Turtle Talk 5/23/2025

A word about our WAAG - Watershed also uses a cultural calendar to ensure visibility of all holidays, holy days, and national days of recognition, across various backgrounds. Watershed continues to be a space of learning, dialogue, and safety for all people. If you have a comment or correction regarding the WAAG, please contact our Turtle Talk editor, Sage Magness-Hill.

https://cdnsm5-ss3.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_2744/File/Calendars/Edited_2024-2025_School_Calendar_050724-WEB.pdf

It is hard to believe that this is the LAST Turtle Talk of the school year! I will send one more school wide correspondence on June 13th but this is the last time you will receive updates from all of the amazing organizations within our community. Please enjoy the long weekend!

Here are some updates for the end of year that you need to keep an eye out for in your email inbox:

Updates about Earth/Field Day for June 10th.

EOY picnics and celebrations

These updates will come directly from teachers! Connect with a grade level friend to ensure that you support each other - community is what Watershed is all about.

As we end the year, we will continue to interview for open staff positions. Updates will continue to be provided through Talking Points (texting). We have final interviews for the next AP with BCPS on June 2nd. We are continuing interviews for a first grade position, a fifth and sixth grade position and new to us this year, a combined special education and resource teacher position. We hope you will join us when the google meet links go out to help give feedback about the candidates!

Summertime is the perfect time to make sure you visit the library with your children and get books for them read in cars during road trips, during an outdoor picnic or during their day camps. All of the camps I worked at had Drop Everything And Read time. And if your children do not go to camp over summer, you can implement DEAR wherever you are!

Please review the 2025-26 BCPS Calendar - we follow the BCPS Calendar for closures for emergencies, inclement weather, professional development days, and half days. If BCPS is closed, WPCS is closed. The only difference is our Wednesday Early Dismissals.

We know that the world is constantly changing and with it, so might your plans for next school year. As soon as you know your child will be attending a different school for the 25-26 school year, please tell the front office. The more time we have to process the withdrawal, the more information we can share with your child's next school. Please note that withdrawal packets will be distributed on the last day of school or your child's last day of attendance.

At the end of fifth grade, every student in the state of Maryland must re-verify their residency information to remain enrolled in their current county. This is required for every student regardless of when they registered in a public school.

Fifth grade students at Watershed must provide residency documentation by June 1 to the front office to remain enrolled for th 25-26 school year. Letters were sent home this past week to all fifth grade students. Please bring your documents to the main office as soon as possible this includes students who are enrolling at another Baltimore County school for the 25-26 school year. We can process your documents in less than 5 minutes minutes if you arrive after 8:30 am (avoiding arrivals).

Hey 7th grade parents - you will have to do this at the end of 8th grade (just a heads up!)

• Always park in a parking space - never the fire lane or in a non-line spot - to pick up your child.
• Slow and steady wins the race (it's how the tortoise beat the hare!) - please make sure your speed is between 5-10 mph on the lot.
• When there is the food pantry, please avoid parking at the end of the parking spot lines so that the pantry line moves easily.

https://bcps.nutrislice.com/menu/bcps-weekly-menus

More information about these dates will be available from your classroom teachers but here are some of the major events happening at Watershed from now to the end of the year:

• Career Day – 5/28
• Kindergarten Round up (newly enrolling kindergarteners) – 6/2 & 6/3
• 5th grade End of Year (EOY) celebration – 6/6
• 6/7 and 1st EOY celebrations – 6/9
• Earth Field Day – 6/10 (board president chat and chew 8:15-9)
• K EOY celebration – 6/11 AM
• 4th grade EOY celebration 6/11 PM
• 3rd and 2nd grade EOY celebration 6/12

Offering summer camp opportunities for kids ages 7-13 from June through August. Campers get to work with professional soccer players from the Baltimore Blast. Please see the two flyers below for more information.

Ms. Lauren has created a plant propagation station in the Watershed front doorway. Plant cuttings are growing in the window and available for anyone to adopt a plant cutting and take it home. Families are also welcome to leave their own plant cuttings for others to take. If you are looking for a new houseplant, check out Ms. Lauren's display!

Since September, we’ve recycled 426 lbs. of plastic—over 40% of our 1,000 lb. goal to earn a free campus bench through the NexTrex Recycling Challenge! Keep bringing clean plastic bags to the white bins outside the front office. Watershed is still recycling plastic for ! Way to go! We have to reach our goal by September 10, 2025.

Watershed was founded in a cooperative space - where students, teachers and families work together to ensure that our children are learning and safe. When you applied to Watershed, you agreed to contribute 40 hours each year in service to the school. There are many families to fulfill this requirement every year - and go above and beyond the expectation! This Turtle Talk will be the space where we note the names of the students whose families have tracked hours so far this year. Next Turtle Talk, we will include the number of hours each family has completed. Please track your hours here: https://forms.gle/Z3SposySt2wtbrmt7

Please see the attachment below for a list of students and families that have completed volunteer hours.

Ticks season typically occurs from early spring through late fall, with peak activity from April to September. Nymphs from young deer are most active in spring and early summer. Adult ticks from adult deer are active in the fall. Warmer climate and high humidity create ideal conditions for tick survival and reproduction.

Did you know? That ticks don't jump, they rely on a strategy called questing, where they climb on vegetation and wait for a host to pass by so they can latch on to a passing animal or human. Ticks live in grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.

Preventing tick bites per CDC

1. Wear long sleeve shirts or pants and closed toe shoes to cover exposed skin. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs. If it's hot outside, consider wearing light colored long sleeve shirts, light colored clothing will also make it easier to see ticks.
2. Treat clothing and gear products containing 0.5% permethrin and again should only be used in clothing, boots/shoes or camping gear. Not to be sprayed on skin.
3. Use EPA registered insect repellant/bug spray. Read and follow product instructions. Please don't send insect repellant in school/book bag. It should be applied before dropping students to school.
4. Walk in the center of the trails
5. Inspect clothes after coming outdoors, make sure used clothes are placed in high heat dryer for 10 minutes to make sure ticks are killed before washing.

*Inspect your child after coming home from school, when they are getting ready to change clothes or before or after showering, making sure that they don't have any ticks, especially if they mentioned that they were in the forest.*

As the weather gets warmer, and our turtles spend more time outside, please don't forget to apply sunscreen on them before dropping them at school. Check the expiration of your sunscreen to provide effective coverage and CDC recommends SPF of 15 or higher.

Make sure they have water bottles in their bookbags.

You can also send them with a hat-please make sure that it's labeled with their name.

Thank you to those who send in their completed comprehensive examination referral. I will be doing my 30 days follow up in the second week of May.

Maryland Schools Record of Physical Form and Pre participation Physical evaluation Form were sent home May 2nd. Once completed please return it to school, it will go to their health files. If your student is going to a different middle school, you can either send the completed form to nurse Flor and it will be on their health files, that will be sent to the middle school over the summer or you can hold on the completed form and give it to the middle school nurse.

Notifications for students who are needing immunization for 1 dose of Tdap and 1 dose of MCV (Meningococcal vaccine) was sent in March, please call your HCP if your child need those vaccine. They will need to have those immunizations before the 2025-26 school year starts. Missing immunization can result in exclusion. I will reach out to you one day during the summer break to remind you of the vaccinations needed.

Nurse Flor schedule follows teachers schedule over the summer.

• 24 hrs. fever-free without the use of any medication
• 24 hrs. diarrhea-free
• 24 hrs. vomit-free

If your kid is sick: Send in a note, an email, or a doctor's note to your child's homeroom teacher or school nurse when they are absent. You will still receive a BCPS phone call or voice message that your child is absent regardless of notifying school, teacher or school nurse. It is a safety feature.

Clothes: Please make sure you have extra clothes in your child's book bag. If Nurse Flor loaned your student clothes, please return the clothes to Nurse Flor once washed/cleaned, please and thank you! The nurse's suite currently doesn't have any more pants to lend for any age.

Dear Watershed Families,

As we close out a remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together and to thank you for your partnership in helping our students grow, thrive, and shine.

This year, we saw incredible strides in our school-wide climate and culture, thanks to new initiatives designed to build community, strengthen character, and amplify student voice. With the launch of The Watershed Way and our monthly Virtues Celebration, students across all grade levels explored what it means to be honorable, determined, respectful, empathetic, and accountable. Our Student of the Month breakfasts helped highlight these traits in action, and it was truly heartwarming to see students support and celebrate one another.

We also expanded student opportunities to lead and learn in new ways. Our Turtle Tide News Crew and student-led announcements gave students the chance to research, write, and present on topics including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and College & Career Awareness. These students practiced communication skills and leadership that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

Other key highlights include:

• Our first school-wide Career Day, which welcomed nearly 20 professionals and community partners to speak with students about future possibilities.

• The growth of our Middle School Mentorship and After-School Tutoring programs, connecting older students with younger learners.

• Student participation in Student Service Learning (SSL), where rising 6th–8th graders began building hours through school service, peer mentoring, and leadership.

As we head into summer, I encourage families to continue nurturing social and emotional well-being at home. Here are a few summer tips for all ages (K–8):

• Maintain a consistent routine, including sleep, meals, and quiet time.

• Create tech-free zones to encourage family conversation and play.

• Visit your local library to explore books on new interests.

• Encourage open communication about feelings, worries, or goals for next school year.

• Celebrate growth by reflecting on progress and setting goals for the grade ahead.

And for families of rising 6th graders, a friendly reminder that students are now eligible to begin earning Student Service Learning hours, which are required for high school graduation. I’ll be happy to support any student or family with logging these opportunities over the summer.

Lastly, please know that I am a 12-month school employee and available to families during the summer months. If you need support, a check-in, or a referral to community resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can also find a list of local mental health and community resources below for support during the break.

Thank you for a wonderful year, and for allowing me the privilege of supporting your students. I can’t wait to see the joy, growth, and potential that next year brings!

Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and restorative summer.

With gratitude,
Ms. Rives (Hennessy)
School Counselor
rhennessy@bcps.org

As always, I’m here to support not only our students but also our families. I can share local mental health resources as well as connect families directly to therapists through our school-based mental health partnerships with Thrive Behavioral Health and Lighthouse Youth Services. If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out at rhennessy@bcps.org.

Local Community Resources are listed below:
· Baltimore County DSS: 410-887-TIME
· Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214
· Crisis text line: Text the word "HOME" 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: 1-800-422-0009
· Crisis Text Line: text TALK to 741741
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or https://988lifeline.org/

Sheppard Pratt's Urgent Walk-In Clinic (Towson)- 410-938-5302

On May 28th, 2025, our Watershed Public Charter School community came together for an incredible College and Career Day filled with discovery, inspiration, and hands-on learning. Our auditorium buzzed with excitement as students in grades 4–7 rotated through a vibrant career fair featuring 19 unique exhibitors from a wide range of industries—from law enforcement and healthcare to engineering, education, and real estate.

Meanwhile, our K–3 students welcomed classroom presenters into their learning spaces, engaging in conversations and activities that introduced them to a variety of professions and sparked curiosity about the many paths they can take in the future.

Students participated actively by completing BINGO cards designed to guide their conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect on what they learned. Many of our presenters shared how impressed they were by our students’ curiosity and enthusiasm!

Career Day by the Numbers:

• 19 Exhibitor Booths in the Auditorium

• 9 K–3 Classroom Presenters

• Over 300 Engaged Student Participants

• 10 Incredible Student Ambassadors Supporting the Day

• Dozens of Volunteer Hours Logged

We’re proud to say that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—students left the day talking about new career possibilities, asking insightful questions, and expressing gratitude to our guests. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions of time, energy, and expertise from our volunteers.

Photos from the Day

Visit our photo gallery to see snapshots of the event—from student interactions at booths to smiling faces during our thank-you celebrations!

A heartfelt thank you to all our exhibitors, classroom presenters, staff, and volunteers: thank you for making this day meaningful. Your time and energy helped create an unforgettable experience for our students, opening their minds to what’s possible.

At Watershed, we’re proud to recognize students who show the virtue of determination—those who keep going, even when things get tough. Whether it’s pushing through a challenging assignment, practicing a skill, or reaching a goal step by step, these students have shown what it means to stay focused and never give up. Their resilience, effort, and growth mindset inspire us all. Way to go, Students of the Month! 💙💚

Students of the month - Determination

• Grade: K

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Chapman

    • William Hope

    • Ronin Saunders

    • Emerie Timmons

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Norton-Smith

    • Alice Dugger

• Grade: 1st

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Cirjak

    • Jada Farrington

    • Kyro Boyd

    • Nikolai Johnson

    • Ethan McMillan

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Yorke

    • Javon Muse

    • Keller Sandusky

    • Mustafa Husian

• Grade: 2nd

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Frazier

    • Kamara Abrams

    • Isabella Word

    • Zoey Nock

    • Mercy Okoromi

    • Tylan Lawson

  • Teacher/Homeroom: O'Brien

    • Elias Coleman

    • Keri Alston

    • Awa Ndiaye

    • Liam Wise-Meyer

• Grade: 3rd

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Evans

    • Lincoln Taylor

    • Gehiji Thomas

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Palmer

    • Parris LaFrance

    • Monroe Sandusky

    • Davion Williams

    • Alister Gonzalez

    • *Willow Palewicz

• Grade: 4th

  • Teacher/Homeroom: McCaffrey

    • Kalel Charleston

    • Tyana Williams

    • Kamden Boyd

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Ross

    • Harper Nicholson

    • Iris Renshaw

    • Audrina Wagner

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Wright

    • Riley Mann

    • Elijah Morit

    • Camille Young

• Grade: 5th

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Anderson

    • Rochelle Stokes

    • Camryn Pope

  • Teacher/Homeroom: Castillo

    • Arafat Aremu

    • Alaina McLaughlin

• Grade: 6th

  • Evan Smith

  • Raegan Bivens

• Grade: 7th

  • Josiah Collis

  • Jayden Cunningham

The Maryland State Department of Education requires that all high school diploma seeking students complete 75 hours of Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours. Students can begin earning hours in 6th grade.

All student service-learning hours must be pre-approved by the school student service-learning coordinator prior to completion to guarantee hours meet BCPS requirements. Students and families can find both the Student Service Learning pre-approval and post volunteer reflection forms on the Watershed Website under "For Families" as well as on the BCPS website. I can also provide hard copies of these forms when requested. For a detailed understanding of SSL hours and the criteria specifications, please visit the BCPS website linked below. Upon completion of SSL hours, student must complete a reflection form, along with their hour verification form signed by the site supervisor and turn into Ms. Rives to be documented into their student Focus portal.

Last week, we met on-site with St. Gabriel’s Church, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, New Edge Contractors, and their architect to coordinate next steps for the Upper School modular classrooms. The site and building permits are in progress, and we’re working with legal counsel on a deed revision related to the Forest Buffer. We’ll continue to keep you posted as we move toward delivery and installation.

On May 20, volunteers from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Business Volunteers Maryland helped refresh our outdoor learning spaces. They also donated gardening tools and a cordless weed whacker—thank you!.

Check out the new double Adirondack chair and tabletop near the front entrance, built by Owings Mills High School students through their CTE program—beautiful craftsmanship!

Thanks to PTO fundraising, a new gaga ball pit is being installed near the rain garden by May 27. It’s portable and comes with soft playground balls—get ready for some fun!

6th and 7th graders can earn service hours after school on Tuesdays through the PTO Gardening Club. Volunteers have worked on the pollinator garden and hydroponics cleanup—thank you!

The next Watershed Board of Directors meeting will be held in person on Tuesday, May 27 at 6:00 PM at the school. All are welcome! To speak during Public Comments, please email board@watershedpcs.org by 12:00 PM that day.

Ideas/Questions/Concerns Contact us at PTO@watershedpto.org

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at the May PTO Meeting. We discussed all of the upcoming end of year events and held our PTO executive board elections for the position of Secretary and held a vote on a budget proposal.

Check out all the exciting news in our May Meeting Minutes.

Budget Update: The third-grade teachers informed the PTO Executive Board that the mobile visitor center would no longer be available for their upcoming field trip. The board met and voted to reallocate the previously approved $80 toward the pavilion rental to help offset costs for families.

We look forward to seeing you at our final PTO meeting of the school year on Tuesday, June 3rd! meet.google.com/uvx-zqmz-rcd

The Watershed PTO is on the lookout for its next dynamic leader. Could it be you? Step into the spotlight as PTO President (either solo or alongside a Co-President), and help shape the future of our amazing community.

Elections will be held at our next meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 7 PM.
Ready to lead? Submit your nomination today using form

Curious what the role is really like? The Elections Committee sat down with Kristi to get the behind-the-scenes scoop. Check out the President Q&A and get inspired

The Career Fear is almost here. Taking place on Wednesday, May 28th, Ms. Rives has put together a special event where volunteers from the community will share insights into a variety of careers with our students.

To make this event a success, Ms. Rives is kindly asking for the community’s support in a few key areas:

• Career Fair Banner (A volunteer would create this)
• Balloons and Décor
• Set-up Help
• Donations of bottled water, coffee, fruits, and light snacks for the presenters

If you can help in any way, please reach out to rhennessy@bcps.org or PTO@watershedpto.org so we can help get you connected.

The Watershed PTOis thrilled to announce our first-ever End-of-Year Bash!
We’re celebrating in true family reunion style, honoring our amazing students, families, and staff with an evening full of connection, gratitude, and fun. It’s also the perfect moment to give heartfelt thanks to our incredible volunteers and bring the entire Watershed community together for one unforgettable send-off celebration.

Students, Families, Teachers, and Staff, join us on Friday, June 6th, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Freedom Church (right next door to Watershed) for some food, snacks, fun games, arts and crafts, and more!

Interested in helping bring this event to life? Have a lawn game you’d like to share for the event? A backup tent that could be used in inclement weather. Reach out to Liz Trimm at elizabethrtrimm@gmail.com to see how you can help!

We can’t wait to celebrate with our wonderful Watershed Family! RSVP here today to reserve your spot and help make sure we have enough food and fun for everyone!

We wanted to extend a huge thank you to all the Watershed families who joined us for the dance this past Friday! Seeing so many of you there was a joy, bringing your energy, style, and Watershed spirit to the event. From the creative sneakers to the incredible dance moves, the night was filled with fun, laughter, and style. See you at next year’s dances!

Ever wanted to participate in the area’s best 4th of July celebration? Watershed Turtles have the opportunity to join the Catonsville 4th of July parade as banner carriers!

Here are some basic details:

Each banner needs two volunteers. Which means, we won’t be walking as a large group but in pairs. A parent will need to be present to help our younger friends.

Wearing Watershed spirit wear is encouraged! Sign up here for more details and to participate: https://forms.gle/iaEe1vfPX7LDEFd76

Any questions, please reach out to Laryn Rollhauser at lrollhauser@gmail.com!

We’re gearing up for an exciting celebration for our Upper School students in grades 5–7 — and we’d love your help to make it amazing!

Want to be part of making this celebration memorable? Join the Upper School Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 28th, at 6:00 PM via Google Meet. We’ll be sharing what’s in the works and looking for volunteers to help make these celebrations extra special. It’s a great way to get involved and help give our students a memorable send-off to summer!

Service learning hours are still available for 6th and 7th grade students to assist with gardening and groundskeeping. Responsibilities include weekly weeding of the pollinator and vegetable gardens, watering plants and trees on campus grounds, mulching, trash pickup, and organizing lost and found items. Service learning hours will continue on Tuesdays from 3:15-4:00 pm until June 3rd. Students are able to attend any or all days as their availability allows. This will take place rain or shine! Please review and complete the form for your student to participate!

Watershed Public Charter School is now participating in the Box Tops for Education program! To earn some extra box tops, when you download the app, please take a minute and use the QR code or visit here referral code (T8071IUK) and download the app to get started.

Did you know that the Watershed PTO has a LinkTree? Visit https://linktr.ee/watershedpto to find an up to date list of all our links including volunteer opportunities sign-ups, staff appreciation week, repair shop, dance committee sign-ups, the exec board nomination form, and more!