that asking for help is a sign of strength.

• No Cell, Bell to Bell. Limiting the use of personal devices during the day supports learning and school safety.

Learning

• Know about Student Transition Day. For kindergarteners, sixth and ninth graders, third graders in intermediate schools, and students new to their schools, Aug. 24 is a full day designed to build familiarity, confidence and belonging before all students return. Learn more here and watch a video here English / español

• Understand what’s changing with grading. Assignments will have clear due dates and deadlines, limits on how much individual assignments and homework can count toward a grade, and opportunities to retake or revise eligible assessments.

• Know when assessments are coming. Assessment calendars help families and students see what’s ahead, prepare and keep testing in perspective.

• Stay connected to what your child is learning. Review the Refrigerator Curriculum for a simple, one-page look at the major topics, themes and texts students will learn each marking period.

• Build good study habits at home. Regular routines, breaking larger tasks into smaller steps, encouraging questions and praising effort and progress can make a big difference.

• Know your MCPS apps. Familiarize yourself with the official tools families will use for grades, assignments, schedules, school messages, meals and other important information.

One last item to print and put on the refrigerator: the new family-friendly calendar.

Transition Day (Monday, Aug. 24) is the first full day of school for students entering kindergarten, sixth grade and 9th grade (plus, third grade at intermediate schools) and students new to MCPS. This is an all-day, non-instructional school experience designed to ease the transition for students entering new school levels or buildings. It is a good day to try out your school routine. Learn more about Transition Day: English | Spanish

Students will get a head start on navigating their new school before the official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 25. They will meet principals and teachers, tour the building, practice routines and connect with classmates.

Help us capture the excitement of the first day of school by sharing your special moments! Parents, students and schools are invited to submit their favorite first-day-of-school snapshots on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Select photos will be shared on the district’s website and social media beginning Tuesday morning. You may submit a photo by emailing us or tagging us on social media: Facebook, Instagram or X, and on our Spanish social media channels, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Saturday School Registration Is Now Open: Taught by certified teachers, Saturday School provides Kindergarten through Grade 12 academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts. There are in-person and virtual options. Tutoring begins Sept. 26. Fees increase Sept. 1. Register early!

Submitted Your FARMS Application Yet?: Apply today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Submit the online FARMS application through MySchoolApps (translations are available). Only one application is needed for all students in a household. More information

Here are the latest requirements. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding immunization clinics in August and September. MCPS is also planning for immunizations at the regional Back-to-School Fairs on Saturday, Aug. 22.

MCPS is seeking community members to serve on the Facility Advisory Committee for the 2026-2027 school year. Committee members will share their knowledge, experience and perspectives to help inform long-term planning for MCPS school facilities. Members of this committee will advise MCPS on a variety of topics related to the community’s vision for school facilities and planning that are outside the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) time frame, but that may require attention in the 10-15 year time frame or beyond.
If you're interested in helping shape the future of MCPS facilities, complete the application by Friday, Sept. 4.

Share Your Feedback on the 2027-2028 School Year Calendar

MCPS is seeking input as it works to develop the 2027-2028 school calendar. Please complete this survey to share your input.

Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, and assessment schedules aligned to MCPS Board Policy IDA, School Year Calendar.

Take the survey.

Show Your MCPS Pride; Shop the Gear Store!

In an effort to pay down student meal debt (and to show off your MCPS pride!), you can now purchase MCPS-branded merchandise. As the seasons change, so will the products in the online store, so check back regularly. Check out the shop.

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

• CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845). Visit the AskMCPS website.

• READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

• FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
  x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol

• SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

• WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

More MCPS Resources

• School calendar

• Parent resource page

• News and Information page / Noticias en Español

• Latest photo galleries

• MCPS TV videos

• MCPS TV español

Montgomery County Public Schools policy on the attendance of students states, “A student is counted present for a full day if a student is absent no more than one hour of the school day. A student is counted absent for a full day if the student is present for 1 hour or less of the school day. A student is credited with one half-day attendance if the student is present more than one hour of the school day and is absent more than one half of the school day.” Also please note that an excused absence is due to illness and not for vacation travel. We will be monitoring attendance carefully and will be in communication with families when habitual attendance concerns rise.

ABSENT: Please call our school office (240- 740-4900) by 9:30 am to report your child's absence. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. If you need to call prior to that time please call and leave a message on the answering machine stating your child’s name and classroom teacher. If a child is absent and we have not heard from the family we will be calling to verify the absence and reason. Please send in a note regarding your child's absence.

GO HOME WITH A FRIEND: If a child is to go home with a friend, the parent must send in a note or the child will not be permitted to go. The note should be given to the homeroom teacher at the beginning of the day.

Regular school attendance is a major predictor of academic success

• Routines should be established for good attendance patterns
• Parents/guardians should notify the school when their child is going to be absent on any given day
• Parents/guardians needs to provide a written note or physician’s certificate for absences or tardiness within 3 days of the students return to school
• Parents/guardians can be required to submit a doctor’s note for excessive absences
• Parents/guardians can be held responsible for failure to send their child to school regularly
• Please call the school if you are in need of support in order to get your child to school on time everyday

Note: Students need to bring a note to school if there is any change in the bus that they will be riding or how they will get home at the end of the day. Students are NOT allowed to come to the office or ask their teachers to make a phone call to create plans or playdates. These need to be determined prior to the start of the school day. Your cooperation will help ensure your child's safety!

Classroom assignments will be ready and posted on the front windows of the school at 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Teachers will be available for Open House on Monday, August 24, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Your child’s teacher can be found via ParentVue on the week before.