THE CLARKSBURG CHEETAH
Week of
January 18, 2016
THIS WEEK:
Mon., Jan. 18
Holiday – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, No School for Staff and Students
Wed., Jan. 20
Rocky Hill MS Incoming 6th Grade Parent Meeting, 7:00-8:00 p.m. at RHMS
Fri., Jan. 22
End of the 2nd Marking Period
A LOOK AHEAD:
Mon., Jan. 25
No School for Students - Professional Day for Teachers
Dear Clarksburg Elementary School Parents/Guardians,
This newsletter is filled with a lot of information covering many different topics including the MCPS Parent
Academy, MCPS PARCC Information Night, vision and hearing testing, homework guidelines, the FY 2017
MCPS Operation Budget, and much more. Please take the time to review each section. I have started the
practice of sending out these newsletters in both a PDF and Word format so that people can receive them easily
on any device (PDF) and can click on live web links when necessary (Word).
In order to open more lines of quick and easy communication with parents and staff, I am going to start using a
platform named Remind. It will allow me to send you a text message regarding quick reminders (e.g., special
events such as Literacy Fun Night) or emergency situations (e.g., weather related closings, delays, or early
dismissals). I have included a more detailed blurb about Remind in the newsletter, but to sign-up just text
@ke76c to 81010.
Please see the additional information below to learn about more of the exciting things that we are doing and the
Montgomery County Public School system is offering. Contact the office if you have any questions or
concerns.
Sincerely,
Carl Bencal
Principal
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Golden PEM (Persistence, Effort and Motivation) Awards
This year, part of our School Improvement Plan focus is on helping students to increase their levels of
persistence, effort, and motivation in relation to their learning. To highlight students’ achievement in this area,
each week, two students from every class will be awarded The Golden PEM Award. Teachers will choose the
Golden PEM Award winners based on the students’ consistent performance throughout the week related to their
persistence, effort, and motivation in the classroom setting. Recipients of the award will take home a Golden
PEM Certificate as well as have their names listed in the Principal’s Weekly Parent Bulletin.
Teacher
Student
Student
Hammack
Ethan
Cameron
Hillmuth
Claire
Aniya
St. Clair
Dylan
Desiree
Hoilman
Svanik
Sophia
Carpio
Spencer
Makayla
Chung
Charlie
Mayleen
Gamble
Evan
Aiden
Ennis
Owen
Nataly
Walsh
Skylar
Briana
Howard
Nathaniel
Paiton
Moyer
Kevin
Nivea
Dryman
Marcos
Mateo
Ouska
Devi
Gabby
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Clarksburg Elementary Text Reminders for Parents!
Remind is a free, safe, and simple messaging tool that helps schools share important updates and reminders with
students and parents. Visit remind.com to learn more. To receive messages from Mr. Bencal via text, text
@ke76c to 81010. You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, 'unsubscribe @ke76c'. Trouble using
81010? Try texting @ke76c to (240) 493-8299 instead. To receive messages via email, send an email to
[email protected]. To unsubscribe, reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line.
Volunteers Needed in the Media Center
The library is in search of volunteers, adults or students in need of service learning hours, who are able to help
shelve our books. Our students are avid readers and books are constantly being checked in and out. We can
work with your schedule and availability. Training will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering,
please contact Mrs. Daria Taylor at [email protected] or call the school. Thank you so much!
Winter 2016 Parent Academy
The MCPS Parent Academy is back with an exciting lineup of free workshops for parents! Parent Academy
workshops give parents useful tips and tools to support their children’s success in and out of school. A wide
array of topics will be covered during the winter session, including college and career planning, helping teens
manage stress, literacy, the MCPS operating budget, recognizing child abuse and neglect, and much more. All
of the workshops are free and are held at schools and locations throughout Montgomery County. Childcare and
interpretation services are provided. To see the schedule of workshops and to register, visit
montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/.
PARCC Night Set for Monday, February 1
MCPS is hosting an event for parents to learn more about the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for
College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, at Richard
Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Dr. in Rockville. MCPS staff will be on hand to help
parents understand their children’s score reports from the spring 2015 administration of the PARCC tests. In
addition, staff will share an overview of PARCC and information on upcoming changes for the 2016
administration of the tests. Free childcare (ages 4 and older) and foreign language interpretation will be
provided.
Library Link—Connecting Students to Adventure, Exploration and Excitement
Montgomery County Public Schools is partnering with the Montgomery County Public Libraries to launch
Library Link, a new countywide initiative aimed to ensure every child enrolled in school has access to a library
card. This program is part of the national ConnectED Library Challenge, led by the Institute of Museum and
Library Services, a federal agency supporting libraries. With 21 branches across Montgomery County, libraries
have millions of books, magazines, movies, and more for children to borrow. Libraries also serve as digital hubs
to connect students to Internet resources, and offer important tools such as test preparation materials, electronic
databases, world language materials, and quiet spaces for children to do homework. You will hear more about
Library Link in the coming months.
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Hearing and Vision Screening
In accordance with the Maryland State Law students in Montgomery County Public Schools are screened for
possible vision and hearing problems. Trained hearing and vision screeners will be screening Clarksburg ES
students who are in Kindergarten, students who are new to Maryland and classroom teacher referrals (based on
observed vision/hearing concerns in the classroom) on February 5, 2016.
Students who do not pass the initial screening will be rescreened on March 10. Parents/Guardians will be
notified by mail if the student does not pass the second screening after this date.
If your child is already under care for a hearing or vision concern, or you do not wish your child to be screened
at school, please notify the school nurse in writing by February 3, 2016. If your child is under care please send
the results from their most recent hearing/vision report. The results will be placed in the student’s health file.
If your child wears glasses or contacts he/she should wear them every day and bring them to the screening.
A Special Donation
We received a very special donation of tennis shoes from a local, charitable organization. If your family is in
need of any shoes, please contact the school office at 301-353-8060 to reserve your pair. Thank you.
Gender
Girls
Girls
Girls
Girls
Girls
Girls
Girls
Boys
Boys
Boys
Boys
Boys
Boys
Boys
Boys
Size
12
13
3
3
3
3½
6
Toddler 7
12
12 ½
3
3
6
1
3
4
You are cordially invited to attend the…
ROCKY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
INCOMING 6TH GRADE PARENT MEETING
Wednesday, January 20th
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Rocky Hill Middle School Cafeteria
Meet the Rocky Hill Middle School Leadership, 6th Grade Team and Counseling
Learn about our school vision and rotating schedule
Hear about expectations and requirements including:
Our 6th Grade Team and Expectations
The myMCPS Parent Portal
6th Grade Orientation
Summer Reading and Outdoor Education
Our After School Programs and Transportation
Hear from our counselors about 6th grade articulation and transition
Questions? Please call Rocky Hill Middle School at 301-353-8282
All information presented will be available on our website following the presentation
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Clarksburg Elementary School Homework Guidelines
Homework is one of the many learning opportunities in the school life of our students. Clarksburg Elementary staff realizes the
importance of spending time with family, playing outside, and learning through experiences. In addition to doing homework, we
believe that children need time to participate in child-oriented activities that are fun, educational, and recreational.
The purpose of homework is to:
1. Provide practice in applying concepts and skills initially presented in the classroom.
2. Extend and strengthen learning concepts and skills related to instructional objectives.
3. Develop learning skills such as initiative, responsibility, self-direction, and organization.
What Students Will Do

Know what your assignments are
and when they are due.

Ask for further explanation of
homework assignments if you need
it.
What Parents Can Do
Students should assume the major
responsibility for completing homework
assignments. Parents are encouraged to:


Organize your time to work
on assignments.




Complete the homework cycle:
Listen to the explanation.
Bring the assignment home and any
materials you need.
Complete the assignment.
Return it to school.
Hand it in.
Read/listen to the teacher’s
feedback.
Ask for missed work when you
have been sick.











Tell your teacher when you have
trouble completing your
homework.

What Teachers Will Do


Provide a time and a quiet, wellsupplied work area, free from
distractions.
Encourage students to complete
homework on their own as much
as possible.
Help students with mastery of
specific skills, such as math facts,
word wall words and spelling.
Support your child’s nightly 20minute reading assignment
(Students may be read to).
Review homework assignment
sheets/books.
Help students plan and organize
for long-term assignments and
tests.
Inform the teacher if homework
becomes distressing or overly
time-consuming.
Remind students to ask teachers
for homework after an excused
absence.






Clearly explain homework
assignments, directions and due
dates.
Usually assign homework
Monday night through Thursday
night.
Not assign homework that
interferes with designated
religious holiday observances.
Review, or designate someone
(who is not a Clarksburg parent)
to review the homework.
Give feedback in writing or by
talking with the students in a
group or separately.
Plan appropriate instructional
follow-up.
Include homework completion
as part of the data used to
determine a student’s work
habits related to completing
tasks.
Not be required to provide
homework for unexcused
absences, such as extended
vacations.
How Much Time Should My Child Be Spending On Homework?
The following times are approximate guidelines for our students to spend on homework each night:
 Grades K-2
30 minutes per day
 Grade 3
45 minutes per day
 Grades 4-5
60 minutes per day
Basic math fact fluency practice and independent reading times may or may not be included in the total time
depending on the grade level and/or individual student. Students should spend between 15 and 30 minutes daily
reading and/or being read to by friends or family.
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FY 2017 MCPS Operating Budget
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 small-group discussions;
Parent Academy workshops; and an overview video and other budget materials 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.
MCPS Operating Budget: Let Your Voice Be Heard
Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers’ proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget is intended to strengthen
the school system’s foundation, which has been squeezed by eight years of difficult economic times. The
recommended budget increase is a modest 4.5 percent, which will pay for the same level of services for more
than 2,500 new students and includes limited investments to improve students’ literacy and math skills; build
the cultural proficiency of staff; foster stronger partnerships with the community and families to support
students; and better organize the district to ensure every student is prepared for college and careers. MCPS
needs full funding of its budget this year to prevent further cuts and to begin reinvesting in education.
Anything less than full funding would likely require further cuts that could impact every school.
Be sure to share your ideas and views on the importance of funding the MCPS operating budget with our
elected Montgomery County officials—the Montgomery County Board of Education, the County Executive,
and the Montgomery County Council—through emails, letters, short videos, and testimonials. The Board of
Education will be holding two public hearings on the budget recommendation: the first was Thursday, January
7; the second is Thursday, January 14.
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will be holding five budget forums in January to seek input from
residents about the county’s FY 2017 budget priorities. The remaining forums, which begin at 7 p.m., are
scheduled as follows:
 January 11, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda
 January 20, Silver Spring Regional Services Center, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring
 January 21, Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring
 January 25, BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
Five Education Budget Meetings, presented by Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice, MCPS
Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers, and Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard, are scheduled for
February and March. Find out how budget decisions are made, what the county is doing today to get ready for
FY 2017 and beyond, and the opportunities residents have to influence budget decisions. The meetings will take
place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
 February 17, Montgomery College (Germantown Campus), BE Building, Room 151, 20200 Observation
Drive, Germantown
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
February 24, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington
March 9, Gaithersburg High School, 101 Education Blvd., Gaithersburg
March 16, Col. Zadok Magruder High School, 5939 Muncaster Mill Road, Rockville
March 23, Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Pkwy., Rockville
The County Executive will announce his Recommended FY 2017 Operating Budget on March 15. In April, the
County Council will hold public hearings and approve the operating budget at the end of May.
Budget 101: The Budgeting Process Explained
MCPS has launched a new online resource to help the community better understand how the district builds its
operating budget and funds its schools. The new Budget 101 site was created to answer many of the questions
that parents, students, staff and community members have asked about the MCPS operating budget. The site
will show you where the district’s funding comes from, how it is spent, and how our schools are staffed to
ensure we are meeting the needs of every student. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/budget101/index.html to check out this new resource.
Take Part in a Neighbor to Neighbor Discussion
Neighbor to Neighbor gives members of the MCPS community the opportunity to participate in small-group
discussions about the MCPS budget. Everyone is invited to host a Neighbor to Neighbor discussion. It can take
place during a PTA meeting, a brown bag lunch at a local business or nonprofit, or in the home of a friend or family
member. The Neighbor to Neighbor web-based tool includes everything you need to have a self-guided discussion
about the budget and submit your feedback to the Board of Education and the interim superintendent. Visit
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/neighbor-to-neighbor/ and get started today!
Plan to Attend a Budget 101 Parent Academy Workshop
Do you want to learn how the MCPS operating budget is built and gain a deeper understanding of why it is
essential to invest in our schools? Mark your calendar for one of three Budget 101 Parent Academy workshops
that MCPS is hosting this winter. You will learn where our funding comes from, how it is spent, and how
individual schools are staffed to ensure we are meeting the needs of every student. The workshops are
scheduled for January 20 at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring; February 17 at the Carver
Educational Services Center in Rockville; and March 7 at Forest Oak Middle School in Gaithersburg. All
workshops begin at 7:00 p.m. Childcare is provided for children ages 4 through 12.
Share Your Thoughts on Social Media: #MCPSFundOurFuture
Let us know why you think it is important to fully fund the FY 2017 MCPS Operating Budget. Parents, staff,
students, and community members are invited to send short (15-second) video recordings to [email protected]
in which they talk about why fully funding the MCPS operating budget is essential. We will compile these
videos on the MCPS budget website and send them out on the district’s Twitter feed. Remember, when sharing
your thoughts and ideas about the operating budget on social media, use the hashtag #MCPSFundOurFuture.
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