The Gator Gazette
October, 2025
And just like that, the month of September is nearly behind us, as October starts next week. At the same time, the first half of marking period one is complete, and interim grades will be available on ParentVUE starting on Friday, October 3. The first marking period ends on Friday, October 31, which will be here before we know it.
This is a beautiful time of year where the weather changes quickly and throughout the day. Please remember to label all items including jackets and hats! Our lost and found is really growing, and we'd much prefer to return items to their rightful owners.
Please find information below about things happening in October, with a few previews to the month of November, so you can mark your calendars.
October proves to be a wonderful month!
Warmly,
Mrs. Seidel and Mrs. Sinon
Flexible Instruction Time (FIT) for all grade levels
This year, we have built a very purposeful instructional block into our days for grades K-5 to afford opportunities for focused and differentiated instruction based on student needs. This block will allow time for enrichment and support opportunities within your child's classroom or perhaps even in another classroom at your child's grade level. Our goal is to ensure that each student has instruction targeted toward them during FIT. Please reach out to your child's teacher should you have any questions about this instructional block.
Safety Week October 20 - 25
Greenwood ES will be participating in a School Safety Week the week of October 20th! We will spend time engaging with a variety of different drills to ensure we are ready for any situation.
Starting off the week will be our Shelter: Severe Weather Drill on Tuesday. Wednesday will be an Earthquake drill, Thursday will be our third fire drill of the school year, and on Friday we will round out our week with a Shelter: Reverse Evacuation Drill.
Teachers will be reviewing the drill protocols in a child-friendly, age-appropriate manner as we practice these drills as a school during the safety week.
Building Community and Belonging at Greenwood
Our team at Greenwood is committed to promoting a strong sense of community within our school. Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels included and valued.
Throughout the year, students will participate in a variety of activities designed to foster connection, kindness, and belonging among peers and staff.
As part of this initiative, we will be celebrating Unity Day this October 22. On this day, we encourage all students and staff to wear orange to show our united stand for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, and to take a stand against bullying.
Together, let’s continue building a school culture where everyone feels they belong.
Red Ribbon Week October 27-31
During the month of October we will also celebrate Red Ribbon Week to promote healthy habits and safe choices. Stay tuned for a message in the coming weeks from the ambassadors with spirit week information.
Holiday Giving Project
Due: Friday, October 17
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.
El Holiday Giving Project ha brindado asistencia durante las fiestas de Acción de Gracias y diciembre a hogares de bajos ingresos durante más de 30 años. Una red de trabajadores sociales, consejeros escolares y profesionales de servicios humanos derivan a familias que necesitan ayuda. Las organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro, las organizaciones religiosas y las agencias públicas prestan servicios a los destinatarios de Holiday Giving, ya que hay donaciones disponibles. Si usted y su familia lo necesitan y desean que los recomienden para una posible asistencia durante la temporada navideña, complete este formulario de Google o formulario de consentimiento que se envió a las familias. Si bien una remisión no es garantía de asistencia, el Proyecto ayuda a tantas familias necesitadas como lo permitan las donaciones.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic communities. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we embrace this rich heritage by spotlighting the achievements and traditions of students, educators and staff members who trace their roots to Spanish-speaking countries in North and South America, the Caribbean and around the world.
With more than 34 percent of MCPS students identifying as Hispanic or of Hispanic descent, this month serves as a meaningful reminder of the vibrant cultures within our school. It's a time to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of Hispanic individuals in our community.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month not only enriches our understanding and appreciation of different cultures, but also fosters a sense of inclusion and community within our educational environment.
November Open House for K-5 parents and guardians - Mark Your Calendars!
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.
Further details will be sent closer to the day, but for now, please mark your calendars!
**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!
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. Teachers will communicate the time of their classroom fall party with the designated room parents.
Parent Conference Days in November
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. More details will be shared closer to the day, but for now, please mark your calendar.
Student Handbooks
In order to ensure a safe, productive, and positive learning environment, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) publishes these handbooks to help students, parents/guardians, and staff understand the Montgomery County Board of Education's core values and commitments; students' rights; school rules; expectations for student conduct; and the possible consequences for violating the rules. If you have questions, please speak to the administration at your school. If you have comments about any of these publications, please send them in writing to the MCPS Department of Communications at pio@mcpsmd.org.
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
Thank you to Jeannette Frumkin and all our volunteers for a wonderful movie night last weekend!
- 10/7: Join us on Tuesday the 7th for our second PTA Meeting of the school year at 7 p .m. in the media center and on zoom.
- 10/24: Our annual Trunk or Treat is coming up. Please be on the lookout for sign up geniuses for SSL volunteers, candy donations and most importantly trunks!! Come for a fun night with costumes, candy, crafts, and food trucks!
- 10/27: Dining Night Out- Monday the 27th from 4pm - 8pm at Panera in Olney. Join us at the restaurant order online for pickup....make your life easy and don't worry about cooking.
Looking ahead, our Fall Fair and Glow Run are Saturday, November 8th starting at 3pm. Information will be sent home this month.
Our first book fair with Scholastic is scheduled for 11/10-11/14.
Thanks!
Katie Phillips
President, Greenwood Elementary School PTA
MCPS Important Information to Know!
Stay Safe: Tips for Walking to School
Walking to school or the bus stop? Stay alert and stay safe! Always cross streets at marked crosswalks, stop and look left-right-left before stepping off the curb, and make eye contact with drivers so they see you. Use sidewalks when available—or walk facing traffic if there aren’t any—and wear bright or reflective clothing when it’s dark or rainy.
Learn more safety tips and find resources for families on the MCPS Safe Routes to School website.
Join MCPS and Learn More: Academic Programs Analysis and Boundary Study Information Sessions Coming Soon
Starting next week, Montgomery County Public Schools will be hosting a variety of information sessions to learn more about what Academic Programs Analysis and Boundary Studies mean for you and your family.
Read the story here.
Now You Know: How to Update Your Contact Info in ParentVUE
Keeping your contact information up-to-date is one of the most important ways to stay connected with your child’s school. From sharing classroom updates to reaching you quickly in an emergency, your school and the school system rely on the information you provide. That’s why every year, families are asked to verify their contact and emergency information through the Annual Verification Process. Read more.
Now You Know Video Seriies - Watch in English | Spanish | French | Chinese | Vietnamese | Amharic | Korean | Portuguese
Note: Next week, the Now You Know video series will cover Pedestrian Safety
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at KID Museum: Come to KID Museum in Bethesda on Sundays throughout Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 28, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12) for hands-on activities inspired by the cultural traditions of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more.
Ignite Your Future with Girls With Impact
Interested in building your public speaking stills or growing as a leader? MCPS is partnering with Girls With Impact to offer MCPS young women in Grades 9–12 a free 10-week course in business, leadership and entrepreneurship. Classes begin Monday, Sept. 29. Learn more and sign up today. Read how this program impacted the lives of three students.
In Case You Missed It:
● The 2026-2027 calendar survey is closing soon. Take it today!
● Make plans to attend one of two College Scholarship Info Nights and learn how to make college affordable. Information will be presented in English and Spanish. Register and learn more.
● Don’t forget to register for the Sept. 25 webinar on MCPS’ new grading policy and the college admissions process.
● The Montgomery County Students Information Technology Foundation, Inc. (ITF) will award a refurbished computer lab to a Montgomery County 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Applications are available online.
From The News Page
● Stitch by Stitch: Fashion is a growing program in MCPS, with the district offering two courses, Fashion Illustration and Fashion Production, in nine high schools, nearly doubling since 2022.
● Stay tuned to the news page for the latest information.
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
● News and Information page / Noticias en Español
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.
Nourish a Mind; Fuel a Future
Imagine the relief a child feels when they can choose their favorite school meal, knowing it's already paid for. For many of our students, this simple dignity is a daily concern. By donating to the MCPS Educational Foundation’s Dine with Dignity campaign, you directly provide a vital lifeline for students, ensuring no child goes hungry or feels anxious about a financial responsibility in the school lunch line.
Help the Foundation reach its $500,000 goal this year, ensuring every MCPS student has the fuel they need to succeed. Donate today.
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
October
2 - No School
3 - Interim grades available on ParentVue
7 - PTA Meeting, Media Center and Zoom, 7 p.m.
17 - No School, Professional Day
20 - No School
22 - Unity Day, Wear Orange
22 - Grade 5 to Strathmore Field Trip
24 - PTA Trunk or Treat
27 - 31 Red Ribbon Week to celebrate making good and healthy choices
27 - PTA Dining Night Out, Panera
28 - Grade 4 Field Trip to Agricultural History Farm Park
29 - K Field Trip to Butler's Orchard
31 - Last Day of Marking Period One
31 - PTA Assemblies (afternoon)
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