BWES BEAR FACTS October 2, 2026
🚨 ACTION REQUIRED: Complete Your Family File & FARMs Application
Every Bryant Woods Elementary family must complete a new Family File and submit a FARMs application for every student each school year.
Family File
Updating your Family File ensures we have current emergency contacts and medical information if your child becomes ill or there is an emergency. It is also required for students to participate in field trips.
FARMs Application
Even if you don’t think your family will qualify, please apply. The application may provide eligible families with benefits such as:
- Free or reduced-price meals
- Discounted internet service
- College application fee waivers
- Reduced JumpStart tuition
- And other valuable resources
Just as importantly, every completed FARMs application helps Bryant Woods maintain critical funding for programs that benefit all students, including free breakfast, Title I services, Community Schools programming, and other state and federal resources.
Please complete both items as soon as possible.
FARMs Application: https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new?identifier=GA4UME
Join us on Thursday, October 15 from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m.
Join is for an exciting night looking at shaping our school's future! We invite you to delve into our school data and share your insights on how we can move forward together. We will be providing dinner form Olive Garden, childcare for BWES students grade K-5 and an opportunity to receive a free Roving Radish box for the first 25 families and a special free drawing for those that attend!
Please RSVP by Friday, October 9 so we can plan accordingly by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhTZ8e5CG9ya2ZxCuzTdf3ps1Gan2Q38SUSq4VylhdqKGiqA/viewform
Let's work together to build a stronger school community! We look forward to seeing you there!
BWES SCHOOL STORE FUNDRAISER!
Hello Parents,
Be on the lookout for a colorful Book Buddy Lanyard coming home soon!
You will find important information about a safe and easy way your family can help our school get the essential tools our students and teachers need to succeed. It will also let you know how your child can win fun prizes just for helping!
Thanks,
Bryant Woods Elementary School
Food Pantry @ BWES
Did you know that Bryant Woods Elementary is one of 14 food bank locations in Howard County?
Bryant Woods is a community-based school, so we are partnering with the Community Action Council of Howard County & MD Food Bank to provide our students and families with as many resources as possible. Our food pantry is free and accessible to the entire community on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM.
If you want to visit the food pantry, please contact the front office or our
Family & Community Engagement liaison.
Lauren Slattery at lauren_slattery@hcpss.org.
Adult English Classes
Bryant Woods Elementary is offering English classes taught by instructors from Howard Community College! Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from October through December.
Our meeting / class will be Monday, October 5th at Running Brook ES starting at 5:45. Feel free to arrive at 5:30. This important orientation and registration session will provide information about class dates, registration, and what to expect.
If you or a family member are interested, please let Christina Hines know. If you would like to participate come to our class on Monday, Oct., please reach out so we can help you get connected.
We look forward to seeing you there!
NO Food Deliveries to the School:
We do not accept food deliveries from DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, or any outside vendors. We have received a high volume of student lunch deliveries, and we are unable to manage them without risking students missing lunch. In addition, frequent deliveries create safety and security concerns.
Bryant Woods Elementary provides free breakfast and lunch for all students. If there is an emergency regarding your child’s lunch, please contact the front office to discuss your situation.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
New Practice for ALL HCPSS Schools
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. See HCPSS Administrative Operating Rule https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2026/08/getting-ready-for-2026-2027-new-this-year/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Parents continue to not be permitted to attend or visit during any recess blocks.
Room Parents Needed:
✏️We're hoping for one Room Parent per K-4 classroom this year, two for our 5th grade classrooms.
To apply email: membership@bwespta.org
Classes currently in need:
Winder (3)
Eley (1)
📫Due to HCPSS directory policy change, Room Parents have sent out communication to collect family contact information by 10/1. Look for your child's grade and sign up below:
Kindergarten: https://forms.gle/HWTmWocMyN9PvMLe9
1st Grade: https://forms.gle/jENVhCJWFXcatRzeA
2nd Grade: https://forms.gle/yj6tw1H7Ce5CZy658
3rd Grade: https://forms.gle/UjBooQKP6f4EKucn9
4th Grade: https://forms.gle/oP1E1mQtDfd4R7Nd6
5th Grade: https://forms.gle/sfMMxZ7TsZ7MSWwT7
Grade-level directories help families connect, build supportive relationships, and strengthen their child’s classroom community. Families can use them to schedule playdates, invitations, and other connections, while room parents can share important grade-level requests and event information. Current # of participants:
Pre-K: 1, Kindergarten: 19, 1st: 4, 2nd: 15, 3rd: 11, 4th: 11, 5th: 10
