Spotlight on Bells Mill Elementary
November 19, 2012
Office of the Principal
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/bellsmilles
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November is American Indian Heritage Month
This Week:
Mon., Nov. 19
Language Stars, 3:30-4:30, rm. 121
Art, 3:30-4:30, rm. 163
Cub Scouts, 3:30-4:30 pm, rm. 155
Gr. 1 Boy Scouts, 3:30-4:30 pm, rm. 235
Hoopstars, 3:30-4:30 pm, gym
Tues., Nov. 20
Big Learning Anatomy, 3:30-4:30 pm, rm. 150
Rock Guitar, 3:30-4:30, rm. 125
Voice class, 3:30-4:30, rm. 163
Drama, 3:30-4:30 pm, rm. 219
Basketball, 3:30-4:30 pm, gym
K Daisies, 3:30-4:30, rm. 129
Reading Network, 3:30-4:30, Media Center
Wed., Nov. 21
No Head Start today
Early Release, 1:00 pm
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Thur., Nov. 22
School Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Fri., Nov. 23
School Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
A Look Ahead:
Nov. 28
Nov. 29
Nov. 30
Gr. 4/5 Principal’s Tea for Parents, 7:00 pm, APR
Gr. 2 to Strathmore Concert, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Portrait Make Up Day and 5th Grade Panoramic Class Photo
 Please note: Wednesday, November 21, is an early release day. That
means you child will be dismissed at 1:00 pm. There is no Head Start
on that day.

To all our families, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. Whether traveling or staying at
home, enjoy the time with your family and friends. We will see you on Monday, November 26.

Portrait Make-Up Day is Friday, November 30, 2012, for those students who were absent on picture
day and those who desire a retake. Extra order forms are available in the office, but no order form is
necessary for students who desire a retake. Just return the original portrait package directly to the
photographer at the time of retake.

Congratulations to Mrs. Kirby for the phenomenal school-wide art show that was held this past week. It
is very evident we have many talented artists at Bells Mill Elementary as well as a very talented art teacher.

We want to thank Ms. Melodie Turner for the outstanding job she did substituting for Mrs. Kemp during
her childcare leave. Ms. Turner worked very closely with the fifth grade team to provide an excellent
program for her students. We welcome Mrs. Kemp back to the fifth grade team on Monday, Nov. 19.

Intern Update: As part of the next phase of Ms. Thomas’ intern training program, she and I have swapped
offices. Ms. Thomas has assumed most duties of the principalship while I am still in the building mentoring
and advising her. My last full day in the building will be Friday, December 14. At that time, Ms. Thomas
will be assuming full responsibility. Dr. Joey Jones, principal of Frost Middle School will be the visiting
principal from January 2 until the end of February. I will be on special assignment as the visiting principal at
Rachel Carson Elementary School during that time. Ms. Thomas will provide you with more information as
we get closer to mid-December.

Attention Gr. 5 Parents, the class panoramic photo will be taken on Friday, November 30, 2012, at
10:00 am. Watch backpacks for order forms.

Mrs. Farag, Occupational Therapist, and Mrs. Kanter, School Counselor, wish to thank the following
students for volunteering their time to give back to the school: Shoshana Rosenthal, Caitlyn McCabe,
Bailey Herman, Dylan Ettinger, Sarah Genn, and Alexandra Pace. These 4th grade students have helped
create artwork for Mrs. Farag to use in her program. They have given up time at recess to complete their
artwork—always with a smile. Thank you for all you do to give back to Bells Mill!

Thank you to all who donated food items to the SGA Food Drive. Donations will benefit Manna Food
Center. We are proud of the SGA for their community involvement.

We had a great time at Bingo Night! Thank you to Mrs. Oblon and the parent volunteers who organized
the event and to those who provided baked goods.

Help victims of Hurricane Sandy. The 5th grade Junior Girl Scout Troop 1639 placed collection jars in
classrooms. Please send in your spare change now through November 30. No amount is too small and your
support is very much appreciated.

The 5th grade Junior Girl Scout Troop 1639 is sponsoring a Coat, Scarf, Glove & Mitten Drive,
November 15-December 7, to help National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda. Please dig
into your closets and donate items that you no longer use (no hats please). Look for a collection box in the
main hall.
Thank you for being partners in your child’s education.