The Grange Stallion April, 2018

The Grange StallionGrange Elementary School 2000 Church RoadBaltimore, MD 21222410.887.7043

GES VisionGrange Elementary School will create a culture of deliberate excellence, a culture of equity and of collaboration with all

stakeholders in order for all students to achieve their full potential and become globally competitive citizens.GES Mission

Grange Elementary School creates a safe, healthy and nurturing atmosphere which fosters collaborative partnerships among students, teachers, families and community members. Our students participate in rigorous, engaging and relevant student-

centered learning in order to build 21st century skills and prepare for their chosen college and/or career path.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridaySAFETY ALERT:Please remind your children to cross the street with our crossing guard and not walk thru the bus loop or cross at the flag pole.Thank you for helping to keep our children safe.

Reminder:No left turns between:

8 a.m. – 9 a.m.&

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

2NO SCHOOL

Autism Awareness Day

3School Reopens

Today!!

4 5 6

9PTA Meeting

6PM

10Picture Day!

Individual and Class

11STEAM Night

5:30PM-8:00PM

12 Kindergarten Roundup

9:30AM-2:30PMCall the office for an appointment time.

13PTA Fundraiser

Chuck E. Cheese4PM-8PM

16 17 18 19Report CardsDistributed!!

20

23 24Night of the Arts

5PM-7PM

25YoJo Reading Assemby

145PM-2PMK-2nd Grade

PARCC Pep Rally with YoJo Grades 3-5

26 27

30

Mrs. Nancy HillPrincipal

Ms. Rachel DavisAssistant principal

Mrs. Cindy WeiserPTA President

The Grange Stallion April, 2018PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE:Spring is here! And do you know what that means? That’s right-testing season for our students. Our students and teachers are still hard at work, both inside and outside of school. We continue to push our students to do their best academically and we see great progress in their skills. We feel the best approach to testing is to reinforce with students that the work they do each day has helped to prepare them and the assessment are another way to show what they have learned. We want our students to be confident in their abilities and to not be overly anxious about the assessments. Teachers have been holding class discussions to review procedures and to address any concerns students may have. I am confident that our students will do well on these assessments given the quality of work we have seen in the classrooms. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your continued support of our school and students.

Thank you, Mrs. Hill, Principal

SAFETY AND SECURITY PARENTS: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES All visitors to our building must register in the school office immediately upon entering. All visitors will be required to present valid identification. Picking up students from school during the school day is strongly discouraged unless your child is ill. However, we understand that there may be a reason why you need to pick up your child for a doctor or dental appointment. If you need to pick up your child early, please send in a note to your child’s teacher and be prepared to present a picture ID to the front office staff. If a parent or guardian with which the child resides is not the person picking up the child, a note MUST be sent to the child’s teacher. In the absence of a note from home and in the event that a parent/ legal guardian cannot be reached to confirm an early dismissal, the child will not be released from school. All exterior doors will be locked all day. Our safety policy will be strictly enforced. Thank you for your cooperation. Please be reminded that students are dismissed between 3:30 and 3:40 p.m. Please help us keep our front lobby clear by waiting outside of our front doors for your child.

RAPTOR VISITOR SIGN IN SYSTEMThe safety of all students and staff in Baltimore County Public Schools is of utmost importance to all of us. Our school is utilizing a system for checking in all visitors. The system is called V-soft by RaptorWare or Raptor. When you visit our school for the first time, you will be asked to present a government-issued photo ID, or a driver’s license to a staff member in the school office. The ID will be scanned and the following information will be collected: your photo, your name, and your date of birth. This information will be utilized to check you in, create an ID badge, and compare your information against sexual offender databases throughout the country. If your name appears on any of the lists or you refuse to allow the school to scan your ID, you will not be allowed access to the school . The only alternative will be to allow the staff to see your ID, verify your first name, last name, and date of birth to be entered into the system manually. However, this method does not store the information, and you must do this each time you visit the school. If you have your ID scanned, you will be asked to show your ID only on future visits, and your name will be selected from an existing list of previous visitors. You will also be asked to check out with the office staff upon leaving the school so that we know you are no longer in the building. The information collected will not be shared outside of school and is kept on a secure server. Your assistance in keeping our students and schools safe is appreciated.

ID’S PLEASE! EVERYDAY AT DISMISSALPlease be prepared to present your photo ID when picking up your child every day. Substitutes and support staff are not familiar with all parents. Please be prepared to present your photo identification every day at dismissal.

MSDE ATTENDANCE RULES The MSDE Maryland Student Records System Manual defines "full-day" and "half-day" present as follows: "A full-time student must be present for at least four hours to be marked present for a full day; a full-time student must be present at least two hours to be marked present for a half day; a full-time student present for less than two hours must be marked as absent."

Student Behavior To And From SchoolAs stated in the Parent & Students’ Guide to Transportation, “The safety of children going to and from school, whether on foot or by bus, is a responsibility shared by many people.” Please make certain that your students are provided with clear expectations concerning appropriate behavior, not only when they are in school but also when they are coming to school in the morning and leaving school in the afternoon. Whether a student is a walker or bus rider, in accordance with the Student Handbook, appropriate behavior is expected of all students and student behavior codes apply. It is our responsibility to work with students to ensure that they understand and follow procedures, further allowing students to be safe and successful learners.

The Grange Stallion April, 2018

Arrival Procedures Please drop off your student by 8:40 am. You have choices when dropping off your student. You may drive through the Kiss and Go line. This is where Grange staff is there to greet your child, open and close the passenger car door and off you go!

Please do not go through the line and pull over to the side of the building to let your child out of the car. The second choice is to park on the gravel lot and have your student walk across the cross walk where there is Grange staff there to assist your child to the school building. The third option is to walk your student to school. When leaving the school loop you must make a right out of the parking lot between the hours of 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.   There is a sign that has been posted since 10/3/2016.

Also, if your vehicle has Historic or Street Rod tags these cars are not allowed to drop off students at school according the Maryland Transportation Article. Maryland did send out a notice in October 2016 stating the usage and restrictions of these tags. Please contact the MVA or police department for further clarification.Important Dates:Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018School Reopens!

Monday, April 9, 2018PTA Meeting 6PM

Tuesday, April 10,2018Picture Day! Individual and Class!

Wednesday, April 11, 2018STEAM Night 5:30PM-8:00PM

Thursday, April 12h,2018Kindergarten Round-up , 930am-2:30pm

Friday, April 13th, 2018PTA Fundraiser-Chuck E. Cheese 4PM-8PM

Tuesday, April 24th, 2018Night of the Arts 5PM-7PM

Kindergarten Round-Up!Grange Elementary will be conducting its second Kindergarten Round-up event on Thursday, April 12, 2018. The event will take place in the Gymnasium from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Please check in at the office for a visitor’s badge. Please call Mrs. Hetterman at 410-887-7043 as soon as possible for an appointment time. The Kindergarten packet will be sent out to you or you may stop by the school office and pick up one.

During this event, we will be registering Kindergarten students. To be eligible for Kindergarten for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year, your child must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2018.

The following information is required at the appointment:

Your child’s birth certificate and Social Security Card

Your child’s immunization records and completed New Student Health History

Proof of residency (lease, deed, property tax statement, mortgage statement)

Three (3) pieces of current mail such as cable bill, credit card statement, utility bill, pay stub, etc.

Parent/Guardian photo ID

Grange Little Free Library

We have created a Little Free Library here at Grange! We are seeking donations of gently used books to help stock and run our little free library. There is a box in the lobby for donated books. Please consider donating books for our students. Thank you in

advance for your support!

The Grange Stallion April, 2018

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Family Engagement Liaison Hello Grange Families! I hope to see everyone at STEAM Night, which is Wednesday, April 11th from 5:30PM-8:00PM. This will be a fun filled event! Make it a family date night! And please don’t forget about our extensive Lending Library! There are many fun books and games available for each grade level!

As always, please feel free to contact me at kalemi@bcps.org or 410.887.7043. Thanks, Kelly Alemi

News from the Health SuiteMrs. Meghan Hornbacher, RN,BSN, School Nurse Nurse (410) 282-3704 Fax: 410-887-7044mhornbacher@bcps.org

SUN SAFETY: Remember, the sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Use SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days.ASTHMA/ALLERGY ACTION PLANS: Seasonal Allergy and Asthma Action Plans are important to review and update with your health care provider and a copy should be on file at school, as well as a rescue inhaler. Learn what your child’s triggers are pollen, grass, olds, temperature changes, exercise, smoke, perfume or pesticides. Please let me know.HEARING AND VISION: Our hearing and vision technician will be testing at our school on April 10-17.She will be screening all pre-k students, kindergarten students not screened in pre-k all of

Stallion Sport Stackers ClubMiss Bell and Mrs. McDaniel would like to congratulate all Stallion Sport Stackers who competed in the Mid Atlantic Regional Sport Stacking Championships on Saturday: Jacoby, Emma, Wilson, Sydnee, Izzy, Sean, Bryson, Cameron, Nathan, and Michael! Everyone put forth great effort and showed off their skills! A special shout out goes to Emma Boone who took 3rd Place for her age group, in the full cycle stack!!

The Girl’s Run Club The Girls on the Run team has been learning how to communicate effectively, show empathy and express their feelings in healthy ways! Our girls are also working hard to meet their weekly lap goals in order to prepare for their 5K run in May. Our mock 5K will be held at Grange on Wednesday, April 25th at 3:45! Please let Coach Shirey or Coach Peeples know if you're interested in volunteering to help motivate and cheer on our team that day!National Elementary Honor SocietyThe Honor Society would like to thank everyone who donated to support Strive for Younglives. We appreciate your contribution in our effort to make a change for Grange!Our meetings this month will be held on April 10th and April 24th.

Boys with a PurposeThe Boys with a Purpose club is working on life skills necessary to become a productive member of the classroom and school community. Every week we work on activities that are designed to teach respect, sportsmanship, leadership, and gentlemanly qualities. The boys are challenging themselves to implement these lessons into their daily lives.

The Grange Stallion April, 20181st and 4th grade.A WORD ABOUT HEAD LICE: This can happen to anyone, it’s not uncommon. Most head lice are transmitted from head to head contact. Check your children regularly; if head lice are found consult a health care provider regarding treatment options. Follow package directions and comb out lice and nits thoroughly. While this is a time consuming task, it is also very effective at preventing repeat cycles. Clean all items that may have been in contact with your child’s head. Let your children’s close friends and parents know so they too can check regularly. Report all cases to the school nurse, and I will re-check your child when they return to school.Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions please call me at 410-282-3704.Meghan Hornbacher RN

 

Volunteer TrainingAll individuals who wish to volunteer in the school, including chaperoning field trips, are required to be trained EVERY school year in accordance with BCPS policy.The BCPS Volunteer training is available on-line. Please visit the website at www.bcps.org and click on Volunteer Opportunities. Please be sure to print out the Application and the Certificate of Completion and turn it into the school office. Once submitted, a background check will be completed and approved applicants can be added to the volunteer list.

The Grange Stallion April, 2018

PARENTS BRINGING FOOD TO SCHOOL Just a reminder: The Maryland State Department of Health regulation (COMAR 10.15.03.03) prohibits preparation of food for consumption by students in schools or school sponsored events in non-licensed food production facilities. Unfortunately this means that homemade items such as cookies and cupcakes cannot be served to students in school.

ANIMALS AND PETS According to Baltimore County Public Schools Guidelines and Application for Use of School Facilities, please note that animals are not permitted on school property. Due to the possibility of danger to children we cannot allow pets on our school property during the school day. Please do not bring your pets onto school property at arrival or dismissal times. Even pets on leashes can be dangerous when frightened by the presence of crowds of children and adults. In addition, please do not bring pets on school grounds during the day, because many times it makes it difficult for our children to play .Finally, no pets are allowed in the school building at any time. Please help to remind neighbors to

clean up after their pets if they are on our grounds after hours.

BCPS DUMPSTER USE Please be advised that the dumpsters located on our school property are not for private dumping. These receptacles are for school use only.BCPS WEATHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE LINE With the onset of cooler weather and the potential for inclement weather, please be informed that the BCPS weather information number is 443-809-5555.

SCHOOL HOURS: 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The bell schedule is as follows:8:40 AM Breakfast students enter the building.8:45 AM First bell rings – All students enter the building. 9:00 AM Second bell rings- (Students arriving after this time are considered late and must be signed into the office).3:25 PM First Bell – students begin to pack up3:30 PM Afternoon Dismissal begins

A REMINDER ABOUT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONSWhile we are excited for children when they have their birthdays, we need to make sure that celebrations do not impact upon our instructional day. Please know that store purchased cupcakes, brownies, cookies, donut holes, or small treats are preferred for individual birthday celebrations and will be eaten in the cafeteria during lunchtime. Please deliver these to the office prior to your child’s lunch time.These treats should be easily served by the birthday child and consumed by classmates in a very few minutes. These treats should not need adult assistance, refrigeration, or specialized kitchen utensils for distribution. Therefore, cakes and pizza that would need to be sliced and served by an adult are not allowed.Anything other than the previously mentioned items or practices should be planned outside of the school day. In addition, items such as balloons and flowers are not permitted in school. Again, please know that while we are excited for your child, birthdays on a grand scale should be celebrated at home with family members and friends. Thank you so much!!!

The Grange Stallion April, 2018SECURITY NOTE: Please send your students to school no earlier than 8:40 am. There is no adult supervision outside before school. If interested, you can contact Rec. & Parks for their before school program called ABC Fun & Fitness run by our PE instructor, Jeff Tolson. Also, please be prompt in picking up your child at dismissal at 3:30 pm.

ATTENDANCE: KEY TO YOUR STUDENT’S SUCCESSIn order to provide the opportunity for greater academic, career, and social success, it is the goal of Baltimore County Public Schools to ensure that students attend school on a regular basis. Good attendance positively impacts academic performance and leads to maximum student potential. Schools are responsible for teaching your child. Schools cannot do their job if your child is absent. A child who misses a day of school misses a day of learning. If a child misses 9 or more days of school, their attendance is considered unsatisfactory by the State of Maryland. Our school nurse is happy to work with you to try and keep your child’s absences to a minimum each school year. Research shows that attendance is the single most important factor in school success.

Save the Date!!

Moms with Muffins! Friday, May 11th, 2018 8AM

PTA Family Fun Night! Friday, May 11th, 2018 5PM-7PM

Pre K and Kindergarten Round Up-May 10th, 2018 930AM-230PM

PTA InformationPTA Meeting- Monday, April 9th, 2018 at 6PMYearbook orders are taking place now! Starting price is $25.

Orders will continue through May 25th. Any questions please feel free to contact us! Also, don’t forget the PTA Fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese on April 13th from 4pm until 8pm at the Diamond

Point location! Thank you for your support!

STEAM Night! Join us for our first Family Engineering Night! See student projects, awesome artwork, and engage in hands on engineering tasks with the Maryland Science Center! It will be a night to

remember, so mark your calendars now! Chick-Fil-A will be available beginning at 5:30PM. Pre-order now (see attached flyer)!Wednesday, April 11, 2018 5:30PM-8:00PM

The Grange Stallion April, 2018