WHEN:

Grade-Level Newsletters: Fridays

School-Wide Friday Updates: Fridays at 5:30 p.m.

Montgomery Alert

The​ Alert Montgomery System​ provides accurate, immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work or home phone, via text, email or voice message. Receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child's school, parents' home, or any other locations within Montgomery County, Maryland.

• Government and School Closures for county government or public school closures, cancellations or delays due to inclement weather or other emergencies

• Weather Advisories for you or your family's home, business, school, child care, or more

• Infrastructure Issues including Water and Power Outages

• Up-To-The-Minute Traffic Issues including accidents, closed roads, alternative
  routes and more

To receive automated email notification of school closings, you may sign up for the free ​AlertMontgomery​ service provided by Montgomery County.

Parent Square

School updates will be sent via Parent Square. Rosemary Hills ES will use a SMORE newsletter format for all Friday Updates. 

Parent Square Letter/Link to translations

Parent Square Quick Guide for Parents

Parent Vue

Parents have access to an online platform ParentVUE that allows them to access school information.  Synergy ParentVUE has replaced the Parent Portal as the primary home-to-school communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, and more. 

MCPS guides and resources on this platform can be found online. 

Need help with your ParentVUE account?

Please contact the front office for assistance.  MCPS will be mailing login information to families upon enrollment and for existing families prior to the school year starting. 

Grade Level Teams

 will provide their school communication plans to families at Back-to-School Night. Every grade will have a weekly grade-level newsletter. 

• Technology Code of Ethics

• Bullying, Harassing, or Intimidating Reporting Form

• Student Code of Conduct

• User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security 

• Family Educational Rights and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment and Directory Form

  • This form explains and defines the definition of ​directory information and parents may sign and return the form to school to direct the school not to release the identified directory information (includes name, address, phone number, photographs, etc). 

  • Please make sure to look for this form and review the information. 

  • This form only needs to be returned to the school if you are directing the school to not release the identified information and must be returned in September. 

  • Parents must understand that if they choose to withhold directory information, this decision affects all lists of or references to students distributed or used outside MCPS, whether prepared by the school, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), central services or other school organizations

Medications

• ALL​ medications ​MUST ​be delivered to the Health Room or the Office ​by a parent or adult​. They must be accompanied by a doctor's order (MCPS order form, 525-13). This form is available on the MCPS website. 

• Prescribed medications must be in a container with a pharmacy label, packaged by the pharmacist.

• Over the counter medications must be in the original container with the manufacturer's label and safety seal intact.

• Students should not carry any medications with them to deliver to the Health Room or should not take medications on their own. ​ALL ​medications must be administered in the Health Room.

• If your child has any CHANGES (starting new medications, dosage change, or discontinuation) in medications, please notify the health room.

Health and Wellness Expectations

Rosemary Hills Elementary will follow all guidelines released by local health officials for best health practices. This includes adherence to wellness checks, and health precautions. We will monitor all individuals in the school building for temperature, cough, shortness of breath, and other Covid-19 related symptoms. Students and staff exhibiting symptoms or those who have been in contact with a sick person should not attend school. If your child has a health plan, revisit the Health Room section. 

For information about when to keep your child home from school, click ​here​. Feel free to check for more information, if needed on the MCPS website or with the school Health Room @ 301-920-9960. 

Emergency Preparedness
Over the course of the school year, students will participate in safety drills. In addition to a monthly fire drill, students will experience the following drills as part of the MCPS Emergency Preparedness plan:

• Lockdown

• Shelter

• Severe Weather

• Drop, Cover and Hold

• Evacuation

• Reverse Evacuation

The following links provide additional information on the drills that are practiced and monitored throughout the school-year.  

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/preparedness/ 

Visitors’ Management System (VMS)

The visitors’ Management System is an automated system intended to enhance MCPS security measures to ensure a safe and secure learning and working environment at schools.

Upon entering the school, ​ALL ​visitors report to the office where their driver’s licenses or state issued identification card will be scanned. For those without identification, their information will be entered manually. The system checks the individual’s information against the state sex offender registry and will also produce a nametag. This name tag is to be worn at all times while on the school campus. Once the visitors’ information is entered into the system, a badge will be issued. 

Dogs
Dogs are not permitted along on the paths leading to school during arrival or dismissal. Dogs are prohibited from school grounds during school hours according to MCPS Regulation ECJ-RA located ​here​. 

Attendance

The following procedures for recording attendance in Montgomery County Public Schools were implemented in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education.

• Students arriving after 9:25 a.m. will be recorded as tardy.

• If your student arrives after 9:25 a.m., please park in a designated parking space, walk up to the school with your child and sign them in in the main office.  

• Students will be recorded as ​A.M. ​Absent​ ​if they arrive at school more than two
  hours late.

• Students will be recorded as ​P.M. ​Absent​ ​if they leave school more than two
  hours early.

• Students will be recorded as either a.m. ​Absent​ or p.m. ​Absent​ if they are absent
  from school for more than two hours during the school day.

• Students will be recorded as ​Absent​ for a full day if they are present for two
  hours or less of the school day.

Absence/Tardy Reporting Form

Excused absences are: illness, death in the immediate family, religious holiday, and state emergencies. Work will not be given ahead of time for unexcused absences such as vacations or trips of any length. Remember that quality classroom instruction cannot be replaced. Please schedule family vacations during breaks when school is not in session. 

Please remember to call the main office and inform the classroom teacher to report an absence. A child who has been absent from school for any reason MUST bring a note from home upon his or her return. Students absent for more than three days for illness should bring a doctor's written note. 

If you have moved:
If you have moved over the summer, please come to the school office to complete the necessary paperwork for an address change.

Change in Dismissal

If there is a change in your child's dismissal, we would like to know as soon as possible. Please make sure to send a note with your student in the morning or an email to your child's teacher no later than 12pm the day of the change. If it is after 12pm, please call the main office so a staff member is aware of the change. Staff are busy teaching your students and may not see emails that are sent in the afternoon. We are unable to release your child to another adult unless we have confirmation from the parent/guardian and/or if the adult is in your child's emergency contact information.

Arrival Procedures (Bus,Walk,Car), 9:05-9:25

Students may arrive no earlier than 9:00am. Doors open at 9:05am. Instruction begins at 9:25 am. 

Car Riders: Car riders will be dropped off in the car rider loop. The main bus loop lane in front of the school may not be used for car riders. Cars should enter the smaller loop on the left side of the school building. 

• Please make sure your child is sitting on the right passenger side of the door, so staff may assist with opening and closing the door.

• Parents and caregivers should not get out of the car.

• Have your child ready to get out.

• Students will enter through the main entrance. Staff members will be there to assist.

Car drop off does NOT occur in the bus loop during arrival. 

Walkers: Students walking to school will enter through the main entrance. Staff members will be there to assist. Please do not park your car on the street and walk your child to the door. This creates traffic issues and potential accidents. Additionally, please be courteous of our neighbors and ensure that you do not block their driveways.

Bus Riders: Buses enter and exit the driveway on Porter Road. If your child rides the bus, please allow your child to ride starting on the first day of school. It is beneficial for children to establish a routine from the first day. It instills confidence and minimizes confusion. 

Cars ​ARE NOT TO PARK​ in the Bus Drop-off and Pick-up area in front of the school.
Arrival – NOTE THAT EACH BUS IS ASSIGNED A COLOR. IF YOU INDICATED THAT YOUR CHILD IS RIDING THE BUS PLEASE INCLUDE THE ROUTE NUMBER, STOP AND COLOR on your child's Student Transportation/Dismissal Plan Tag.  Click here for Transportation information from MCPS. (This will be updated once new information is sent out.)

The time the buses arrive at the designated stops and at school is determined by the Department of Transportation and is listed on the bus route schedules on ParentVue and the school website.

When the bus arrives at Rosemary Hills, staff members will welcome students through the main entrance of the school.

Dismissal-3:50

Car Riders:

• Student car riders will be transitioned to the designated area and will wait for instructions from staff members on duty.

• Parents and caregivers must remain in the car and pull their car forward, following the directions of the staff members on duty. Please do not get out of your car for your own safety and that of your students.

• Parents and caregivers will display the student sign with the name of the student/s they are picking up and staff members will call for the student to come to the car.

• Please print and fill in your child’s information as clearly as possible. Having this paper every day in your car is extremely helpful and makes the car rider line move much quicker. Car Rider Car Sign These signs will also be available in the classroom during Open House.

• Please call the main office to let us know if you are running late and will not arrive by 4:00 pm.

Walkers:

• Student walkers will be transitioned to the designated area by the gym, which is to the right side of the school.

• Students will wait for instructions from staff members on duty.

• Parents and caregivers will wait by the gym door in a line until a staff member assists.

• Please do not park your car on the street and walk up to the door. 

• Please call the main office to let us know if you are running late and will not arrive by 4:00 pm.

Bus Riders:

• If your child rides a bus, please review proper safety rules with your child. Students must remain seated while on the bus and they must keep their hands and feet out of the aisles. Students are expected to Ride by the Rules www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/transportation/rules/. Students who do not follow bus rules may lose the privilege of riding the MCPS school bus.

• Please check Parent Vue to identify the route/bus stop that your child will use and make a note of this on the Student Transportation/Dismissal Plan Tag.

• The time the bus departs school is determined by the Department of Transportation and is listed on the bus routes schedules.

• When the bus arrives at Rosemary Hills, students will be escorted to their bus. 

• Please help your child remember their bus route number. Both the route number and the stop are important for your child to know.

• Parents, please allow a twenty minute window from the time listed on the bus route. Times may vary due to traffic and bad weather. Also, this is especially important during the first two weeks of school.

Bus Transportation (Bethesda Depot - 240-740-6580 )
Please click ​here​ Arrival and Departure Routes for the bus schedule from the Transportation Office with current arrival bus routes and dismissal bus routes. (The link will be added once information for the current school year is available.)

Early Dismissal

Early dismissal time is 1:20.

• Students will follow their regular dismissal plan unless you have notified your child's teacher of a change. 

Inclement Weather Delays and Early Dismissals

How will I know if school is canceled, there is a delayed opening or an early release?
All major networks post closings or delays on their website or during their news broadcasts. You can also access the county website at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/ 

To receive automated email notification of school closings, you may sign up for the free ​Alert Montgomery​ service provided by Montgomery County go to:http://montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/AlertMontgomery/index.html 

Delayed Opening

• DO NOT drop your child off at the school at the regularly scheduled time if there is a DELAYED OPENING.

• School Bus: Each hour the school is delayed the bus schedule is delayed by that same time.  For example, if your child’s bus is scheduled to arrive at your stop at 8:07 a.m. and there is a two hour delayed opening, the bus pick up is at 10:07 a.m.  

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast is available from 9:05 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. in the classroom and is free for all students.  If your child will be eating breakfast at school, please be sure that they arrive by 9:05 a.m. in order to have enough time to eat. All students must be ready to learn at 9:25 a.m. when instruction begins. 

Students may either bring lunch from home or purchase lunch from school. If students bring lunch from home, they should also bring a beverage. For students who will be purchasing lunch from the cafeteria, there is an automated system for purchasing lunch. You may add funds to your child’s account by sending a prepayment form with a check made payable to the Rosemary Hills Cafeteria, or online through www.MySchoolBucks.com. 

Student ID numbers and cafeteria PIN numbers will be sent home with kindergartners and new students on the first day of school. Students in first grade and second grade will find their ID number on their report card and have the same PIN as in prior years. Menus and other information can be found on the MCPS website. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv/menus/elementary_lunch.aspx

The lunch menu and allergen information can be found through the Meal Viewer. Please see the link below:

MealViewer 

Meal Payment and Free/Reduced Meal Application

For additional information on meal payment and to apply for the Free/reduced meal program see this link: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/food-and-nutrition/meal-payments/#FARMS

Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) Applications for Non-CEP Schools

 Apply online NOW so students receive free meals on the first day of school! Households meeting federal income standards are eligible for free school meals, and students who qualify for reduced-price meals will continue to receive meals at no cost. To receive this benefit, a new FARMS application must be completed every school year. Please submit the online FARMS application through www.MySchoolApps.com. Only one application is needed for all students in a household. Meal Prices, Payment Policy, and Procedures for Non-CEP Schools There are no changes in meal prices this school year. Funds can be added to student meal accounts at no charge by bringing cash, check, or money order directly to school cafeteria managers. Payments to student meal accounts can be made through www.MySchoolBucks.com. Breakfast: $1.30 (All levels), Lunch: $2.55 (Elementary), $2.80 (Middle and High) Parents/guardians are responsible for school cafeteria account balances incurred by their student(s), and MCPS must collect unpaid school cafeteria charges. The Meal Payment Policy details payment responsibilities. For more FARMS information and How-To videos, visit the Department of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) website.

Lunch and Recess Periods

Each grade level will have one lunch and recess period. Children have supervised play outside on the playground. Please dress children appropriately for the weather each day. Students participate in outdoor recess unless there is inclement weather. In cold weather, children should have warm jackets, mittens or gloves, hats and/or a hood. 

We appreciate all parent volunteers during lunch and recess and hope that you will be able to assist with this important volunteer opportunity. Lunch/recess volunteering will begin the week of September 8, which allows us to set up routines with students before volunteering begins.

School Cash Online

School Cash Online helps parents and caregivers pay school-related fees that are not for their lunch account — such as field trip costs — safely, quickly and easily. This service will increase efficiency and security by making payments directly into schools’ bank accounts and eliminating the need for teachers to handle money. The new system puts all school-related fees online so payments can be made using a credit card or e-check. Cash and check payments directly to schools are still an option.

To register, visit: https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/ 

Helpful Resources

• Parent Registration Instructions - English

• Parent Registration Instruction - Spanish 

My School Bucks
My School Bucks is the payment system for meals. Please refrain from sending in cash or checks for student lunch accounts. Instead, please open an account for school lunch prepayment at https://www.myschoolbucks.com

Open House

Our annual Open House will take place on Friday, August 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This event provides an opportunity for you and your child to see the classroom and meet the teacher. Postcards will be mailed home prior to Open House informing you of your student’s class assignment. We will have staff available throughout the building to assist and direct you during the Open House, so if the postcard does not reach you for some reason, please check with staff members when you arrive on Friday, August 23. Class assignments will also be visible on ParentVue prior to the start of school.

Birthdays
In the interest of health and wellness, our student birthday celebration policy is as follows:

•  Student birthdays will be recognized during our morning announcements.

  • Birthdays falling on a weekend or holiday date will be announced the last day before the weekend or holiday, or the first day after returning.

  • Summer birthdays will be announced over a period of days at the end of the school year.

• Birthday students receive a birthday pencil and will be given a birthday sticker to wear during the day.

Birthdays are NOT celebrated with food items brought into the classrooms or cafeteria during lunch time. Please do NOT send or bring in food, gifts, or other items for your child’s birthday.

Class Parties​: Fall Festival and Valentine’s Day
Information will come out from the school closer to the events.

Report Cards

The report card for students in Grades K-5 gives parents information about what a student knows and is able to do in relation to grade-level expectations. This standards-based report card will break subject areas into groups of related skills or topics and provide specific information about how a student is doing in each area. See the MCPS website page on report cards for more information. All students will receive report cards after each marking period. Progress reports will be distributed in the middle of the marking period, so you can check your child’s progress before report cards are sent home. 

Curriculum

Instruction will follow the MCPS approved curriculums; CKLA (Literacy), Eureka Math (Mathematics), and Next Generation Science Standards (Science). For more information on curriculum, visit the Montgomery County Public Schools website. 

Directions for accessing the CKLA home resources 

MCPS Personal Mobile Device Policy

Personal mobile devices are allowed before and after the school day. The MCPS policy can be accessed here. This includes smart watches, phones and other devices.

MCPS Student Code of Conduct

The MCPS Student Code of Conduct can be found here.

Student Privacy Policies and Regulations
MCPS has strict policies and regulations governing the use of its computer systems. Under Regulation IGT-RA, User Responsibilities for Computer Systems, Electronic Information, and Network Security, all users are prohibited from knowingly participating in the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information about minors, and any material or information purposefully posted or linked from an MCPS system or Internet site must be consistent with the educational purpose. 

Social Emotional Learning

Classroom teachers and our school counselor teach lessons that address student social emotional learning throughout the school year.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 

The staff at Rosemary Hills are dedicated to promoting a positive learning environment. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a research based, school-wide systematic approach to establish processes that focus on improving a school’s ability to teach expectations and support positive behavior for all students. Classes can also earn class Rhinos and individual Rhino tickets during the school year. 

The Rhino Pledge

Rosemary Hills students are expected to demonstrate the 3 Rs, Respect, Responsibility and Ready-to-Learn, each day. Please help reinforce the 3 Rs at home. We say the Rhino Pledge every day as a school during our morning announcements. 

Volunteers

Classroom teachers will share information about volunteer opportunities in their classroom during Open House and Back to School Night. You must complete the MCPS mandatory Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect training for all volunteers prior to any volunteer opportunities, including field trip chaperones. You can access this training at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/childabuseandneglect. Please submit your certificate of completion to the main office prior to volunteering. This training is required every three years. If you completed this training within the past three years, you do not need to complete the training this year.
Please review the MCPS Volunteer Page for details on this process.

PTA Volunteer Opportunities
There are many additional opportunities available to volunteer as part of the RHES PTA Executive Board or on a PTA committee! Please join our email list by singing up at Givebacks or our PTA Facebook group — or email president@rhpspta.org — to learn about parent volunteer opportunities and open Board positions!