Happy New Year to all MVM families. I am excited to see what the new year holds for us, especially with so many important projects on the horizon. The lottery has opened, and for the first time in MVM’s history we will be accepting ninth-grade applications! Work on our new facility continues to move forward in earnest, and staff are beginning to dare to dream about our new home. I shared a lot of information in my January GC Principal Report, so I’ll keep things simple here.
With the beginning of the new year and the new semester, there is an opportunity to revisit the expectations of our community. We have noticed an uptick in some graffiti and other misuse of the facilities, chewed gum being found on floors and furniture, and some inconsiderate language. I have asked teachers to work with students to reinforce the positive messages that help to build a strong, vibrant, and thriving community. Please consider reinforcing our values when the opportunity for conversation presents itself.
Here is what teachers recently reviewed with students.
Parents, we need your help to continue the tradition of a strong community here at school. Please monitor your child’s screen time to ensure they are not accessing inappropriate material. Our younger students are “bringing” to school knowledge of subjects that is well beyond their years. Be mindful of your speech; students across levels are using words and phrases that are offensive, without concern for their impact on others. By the nature of our Montessori practice, students have the opportunity to learn in a more nurturing and protected environment than many of their peers attending other schools. Your partnership helps us to maintain this safe environment. Thank you for your support!
Happy 2023 Families! I can’t believe we are half-way through the 2022-2023 school year!
Over the month of December we learned in our morning announcements about how other countries and cultures celebrate the holidays. In January we are going to focus on Maryland and Frederick County heritage as the County celebrates its 275th anniversary this year!
Over the past few days students started middle of year testing which will continue this month. Please be on the lookout for reports of your students' progress that will go home with report cards later this month!
When looking at attendance rates we are at 93% while the district is at 92.6% present. We are working toward an average goal of 95% present. As we have come back from the break take the time to speak with your child about expectations here at school and remind them the importance of Respect to the community.
We would also like to remind parents of the importance that our morning routine plays in the Montessori Classroom. This morning routine allows students to be welcomed personally by a staff member, eat breakfast, and prepare for the day. At 9:00 am our students join the morning announcements where they say the Meerkat Pledge, Learn about things going on at MVM, and share character building stories through the “Words of Wisdom” and our diversity messages. When students are tardy they miss this important process in our morning routine.
Attendance Please provide a note if your child is not able to attend school. Email your child's teacher as well as the MVMPCS Attendance email address MVMS.attendance@fcps.org.
Breakfast & Lunch Menus and meal prices can be found here.
Hearing and Vision Screenings Screenings are scheduled for February 6 & 7th. All 1st graders, 8th graders, and students new to FCPS will be screened. If you have questions, please email Mikhaela.Swiger@fcps.org in the Health Room.
We are continuing our study of the Biomes, specifically looking at the arctic/polar Biomes.
We are introducing animals and plants of the arctic/polar Biomes.
We are also discussing weather as the season is changing.
We are talking about emotions and feelings.
After the middle of the year assessments students will be focusing on the areas they need to build as we head into the third quarter. They will set goals for building achievement in math, reading, and language.
Students are digging into the fractions, multiplication and division materials. We are exploring double and triple digit mathematical equations using the Checkerboard, Racks and Tubes Long Division.
It is time for our mid-year testing in language, mathematics and reading. Teachers use the information to make adjustments in students’ education. Everyone can expect to learn the results of our mid-year testing when report cards arrive home.
Our focus in history is on the advancements in human capabilities and on the formation of early culture.
In science we will build on our knowledge of elements through a study of rocks, minerals, soil and oxidation.
Every student receives mathematics and reading instruction tailored to each student’s current needs.
The fourth year students will take a field trip to the Earth Space Science Lab on January 31st from 11:30 to 2:00.
The fifth year students will take a field trip to the Earth Space Science Lab on January 25th from 9:00 to 12:15.
2nd payment for Williamsburg due by January 13. Balance sheets went home on January 6.
If you have additional questions, please send an email to john.worrell@fcps.org
PE
Art
Music
The School Counselor’s office can provide helpful opportunities and resources for students and families. Please reach out if you have a need.
If you are interested in receiving Blessings in a Backpack weekend food for your family, send your email request to cynthia.a.green@fcps.org.
Happy New Year! This is a great time to renew routines at home and at school. Teachers have been working this past week to re-establish classroom norms and build community. Here are some tips to help your child get reacclimated to school after the long winter break:
Establish a bedtime to ensure that your child is getting enough rest.
Arrive at school on time. This is critical to help your child start the day with their peers and be a part of the community.
Limit screen time and spend more time reading and doing things as a family.
Keep consistent routines at home. Children thrive on routines and knowing what is expected at school and at home.
Shown in the photo above, our new self-service library kiosk is up and running! This laptop and barcode scanner combination allows students to check-out and check-in library books. We still need help from parent volunteers to reshelve books. Please contact Kim Cowles (Kimberly.Cowles@fcps.org) if you are interested.
We received a donation of Dell laptop docking stations from FCPS’s Department of Technology Infrastructure. These are being deployed to our teachers to use with their staff laptops.
Offering Soccer, T-ball, outdoor basketball, flag football and cheer. All skills are welcomed! No tryouts! Click the link below to find out how to register now!
Spring i9 Sports
Frederick Elks Lodge #684 is sponsoring a poster contest for grades 3-5 as part of their Drug Awareness Program. The deadline for submitting entries is February 1, 2023. Please see the following fliers for more information:
Poster Contest Information
Hold Harmless Agreement
Frederick Elks Lodge #684 is sponsoring an essay contest for grades 6-8 as part of their Drug Awareness Program. The deadline for submitting entries is February 1, 2023. Please see the following fliers for more information:
Essay Contest Information
Jan 22-28 School Choice Week. If your student in grades 1-5 are interested in learning the dance and practicing with Ms. Shannon please email at shannon.vendemmia@fcps.org
March 31st and April 1st at 6:30 the Middle School production of a Pirate’s Life for Me!
http://education.fcps.org/mvmpcs/ 217 Dill Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 240-236-6100 Fax: 240-236-6101 Principal: Amy Dorman