September 13, 2021
Dates and times are subject to change
Dear MVM Families,
Welcome to September! I hope this communication finds everyone well and into somewhat of a routine now that school has been in session for several weeks. We've had a few challenges to overcome, but we keep putting our best foot forward and continue to practice the grace and courtesy Montessorians are so well know for!
Here are some important updates for you:
Extended Absence Instruction: students absent from school for extended time will follow their teacher's schedule posted on Schoology. Minimum expectations are: students log in for morning meeting, check Schoology for new assignments, continue to work on their regular work (e.g., spelling, reading, math, word roots, etc.), and log in each day at the assigned time. Students not meeting the minimum expectations will be marked absent and need to make up missed instruction. Please check with your child's teacher if you have any questions.
Students take their beginning of year assessments this month. These results help teachers plan instruction that meets the needs of each student. They also help to inform discussions about intervention and tutoring opportunities. And finally, the School Leadership Team uses this data for our School Improvement Plan. While we do not use assessments to define our students, the data are extremely important to helping us achieve our goal of continuous improvement.
On the horizon -- Meerkat Camp & Power Hour: Small group tutoring opportunities will be offered by the end of this month and will include Saturday "Meerkat Camp" for our younger learners and after school "Power Hour" three days per week for our older learners. More information to follow.
We are looking for volunteers to help in a limited capacity within the school. Primary needs a parent to lend a hand in the mornings (9:00 - 11:30) as hall monitor and "floater" between both classrooms. The front office needs a parent to assist once a week with copying, organizing, filing, etc. If you can help with either of these positions, please email Amy.Dorman@fcps.org.
We welcome new staff members:
Allie Titus, primary teacher
Dinora Montoya, Spanish teacher
John Jacobs, custodian
Kim Cowles, Montessori teacher specialist
Leslie Hwang, lower elementary teacher
Stacy Birckner, special educator
Suneethy Nambiar, middle school instructional assistant
Parents are asked to let the school know when a student will be out for extended absence.
Parents may expect to be contacted by the health room tech or nurse for guidance with potential close contact cases, COVID-like illness, and guidance for returning to school.
As we begin the 2021-2022 school year, it is worth highlighting several staff members who have called MVMPCS home for many years. Here are some longevity milestones worth celebrating:
217 Dill Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 240-236-6100 Principal: Amy Dorman