It is hard to believe that February is already here! It seems like we just rung in the New Year! February is such an exciting month with many opportunities for learning. On February 2, we will see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not on Groundhog’s Day. Don’t forget the Super Bowl. Who are you rooting for? Let’s not forget Valentine’s Day! Tell your child and family how much you love them. It is also Dental Health Month by talking about and practicing how to take care of your teeth (brush, floss, eat healthy snacks, and maybe even visit the dentist)! We remember and honor many famous Americans who shaped our country by celebrating President’s Day and Black History Month. WOW... so many opportunities for learning in so many ways by exposing children to these rich traditions and celebrations. Be sure to talk about these holidays/celebrations with your child. Thank you for sharing your child with us every day! Their curious and creative minds as well as their eagerness to learn inspire us! If I may be of assistance in anyway, please call the school at 301-766-8668.

Attendance at school is critical to a child’s academic success. All WCPS schools carefully monitor student attendance. The WCPS Attendance Policy is not designed nor intended to punish sick children or to encourage ill children to be in school. The procedures are designed to promote the importance of regular, daily school attendance. The law is quite clear – students are to be in school every day school is in session, unless they are ill or absent for another lawful reason.

All school absences are recorded. Absences are coded as excused or unexcused:

• Only excused absences are considered lawful according to Maryland law. Excused absences include: 1. Illness of student (three or more days may require medical verification); 2. Death in the immediate family, 3. Court summons, 4. Suspension, and 5. Other special circumstances.

• Unexcused absences: If a student is absent for any portion of the day, for any reason other than those identified as excused. The absence will be considered unexcused. (This includes absence from school without the knowledge of the parent/guardian, shopping, babysitting, providing care for other adults, running errands, etc.) Unexcused absences may be defined as truancy.

All absences (other than those related to school discipline) require a parent note upon the student’s return to school. Failure to provide a parent note within 30 days may result in the absence being coded as unexcused

Please be reminded of the WCPS attendance standards as stated in the WCPS Student Handbook:

“The Washington County Board of Education has established minimum standards for attendance and absences for students. When absences, excused or unexcused, accumulate to six days, parents/students will be notified by mail. By WCPS policy, absences beyond twelve days in a school year are unacceptable. Cases involving excessive absence will be referred to the student support team (SST).

Please refer to pages 21-22 of the WCPS Student Handbook on the county website at wcpsmd.com for full information on School Attendance or call the school office for additional clarification.

Please be reminded that your child is considered tardy once the bell rings at 9:15a.m. Once the bell rings at 9:15 am, you must walk your child into the building with your ID and sign him/her in at the front office. In order for your child to enjoy breakfast and be prepared for the start of the day at 9:15, please have your child here at school by 9:10.

Many thanks for picking up your children before 3:30 for early dismissals when necessary. Always make sure that if there is a change in dismissal procedure for your child we must have it in writing. We can not take those requests over the phone.

Don’t forget that the school must have accurate contact information (i.e. change of address, phone number(s), and emergency contact(s) for your child. You may make those changes using your ParentVue account or contact the front office at 301-766-8668 at any time to update information so that we can be sure to reach someone when necessary.

Eastern Elementary and Ruth Ann Monroe families in need of emergency food may visit The School Food Pantry located at Eastern Elementary. All visitors MUST enter through the main office and show PHOTO ID at Eastern Elementary to receive a pass to the pantry. Each family may visit only once per month.

When: THURSDAYS, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Where: EASTERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Compliments of the Maryland Food Bank

Coordinated by Title I Parent Involvement

Have you considered becoming a Ruth Ann Monroe VOLUNTEER? There are many ways that YOU can help staff and/or students here at school or from home – cutting, laminating, filing, organizing, working with small groups or individual students, copying, lunchroom, etc. Please contact Cindy Hinkle, our School Family Liaison, at 301-766-8677 for more information!