Wizards' Watch

• Black History Month
• Low Vision Awareness Month
• Raynaud's Awareness Month

Please make sure to update the spreadsheet with new students, WOC students, once they receive their book, and when other books are awarded. The current spreadsheet was updated on January 17,

The Book Vending Student List is ALSO attached WEEKLY further along in the SMORE.

As we prepare for upcoming i-Ready testing, we encourage teachers to intentionally engage students in goal setting—both individually and as a class. Goal setting helps students understand where they are, where they are going, and what actions they can take to grow as learners.

Research consistently shows that goal setting improves student motivation, focus, and achievement, even in the primary grades. When students are given developmentally appropriate goals—especially goals that focus on effort, strategies, and growth rather than scores—they are more likely to stay engaged, persevere through challenges, and take ownership of their learning. Studies also show that young students benefit when goals are clear, visual, revisited often, and celebrated, reinforcing a growth mindset and positive learning habits.

For i-Ready, goal setting does not need to be complex. Simple practices such as:

• Reviewing individual or class goals before testing

• Helping students name one thing they want to improve

• Using child-friendly language (e.g., “I will try my best,” “I will take my time,” “I will show what I know”)

• Reflecting after testing on effort and strategies

can have a powerful impact on student confidence and performance.

As you plan for i-Ready, consider using goal setting as a tool for empowerment, not pressure. These conversations are a great opportunity to reinforce that assessments are one snapshot in time and that growth, effort, and reflection matter most.

Thank you for continuing to support our students in becoming thoughtful, motivated, and reflective learners.

We’re excited to kick off this year’s PLC book study the week of February 20th with the powerful and timely book:
Your Students, My Students, Our Students: Rethinking Equitable and Inclusive Classrooms by Lee Ann Jung, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and Julie Kroener.

This book challenges us to shift our thinking from my students to our students—and offers practical, classroom-ready strategies that support equity, inclusion, and collective responsibility for every learner at WHES.

📘 How the Book Study Will Work:

• 📅 Begins the week of February 20th (A-Day)

• 🧠 2 chapters every other PLC

• 🕒 Discussion time embedded right into our PLC time

• 🔁 Occurs only during Kid Talk and Collaboration cycles.

• ⭐ Participants will also have the opportunity to earn 10 PL points for their engagement and participation

Readings can take place in lieu of our January Staff meeting and the days we do not have morning content PLCs. This will allow for meaningful conversations woven into the PLC structures we already value. *** We handed them out earlier because some MAY want to use the time during our snow days to get a jump start.

This book study is designed to spark reflection, conversation, and collaboration as we continue strengthening our practices and supporting one another. Whether you’re new to book studies or a seasoned pro, we can’t wait to learn, reflect, and grow together.

Get ready for great discussions, powerful takeaways, and plenty of “aha” moments. We’re excited to begin this journey with you! 💙

February

2nd - ELA iReady Diagnostic

5th - Elementary All County Band and Strings Concert! 7pm at Huntingtown High School. Many of our 5th grade students will be participating! It should be a great show!

11th - 2 hr early dismissal; elementary conferences (CCEIS; R2R)

9th - Math iReady Diagnostic

16th - School Closed President's Day

17th - Grade 2 and those new to CCPS CoGat Testing begins.

20th - Book Study begins in PLC's

• Student Makeup Days

The following calendar changes have been made:

Friday, March 6, 2026 – Student makeup day for the January 26 closure

• Middle School: B Day

• Elementary School: D Day

Friday, May 1, 2026 – Student makeup day for the January 27 closure

• Middle School: A Day

• Elementary School: E Day

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – full student day

• The previously scheduled early dismissal will no longer occur

Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Student makeup day for the January 28 closure

• This will be a two-hour early dismissal day

• Last Day for Students

• Middle School: B Day

• Elementary School: A Day

Marking Period and Report Card Updates

Because of the January closures, timelines for the second marking period will shift:

• Second Marking Period Report Cards will be available in Home Access Center (HAC) and sent home for elementary students on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

• This date will be used to determine athletic eligibility.

• Interim Progress Reports will move from Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to Friday, February 27, 2026.

• Third Marking Period will end on April 10, 2026.

• The previously scheduled teacher work time date will remain unchanged.

• The marking period will include 45 instructional days.

• Report card distribution will occur as originally scheduled.

• MTSS/SIT - 1st Tuesday of each month 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. (Team Leads, including Equity and PBIS Leads)
• Committees - 2nd Tuesday of each month 8:50-9:15 a.m.
• Staff Meetings - 3rd Tuesday of each month 7:50 - 8:50 a.m.
• Inclusive Leadership Team - 4th Tuesday of each month 8:30 - 9:15

All staff are required to serve on a committee, with a team rep on each of:

1. Wellness
2. Equity
3. PBIS
4. MTSS/SIT

If there are 5 team members, there may be 2 teachers on a committee

You can now earn Professional Development Points for our Restorative Practices Book Study. Use the button link below to log into your Professional Learning Platform and you will find Course #11310 titled "WHES Staff Meetings 25/26 SY"

The Calvert County School Foundation is excited to announce the Spread the Love Classroom Refresh initiative! This is your chance to show appreciation for our amazing CCPS teachers by nominating them for a special classroom refresh.

How It Works: · Each nomination is just $5.00 and can be submitted using the QR code or link provided - https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=EQ080

Nomination period runs from January 5 – February 2.

On February 13, three lucky teachers will be surprised with a $500 classroom refresh! Winners will be randomly selected by drawing—one from each level: elementary, middle, and high school.

Thank You to Our Sponsor:
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union for making this event possible.

Let’s spread love and give our teachers the refreshed classrooms they deserve!

Please note that the link and QR Code will be active on January 5th.

https://osp.osmsinc.com/CalvertMD/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=EQ080

As we begin Black History Month, thank you for the thoughtful, intentional ways you help students engage in culturally responsive learning. This month provides a powerful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of African American history and recognize the contributions, voices, and stories that shape our nation. I appreciate all you do to ensure representation, reflection, and meaningful learning in your classrooms.

Math is All Around Us

March 18th – Calvert High School - 5:30-7:30 PM

• MESA- Mondays after school 4:20-5:20

• Robotics is every Wednesday from 8:00-9:15.

• Math Club will meet Wednesdays after school at 4:20 pm.

• Destination Imagination - Thursdays 8:00-9:15
• Drama is every Friday from 7:30 - 9:15
• Tabletop Adventures Club - Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:15 am

Dears Teachers and staff

This year, our school is joining the green Program to help care for our planet! Through this program we will learn how to recycle, reduce waste, and make choices that help the Earth. We’ll be promoting fun, eco-friendly activities together so they can be easily implemented in your classrooms. The activities will include simple challenges like collecting paper for the recycling bin, outdoor experiences such as reading and exploring nature, making our own recycled paper, watching short videos to learn how to identify recyclable materials, and hands-on demonstrations.

To accomplish our mission this school year, we need to document and take photos of all the activities we complete. If you already have something planned in your schedule, please let me know, I’ll take care of the entire process, just make sure to include me. We also have materials in the trailer that can be reused for your projects. Our goal is to work as a team to inspire our students to recycle, respect nature and make positive changes every day.

Thank you for your support and teamwork.

Nery Makagonow

Windy Hill Elementary

In the "Affect and Compass of Shame" Folder in Schoology, complete the 3 activities by January 20th.

The access code to join the Schoology Course is:

BZR8-48HK-8KJHP

(repeat) It is the teacher's responsibility to renew their teacher license. Please be sure that you know when your license expires and what you need to do to renew them. You will need to initiate a process in Employee Records. Here are some helpful resources:

Educator Licensure

https://www.iacet.org/ - Use this website to verify whether a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is accepted.

(repeat) Did you know you can enter absences on your phone through Employee Access Center (EAC) Powerschool App? The instructions below explain how to download and set up the app to enter any absences. If you already have the app, make sure it is updated to the 23.10 version. Make sure you are using the latest version before you enter absences.

To request a sub, go through Smart Find Express. The instructions for that are linked below as well!

(repeat) Three ways to contact the CCPS Help Desk:

1. Compose an email to: helpdesk@calvertnet.k12.md.us. Please be as detailed as possible. If it pertains to a student's device, include the student's name, class subject, school location, computer asset tag, etc.

2. To access the CCPS Help Center, locate Help Desk Support Icon on your desktop (see image above right). Simply click the icon to access the Help Desk home page.

3. The CCPS Help Center can also be found in the Staff Portal on the CCPS website.

IMPORTANT: Please submit Help Desk tickets when experiencing technology issues and train your students to do the same. This keeps IT aware of technology issues as they occur and helps us track the technology issues at WHMS.

Bonus: The home page of the CCPS Help Center also includes technology help, troubleshooting articles, FAQs, and more!😃

Activity Log: If you sign into the CCPS Help Center page, you can view an activity log of all of your helpdesk tickets. Just click your profile at the top right of the page and select My activities.💻

Windy Hill Elementary PTO strives to build a sense of community among parents, teachers, and students. They organize social events, family-oriented activities, and collaborative projects that bring people together. There are several ways to support the PTO and WHES. Joining the PTO allows you to IMMEDIATLY start supporting WHES, the family events and projects for the staff, students, and families. Volunteering is optional and not required as a member. Fun volunteer opportunities pop up throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled. We are excited to see you this year!

Let’s Celebrate Each Other!
Employee shout-outs are a fun and easy way to recognize the amazing things happening around us every day. Whether it’s outstanding work, extra effort, or just a moment that made a difference. This is your chance to give someone the spotlight they deserve!

Drop a well-deserved “Shout” by using the Microsoft Form link below and help spread the positivity. Let’s keep lifting each other up!

https://forms.office.com/r/Qu2yZyCpwJ

Karen, Lori, Dawn, Hollie, and Barb - Thank you for your skillful presentations in our school-based professional learning Friday afternoon! Excellent work ~ Michele

Debbie - Thank you for providing fuel for our team to finish the afternoon with snacks!

Short Week. Feel free to add your next week shout outs using the link above. I will add it to next week's Smore.