The Gator Gazette
November, 2025
It's November, and we have some homework for you! The month of November is always a busy time, so today's issue of the Gator Gazette brings a few action items.
1. Sign up for parent conferences on Parent Vue starting on Tuesday, November 4, after 4 p.m.
2. Pre-register for our Open House before 1 p.m. on Monday, November 10.
3. Send us information about a special veteran before Friday, November 7.
As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, as today is the last day of the marking period, and Monday is a professional day for grading and reporting.
Finally, don't forget to check out the PTA updates below with information about the upcoming Fall Festival and Glow Run, the Scholastic Book Fair, and more!
Details about all of these events and other November news can be found in this issue!
We look forward to seeing you at Greenwood in November!
Warmly,
Mrs. Seidel and Mrs. Sinon
Parent Conference Days in November--Sign Ups Start November 4 at 4 p.m.
On Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, students will be dismissed at 12:55 p.m. to afford time on those days for parent conferences. Teachers will post their individual schedules. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any scheduling questions.
Information about preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences:
Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent Vue Support Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ukuv45XQeE3h0LWv8I5rRee5Eo_e7dmlkifpwPZdvy0/view?tab=t.0#heading=h.gnd6cwbdhyzc
Veterans Day--Help Us to Honor Our Greenwood Veterans--Submit before Friday, November 7
Greenwood loves their veterans! This year we will once again honor the brave veterans who have served our country. If your Greenwood gator has a veteran they would like to honor and display their picture proudly during our open house, we would invite you to submit through the Google form below! If you have more than one veteran please submit a separate entry for each member. We will close the Google Form on Friday, November 7th so we have time to prepare our display for our open house on November 11th.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKU-TRBblJbZWhzfrPpjLiYJHPWAC2Na1MDunDgBB_J3xSBQ/viewform
November Open House--Preregister before 1 p.m. on Monday, November 10
On Tuesday, November 11, parents and guardians are invited to visit their child's K-5 classroom to catch a glimpse of what learning at Greenwood looks like each day. We invite those whose last names begin with A-M to join us from 9:15 - 10:00 and those with last names from N-Z to join us from 10:00 - 10:45. Certainly we understand the need to be flexible to accommodate all, but if you are able to adhere to these guidelines, it will help us to reduce the number of visitors in the building at one time. Unfortunately, we do not have the space and the ability to maintain safety for students by having families join us for lunch or recess on this day, which is why we have planned this event prior to our first lunch and recess times.
Although we love your little ones, the open house will be happening during instructional time, and we respectfully request that you make other arrangements for them that morning.
The book fair will be open to families during this time, but students may NOT visit the book fair during this time and should remain in class during the open house. This is instructional time, and the PTA has requested that only adults visit the book fair during this window of time to afford the space for all of the visitors who wish to shop.
PRE-REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND THE OPEN HOUSE!
Please complete the form below before 1 p.m. on Monday, November 10, if you intend to visit your child's classroom during our Open House on Tuesday, November 11. Completion of this form will allow us to have your badge preprinted so that you may walk in, show your ID, pick up your badge, and start your visit immediately! (Please remember your photo ID!) Each visitor must complete their own form.
Preregistration Form:
This form will close on Monday, November 10, at 1 p.m. After that time, you will need to check in through the VMS system on the morning of the event, but please be prepared for a line, as the use of the system does take time.
Please email Mrs. Ostrinsky if you have any questions about pre-registration. Susan_A_Ostrinsky@mcpsmd.org
We look forward to seeing you!
Please use the link below to preregister:
**PEP families, see the message below regarding Open House for the various PEP classes.**
PEP Families: November Open House for parents and guardians - Mark Your Calendars!
Please use this form to preregister:
A message from our School Counselors
Upcoming dates:
- November 4-7 Mental Health Awareness Week- Wear Green on Friday 11/7
- November 8- The Mental Health and Wellness Fair at Gaithersburg High School
- November 14: December Holiday Giving Project Referral Deadline
Mental Health Awareness Week:
We will kick off the week introducing Mental Health Awareness week at our Town Hall on November 4th. Throughout the week students will have the opportunity to engage in daily activities and discussions around taking care of their mental health.
The Mental Health and Wellness Fair will be held on:
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Location: Gaithersburg High School
101 Education Blvd Gaithersburg, MD 20877
- Free and Open to Students, Families, and Staff
- MCPS and Community Partners Sharing Information about Mental Health and wellness
- Student Forum and Mental Health Workshops
- Line Dancing, Zumba, and Yoga
The event is open to students, families, and staff and will include MCPS and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness; as well as a student-lead forum focusing on issues impacting Montgomery County youth. Students may earn 4hrs of Student Service-Learning hours for actively participating in the Resource Fair and workshops.
If you would like to attend, please click here to RSVP.
Holiday Giving Project
December Holiday Referrals Due: Friday, November 14, 2025
If you have not yet submitted a request for The Holiday Giving Project, there is still time for the December baskets.
The Holiday Giving Project has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to low-income households for over 30 years. A network of social workers, school counselors, and human service professionals refer families in need of assistance. Local non-profits, faith-based organizations, and public agencies serve Holiday Giving recipients, as donations are available. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred for possible assistance for the holiday season, please complete this google form or consent form that was sent home to families. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow.
Personal Body Safety Lessons (PBSL)
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is taking an active role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect through early prevention and intervention education.
During the months of November through December, our school counselors and classroom teachers will be presenting lessons on the topic of child abuse and neglect. The lessons are known as Personal Body Safety Lessons and their purpose is to help students to:
- Develop knowledge, decision making skills, and behaviors which promote safe living in the home, school, and community;
- Learn skills for self-protection and identifying child abuse and neglect;
- Learn skills for asking for help for self and others and practice reporting to a trusted adult; and
- Engage in positive and appropriate interactions with peers and adults.
If you have any questions or concerns about the topics that will be covered, please contact Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. Seidel, or Mrs. Sinon.
ONE WEEK Until the Fall Fest and Glow Run!
Wednesday, November 5 & Thursday, November 6 from 3:30-5:30 pm-all registered families should plan to come to Greenwood's playground to pickup their fair wristbands, Glow Gear and Glow Run t-shirts (t-shirts are available only to those registered by 10/10.)
Please bring a completed and signed waiver to the pickup. This is required for each child participating in the fair or run.
The Fall Fest and Glow Run registration and fundraising CLOSES one week from today! We need your help, Gators! We are currently at 66% of our $10,000 school goal for Greenwood’s biggest PTA FUNDRAISER of the year! If you have not yet started fundraising, please consider doing so-get family or friends to support your Gator runner! Raising just $1 will earn your Gator prizes and get us closer to our goal! The class with the most funds raised will earn a Pizza & Bingo party-currently that is our first grade Ms. Mankulish's class with other classes not far behind! Your child's unique fundraising information came via email after you registered for the fair & run (or you can use this letter.) You can also follow the link in the flyer for more details! Note: if you haven’t registered, it's not too late!
PTA Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held on Monday, November 10 - Friday, November 14 — with online shopping extended through Thursday, November 20. You and your students can shop a few different ways. Be sure to note the different days for each shopping opportunity.
- In-Person Student Shopping: Your students can shop the Book Fair with their classes on Monday, November 10 - Friday, November 14.
- In-Person Parent Shopping: Parents can shop the Book Fair in-person as well. On Monday, November 10 - Thursday, November 13, from 3:40 - 5:30 p.m. – parents will be allowed into the Media Center to shop. The Book Fair also will be open for Parent-Only Shopping during the Open House on Tuesday, November from 9:15 - 10:45 a.m. Please note that students must remain in their classrooms during the Open House.
- Shop Online: You can shop online at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/greenwoodelementaryschool13. The Virtual Book Fair will run Friday, November 7 – Thursday, November 20.
For Student Shopping, we encourage you to set up a Scholastic eWallet. This will give your child a safe, cashless way to shop at the Book Fair. To set this up, go to https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/greenwoodelementaryschool13 and look for the eWallet section on the page. Upon completion, you can print out your eWallet information with your student’s name and account balance – and send it with your student to aid in the checkout process. This is super helpful for the younger students. Cash, credit cards, and checks made payable to Greenwood PTA also will be accepted.
Our Lost and Found is FULL!
This is the perfect time to remind your student to check the Lost and Found. We have an abundance of coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, etc. As we go through the Lost and Found, we do try to return any items with names, but many items don't have names. Items remaining on Friday, November 14, will be donated.
Classroom Fall Festivals
Fall festival celebrations will take place in classrooms on Friday, November 21, in the afternoon. Thank you to PTA Room Parent Coordinator, Ms. Haris, for working to coordinate our room parents. We so appreciate your support to make these celebrations fun for all. Attendance will be limited to the room parents in each classroom.Thank you, in advance, to our room parents!
Your Voice Matters: MCPS Invites You to Share Your Experience!
We invite you to share your feedback about our school and MCPS by participating in the Family Survey. This short survey gives you the opportunity to share your experiences and opinions about our school and the broader school district. Your honest input will help us understand what’s working well and where we can improve.
The survey is easy to complete, takes only a few minutes, and your responses are completely confidential. The results will be used to guide our efforts in strengthening programs, services, and supports for students and families.
The survey is open from October 27, 2025 through December 5, 2025.
To participate, simply click the link below:
https://parentsurvey.mcpsmd.org/
We deeply appreciate your time and commitment to our school community. Your feedback makes a difference!
Registration Now Open for Saturday School
Registration for the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy, Inc., also known as Saturday School, is open for the 2025–2026 school year. Saturday School provides K–12 academic support programs in math and English/Language Arts. There are in-person and virtual options.
Saturday School’s opening session is Sept. 20; the first tutoring session is Sept. 27. The curriculum is aligned with MCPS and is taught by certified teachers.
The annual cost is $85 and $40 for families eligible for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS). Registration and more information
PTA Updates
- 11/4: PTA Meeting, 7 p .m. at Greenwood or on Zoom. There will not be a December meeting. Please try and join us in person or online.
- PTA Meeting Zoom Link
- Pay annual PTA fee
- 11/8: Fall Fair & Fun Run from 3pm to 6pm at Greenwood. The fair is from 3-5pm and the run is 5-6pm. Thank you to all of you who have signed up and donated and to all of you that are volunteering!! We appreciate your support!
- Adult Volunteers are still needed: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/30E0A48AAAD23ABF58-59860450-fall
- SSL volunteer sign up will go live via the PTA email chain at 4pm today.
- 11/10 - 11/14: Fall Book Fair will run for a week. On Tuesday, November 11th, during the open house, parents can shop without their student. We are still looking for a few more adult volunteers: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0948A4AA2EA4F4C52-59726074-scholastic
- 11/19: Join us for our November Dining Night Out at Chipotle from 4 - 8 p.m! A flyer will come home with your student closer to the event.
- 11/21: Fall Parties will be in the afternoon. Only room parents will be allowed in the classroom with the students and teacher. Please consider donating $6 per student to help the room parents put on an amazing party! You can donate online: https://greenwoodpta.givebacks.com/shop/items/1113975 or by sending in a check (make out to Greenwood ES PTA) or cash. Please write on the envelope Greenwood PTA Fall Party. Room parents should be sending home flyers about the party as well.
- Craft Night flyer will be coming home during November and sign ups will be due before Thanksgiving. Craft Night is Monday, December 1st and Tuesday, December 2nd
Katie Phillips
President, Greenwood Elementary School PTA
MCPS Important Information to Know!
Take the Survey; Help Improve Your School! 100% Important
MCPS invites parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district. We want to improve our teaching and make our schools and district a more welcoming place for all students, staff and families.
Surveys are now available in eight languages:
English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
To complete the survey, you will be asked for your child’s student ID number. You can find this in ParentVUE → Student Information.
Your responses are confidential—the student ID is used only to connect your input to the right school.
Your Input Matters!
Don’t Miss Upcoming Boundary & Secondary Programs Analysis Engagement Sessions
In the next few weeks, MCPS is inviting the community to participate in a series of Q&A engagement sessions on the boundary studies and academic programs analysis efforts. Learn more here.
- Oct. 30: John F. Kennedy High School, 1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring (Region 3)
- Nov. 4: Watkins Mill High School, 10301 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg (Region 5)
- Nov. 10: Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring (Region 1)
- Nov. 13: Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road, Potomac (Region 4)
- Nov. 17: Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville (Region 2)
- Nov. 18: Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg (Region 6)
In addition, be sure to join MCPS for a virtual “Pregúntale a MCPS” live on Facebook for Spanish-speaking families at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The session will focus on the boundary study options and new academic programs in secondary schools.
Why It Matters
Academic Programs Analysis Webpage
Clocks Fall Back Sunday—Safety First as Days Get Darker
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, Nov. 2, as we return to Standard Time. With shorter days and darker evenings, it’s important to stay alert and safe.
Safety reminders:
- Stay alert on the roads and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Make sure your headlights are working properly.
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries if needed.
For more tips on staying safe during the time change, visit:
Capital Budget Public Hearings and Work Sessions Set
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) requests $2.7 billion over six years. However, it represents only about half of what district facilities actually need. Join us for the upcoming public hearings and work sessions.
Now You Know (Video Series): Drug Prevention
Sometimes parents need to have difficult conversations…
Making the choice to live free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco is one of the best decisions a young person can make. These substances can …
· damage your health.
· cloud your judgment.
· hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Parents, keep the conversations going, set clear expectations and be the support your child needs.
Read more.
Watch in Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
Don’t Miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Nov. 8!
MCPS is participating in 2025 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from Nov. 3-8. Don’t miss the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.at Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd. in Gaithersburg. Open to staff, students and families, this free event will include workshops, community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, a student forum and line dancing, Zumba and yoga. RSVP to attend.
Winter Coat Drive Underway
The Prekindergarten and Head Start offices are requesting donations of new coats for students in need. Hats, gloves and boots for young children are also welcome. Donations of boys’ and girls’ coats in sizes 4, 5 and 6 are most needed. Suggested items may be found on the Head Start/Pre-K Amazon wish list.
Items can be dropped off at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141 in Rockville. Items may be dropped off in person from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or may be ordered online and delivered directly to Rocking Horse Road Center, to the attention of Lisa Conlon.
On-the-Spot Admissions Event and Financial Aid Workshops
High school seniors are invited to an on-the-spot college admissions event with several Maryland independent colleges and universities on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Thursday, Nov. 6. Students are asked to contact their school’s College and Career Navigator or counselor to register. Learn more.
In addition, high schools are hosting financial aid workshops for families to learn about the options available to help students pay for college. Parents can attend any financial workshop at any school. Learn more.
Other News from MCPS
- Cybersafety Webinars: Learn more about keeping your family safe online from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6.
- Middle School Winter Athletics: Registration is now open and available in English and Spanish through ParentVue. Middle school sports include boys’ and girls’ basketball.
- Help Outdoor Education!: Outdoor Ed is looking for high school students to help with the sixth grade program. More information
- Choose Respect Video Contest: Open to secondary students, this contest challenges teens to create an original video promoting awareness of dating violence/abuse among teens. Videos can be in English or Spanish and must be 50-70 seconds in length. Top prize is $1,000. Deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
- Speak Up; Save a Life: Create an original video to promote awareness of the dangers of opioid/fentanyl abuse and overdose among teens. Deadline is Sunday, Dec. 7.
- BOLT Leadership Academy: This program is open to high school freshmen and sophomores wanting to strengthen their leadership capacity through advocacy and management skills.
- Stronger Through Self-Defense: Hosted by MoCo EmpowHER, this event is focused on safety, confidence and self-awareness. Register.
Stay Connected to MCPS
- 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 Hours
Instruction starts promptly at 9 a.m. Please be sure to have your students at school prior to 9:00 a.m., so they can unpack, eat breakfast, and prepare their materials. Student drop off begins at 8:40 a.m., and all students will enter through the front doors of the school. Please do not leave students unattended on school grounds prior to 8:40 a.m. to ensure the highest level of safety and security for each student. Staff are not outside to provide supervision until 8:40 a.m.
Students who arrive after 9:00 a.m. must be accompanied by an adult to sign them in, as they will be marked tardy and will miss the start of instruction. Please help us to ensure that every Gator is here and ready for a great day before that 9:00 a.m. start time!
School hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. (Doors open at 8:40 a.m.)
Two-hour delay: 11:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. (Doors open at 10:40 a.m.)
* *Bus routes would shift by two hours* *
On a two-hour delay, doors open at 10:40 a.m.
Early release days: Dismissal is at 12:55 p.m.
Reporting an Absence, Late Arrival and Early Dismissals
Please use the link below to report your child's absence from school.
Additionally, this link can be found under the Quick Links on the left side of the HOME PAGE of our Greenwood Elementary School website by clicking "Report an Absence."
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/greenwoodes/
MCPS requires a written note for absences, and completing the form will take care of that requirement and save you the phone call!
This link is also the place for you to report all planned late arrivals and early dismissals. Just click the appropriate box and add the reason and any other details in the comment section at the bottom entitled “Anything else”. If the late arrival or early dismissal is due to a doctor’s appointment, please remember to provide a (required) doctor’s note upon your student’s return to school.
Please bookmark the page for future use, and reach out to our attendance secretary, Mrs. Susan Ostrinsky (Susan_A_Ostrinsky@mcpsmd.org) with any questions.
Please Share Changes to Dismissal Plans
Please note that changes to dismissal should happen prior to 3:00 pm to ensure there is
enough time for the messages to be relayed to the teachers and dismissal teams. Please
communicate any changes with your child's classroom teacher and our attendance secretary, Mrs. Ostrinsky. Please be aware that teachers may be not be checking email during instruction. As a result, it is very important for the front office (240-740-3420) to be made aware of any change in dismissal routine by 3 p.m.
Car Rider Information
Students who will be routine car riders will be given a family number card that will need to be displayed in the car window nearest the car loop line. Students will exit to the car loop when their number is called to be reunited with their family vehicle at that time. Please pull up to the end of the walk to maximize the number of cars we can load safely with adult supervision and keep the line moving quickly.
Car Loop
Please enter the car loop by turning RIGHT into the loop from Gold Mine Road. Please DO NOT turn left into the lot. Please go around the block so you can turn RIGHT into the loop. This helps us to ensure the safety of our walkers who have to cross at the car loop!
Please remain in your car, as our staff will assist those students who need assistance. Additionally, please know that staff can not buckle children into car seats. Please teach your children how to do so, or please pull forward into a parking space to do so, to avoid holding up drivers behind you in the loop.
Bus Rider Safety
Please meet students at the bus stop at the end of the day to ensure your child's safe return from school on the bus. If you are not able to meet your child at the stop, please make other arrangements for your child to get from the stop to the home safely.
In the event you or your designee are running late or are otherwise unable to get to the bus
stop, please call the school as soon as possible to have your child held at the school for pick-up. Please call the front office 240-740-3420 before 3 p.m.
We encourage you to review the school bus rules with your child if they are a bus rider so they
are aware of the expectations. Those rules can be found at https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/transportation/rules/a_parents_role.pdf
Please understand that safe student transportation is a joint responsibility. Please remind
your child to look for you before leaving the bus. We look forward to a safe and successful
school year.
Guest Bus Riders
Students may ride only their own bus to and from school. Students are not permitted to
ride to school or to home from school with friends on any other bus.
Breakfast and Lunch
Meal prices:
Breakfast: $1.30
Lunch: $2.55
Funds can be added to student meal accounts at no charge by bringing cash or checks directly to the Greenwood cafeteria manager, Mrs. Frias.
Prepayments on student meal accounts can be made through www.MySchoolBucks.com; note the increase from $1.95 to $2.49 per transaction for the 2025-2026 school year.
Meal Payment Procedures:
Further information: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-prices--payment-procedures/
Menus and Special Dietary Needs Menus, including nutrition and allergen information, can be viewed at:
DFNS website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/menus/
MealViewer: https://schools.mealviewer.com/district/MontgomeryCountyPublicSchools
MealViewer can be accessed on a computer browser, through the MealViewer app on Android and iPhone, or using any browser on a smartphone. No sign-in or passwords are required to view menus. It is also possible (but not required) to rate food items, star favorite items, utilize a nutrition calculator, and create a profile. Check out your schools' menu today!
MCPS Form 240-23, Special Dietary Needs Form https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/detail.aspx?formID=3699&formNumber=240-23&catID=2&subCatId=0)
This form may be used to request meal accommodations for students eating in the cafeteria.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served from 8:40-8:55 a.m. in the cafeteria.
Lunch Room Seating
Our cafeteria includes an allergy-free table to ensure the safety of all students. Please be sensitive to student allergies in your child's classroom and work with the classroom teacher to support any event or activity that includes food.
Greenwood ES MealViewer: https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/GreenwoodElemSchool
Introductory Video: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/menus/
How to Print a Menu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNLhHfLijQM
Free and Reduced Meals Applications are NOW OPEN! Apply today!
Apply online NOW so students receive free meals. All meals are free for students who qualify for Free And Reduced-price Meals; students who are approved for reduced-price meals eat for free!
The Department of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) encourages families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a FARM application online. Applications for the 2025–2026 school year will be available July 30, 2025.
APPLY ONLINE (TRANSLATIONS AVAILABLE)
Click here for an English video tutorial on how to complete the FARM application.
Vea aquí un vídeo paso a paso en español sobre cómo completar la solicitud de FARM.
Click here for additional "How To" PowerPoint (in English & Español) made by MCPS Family Engagement Specialist, Alejandra Jarquin.
- Households must apply for FARMS every school year. Student meal benefit eligibility from the prior school year carries over for the first 30 operating days OR until a new eligibility is determined. If a new eligibility is not determined by the 30th school day, students default to a paid status and will be charged for meals.
- Households may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year.
- Students qualify for free meals when total household income is the same or less than the amounts on the Income Chart below.
- Use ONE application for ALL students in the household—including Pre-K, kindergarten, and foster—even if they attend different schools. **If one student in household attends a CEP school, a FARM application must still be submitted for students enrolled in non-CEP schools. Include ALL student names on the application (see list of CEP schools above).
- Paper applications are available in each school's front office. Households who apply online should not submit a paper application.
- If applying for a child who is homeless, a migrant, or a runaway, please complete and submit MCPS Form 335-77 Homeless Status, call the child's school, or contact the MCPS Homeless liaison at 240-740-4511.
- Each student will be notified of meal benefit status (including both those approved, and those who do not qualify) by mail. Please keep this important document for your records and use throughout the school year.
- Meal Eligibility is confidential information. Federal regulations governing school meal programs require that a student's eligibility for FARMS are used only to provide meal benefits.
- Verification of FARM applications is conducted annually each October. A random selection of households approved for FARMS will be required to verify the information listed on the application. Households selected will be notified, including details for how to comply with the verification process.
- Households that are unable to apply online should contact their school or the Department of Food and Nutrition Services at 240-740-7400.
Students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive meals at no charge!
Students use their MCPS ID number when receiving a meal, so confidentiality is maintained and no child is overtly identified as receiving free or reduced-price meals.
2025-2026 Health Room Updates and Information
Greenwood Elementary School's health room is staffed by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services with a full-time health technician, Ms. Teresa Edwards, and an assigned nurse, Ms. Angela Niemiec.
MCPS schools follow guidance from the CDC, state & local health departments. We strongly recommend, if your child has a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms of illness, that you keep your child home from school.
Required Childhood Vaccinations for Preschool Programs and Schools
The Annotated Code of Maryland (10.06.04.03) requires all Maryland students new to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and those entering Grade 7 and Grade 9 provide documentation of required, age-appropriate vaccinations or a medical or religious exemption. This documentation is required within 20 calendar days from their date of admission. Principals will receive a list of students who have not provided documentation by the deadline from School Health Services (SHS) staff. Students on this list must be excluded from school until such documentation is provided.
Hard copies of the vaccination records are to be submitted to the Greenwood ES School Health Services health room staff.
All medication/treatment authorization form(s) must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. Please ensure that the appropriate authorization form is completed by your healthcare provider. Per MCPS and School Health Services regulations, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to deliver medication/treatment authorization form(s) and medications directly to health room staff.
Please do not send your child to school with medication of any kind.
Important Dates:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025: Students must provide documentation of required vaccinations or a permitted exemption as explained above by the first day of school or their date of admission. Students who have not received their vaccinations may enter school if they provide evidence of an appointment to be vaccinated by Monday, September 15, 2025, (or 20 calendar days from their day of admission).
Monday, September 15, 2025: Students who have not provided documentation of the required vaccinations by this date (or 20 calendar days from their day of admission) must be excluded from school until such documentation is provided.
More information:
Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the health room staff at 240-740-3422.
Food Allergies and Food in the Classroom for Parties and Events
Cell Phones, Smart Watches and Other Personal Mobile Devices May NOT be used during the school day
MCPS regulation COG-RA prohibits elementary school students from using personal devices (phones, smart watches, etc.) during the school day. Personal devices(phones, smart watches, etc.) may only be used before or after the student day. Students will be asked to keep these devices in their backpacks during the school day. It is advised that students keep such devices at home, if possible.
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.
As always, our priority is ensuring that every student at Greenwood ES is challenged academically and supported socially and emotionally. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the MCPS personal mobile device policy, please review Regulation COG-RA Personal Mobile Devices.
Birthdays! We love birthdays!
We love birthdays at Greenwood, and each day on our GGTV morning program, we announce those who are celebrating, and students are invited to come to the office for a birthday pencil.
While we do not do any formal in-school birthday celebrations with food or other items, we do make sure that each student feels special on their special day.
We do ask that birthday party invitations be sent outside of school, and unfortunately, due to federal privacy issues, we can not provide class lists or contact information.
MCPS Volunteer Training Requirement
To afford students the opportunity to settle into the new school year and develop classroom communities, we will begin welcoming volunteers in October. Further details will be shared closer to October.
Montgomery County Public Schools requires school volunteers and partnership agencies to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.
Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account
Background check-dependent upon the type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation
Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation
Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. Please see the multiple ways you can file a report below.
Dates to Remember
November
3-7 School Psychologist Week
3 - No school for students, Professional Day
4 - Quarter 2 Town Hall Meetings
4 - PTA Meeting, 7 p.m., Media Center and Zoom
7 - Report Cards Available in Parent Vue
8 - PTA Fall Fair and Glow Run
10-14 PTA Scholastic Book Fair
11 - Open House 9:15 - 10:45 a.m.
11 - Report cards go home
18 - Gr 2 to Strathmore, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
19 - School Photo Retakes
21 - Fall Parties 1:30-2:15 Grade 2; 2:15 - 3:00 All Others; Room Parents only
24 - Early Release Day, 12:55 p.m. Dismissal, Afternoon: Parent Conferences
25 - Early Release Day, 12:55 p.m. Dismissal, Afternoon: Parent Conferences
26 - 28 No School, Thanksgiving Holiday
25-26 Traditional School Calendar
Contact us
Email: Jennifer_A_Seidel@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/greenwoodes/
Location: 3336 Gold Mine Road, Brookeville, MD, USA
Phone: (240) 740-3420
Twitter: @GES_Principal