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News From the Falcon's Nest: 10/12

News From the Falcon's Nest: 10/12
News From theFalcon's Nest: 10/12
Fallsmead's Operational Back-to-School Information

Principal's Message Principal's Message

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Dear Fallsmead Families,


Happy Sunday! I hope you all had a wonderful, restful weekend, with moments to enjoy the fall weather before the rain.


As we enter Week 8, our students are actively building on their prior knowledge—what they already know—while stretching their thinking, explaining their reasoning, and making connections across subjects. Families and caregivers are important partners in this work! This week, invite your child to share: "Tell me about something you learned today. Can you show me or give me an example?” These everyday conversations help children put their thinking into words, deepen their understanding, and connect learning at school with conversations at home.


Tomorrow is Open House! We look forward to seeing you then. Doors open at 9:10 a.m. for families to come to the APR for a welcome and to review instructional resources. Class visits will take place from 9:30–11:00 a.m.


As One Team with One Goal, we are Champions Together—working to support our students as they grow in knowledge, confidence, and character. Thank you for your continued support as we strive for the “Treasure Cup” together! We look forward to another great week!


All my best,

Ms. Spaugh

Fallsmead's Mission & Vision Fallsmead's Mission & Vision

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Mission: To foster lifelong learning, promote social responsibility, and inspire personal growth.


Vision: We foster an inclusive environment that supports the holistic development of every child, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and personally. We cultivate a community where we prioritize collaboration, accountability, growth, kindness, and building relationships in service to all students.


Core Values: Collaboration, Accountability, Growth, Kindness, Relationships

1st Semester Calendar: School & Community Events 1st Semester Calendar: School & Community Events

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MCPS Traditional Calendar 2026-2027
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Mark Your October Calendars!

In addition to our 1st-semester calendar, please review the October dates below. Some event details and times are finalized as the school year develops, so we’ll continue to share updates here.

10/12: Join Us for Fallsmead Open House: TOMORROW! 10/12: Join Us for Fallsmead Open House: TOMORROW!

We’re excited to welcome families and caregivers to Fallsmead’s Open House on Monday, October 12th! Join us tomorrow from 9:30–11:00 a.m. for a glimpse of your child’s morning learning and classroom routines.


Doors will open at 9:10 a.m., with sign-in in the APR from 9:10–9:30 a.m. While you wait, explore literacy, math, and social-emotional learning (SEL) resources. Classroom visits will not begin until 9:30 a.m., giving students time to arrive and settle into their morning routines. Please use the RSVP link to let us know you’re coming. We look forward to sharing our morning with you!

10/16: Non-Instructional Day: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 10/16: Non-Instructional Day: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Families, please note that there will be NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS THIS Friday, October 16th. Enjoy a wonderful, relaxing long weekend with your children! We look forward to welcoming everyone back bright and early on Monday, October 19th!

10/20 & 10/21: Support the 5th Grade Fundraiser 10/20 & 10/21: Support the 5th Grade Fundraiser

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10/24: Wootton HS Fall Festival 10/24: Wootton HS Fall Festival

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24th! Join us for the Wootton High School Fall Festival, a fun-filled community event featuring delicious food, exciting games, and incredible performances by our talented student groups. Bring your family and friends—you won't want to miss it! Stay tuned for more details and ticket information coming soon.

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10/30: Fallsmead's Halloween Parade and Class Parties 10/30: Fallsmead's Halloween Parade and Class Parties

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 30th! We’re excited to welcome families to our annual Halloween Parade at 2:15 p.m., followed by classroom parties from 2:30–3:15 p.m. Room parents will share classroom celebration details after coordinating with teachers. As you plan costumes, please keep them school-friendly: no gore or blood. Toy weapons are never permitted on school grounds. We look forward to a fun afternoon together!


Show Off Your Creativity: Yearbook Contests Are Here! 🎨 📝 Show Off Your Creativity: Yearbook Contests Are Here! 🎨 📝

Calling all student artists and writers! It’s time to leave your mark on this school year’s yearbook. We are hosting two exciting contests:

  • Yearbook Writing Contest: Got a story to tell or a favorite school memory to share? Put your pen to paper and submit your best piece!

  • Yearbook Cover Art Contest: Design the face of our yearbook! Your original artwork could be featured right on the front cover for everyone to see.


Check out the flyers linked below. They will also come home in Friday folders with details, submission guidelines, and deadlines. Drop off your completed entries in the front office. We can’t wait to see your amazing creations! All entries are due on Friday, December 18th.

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Amplify Desmos Parent HUB Amplify Desmos Parent HUB

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As students continue learning with Amplify Desmos Math, families have resources available to help stay connected to what students are learning and support that learning at home.


The Amplify Desmos Math Caregiver Hub provides families with information about the curriculum, what students are learning, and simple ways to encourage mathematical thinking outside the classroom. Even questions like “What did you learn in math today?” “How did you figure that out?” or “How do you know your answer makes sense?” can help students explain their thinking and build confidence.


Remember to visit the Caregiver Hub throughout the year for resources and ideas to support your student’s growth as a confident and capable math learner.


Visit the Parent Hub in English:

https://mcpsmd.info/ParentHubEnglish

Visite el Centro para Padres en español:

https://mcpsmd.info/ParentHubEspañol

Capture the Memories Capture the Memories

Share Your Photos for the Fallsmead Yearbook!

The yearbook team is excited to make this year’s memory book special, and we need your help! To make uploading your photos as quick and easy as possible, we’ve created personalized link folders for each grade level.


You can upload pictures directly from your phone or computer into your child's specific grade folder below:


Kindergarten: Upload K Photos

1st Grade: Upload 1st Grade Photos

2nd Grade: Upload 2nd Grade Photos

3rd Grade: Upload 3rd Grade Photos

4th Grade: Upload 4th Grade Photos

5th Grade: Upload 5th Grade Photos

Password for all folders: 1Treasure!


Thank you for helping us capture all the special moments and treasure-filled memories of this school year!

Attendance Procedures Attendance Procedures

We understand that occasional absences due to illness or appointments are sometimes necessary. If your child will be absent for any reason, please notify the school before 9:00 a.m. by completing the Fallsmead Absence Reporting Form.


Families should also email their child’s classroom teacher and copy Ms. Lisa Lynch and Ms. Aiko when reporting an absence. If you call outside office hours, you may leave a voicemail that includes your child’s name, teacher, and the reason for the absence. When your child returns to school, please send a written note from home explaining the absence.


Attendance Policy

AM Absence: Recorded if a student arrives more than 2 hours late in the morning.
PM Absence: Recorded if a student leaves more than 2 hours early in the afternoon.
Half-Day Absence: Recorded if a student is absent for more than 2 hours during the school day.
Full-Day Absence: Recorded if a student is present for less than 2 hours of the entire school day.

Fallsmead ES Absence Reporting Form
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Please note that Districtwide Updates will be featured in a dedicated section in each monthly edition of the Sunday Message. Be sure to check in regularly to stay up to date on important district news and resources.

MCPS THINGS TO KNOW

School Calendar Proposals Open for Public Comment School Calendar Proposals Open for Public Comment

The Board of Education received a presentation on Oct. 8th outlining proposed school calendars for 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 and moved the proposals forward for public comment and feedback.


A key feature of the discussion was a two-year calendar approach, designed to give families and staff greater ability to plan ahead by establishing major calendar dates earlier. Under the approach, the Board would adopt the next school year’s calendar while tentatively setting major dates, such as the first and last days of school and winter and spring breaks, for the following year. The community will now have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed calendars, with final adoption scheduled for Nov. 19th. See the video of the presentation here. See the slide deck here

Board Reviews School Closure & Consolidation Study Board Reviews School Closure & Consolidation Study

Get Involved: Closure & Consolidation Engagement Meetings Begin in October

On Thursday, Oct. 8, MCPS updated the Board of Education on the elementary and middle school closure and consolidation study, including why the work is necessary, how the process will unfold, and how the community can participate.


Important: No schools have been selected for closure, no recommendations have been made, and there is no predetermined outcome. Community engagement begins Oct. 19th—months before the superintendent is expected to present recommendations to the Board.

Read the full story for engagement dates, what to expect, the decision-making timeline, and the facts families should know.
See the project website here https://mcpsstudy.org
See the presentation video here
See the presentation slides here

MCPS Curriculum Day, Oct. 19th MCPS Curriculum Day, Oct. 19th

Explore What Your Child Is Learning

MCPS is hosting Curriculum Preview Day, an opportunity for families to explore instructional materials, learn more about what students are learning and discover resources available to support learning at home. This event is open to K–12 families for all MCPS courses. Join us for our drop-in sessions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. in the Carver Educational Services Center cafeteria on Monday, Oct. 19. Families can connect with MCPS instructional specialists, ask questions, explore curriculum materials and receive support accessing digital learning resources.

Schaeffer's Piano Sale Schaeffer's Piano Sale

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ParentVue Tips & Tricks ParentVue Tips & Tricks

Are You Getting the Most Out of ParentVUE? Well, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay connected to your student’s school experience. Families can monitor grades and assignments, check attendance, find bus information, access report cards and assessment results, complete online registrations, and communicate directly with teachers.

A few tips: Download the new ParentVUE app, customize your Gradebook and favorite shortcuts, and check ParentVUE regularly. You can even schedule parent-teacher conferences directly through the app. And remember: each parent or guardian should use their own ParentVUE account and password.


Check out the Family Quick Guide Pull-Out: ParentVUE Tips & Tricks for Fall 2026. English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

High School Center Showcases High School Center Showcases

MCPS is expanding access to specialized regional high school Center programs, giving 8th-grade students more opportunities to pursue programs connected to their interests while continuing to offer rigorous programming at every local high school.


Center programs span five areas: Medical Science; International Baccalaureate, Humanities & Languages; Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); Leadership & Public Service; and Visual & Performing Arts. Additional Middle College dual-enrollment opportunities are also being explored in partnership with Montgomery College.

Fall High School Showcases are happening now across all six MCPS regions. These events give 8th grade students and families an opportunity to visit schools, explore programs and courses, meet staff, and learn more about the high school options available to them. Showcases are being held throughout October in the Southern, Eastern, Central South, Central, Central North, and Northern regions.


Get informed and explore your options:

  • Watch the new Center Programs overview videos: English | Spanish

  • Watch: Now You Know — Center Programs: The Basics

  • See the full Fall High School Showcase schedule and find an upcoming event in your region.

Attendance Matters Every Day Attendance Matters Every Day

Now You Know (Video Series)

There’s nothing more important than being in school every day. Being at school every day gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, connect with trusted adults and get involved in activities they enjoy. Most importantly, being present helps them feel like they belong — and gives them opportunities to reach their potential. Parents and families, please ensure your student is in school every day, ready to learn.
Learn more: English | Spanish | Amharic | Chinese | French | Korean | Portuguese | Vietnamese

MCPS Back-To-School Information MCPS Back-To-School Information

We are excited to share the MCPS Back-to-School Resources Slides to help you prepare for the 2026–2027 school year! We ask all families to read and review this presentation, which covers essential systemwide updates on:

  • Curriculum & Instruction: New developments in literacy and mathematics, including the rollout of Amplify Desmos Math.

  • Grading & Assessments: Important updates to assessment calendars, makeup work policies, and expectations regarding AI use.

  • Mobile Device Policy: The new "Bell to Bell" regulation prohibiting personal mobile devices during the academic day.

  • Parent Tools: New features in ParentVUE, including digital hall passes, automated tardy check-in kiosks, and electronic attendance submission.

Saturday School Saturday School

Saturday School provides MCPS-aligned academic tutoring and instruction led by certified teachers, along with enrichment opportunities that include:

  • Academic support for students in Grades K–12, including reading/language arts, mathematics, and high school core subjects
  • SAT/ACT preparation and college/career readiness
  • Coding and Robotics
  • Additional enrichment opportunities, including programs such as Cosmetology and Automotive Concepts
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Safe Walkers, Safe School Days Safe Walkers, Safe School Days

Walking to school is a great way for students to start the day, but staying alert and making safe choices is essential. Families can help by reviewing a few simple pedestrian safety habits with students:

  • Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible.
  • Stop, look left, right and left again before crossing — and keep looking while crossing.
  • Make eye contact with drivers and never assume a vehicle will stop.
  • Put phones and headphones away when crossing streets or walking near traffic.
  • Follow the directions of crossing guards and traffic signals at all times.
  • Be especially careful around buses and school parking lots, where vehicles may be turning, backing up or stopping unexpectedly.

Drivers also play an important role: slow down, stay alert and watch carefully for students, especially during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

A few extra seconds of attention can make a big difference. Learn more.

Food & Nutrition Services Food & Nutrition Services

The cost of a regular lunch is $2.85. Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive lunch for free. If you are applying for Free and Reduced-Price Meals, please visit: www.MySchoolApps.com. The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for this school year. Families must reapply yearly to determine eligibility, even if their child qualified the previous year. Until a new application is approved, students will be charged the standard meal rate.

MySchoolApps Free Reduced Meals Tutorial

Check Out School Menus with MealViewer! Check Out School Menus with MealViewer!

MCPS now uses MealViewer to make it easy to see school-specific menus, check nutritional information, and filter meals by top allergens—all in one place.

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Fallsmead ES Lunch Menus
MySchool Bucks: Fund Your Child's Lunch Account
Make payments on-the-go, check balances, view purchases and more!

Updated Health Room Contacts Updated Health Room Contacts

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Lost & Found Lost & Found

To help us avoid a backlog of clothing in our Lost and Found, items left behind will be donated quarterly throughout the school year. Please label jackets, coats, sweatshirts, and other clothing items with your child’s name to make it easier for us to return lost items to their owners. We encourage families to check the Lost and Found regularly for any missing belongings.

ParentSquare: Stay Up-to-Date ParentSquare: Stay Up-to-Date

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ParentSquare is the primary communication platform for MCPS and Fallsmead for sharing schoolwide announcements, classroom updates, reminders, forms, and important information with families.


Families are encouraged to download the ParentSquare app and review their account settings to ensure that contact information, language preferences, and notification preferences are up to date. Keeping your account current will help you receive timely messages from Fallsmead and your child’s teachers throughout the school year.

Parent Square Quick Gude

ParentVUE Annual Verification ParentVUE Annual Verification

Families are asked to complete the annual verification process in ParentVUE. This important step allows you to review and update your contact information, emergency contacts, your child(ren)’s medical information, and your preferred primary language. Selecting a language other than English as your primary language ensures that you will automatically receive district and school messages in that language.


📂 Reminder: ParentVUE is also where you can access your child’s student data—including report cards, MAP scores, schedules, and more.


✅ Please be sure to complete your annual verification. If you need support, call our office at 240-740-3545.

MCPS ParentVUE Account

Student Illness Student Illness

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Immunization Requirements for the 2026-2027 School Year

All students must have up-to-date immunization records prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Parents should contact their doctor to ensure their child is properly immunized and submit a copy of the documentation to the Health Room at your child’s school as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the first day of the school year.


Immunizations for students new to MCPS and children in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are available Monday through Friday by appointment at locations in Rockville and Germantown. Appointments are available at:

  • School Health Services Immunization Clinic at Rocking Horse Road: 4910 Macon Road. Rockville; Phone: 240-740-4430

  • Germantown Health Center: 12900 Middlebrook Rd. Germantown; Phone: 240-777-3380

Visit this webpage to view the full list of immunization requirements for students.

Updated Personal Mobile Devices Updated Personal Mobile Devices

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This school year all Montgomery County Public Schools will be restricting the use of cell phones during school hours. These restrictions are in alignment with the Maryland Phone-Free School Act (HB 525). Effective the first day of school, August 24, 2026, all students are not permitted to utilize personal mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, e-readers, personal laptops, smart watches, smart glasses, and anything with a microphone, camera, speaker, or headphones/earbuds (including AirPods) during the instructional day. This includes during lunch and in the hallways as students transition to class.


We believe that by restricting personal mobile devices it will reduce distractions to your child’s learning, support their social development through increased engagement in discussions with their peers and teachers, and promote a safer school environment. For more information, including how you can support your child, please visit the MCPS Family FAQ - Personal Mobile Devices.

Volunteer at Fallsmead Volunteer at Fallsmead

We love our volunteers. MCPS has different requirements for three volunteer categories. Volunteers must meet all MCPS requirements before participating in classroom or school activities (field trips, etc)


  • One-Time Volunteers: Volunteers participating in one-time events, who work under the supervision of MCPS staff members, are exempt from completing compliance measures beyond registering as campus visitors through the Visitor Management System (VMS) using valid identification.
  • Regular Volunteers: Volunteers who regularly support school or school-sponsored activities must complete the MCPS online training on Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect.
  • Frequent Volunteers: Volunteers who have frequent and independent contact with students, unsupervised by MCPS staff members, must complete the MCPS online training on Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect AND a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.


Stay tuned for more information about supporting recess and other opportunities. If you’re interested in helping, please be sure you’ve completed the required MCPS Volunteer Compliance modules.

Volunteer Compliance Modules

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers! Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Just Ask MCPS! The district’s revamped website offers improved access to information. From the Most Requested webpage (simply click the button below) to the informational AskMCPS chatbot (it can answer MCPS-related questions in any language), we’ve got your questions answered!

Most Requested Information
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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT THE PTA
Shauntae Fitcheard Spaugh
Principal
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