College Gardens Elementary School
Principal’s Updates from School:
October 7, 2015
Wow, what a great start to the year. It was wonderful to see all 892 students enter the building
smiling and ready to learn. The staff worked hard to prepare for your students and I am sure you
could see all their hard work when you came to visit at open house and back to school night.
As children grow and learn, they find joy and satisfaction in working closely with their families
toward a common goal. Commitment to the best for our children on the part of parents, students,
and staff is the key to our success with the children we teach. School and home can work together
to build skills and knowledge, reinforce values, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. We must
invest our time and energies in our nation’s most valuable resource – our children!
Safety and Security
Your children are most important people and we work hard to keep them safe but we need your
help. All exterior doors will be closed and locked at all times. If you see a door open, please close
it and notify the office. All visitors must sign in at the office and get a visitor sticker or wear the
badge that has been made for them. If you see someone in the hallway without a sticker, please
ask them to come to the office to sign in and get a badge. With due diligence, we will all be safe.
Emergency plans for CGES
As educators and caregivers of your children during their school day at CGES, we recognize the
importance of creating and implementing a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan for the
school As a county, MCPS has formulated a plan that will ensure the safety and protection of
your children during various emergency situations.
Below is an overview of procedures and policies that are in effect throughout the county. We
conduct monthly fire drills to ensure your children are aware of the importance of following the
directions of administrators and staff in exiting the building in a timely manner.
Shelter Alert:
 Used when there is a public safety emergency in the community
This is an emergency that requires all students to be under supervision and accounted for at all
times. The On Site Emergency Team will alert the teachers about the situation. Teachers take
attendance and inform the main office if all students are present in the classroom or are
elsewhere in the building. Staff will then wait for further instructions from Mrs. Rogovoy or her
designee. Exterior doors will be checked to ensure they are secure. Staff will be on duty in the
hallway to allow appropriate movement in and out of school.
 Used for an outdoor Hazardous Material emergency in the community
In addition to the procedures stated above, all students in portable classrooms will be brought into
the building.

Used for severe weather, for example: high winds or hurricanes
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College Gardens Elementary School
Lockdown Alert:
 Used when there is Imminent danger in the building or on the grounds of the school
This is an emergency situation that requires all students to be under the supervision and accounted
for at all times. Classroom doors will be locked and students will be moved away from the
windows and doors. No visitors will be allowed access to our building.
Evacuation Alert:
 Used when there is an emergency inside the school, for example: a bomb threat, suspicious
package, or hazardous material release inside the building.
This is an emergency situation that requires all students, staff and visitors to be accounted for at
all times. In the event of an all school evacuation, the following on-campus site will be used: the
field closest to the College Gardens Park at the far end of the school property. If a situation arises
in which we must evacuate to a safe location away from the school all students will go to either
the Board of Education building or Rock Terrace School. Parents will be alerted of these situations
using our Connect-Ed calling system, so please make sure that the office has the correct telephone
numbers on which you want to receive these calls.
Reminder
The school day begins at 9:25. When you are dropping your child off at school, please remember
that we start our day promptly at 9:25. Students are expected to be in their classroom at that time.
Financial Support
Please send a note to Mrs. Rogovoy if you are in need of financial support for field trips,
afterschool clubs, or lunch money. All requests are kept confidential.
After School Arrangements
Please make all afterschool arrangements prior to the school day. Be sure that your child brings
a note to school informing the classroom teacher of any changes for your child’s dismissal.
Students who do not have a note from home will be sent home their normal way.
Spirit Wear
School Spirit Wear will be going on sale soon. Only pre-orders will be taken. Please be sure to
send in your order form by October 30. Order forms will sent home with your children, or
electronically sent, next week.
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College Gardens Elementary School
College Gardens Kiss and Ride Procedures 2015-2016
As our school continues to grow in enrollment, the safe arrival of all students remains a top
priority. In an effort to efficiently and SAFELY drop off children in the Kiss and Ride lane, we
expect all parents and guardians will review and adhere to these procedures.
It is important that all users of our Kiss and Ride are aware and follow the procedures below.
Failure to do so will result in the loss of privilege to use the Kiss and Ride. If at any time Kiss and
Ride becomes unsafe, the administration may be forced to suspend the Kiss and Ride entirely
necessitating all parents to park their cars and walk their children in. By following the
procedures below, we will be able to ensure all students arrive safely and on time and are able
to have a great start to their day.
1. Staff will begin Kiss and Ride at 9:15am. Students should never be left at school
unsupervised, prior to 9:15 am.
2. All cars in place by 9:25am will be allowed to use the Kiss and Ride. Cars arriving after
9:25 may have to park and walk their children into the buildi ng. Students arriving after
9:25 will be considered late and need to report to the office.
3. Form one single line of cars for entering and exiting.
4. There are NO left turns into the College Gardens ES driveway during morning drop off.
5. There are no U-turns anywhere on Yale Place during morning drop off.
6. Please slow down and watch for directions from staff at the entrance to the CGES parking
lot. Staff will frequently need to stop cars that are turning into the parking lot to allow
walker students and parents to cross.
7. Once you enter the Kiss and Ride lane, you must stay in line. Do NOT pull out to go
around cars in front of you.
8. Pull as far forward in the Kiss and Ride lane before stopping your car to release your
children. The safety patrols and supervising staff will provide direction to you as to how
far to pull forward.
9. All students must exit from the passenger, sidewalk side of the car.
10. Do not pull into the handicap parking spaces.
11. When exiting parking lot, right turns only are permitted.
12.Do not park across the street from the school and cross without a crosswalk. Parents
and students are expected to use the crosswalk where a crossing guard is located.
13. Drivers who fail to follow these rules will be sent a violation notice from the school and
asked to review the procedures again.
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College Gardens Elementary School
14.A second violation will result in the loss of privilege.
Schoolstore.net
Schoolstore.net is an easy fundraiser for our school. All you have to do is sign up online at
SchoolStore.net then send e-mail invitations to family and friends. Once you send e-mails to
friends and families, have your child bring in the slip of paper that was in the envelope sent home
last week and your child will receive a small prize. Then shop online at any of the 400 stores that
participate, for example, Target, Walmart, or Kohls and put in the school code and College
Gardens receives a percentage of the sale.
Comments Sought on Grading and Calendar Policies
The Board of Education has tentatively approved revisions to Policy IKA—Grading and
Reporting. The Board also has endorsed the interim superintendent of schools’ plan to replace
two-hour semester final exams in high school courses with quarterly marking period assessments.
This would require a change to the way that final semester grades are calculated for high school
courses and parents, students, and staff are asked to provide feedback on four different grading
options. To provide feedback on the policy and grading options, visit the MCPS website at
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org, search “assessment strategy.”Feedback is due by October 19.
The Board also has tentatively approved Policy IDA—School Year Calendar. This is a new policy
that will guide procedures to develop, adopt, and disseminate a school year calendar. Policy IDA
will ensure that the MCPS calendar meets the educational and operational needs of the district and
complies with all relevant state and federal laws. To learn more about Policy IDA and provide
feedback, visit the MCPS website and search “policies”. Comments are due by October 9.
Se Solicitan sus Comentarios Sobre las Políticas de Calificaciones y Calendario
El Consejo de Educación ha aprobado provisionalmente las revisiones a la Política IKACalificaciones y Reportes. El Consejo también ha aprobado el plan del superintendente interino
de escuelas para reemplazar los exámenes finales de dos horas cada semestre, en los cursos de la
escuela secundaria, con evaluaciones trimestrales cada período. Para ello sería necesario un
cambio en la forma en que las calificaciones finales del semestre se calculan para los cursos de la
escuela secundaria y se les pide a los padres, estudiantes, y el personal que provean su opinión
sobre las cuatro diferente opciones de calificaciones. Para proporcionar su opinión sobre las
opciones de política y calificaciones, visite el sitio de internet de MCPS en
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org , y busque "estrategia de evaluación". Su opinión debe recibirse
para el 19 de octubre.
El Consejo también ha aprobado provisionalmente la Política IDA— Calendario Escolar. Esta
es una nueva política que guiará los procedimientos para desarrollar, adoptar y difundir un
calendario del año escolar. La Política IDA se asegurará de que el calendario de MCPS cumple las
necesidades educativas y operativas del distrito y cumple con todas las leyes estatales y federales
pertinentes. Para obtener más información acerca de la política IDA y proporcionar sus
comentarios, visite el sitio de internet de MCPS y busque "políticas". Sus comentarios deben
recibirse para el 9 de octubre.
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College Gardens Elementary School
MCPS Launches New, User-Friendly Calendar Tool
MCPS has launched a new, user-friendly online calendar tool for families. The tool is customizable
and users can “build their own calendar” based on select categories and what interests them most.
The calendar can be displayed by month or up to 12 months at a time. Users can choose to see the
days that schools are open and closed, Board of Education meeting information, fine arts events,
cultural and religious holidays, and more, such as Parent Academy workshops. The calendar can
be viewed as a list or in a calendar template; it can also be printed or downloaded to a computer
or mobile device in iCal format. Access it from the MCPS home page or at
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/calendar/.
MCPS Lanza, Nueva, y Fácil de Usar Herramienta de Calendario
MCPS ha lanzado una nueva herramienta de calendario fácil de usar para las familias. La
herramienta es personalizable y los usuarios pueden "construir su propio calendario", basado en
categorías selectas y lo que les interesa. El calendario se puede mostrar por meses o hasta 12 meses
a la vez. Usted puede ver la información del calendario de todo el sistema, como los días que las
escuelas están abiertas y cerradas, información de las reuniones del Consejo de Educación, eventos
de bellas artes, vacaciones culturales y religiosas, y más, como por ejemplo los talleres de la
Academia para Padres. El calendario se puede ver como una lista o en una plantilla de calendario;
también se puede imprimir o descargar a una computadora o dispositivo móvil en formato iCal.
Usted puede accederlo desde la página principal de MCPS o en
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/calendar/ .
Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity
MCPS has developed a new guide that answers many of the frequently asked questions about the
accommodation of students’ religious beliefs and practices in school and during school-sponsored
activities. The publication, Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity, was developed in
collaboration with the Montgomery County Executive’s Faith Community Working Group and
other stakeholders to provide clear information for students, families, staff, and the community.
MCPS is committed to promoting respect and appreciation for the religions, beliefs, and customs
of its diverse student population. The publication has been translated in eight languages—Spanish,
Chinese, French, Vietnamese, Korean, Amharic, Farsi, and Arabic, and is available at
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/religiousdiversity/.
Normas para Respetar la Diversidad Religiosa
MCPS ha desarrollado una nueva guía que responde muchas de las preguntas frecuentes sobre las
adaptaciones para las creencias y prácticas religiosas de los estudiantes en la escuela y durante
actividades auspiciadas por la escuela. La publicación, Normas para Respetar la Diversidad
Religiosa, fue desarrollada en colaboración con Montgomery County Executive’s Faith
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College Gardens Elementary School
Community Working Group y otros interesados para proveer información clara a los estudiantes,
las familias, el personal, y la comunidad. MCPS tiene como compromiso fomentar el respeto y la
apreciación por las religiones, creencias, y costumbres de su diversa población estudiantil.
La publicación ha sido traducida a ocho idiomas—español, chino, francés, vietnamita, coreano,
amárico, farsi, y árabe, y está disponible en
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/religiousdiversity/.
Strengthening Communications with Spanish-speaking Families
MCPS has launched new multimedia tools that will enable Spanish-speaking families to more
easily engage with schools and the district. The new resources include a redesigned website; a
mobile app; and a Facebook page, all in Spanish. The redesigned website features new content as
well as an expanded amount of information that had previously been available only in English. A
new series of videos—Consejos para Padres—provides helpful tips for parents delivered by
Spanish-speaking MCPS staff members. Other video highlights include Momentos Informativos,
which provide news and information about MCPS, and Guia para Padres, videos that help parents
understand and navigate the school system. The videos will be available on the website and on
MCPS TV, as well as on social media sites, including YouTube, the MCPSEspanol Twitter feed,
and the new Spanish Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol). The videos also will be
available on the new Spanish mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Apple store and
Google Play. For more information, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es/.
Fortaleciendo las Comunicaciones con las Familias Hispanohablantes
MCPS ha puesto en marcha nuevas herramientas de multimedia que permitirán a las familias de
habla hispana participar con mayor facilidad en las escuelas y el distrito. Los nuevos recursos
incluyen un sitio rediseñado de internet; una aplicación móvil; y una página de Facebook, todo en
español. El sitio rediseñado de internet cuenta con nuevos contenidos, así como una cantidad
amplia de información que había estado previamente disponible sólo en inglés. Una nueva serie
de vídeos-Consejos Para Padres-proporcionan consejos útiles para los padres de parte de los
miembros del personal de MCPS que hablan español. Otros puntos destacados en video incluyen
Momentos Informativos, que proporcionan noticias e información de MCPS y Guía Para los
Padres, videos que ayudan a los padres a entender y a navegar el sistema escolar. Los videos
estarán disponibles en la página de internet y en MCPS TV, así como en los sitios de medios
sociales, como YouTube, Twitter de MCPSEspanol, y la nueva página de Facebook en español.
Los videos también estarán disponibles en la nueva aplicación móvil en español, que se puede
descargar desde su Apple Store y Google Play.
Para más información, ingrese a http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es/.
New Season of Homework Hotline Live!
Homework Hotline Live! (HHL) is back for its 30th season, offering students in grades K–12 free
homework assistance from MCPS teachers. Students can contact HHL teachers from 4:30–6 p.m.
on the phone or 4:30–9:30 p.m. online on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 6-9:30 p.m.
online on Mondays.
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College Gardens Elementary School
Students can ask questions by:
 Making a phone call to 301-279-3234
 Visiting the HHL website (AskHHL.org)
 Sending a text message to 724-427-5445
 Sending an email ([email protected])
 Posting a message to Facebook (facebook.com/AskHHL)
 Send a tweet to @AskHHL
 Posting to Instagram (AskHHL)
Homework Hotline Live! can be viewed on MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 89) and on
the Web at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/itv/hhl/
¡Nueva Temporada de "Homework Hotline Live"!
"Homework Hotline Live!"HHL regresa en su temporada número 30, ofreciendo a los estudiantes
de los Grados K–12 ayuda gratis de los maestros de MCPS para hacer las tareas. Los estudiantes
pueden comunicarse con los maestros de HHL de 4:30 a 6:00 p.m., por teléfono; en línea los
martes, miércoles, y jueves de 4:30 a 9:30 p.m.; y en línea los lunes de 6:00 a 9:30 p.m.
Los estudiantes pueden hacer sus preguntas:
 Llamando por teléfono al 301-279-3234
 Visitando la página de Internet de HHL (AskHHL.org)
 Enviando un mensaje de texto al 724-427-5445
 Enviando un mensaje electrónico a [email protected])
 Poniendo un mensaje en Facebook (facebook.com/AskHHL)
 Enviando un "Tweet" a @AskHHL
 A través de Instagram (AskHHL)
Homework Hotline Live! (¡En Vivo–Línea Para Ayuda con las Tareas!)¡se puede ver por MCPS
TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 89) y por Internet en
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/itv/hhl/.
Enroll Your Child in PreK!
MCPS offers a free, half-day prekindergarten program in schools throughout the county for
income-eligible families. This program gives children the skills and knowledge they need to be
ready for kindergarten. Spaces are still available for the 2015-2016 program. Children must be 4
years old and families must be income-eligible to apply. Prekindergarten students attend daily
classes Monday through Friday, in the morning or afternoon. Enroll your child today! Call 301230-0676
to
begin
the
enrollment
process.
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College Gardens Elementary School
¡Inscriba a Su Hijo/a en PreK!
MCPS ofrece un programa gratuito de prekindergarten de medio día en escuelas de todo el condado
para las familias que son elegibles por concepto del ingreso familiar. Este programa ofrece a los
niños las destrezas y conocimientos necesarios para estar listos para kindergarten. Todavía hay
cupos disponibles para el programa del 2015–2016. Para poder aplicar, los niños deben tener 4
años de edad y las familias deben ser elegibles por concepto del ingreso familiar. Los alumnos de
prekindergarten asisten a clases diarias, de lunes a viernes, en la mañana o en la tarde. ¡Inscriba a
su hijo/a hoy mismo! Llame al 301-230-0676 para iniciar el proceso de inscripción.
Fall 2015 Parent Academy is Under Way!
The MCPS Parent Academy is back with an exciting lineup of free workshops for parents. The
2015 fall session is under way and includes sessions on choosing the right college, teen substance
abuse, religious diversity, special education, cybersafety, and more. All workshops are free and
are held at schools and locations throughout Montgomery County. The schedule of workshops is
available at www.mcpsparentacademy.org
La Sesión de Otoño de la Academia Para Padres está en Marcha!
La Academia Para Padres de MCPS regresa con una interesante serie de talleres gratuitos pa ra los
padres. La sesión de otoño del 2015 está en marcha e incluye sesiones sobre cómo elegir la
universidad adecuada, abuso de sustancias en los adolescentes, la diversidad religiosa, educación
especial, seguridad cibernética, y más. Todos los talleres son gratuitos y se ofrecen en escuelas y
otros lugares en todo el Condado de Montgomery. El horario de los talleres se encuentra disponible
ingresando a www.mcpsparentacademy.org
Halloween
Our annual Halloween parade and parties will be held on October 30at 2:30 p.m. The parade route
is included.
Costumes:
Please do not send your children to school dressed in their costumes. At 2:00, parents and
volunteers will be on hand to help children get dressed. Only 2 parents per class. Please note that
any costume accessories with pointy or sharp edges or that simulate dangerous weapons will not
be allowed in school. We are requesting that items which may cause harm be left at home. These
include such items as toy swords, pitchforks, guns, knives, etc. Any that are brought to school will
need to be picked up by parents at the end of the day.
Party:
Once back into the rooms the room parents will have organized games and snacks prepared for the
party.
Dismissal:
At 3:40, parties will end, and students will begin cleaning and preparing for dismissal. Any
decorations that have been used should be taken down and discarded.
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College Gardens Elementary School
Parents, who prefer that their children not participate in the costume parade and/or party, should
contact their classroom teacher. Students who do not participate will go to the media center to
work on class work.
Important Dates to Remember
October 8
October 12
October 16
October 26
October 26
November 4
10/30/2015
Grade 3 In-School Baltimore Museum of Industry
Open House for parents
No School – MSEA conference
Grade 5 to Woodlawn Manor
Kindergarten students to Homestead Farms
Grade 3 to Museum of American History
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