Please see below for Mrs. O’s Spotlight for the week of September 2. You can also click here for a PDF. Please note her referenced attachments are only in the PDF version.
Week Ahead:
Mon., Sept. 2 SCHOOL CLOSED for Labor Day holiday
Tues., Sept. 3 First Day of Head Start for scheduled students
Wed., Sept. 4 First Day of Head Start for scheduled students
Thur., Sept. 5 NO SCHOOL for students and teachers, Rosh Hashanah holiday begins
Fri., Sept. 6 All Head Start students attend today
Recess/Lunch Volunteer Orientation, 9:30, rm. 229
A Look Ahead
Mon., Sept. 9 Instrumental Music Parent Orientation for 4th and 5th Grade Parents, 6:30 pm, APR
Back to School Night for Gr. 3-5 ,Ms. Boyle and Mr. Koch’s classes, 7:00-8:35 pm
(childcare available)
Tue., Sept. 10 Back to School Night for Gr. K-2 and Head Start Parents, 7:00-8:35 pm (childcare available)
Fri., Sept. 27 Early Release, dismissal at 1:00 pm
- We have had a great first week of school! Thanks to all families who had their children follow the normal routines as we started a new school year. We greatly appreciate that families of walkers and parent drop off students have been arriving earlier to allow students to be in their seats and ready for the morning announcements at 9:10 am. Our morning and afternoon traffic has been moving nicely thanks to parents following the expectations. Thanks for helping us have such a smooth opening.
- In compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) the attached asbestos management plan has been sent home in backpacks to all parents and guardians of each student attending the school. Since we are a new school, built after October 12, 1988, our management plan consists of documentation that states “to our knowledge no asbestos-containing building materials were used or specified for use in this building.”
- Please check backpacks for important information regarding release of student information. Each year we are required by law to inform parents of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. You may direct MCPS to withhold directory information by signing and returning the form that was sent home with students. If you did not receive the form, a copy is attached to this newsletter. This form must be received by the school no later than September 10, 2013. Forms received after September 10 will be returned to parents/guardians.
- In compliance with Maryland laws and regulations pertaining to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) the attached list of pesticides has been sent home in backpacks to all parents and guardians of each student attending the school. These pesticides may be applied in the school or on school grounds. Without exception, notices will be sent to all parents/guardians each time a product from this list is used at Bells Mill.
- Check backpacks for the Bells Mill Discipline Policy that was given to each student. We ask that you review the policy with your child, sign the tear-off portion of the cover memo, and return it to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.
- There will be an Orientation Meeting for all parents who are interested in volunteering to help with recess and/or lunch, Friday, September 6, 9:30 am, rm. 229. Parent volunteers are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn the duties and responsibilities for recess/lunch duty.
- Attention Parents of 4th and 5th graders, on Monday, September 9, 2013, at 6:30 pm, there will be an information meeting for parents of students who wish to participate in the Bells Mill instrumental music program. Parents of new and returning instrumental music students are invited to meet with Mr. Allen, instrumental music teacher, in the all purpose room. Back to School Night for parents of students in grades 3-5 will immediately follow this meeting.
- Attention Gr. 3-5, Mr. Koch and Ms. Boyle’s Parents, Monday evening, September 9, 2013, is our Back to School Night for parents of students in Grades 3-5. We ask that you meet with us in the All Purpose Room at 7:00 pm to kick off the new school year. Following a very brief meeting filled with important announcements, you will go to classrooms for information sessions with your child’s teachers. You will hear about routines and procedures as well as information about the curriculum expectations. Session 1 will run from 7:20 – 8:00 pm, and session 2 will run from 8:05 until 8:35 pm. There will be childcare in the gym provided by the Bar T staff. We look forward to seeing you at this very special evening.
- Attention Gr. K-2 and Head Start Parents, Tuesday evening, September 10, 2013, is our Back to School Night for parents of students in Grades K – 2. We ask that you meet with us in the All Purpose Room at 7:00 to kick off the new school year. Following a very brief meeting filled with important announcements, you will go to classrooms for information sessions with your child’s teachers. You will hear about routines and procedures as well as information about the curriculum expectations. Session 1 will run from 7:20 – 8:00 pm, and session 2 will run from 8:05 until 8:35 pm. There will be childcare in the gym provided by the Bar T staff. We look forward to seeing you at this very special evening.
- The Media Center is looking for a few good men and women who are willing to commit to volunteering once a week (either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday) in the afternoon from 12:30-3:30. Please contact Mrs. Floyd, Media Specialist.
- After school activities start soon. It is important that you inform your child’s teacher of any changes in your child’s dismissal routine.
- Why Don’t My Kids Listen to Me? is a FREE parent workshop offered by PEP parent education organization, Sat. Sept. 7, 3:00-4:30 pm, at 10100Connecticut Ave., Kensington. Space is limited. Register at www.PEPparent.org .
- Many thanks to Benny’s Bar & Grill for their generous donation to the Bells Mill staff.
- Bells Mill staff members wish to thank the PTA and parent volunteers who provided breakfast during their first week back at school. Thank you for the care and support you’ve given us as we begin a new school year.
Thank you for being partners in your child’s education