May 2018 Panda P.R.I.D.E.
Pride, Respect, Independence, Demonstrated Mastery, Excellence
Dates to Remember
Mon., Apr. 30 – Cultural Arts Program, Our Changing Climate, K- 2 – 8:45 am and 3 – 5 – 10:00 am Sponsored by the PTA
Tue., May 1 – PTA Meeting, Media Center, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Child Care Provided
Mon., May 7 – Fri., May 11 – Teacher Appreciation Week
Wed., May 9 – Band & Orchestra Concert at Whitter Elementary 7pm
Fri., May 11 – 2 Hour Early Dismissal; Teacher Work Session
Thu., May 17 – PES Bike and Walk to School Day Rain date: 5/18
Mon., May 21 – Kindergarten Orientation, Multipurpose Room, 9 – 10, Parents and children are invited!
Tue., May 22 – Hugh B. Nolan Track Meet, Oakdale HS, 4 – 8 pm
Mon., May 28 – School Closed, Memorial Day – Annual Panda 5K/1K Fun Run, William Talley
Recreation Center, 121 North Bentz Street; Race times: 1K- 8:30 am and 5k – 9:00 am
Thu., May 31 – Field Day Rain date: 6/7
Fri., June 1 – Volunteer “Thank You” Breakfast, 7:30 – 8:30 am
Evening of the Arts
Thanks to those of you who joined us last evening for our annual “Evening of the Arts.” It was a wonderful event featuring our student artists, dancers and singers. Accolades to each of our student performers as well as our dynamic, talented specials team: Erin Clagett, Adam Corpora, Kate Hutchins, Tracey Webb and Allyson Mandich! I hope you and your family enjoyed celebrating the arts with us!
Kindergarten Orientation and Registration for 2018-2019
Have you registered your kindergarten student? Do you have May 21 at 9:00 am marked on your calendar so you and your child can attend the kindergarten orientation? We are looking forward to having you here with us. Please encourage your neighbors, friends and family members who will have kindergarten children attending Parkway Elementary next year, to come by the office any day from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm to register now or from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday during the summer. They should bring the following items in order to register:
Birth certificate. Your child must be 5 years of age before September 1, 2018.
Proof of residency (property tax bill, signed lease/rental agreement, gas bill, electric bill, water/sewer bill). We cannot accept telephone or cable bills. If you have questions regarding what is acceptable, please call the school at 240-236-2600.
Current immunization record. A physical is required before the start of the school year. The form will be provided for you to give to your doctor. This will need to be returned to school before your child will be allowed to attend school on the first day of school.
Teacher Appreciation Week
We are looking forward to our luncheon on Thursday, May 10 and wish to thank you in advance for providing it as well as the additional time as you cover our recess duties. Thanks so much for showing us your gratitude and appreciation. We are fortunate to work with your children at PES!
Staff Changes for 18-19
Due to increased enrollment at PES, we will have two new classroom positions. One will be in kindergarten. Mrs. Catherine Schulien will be joining Mrs. Skroupa next year. Mrs. Schulien is currently teaching kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary. She is excited to be joining the PES staff and she has already stopped by to visit. The second position will be in first grade and is currently still vacant.
Mrs. Quill has accepted the counseling position at Lincoln Elementary for the next school year. She will be greatly missed at PES, but we wish her the best on her continuing journey. Mrs. Mary Romagnolo Roberts from Waverley Elementary will be our new counselor. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience including 10 years in Frederick County Public Schools. Mrs. Roberts will be working closely with Mrs. Quill to facilitate a smooth transition. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Roberts to the home of the Pandas!
3rd grade STEM Club
Our third graders have just begun their Lego STEM experience on Wednesdays. They will also be exploring Machines and Mechanisms and will be meeting with Mrs. Moore and Mr. Wolfe. A special thanks again to our PTA for providing the funds to offer these enrichment opportunities for our students after school.
Volunteer “Thank You” Breakfast
We, the administration and staff of PES, hope you are planning to join us on Friday, June 1 from 7:30 – 8:30 am for the annual volunteer “Thank you” breakfast. We would like to take the time to recognize you for all your time and efforts you have provided as a volunteer at PES this year. Looking forward to showing our appreciation for all you do! No need to worry about your children, you are welcome to bring them along with you!
Reminders:
Independent walkers are to leave school grounds immediately! Students, without adult supervision, are not allowed to stay on the playground or school grounds after dismissal.
Please be sure to make your arrangements and inform your child’s teacher of any changes for dismissal in writing. This information is important to ensure students are correctly dismissed at the end of the day and will reduce the number of changes that are being communicated during the day by either phone or email.
Please do not park adjacent to the playground in the driveway leaving the playground area during dismissal. This has caused some visibility and safety concerns for our child care buses and vans.
Families are reminded to provide appropriate adult supervision on the playground following dismissal from school.
Please check our Lost and Found, located outside of the cafeteria, for any items your child is missing. Several clothing items including sweaters, coats and hats have accumulated during the cold months and will be donated at the end of the year.