Important Dates/Deadlines To Note On Your Calendars

SES Spiritwear Available to Order

August 11, 2020

 
Dear Swansfield Families,

We hope this note finds you well and look forward to welcoming you back for another great school year.  In preparation, we are sharing the following information with you.  You will notice that some items are dated yesterday, which was when our student registration system rolled over to the new school year, allowing you access to provide needed information/updates for 2020-21.
 
Monday, August 10th:  Families can now log in to www.hcpss.org/connect to complete or update your Family File before September 8, 2020.  If you are new to HCPSS you will establish your account and complete the Family File for the first time. If you are a returning student’s family, you will need to update your Family File. This will ensure we have accurate emergency and contact information on file.   Please note that any edits made prior to August 10th will be associated with the 2019-2020 school year and will not show as updated in our records.  You will find attached below guides to help you complete your Family File.

family-file-user-instructions.pdf 

family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf 

Monday, August 10th:  Families may apply or renew their application for the Free and Reduced Meals Program (FARMS).  Many HCPSS families have been impacted financially by the pandemic, and may be eligible to receive benefits through the FARMS program.  Qualifying families can also take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free or reduced exam registration fees, reduced tuition for several programs,  discounted internet and more. Click HERE to learn more or to apply.  

Please Note:  The free Grab-N-Go summer meals program has been extended through Friday, August 28. 
 
Monday, August 10th:  Technology accounts for new students have been established.  Parents/guardians with students new to the school system should have received a direct email with student account credentials (sample email).  This email will be generated and sent daily to all newly enrolled families.   Please check in if you would like to ensure you do not have any access problems as this is how your child will access virtual instruction when school starts as well as all future school events that are held virtually.

Monday, August 10th:  If you do not have computer access, please contact one of the following staff members to assist you with completion of your Family File and FARMS application.   You may contact any of the staff members below.  However, please note that different staff members have different start dates.

• Deborah Slater, Family Involvement Liaison, at 443-741-1030.  If you reach voicemail, leave a message and she will return your call.
• Pat Bratchie, Teacher’s Secretary, M-F, 9am-4pm,at 443-832-3079.
• Tamekah Wilkens, Black Student Achievement Liaison, M-F, 9am-4pm, at 410-995-8286. 

Tuesday, September 1st:  Back to School Night Presentations for PreSchool, PreK, grades K-2, GT

• 6:00 PM - PreSchool, PreK, K, 1, 2
• 7:00 PM - Gifted & Talented

Wednesday, September 2nd:  Back to School Night Presentations for grades 3-5, Band/Strings

• 6:00 PM - Grades 3-5
• 7:00 PM - Band & Strings

Friday, September 4th:  Virtual Open House

• PreSchool - 9:00 - 9:30 AM
• PreK- 9:45 - 10:15 AM
• Kindergarten - 9:45 - 10:15 AM
• 1st Grade - 10:30 - 11:00 AM
• 2nd Grade - 11:15 - 11:45 AM
• 3rd Grade - 12:30 - 1:00 PM
• 4th Grade - 1:15 - 1:45 PM
• 5th Grade - 2:00 - 2:30 PM

Tuesday, September 8th:  First day of school for students in grades K-5.  
 
Thursday, September 10th:  First day of school for Pre-Kindergarten students and PreSchool students.

We have had inquiries regarding when parents will be able to learn who their child(ren)’s teacher will be for this coming school year.  We will share that date when it becomes available, but please remember that you must have updated/completed your Family File via HCPSS Connect in order to be able to log in to view this information. 

Several families have also inquired about device distribution. HCPSS has ensured all elementary students will receive a Chromebook.  Once more information is available regarding distribution we will share that immediately.

Regarding school supplies, due to virtual learning HCPSS is revising the school supply list. We will share that once it becomes available. 

And last but not least, we are excited to let you know that we are making available a Swansfield spiritwear tee through online ordering with shirts shipped directly to your home.  The school benefits, receiving a portion of the sales proceeds, and all sales also support Blessings In a Backpack.  Please visit HERE to order your Swansfield t-shirt and be ready for our first Spirit Day planned for later in September.  This shirt is only available for order the next two weeks so be sure to place your order today.  The last day for ordering is August 25th.  Please note that families may choose to save on shipping by combining their orders.

We will be sharing more information in the coming weeks as opening day quickly approaches. We look forward to a successful school year!
 
Sincerely,
Laurel Porter, Lauren Beaman, Howard Carter
Swansfield Administration

Swansfield Elementary School | 5610 Cedar Lane Columbia, MD 21044 | 410-313-6907 | ses.hcpss.org