Farmland Elementary School
Barnyard Bulletin
January 2016
7000 Old Gate Road
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 230-5919 FAX (301) 230-5424
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/farmlandes/
Mary Bliss, Principal
[email protected]
Daniel Tucci, Assistant Principal
[email protected]
Dear Farmland Families,
The staff was absolutely delighted with the bountiful sweets, fruit, and coffee and
hot chocolate bar provided by the PTA Social Committee and parent volunteers.
It was a wonderful way to heighten the holiday spirit as everyone anticipates
Winter Break. Staff members admired how everything looked so inviting and
warm. You did a magnificent job of making our staff feel appreciated.
I want to acknowledge the outstanding performance by our fifth grade chorus led
by our Choral Music Director, Mrs. Anne Kasab. It was pure joy to watch each
child singing. I especially loved the song “Crescent Moon,” as it was accompanied
by sand blocks, finger cymbals and a pentatonic scale on the glockenspiels (I had
to be instructed on what a “pentatonic scale on the glockenspiel” was!). I also
loved the trip down memory lane when they performed “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
What I enjoy most about these performances is how Ms. Kasab always presents
an array of international music pieces and she always takes the time to provide
the children with history and meaning behind each song. I think this may be
why they are able to sing with such meaning and passion. Many thanks to our
fifth graders and Mrs. Kasab for this pleasurable evening!
We want to celebrate the SGA for another extremely successful fundraiser. They
earned approximately $850 with their candy sales!! They were able to purchase
an indoor recess game for all 37 classrooms at our sister school, Harmony Hills,
as well as have money left over to purchase some games for teachers here at
Farmland. Thank you to our SGA for their planning, coordination, and execution
of this fundraiser! Many thanks to everyone who supported this fundraiser to
benefit our sister school.
The staff at Farmland would like to wish all of our students and families a safe
and memorable Winter Break. We hope you are surrounded with family and
friends and that you have the opportunity to do the things that bring you the
most joy. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
"Happiness, not in another place, but this place; not for another hour, but this
hour."
-Walt Whitman 1819-1892, Poet
Warmest regards,
Mrs. (Mary) Bliss
Farmland Elementary is a school
where all people can gain
knowledge, skills and learn how to
take care of themselves.
Important Dates
January 18
 Holiday – No School
January 22
 2nd Marking Period Ends
January 25
 No School
January 26
 3rd Marking Period Begins
 Spelling Bee 9:30 am
February 3

Report Cards Distributed
February 10
 Celebration Assemblies
February 12
 Valentine’s Day Parties 2:45
pm
February 15
 Presidents Day – No School
February 24
 Science Fair 6:00 pm
February 26
 Early Release 1:20 pm
March 1
 PTA Meeting 7:00 pm

Principals Coffee
March 2
 Family Life – Parent Info.
Mtg 4:30 pm
March 23
 3rd Marking Period Ends
March 24
 No School for Students
March 25
 Holiday – No School
March 28
 Holiday – No School
March 29 – April 1
 Spring Break – No School
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Farmland Elementary School
Counselor’s Corner—Stephanie Mann
During January, I will be discussing “Fairness” in all classes. In grades K-5, we will do the
“Fair Egg-periment” which is an experiment using an egg that demonstrates how people feel
when they are not being treated fairly and how people feel when they are being treated fairly
and accepted by others. The students love participating in the “egg-periment” and seeing my
friend Eddie the Egg. We will also define the word fairness and identify well-known individuals that have demonstrated Fairness. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My email address is Stephanie_ [email protected] and my telephone
number is 301-230-5919. I look forward to working with you and your child!
Let’s Talk About Character
The Pillar of Character for the month of January is Fairness. Students at Farmland show
Fairness by taking turns and treating everyone equally.
Fairness means: Playing by the r ules, shar ing, being open-minded; listening to others,
and treating all people fairly.
Sparky’s Holiday Giving Program
A huge thank you to everyone that contributed to Sparky’s Holiday Giving Program. I am
extremely proud to be part of the Farmland Community! Thank you again for your kindness
and generosity, it is very much appreciated!
Lost and Found
Parents, please make sure to write you child's first and last
names on their clothing so we can try and return any items that
might get lost. Also, parents, when visiting Farmland please take
the time to look through our lost and found to find any lost items.
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Farmland Elementary School
Student Transfer Application Season Scheduled From
February 1 through April 1, 2015
Parents who want to request a Change of School Assignment (COSA) for their child from their home school
may begin the process on Feb. 1. The transfer process begins in the home school, where parents and guardians may pick up a Change of School Assignment Information Booklet that contains the COSA form, describes
the process, and provides useful information. The COSA booklet will be available in schools and at the following website:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/transfers/.
For information on the elementary language immersion programs, parents can get details and interest forms
at all elementary schools and online. For information about assignment’s for students who live in the Northeast Consortium (NEC), Downcounty Consortium (DCC), or Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) areas, contact the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services at 301-592-2040 or visit the
website:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/schoolchoice/.
Parents who have more questions about the transfer process are encouraged to contact the principal at their
home school. Language assistance for non-English speaking parents and guardians is available by calling
ASK MCPS at 301-309-MCPS (6277).
News From The Health Room:
We are now well into the winter season, staying inside for recess due to low temperatures, and keeping the students playing in a closed environment. There are
a few things you can discuss with your child to help them from catching or transmitting communicable diseases. Discourage children from sharing utensils,
drinks etc. Teach children to cough or sneeze into their sleeve and to wash hands
if they cough or sneeze into their hands.
It is also the time for wearing winter hats. Children should NEVER share hats because of the potential of spreading lice, that also goes for all those hats hanging on the rack at the stores. Sharing
combs or other hair care products that touch your hair should not be shared. And as always washing hands is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection. Stay healthy this winter and
all year long.
Wanted—Parent Volunteers
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with office tasks. If you have some
extra time, and would like to help out, please contact the office at 301-230-5919.
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Farmland Elementary School
Clothing for Cash
OK, Farmland! Time to clean out those closets and donate to Clothing to Cash. We would like to
challenge the community to become one of the top three schools to donate in the area. See below for
data.
I am proud to announce that Farmland Elementary School collected 565.0 lbs. of clothing and shoes in November.
A check totaling $56.50 is scheduled to arrive by 12/9/2015.
The top three schools in Montgomery County for November are:
1st Plac e
Brooke Grove Elementary School
17 58. 0 lbs .
Ex-tra $10 0
Total Check
$275.80
2nd Plac e
Galway Elementary
School
17 01. 0 lbs .
Ex-tra $50
Total Check
$220.10
3rd Plac e
Maryvale Elementary School PTA
15 43. 0 lbs .
Ex-tra $25
Total Check
$179.30
We can be a top three school and receive a bonus check. This is a great time to clean out those closets and donate to this cause. The
money comes back directly to support your classrooms!!
Remember, clothes and shoes in any condition can be donated!
PTA
Hi Farmland families,
Thank you to all who donated food and holiday gifts to our families in need and the school
supplies! This is what the holiday season is all about, so thank you for helping others in our
community.
As you know, FLEX Academies is coming to Farmland this winter! Don't get stuck with cabin
fever in January! FLEX will be at Farmland two afternoons per week, managing a wide variety of well-respected classes from: Adventure Theater, Robotics with STEM Academy, Electrical Engineering with Ascendly, Young Rembrandt's Drawing, Mad Science, and more! With a robust enrollment in the
winter offerings, we hope to expand FLEX programming to additional afternoons and even before school in Spring
2016. Go to www.flexyourafterschool.com and follow the Farmland link under the Login button!
Spelling Bee 2016 is right around the corner! Check out the Spelling Bee Tab on the Farmland PTA website for all the
latest Spelling Bee news. Further details can be found on our website: http://www.farmland-pta.org/farmland-spellingbee-2016/
Next fundraiser is Tuesday, January 12th at Rockland's BBQ in Wintergreen Plaza. The store will have several dishes
named after teachers and staff. Mr. Tucci's Pig Out Platter was a big seller last year. Rockland's BBQ carries out very
well!
Make sure to sign up for rewards programs at Giant, Harris Teeter, Amazon Smile, and Target! See our website for details! http://www.farmland-pta.org/49334-2/
Our next PTA meeting is Tuesday, January 5th at 7PM. Come and find out what’s going on in the new year!
Follow us on Facebook (Farmland PTA) which will help us keep you informed!
We are utilizing our website http://www.farmland-pta.org , so you can check there for ALL PTA info!
Thank you!
Amanda Michalowicz
Farmland Elementary PTA President
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Farmland Elementary School
Art News—Carlos Rodriguez
What will students learn during art in January?
Kindergarten—Mitten Patterns
Kindergarten students will be introduced to the design principal of PATTERN by reading the book The Mitten by Jan Brett. Students will identify how these pieces of winter
clothing have different designs of repeating colors, shapes and/or lines called patterns.
After discussing the multiple ways to design a pattern (AB, ABB, ABA, AABB) students will then design their own mitten pattern. Using any combination of lines, shapes or colors, students will
decorate their mittens with two different patterns.
First Grade—Pinch Pot Animals
Students in first grade will review the clay pinch technique and create a simple pinch pot. After learning facts
about owls, students will turn their pinch pot into an owl sculpture. Owl features, like wings, beak, feet & tail
will be molded out of extra clay and added onto the pinch pot with the score & slip technique. Textures and details will also be added to the sculpture by pinching, carving and stamping the clay with tools. Students will
demonstrate an understanding of clay sculpture by both adding and carving textural owl features to a pinch pot.
Second Grade—Expressive Puppet
Students will be introduced to the art of puppet making and observe a variety of puppet making techniques from
different cultures around the world. Because puppets are used in performances and storytelling, the puppet’s
facial expression is highly important when communicating the character’s emotion. Students will develop and
design an original puppet character, with emphasis on the character’s emotion. Students will observe and use
their own facial features and expressions to design their puppet’s facial emotion. Students will demonstrate an
understanding of communicating an emotion on their puppet by the use of colors, facial details and, exaggerated
facial expression.
Third Grade—Farm Landscape
Students in Third Grade will view the many paintings of Grant Wood’s Midwestern farm landscapes. Seeing how
he used perspective in his landscapes, students will draw and paint their own one-point perspective farm. From
this one vanishing point on the horizon line, students will draw rows of farm land patterns with watercolor pencils and add farm details below the horizon line. Students will demonstrate an understanding of space & depth
by using size and repetition to show perspective.
Fourth Grade—Figures in ACTION!
Students in fourth grade will study the bronze-cast sculptures of Alberto Giacometti. Students will discuss how
most his sculptures of human figures looked tall, frail and motionless. Using their prior knowledge of gesture
drawing and human action poses, students will be challenged to create a new Giacometti figure. To begin, students manipulated sculpture wire to create an armature or skeleton-frame for the shape of their sculpture. After
attached to a four inch base, the armature will be wrapped in layers of plaster gauze, giving the figures form and
texture, without making them too bulky. Lastly, all sculptures were painted in a faux bronze patina to give the
illusion it was made of real bronze.
Fifth Grade—Puzzle-Lid Vessel
Students in fifth grade will have the task to create a personal lidded container out of clay that is both functional
and decorative. After viewing and analyzing a how other artists create clay vessels, student will observe how
artists need to use a combination of multiple clay hand building methods (pinch, coil, slab) to create an artwork
that is more unique and stylized. Students will also focus on how artists use different decoration techniques (slip
& score, stamping, glazing) to make their artwork more distinctive. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the
creation of their lidded clay vessel by using two or more different hand building techniques to construct their
vessel and two or more different decorative techniques to make it personal.
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Farmland Elementary School
PE News—Rob Adkins and Susan Pickett
Physical Education
Here is what’s going on over the next few weeks in physical
education class.
Kindergarten
Students will continue to work on catching a self-tossed object as well as review relationships with objects (over/
under, on/off, near/far, in front/behind). They will also be focusing on the importance of effort and practice. One
activity students will be involved in is an OBSTACLE COURSE. This will involve mats, hula hoops, jump ropes and
hurdles.
First Grade
Students will continue to work on throwing underhand as well as creating shapes with their body parts. They will also
be focusing on how exercise affects the heart, lungs and skin. One activity students will be involved in is creating
BODY ALPHABET LETTERS. Students will be asked to create different shapes using their limbs and how the lower case
and upper case letters differ.
Second Grade
Students will continue to work on throwing overhand to a stationary target and catching an overhand pass. They will
also be focusing on how and why exercise affects the heart, lungs and skin. One activity students will be involved in
is called COIN TOSS. Students throw and catch the number of times represented by the value of the coin.
Third Grade
Students will continue to work on throwing overhand at different levels and catching at different levels. They will also
continue to work on setting long term and short term goals. One activity students will be involved in is called PIN
KNOCKDOWN. Bowling pins will be set at different levels throughout the gym to be knocked down.
Fourth Grade
Students will continue to work on throwing overhand to a target that is moving left or right and catching a thrown ball
while moving left or right. One activity students will be involved in is called JAILBREAK. Students throw at targets and
catch flying objects to earn points in an effort to save their teammates from a musty gym jail cell.
Fifth Grade
Students will continue to work on throwing overhand to a moving target and catching a ball while moving away from
the passer. One activity students will be involved in is called CHIMNEY SWEEP. Students partner up to throw and
catch balls that are lobbed over their shoulders.
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Farmland Elementary School
Music News—
What will students learn during music in January?
In January, students will be working on mastering a variety of
skills during their music classes.
Kindergarten This month students will learn that symbols can be used to
represent sounds in music and that music can have a steady beat. The students
will demonstrate their learning for the measurement topic reading music by identifying picture
symbols representing long/short and high/low sounds in music. They will demonstrate their learning for performing
music through playing xylophones, drums, and classroom instruments to represent the steady beat. Our critical thinking
skill will focus on fluency and our academic success skill focus will be intellectual risk taking.
First grade This month students will learn to identify musical elements that are essential to develop musician’s skills
and that maintaining a steady beat is essential for creating ensemble. The students will demonstrate their learning for
the measurement topic analyzing and responding to music by aurally and visually identifying simple rhythm and pitch
patterns. The students will show their learning through paper and pencil activities and clapping of rhythms. The
students will demonstrate their learning for the measurement topic performing music by performing a steady beat on
classroom instruments during a variety of musical selections. Our critical thinking skills focus will be on fluency and our
academic success skill focus will be intellectual risk taking.
Second grade This month students will learn that music has its own vocabulary and written language composed of
symbols through which musicians communicate and that musicians improve their skills through study and practice. The
students will demonstrate their learning for the measurement topic analyzing & responding to music by reading and
notating simple rhythm and pitch patterns. The students will demonstrate their learning for the measurement topic
performing music by demonstrating proper playing technique for classroom instruments. Our critical thinking skills
focus will be on analysis and our academic success skill focus will be metacognition.
Third grade This month students will learn that musical symbols can be interpreted to read music and perform a song
and that utilizing proper vocal techniques allows for more accurate performances of a variety of song forms. The
students will demonstrate their learning for the measurement topic analyzing and responding to music by reading and
performing simple melodies that contain sixteenth notes. The students will demonstrate their learning for the
measurement topic performing music by continuing to sing and perform two part rounds. Our critical thinking skills
focus will be on evaluation and our academic success skill focus will be metacognition.
Fourth grade This month students will learn that musicians improve their skills through study and practice. The
students will continue to practice reading and performing a wide variety of simple melodies on the treble staff using
solfeggio and pitch letter names. We will practice these skills by performing the simple melodies on xylophones and
boomwhackers. Our critical thinking skill focus will be on elaboration and effort, motivation, and persistence.
Fifth grade This month students will learn that musicians improve their skills through study and practice. The
students will improve their performance skills by singing and playing in groups, blending timbres and matching dynamic
levels. We will continue to practice and perform partner songs using proper vocal technique. Students will also listen to
and move to music musical selections from a variety of historical periods and cultures. Our critical thinking skill focus
will be on synthesis and metacognition.
Fifth grade chorus updates: Please mark your calendars for:
The Cluster Concert at Tilden Middle School on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Call time is 6:00 p.m. and attendance is expected.
Students should wear a white shirt and black pants/skirt for both sets of concerts,
please.
Contact Information:
Anne Kasab: [email protected]
Theresa Kormann: [email protected]
Samantha Lalley: [email protected]
Page 8
Farmland Elementary School
Media Center News—
What will students learn when they visit the media center during
the month of January?
Happy New Year from the media center! We have lots of adventures in reading
and learning in store for our Farmland students in the coming year.
Kindergarten: Kindergarten will start the month with a research assignment
about animals. Students will use the PebbleGo database to learn information
about animals of their choosing, focusing on body parts, habitat, food and fun
facts. We will also continue reading Black-Eyed Susan picture books and
discussing the elements of stories.
1st Grade: 1st graders will be delving into more of our Black-Eyed Susan picture books
as we explore different genres. Read-aloud lessons will focus on personal narrative
stories to support their understanding of this genre of stories as we wrap up the second
marking period.
2nd Grade: Second graders are working on writing fairy tales located in different biomes
that they have researched. They will spend their media time working on a cover for their
fairy tale, using the software Pixie. They continue to visit the media center each week for
a lesson and book checkout.
3rd Grade: Third grade continues to come to the media center biweekly for
book checkout. Students will learn how to use the digital tool Board Builder
to present their project on inventions.
4th Grade: Fourth grade continues learning important technology skills in the media
center, such as use of Google Slides. Students will be learning about ethical use of
resources and evaluating websites. Students visit the media center biweekly for book
checkout and are encouraged to participate in the Black-Eyed Susan reading program.
5th Grade: Students visit the media center biweekly for book checkout and are
encouraged to participate in the Black-Eyed Susan reading program. Some students
have also opted to join our new 5th grade book club which meets once per month.
If you have any questions about our media center program, please do not hesitate to contact me at
[email protected].
Important News
The FY 2017 Operating Budget—A Call to Fund our Future
Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers submitted a $2.4 billion recommended operating budget for
Fiscal Year 2017 to the Board of Education on December 8. Mr. Bowers’ operating budget
recommendation includes investments to improve student literacy and math skills; build the
cultural proficiency of staff; foster stronger partnerships with the community and our families to
support students; and better organize the district to ensure every student is prepared for college
and careers.
There are a variety of ways that you can learn more about the MCPS budget and become involved in the budget
process this year, including the new Budget 101 website; Neighbor to Neighbor documents available on the
MCPS budget webpage. Visit the budget webpage at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget/ to
read more about these resources and how to make your voice heard.
Don’t miss the chance to share your ideas and views on the proposed budget at two upcoming public hearings:
The first is Thursday, January 7; the second is Thursday, January 14. Both hearings will be held at 7 p.m. in the
auditorium of the Carver Educational Services Center. Starting December 14 at 9:00 a.m., individuals may call
the Board of Education office at 301-279-3617 to sign up to testify at the public hearings.
2016-2017 School Year Calendar
The Montgomery County Board of Education has approved the calendar for the
2016-2017 school year. School will begin on Monday, August 29, 2016, and is
scheduled to end on Friday, June 16, 2017. The calendar was developed in
partnership with the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, the school district’s
three employees associations, and the Montgomery County Region of Maryland
Association of Student Councils, as well as other community members and school
system leadership. The calendar can be found on the MCPS website at
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/calendar and will soon be available in seven languages—Amharic,
Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
19th Annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards
Do you know any individuals (including students), groups, and organizations that have
made outstanding contributions to public education in Montgomery County? If so,
consider nominating them for a Distinguished Service to Public Education Award! The
Montgomery County Board of Education established the awards, now in its 19th year, to
recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to
MCPS. Nomination forms are available online at
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/awards/. Complet4ed nomination forms
will be due in February.
Nominate a Parent for Contributions to Education
Do you know a parent who is making a positive impact in MCPS? Now is the time to
nominate him or her for the Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award, which
recognizes parents who have made significant contributions to a local public school
system. The award is sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education. Visit
marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/pima/index.html for more information. The
deadline is January 29, 2016.