News from the
Administration
October 2013
Beverly Farms Elementary School, 8501 Postoak Road, Potomac, MD 20854 301.469.1050
Professional Partnerships
Future educators attending Montgomery College are fulfilling
course requirements by serving as interns in our classrooms. The
interns are mentored by teachers who give them opportunities to
help students (while under the supervision of the mentor teacher).
The current cohort of interns will visit us weekly through December.
October Open House
Each year MCPS designates one day for schools provide an “open
house” for parents.
We set our “open house hours” so that
parents have an opportunity visit during writing, math or reading
instruction.
The visit gives parents a “snapshot” of what occurs in the classroom.
Teachers try to present a “normal lesson” while being sensitive to
the fact that what children do or say might be inhibited by the
visitors/change in routine. For example, the teacher cannot predict
exactly how a children will react if he or she is unsure of an answer
when there is an “adult audience.” It is likely there will be
adjustments to lessons so that parents can get a glimpse of the
content but in an emotionally safe setting for students. Should you
have questions about your open house visit please contact the
teacher so he or she can address your question.
Note that you do not need to wait until after the annual open house
or for a November parent conference to inquire about your child’s
progress. The first marking period ends on October 31 st. If you are
unsure about your child’s performance thus far please send your
question via email to the teacher or leave a phone message for the
teacher with our main office staff. Our teachers will make every
effort to ensure you understand both your child’s strengths and
areas of need.
Important Dates
Tuesday, October 1
o Individual Picture Day
o 7:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
Media Center
Monday, October 14
MCPS Schools Open House
o Beverly Farms ES Open
House. 9:30-10:45
Tuesday, October 15
o PTA Boosterthon
Fundraiser-First Day
Thursday, October 24
o PTA Boosterthon
Fundraiser-Last Day
Friday, October 18
No School for Students and Staff
o Maryland State Education
Association conferences
Thursday, October 31
o Halloween Parade
o Halloween Class Activity
o Non-Participant Activity
Plan Ahead
Friday, November 1
No School for Students
o Professional Day
Monday, November 11
Early Release Day
o 12:35 p.m. Dismissal
o Parent Conferences
Tuesday, November 12
Early Release Day
o 12:35 Dismissal
o Parent Conferences
Administration News October 2012
October 2013
Page 2
Parents of Fifth Graders
Dates for September general information sessions about
middle school magnet and choice programs were sent
from MCPS central office to parents in August. If you did
not have an opportunity to attend, note that each of the
magnet or choice programs will host parent sessions in
Medication
October. School
counselors will give all fifth graders an
explanation of middle school options. Your child may
come home in October and indicate an interest in a
particular program. Keep in mind that transportation is
provided for students in “magnet” programs. Parents
must provide transportation for “choice” programs. The
deadline for submitting an application for a middle school
special program is November 8, 2013. A link to the
MCPS web page is included below:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/e
nrichedinnovative/events/middle.aspx
Please have children get in and out of your
car curbside. This is much safer than you
or your child stepping into a traffic lane to
load and unload.
We want the car drop
off and pick up line to
remain phone free.
(Note: Maryland is a
“hands free” state.)
Thanks for your support.
Postoak Road is extremely busy during
arrival and dismissal. Please choose the “car
pool” line over parking and crossing
between cars. We will continue to make
every effort to minimize wait time.
Playground Progress
We are pleased to report that the painting of additional “game lines” on the blacktop will be completed in
the near future. Additional equipment (i.e. balls, etc.) have been ordered so there are more for children to
share. We will continue to replenish playground equipment as needed.
Halloween Activity and Alternate Activity
On Thursday, October 31st there will be a Halloween parade, class parties as well as an alternate activity in
the Media Center. The party set-up will begin at 1:40 pm with the parade will start at 2:00 p.m. Our parade
will begin on our blacktop and proceed to the bus loop sidewalk to the front of the building and we will
reenter the building through our school’s front doors. Parents who are volunteering to set up for classroom
parties should not arrive at school before 1:40. Class parties will follow the parade and will end by 2:40.
Costumes should not include any type of toy weapon. Our alternative activity will begin in the Media Center
at 2:00 p.m. and end at 2:40. Please send an email to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 23rd if you
want your child to participate in the alternate activity so we can plan for the number of staff needed to
supervise.
Our 2:40 ending time will help us all to alleviate traffic congestion on Postoak Rd during our dismissal at
3:05. Please do not illegally park in our carpool lane or bus lane.
Arrival
We know that the morning schedule is hectic for families! We appreciate every effort you make so that
children are in their homeroom, unpacking and preparing to learn by 8:50. We ask that parents who have
commitments before the 8:30 arrival time explore options to minimize any time a child might need to stand
outside. At 8:30 we open doors and have staff assigned to supervise children. Your support is appreciated.
Beverly Farms: Where the Eagles Soar with Pride