Marlton Elementary School Newsletter

January 2, 2008

http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~marlton/

Important Dates	1/14 First in Math challenge 2000 stickers
1/4 Winter Packets Due	1/15 First in Math newcomers challenge 1,100 stickers
1/7 Parent Workshop – JMMS	1/15-16 SRI Grades 2-6
1/9 Report cards distributed	1/21 School closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
	1/24 Vocal and Instrumental Music Program

Dear Parents,

We are half way through the school year and entering the third quarter. There is a tremendous amount of content that will be taught during this quarter. Students must be ready to actively participate in the lessons. The teachers are students as well and have been studying the Principles of Learning from the University of Pittsburgh. The principles are based on the premise that effort creates ability. Therefore, we will set clear and high expectations for all students. We will recognize their accomplishments and praise them for their efforts. Students must also understand that they have the right and obligation to understand the concepts taught. The students need to raise their hands, ask questions, and seek help. They must analyze problems and our students are capable of that analysis. The students need to examine the classroom charts and student work displays to help them improve and complete their work. It is also very important that our families stay informed by participating in conferences and attending school and regional workshops to learn more about the curriculum. Encourage your child to fulfill their obligations and be an active learner.

Benchmark Assessments – The second quarter benchmarks, grades 3 – 6, have been scored and the teachers are analyzing the results. An informative letter with your child’s reading and math results will be inserted in the report card envelope. Compare your child’s results with their first quarter benchmark results. Also, compare the benchmark results with the MSA March 2007 results printed on the report card. If your child received proficient or advanced on MSA, they should be achieving proficient or advanced on the benchmark tests. Our goal is to reduce the number of students scoring basic on benchmark tests and MSA. Many of the students are only a few points shy of proficient! However, it takes concentrated effort, daily hard work and completion of all tasks to raise one’s score. We believe that every student in our school can achieve a score of proficient. In addition, there are many students whose proficient score is only a few points shy of advanced. It is important to see growth on every assessment. Continue to talk with your child about the importance of believing in themselves and their ability to succeed in school.

Winter Vacation Packets – Completed winter packets are due on Friday, January 4. Homework credit will be given upon completion of each packet for grades K – 6. Packets turned in late will receive a lower grade.

Report cards - Report cards will be distributed on January 9. It is extremely important that every parent participates in a conference to discuss your child’s progress. If you did not have a conference during the first quarter, please contact your child’s teacher and set a date to review the report card. Praise your child for their effort and the hard work displayed during the second quarter. Encourage your child to raise their grades during the third quarter. Completing all of their class work and turning in homework every day has a tremendous effect on grades.

Regional Parent Workshop – Region IV is sponsoring a Parent Workshop for parents of all grades! The workshop is scheduled for January 7, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at James Madison Middle School. The specialists will explain the content taught during the third quarter. Several Marlton parents went to the second quarter workshop and were excited about the presentations.

Challenge 24/First in Math – Currently, there are two challenges. Those students that had less than 800 stickers on December 7 were challenged to become a “newcomer,” visit the challenge 24 site and earn 1,100 stickers by January 15. Those students that were actively engaged in the program and had more than 800 stickers on Dec. 7 were challenged to reach 2000 stickers by Jan.14. We want all students engaged in problem solving activities and there is a challenge for everyone! Those students that meet the challenge will have lunch with the principal and a special treat.

Attendance – Regular attendance and on time arrival is an important part of your child’s academic success. The Maryland Student Records System Manual 2007, published by MSDE and available on MSDE’s website, provides the following information:

A student is counted present for a full day if the student is in attendance four hours or more of the school day. The student is counted present for half day if in attendance for at least two hours of the school day, but less than four hours.

We will continue to celebrate attendance and on time arrival with students. The criteria are two or less days absence and two or less days tardy. During the second quarter, there were 260 that met the criteria. These students will celebrate their exemplary attendance soon.

Ms. Gladys Scales, parent liaison, contacts parents to discuss the importance of attendance and on time arrival. The student communication system is programmed to call parents when their child is absent or tardy. Please make sure you send a written note to explain the absence or tardy arrival.

Lions Club Canned Food Drive – The Lions Club extends their gratitude to the parents, children and staff at Marlton Elementary for their generosity. During the canned food drive, our donation weighed 681 pounds. Ms. Pica challenged the school to donate 400 pounds of food, which they donated quickly. So, the challenged was raised to 600 pounds and the school responded! As you recall, all donations were distributed to needy families in the Brandywine/Upper Marlboro area. The Lions Club included fresh vegetables and a turkey for each family.

Umbrellas Still Needed – On rainy days, the students need umbrellas. If we had 45 umbrellas (we currently have 19), two children could share an umbrella and walk to the condo while another class is returning to the school and the second grade students could walk to the school as well.

Counselor’s Corner – Ms. Rona Smith encourages parents to share the following five tips with your child. Teach by example and explain the importance of treating others the way you want to be treated.

Teach your child to be a good friend and neighbor by using kind words and actions.
Instill respect in your child for other people and their property and for the laws that govern us.
Remind your child that even best friends disagree. That’s okay, as long as they talk things out.
Demonstrate how to cool down when angry. For instance, take deep breaths or count to 10.
Encourage your child to practice good manners, like saying “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.”

Howard B. Owens Science Center Activity – On January 11, the center will feature Space Colony. Astronomers have discovered more than 200 planets orbiting stars in our galaxy. What might they be like? In our imaginations we will travel 33 light years to the star Pollux in search of a planet suitable for human colony. Audience participation is a must! Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the programs begins at 7:30 p.m.

Partners for Success – The following workshops are available at no charge. For more information contact Patrice Lawson, 301-431-5675.

Monday, Jan. 7	A Parents Guide to Active Participation on the IEP Team - Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center	6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan 16	Dance of Partnership New Carrollton Library	6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan 17	Basics of Special Education Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center	10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 23	Basics of Special Education Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center	10:00 -11:30 a.m.

The Judy Hoyer Family Learning Center is located at 8908 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20783. New Carrolton Library – 7414 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784.

Next Newsletter – January 14, 2008