FAIRLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

14315 Fairdale Road bull Silver Spring Maryland 20905

Phone 240-740-0640 bull Fax 301-989-5769

August 2016

Dear Fairland Families

We are extremely excited to welcome you back to school in the a few short weeks Our

schoolrsquos leadership team has worked hard this summer to help put plans processes and

procedures in place that will lead us towards excellence Our goal is to continually improve

our ability to meet the needs of all students Although we have made some gains in our

studentsrsquo overall academic performance we will not be satisfied until every student in our

school meets high standards As with every year we see the possibilities for growth new

plans and ways to implement new ideas We are committed to ensuring our students

receive a high quality education We look forward to building more relationships with

families this upcoming year We canrsquot wait to see you at school wide events and in the

school building This letter provides you with information about the opening days of

school Montgomery County Public Schoolrsquos calendar some important policies and the

bus schedules Keep it handy as it will answer many of the questions you may have as the

school year begins

New We have new phone contact numbers for Fairland Elementary School this year In

addition to new office numbers families will be able to dial directly to the health room and

cafeteria Please post these numbers so that you may easily locate them when needed

Main School Number 2407400640 Health Room Number 2407400642

Cafeteria Number 2407400644

Falcon Staff Changes For The Upcoming Year

Falcons Joining the Nest We are excited to welcome several new and experienced staff

members who will join the Falconrsquos Nest

Dawn Traub ndash Heat Start Teacher

Jessica Scheerer ndash PEP Teacher (new class)

Catriona Sutton ndash First Grade Teacher

Kristen Rub ndash Third Grade Teacher

Ryan White ndash Third Grade Teacher

Megan Herman ndash Fourth Grade Teacher

Kimberly Barger ndash Fifth Grade Teacher

Erin Link ndash Academic InterventionPart Time - Math

Danielle Sullivan ndash ESOL Teacher

Nathan Berry ndash PE TeacherPart Time

Tedra Gray ndash Reading Specialist

Valerie Straus ndash Music Teacher

David Wolff ndash Art TeacherPart Time

Falcons Who Have Left the Nest We wish them the best for the upcoming school year

Jenny Smith ndash Second Grade Teacher at Fox Chapel Elementary School

Brittany Johnson - former Music Teacher and Drama Club Sponsor

Chelsea Massari ndash Second Grade Teacher in Chicago Illinois

Beth Mack ndash Reading Specialist at Sherwood Elementary School

Bonnie Louden ndash Retired Academic Intervention Teacher with 48 years of service

Falcons Who Have Changed Positions and Grade Levels Within the School

Brenton Skolaski ndash Second Grade Teacher and Team Leader

Patricia Ysern ndash Second Grade Teacher

Dawn Hester ndash Academic Intervention Teacher

Open House

Fairlandrsquos Open House will be held on Friday August 26th from 300 pm ndash 400 pm All

parents and students are invited to come meet their teacher and visit the classroom

Students must be accompanied by an adult Class Lists will be posted by noon in the front

window on Friday August 26th

Studentsrsquo First Day

The first day of school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 is Monday August

29th The instructional day for students begins at 925 am and ends at 350 pm Students arriving

after the 925 am bell are considered tardy and must be signed in by an adult at the front office

In the morning students are admitted to classrooms at 900 am Students should not be dropped

off at school before 900 am There will be no supervision for students before that time

Students in Grades 1 - 5 When students come to school on Monday August 29th they

should report to their new classroom for this year 2016-2017 There will be extra staff to

help direct students

Kindergarten Staff members will greet the children attending kindergarten in the hall

and take them to their rooms on the first day of school August 29th A tag for

Kindergarten students will be provided at the Kindergarten Back to School Night on

Thursday August 25th Remember to have your childrsquos tag pinned on for the first day of

school on Monday August 29th

Back To School Night

Back to School Night for families of students in Kindergarten is scheduled for

Thursday August 25 2016 from 600 pm to 715 pm in the Media Center Fairland

Families will also have the opportunity to meet members of the 2016-2017 PTA Board

and receive information about membership and upcoming events

Back-to-School Night for families of students in Grades 1-5 is scheduled for

Wednesday September 7 2016 from 700 pm - 900 pm Families will have an

opportunity to visit homeroom classrooms During this time staff members will be

introduced and a variety of school-based initiatives and data will be shared Fairland

Families will also have the opportunity to meet members of the 2016-2017 PTA Board

and receive information about membership and upcoming events

The Fairland Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) welcomes all Fairland families to join

us in supporting our students staff school and community The PTA sponsors events

such as parent meetings school dances book fairs fundraisers cultural arts assemblies

and staff appreciation and also supports the school with funds to help pay for field trips

and other needs We hope every Fairland family will join us to help with this important

work You can become a PTA member by signing up at the PTA table at Back-to-School

Night or at other Fairland events You can also become a PTA member by attending one

of our general membership meetings to be held at 700 pm at Fairland on the following

dates October 4 2016 December 6 2016 February 7 2017 April 4 2017 and May 2

2017

Thursday August 25 Kindergarten Back-to-School Night 600 pm -715 pm

Friday August 26 OPEN HOUSE Kindergarten ndash Grade 5 300 pm ndash 400 pm

Monday August 29 First Day of School for Students in Kindergarten - Grade 5

1st Marking Period Begins

Monday September 5 Schools amp Offices are CLOSED Labor Day Holiday

Tuesday September 6 First Day of School for PEP Students

Wednesday September 7 Back-to-School Night for Students in Grades 1 ndash 5 700 pm ndash 900 pm

Monday September 12 School is CLOSED for Students Teacher Professional Day

Saturday September 17 PTA Back-to-School PICNIC

Friday September 30 EARLY RELEASE DAY FOR ALL STUDENTS 115 PM

Monday October 3 School is CLOSED for Students amp Teachers Rosh Hoshanah

Tuesday October 4 PTA Board Meeting 630 pm General PTA Meeting at 700 pm

Monday October 10 OPEN HOUSE for Parents 930 am ndash 1115 am Columbus Day

Wednesday October 12 School is CLOSED for Students amp Teachers Yom Kippur

Friday November 4 1st Marking Period Ends

Monday November 7 School is CLOSED for Students Teacher Professional Day

Tuesday November 8 Schools amp Offices are CLOSED ELECTION DAY

Wednesday November 9 2nd Marking Period Begins

Thursday November 10 Early Release Day for Students in Grades K-5 115 pm for PARENT

CONFERENCES No School for Pre-K amp Head Start

Friday November 11 Early Release Day for Students in Grades K-5 115 pm for PARENT

CONFERENCES No School for Pre-K amp Head Start

In closing if you are new to Fairland Elementary School we welcome you and your family

to our community if you are returning we look forward to working with you and your

child again this year We pride ourselves on building positive relationships high quality

instruction and our commitment to continuous improvement We look forward to

establishing a partnership with your family Enjoy your last days of summer We will see

you at the Open House on Friday August 26th at 300 pm

Best Regards

Lakeisha Lashley Stephanie Spencer

Principal Assistant Principal

Fairland Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017

ATTENDANCEABSENCES The Maryland State Department of Education has

clarified that ALL school absences MUST be accounted for with a written note or else be

counted as unexcused Parents are requested to call the school in the morning if their

child is not going to attend school that day and follow up with a note when the student

returns to school Parents may leave messages about absent students on the schools

answering machine when the school office is closed When you call to report an absence

please leave your childs name hisher teacher and the reason for the absence

Students are not permitted in school with fevers of 100 or higher Students must be

fever-free and vomit-free for 24 hours before returning to school

Students will be permitted to the extent possible and at the discretion of the teacher to

make up work missed during the period of an excused absence

Attendance at school is extremely important Research shows that there is a significant

relationship between consistent attendance and academic achievement The Maryland

State Department of Education has established standards for school attendance including

both lawful and unlawful absences As part of the Maryland School Assessment Program

all schools in the state of Maryland are monitored and evaluated on their attendance

records Students are expected to attend school regularly and be punctual

Students will be recorded as am absent if they arrive at school more than two

hours late

Students will be recorded as pm absent if they leave school more than two

hours early

Students will be recorded as either am absent or pm absent if they are absent

from school for more than two hours but less than four hours during the school

day

Students will be recorded as full-day absent if they are present for less than two

hours of the school day

Students will be recorded as full-day present if they are present for more than

four hours of the school day

If your child is absent tardy or needs to be dismissed early please send a note explaining

the reason This information is necessary for attendance coding purposes Vacation trips

are not considered excused or ldquolawfulrdquo absences According to State regulations the

following is a listing of ldquolawfulrdquo absences for elementary students

Death in the immediate family

Illness of the student

Court summons

Hazardous weather conditions

Observance of a religious holiday

State emergency

Suspension

Lack of authorized transportation

Other emergencies

BICYCLES ETC Students may ride a bicycle to school if written permission letter is sent

to the office A lock is needed in order to properly secure the bike to our rack The school

cannot assume responsibility for damaged or stolen bicycles It is important that parents

review bicycle safety and etiquette Bicycles are to be walked on school property Please

remember that Montgomery County law requires that all children 18 years of age or

younger wear bicycle helmets At no time are skateboards or inline skates to be used on

school property

BIRTHDAYS Birthdays may be celebrated with a special snacktreat donated by

parents of the birthday child (See Food Policy) Parents may select one of two ways to

celebrate their childrsquos birthday 1) Parents may contact their childrsquos teacher directly to

arrange a birthday celebration for approximately 10-15 minutes at the end of the

instructional day or 2) Parents take responsibility for handing out birthday treats during

their childrsquos lunch period (Note Teachers will not be available during the childrsquos lunch

time due to team planning)

BUS SCHEDULE Please read the enclosed schedule to determine the best (safest)

stop for your child For the first few days it is wise to be prepared for minor delays as the

new routes are established If there is a safety question please call us Families living in

the Fairdale community will have students walking to the school The patrols will be there

to help students proceed safely to school

CELL PHONES Fairland Elementary school students are NOT permitted to possess or

use portable communication devices on school grounds during the instructional day Such

devices may include but are not limited to portable pagers hand-held radios and cellular

telephones

CHECK IN AT OFFICE All visitors to the school -

parents grandparents volunteers everyone - must check in at the main office using the

Visitor Management System (VMS) Visitors must bring a photo ID that will be scanned

into our electronic system The VMS will provide visitors with a sticker This is to be done

before going anywhere in the building and before leaving the building It is extremely

important that we know who is in the school building at all times During emergency

evacuation drillsactual emergencies we must account for everyone All visitors and

volunteers must wear identification stickers while in the school building Although some

visitor faces may be familiar to staff it is still of importance that you are signed-in through

the VMS and wear a sticker We want everyone to feel safe and welcomed as they enter

our school building We believe that Fairland ES is a happy place when there are

consistent safe practices for all

CLASS PARTIES Class parties are held twice during the school year for special

celebrations Halloween and Valentines Day Parents who do not wish for their child to

participate in these or other celebrations including birthday observances should notify

the classroom teacher of their preference

DISCIPLINE POLICY A Student Discipline Policy will be sent home with each child

Parents are asked to read and discuss this policy with their child so that students can

continue to work in a safe and comfortable learning environment

DROPPING STUDENTS OFF AT SCHOOL The parent drop-off area has been

provided just outside of the schools side entrance Parents who drop their child off at

school or pick their child up in the afternoon should do so in that area No cars are

allowed in the bus circle (directly in front of the school) for safety reasons We request

that all drivers remain with their vehicles unless parked in marked spaces and that no car

be left to block the free flow of traffic entering the parking and drop off area If a student

is late an adult must walk the student into the main office and sign him or her in

EARLY DISMISSALS School is occasionally dismissed early due to adverse weather

conditions or mechanical failure (electricity water) at the school Students should know

CHECK IN AT OFFICE All visitors to the school -

parents grandparents volunteers everyone - must check in at the main office using the

Visitor Management System (VMS) Visitors must bring a photo ID that will be scanned

into our electronic system The VMS will provide visitors with a sticker This is to be done

before going anywhere in the building and before leaving the building It is extremely

important that we know who is in the school building at all times During emergency

evacuation drillsactual emergencies we must account for everyone All visitors and

volunteers must wear identification stickers while in the school building Although some

visitor faces may be familiar to staff it is still of importance that you are signed-in through

the VMS and wear a sticker We want everyone to feel safe and welcomed as they enter

our school building We believe that Fairland ES is a happy place when there are

consistent safe practices for all

CLASS PARTIES Class parties are held twice during the school year for special

celebrations Halloween and Valentines Day Parents who do not wish for their child to

participate in these or other celebrations including birthday observances should notify

the classroom teacher of their preference

DISCIPLINE POLICY A Student Discipline Policy will be sent home with each child

Parents are asked to read and discuss this policy with their child so that students can

continue to work in a safe and comfortable learning environment

DROPPING STUDENTS OFF AT SCHOOL The parent drop-off area has been

provided just outside of the schools side entrance Parents who drop their child off at

school or pick their child up in the afternoon should do so in that area No cars are

allowed in the bus circle (directly in front of the school) for safety reasons We request

that all drivers remain with their vehicles unless parked in marked spaces and that no car

be left to block the free flow of traffic entering the parking and drop off area If a student

is late an adult must walk the student into the main office and sign him or her in

EARLY DISMISSALS School is occasionally dismissed early due to adverse weather

conditions or mechanical failure (electricity water) at the school Students should know

where they are to go without having to call home if school is dismissed early for any

reason Early dismissals are announced on local media stations Planned early release

days for professional meetings and conferences are listed in the school calendar

ENROLLING STUDENTS New students are enrolled at the school by having their

parents or guardian complete enrollment forms at the school office Immunization

information birth certificate and proof of residency for each student new to Fairland

must be on file at the school before the child can attend the school Strict enforcement of

all residency policies will be in effect at all times Any questions regarding residency in the

Fairland neighborhood will be investigated

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS School is occasionally closed all day due to unsafe weather

conditions or mechanical problems in the school Announcements are made over local

media stations during the mornings of unscheduled closings Parents are asked to listen

to the radio or TV for information about school closings Please do not call the school for

this information Emergency closings are also announced on the MCPS information line

at (301) 279-3673

EVACUATION PLANS In the event of an emergency where we must evacuate the

building leave school grounds and cannot return to the building our emergency

evacuation location will again be

Paint Branch High School (Cafeteria)

14121 Old Columbia Pike

Burtonsville MD 20866

301-989-5600

Banneker Middle School

14800 Perrywood Drive

Burtonsville MD 20866

301-989-5747

All students and staff would proceed to this location where they would wait for

transportation to deliver the students home MCPS personnel would assist us in having

all school buses pick-up the students from this location and help in safely dealing with

the emergency

FOOD POLICY It is the policy of the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of

Education that only store-bought pre-packaged food be brought into the classroom for

parties snacks etc While everyone loves the idea of home-baked goods there is no way

to control the quality or contents of the food unless it is store-bought with required

labeling Some children have allergies and are sensitive to even traces of allergens in food

Please avoid foods that contain nuts

HEALTH ROOM A health technician is on duty from 900 am to 330 pm each school

day It is important for us to have every childs emergency information on file so that we

may contact parents quickly if necessary If your home cell or work telephone number

changes please let us know Students who become ill at school may be picked up in the

Health Room and should be signed out in the Health Room Please feel free to contact

Ms Penn Fairlandrsquos Health Technician directly at 2407400642

ILLNESS - See student absences

LOST AND FOUND A lost and found area is located in the recess hallway by the

stairwell for items that have been misplaced by students

LUNCH LOANS The National School Lunch program does not permit the cafeteria

to loan money or extend credit to those without money for lunch All students are

encouraged to have sufficient money in their SNAP accounts to cover breakfastlunch

purchases desired or to bring the change needed for their purchases

LUNCH PRICES

elementary lunch = $255 breakfast = $130 milk = $60

reduced-price lunch = $40 reduced-price breakfast = $00

LUNCH PROGRAM Lunches may be brought or purchased at school beginning with

the first day A computerized cash register system is used in the cafeteria Each student is

assigned an account which is accessed by a Personalized Identification Number (PIN)

Students returning to our school will use their PIN from last year Students new to our

school will receive their new PINs on the first day of school This is a debit system in which

students may choose to make deposits into an account At mealtime the computer

records food purchases and deducts them from the account when the student enters

hisher PIN on the keypad Students who choose to not pay in advance still enter their

PINs and then pay by cash We strongly suggest that deposits be made in advance

Checks made out to Fairland School Cafeteria may be brought in throughout the year

to control the quality or contents of the food unless it is store-bought with required

labeling Some children have allergies and are sensitive to even traces of allergens in food

Please avoid foods that contain nuts

HEALTH ROOM A health technician is on duty from 900 am to 330 pm each school

day It is important for us to have every childs emergency information on file so that we

may contact parents quickly if necessary If your home cell or work telephone number

changes please let us know Students who become ill at school may be picked up in the

Health Room and should be signed out in the Health Room Please feel free to contact

Ms Penn Fairlandrsquos Health Technician directly at 2407400642

ILLNESS - See student absences

LOST AND FOUND A lost and found area is located in the recess hallway by the

stairwell for items that have been misplaced by students

LUNCH LOANS The National School Lunch program does not permit the cafeteria

to loan money or extend credit to those without money for lunch All students are

encouraged to have sufficient money in their SNAP accounts to cover breakfastlunch

purchases desired or to bring the change needed for their purchases

LUNCH PRICES

elementary lunch = $255 breakfast = $130 milk = $60

reduced-price lunch = $40 reduced-price breakfast = $00

LUNCH PROGRAM Lunches may be brought or purchased at school beginning with

the first day A computerized cash register system is used in the cafeteria Each student is

assigned an account which is accessed by a Personalized Identification Number (PIN)

Students returning to our school will use their PIN from last year Students new to our

school will receive their new PINs on the first day of school This is a debit system in which

students may choose to make deposits into an account At mealtime the computer

records food purchases and deducts them from the account when the student enters

hisher PIN on the keypad Students who choose to not pay in advance still enter their

PINs and then pay by cash We strongly suggest that deposits be made in advance

Checks made out to Fairland School Cafeteria may be brought in throughout the year

Your childs name must be written on the check The use of this program will enhance

the speed and smoothness of the lunch process and should add to the time that students

have to eat their lunch When accounts become low a reminder letter will be sent home

so additional money can be deposited into the childs account for future use Please feel

free to contact Ms Golden Fairlandrsquos Food Service Manager directly at 2407400644

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act a student may be entitled to receive menu

substitutions of texture modifications under the school lunch program This entitlement

occurs when a doctor determines that a child has an impairment which substantially limits

one or more major life activities A signed statement from the students doctor must

verify the existence of the students handicapping condition and an indication that the

handicap restricts the students diet If the handicap prevents the student from eating the

regular school meals meal substitutions for that child will be made at no extra charge If

you believe your child needs substitutions please contact the school office

LUNCH AND RECESS Students have 30-minute lunch periods and 30-minute recess

periods each day except for early dismissal days Students will have recess outdoors

unless it is raining or the temperature is below 320 F They should dress accordingly on

days when the weather is windy or cold All students are expected to go outside on

outdoor recess days unless they have a note from their physician

Some students will have recess before they go to lunch Many Montgomery County

Schools are using this model and it has been successful for student behavior and

enjoyment By having recess before lunch students make better choices about what they

eat They eat more and always drink their fluids Itrsquos beneficial and helps students return

to the classrooms and ready to learn with a positive attitude

MEDICATIONS Parents are encouraged to administer medications to their children

at home whenever possible No medication will be administered in school or during

school-sponsored activities without written authorization from the parentguardian and

a physicians written order Any prescribed medication that needs to be administered at

school must be in the original bottle and must be accompanied by MCPS form 525-13

(Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication) All medications must be hand

delivered to the school by a parent Under no circumstances will school personnel

administer medications brought to school by a student Over-the-counter medications

must be accompanied by a physicians note to be administered by the health technician

Please do not send cough drops throat drops vitamins etc to school with your child

Please feel free to contact Ms Penn Fairlandrsquos Health Technician directly at 2407400642

OFFICE HOURS The school office is open from 830 am until 430 pm each school

day An answering machine will take messages during non-school hours

PARENT COMMUNICATIONS Regular communications from the school should

be expected to arrive home with the students These will include teachers notices and

announcements as appropriate A phone and email message will be sent to parents

weekly through our Connect Ed system

PICKING STUDENTS UP FROM SCHOOL Once students have arrived at school

they will be released only to their parents or legal guardians All students leaving school

before the end of the school day must be signed out from the main office by their parents

or legal guardian If parents want their child to be picked up at school at any time by

anyone else including siblings and grandparents the parents must send a note to the

school stating their wishes and the name of the person who will pick up the child The

person picking up the child must present picture identification to the school office In

order to maintain safety at the end of the instructional day students will not be

called out of class for dismissal after 310 pm

POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS (PBIS) Fairland will continue implementing the PBIS program this year PBIS is a behavior

intervention program that focuses on pre-teaching reinforcing and rewarding positive

student behaviors It is a school-wide systematic approach to setting high expectations

for student behavior For the 2016-2017 our School Expectations are I CAN BE SAFE I

CAN BE READY and I CAN BE RESPONSIBLE Our students will earn soar slips for their

good choices When students receive Soar Slips it will allow them to earn special

privileges and rewards We believe this program will allow students to be rewarded for

their positive acts

PTA MEETINGS PTA activities are scheduled periodically throughout the year and

provide opportunities for families to come together at the school for information

entertainment andor socialization For the 2016-2017 school year PTA Executive Board

Meetings will be held at 630 pm followed by PTA General Meetings at 700 pm The Fall

2016 dates for PTA Executive Board and General Meetings are October 4th and

December 6th All parents are invited to attend the PTA Board Meetings and we want to

see all Fairland Families at PTA General Meetings So mark your calendars for October 4th

at 630 pm and 700 pm for PTA right away

REPORT CARDS Report cards are sent home with students four times a year at the

end of each of the nine-week grading periods The dates for report card distribution will

be as follows

November 17 2016 April 19 2017

February 8 2017 June 27 2017 (mailed)

SCHOOL HOURS The instructional day for students begins at 925 am and ends at

350 pm Students arriving after the 925 am bell are considered tardy and must be signed

in by an adult at the front office In the morning students are admitted to classrooms at

900 am Students should not be dropped off at school before 900 am There will be no

supervision for students before that time

SCHOOL SUPPLIES Please refer to the attached student recommended supply list

for the 2016 - 2017 school year at Fairland Elementary School

TOYS We request that students NOT bring their personal toys balls stuffed animals

trading cards electronic games etc to school We cannot be responsible for these items

and they are not needed for the instructional program or recess

TRANSPORTATION Most of Fairlandrsquos students are bused to school Students are

picked up at designated bus stops no more than one mile from their home Parents are

responsible for maintaining discipline and safety at bus stops Inclement weather traffic

accidents and road construction can cause delays in the bus routes so the pick-up and

drop-off times of each bus may vary somewhat from day to day Questions about the

buses or bus routes should be directed to Sinisa Pavlovic MCPS Randolph Depot Manager

at the Transportation Office at (301) 929-6906 No child may ride a bus other than that

which is assigned Children wishing to ride a bus not regularly assigned to them must

have a note from their parent that is signed by office personnel Office personnel will

make a final decision based on space and student behaviors when allowing students to

ride a bus that is NOT assigned to them

VISITORS MCPS Policy requires that all visitors without exception must check in with

the Front Office staff before proceeding into the building This policy is enforced for the

safety of the students Visitors sign in and obtain a sticker from the visitor Management

System (VMS) Parents bringing items for their child (lunch band instruments homework

etc) will be asked to leave the items with front office personnel so that instructional time

remains uninterrupted We at Fairland have an open door policy We encourage families

to notify the teacher of your desire to visit in order to promote the smooth flow of the

instructional program

Montgomery County Public School Initiatives STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The Montgomery County Board of Education has adopted a new Strategic Planning

Framework that will guide the work of MCPS schools and offices in the years to come The

Framework Building Our Future Together Students Staff and Community incorporates

the three competencies that students need for success in the 21st centurymdashacademic

excellence creative problem solving and social emotional learningmdashas well as a

continued commitment to operational excellence The Framework describes what

students should know and be able to do in the three competency areas as well as specific

actions staff parents and community members should take to support students Parents

and staff will receive information about the Strategic Planning Framework at the

beginning of the school year but can learn more now by visiting the MCPS website at

wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframework or search Strategic Planning Framework

Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica El Consejo de Educacioacuten (Board of Education) de Montgomery County ha adoptado una

nueva Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica que guiaraacute el trabajo de las escuelas y las

oficinas de MCPS en los proacuteximos antildeos La Estructura Construyendo Nuestro Futuro

Juntos Estudiantes Empleados y Comunidad incorpora las tres aacutereas de competencia

que los estudiantes necesitan para ser exitosos en el Siglo XXImdashexcelencia acadeacutemica

resolucioacuten creativa de problemas y aprendizaje social y emocionalmdashcomo asiacute un

compromiso continuo hacia la excelencia operativa La Estructura describe lo que los

estudiantes deberiacutean saber y ser capaces de hacer en las tres aacutereas de competencia asiacute

como tambieacuten acciones especiacuteficas que el personal los padres y los miembros de la

comunidad deben tomar para apoyar a los estudiantes Los padres y el personal recibiraacuten

informacioacuten sobre la Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica al comienzo del ciclo escolar

pero ya pueden aprender maacutes visitando la paacutegina de Internet de la Estructura de MCPS

en wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframeworkes o busque Strategic Planning

Framework

Curriculum 20 All grade levels continue with implementation of Curriculum 20 This curriculum is shifting

the way in which we approach our instruction with an emphasis on depth of study versus

covering topics Please see attached for information from our superintendent Dr Starr

on the curriculum implementation and what you can expect on pages x and x of this letter

Online Library Search System Our library media center continues to use a centralized K-12 resource management tool

This tool helps our library media center work more efficiently while creating engaging and

OFFICE HOURS The school office is open from 830 am until 430 pm each school

day An answering machine will take messages during non-school hours

PARENT COMMUNICATIONS Regular communications from the school should

be expected to arrive home with the students These will include teachers notices and

announcements as appropriate A phone and email message will be sent to parents

weekly through our Connect Ed system

PICKING STUDENTS UP FROM SCHOOL Once students have arrived at school

they will be released only to their parents or legal guardians All students leaving school

before the end of the school day must be signed out from the main office by their parents

or legal guardian If parents want their child to be picked up at school at any time by

anyone else including siblings and grandparents the parents must send a note to the

school stating their wishes and the name of the person who will pick up the child The

person picking up the child must present picture identification to the school office In

order to maintain safety at the end of the instructional day students will not be

called out of class for dismissal after 310 pm

POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS (PBIS) Fairland will continue implementing the PBIS program this year PBIS is a behavior

intervention program that focuses on pre-teaching reinforcing and rewarding positive

student behaviors It is a school-wide systematic approach to setting high expectations

for student behavior For the 2016-2017 our School Expectations are I CAN BE SAFE I

CAN BE READY and I CAN BE RESPONSIBLE Our students will earn soar slips for their

good choices When students receive Soar Slips it will allow them to earn special

privileges and rewards We believe this program will allow students to be rewarded for

their positive acts

PTA MEETINGS PTA activities are scheduled periodically throughout the year and

provide opportunities for families to come together at the school for information

entertainment andor socialization For the 2016-2017 school year PTA Executive Board

Meetings will be held at 630 pm followed by PTA General Meetings at 700 pm The Fall

2016 dates for PTA Executive Board and General Meetings are October 4th and

December 6th All parents are invited to attend the PTA Board Meetings and we want to

see all Fairland Families at PTA General Meetings So mark your calendars for October 4th

at 630 pm and 700 pm for PTA right away

REPORT CARDS Report cards are sent home with students four times a year at the

end of each of the nine-week grading periods The dates for report card distribution will

be as follows

November 17 2016 April 19 2017

February 8 2017 June 27 2017 (mailed)

SCHOOL HOURS The instructional day for students begins at 925 am and ends at

350 pm Students arriving after the 925 am bell are considered tardy and must be signed

in by an adult at the front office In the morning students are admitted to classrooms at

900 am Students should not be dropped off at school before 900 am There will be no

supervision for students before that time

SCHOOL SUPPLIES Please refer to the attached student recommended supply list

for the 2016 - 2017 school year at Fairland Elementary School

TOYS We request that students NOT bring their personal toys balls stuffed animals

trading cards electronic games etc to school We cannot be responsible for these items

and they are not needed for the instructional program or recess

TRANSPORTATION Most of Fairlandrsquos students are bused to school Students are

picked up at designated bus stops no more than one mile from their home Parents are

responsible for maintaining discipline and safety at bus stops Inclement weather traffic

accidents and road construction can cause delays in the bus routes so the pick-up and

drop-off times of each bus may vary somewhat from day to day Questions about the

buses or bus routes should be directed to Sinisa Pavlovic MCPS Randolph Depot Manager

at the Transportation Office at (301) 929-6906 No child may ride a bus other than that

which is assigned Children wishing to ride a bus not regularly assigned to them must

have a note from their parent that is signed by office personnel Office personnel will

make a final decision based on space and student behaviors when allowing students to

ride a bus that is NOT assigned to them

VISITORS MCPS Policy requires that all visitors without exception must check in with

the Front Office staff before proceeding into the building This policy is enforced for the

safety of the students Visitors sign in and obtain a sticker from the visitor Management

System (VMS) Parents bringing items for their child (lunch band instruments homework

etc) will be asked to leave the items with front office personnel so that instructional time

remains uninterrupted We at Fairland have an open door policy We encourage families

to notify the teacher of your desire to visit in order to promote the smooth flow of the

instructional program

Montgomery County Public School Initiatives STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The Montgomery County Board of Education has adopted a new Strategic Planning

Framework that will guide the work of MCPS schools and offices in the years to come The

Framework Building Our Future Together Students Staff and Community incorporates

the three competencies that students need for success in the 21st centurymdashacademic

excellence creative problem solving and social emotional learningmdashas well as a

continued commitment to operational excellence The Framework describes what

students should know and be able to do in the three competency areas as well as specific

actions staff parents and community members should take to support students Parents

and staff will receive information about the Strategic Planning Framework at the

beginning of the school year but can learn more now by visiting the MCPS website at

wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframework or search Strategic Planning Framework

Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica El Consejo de Educacioacuten (Board of Education) de Montgomery County ha adoptado una

nueva Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica que guiaraacute el trabajo de las escuelas y las

oficinas de MCPS en los proacuteximos antildeos La Estructura Construyendo Nuestro Futuro

Juntos Estudiantes Empleados y Comunidad incorpora las tres aacutereas de competencia

que los estudiantes necesitan para ser exitosos en el Siglo XXImdashexcelencia acadeacutemica

resolucioacuten creativa de problemas y aprendizaje social y emocionalmdashcomo asiacute un

compromiso continuo hacia la excelencia operativa La Estructura describe lo que los

estudiantes deberiacutean saber y ser capaces de hacer en las tres aacutereas de competencia asiacute

como tambieacuten acciones especiacuteficas que el personal los padres y los miembros de la

comunidad deben tomar para apoyar a los estudiantes Los padres y el personal recibiraacuten

informacioacuten sobre la Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica al comienzo del ciclo escolar

pero ya pueden aprender maacutes visitando la paacutegina de Internet de la Estructura de MCPS

en wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframeworkes o busque Strategic Planning

Framework

Curriculum 20 All grade levels continue with implementation of Curriculum 20 This curriculum is shifting

the way in which we approach our instruction with an emphasis on depth of study versus

covering topics Please see attached for information from our superintendent Dr Starr

on the curriculum implementation and what you can expect on pages x and x of this letter

Online Library Search System Our library media center continues to use a centralized K-12 resource management tool

This tool helps our library media center work more efficiently while creating engaging and

November 17 2016 April 19 2017

February 8 2017 June 27 2017 (mailed)

SCHOOL HOURS The instructional day for students begins at 925 am and ends at

350 pm Students arriving after the 925 am bell are considered tardy and must be signed

in by an adult at the front office In the morning students are admitted to classrooms at

900 am Students should not be dropped off at school before 900 am There will be no

supervision for students before that time

SCHOOL SUPPLIES Please refer to the attached student recommended supply list

for the 2016 - 2017 school year at Fairland Elementary School

TOYS We request that students NOT bring their personal toys balls stuffed animals

trading cards electronic games etc to school We cannot be responsible for these items

and they are not needed for the instructional program or recess

TRANSPORTATION Most of Fairlandrsquos students are bused to school Students are

picked up at designated bus stops no more than one mile from their home Parents are

responsible for maintaining discipline and safety at bus stops Inclement weather traffic

accidents and road construction can cause delays in the bus routes so the pick-up and

drop-off times of each bus may vary somewhat from day to day Questions about the

buses or bus routes should be directed to Sinisa Pavlovic MCPS Randolph Depot Manager

at the Transportation Office at (301) 929-6906 No child may ride a bus other than that

which is assigned Children wishing to ride a bus not regularly assigned to them must

have a note from their parent that is signed by office personnel Office personnel will

make a final decision based on space and student behaviors when allowing students to

ride a bus that is NOT assigned to them

VISITORS MCPS Policy requires that all visitors without exception must check in with

the Front Office staff before proceeding into the building This policy is enforced for the

safety of the students Visitors sign in and obtain a sticker from the visitor Management

System (VMS) Parents bringing items for their child (lunch band instruments homework

etc) will be asked to leave the items with front office personnel so that instructional time

remains uninterrupted We at Fairland have an open door policy We encourage families

to notify the teacher of your desire to visit in order to promote the smooth flow of the

instructional program

Montgomery County Public School Initiatives STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The Montgomery County Board of Education has adopted a new Strategic Planning

Framework that will guide the work of MCPS schools and offices in the years to come The

Framework Building Our Future Together Students Staff and Community incorporates

the three competencies that students need for success in the 21st centurymdashacademic

excellence creative problem solving and social emotional learningmdashas well as a

continued commitment to operational excellence The Framework describes what

students should know and be able to do in the three competency areas as well as specific

actions staff parents and community members should take to support students Parents

and staff will receive information about the Strategic Planning Framework at the

beginning of the school year but can learn more now by visiting the MCPS website at

wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframework or search Strategic Planning Framework

Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica El Consejo de Educacioacuten (Board of Education) de Montgomery County ha adoptado una

nueva Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica que guiaraacute el trabajo de las escuelas y las

oficinas de MCPS en los proacuteximos antildeos La Estructura Construyendo Nuestro Futuro

Juntos Estudiantes Empleados y Comunidad incorpora las tres aacutereas de competencia

que los estudiantes necesitan para ser exitosos en el Siglo XXImdashexcelencia acadeacutemica

resolucioacuten creativa de problemas y aprendizaje social y emocionalmdashcomo asiacute un

compromiso continuo hacia la excelencia operativa La Estructura describe lo que los

estudiantes deberiacutean saber y ser capaces de hacer en las tres aacutereas de competencia asiacute

como tambieacuten acciones especiacuteficas que el personal los padres y los miembros de la

comunidad deben tomar para apoyar a los estudiantes Los padres y el personal recibiraacuten

informacioacuten sobre la Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica al comienzo del ciclo escolar

pero ya pueden aprender maacutes visitando la paacutegina de Internet de la Estructura de MCPS

en wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframeworkes o busque Strategic Planning

Framework

Curriculum 20 All grade levels continue with implementation of Curriculum 20 This curriculum is shifting

the way in which we approach our instruction with an emphasis on depth of study versus

covering topics Please see attached for information from our superintendent Dr Starr

on the curriculum implementation and what you can expect on pages x and x of this letter

Online Library Search System Our library media center continues to use a centralized K-12 resource management tool

This tool helps our library media center work more efficiently while creating engaging and

Montgomery County Public School Initiatives STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The Montgomery County Board of Education has adopted a new Strategic Planning

Framework that will guide the work of MCPS schools and offices in the years to come The

Framework Building Our Future Together Students Staff and Community incorporates

the three competencies that students need for success in the 21st centurymdashacademic

excellence creative problem solving and social emotional learningmdashas well as a

continued commitment to operational excellence The Framework describes what

students should know and be able to do in the three competency areas as well as specific

actions staff parents and community members should take to support students Parents

and staff will receive information about the Strategic Planning Framework at the

beginning of the school year but can learn more now by visiting the MCPS website at

wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframework or search Strategic Planning Framework

Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica El Consejo de Educacioacuten (Board of Education) de Montgomery County ha adoptado una

nueva Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica que guiaraacute el trabajo de las escuelas y las

oficinas de MCPS en los proacuteximos antildeos La Estructura Construyendo Nuestro Futuro

Juntos Estudiantes Empleados y Comunidad incorpora las tres aacutereas de competencia

que los estudiantes necesitan para ser exitosos en el Siglo XXImdashexcelencia acadeacutemica

resolucioacuten creativa de problemas y aprendizaje social y emocionalmdashcomo asiacute un

compromiso continuo hacia la excelencia operativa La Estructura describe lo que los

estudiantes deberiacutean saber y ser capaces de hacer en las tres aacutereas de competencia asiacute

como tambieacuten acciones especiacuteficas que el personal los padres y los miembros de la

comunidad deben tomar para apoyar a los estudiantes Los padres y el personal recibiraacuten

informacioacuten sobre la Estructura de Planificacioacuten Estrateacutegica al comienzo del ciclo escolar

pero ya pueden aprender maacutes visitando la paacutegina de Internet de la Estructura de MCPS

en wwwmontgomeryschoolsmdorgframeworkes o busque Strategic Planning

Framework

Curriculum 20 All grade levels continue with implementation of Curriculum 20 This curriculum is shifting

the way in which we approach our instruction with an emphasis on depth of study versus

covering topics Please see attached for information from our superintendent Dr Starr

on the curriculum implementation and what you can expect on pages x and x of this letter

Online Library Search System Our library media center continues to use a centralized K-12 resource management tool

This tool helps our library media center work more efficiently while creating engaging and

collaborative learning environments promoting and supporting student achievement

The system is called Destiny Library Manager (Destiny) The implementation of Destiny

will enable a stronger library media program-classroom connection and support the

library media specialistrsquos role in helping students develop 21st century learning skills

Throughout the school year our library media staff members will guide students in using

the next-generation searching tool for todayrsquos digital natives Destiny contains powerful

tools to conduct research of print and digital resources

Report Card and Grading System Standards based grading and reporting will continue to be used in all schools this year

The goal of this grading format is to give families a clear understanding of your childrsquos

progress toward end of year grade level expectations The following chart below explains

the meaning of the grades

Grade Description Comment

ES Exceptional at the grade level standard Not used in

kindergarten

P Meets the grade level standard by demonstrating

proficiency of the content or processes for the

measurement topic

I In progress toward meeting the grade level standard

N Not yet making progress or making minimal progress

toward meeting the grade level standard

M Missing data-No grade recorded

NEP Not English Proficient may be used for level 1 or 2 ESOL

student for no more than two marking periods

IMPORTANT Please note these descriptions do not translate in to the old letter grades

(eg an ES is not equivalent to an ldquoOrdquo or ldquoArdquo) Any child that is working on grade level

indicators and making progress is likely to receive a report of ldquoPrdquo or ldquoIrdquo on the report card

Report cards are cumulative and will be used over the four marking periods as students

work toward end of year mastery Measurement topics are a group of related content

skills or processes in a subject For example foundational skills are a measurement topic

in the category of reading and geometry is a measurement topic in math

Learning skills will also be updated to include personal and social development skills and

thinking and academic success skills Personal and Social Development Skills are the

effort and behaviors that affect learning This section will provide information that

describes what your child is doing that helps or hinders hisher learning Thinking and

Academic Success Skills (TASS) permeate instruction in all content areas of the MCPS

PreK-5 Integrated Curriculum The chart below explains the meaning of the codes for

Personal and Social Development Skills and Thinking and Academic Success Skills

Code Description

DEM Demonstrating

PRG Progressing

N Not yet evident

Look for more information from your childrsquos teacher about the format for grading and

reporting throughout the coming year

MCPS GIVE BACKpacks Campaign Help MCPS make sure all students are ready for the new school year by donating to the

MCPS GIVE BACKpacks campaign The GIVE BACKpacks drive was created in response to

the growing need in Montgomery County to help families with the basic school supplies

students need at the start of the school year A backpack filled with school supplies costs

$10 and donors have the option to sponsor one student a classroom a grade level or an

entire school The backpacks will be distributed to students in need in schools at the

beginning of the school year Visit wwwmcpsgivebackpacksorg to learn more or to

donate

Campantildea GIVE BACKpacks de MCPS

Ayude a MCPS a asegurarse de que todos los estudiantes esteacuten listos para el nuevo ciclo

escolar donando a la Campantildea GIVE BACKpacks de MCPS La campantildea GIVE

BACKpacks fue creada en respuesta a la necesidad creciente en el condado de

Montgomery County de ayudar a familias con los uacutetiles escolares baacutesicos que los

estudiantes necesitan al principio del ciclo escolar Una mochila llena de uacutetiles escolares

cuesta $10 y los donantes tienen la opcioacuten de patrocinar a un estudiante individual a

toda una clase a un grado escolar o a toda una escuela Las mochilas se distribuiraacuten a

estudiantes necesitados al principio del ciclo escolar Para maacutes informacioacuten o para hacer

una donacioacuten visite wwwmcpsgivebackpacksorg

PreK-5 Integrated Curriculum The chart below explains the meaning of the codes for

Personal and Social Development Skills and Thinking and Academic Success Skills

Code Description

DEM Demonstrating

PRG Progressing

N Not yet evident

Look for more information from your childrsquos teacher about the format for grading and

reporting throughout the coming year

MCPS GIVE BACKpacks Campaign Help MCPS make sure all students are ready for the new school year by donating to the

MCPS GIVE BACKpacks campaign The GIVE BACKpacks drive was created in response to

the growing need in Montgomery County to help families with the basic school supplies

students need at the start of the school year A backpack filled with school supplies costs

$10 and donors have the option to sponsor one student a classroom a grade level or an

entire school The backpacks will be distributed to students in need in schools at the

beginning of the school year Visit wwwmcpsgivebackpacksorg to learn more or to

donate

Campantildea GIVE BACKpacks de MCPS

Ayude a MCPS a asegurarse de que todos los estudiantes esteacuten listos para el nuevo ciclo

escolar donando a la Campantildea GIVE BACKpacks de MCPS La campantildea GIVE

BACKpacks fue creada en respuesta a la necesidad creciente en el condado de

Montgomery County de ayudar a familias con los uacutetiles escolares baacutesicos que los

estudiantes necesitan al principio del ciclo escolar Una mochila llena de uacutetiles escolares

cuesta $10 y los donantes tienen la opcioacuten de patrocinar a un estudiante individual a

toda una clase a un grado escolar o a toda una escuela Las mochilas se distribuiraacuten a

estudiantes necesitados al principio del ciclo escolar Para maacutes informacioacuten o para hacer

una donacioacuten visite wwwmcpsgivebackpacksorg