susan harris, principal january 2021
TRANSCRIPT
Dumbarton Middle School
Susan Harris, Principal
January 2021
Dear Families,
As a school system, we are continuing to find ways to work around the challenges presented by the ransomware
attack. We have good news to share regarding report cards and course registration. BCPS has informed us that
report cards will be available on February 11. They will include first and second marking period grades. In
addition, the course registration process for next year will resume soon as a new Student Information System is
being created to enable that process. Stay tuned for more information.
High-school students are in the process of reimaging devices, however middle school students are still waiting
for further direction. Some Dumbarton students are also waiting for their devices to be repaired or replaced.
Individual schools do not have extra devices nor do we have technicians on site to repair devices. Again today, I
voiced my concerns to BCPS related to these needs. I was assured that very soon, BCPS will be sharing updated
information related to middle school devices with families.
Last week, we provided parents with a link to the BCPS Return to School Questionnaire. It will provide the
school system with data regarding the return to school decisions of parents of children that are part of reentry in
Phases III and IV of the Baltimore County Public Schools Reentry Plan. These data will assist BCPS staff in
planning this phase of our current reopening plan. If you have multiple children in these grades, please complete
the survey once for each student impacted by Phase III or IV to ensure the most accurate data is collected. The
questionnaire is scheduled to close on January 14. Families who do not complete the questionnaire will have
their student(s) automatically enrolled in full-time virtual learning, with the option to change that decision at a
later designated time after students begin to return to a hybrid learning environment. Here is the questionnaire
link: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/phase34
As always, we will continue to do our best to keep you updated on information as we receive it. I sincerely
appreciate your understanding and support. I know 2021 will be a wonderful year for all of us. Stay well!
Sincerely,
Susan Harris
Principal
DMS CALENDAR 2020-2021
January 18 Schools and Offices Closed – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
27 Schools Close 3 Hours Early for Students (grade reporting afternoon)
29 Second Marking Period Ends (full day of school)
February 11 (Th) Report Cards Distributed
15 (M) Presidents’ Day; Washington’s Birthday* – Schools and
Offices Closed
Moving Your Child To and From
GT (Advanced Academic) Classes If you believe a move to an Advanced Academic class is appropriate, a conference with your
child’s teacher is highly recommended and the Parent/Guardian Request for Advanced
Academics Review form must be completed. This form may be found on our school’s website
under the tab “Advanced Academics,” or you may contact your child’s school counselor for a
copy of the form. Once completed, the form can be emailed directly to Jill Cox, Advanced
Academics Facilitator. The request will then be reviewed by the Advanced Academics Review
and Referral committee. Decisions made by the committee are based on a body of evidence that
includes, but is not limited to, teacher and parent surveys, grades and work samples, and
standardized test scores. Notification of the committee’s decision is given within 30 business
days of receipt of the request for placement. If a parent believes that a move out of an
Advanced Academic class is necessary, a similar process is followed. If you have any questions
about placement in Advanced Academics, your first step is to confer with your child’s teacher.
You can also contact Jill Cox at [email protected] for more information.
Updates from the Special Education Department
Success at Distance Learning: Designate a Learning Playing Field
Kids need a place where they can concentrate, and when we designate a place that is for concentration only, we
help them train their brains to focus better. For example, they might have a
specific spot at a small desk in a hallway where they do their online schooling
and their homework—and only those things. Have them leave their desk to
check social media or do anything but focused work. Encourage them to step
away from their desk when they take breaks. Bonus: Their presence at that desk
can be a signal to others in the household that they are trying to focus, and that
everyone else needs to be quiet and careful not to interrupt.
Please remember to reach out to your child’s case manager should you have any questions or concerns. We are
here to support you and your child through virtual learning. Special Education Case Managers are listed below:
Kaitlin Feeney [email protected] Andrew Lovett [email protected]
Brianna Markowitz [email protected] Martha McCormick-Wright [email protected]
Amanda Shearer [email protected] Pam VanderVeen [email protected]
Ryan Zuckerman [email protected]
If you have any questions regarding special education, please e-mail Rachel Magill, IEP Chair and Special
Education Department Chair at [email protected].
How to be successful in online
learning:
✓ Get a full night of sleep
✓ Charge computer overnight
✓ Wake up 45 minutes before class
✓ Check Schoology updates
✓ Check Schoology gradebook (look for
missing assignments)
✓ Organize files (One Drive)
✓ Work on assignments
✓ Attend class and coach class
✓ Use cellphone to set timers for class
8th Grade Level Coordinator, Ms. Donoho
First and foremost, thank you, students and parents, for persevering through our ongoing device challenges. It
truly does “takes a village” to support each other as we strive to reach even ground again. I hope the winter
break was a time to breathe, relax and set new goals. Please remember, it is never too late to help students
rebuild pathways to success. Please click on this link to access the 8th grade student schedule. Use it as a guide
for both parents and students to help everyone stay focused on timeframes, assignments and the help sessions,
we call coach class. Also, continue to encourage your children to attend coach classes, as we believe they are
an essential component to academic success.
At this time, parent Schoology accounts are not accessible, however, when they are online again, it is
recommended parents access a student grade report from Schoology. In five simple steps, Schoology will send
parents/guardians a student grade report weekly (even daily if you choose) to your personal emails in order to
track academic performances. Here is the link to access the grade reporting instructions.
Finally, and most importantly, the 8th grade team wishes you and your family well and hopes you have a
wonderful, healthy and exciting new year. Best wishes to you all!
Lisa Donoho, GLC 8th Grade
8th Grade School Counseling Update
Private High School Records and Referral Requests
8th Grade Parents,
Due to ransomware/cyber-attack, deadlines for submitting information to private schools has been extended.
Ms. Billington, our records secretary, has called the private schools and let them know that our SIS (Student
Information System) is not operational right now so we cannot provide transcripts or report cards. Every school
has been understanding and has agreed to be patient with us.
In the meantime, parents can submit to Ms. Billington the student referral forms. Requests are initiated when
parents provide a Permission to Release Information Form from each private school or the Baltimore County
Public Schools’ Consent for Release of Student Records Form. Please e-mail either form to Ms. Robinson
([email protected]) and Ms. Billington ([email protected] ). Common Referral Forms should be turned
in at that time as well. The referral form will be sent with your student’s academic transcript once it is available
so that the private school receives one complete packet of information. If you have any questions, please call
443-809-3176, leave a message and either Ms. Robinson or Ms. Billington will return your call the same day.
Classroom Guidance Focus for January
Prior to the new year students received counseling lessons during Lion’s Den Advisory on Magnet Schools,
Stress and Anxiety, and Self-Care. In the new year, our 8th graders will participate in a classroom guidance
lessons to address their strengths. Students will evaluate their progress toward previously set goals and review
and modify the goals as necessary, identify their top strength, learn more about their unique talents and learn to
use his or her natural patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior and apply them to activities within and outside
of school.
6-Year Planning is Underway
The 6-year plan meetings will resume in January. Please encourage your 8th grader to complete their 6-year
plan survey if they have not done so already in Naviance.
Connecting with Mrs. Robinson Virtually
Please be sure that your child has joined the DMS 8th Grade School Counseling Group. Schoology Group
Code: CT96-HG6T-FHMBB
8th grade students can request an appointment to meet with me using this link.
Priscilla Robinson, M.Ed., NCC, LCPC
8th Grade School Counselor
ELA 8 In Advanced Academic Language Arts 8, we are exploring the techniques authors can use to generate suspense
with attention to diction, foreshadowing, and dramatic irony. Students are reading and exploring suspense
and/or horror stories to recognize these techniques and ultimately apply it to their own writing.
In Academic Language Arts 8, we continue looking at the elements of humor, recognizing not just when
something is funny but what the writer has done to create it. While we look at several techniques, the unit's
focus places particular attention on point-of-view and dramatic irony as a means to comedy.
World Language
8th grade French is studying endangered animals and their habitat and learning about how we could protect
them. 8th grade Spanish students are also focusing on endangered animals and describing their ideal
habitats. Intermediate Latin students are expressing their personal preferences and explaining what they are
doing in their free time. They are comparing this to the free time of the Ancient Romans.
History
8th Grade students are learning about the U.S. Constitution. Students will use this information to learn about
their rights and how our government is setup. This will also prepare students for next year when they take their
9th grade U.S. Government course. In January we will transition back to a more chronological approach to
history and examine the first few presidents of the United States of America.
Science 8 Grade 8 science has begun our second unit, Mastodons and Megalodons. Students will be exploring Earth's
history to discover the changes organisms and the planet have undergone as well as how scientists determine
that these changes occurred. The students will demonstrate this knowledge by creating a museum exhibit
exploring Maryland's deep waters.
Math Students in Mathematics 8 are continuing to "dive deep" into the study of linear equations and linear
relationships. We have been analyzing situations by representing them as tables, graphs, and equations and will
continue to build onto this knowledge by learning about how they operate as functions. This is a major building
block and core information for success in Algebra 1. Students can expect a test for Unit 2 in mid to late
January.
Students in Algebra 1 have been looking at applications of lines in the real world, specifically by creating lines
of best fit and how that helps us interpret data. Students will continue to study lines by looking at situations
when two things are happening simultaneously and describing the solution to that problem. Students should
expect a unit test for unit 2 sometime in January.
Students in Geometry have begun analyzing logical thinking and applying that to the written, formal "proof."
We will then work through our logical thinking by analyzing triangles and specific situations when we can
declare triangles congruent. This study of triangle congruence includes right triangle congruence, which has
applications for trigonometry and the unit circle (which is also to come later this year).
Health Students will finish their Health lessons in the month of January. Important topics such as growth and
development will be covered. During these lessons, students will explain the importance of setting personal
limits and learn about adolescent responsibility. Students should consider wearing earbuds during these lessons
if they will be sharing a learning space with younger siblings/children.
Art 8th Grade art students are working on observational drawing skills. This includes working with line, value,
proportions, perspective, composition and unity in order to create a still life based on personal surroundings and
experiences.
College and Career Readiness In Effective Learning Habits for College & Career Readiness, 8th graders are making higher-level questions a
habit of mind by using Costa's Levels of Thinking and Questioning. We have practiced writing questions for
images and short stories. We will apply these skills to articles in order to discuss higher level ideas in a
philosophical chairs format.
A few DMS students will attend Loch Raven High School. Here is a message for you!
Diligence: Careful and persistent work or effort.
Yousif A. Henry C. Mia D. Everett K. Molly R. Fizza Z.
Tulika A. Mauryn C. Ella D'A. Ngone K. Scarlett S. Liliana Z.
Vivian A. Simon C. Zahir F.-S. Alex L. Fiona T. Katerin A.C. Sophie C. Wren G. Nora L. Violet T. Malay A.-J. Conor D. Mariah H. Thomas O. Cecelia VanL. Kiran B. Elle D. Martha H. Anthony O.G. Cornelius W.
8th Grade Contact Information Priscilla Robinson, Counselor [email protected]
Lisa Donoho, Grade Level Coordinator [email protected] Cheryl Scott, Assistant Principal for 8th Grade [email protected]
7th Grade Level Coordinator, Ms. Zinkham
To our 7th Grade Families,
We are ready to support our students in every way we can, and we hope students are finding connections for
social and emotional health. Since the cyber-attack, grading and reporting systems have not yet been fully
restored. Please use your child’s Schoology account to look at ongoing assignments and grades. Should you
have questions or wish to schedule a conference, please reach out.
-Natalie Zinkham, 7th Grade Coordinator
7th Grade School Counseling Program
During the month of December, 7th grade students learned about
Executive Functioning Skills to promote school success. Students
took a short self-assessment to identify their strongest and weakest
executive functioning skills. They also chose a weakness and
created a plan to improve that skill. Ask your student about how
they will work to improve their executive function!
6-Year Planning is Underway
The 6-year plan meetings will resume in January. If your student
has completed their planning session, ask them to tell you how many Service Learning Hours they need for high
school graduation and where to find information about high school magnet programs.
Connecting with Dr. Martin Virtually
Please be sure that your child has joined the DMS 7th Grade School Counseling Group. Schoology Group
Code: JWTCV-M75PR
7th grade students can request an appointment to meet with me using this link.
I can also be reached at [email protected].
Algebra and Pre-Algebra In Pre-Algebra, we are starting Unit 2 which features unit rates, constant rates and proportional relationships.
We will perform percentage calculations and applications (mark-ups and mark-downs). This will take us to a
Unit 2 assessment after the holiday break.
In Algebra I, we are starting Unit 2 which features Exploring Linear Relationships by scatter plots and lines of
Best Fit in Context, Correlation Coefficients, Causation vs. Correlation, Systems of Linear Equations (Graph &
Tables, Elimination, and Best Methods), and Systems of Linear Inequalities.
English Language Arts In Language Arts classes, seventh graders are learning about the different structures and elements of poetry and
how they have an impact on the reader. Through a lesson on Slam Poetry, the students will have the opportunity
to compare the written and spoken word through the evaluation of poetry performances. The students will apply
this new knowledge towards the composition of their own original poems. Before we finish Unit 2, the students
will also have a brief introduction to drama and how its structure creates meaning within plays.
Social Studies Students in grade 7 world history are studying Medieval Europe. Students
will focus on the ways that different organizations, whether they were
political, economic or social groupings, created stability in the uncertain
times of the Early Medieval period. Organizations like the feudal
hierarchy, the Catholic Church, the guild system as well as the rulership
of the likes of Charlemagne and William the Conqueror, all sought to
instill order in a time of disorder. Students will study these organizations
and more including Vikings, Samurai, and Knights! Obviously, they
called it the Dark Ages because of all the knights!
Science Organelles? Cells? Tissues? Organs? Organ-Systems? Students asked, “What are those things and what do
they have to with me?” Well, these questions will be answered in the
current unit, Form Follows Function. Students will:
I. Construct a model that demonstrates how two organ systems interact
in order to allow them to complete a task in their everyday life.
II. Construct an argument as to why it is essential for these organ
systems to work together for their body to function properly.
Students will choose from the following systems: circulatory,
excretory, digestive, respiratory, muscular, and nervous. We are
anticipating creative, artistic and lively factual digital presentations
loaded with evidence that supports student achievement of the lesson
objectives and unit standards.
World Languages ESOL: 7th graders are learning how to become virtual
influencers. They have been researching whether social media is
healthy or unhealthy, safe or dangerous, beneficial or a waste of
time. They will take positions on this controversial issue and
gather data to support their arguments. By the end of the quarter,
they will publish their research findings through mock websites
(the best of which will be distributed to school and staff in order
to widen our knowledge of social media usage among teenagers).
This project will require students to read and write in multiple
genres and study multiple writing skills. We look forward to
seeing what the ESOL 7th graders produce.
Spanish: Students will learn about the benefits and consequences that come with food and physical activity
choices. They will also learn how to make recommendations to overcome these challenges.
French: Geography, culture and family shape our daily activities, traditions, and eating habits. Students will
learn to talk about their eating habits and compare their favorite meals to those from a variety of cultures.
Latin: Students will explore the concept of hospitalitas in the classical culture. They will also learn about the
importance of sharing meals, stories and recipes to create connections with family members and people who
live in our community.
Health and Physical Education Students will finish their Health lessons in the month of January. As we finish the second quarter students can
look forward to learning about substance abuse and safety and injury prevention. Students will analyze
harassing and intimidating behaviors while using technology and advocate for appropriate use.
Visual Arts In quarter one, 7th grade artists started their Object Representation unit. They focused on developing their
observational drawing skills and learn about value, form and composition.
Now, 7th grade artists will be exploring contour line drawing techniques, value, form and composition to render
realistic still life drawings to improve their observational drawing skills.
Diligence: Careful and persistent work or effort.
Barbara A. Sireen El-A. Justin J.-F. Eli M. Elaina R.-F. Natsumi V.V.
Diego A. Hiyall F. Andrew K. Eliezer M. Chloe S. Avery W.
Kareem A. Sadie F. Brian K. Jordan M. Colin S. Daniel W.
Omar A. Anthony G. Elliot K. Kiera M. Joseph S. Hayden W.
Katerin A.C. Joseph G. Maxwell K. Zach M. Keann S. Sam W.
Cole B.-W. Dessa H. Muhammed K. Minh N. Nora S. Tanainya W.
Finnegan C. Eli H. Carleigh L. Joycee P. William S. Yuta Y.
Gerson C. Isaac H. Corinne L. Yancy P.O. Nathan T. Isla D. Fatima H.V. Jose L. Brody R. Brody U. Maria D'A. Takuma I. Owen L. Daniel R. Caroline V. Gavin E. Tucker J. Ava M. Gabby R. Sophie V.
7th Grade Contact Information
Dr. Taisha Martin, Counselor & Counseling Department Chair, [email protected] Natalie Zinkham, Grade Level Coordinator, [email protected]
Michelle Wedderburn, Assistant Principal for 7th Grade [email protected]
6th Grade Level Coordinator, Ms. Elliott
Wow, it is hard to believe we’ve already reached winter break! I want to personally thank all of our 6th graders
for their perseverance through tech challenges and new ways of accessing digital materials as a result of the
ransomware attack. Our students continue to rise to the challenge! Now that we are a little more than halfway
through the second quarter, please help your children check over their Schoology grade reports in order to
ensure all assignments are completed and up to date. Remember each course has coach class once a week.
Coach class is a perfect opportunity to get additional assistance, redo assignments, or just complete
asynchronous work for each course. Many of our most successful students are students who are using this
coach class time to meet with their teachers. As a reminder, coach class times are as follows.
• Period 1 = Mondays @ 2pm
• Period 2 = Tuesdays @ 2pm
• Period 3 = Wednesdays @ 9am
• Period 5/6 = Wednesdays @ 10am
• Period 7/8 = Wednesdays @ 12pm
• Period 9 = Thursdays @ 2pm
• Period 10 = Fridays @ 2pm
At a time when it is difficult to make personal connections with teachers and classmates, coach class is also a
great opportunity to work in smaller groups and get to know teachers and classmates a little better. 6th grade
also hosts lunch bunch each Wednesday from 11:15-11:45 a.m. I have enjoyed getting to know our 6th grade
students in these lunch bunch sessions. If your child has not yet joined Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Stathopoulos, and
me for lunch bunch, please encourage your child to do so. We use the Google Meet code:
dmsgrade6lunchbunch.
Thanks for all you do to help your children succeed and meet with success in this virtual learning environment!
Sincerely,
Stacie Elliott
6th Grade Level Coordinator
6th Grade Assistant Principal, Mrs. Stathopoulos
As we begin to look forward to a fresh new year, I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude to
our teachers, students and parents. This past year has offered some major challenges but with each one I have
witnessed perseverance, dedication, determination and flexibility. The year 2020 will certainly be an
unforgettable year, but I hope that everyone chooses to focus on the positives. I personally am thankful for the
time to connect with my own children and nurture those relationships. My wish is that during the winter break
my Dumbarton family had time for rest, relaxation and renewal!
With gratitude,
Stacy Stathopoulos
From the 6th Grade Counselor, Mrs. Murphy
This month, I will continue to reach out to students who earned less than 70% in academic courses during first
quarter for academic planning. Students are encouraged to complete and submit all class work and homework
(even if it is not graded). Students should regularly check Schoology to assess their grades and attend scheduled
coach classes each week.
Classroom Guidance Review
In December, our 6th graders participated in a counseling lesson about “Marble Jar
Friends.” The objective of the lesson was to help students understand healthy and
unhealthy friendship attributes in order to improve understanding of their personal
friendships. Students were reminded that their school counselor is available to help
address concerns and facilitate healthy relationships inside and outside of school.
Connecting with Mrs. Murphy Virtually
Students can request an appointment to meet with Mrs. Murphy by using this form OR by sending a Schoology
message to Erin Murphy @ Dumbarton Middle.
Please be sure that your child has joined the DMS 6th Grade Counseling Group. Schoology Group Code:
2W9G-7CR8-S7TDS
Erin Murphy, 6th Grade Counselor
World History Students are studying the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. Recently, they have been engaged
in a DBQ Online activity where they are analyzing primary source documents to understand Hammurabi's
Code.
Language Arts In academic classes students have been working on writing coherent and cohesive paragraphs using a Single Paragraph Outline. They recently conducted brief research on a phobia in order to create a Public Service Announcement. Both skills, SPO to paragraph and research to PSA, will come together in students’ Performance Based Assessment where they will research a natural disaster or emergency situation and write a coherent and cohesive paragraph about how to prepare for and stay safe during that natural disaster as well as create a Public Service Announcement warning people of the disaster. In advanced academic classes, students just participated in a Community Circle style Socratic seminar discussing how the media depicts individuals and groups and how those individuals and groups assert their identity. Students have been reading nonfiction texts about diverse groups of people throughout the unit.
Health Students will finish their health lessons in the month of January. Important topics such as growth and development will be covered. During these lessons, students will identify functions of the human reproductive system and examine how puberty impacts personal well-being. Students should consider
wearing earbuds during these lessons if they will be sharing a learning space with younger siblings/children.
Math Despite the obstacles of the virtual learning environment, ransomware attack, and occasional tech issues, students have persevered to complete almost half of the academic year. As we bid adieu to 2020 and welcome 2021, students have made significant progress. The Math 6 group has completed another Module on Ratios, Rates, and Proportions and will start the new year continuing to work on using proportions to solve real life problems. Advanced Academics just submitted their chapter three test. These classes will continue with a brief excursion into chapter four to start the new year.
World Language 6th Grade French students are learning to express their preferences for food and the traditions surrounding meals in the Francophone culture. Latin students are learning to describe typical Roman dishes and compare them to current dishes. Spanish students are learning to ask and answer questions about eating habits and preferences.
Science 6th grade Science classes are currently working on their culminating event for the Matter and Its Interactions Unit. The students are excited to share their ideas and show how much they have learned about chemistry. They are using a 'Shark Tank' theme to share their projects.
Art 6th grade students are continuing their unit on object representation. There is much to deconstruct in a
seemingly simple still life. They began by exploring contour line. Shortly after that we investigated and played
with value by creating scales and gradients and creating value studies. That understanding of lightness and
darkness was then applied to color because all color has value! We like to use the phrase, "color gets all the
credit, but value does all the work” to help explain the relationship between value and color. Students
then received some expert insight from the color scientists at Pixar (via YouTube) and learned a little bit about
just how important color and light are in the production of artwork. Students have now begun simple
observational drawings and will soon begin to create a larger final composition using their own chosen objects
and light sources at home. We cannot wait to see their wonderful work!
Each month, teachers and staff nominate students who have demonstrated PRIDE values by showing
Perseverance, Respect, Intellectual Growth, Diligence and Empathy. For the month of September, we would
like to congratulate these students for demonstrating…
Diligence: Careful and persistent work or effort.
Amelia A. John F. Ash J.-T. Patrick M. Abigail R. Madden S.
Aafreen B. Nebiat F. Evelyn K. Preston M. Alejandro R. Michael S.
Jasmine B. Olivia F. Harrison K. Savi M. David R. Nayla S.
Lucia B. Rowan F. Jeremiah K. Shaine M. Francisco R. Noah S.
Molly B. Jack G. Kulisara K. Sophia M. Holden R. Suzanna S.
Naisha B. Josephine G. Nico K. Sophie M. Maisie R. Boris T.
Ava C. Carmela H. Sophia K. Steve M. Sam R. Caitlin T.
Gia C. Eli H. John L. Alexander N. Shazlay R. Luka T.
Lily C. Eliot-Anne H. Katherine L. Christopher O. Simon R. Quoc T.
Samantha C. Eyakem H. Lleandro L. Ashley O.-A. Avery S. Evan W.
Brian D. Graham H. Michael L. Catie Grace O’C Celia S. Hannah W.
Gwen D. Josslyn H. Sasha L. Elliot P. Jenna S. Liam W.
Willow D. Margaret H. Zoe L. Elliot P. Hollise S. Ali Y.
Briana E. Paul H. Christian L.A. Grace P. Hudson S. Zahra Y.
Caroline F. Ryan H. Augustus M. Karon P. June S. Jessy Y.R.
Colin F. William H. Liene M. Natalie P. Lila S. Ella F. Kelise J. Nova M. Shreeya P. Lily S.
6th Grade Contact Information Erin Murphy, Counselor [email protected]
Stacie Elliott, Grade Level Coordinator [email protected] Stacy Stathopoulos, Assistant Principal for 6th Grade [email protected]
Meet the DMS Writing Lab Tutors!
Tuesdays: Hi! My name is Eloise and I am a freshman at Towson High. I was a student at Dumbarton just last year, so I am very familiar with the DMS assignments and can’t wait to help you out! In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, and tennis, reading realistic or historical fiction books, and hanging out with friends. My mom is a writer, so I’ve picked up a lot of little tricks that I can share with you to help make your pieces as good as they possibly can be. I can’t wait to see you all at 3:00 on Tuesdays!
*** Hi! My name is Caroline and I am a freshman at Towson High. I went to DMS for middle school and did all of the writing assignments that you are probably doing right now and will do in the future. I am here and excited to help you be able to feel more confident in your writing. My favorite subjects in school are Science, math, and English. I love to play tennis and my cello. I will be here to help on Tuesdays after school. My goal is to be able to answer your questions and help you understand concepts. I can't wait to see and meet all of you!
Thursdays: Hello DMS students, my name is Sophie and I’m a senior at Towson High School. I attended Dumbarton for middle school, and this will be my fourth-year tutoring at the Dumbarton Writing Lab. I have a passion for anything relating to English and I love to help students succeed in their writing assignments. I also love to read in my free time. I am at the writing lab every Thursday until 4:00. I hope to see you at Writing Lab!
***
Hi, my name is Isabel and I’m a former DMS student! I am a Writing Lab tutor and a sophomore at Towson High School. I enjoy reading, writing and playing sports. My favorite book is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I’m here every Thursday until 4:00 to help. I look forward to helping you with your writing this year!
See our website www.dumbartonms.org for the entire Clubs Brochure.
Help is available!
Dumbarton School Counselors Call DMS at 443-809-3176 8th Grade – Priscilla Robinson
7th Grade – Dr. Taisha Martin
6th Grade – Erin Murphy
Local Resources are listed below:
· Baltimore County DSS: 410-887-TIME
· Baltimore County Crisis Response: 410-931-2214
· Crisis text line: Text the word "HOME" to 741741 for free 24 hour support
· Maryland Food Bank: 410-737-8282
· 211 Maryland: 211, https://211md.org/
· Maryland Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009
· National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
Sheppard Pratt's Urgent Walk In clinic is available through virtual appointments.
https://www.sheppardpratt.org/care-finder/virtual-crisis-walk-in-clinic/
FOR RELEASE:Jan. 5, 2021 CONTACT:Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach, 443.809.5908
BCPS press releases are available online
Board of Education of Baltimore County to hold public hearing virtually on the proposed FY2022 operating budget on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Towson, MD – The Board of Education will hold a public hearing virtually on the proposed FY2022
Operating Budget on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. The Board’s open session will begin at approximately
6:30 p.m. The public may view the meetings through the Microsoft Teams platform using the links listed
in theagendaand on theBoard’s Web page.
· 6:30 p.m. – Public Hearing on the proposed FY2022 Operating Budget
· Directly following the public hearing – Work Session on the proposed FY2022 Operating Budget
Members of the public may register to speak regarding the proposed FY2022 operating budget.
Registration for live public comment is now open and will close at 3 p.m. on the Monday, January 11,
2021. A link to the form can be found on theBoard’s Web page. Registered participants will receive
confirmation of their registration, along with the call-in number, passcode to join the meeting, and
public comment guidelines and procedures the day of the hearing. Comments are limited to 3 minutes
per speaker. No speaker substitutions will be allowed.
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Subject:BCPS News Release - BCPS updates Reopening Plan to include details for all students about option for phased-in hybrid learning
FOR RELEASE:Jan. 7, 2021 CONTACT:Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach, 443.809.5908
BCPS updates Reopening Plan to include details for phased-in hybrid learning
Timing of student return to be based on COVID-19 community transmission Towson, MD –Baltimore County Public Schools has updated itsReopening Planto include details about in-person instruction options for all students. Families will choose to continue virtual learning or to begin hybrid learning, with timing driven by local and state health metrics. The newly added information pertains to three groups of students. In the plan’s new Appendix N, guidance is provided for students in Grades 3 – 12 whose Individualized Education Programs include a least restrictive environment that is primarily outside of the general education classroom setting. This plan also includes students in select Career and Technical Education programs that require hands-on learning to earn professional licenses or certifications. The new Appendix O is focused on the remaining students in Grades 3 – 12. Together with already released sections focused on students at public separate day schools (Appendix L) and students in Grades Preschool through 2 (Appendix M), the BCPS Reopening Plan now includes all students. “I commend the educators and leaders who developed these crucial portions of our Reopening Plan, as we look ahead to the time when it will be safe to phase in in-person instruction for small groups of students,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “Despite the ransomware attack, we will be ready to welcome students back into school buildings when local COVID-19 transmission is low.” The newest portions of the plan were presented to the Board of Education of Baltimore County during its December 22, 2020, meeting, and are organized into three parts: Health and Safety, System and School Operations, and Instructional Model.
• The Health and Safety section refers to Safety Is Our True North (Appendix A of the Reopening Plan), and addresses health metrics, a variety of mitigation strategies, compliance monitoring, screening, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, health services, safety, and social and emotional learning.
• The System and School Operations section includes information about how students will be placed in small groups, drop-off and pick-up, transportation, meals, attendance, visitors, and a questionnaire families will use to indicate whether or not students will return to school buildings for hybrid learning.
• The Instructional Model section includes class assignments, how families can change student placements, schedules, the elementary model, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), special education, staffing, class layouts, and assessment.