The WEEKLY DUCK

Kelli Jenkins, Principal

Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal

Location ~ 11575 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042

Phone ~ 410-313-7165

Website ~ https://mwes.hcpss.org/

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Dear Manor Woods Families,

Our students and staff had another GREAT week! We have had the opportunity to spend time with each grade level and our students are working hard, making new friends, settling in to routines and showing their MIGHTY DUCK behaviors! WAY TO GO MIGHTY DUCKS!

Our Back-to-School Nights are being held next week on Wednesday, September 9th and Thursday, September 10th. These nights are intended for adults since a lot of information will be shared. We ask that you do not bring your children unless it is the only way you can attend. If you must bring your children, they must remain with you and it is suggested you bring something quiet for them to do. All presentations from the evenings will be posted on our website at a later date. Below is the schedule for each night. We look forward to seeing parents/guardians at our Back-ti-School-Nights next week!

This is just a reminder that HCPSS schools and offices are closed Monday, September 7th. We look forward to seeing our students return to school on Tuesday, September 8th.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Kelli Jenkins, Principal

Jennifer Zinn, Assistant Principal

September

• 3 - Instrumental Music Orientation, Cafeteria, 6:00 PM

• 3 - PTO Meeting, Media Center, 7:00 PM ~ UPDATE ~ Change in Date

• 7 - Schools & Offices Closed ~ Labor Day

• 9 - Kindergarten Back to School Night, 5:30-6:15 PM (Parents/Guardians ONLY)

• 9 - 1st & 2nd Back to School Night, 6:30-7:15 PM (Parents/Guardians ONLY)

• 10 - 3rd & GT Math Back to School Night, 5:30-6:15 PM (Parents/Guardians ONLY)

• 10 - 4th & 5th Back to School Night, 6:30-7:15 PM

• 21 - Schools & Offices Closed - Yom Kippur

• 30 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal - Staff Professional Day, 12:15 Dismissal

October

• 7 - School Picture Day
• 12 - PTO Duck Dash
• 16 - Schools Closed For Students - Staff Professional Day
• 19 - Family Literacy Night 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• 28 - Schools Closed For Students - Staff Professional Day

Add the HCPSS online calendar to your mobile/online calendar by following the steps on the HCPSS calendar page.

PLEASE NOTE! The calendar is subject to change. The online calendar reflects the most recent version.

RELATED ARTS ~ COLOR DAYS

Tentative Related Arts Color Day schedule

Last Chance to Register for Music Ensembles!

Now is the perfect time for your child to participate in the performing arts! Registration for Band, Orchestra, and Chorus is OPEN to all 4th and 5th grade students (no experience required). We hope everyone joins in the music and fun!

Please follow this link for MWES Performing Arts information for more information. You may contact our ensemble directors with specific questions. Don't miss out! Registrations for our 2026-27 ensembles are due TODAY, Friday, September 4th. Thank you!

Ms. Heinlein and Mrs. Salapata, School Counselors, are here to support students and families. Ms. Heinlein (grades 1, 2, 3 & 5) and Mrs. Salapata (grades K and 4) can be reached through email: mheinlein@hcpss.org; csalapata@hcpss.org or by calling 410-313-7165. We look forward to serving you and your children!

Visit HCPSS School Counseling Services for more information about the school counseling program.

Community Resources

The Howard County Office of Children and Family Service's Parent Pages monthly newsletter is a great resource for families that highlights programming and workshops, along with local resources, events, and parenting information.

Upcoming Countywide September Events and Resources

Salvation Army Supports:

A drive-thru Food Distribution Event will be held September 28 from 12pm to 2pm at 3267 Pine Orchard Rd. See flyer (English) (Spanish) for more information.

Christmas Angel Tree Program 2026: Gifts for children 12 years and younger. See flyer for more information. Applications will be accepted September 14 - September 18.

Save the Date: October 7, 2026

Spirit Wear Link

Luau Registration Link

Luau Volunteer Sign-Up

The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment is designed to measure a student’s academic achievement and growth over time in reading and mathematics. Together with other classroom-based information, MAP results can help teachers make instructional decisions that match the needs of each child.

For more information on the MAP Assessment please visit https://www.hcpss.org/academics/testing/map-information/.

All volunteers must check in at the front office. Please present your driver’s license to complete the check-in process. We value our volunteers and the contribution they make to our students and school! Per the Howard County Board of Education Policy, all volunteers must complete applicable trainings prior to any volunteering activities. The steps below must be completed before volunteering. HCPSS Volunteer Information

Volunteers must complete two training sessions. Please follow the steps below to complete and submit the training certificates.

1. Complete the short volunteer confidentiality training here

• Español,

• 中文

• 한국어

and then fill out the form linked below and bring it to school or send the form via email to Caroline Chisholm at caroline_chisholm@hcpss.org. We also have some you can complete during your first visit if you don't have access to a printer.

1. Complete this short child abuse training here

• Español

• 中文

• 한국어

and complete the certificate linked below and bring to school (we have copies of this if needed) or send the form via email to Caroline Chisholm at caroline_chisholm@hcpss.org. click here for Child abuse and Neglect Training:

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Procedures Training Certificate of Completion

• Español

• 中文

• 한국어

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS

The Howard County Public School System has a separate form for visitors, representatives from an outside agency or parents/guardians who will be conducting classroom visits for observation purposes. Please download, print and complete the form below, and submit to the MWES Front Office prior to the classroom observation.

• English

• Español

• 中文

• 한국어

Confidentiality Agreement For Conducting Classroom Visit/Observations

• Español

• 中文

• 한국어

We now have a drop off zone in the vestibule for items parents/guardians are dropping off during the school day for their child. There are directions for labelling, sticky notes to write your child's information, and a table to leave the items. Our front office staff will make sure the item makes its way to your child.

Parent lunch visits are no longer permitted at any HCPSS school. Limiting access during the school day ensures safe and secure school communities by removing unnecessary access to students and school buildings, reducing disruptions, supporting student routines, and minimizing non-essential traffic in student areas. Parents are encouraged to communicate with school staff to stay engaged in their child's learning and seek opportunities to volunteer in an official capacity at the school. Parents continued to not be permitted to attend or visit during any recess blocks.

Don't Be Late-Learning Starts Right Away!

Doors will open for students at 8:30 AM, and the late bell rings at 8:45 AM. ALL students should be in the building and ready for instruction to being at 8:45 AM. As a reminder, adults will not be permitted to walk students inside the building, and dogs are not allowed on school property during arrival or dismissal.

A HUGE THANK YOU to our Manor Woods Parents/Guardians for completing the Family File! We are at 100% completion! THANK YOU!

ARRIVAL

Doors open at 8:30 am

All students can enter the building starting at 8:30 am. Students who will arrive by car should not be dropped off or let out of your vehicle until 8:30 am. We do not have supervision available for students before this time. Before and after care is available through Howard County Parks and Recreation if needed.

Final bell at 8:45 am

All children who are not in their classrooms ready for instruction at 8:45 am are considered late. For all children who arrive at 8:45 AM or after, a parent/guardian MUST park in the big parking lot, and walk your child to the building to sign in at the front office using the Raptor system. This is for the safety your child.

DISMISSAL

Students are dismissed at 3:15 pm

Early Dismissals

Please bring your driver's license. If your student has an early dismissal, please make certain he/she is picked up before 2:55 pm to make certain you are out before our buses begin to arrive. Early dismissals cannot be conducted after 2:55 pm. Please know that the end of the student day is an extremely busy time for our front office as well as in our classrooms as everyone is preparing for dismissal. We appreciate your understanding of this expectation.

If you arrive after 2:55 pm, you will need to wait in the car loop line until our regular dismissal begins. It is best to alert your child(s) teacher and the front office regarding early dismissals ahead of time.

We would also like for you to provide a note each day your child has an after-school activity. This helps the teacher and your child remember the activity on a weekly basis.

Transportation Information

We highly encourage you to send your child to school by bus. Utilizing the bus helps reduce the number of cars in our car loop. The online HCPSS bus stop locator is scheduled to be available Wednesday, Aug. 19. At that time, families can access bus stop locations, and pickup/dropoff times.

Students who receive specialized transportation through their IEPs will be contacted by their bus driver with bus numbers and pick-up/drop-off times.

For all bus riders, please plan to arrive at the bus stop 10-15 minutes early during the first two weeks of school, to allow the bus the flexibility needed to pick up and drop off all students.

DISMISSAL TAGS

Starting the first day of school, we highly recommend that your child follow his/her normal routine. This is particularly important on the first day because we want to ensure that they arrive home safely. All students will receive a tag on the first day of school that will indicate how they go home. Please help us by having your child keep this on his/her backpack throughout the year. It is a way for us to double check their afternoon dismissal routine.

WILL YOUR CHILD(REN) DISMISS AS A CAR RIDER THIS YEAR?

We are committed to ensuring arrival and dismissal is safe, quick, and efficient. We thank you in advance for your cooperation, support, and patience.

Will your child(ren) dismiss as a car rider this school year? IF so, please complete this brief survey as soon as possible. If you have more than one child dismissing as a car rider, please complete the form for EACH child.

MWES CARLOOP PROCEDURES

Car riders will be provided with 2 official MWES Carloop Passes. Please complete these passes with your child(ren)'s first and last name and grade. Write LARGE and NEAT. This is how we will identify your vehicle and child(ren). This pass will be required for the fastest pick up of your child(ren) and will provide staff with "visual confirmation" that your child(ren) are being picked up by an authorized adult.

ABSENCE NOTE

When your child is absent, please send an email on the day your child returns to the following address:

MWESabsence@hcpss.org

Please send an email to the above address with the following information:

1. Child's name
2. Teacher
3. Grade
4. Date of absence
5. Reason for the absence. If a reason is not included, the absence will be considered unlawful. You may copy your child's teacher on the attendance email if you'd like.

Even if you have notified MWES of your upcoming absence, HCPSS will send out an automated e-mail message whenever a student is absent. MWES will make sure your child is marked accurately on their attendance record.

*****Important Note*******

If you know your child will be absent for more than 3 days or would like to request days, please fill out an EXTENDED ABSENCE DISCRETIONARY ABSENCE Form

Please click here for the form: https://www.hcpss.org/about-us/forms/

Feel free to email the completed form to caroline_chisholm@hcpss.org

Absences for Religious Obligation:

Religious Forms Click here: https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/fillable-religious-absence.pdf

Please find the 2026–27 school supply lists for each grade level on our website (link below) as well as the HCPSS website. Click on the link below to access the school supply list.

https://mwes.hcpss.org/supply-list/2026-2027

SCHOOL MEAL COSTS

Breakfast ~ $2.20

Lunch ~ $3.00

Milk ~ $0.60

HCPSS SCHOOL MENU

We Need EVERY Family to Apply-Even if You Don't Think You Would Qualify

Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) programLinks to an external site..

Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.

Families must submit a new application every school year. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.

Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely.

• Apply onlineLinks to an external site.
• Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Answers to frequently asked questionsLinks to an external site. on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMsLinks to an external site. or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or foodsvc@hcpss.org.

Resources to help with this program

• Direct link to apply for Free and Reduced MealsLinks to an external site.
• FARMs paper applications - In print production, to be delivered to schools and made available to families
• HCPSS Free and Reduced Meals webpageLinks to an external site.
• FARMs participation additional opportunitiesLinks to an external site.
• HCPSS FARMs FAQsLinks to an external site.

Please click on the following link to access the Kindergarten/New Student Orientation Presentation from Friday, August 21st.

Kindergarten/New Student Orientation

To help keep track of student belongings, we kindly ask that all personal items (jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc.) are labeled with your child’s first and last name. We will regularly remind students to check the Lost & Found for missing items.

Please note that items not claimed by the last day of each month will be removed from property. This helps us keep our school clean, organized, and free from conditions that could attract pests.

We know and appreciate that families want to recognize their children’s birthdays and participate in other class celebrations. However, it is important to remember that HCPSS Policy 9090: Wellness Through Nutrition and Physical Activity does not allow for parents (or staff) to bring in food for these kinds of occasions. You may bring in something special for your own child, but any food items cannot be shared with other students. If you’d like to provide a goodie bag to the class, consider including items like pencils, fidgets, or other small, non-food items

When there are class celebrations throughout the year, the food items will be in alignment with HCPSS Policy 9090 and meet the required nutritional guidelines. If you would prefer that your child not have what is being offered, you may choose to send in an alternate item.

Also, please note that HCPSS provides a circular to all schools each year prohibiting the presence of latex balloons in school buildings. Any balloons used for decoration or celebration in the building must be latex-free.

What Your Child Will Learn guides provide an overview of the instructional program for your child’s grade, as well as student goals and expectations. The guides include information to help parents monitor and support their child’s progress during the school year.

Individual guides are provided for each grade level. Each grade level guide provides information categorized by curriculum area, e.g., Language Arts, Science, etc.

The guides are available online only; print versions are no longer distributed. Specific guide webpages may be printed from the website.

Specific student programs may differ depending on instructional needs.

• Kindergarten

• Grade One

• Grade Two

• Grade Three

• Grade Four

• Grade Five

The Student Code of Conduct is updated for the 2026-2027 school year and can be found online. Updates to the Student & Parent Handbook are being made and families will be notified once those are completed.

Bullying Communication- HCPSS Policy 9460

Please click here to view the bullying communication in regards to HCPSS Policy 9460.