Farmland Elementary School
Barnyard Bulletin
September 2015
7000 Old Gate Road
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 230-5919 FAX (301) 230-5424
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/farmlandes/
Mary Bliss, Principal
Daniel Tucci, Assistant Principal
[email protected]
[email protected]
August 31, 2015
Dear Farmland Students and Families,
We had an awesome Open House and First Day of School! Seeing everyone’s happy
and excited smiling faces was the perfect start to the day. During our Welcome
Celebration Assembly, we introduced the staff, reviewed the Farmland Three
expectations (Be respectful, be responsible, and be safe), and spoke of the importance
of kindness and good manners. This will be a central theme for our students this
year, and I hope that you will reinforce these characteristics at home as we will in
the classroom. We want every child to feel welcome and happy as they come each
day to Farmland to learn. I visited the classrooms and it was impressive to see all
the children, even our young kindergarteners, learning the routines and engaged in
activities. Please ask your child about their first day experiences.
The first week, and especially the first day, we are working on teaching many
routines and practices. Transportation is one area which we will have to monitor
closely as buses learn their new routes and navigate getting our students to school in
a safe and timely manner. Please be flexible as we develop a workable rhythm. If
you have any transportation questions or concerns, please call our Transportation
Supervisor, Ms. Shantae Birton at 301-469-1071 or [email protected].
I would like to make sure everyone is clear about the times for the school day as the
times have changed from last year (these arrival procedures will begin tomorrow,
September 1st):
9:10 Students will be permitted to enter the building. Prior to 9:10 we do not have
adult supervision. Please do not drop off your children unattended. The students
enter the building and line up outside of their classroom. Staff are on hand to help
students locate their classroom if they do not remember.
9:15 Teachers welcome their students into the classroom and they begin to unpack,
greet their friends, and get ready for the school day.
9:20 Morning announcements will begin. Students should be in their seats.
9:25 Instruction begins.
9:25 This is the time that the second bell rings to indicate that a student will be
marked tardy. Please make every attempt to have your children arrive at 9:10. This
gives them an opportunity to transition smoothly into the day and have breakfast in
the classroom if needed. Students coming at 9:25 will be missing out on the first
lesson of the day’s directions. Research shows that being on time for directions is
important for a child to set a purpose and understanding for learning. Coming late
is also distracting to our students that have come on time and are ready to learn.
We appreciate your understanding and follow through.
(Continued on next page)
Farmland Elementary is a
school where students can
achieve their greatest potential in a positive and safe
learning environment.
Important
Dates
August 31
 First Day of School
September 1
 PTA Meeting 6:00 –
6:30pm
 Back-to-School Night
 Session 1 6:30-7:15pm
 Session 2 7:20-8:05pm
September 7
 No School: Holiday –
Labor Day
September 9
 K—2 Family Fun Night
6:00-7:30 pm (Raindate
9/16)
September 14
 No School for Students
and Teachers
September 23
 No School for Students
and Teachers
October 2
 Early Release
October 6
 Individual Student
Photos
October 6
 Fall Into Fitness Night
6:00 –7:30 pm
October 12
 Open House 9:30—11:30
am or 2:35—3:30 pm
October 14
 Family Portrait
Fundraiser 4-6:30 pm
For our students’ safety, cars are not permitted in the bus loop between the hours of 8:45 to 9:45 and from 3:30 to
4:30. It is Maryland law that cars are not permitted to pass parked buses. Families dropping off their children in
the car loop may do so until 9:15. At that time, staff will need to leave to begin their work day and families will
need to park on the side streets (be careful of No Parking signs) and walk or drop off their child to walk through
the main doors. If it is 9:25 or later, you will have to park and walk your child into the office to sign your child in
as they will be marked tardy.
The end of the day is extremely busy dismissing students so this is not the time to come to the office to speak to
the office staff or attempt to pick up your child early. If you need to pick up your child early, please do so before
3:30 so the office can focus on getting walkers dismissed or students boarded on buses to get them home as quickly as possible.
For our walkers and car riders in the afternoon, we will begin dismissal as outlined in the summer newsletter.
Parents can greet their children in kindergarten through second grade at the PE doors to the right side when
facing the building. Walkers and students attending KAH in grades 3-5 will meet their families by the front flag
poles. Dismissal times are as follows:
 Patrols, Kindergarten walkers and Kindergarten KAH at 3:47.




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First grade walkers and First grade KAH at 3:48.
Second grade walkers and second grade KAH at 3:49.
Grade 3-5 walkers and those attending KAH at 3:50.
Buses will begin to be called at 3:50.
If you need to get information to your child’s classroom teacher during the school day regarding a change in plans,
please do not just email the classroom teacher. Our teachers are busy throughout the day instructing our children and often do not have an opportunity to check their email. We would ask you to email your classroom teacher and Mrs. Kristin Wright, our attendance secretary ([email protected]). We want to avoid any
errors from occurring.
Tomorrow night is our first general PTA meeting followed by Farmland’s Back-to-School Night. I want to make
sure everyone has the correct information:
PTA Meeting will be held in the Media Center from 6:00-6:30. We hope our parents will attend.
Farmland’s Back-to-School Night will begin immediately following at 6:30. There will be two sessions (each session will provide the same information) for families with more than one child in the school. The first session will
be from 6:30-7:15 followed by a five-minute transition. The second session will be held from 7:20-8:05.
Please note that this is not the time to try to have a personal conference with your child’s teacher. If you have
any further questions or information you would like to share with your child’s teacher, please do so by emailing
them. They will get back to you as quickly as they are able. You can find each teacher’s email on our school website (http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/farmlandes/) or in the grade level newsletter.
Back-to-School Night is a school event for our parents and guardians. Children are not to attend the sessions. We
want to make sure our parents and guardians are able to attend as there is a great deal of information shared
about the practices, expectations, and procedures of the classroom. If you cannot secure day-care for your KINDERGARTEN THROUGH FIFTH GRADE CHILDREN ONLY, you can contact Matt Wellen from KAH at 240687-6206 to book daycare in our gymnasium beginning at 6:00. The cost will be $3 per child.
We have some other great events this week. On Wednesday, September 2nd, our fourth and fifth grade students
will learn about our instrumental music program. The county provides instrumental music lessons to our fourth
and fifth graders on a voluntary basis. Families have to provide their own instruments. There will be a parent
meeting for interested families the week after. More information to follow.
My first Principal’s Coffee will be held this Friday, September 4th from 9:30-10:30 in the Dual Purpose Room.
There will be signs to direct you to the correct location. This month’s topic will be: Welcome New Farmland Families/ Farmland 101. I hope that we can have some seasoned Farmland families to attend as we welcome our new
families and share with them what makes our school and community so wonderful!
Have a wonderful first month of school and know that we are all committed to your children’s well-being and academic success.
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”- Dalai Lama
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Bliss
Mary Bliss
Principal
Farmland ES
Page 3
Farmland Elementary School
Counselor’s Corner—Stephanie Mann
I would like to welcome the new families to Farmland and welcome back the returning families. I am excited to
begin my sixth year at Farmland Elementary. I would like to take this opportunity to give you a brief overview
of the counseling program at Farmland. The program encourages all students to achieve success by focusing on
academic, personal, interpersonal, health, and career development. Each of these areas will be addressed
through individual and group counseling as needed and classroom guidance lessons for all students. I will also
be teaching your children two anti-bullying programs which are called “Debug” and “No Putdowns.” Both
programs will provide the students with strategies they can use to help stop disagreements and prevent
bullying. Farmland Elementary School is a no bullying school.
During September, I will be meeting with all classes to explain my role as the school
counselor and spend the lunch/recess hours helping our new students become
acclimated to Farmland. I spend a great deal of time outside encouraging children
to play and make friends. During our September classroom lessons I will be
introducing “Peace Tables” to all students in grades 3-5. Peace Tables are a conflict
resolution tool to help students learn to problem solve on their own. I will also be
meeting with all of the new students during lunch for “Lunch Bunches.” During a “Lunch Bunch,” students will
have an opportunity to meet new students and create new friendships.
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!
Farmland will continue the character education program entitled “Character Counts!” Montgomery County
Board Policy states that “Every school shall have a program to support the efforts to build good character. It is
a major purpose of public education to encourage in every possible way, the development of good character in
every child.” We will focus on the following six characteristics: Pillars of Caring, Fairness, Respect,
Responsibility, Trustworthiness and Citizenship. Each month we will highlight a specific character value. The
students will be discussing these character values within their academic learning and the counselor will focus
on these values in the classroom guidance lessons.
The Pillar of Character for the month of September is Respect. Students at Farmland show Respect by
following the Golden Rule – treating others the way they want to be treated.
Respect means: be tolerant and accepting of differences, use good manners, not bad language, be considerate
of the feelings of others, don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone, and deal peacefully with anger, insults, and
disagreements
Counseling Groups
I will be starting Friendship/Social Skills counseling groups in October for all students in grades K-5. If you
have a child that you feel would benefit from this group, please contact me at school. The groups will meet once
a week during lunch for six weeks. Students will be able to engage in activities and games that will teach
social skills and how to maintain friendships. There will be other groups throughout the school year on
different topics depending on the students’ needs. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to
contact me at 301-230-5919 or [email protected].
Farmland Elementary School
Page 4
School News
Clothing to Cash
Clear out your closets, Farmland community!! It is time to donate
all unwanted clothing and shoes to the Clothing to Cash bin located in the car
loop entrance at the school. Some schools in Montgomery County have been
able to generate between 1200-1800 pounds of clothes each month which earns
them extra cash. We can be that school! So far, we have been averaging around
600 pounds of clothes each month and earning some money for the school. This
money is so important in helping provide time for teachers to collaboratively
plan lesson plans to meet the individual needs of our students. Every bit that
you donate is a huge help.
Bring in all unwanted, unneeded, outgrown and out of style items. All materials
will be Reused, Repurposed or Recycled and saved from landfills.
Thank you to all those who have already contributed and thank you to all
future contributors!! Your donation has a direct impact on our children.
Principal’s Coffee
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
I hope that you will be able to join me at the
Principal’s Coffee on Friday, September 4 at
9:30 am. Please RSVP to the office (301-2305919) if you are able to attend. I will be
welcoming new families to the school community.
Calling volunteers to support and assist teachers and
staff with instructional materials! Mrs. Regnell, the
Reading Specialist, is seeking volunteers from all grade
levels to assist in organizing, filing and processing
books and materials for the school’s book areas. The
schedule is flexible as parents can come and assist as
their schedule permits. A weekly commitment is necessary as teachers need materials returned and circulated
often. No previous experience necessary. Please sign up
at Back to School night on Sept. 1, 2015 with your
child’s reading teacher in their classroom. I will contact
you to set up a convenient time to hold a training session. Thank you so much for helping and supporting
your child’s school!
Page 5
PTA NEWS
Hi Farmland families,
Welcome back to school! We have a lot in store this year for our whole Farmland community—
students, parents and teachers. We know that we can accomplish our goals, focusing on programs
that will have an impact in and out of the classroom.
Our first PTA meeting is this Tuesday, September 1st from 6-6:30 right before Back to School
Night. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
We need all of you to help us make this a successful year. Here are some ways that you can get
involved:
Join the PTA, completing the membership forms will sign you up for our email list so you will
know about upcoming events and other important information
Be a part of events and programs: Halloween Dance, Silent Auction, International Night,
Spring Carnival, Bingo, and many more! We need many volunteers!
Follow us on Facebook (Farmland PTA) which will help us keep you informed and please ‘optin’ to our monthly email newsletter when your room parent asks you to!
We will be utilizing our website this year http://www.farmland-pta.org as well, so you can
check there for all PTA info!
There are always funding challenges in public schools. We have been fortunate that the support
from our families has allowed us to reach our fundraising goals to provide programs and events
for our children. However, each year we have to start the process all over again. We use these
funds almost in their entirety each year on all of the amazing enrichment opportunities for our
children. So, I encourage you to support our Farmland community in any way that you can by giving to the SPARKY FUND. The SPARKY FUND is our big fundraiser this year and is IN
PLACE OF SELLING CANDY AND WRAPPING PAPER! So, no begging Aunt Sally to buy pricey
wrapping paper this year – please contribute what you can to support our school programs! You
will be receiving more details about this is the near future (if you haven’t already) and it is also on
the website. Thank you in advance for your help.
I know that we have an exciting year ahead. I look forward to getting to know even more of you
this year. If you have any questions or comments for the
PTA, you can always reach me at [email protected].
Here’s to a great year!
Amanda Michalowicz
Farmland Elementary PTA President
Page 6
Farmland Elementary School
Art News—Carlos Rodriguez, Ho Sun Choi, Heather Ovenshire
The Art Spot – An Update from the Farmland Art Room
Kindergarten
First Grade
Kindergarten will begin the school year being introduced to the art element of LINE. Students will see
different examples of lines in important artworks,
lines in pictures books and lines in their environment.
Students will use different styles of lines and line direction to create their own Kandinsky inspired artwork.
Students will begin the year by reading the book
Matthew’s Dream by Leo Lionni. Students will then
compare and analyze Matthew’s Dream to the
dream-like artwork of painter Joan Miró. After
identifying the lines, shapes and colors found in
these works, students will then create their own
personal abstract-dream artwork.
Second Grade
Third Grade
Students will begin the year by creating a cover for
their sketchbook, where they will be able to plan out
all their projects throughout the school year. To do so,
students will be reviewing what a structure is and see
how architects use the art elements of lines and
shapes to design different structures. Students will
then draw and design their own personal community.
Each community will have three or more structures
that complement the letters of the student’s name.
Students will show an understanding of how lines,
shapes and colors are used in the creation of a structure’s design.
Students will begin the year by creating a cover for
their sketchbook, where they will be able to plan out
all their projects throughout the school year. Students will be reviewing and identifying the art elements & design principles, (such as line, color, texture and pattern.) They will then apply these theories into a name design, showing an understanding
of these concepts in and around the letters of their
name.
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Students will begin the year by creating a cover for
their sketchbook, where they will be able to plan out
all their projects throughout the school year. Students
will explore the technique of Gesture Drawings, the
most active drawing technique that involves fast
sketches and implied movement. Students will then
compare these drawings to the moving figure artwork
of Keith Haring. His use of figure movement can be
seen in his Contour line murals and sculptures
throughout the world. Students will create a human
contour letter design using Haring’s contour line techniques and the letters of their name. Students will
demonstrate an understanding of figure drawing, by
creating proportioned human figures that are animated in the style and shape of Keith Haring’s figures.
Students will begin the year by creating a cover for
their sketchbook, where they will be able to plan out
all their projects throughout the school year. Students will be introduced to the art of Illuminated
Manuscripts, and observe the importance of this
traditional art form from the Middle Ages. For the
sketchbook covers, students will illuminate their
first initial to convey an understanding of manuscript illuminations. The students will demonstrate
an understanding of the art elements of line, shape,
and space; as well as the use of the design principles
of balance, emphasis, and unity to enhance the letter of their illuminated compositions.
Contact Information:
Carols Rodriguez
[email protected]
Page 7
Farmland Elementary School
PE News—Rob Adkins and Susan Pickett
Physical Education
Welcome back to the GREATEST CLASS on EARTH (drum roll) Farmland P.E.! Mrs.
Pickett will be joining us again all day Wednesday and Friday mornings alongside
Mr. Adkins to teach physical education classes.
All of our students have been learning the rules and procedures for physical
education class. Each class has also had a special tour of the playground during physical education class
to learn how to properly use the recess equipment. Here is what’s going on over the next month in
physical education class.
Kindergarteners will be involved in learning how to travel to a self-space and through general space
without bumping into one another. Kindergarteners will also be working on locomotor skills (walking,
running, hopping, jumping, skipping, sliding, and galloping). Two ways kindergarteners will demonstrate
their learning is through activities such as RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT and GYM LINE TRAVEL.
First graders will be involved in learning how to travel to a self-space and through general space without
bumping into one another. First graders will also be working on locomotor skills (walking, running,
hopping, jumping, skipping, sliding, and galloping). Two ways first graders will demonstrate their
learning is through activities such as BUBBLE HOOP TRAVEL and LOCOMOTOR RELAYS.
Second graders will be involved in learning how to gallop, slide, and skip while moving in straight, curved
and zigzag pathways. Second graders will also be working on moving in different directions on a given
signal (right, left, clockwise, counterclockwise). Two ways second graders will demonstrate their learning
is through activities such as PARACHUTE FUN and PARTNER ROBOTS.
Third graders will be involved in learning how to dribble with their hands through different pathways at
varying speeds on a given signal. Third graders will also be working on dribbling with their feet through
different pathways at varying speeds on a given signal. Two ways third graders will demonstrate their
learning is through activities such as POISON BEAN and DRIBBLE TAG.
Fourth graders will be involved in learning how to perform a chest pass to a partner that is moving.
Fourth graders will also be working on passing to a partner with the inside of their feet. Two ways fourth
graders will demonstrate their learning is through activities such as BASKETBALL and SOCCER.
Fifth graders will be involved in learning how to perform a set shot after moving to receive a pass from a
partner. Fifth graders will also be working on shooting with the instep of their foot (laces) after dribbling
into position. Two ways fifth graders will demonstrate their learning is through activities such as the
BASKETBALL and SOCCER.
Page 8
Farmland Elementary School
Music News—Notes from Anne Kasab, Theresa Kormann, and
Samantha Lalley
Music News and Notes from Anne Kasab, Theresa Kormann, and Samantha
Lalley
What will students learn in their music classes in September?
Welcome back to school! In September, students will be working on mastering a
variety of skills during their music classes. Please be on the lookout for
paperwork to give permission for your student’s image to be on the music blog (http://MusicAtFarmland.blogspot.com). It’s
a fun way for students to share what they’re learning in music throughout the year.
Kindergarten students will learn and demonstrate an understanding of classroom routines and personal or “safe” space in
the music room. They will also show various ways to use their voices, play singing games and finger games that help
reinforce a steady beat, and will identify sounds as fast/slow, loud/soft, long/short, and high/low. They will also respond to
music in several different meters using locomotor and non-locomotor movement.
First grade students will identify repeated and contrasting sections heard in music, follow musical cues through simple
folk songs and singing games, and perform a steady beat through locomotor and non-locomotor movement with and
without classroom instruments that they will be able to identify by sight and sound. Through singing and listening to
different songs and pieces of music, students will also explore, identify, and use different parts of their vocal registers.
Second grade students will use an expanded range of pitches with appropriate vocal technique to sing a variety of songs
and tonal patterns in tune. They will practice identifying and describing the classification of classroom and orchestral
instruments according to methods of sound production. Orchestral instruments are classified in four families – woodwinds,
strings, brass, and percussion. Students study the ways in which sound is produced on these instruments and use these
qualities to classify them. Second graders will also practice reading simple rhythm and pitch patterns and musical symbols.
Third grade students will focus on identifying, analyzing, and responding to different types of musical forms containing
contrast and repetition. They will identify various song forms including verse/refrain and cumulative. Many of the songs
they will learn are folk songs from the United States and other countries. Students will also focus on performing an ostinato
to support a given melody using their bodies and classroom instruments. Students will learn and conduct music with a
meter in two.
Fourth grade students will identify contrasting and repeating phrases within a given section of music by sight and sound.
Students will also practice performing rhythmic and melodic ostinatos while others sing or play contrasting parts. They will
build on their music reading skills from Grade 3 by reading and performing all pitches of the diatonic scale. Fourth graders
will sing a varied repertoire of songs that include three-part rounds.
Fifth grade students will practice identifying specific instruments by sight and sound. They will learn about tone color
(timbre) – the unique sound of an instrument or voice – and the attributes of
various instruments. Students will also perform simple chordal accompaniments
while other students sing or play contrasting parts. Students will also focus on
improving their vocal technique by singing alone and with an ensemble.
Contact Information:
Anne Kasab: [email protected]
Theresa Kormann: [email protected]
Samantha Lalley: [email protected]
Page 9
Farmland Elementary School
Media Center News—Gail Gleeson
Welcome back to school! This year our theme is “Let Your Imagination Sparkle with
Books.” We have a lot of great new books so I hope that all students will find
something that sparks their interest. Please help your children be reliable library
patrons by reminding them when it’s library day so that they can return their books on
time and be able to check out new ones. Also, it is a great idea to sit down with your
children and read aloud with them as well as ask them about books they are reading. Stay engaged
about reading with your children, and model reading on a regular basis yourself, and your children will
be life-long readers!
Kindergarten: We will start off with the basics! Students will learn circulation procedures for finding books
in the media center and why it is so important to keep books and other materials in their proper place, as
well as proper book care.
1st Grade: Students will review circulation procedures and learn to identify their information needs. During
read aloud lessons we will focus on how text and illustrations help to portray the ideas, thoughts or
feelings of characters
2nd Grade: After reviewing circulation procedures and how to identify an information need, students will
begin to focus on their inquiry project related to nutrition.
3rd Grade: Students will begin checking out books, following circulation procedures. For the community
action project they will begin to explore resources that will help them write about their chosen topics.
4th Grade: Students begin by listening to historical fiction picture books read aloud, in order to prepare them
for a project in which they write their own historical fiction narrative.
5th Grade: Students will begin by exploring the adventure genre. They will then delve into a research
project exploring alternative energy sources.
I look forward to seeing your children at the media center!
Mrs. Gleeson
Heavenly Hats Day!!
Friday, September 18th is Heavenly Hats Day at Farmland, sponsored by the
Student Council. It is your child's chance to wear a favorite hat throughout the
school day without being asked to take it off.
Just donate $1 or more to wear a hat in school for the entire day. All money
raised will be given to the Heavenly Hats Charity, which buys hats for children
with cancer, who have lost their hair from chemotherapy. Your cash donations
should be given directly to your teacher on Friday morning.
Thank you for your support!
Page 10
Barnyard Bulletin is Green!
The Barnyard Bulletin is available on our website monthly. Parents will receive a Connect-Ed message with an internet link so that you can easily access an electronic copy of the Barnyard Bulletin .
If you do not have access to a computer and would prefer to receive a paper copy, we will provide paper copy for your child to take home. Please return the attached form to the main office indicating
that you would like a paper copy.
My family would like to receive a paper copy of the Barnyard Bulletin.
Parent's Name_________________________________
Student's Name________________________________
Homeroom Teacher's Name_________________________________
Safety Reminder
For all our students who walk home or who ride their bicycles, please remember to use
the cross walks when you are crossing the streets in our community. We want to make
sure that our students always use the designated cross walks as they travel and from
school. Thank you for reinforcing these safety guidelines at home! Parents, please remember to carefully follow the parking rules especially during arrival and dismissal.
Some community members have expressed concerns and we do not want anyone to be issued a ticket. Thank you!
Cafeteria Info
Free and Reduced-Priced Meals Application Process
Each household should have received an application for free or reduced lunches sent
home with your child on the first week of school. If you feel that your family qualifies for
this service then the completed application should be returned to the Division of Food
and Nutrition Services Office or you can send the application to the main office and we
will forward the form for you. It is recommended that all FARMS application be sent to
that office by September 30th, to ensure that they are processed by the deadline.
Page 11
Farmland Elementary School
Farmland’s Bus Expectations
Farmland celebrates having a safe and fun school by following our three school wide
expectations: “Be Respectful! Be Responsible! Be Safe!” Please see the matrix below how the
students and staff model proper bus etiquette!
Scarecrow says:
All Settings
On the Bus
Be Respectful

Use appropriate tone, words, and
behavior
Avoid disrupting others’ learning
Use others’ things with permission and
care





Listen to bus driver and patrols at all times
Keep belongings as well as hands and feet to
yourself
Speak quietly on the bus
Be Responsible




Take care of self and materials
Clean up after yourself
Follow directions from all adults
Be honest in words & actions


No food or drink on the bus
Provide written permission from a
parent/guardian if going to a different
destination. The note must also be signed
by the classroom teacher.
Be Safe




Work, play, and travel safely
Walk
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Stay in assigned space



Walk to your bus
Enter and exit bus in a single file line
Remain seated while the bus is in motion
_________________________________________________________________________
Bullying
Bullying, harassment, or intimidation are serious and will not be tolerated. Bullying is defined
as any type of intimidation that occurred on school property at a school-sponsored activity or
event off school property; on a school bus; or on the way to and/or from school. If a students
is a victim of bullying the student, parent/guardian or close adult relative may report the
incident to the school and return it to the Principal. Bullying, harassment, or intimidation
means intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, or written conduct or an intentional
electronic communication that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially
interfering with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a
student’s physical or psychological well-being. This is motivated by an actual or a perceived
personal characteristic including race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, familial status, or
physical or mental ability or disability; or threatening or seriously intimidating.
Bullying truly is an intentional act and thankfully, at Farmland, we have had few to no incidents
of bullying. This is largely due to our pro-active stance on handling conflicts quickly that arise
between students and firmly embedding our PBIS system throughout the school in all aspects of
our school life. Emphasizing the positive, nurturing friendships and considering the social
emotional needs of all our students will help us achieve this peaceful goal of non-conflict and
peaceful resolution of problems. Class meetings are also an excellent opportunity to discuss
potential problem areas and work to a peaceful solution. If you have any concerns regarding
students who appear to need more support, please notify Ms. Bliss, Mr. Tucci, or Mrs. Mann.
Page 12
Farmland Elementary School
Health Room News
MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
401 Hungerford Drive, 2nd Floor
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 777-1550
HEAD LICE
WHAT ARE HEAD LICE? Lice are small/grayish-tan wingless/cylindrical insects about the size of a sesame seed. They
lay creamy yellow to gray colored oval eggs called nits. These can be distinguished from dandruff because dandruff can be
combed out while nits will remain firmly attached to the hair.
WHERE ARE HEAD LICE FOUND?
Lice and their nits are usually found on the hairs at the nape of the neck and
behind the ears but they may be found anywhere on the scalp. Lice can live for up to 48 hours off the body.
WHO GETS LICE? Anyone can get head lice. Head lice is a condition that affects all socio-economic groups and all ages.
School-age children are most susceptible due to their close contact with each other. A large percentage of those affected are
children under 12. Lice are spread through close physical contact and by activities such as sharing hats, brushes or combs.
They are also spread indirectly by coming in contact with pillows, backs of chairs, or car seats used by an infested person.
Lice do not hop, jump, or fly.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF LICE?
The first sign of lice is often the tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
Intense itching may occur because of a reaction to head lice biting the scalp. The lice and eggs, which are firmly attached to
the hair near the scalp, may be seen. Skin irritation or infection may occur as a result of repeated scratching.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF LICE ARE DISCOVERED?
Treatment should be initiated as soon as live lice or
nits less than 1/2” from the scalp have been identified. Consult your private source of health care for advice about using a
special over-the-counter medicated creme rinse or shampoo for lice control. The school nurse is available to answer
questions or provide referrals for health care. Use the creme rinse or shampoo exactly as directed. A clean, fine tooth comb
should be used after treatment to remove nits located less than ½” of the scalp. All nits may be removed to avoid confusion
between old and new head lice infestations.
The entire family and others who have close contact with an infested person should be inspected and undergo treatment, if
necessary.
Wash all clothing and bed linens which have been in contact with the infested person in hot water and place in a hot dryer
for 20 minutes. Dry cleaning also kills lice. Items which cannot be washed can be sealed in plastic bags at least for two
weeks.
Upholstered furniture, car seats, mattresses and other areas in contact with hair should be thoroughly vacuumed. Vacuum
cleaner bags need to be emptied immediately into a zip lock bag and disposed of. Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to remove
loose hair that may have nits attached and dispose of the cloth. Do not use fumigant sprays. They are not necessary to
control lice and may be toxic if inhaled.
Check all family members weekly thereafter until all signs of lice disappear. If lice reappear at a later date,
repeat process described above.
Animals do not carry human head lice, so there is no need to treat family pets.
COULD A STUDENT BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL BECAUSE OF HEAD LICE?
A student will be sent home
if found to be infested with head lice and may return after she/he has been treated and no longer has live lice or nits less
than ½” of the scalp.
HOW CAN LICE BE PREVENTED?
Education is the best method for prevention. Teach children to avoid head to
head contact with others and not to share clothing, hats, combs and other personal items. Check family members
periodically. TREAT IMMEDIATELY AND NOTIFY YOUR SCHOOL’S HEALTH ROOM OF AN INFESTATION!
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Farmland Elementary School
Health Room News
MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
HOW TO CHECK YOUR CHILD’S HEAD FOR LICE
A lice infestation exists when live lice or nits less than ½ inch from the scalp can be observed.
Nits farther away from the scalp have already hatched. An adult louse is the size of a sesame seed;
younger lice are smaller. Nits (lice eggs) are about size of a knot in thread, hard to see and often
confused with dandruff. They are yellowish or grayish white, oval shaped and attached to the hair
shaft with a glue-like substance. Unlike dandruff, nits cannot be easily flicked away with your finger.
Here are 4 steps to help you check your child’s hair.
STEP 1: Gather your tools including your glasses, a magnifying glass, and a pointed stick for
separating the hair. A toothpick, paint brush handle, chop sticks or any pointed object that will not
scratch the scalp will do. Hair clips to separate the hair are very helpful.
STEP 2: Find a good spot to examine your child’s head. It should be comfortable, have natural
daylight or a very bright light. Explain to your child that you will be examining his/her head for five
to fifteen minutes. Use this time to talk to your child, listen to your child read, or watch a movie.
STEP 3: Start at the nape of the neck and cover the entire head. Part the hair in a straight
line and examine the exposed scalp. Proceed to cover the entire scalp making parts every 1/4 inch
from the previous one and examine the scalp.
STEP 4: Look for live lice and nits less than ½ inch from the scalp. Live lice will hide at the
bottom and behind the hair shaft near the scalp. Look long enough for your eyes to focus and to spot
any speck or any slight movement. Live lice are tiny and they shy away from light however their
quick movement may catch your attention.
For further information on how to identify a head lice infestation and their treatment go to these CDC
websites:
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html
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Support Farmland Elementary by Registering with these Companies
Each year a number of local companies offer a fundraising program where families can sign up and support
the school of their choice by simply shopping at these establishments. It is no cost to you but will greatly benefit Farmland!
Company
Registration Information
Weblink
eScrip
(includes Safeway)
Must be registered on-line and
not at the local stores.
Go to the website.
Click on sign up and
Follow the directions to enroll
your card for our school.
www.eScrip.com
Giant Foods
You can register on-line or you
can register your card here at
Farmland in the main office.
http://www.giantfood.com/aplus
Target
You can register on-line or you
can call
1-800-456-0694
(our Target # is 58128)
www.//target.com/tcoe
Harris Teeter
You can register on-line at Harris Teeter or you may register
your card at the store location
www.harristeeter.com
Kick-Off
School Store.com is another fabulous fundraiser for Farmland Elementary!! Last year we raised over $300 for the
school and $1800 for classroom materials.
Look in your child’s backpack for more information as we
kick-off the fundraiser the 3rd week of September.
When you make a purchase from the Family Book Store or donate a Caring For Classrooms gift card,
each student earns prize points on the Prize Thermometer. Each item purchased in the Family Book Store
earns 1 student prize point. When you donate a Caring For Classrooms gift card, the student can earn several
prize points.