August/September, 2016

Dear Mt. Airy Elementary Families,

What a whirlwind summer we have had at Mt. Airy Elementary! This is definitely going to be an

exciting year full of changes. For the first time, we are integrating our Back to School Open House with our

Back to School Informational sessions in an effort to provide time for students to meet their classmates and

combine two of our most important activities into one convenient time. The big date is Friday, August 26th

and the schedule is as follows:

1:00-1:30-New student orientation (not for students coming from Parr’s Ridge)

1:30-2:30-Third Grade Orientation

2:40-3:20-Fourth Grade Orientation

3:30-4:10-Fifth Grade Orientation

Mt. Airy Middle has agreed to house any overflow parking on that day.

Hopefully, this will prepare everyone for our start on August 29th. Another big change will be the

implementation of PBIS-positive behavior intervention supports. In short, PBIS is a “schoolwide systems of

support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to

create positive school environments. Instead of using a piecemeal approach of individual behavioral

management plans, a continuum of positive behavior support for all students within a school is implemented in

areas including the classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, buses, and restrooms)”. More

information will be coming home with your student as we begin using positive rewards for appropriate school

behavior.

There have been many staff changes this summer! Mr. Cook, our building supervisor, retired as of

July 1st. Please welcome David Rodetsky as our new building supervisor. He and his staff have worked so

hard this summer to make our building beautiful! Mrs. Brady, our registrar, accepted a position closer to

home, and her place is filled by Mrs. Theresa Mullett, a familiar face around the building. Mrs. Donohoe took

a leave of absence, and her Clerk II position, split between Mt. Airy Elementary and Parr’s Ridge was filled

by Mrs. Terry Cimino (former instructional assistant). We hired Mr. Rene Szabo as her replacement on the

instructional assistant team. Mrs. Scott, our permanent site substitute, accepted the opening for Special

Education Assistant that was created when Mrs. Cooper accepted a full time teaching position. This allowed

us to hire Mrs. Cheryl Drapalski as our permanent site sub. We have a new school psychologist, Mr. Jim

Lawson, and a returning from leave Special Education Teacher, Mrs. Amanda Norman. Mrs. Jagoda accepted

a promotion within the county and Mrs. Graham has taken a leave of absence to be home with her children.

Ms. Megan Kenney will be our Speech and Language Teacher, replacing Mrs. Fraser, who is also on a leave

of absence to be home with her family. Mrs. Howe, our media specialist, accepted a position in Howard

County, so Mrs. Karen Dulany, formerly of North Carroll High School will be stepping into that position.

Mrs. Nies, our art teacher, has gone back to school for Art Therapy which allowed us to add Mr. Brian Everitt

to our Fine Arts and Fitness Team. In Grade Three, Mrs. Brown accepted a transfer closer to home and Ms.

Blucher accepted a position in Frederick County. Please welcome Mrs. Melanie Cavey, Mrs. Leah Offutt and

Ms. Mikaela Wesmiller to that team! In fourth grade, Mrs. DiTullo accepted a transfer to Mt. Airy Middle

School. In fifth grade, Mrs. Haff accepted a transfer closer to home. Mrs. Ann Rossman will be joining the

fifth grade team!

Our back to school social will be on September 13th at Watkin’s Park with a rain date of September

14th. Parr’s Ridge Elementary, Mt. Airy Elementary staffs, students and parents are invited to come out for an

evening of fun. We hope to see you there!

In closing, please take a moment to read through this newsletter to find important information on

upcoming events. Consider joining the PTO to help our students and families to sponsor and schedule cultural

programs, to plan social events, and to organize fundraisers to meet the needs of our school. Our staff strives

to work with parents as partners to ensure the success of every one of our students. We look forward to seeing

you soon!

Deborah Winson Catherine V. Cramer

Principal Assistant Principal

Mt. Airy

Elementary 405 N. Main Street

Mt. Airy, MD 21771

410-751-3540 301-829-1515

Fax: 410-549-6917

Website: www.carrollk12.org/mae

Deborah Winson Principal

Catherine V. Cramer Assistant Principal

School Colors: Red and White

School Mascot:

Cardinals

Inside this issue: Calendar Events: 2 Points of Interest: Transportation: 4 Cardinal Café: 5 G&T Program: 6 Visiting School: 6

VISION STATEMENT

“The MAES community will foster flexible thinkers who can adapt to the ever changing demands of a

globally competitive society.”

Mt. Airy Elementary Cardinal Circular

Cardinals Rule Respect ~ Responsibility ~ Resiliency

Acknowledging Students for Consistent Positive Behavior

August 2016

August 26th - New Student Orientation 1:00PM

August 26th Back-to-School Informational Session

August 26th–3rd 1:30-2:30PM

August 26th -4th & 5th 3:00-4:00p.m

August 29 – First Day of School

2016-2017 Early Dismissals

Please mark your calendars for the following

Two hour and forty-five minute early dismissal

days. Mt. Airy Elementary will dismiss at 1:15

p.m. on: September 19, November 4, November

23, March 10, April 05, and Last Day of School.

September/October 2016

September 5th – Schools Closed – Labor Day

September 6th – Instrumental Music Parent Night 6:00 pm – 7 p.m.

September 13th - PTO’s Back-to-School Social @

Watkins Park from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. (9/14Raindate)

September 15th – Fall Picture Day

Sept 26th -Oct 9th – Project Aces Challenge

October 3rd – Schools/Offices Closed -

Rosh Hashanah

October 12th – Schools Closed for Students

Yom Kippur

Fall School Pictures

Students will have school pictures taken on

Thursday, September 15, 2016. The pictures will

be available for the Holiday season. More

information will be sent home with your child at a

later date.

August 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

21

22 23 24 25 26

*New Student

Orientation 1:00 pm *Back to School

Informational

Session-for all grades

(see schedule on pg.

1)

27

29 29

First Day of School

30

31 September 1 2 3

September 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

August 31 1

2

3

4 5

Schools Closed

Labor Day

8

9

10

11 12

13

PTO’s Back-to-

School Social from

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

@ Watkins Park

14

PTO’s

Back-to-School

Social Raindate

15

Fall Picture Day

16

17

18 19

Early Dismissal

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

ProjectAces

Challenge Begins

27

28 29

30

Page 2 August/September, 2016

School Hours for the 2016-2017 School Year NEW SCHOOL HOURS: School hours have changed for Mt. Airy Elementary School for the upcoming

school year. Students will be allowed to enter the building at 9:00 a.m. The first bell will ring at 9:25 a.m. and

the instructional day will begin at 9:30 a.m. Dismissal is at 4:00 p.m. On days Mt. Airy Elementary School has

an early dismissal, students will be released at 1:15 p.m.

Open House Back-to-School Night Activities New Student Orientation will be held on Friday, August 26th at 1:00-1:30PM.

Just a reminder: New Student Orientation is not for students who attended Parr’s Ridge

Elementary in 2nd grade.

Back to School Information Sessions for all students and parents:

August 26th-3rd Grade 1:30-2:30 p.m.

August 26th-4th Grade 2:40-3:20 p.m.

August 26th-5th Grade 3:30-4:10 p.m.

PTO Back-to-School Social

Please join us on September 13th (Sept 14th rain date) at 6:00 p.m. for our PTO Back-to-School social.

This event will be held at Watkins Park and will include students, staff, and parents from

Parr’s Ridge Elementary and Mt. Airy Elementary.

Monthly Newsletter Distribution

In our efforts to be a “green” school, the monthly newsletter will be made available via our school

website. You may access the current monthly newsletter at the beginning of each month at:

www.carrollk12.org/mae. Additionally, a notice via email will be sent every month informing you of

the availability of the newsletter on the website. If you are not able to access the website, send a note

in with your child requesting a hard copy to be sent home with your student.

Bullying or Intimidation Acts Carroll County Public Schools will not tolerate any acts of discrimination, harassment, hazing, bullying, hostile

acts or other forms of intimidation on the part of students or employees. The staff at Mt. Airy Elementary

School believes that in order for children to be successful in their learning, they need to feel safe and

comfortable in their environment. Consequently, staff members at school are vigilant to bullying situations and

to addressing the concern immediately. If you feel that your child has been a victim of a bulling situation,

please ask your child if they told the adult in charge at the time. If you feel your child is unable or unwilling to

advocate for himself/herself, please contact your child’s teacher, school counselor or a school administrator.

Also, if you fear your child could be a bully, please contact the school as well. Steps will be taken to resolve

Bullying issues immediately and to provide support for the students involved.

Page 3 August/September, 2016

Instrumental Music Update Welcome to a new school year here at MAES! I am so excited to have your child in my classroom again this

year. All students who were in Beginning Band and Orchestra last year have been bumped up to Advanced

Band and Orchestra this year—no need to sign up again! We will be working on developing more advanced

technical skills as well as ensemble skills in order to perform even more exciting and fun music (I already have

some GREAT pieces picked out!!). Lessons will begin after Labor Day… keep your eye out for a schedule

coming out during the first week of school.

Returning Student FAQs

My child has not been able to practice very often over the summer. Can he/she still participate this year?

YES! With summer travels, inconsistent schedules, and the lack of regular music lessons, it is completely

normal for a student’s practice habits to dwindle in the summer months. We will begin the year with lots of

review. No worries!

Do we have to sign up for band or orchestra again this year?

Nope… I have everyone’s name from last year’s beginning band and orchestra. I can’t wait to see everyone

again!

My child wants to learn a different instrument this year. Is this possible?

Switching instruments is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. Our two-year program is designed so that students build

off of last year’s knowledge and skills set to learn more advanced (and more fun) music this year. Each student

worked so hard last year to learn the fundamentals of tone production and notation reading… now let’s have fun

with it!

Can my child participate in both band/orchestra AND chorus?

Yes, of course! Mrs. Bradley and I work very closely with each other and the 5th grade teachers to make sure

that this is possible for every student. We love supporting our students’ musical talents!

ATTENTION ALL 4th GRADERS:

Have you always wanted to learn how to play an instrument? Are interested in becoming a member of the

MAES Band and Orchestra? This is your year to join! Students will get a folder of information on during the

first week of school. Parents—mark your calendar for our Instrumental Music Parent Information Night on

Tuesday, September 6th from 6:00-7:00 in the cafeteria. More information to come!

See you soon!

Mrs. Mitchell

Instrumental Music Teacher

www.maemusic.weebly.com

jlmitch@carrollk12.org

Page 4 August/September, 2016

Page 5 August/September 2016

A Message from Nurse Cremens Hello and welcome back! I would like to inform you of some basic information that may be helpful at the start

of the new school year. . Since this is our first "back to school" letter, I'll just include a few of the basic things

that may help at the start of the new school year....

When your child visits the health room for an injury or illness I will complete a health report and a copy will be

given to your child to bring home for your review. I will ask them to put it in their Cardinal Folder. I will call

you if it is of an urgent or serious matter.

If your child in injured and using crutches, a wheelchair, etc., or is to be excused from PE, a DOCTOR’S

NOTE is required to make the appropriate accommodations for the appropriate length of time. This is needed to

ensure that we take the best care of your child while they are in our care.

All medications require a doctor/nurse practitioner signature on the CCPS MEDICATION CONSENT

FORM. The medication must be delivered to the nurse in the labeled pharmacy bottle/box with a valid

expiration date and the prescription label matching the order on the CONSENT FORM.

IMPORTANT: All medications require a new order at the beginning of each new school year. Orders DO

NOT CARRY OVER to the new school year.

**IMPORTANT: ALL medications CAN ONLY BE BROUGHT IN OR PICKED UP FROM SCHOOL

BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN AS PER CCPS POLICY.

***Your child cannot carry any medication with them in school without being in violation of the CCPS

Drug/Alcohol Policy

Finally, a temperature of 100 degrees is considered a fever. We ask that you keep your child home and

fever-free for a full 24 hours (without Tylenol or Ibuprofen) before returning to school. We realize that

this can be a hardship for some parents/guardians, but again, it is necessary to keep from transmitting

the virus to their classmates.

This year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted against the FluMist for the 2016-17 flu

season. Please review a message from the Carroll County Health Department. (see message on page five)

Please call me with any questions that you may have. Let’s work together for a successful and healthy school

year!!

Best Wishes,

Annette Cremens RN

A message from the Carroll County Health Department to Carroll County Public School parents and guardians:

As you may have heard on the news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory

Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted against the use of FluMist for the 2016-2017 flu season.

This decision was made based on studies that showed that the FluMist did not work as well as the flu shot in

recent flu seasons.

The CDC studies the flu vaccine every season to see how well it worked. This year, the CDC believes that an

injection (the flu shot) will provide the best protection from the flu. The CDC recommends the flu shot for

everyone 6 months and older.

The flu shot is safe and protects children from the flu, helps prevent them from spreading it to others, and keeps

them from missing school and other activities. The CDC is working with vaccine companies to make sure there

are enough flu shots for this flu season.

The flu can be mild or very serious. In the United States, each year around 20,000 children under 5 need

hospital care because of the flu, as well as many older children. In the past four flu seasons, 655 children under

age 17 have died from the flu.

The FluMist will not be available in schools this year. We are working with the state health department, Carroll

County Public Schools, health care providers, and other community partners to make a plan that will help us

vaccinate as many children as possible against the flu. This may include flu shot clinics at the health department

or in schools.

Please visit our web page at http://cchd.maryland.gov/prevent-the-flu/and our Facebook page regularly to stay

updated on the 2016-17 flu season.

For more information on the FluMist decision, please visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0622-laiv-flu.html

TRANSPORTATION Bus Riders Bus riders are dismissed from the front doors in waves beginning promptly at 4:00PM, as we do not have the

space to accommodate all buses at once.

Bus Transportation Policy It is the Department of Transportation’s policy to “drop off students even if parents are not at the bus stop.”

Please make arrangements with a friend, family member, or neighbor in the event you are delayed getting to the

bus stop. Please develop a plan with your student concerning what he/she should do in the event no one is at

the bus stop or at home when they get there. Also, please note that each student is allowed only one

assigned bus stop in the morning and one in the afternoon. Students may not ride other buses for purposes

of visiting or childcare. Any changes with transportation must be submitted in writing and have prior approval

from our administration.

Parent Pick-Up Parent pick-up takes place outside the music room door. Park in the side lot and go to the back of the building.

The music room door is located near the portable behind the school. A teacher will be standing outside the door

with a list of the names of students who are being picked up. Please have your ID ready so we can cross

reference it with the name of the person picking up your child. You will need to sign them out and we will then

have them come out of the music room to join you. Dismissal will start at 4:00p.m. Students are not

dismissed from the office. If your child is to be an occasional car rider, send in a note to the teacher on the day

of the pick-up. Alternatively, a note may be emailed to maeattendance@carrollk12.org by 3p.m. of the same

day. Only the parent/guardian will be allowed to pick up their child unless otherwise designated on the note

from the parent/guardian. Step-parents/other family members may pick up a student if given permission by the

biological parent/guardian. The child’s name will be put on a list and called for parent pick-up at end-of-day

announcements. For safety concerns, please park and walk in the designated areas.

Page 6 August/September, 2016

IMPORTANT CHANGE

NEW STUDENT DROP OFF PROCEDURES We have modified the traffic flow for parents dropping off children this year. We hope this will eliminate the

safety issues and concerns we experienced last year. Starting with the first day of school, please come into the

parking lot at the entrance nearest the meat locker and proceed to the rear of the parking lot. Make a right turn

towards the building followed by another right turn bringing you alongside the school. Continue to the front

corner of the building to the new designated student drop off zone (basically a big U-Turn) Once your child has

been dropped off, drive forward, but proceed with caution to the bus exit. If buses are leaving please allow them

to exit first. We will have staff available in the parking lot for the first few weeks of school to help maintain and

transition the new traffic flow.

Cardinal Café News We are looking forward to serving our students delicious healthy meals and snacks in the 2016-2017 School

Year. Here are a few things to know about our computerized cash register system:

Any money left in your child’s computerized cafeteria account at the end of the school year rolled over to this

school year. Your child’s account will also follow them to any other Carroll County School if they transfer or

promote to middle or high school.

Parents can put money in any value on account for meals and snack items by sending in cash or checks or

using an online credit card payment system.

Our credit card payment system is online at www.myschoolbucks.com

Cash and check payments have no service fee and online credit card payments have a small provider fee.

Parents can monitor their child’s meal activity online at no charge at www.myschoolbucks.com and sign up

for e-mail alerts when balances are low.

All students enter their PIN when purchasing a breakfast or lunch regardless of whether they are using cash,

money on account, or receiving free or reduced priced meals.

Cafeteria PIN numbers are the same as last school year. New students pin numbers can be requested when

setting up a myschoolbucks account online.

Please see the flyer on the last page for additional information regarding this system.

School Meal Prices 2016-2017 Year Elementary Lunch $2.50

Reduced Lunch $0.40

Breakfast $1.50

Reduced Breakfast $0.30

Milk $0.60

Snacks/A la carte items $0.30-$2.50

Forgotten Lunch If a student does not have his/her lunch or lunch money, he/she will be given the regular daily lunch and a slip

informing of the money owed. This money is to be repaid the next day. Students will not be permitted to

purchase snacks, ice cream, or items from the school store until their outstanding debts are paid.

Food Allergy Policy To support our severe allergy policy a safe table procedure will be in place in the cafeteria. Any food brought into the

cafeteria is not to be shared with other students. Due to the increasing number of students with potentially life-

threatening food allergies, parents cannot send in birthday food items for other children to the cafeteria. We appreciate

your help in keeping all our students safe and healthy.

Page 7 August/September, 2016

Gifted and Talented Program The CCPS Gifted and Talented Program is designed to meet the needs of highly able learners and maximize

student achievement. Gifted and Talented teachers, in collaboration with classroom instructors, will continue to

provide a continuum of interventions designed to meet the needs of Gifted and Talented Education Program

participants. This may include in-class instruction, pullout groups, and/or resource development with classroom

teachers. A Referral and Review Team will determine student eligibility for interventions. Indicators for

participation include observational checklists, standardized test scores, work samples, and classroom

performance. Although students are not formally identified until the beginning of third, Gifted and Talented

teachers will continue to provide a range of services for grades K-5, including primary talent development for

grades K-2. Look for more information concerning the upcoming Gifted and Talented Education Program

Orientation Night that will be communicated via our GT Resource Teacher, Mrs. Smith.

Emergency Procedure Cards Please complete, correct and return this card immediately. This information is essential in helping our school to

provide emergency care for your child. In case of illness or accident, it is imperative that we have names of

several people to contact who are within 30 minutes away from the school. If you are not at home or at the

number where you can usually be reached, it is necessary that we be able to reach someone in case of an

emergency. Should information on this card change during the year, please notify the school promptly. It is

imperative that this card be kept up to date! Only parents can authorize treatment for their child so we need

to be able to contact someone when an emergency occurs. The only people that may pick up a student during an

emergency are those listed on the emergency card. A photo ID is required from all adults picking up students.

Please be reminded that, other than the parent/guardian, students may be released only to those listed on the

emergency card with a note from the parent or when contacted by the school.

VISITORS’ ENTRY 1. All exterior doors will be locked.

2. All visitors must ring the main entrance buzzer to request entry.

3. Prior to allowing entry to the building, staff will ask visitor’s full name and reason for visiting.

4. Staff will direct visitors to the main office for sign in.

5. Visitors, including volunteers, are required to sign in through the visitor’s system

6. All visitors must show a photo identification card.

7. All visitors will be issued a visitor’s badge.

8. Visitor appointments with staff will be verified.

9. Contractors and service providers’ paperwork will be reviewed and verified.

10. Visitors will return their badge to the main office and sign out with staff when leaving.

Classroom Visitors

When visiting a classroom, please let your child’s teacher know in advance. Because of potential disruption to

the academic setting, parents are discouraged from bringing preschool or other children for extended visitations.

Students not enrolled in Carroll County Public Schools are prohibited from visiting or shadowing other students

while school is in session.

Lunchroom Visitors Please be reminded of our procedure concerning visitors to our cafeteria. Only a student’s parent/legal guardian

is allowed to visit during lunchtime unless written permission from the parent/legal guardian is received by the

school allowing other specific individuals to do so. It is permissible for a note to be written granting permission

for the entire school year. In addition, we continue to ask that siblings and other young children not

accompany adult visitors to our cafeteria during lunch. This procedure has been put in effect due to safety

concerns, space limitations, and the need for appropriate supervision of our young visitors. This year we will

Page 8 August/September, 2016

also be instituting a family table where parents will be asked to eat with their child. Thank you for your

understanding and cooperation.

Attendance Information All students who are not seated in their classroom by 9:30a.m. are considered late. Please walk your children

into the main office and sign them in if you arrive after 9:25a.m. For safety reasons, dropping late students at

the door is not permitted. Please remember that students who are leaving early must be picked up prior to

3:45p.m.in the main office. After 3:45p.m., students will be sent to parent pick up in the gym. Late arrivals,

early departures or mid- day absences during a school day will be recorded as a tardy on the student’s report

card. Parents will be notified if a student is excessively tardy.

Reporting your Child’s Absence

A note is required from a parent when a student returns to school following an absence in order to assure proper

coding. (A doctor’s note may be requested.) Please call or email the office at MAEAttendance@k12.carr.org

on the day of the absence or alternatively, send a note in with your child upon his/her return.

Absences for family travel will be excused (when approved in advance). Request must be in writing 7 days

prior to travel. Students will be permitted to make up missed work upon return. Both students and parents

need to understand that some loss of learning opportunity is likely. For example, some school work such as

class participation/discussion or laboratory experiments simply are difficult, if not impossible, to make up and

therefore may have a negative impact on the student’s grade. Parents of students already having excessive

absences or poor grades need to understand the implications of any extended absences.

In accordance with MSDE Guidelines, the following is the attendance recording policy:

A student is counted present for a full day if the student is in attendance four (4) hours or more of the school

day. A student is counted present for ½ day if in attendance for at least two (2) hours of the school day, but less

than four hours. A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives late or leaves early or is absent for a portion of

the day.

Frequent Student Absences

It is vital that all students attend school on a regular basis to ensure maximum growth and opportunities to learn.

Children need a quality education to be productive, successful citizens, and chronic absenteeism is a powerful

predictor of poor academic achievement and risk of dropping out. If you child is absent for a few days, expect a

call from either the teacher, school counselor or nurse. If the number increases to 12%, you can expect a call

from administration. If the situation is not resolved, you can expect a letter from the guidance counselor,

administration, and the pupil personnel worker. If you are having difficulty getting your child to school for any

reason, please contact administration for additional help and resources! We want every child at school every

day! 2016-2017 PTO Executive Board Members Vicky Amoriell, PTO President

410-935-8771

vamoriell@aol.com

Chris Berry, PTO 1st Vice President

301-922-9901

Chrisberryrealty@gmail.com

Kerrie Smith PTO 2nd Vice President

407-459-9056

Kerrie_smith@aol.com

Tatiana Papantoniou Treasurer

240-357-11129

Tatiana.papantoniou@gmail.com

PTO General Meetings Schedule 2015/2016

7:00 pm

Wednesday October 26th Parr’s

Wednesday January 18th MAES

Wednesday March 15th Parr’s

Wednesday May 17th MAES Volunteer training will be 6:15PM PTO general meetings at 7:00PM

(See additional info on the following page

Jennifer Matty, Secretary

301-829-4662

jennifermatty@yahoo.com

Page 9 August/September, 2016

2016-2017 Volunteer Program Making a Difference Together

At volunteer training, you are now required to show photo identification in order to complete the requirements. Please be prompt. There will be no late admittance. The Carroll County Public School System encourages and welcomes volunteers. Volunteers strengthen ties with families, community members and business partners. Volunteers are those who offer their time, effort and/or talents without receipt of monetary compensation or service learning hours to benefit students in the school system. The Carroll County Public School Volunteer Program utilizes the skills of Level I and Level II Volunteers.

Level I Volunteers (guest readers, business representatives, concession stand operators, etc.) must annually register at a school site before volunteering by completing a required form.

Level II Volunteers (classroom helpers, chaperones, mentors, etc.) are required to attend an annual training session at least seven (7) school days prior to volunteering. School days are defined as days when schools are open for students. Volunteer training, obtained during the school year, is valid through September 30th of the following school year. In addition, Level II Volunteers who are selected to chaperone an overnight trip/activity must submit a background check request thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled event. The information obtained from a background check is only valid for the school year it is requested.

Volunteer training sessions are held throughout the school year. A comprehensive list of training sessions is available on the Carroll County Public School's website. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting Jane Farver, Carroll County Public Schools Volunteer Program Coordinator at 410-386-1536 or ejfarve@carrollk12.org. The invaluable contributions of volunteers are recognized and appreciated by the staff and students of the Carroll County Public School System.

School Messenger Communication System CCPS will be using School Messenger for communications coming from school. This new communication

system takes the place of Blackboard Connect. Phone numbers and email addresses used by this system are

taken from the emergency contact information provided by parents via the emergency cards collected at the

beginning of the school year. If you have any changes in your contact information during the school year, please

be sure to contact the school office so that this information can be updated in our data base.

Enrollment Forms All required forms for registration for your child should be in our office by this time. If you still owe us any

documentation, such as proof of residence or health forms please turn them in by August 26, 2015.

Student Handbooks Student handbooks will be available via our school website: www.carrollk12.org/mae by August 31st.

If you do not have internet access, please contact the office and a hard copy will be sent home with your

student. In addition, Carroll County Public Schools’ Handbook is available on the CCPS website’s home page

at www.carrollk12.org. Please review these handbooks as they will be a good resource for information

throughout the school year.

Page 10 August/September, 2016

DRESS CODE Students of Carroll County Public Schools are required to groom themselves in a manner that is modest, clean,

appropriate, decent and not disruptive to the educational process. Students are expected to abide by this dress

code from their arrival to the school building until the end of the school day. Requirements include, but are not

limited to:

Head Coverings - Hats, sunglasses, or head coverings of any kind, including bandanas and visors, shall not be

worn in the school building unless approved for religious or medical reasons.

Shirts - Shirts shall:

• Cover the entire back, i.e., no cutout backs, no shirts that tie in back.

• Cover the midriff area, i.e., bottom of the shirt must meet the top of the lower attire at all times.

• Cover undergarments, i.e., tank top undershirts and skin tight compression shirts.

• Not be see-through.

• Fit modestly so that cleavage area is covered.

• Have two straps, one on each shoulder (no tube tops or halter tops).

Skirts/Skorts/Shorts/Pants: • Skirts, skorts, and shorts should not be excessively short. The guideline for “excessively short” is clothing

that exposes the upper half of the thigh while standing.

• Pants shall cover undergarments at all times and not be excessively long so that they drag on the floor.

CONSENT AND RELEASE Permission to Photograph, Videotape or Audiotape

Throughout the school year, the Carroll County Public School System frequently covers school activities

and may use your child’s photograph, video image, or voice for educational, informational, or public relations

purposes, with or without identification by name.

If you do not wish to have your child’s voice reproduced on tape or to have his/her image appear in such

things as a video, a photograph, or the school website, please notify the school principal in writing. It is

assumed that parents and guardians consent to their children being audiotaped, photographed, videotaped, or

having their image placed on a school website by the school system unless such notification is received.

There are also occasions when the media cover certain school events (such as when a government leader

visits a school). If you do not wish to have your child’s name or likeness published by the media, you should

address your concerns directly to the school involved so that the media is so advised. Please be advised that the

school system has no control over the media when they are covering activities such as sporting events and

musical programs that are open to the public.

Use of Student Work on Websites or in Publications

The Carroll County Public School System recognizes that it may not claim ownership rights, property rights, or

the copyright to student work. However, there may be times throughout the year when the school system wishes

to display student work on school websites or in publications. If you do not wish to have your child’s art,

poetry, writing, etc. appear on school websites or in publications, please notify the school principal in writing. It

is assumed that parents and guardians consent to their child’s work being displayed on school websites or in

publications unless such notification is received.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

South Carroll High School Preschool has a limited number of openings still available for the 2015-2016 school year. The program is 4 days per week and is open to all children ages 3 and 4 as of Sept 1. The preschool is run by our high school students who are enrolled in the Early Childhood Completer program to become certified teachers. All areas of curriculum will be taught with an emphasis on Kindergarten Readiness. The cost for the school year is $100. For more information or an application please call the school at 410 751-3575 or email Mrs. Fiora at cafiora@carrollk12.org.

Page 11 August/September, 2016

Page 12 August/September 2016

ADA ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or the provision of

services, programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Office of

Community and Media Relations at 410-751-3020 or publicinfo@carrollk12.org, or write to Carroll County Public Schools,

125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability,

may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special

accommodation is needed.

Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities or the Supervisor of

Community and Media Relations.

Raymond Prokop Carey Gaddis

Director of Facilities Supervisor of Community & Media Relations

125 North Court Street 125 North Court Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157 Westminster, Maryland

(410) 751-3177 (410) 751-3020

ASBESTOS NOTICE

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires all buildings owned by the Board of Education of

Carroll County to prepare, update and make available all asbestos management plans. The building asbestos management plans

are available for review at the individual Carroll County school locations and at the Office of Plant Operations, located at 191

Schaeffer Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157. Asbestos management plans are required by the United States Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) and depict the location, amount, condition and response action projected for any asbestos containing

materials (ACM), if any are located in the school or building.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry or national

origin, religion, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The CCPS provides nondiscriminatory access to

school facilities in accordance with its policies and regulations regarding the community use of schools (including,

but not limited to, the Boy Scouts). The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-

discrimination policies:

Gregory J. Bricca

Director of Research and Accountability

125 North Court Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

410.751.3068

Integrated Pest Management Program The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program employed by CCPS uses inspection, monitoring, employee education, and sanitation

practices to minimize the use of pesticides in our schools. Maryland law requires that parents of all elementary students be notified

automatically prior to application of any pesticide. Parents of secondary students must request to be placed on a pesticide notification.

CCPS notifies all students and staff 24 hours prior to scheduled applications of pesticides on school property. If an emergency pest

control situation arises and a pesticide is used, notification will be made within 24 hours. Space-spraying of a pesticide throughout an

entire room or area by a fogger or aerosol device requires one week advance notice to all students and staff. Copies of Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDS) and product labels for each pesticide and bait station used on school property are maintained in the Department

of Plant Operations. Persons wishing to review this information should contact the Supervisor of Plant Operations at 410-751-3470.

For additional information about the Integrated Pest Management Program, please contact the Coordinator of Environmental Safety at

410-751-3114.

Welcome Back! We’re glad that you are here! Please be sure to join us every day for a delicious, healthy breakfast and lunch. We have been busy making your school cafeteria hi-tech and better than ever. Here are some things that we think you need to know to enhance your cafeteria experience.

Did you know that your child has a cafeteria account? Every student who goes through our cafeteria

line will use a unique, Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access their account. Parents have the

option to add any denomination to the account for the purchase of meals and snack items. It is a

convenient way to ensure that money is not lost or forgotten during that hectic morning rush

Ok, so what is the PIN? Each student has been issued a unique, 5 digit PIN number. Please help your

child remember this number! It makes the line move faster and ensures that everyone has plenty of

time to enjoy their meal. If they do happen to forget the number, the cashier will be able to find it

for them.

How do I put money on the account? It’s easy!

Visit www.myschoolbucks.com to add any value to the account with a credit card.

(There is a small service provider fee for the transaction.) You’ll need your child’s PIN

number to complete the simple registration process. Please note: online payments

require 24 hours to process before your child can access the money.

You can still send in a check to your school’s cafeteria. The cafeteria manager will add it to

the account.

The money added to the account can be used to purchase meals AND snack items.

And of course…we will still accept cash! Cash transactions will also require your student to

enter their PIN number.

Can I monitor what my child is purchasing? Sure! Visit www.myschoolbucks.com and set up a FREE account. Once you complete the simple registration process (you’ll need your child’s PIN to get

started) you can set up low balance alerts and monitor what they are purchasing.

You can forget about use it or lose it! Any money that is left on your child’s account will carry over from

year to year.

Sending cash or check to school? Include this form with your initial payment.

Student’s Name Homeroom Teacher

Amount Enclosed $

Please place All of the money on my child’s general account for the purchase of either meals, milk or snacks

Please place the money on my child’s account, but I want to specify:

$ for Breakfast and Lunch$ for Milk or Snacks

Carroll County Public Schools

Office of Food and Nutrition

Welcome to the Cafeteria!

2016-2017 School Year