Communication

Parent Questions and Concerns

Parents are urged to contact their child’s teachers when they have academic questions or concerns. Similarly, they are urged to contact their child’s counselor when they have concerns related to their child’s social well-being.

EMS staff are expected respond to parent/guardian phone calls and emails within two school days. Staff email addresses are located on the Eastern Middle School website, under the staff directory tab. Teachers and other staff are usually not available to talk via phone during the school day. The most efficient way to contact school employees is via email.

MCPS employees are all expected to interact with all students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and the community with integrity and professionalism. This includes direct communication, such as phone calls and emails, and the use of social media.

ConnectEd System

Eastern Middle School uses the Blackboard “ConnectEd” system as a means of sending out group emails and phone calls. Each Sunday night, the principal sends a phone message to parents and guardians with announcements and important information. The system is also used to call and/or email parents with emergency information, and to inform parents that their child is absent from school. The ConnectEd system uses email addresses and phone numbers from the student’s official MCPS record. It is important that this contact information be kept up to date. Please check the family contact information through the ParentVue portal to make sure it is accurate.

Emergency Closings

MCPS reports weather-related school closings or delays through a variety of sources:

· MCPS website http://www.MontgomerySchoolsMD.org

· Radio: WTOP (103.5 FM)

· All local t.v. stations

In addition, parents and guardians can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts using the following address:

http://www.MontgomerySchoolsMD.org/emergency/alertmcps.aspx

Eastern Middle School is not able to supervise students during delays or closings. During inclement weather, parents are asked to check the MCPS website, t.v., or radio broadcasts to determine whether school is delayed or closed. Please do not drop your child off prior to 9:30 a.m. on days when school is delayed, and do not send your student at any time when school is closed.