LoES Eagles eNewsletter- September 23, 2022

LoES School Climate Survey

Creating a sense of belonging is essential at Longfellow Elementary School. Intentionally nurturing this within our school community helps students get excited about school, families feel connected, and the staff sees the rewards in the work of educating our young people. Therefore, as we continue into September and beyond, we seek your feedback about the school climate at LoES. Please take some time to complete this 15-minute survey to share your feedback regarding your experiences at LoES. Responses are anonymous, and your feedback will help inform family engagement planning and other school-based initiatives. A similar survey will be shared with staff and students in intermediate grades. There is a Survey ID required to participate, and that information is provided below. The survey will remain open for submissions beginning Monday, September 12th through Friday, September 30th:

Survey ID: Longfellow

Thank you for sharing this important feedback,

LoES Administrative Team

Upcoming Dates & Events

September 12th to 30th - LoES Climate Survey Window
September 26th - HCPSS Schools & Offices Closed
September 29th - LoES Community Pop-Up Events (see flyer below)
October 5th - HCPSS Schools & Offices Closed
October 12th - PTA Meeting
October 21st - HCPSS Schools Closed for Students
October 24th - HCPSS Schools Closed for Students

Click HERE to access the full HCPSS calendar for the 2022 - 2023 school year

Color Day Calendar

Click and scroll on the calendar below for color day rotation information for related arts classes

RA Color Day calendar-2022-2023.pdf

Complete your Family File Today

WE ARE ONLY AT 61% AS OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2022

Have you completed your Family File for the 22-23 school year? If not, PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR STUDENT(S) FAMILY FILE ASAP!

Did you know that completion of your Family File will:

allow you to view your child's teacher assignment in Synergy on August 24th
provide emergency information to the school in case of an unexpected event
provide the school with transportation information so we know how your child will arrive and dismiss from school
let you sign up for the PTA directory so that you can connect with other families at BWES
allow you to sign up to receive messages (email and texts) from HCPSS and LoES
much more . . .

Please follow the directions below to complete/update your Family File:

ALL Families (returning and those new to HCPSS & LoES) should complete the Family File now.

Only families who have completed the Family File will be able to see their student(s) homeroom teacher during orientation week.

Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect PARENT ACCOUNT and selecting the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left, and then clicking on Family File.

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

Student Information
Parent/Guardian Contact
Emergency Contacts
Medical Information
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Photo Approval Data Confidentiality
PTA/PTSA Directory

https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf

FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf

The Importance of School Attendance

Research is clear that showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic and social success starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school or even facing social challenges.

Missing 10% (or about 18 days of a school year) can drastically affect a student’s academic success.
By the 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that can indicate if a student is at risk for dropping out of high school.
In the 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

Student attendance is a major point of focus for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Starting in school year 2022 -2023, MSDE lowered the chronic absenteeism rate from 20% to 10% which means that at 10% a student should be receiving support and interventions to improve their absenteeism.

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) believes that attendance is key for student success. Per Policy 9010, HCPSS defines exemplary attendance as a final attendance rate of 96% or more of the student year.

In support of achieving Exemplary Attendance for all students, we are sharing with you a comprehensive approach for attendance supports and interventions.

If a student has missed 5% of their monthly attendance days (as few as 1-2 days a month), parents will receive a Care and Concern Phone Call and letter from their school. This step will allow staff members to coordinate with families to determine how the student can be supported for better attendance.
If a student has missed 10% of their monthly attendance days (this is defined as chronic absenteeism by MSDE), parents will receive a 10% Chronic Absenteeism Attendance Letter. Parents and students may be scheduled for an attendance conference. Other interventions and supports may also be used in an effort to assist the student.
If a student has missed 15% of their monthly attendance days, in addition to the interventions and supports at 5% and 10%, these students may require an attendance support plan. Students may also be referred to the Central Attendance Team.
If a student has missed 20% of their monthly attendance days, parents will receive a 20% Emergency Chronic Absenteeism Letter or Habitual Truancy Letter. Students may be referred to Project Attend and may be referred to the State’s Attorney’s Office for habitual truancy.

With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents, staff and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will improve student success in school and in future life.

LoES SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION CLINIC: 10/12/22

Dear Parents/Guardians: 

Seasonal Flu vaccinations are coming to your child’s school.  They will be given at NO CHARGE TO YOU.  Now, more than ever, it is important to protect your family through vaccinations.  

If you would like your child to be vaccinated, please register BEFORE Friday, October 7: 

Fill out the consent form online HERE OR

Fill out a paper consent form: 

1.    Read the Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) and talk to your health care provider or the school nurse about any questions you have. Please access the vaccine information here: VIS

2.  Fill out every section of the consent form.  

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a serious illness that affects people of all ages.  One of the best ways to prevent the flu is through vaccinations.  We are pleased to join with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention (MPP) to offer flu vaccinations at our school.  

You may give permission for your child to be vaccinated using (1) an online form HERE or (2) the hard copy ( see attached)

We urge you to protect your family from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu shot. Please visit www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm for more information about the flu vaccine.  

Please contact the Longfellow health room with questions (410) 313 6882.

CLÍNICAS DE VACUNACIÓN CONTRA LA GRIPE LoES el 10/12/22

Estimado Padre / Tutor:

Las vacunas contra la gripe están llegando a la escuela de su hijo. Serán proporcionadas SIN CARGO PARA USTED. Ahora, más que nunca, es importante proteger a su familia a través de las vacunas.

Si desea que su hijo sea vacunado, regístrese ANTES del viernes 7 de octubre:

Complete el formulario de consentimiento en línea aquí:

Complete un formulario de consentimiento en papel:

1. Lea la Declaración de información sobre vacunas (VIS) y hable con su proveedor de atención médica o la enfermera de la escuela sobre cualquier pregunta que tenga. VIS

2. Complete todas las secciones del formulario de consentimiento adjunto.

La influenza, también conocida como gripe, es una enfermedad grave que afecta a personas de todas las edades. Una de las mejores maneras de prevenir la gripe es a través de las vacunas. Nos complace unirnos a la Asociación para la Prevención de Maryland (MPP) para ofrecer vacunas contra la gripe en nuestra escuela.

Puede dar permiso para que su hijo sea vacunado utilizando (1) un formulario en línea AQUÍ o (2) el formulario impreso adjunto a este mensaje.

Le instamos a que proteja a su familia de la gripe. Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) recomiendan que todas las personas mayores de 6 meses se vacunen contra la gripe. Visite https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/para obtener más información sobre la vacuna contra la gripe.

Outdoor Seating at Lunch

The cafeteria has air conditioning and good air circulation with 30ft high ceilings. Once again, a tent, additional tables, and chairs will be provided for outdoor seating that will be available for a limited number of students during each lunch shift. This option will be available as weather and staffing permits during each student day. You can add your student's name(s) HERE.

Please submit separate responses for each of your students enrolled at LoES.

Community Events

Check out the events happening within and around our community

Other Events In The Community

Free Parenting Classes for Parents/Guardians/Grandparents Starting Soon! Adults can learn how to help kids avoid risky behaviors, all while learning how to say NO to drugs and alcohol. HC DrugFree is pleased to present another series of Guiding Good Choices, an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors, for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents. This program will meet via Zoom for 5 class sessions (September 21, 28 and October 12, 19, 26) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register visit https://hcdrugfree.org/2022/02/guiding-good-choices-free-classes-for-parents-2/ or email Parenting@HCDrugFree.org

8^th – 12^th Grade Students: HC DrugFree's Teen Advisory Council is open to all Howard County students in grades 8 through 12. This is a great opportunity to help prepare younger students for success in high school while allowing older students to develop their leadership and mentoring skills. The registration form is available at https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/ . Community service hours available. Email your registration to admin@hcdrugfree.org or mail a hard copy the office. To register for the upcoming meetings on Monday, September 19 or Monday, October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. click on the TAC Registration links next to each date https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

Medication and Sharps Collection: Clean out your unwanted and expired medicines and sharps! The next convenient drive-thru collection will be held on Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot (near the Swim Center). Community service hours available. HC DrugFree and the Howard County Police invite families, student/adult groups, scout troops, religious organizations, and sports teams, etc. to volunteer to join us. Medically-trained adult volunteers are needed (nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, chiropractors, etc.) to help safely handle the medication and sharps collected. For more information and to volunteer, visit https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/ , contact Admin@hcdrugfree.org or leave a message at 443-325-0040.

Stay Informed about What’s Happening in Howard County: Sign up for HC DrugFree’s newsletter at https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/ to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed.

Take Back & Events (2 boxes) (7J)- Double Sided Color 8-31-22.pdf

HCPSS Policy Information

Policy 1060 - Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment & Intimidation - All students have the right to be free from bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation. Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation of any person on school property or at school-related activities is prohibited. The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, engaging, productive, and supportive school and work environment that values diversity and commonality. The Board is also committed to fostering a climate where individuals are valued and their safety and rights are protected. The Board prohibits acts of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation because they compromise the learning environment and well-being of students, employees, and community. - view the full policy HERE.

Report incidents of Bullying HERE

Policy 9020 - Students' Rights & Responsibilities - Students may exercise their rights and responsibilities as long as they do not interfere with the rights of others or a school’s ability to provide a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, students are responsible for making choices that affirm a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment, conducting themselves with integrity, and assuring their actions are aligned with the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct. - view the full policy HERE.

Policy 9260 - Student Search and Seizure - The Board of Education of Howard County is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment, free from dangerous or illegal items and those items that constitute a violation of Board policy. In order to ensure safety and security practices consistently across the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), the Board authorizes statutorily designated employees to conduct reasonable searches of a student and of the student’s possessions on school property or during any school-sponsored activity in accordance with Maryland law and this policy. The Board expects that every effort is made to conduct searches and seizures of a student’s possessions in a manner which will minimize disruption to the normal school routine, minimize embarrassment to students affected, and respect students’ rights. - view the full policy HERE.

Policy 1050 - Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Free Environment - The Board of Education of Howard County is committed to promoting and providing an alcohol, drug, and tobacco free academic environment for all students that maintains appropriate safeguards for the administration of prescription medication and over-the-counter medication. The Board of Education of Howard County believes that collaboration with parents and the larger community is essential to its success in providing this safe and nurturing environment. - view the full policy HERE.

Policy 10020 - Use of School Facilities - Public school facilities in Howard County are devoted primarily to instructional programs and school-sponsored activities. Nonetheless, the Board of Education of Howard County recognizes that facilities paid for by the taxpayers of Howard County should be utilized to the fullest extent possible. It is the determination of the Board that the interests of the Howard County community merit the use of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) facilities. Thus, the use of school facilities for community purposes is encouraged by the Board and is in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland. - view the full policy HERE.