Swansfield News: February 21, 2020

Fri, 02/21/2020 - 12:42pm

 

Upcoming Events:

  • Thursday February 27 - Science Fair, 6-8pm (see more below)

  • Saturday February 29 - Unheard Perspectives Showcase, 8:00am - 1:00pm, Hammond Middle School (see more below)

  • Tuesday March 3 - 4th Grade Field Trip, Rocket Launch

  • Friday March 6 - 3rd Quarter Interim Reports Issued

  • Friday March 13 - 2nd Grade Field Trip, Fire Safety House

  • Note: Mental Health/Internet Safety Night, which was noted on the Year At A Glance Calendars you received at the beginning of the school year as planned for early March, has been canceled.  School staff will plan a program for next fall.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - -

SES Hosts Science Fair February 27

Swansfield will host its Annual Science Fair on Thursday, February 27th, from 6-8pm. The event will feature science project presentations from our students and STEM activities run by the Maryland Science Center. We hope to see you there!

Swansfield Students To Participate in Unheard Perspectives Showcase

Several Swansfield students have been participating in the Unheard Perspectives program at school the past several months.  The purpose of this program is to allow students the opportunity to learn more about innovators in American history whose perspectives were often underrepresented. The program at school culminated with students showcasing their knowledge through either a visual presentation, display or performance at an in-school competition.  The top three teams from our school will be participating in the Countywide Unheard Perspectives Showcase on Saturday, February 29th, from 8am-1pm at Hammond Middle School. 

The annual showcase  is hosted by the HCPSS Elementary Social Studies office, Black Student Achievement Program, and Gifted and Talented office. In addition to student presentations,  there will be interactive exhibits about the history of innovators from community and national organizations.

Congratulations to the top three teams representing Swansfield:

  • Erik Allen Lee and Josiah Wheeler - Elijah Cummings
  • Janell Agyare-Tanor, Gabby Djontu, Yeonee Pak, Scarlett Stewart - Claudette Colvin
  • Sybil-Sarah Arrey Mbi and Arianna Aseidu - Josephine Baker

Would You Like to be a Recess Game Leader?

We are looking for parents who can volunteer their time to help coordinate games with our students during Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade recess.  As a volunteer, you would work with Mr. Berry to teach and coordinate game play with our students.  The 30-minute recess for each grade begins as follows: K - 10:05am, 1st Grade – 10:35am, and 2nd Grade – 11:05am. Please contact both Ms. Slater at deborah_slater@hcpss.org and Mr. Berry at jamie_berry@hcpss.org if you are interested in this volunteer opportunity.

Volunteers Needed to Make Classroom Window Covers

Are you great at sewing or making crafts? Swansfield staff have requested volunteers from each grade level to help make magnetic window covers that can provide privacy for classrooms when needed.  The school will purchase all the necessary materials.  We just need some crafty volunteers to make them.  All window coverings should be 26x44 inches with a magnetic tab for easy hanging above the door. You can see two examples of how to create a magnetic curtain here and here. If you are able to help with this request, please contact Carolyn Toland at 410-313-6907 or carolyn_toland@hcpss.org.

Kids Heart Challenge

Our annual Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser for the American Heart Association, Hoops for Heart, continues through February 28th. This year we will be working on basketball skills during the fundraiser.  Please visit our school's webpage at http://www2.heart.org/goto/swansfield.  Any donations collected locally and NOT online should be turned in by that date.  Thank you for supporting our school and the American Heart Association!

New Recycling Program Underway

The Green Beanz have organized a Nex Trex recycling program here at school. Students collect and bring in plastic bags and other household plastic film. Materials brought in are placed in the Nex Trex recycling bins now located in the front foyer, the 5th grade entrance, and the 3rd grade entrance at the rear of the school. This program continues through the end of the year, so please donate! The school with the largest donation earns a Trex bench! We are looking for volunteers to take the bags to Safeway at your convenience. Please let Mrs. DiVenti or Ms. Malcotti know if you are able to volunteer. Thank you for your help!

Don't Forget to Order Your SES Yearbook

A dedicated PTA committee has been hard at work producing a yearbook to record memories from this school year.  Don't miss the opportunity to order one for your family.  The deadline to order is  March 1st.

Spotlight on Success Winners

Throughout the year Swansfield Elementary is recognizing students who shine by demonstrating one of our six Success Factors, which are Kindness, Self-Control, Perseverance, Empathy, Accountability and Hope. The spotlight is now on Empathy. Congratulations to the following students who were caught in the Spotlight:
  • Pre-K: Jennah E, Jezelle B
  • Kindergarten: Shayaan A, Gehisell C, Colton M, Amiya F, Therwin G
  • 1st Grade: Amelia M, Yeilyn G, Jordan P, Devin H, Thomas L
  • 2nd Grade: Gabriel V, Logan C, Ry'Lee F, Cason L, Dayana A
  • 3rd Grade: Brent S, Josie M, Miles J
  • 4th Grade: Denario W, Alexa J, Ta'Quan J, Melanie V
  • 5th Grade: Yeonee P, Kamaryn V, Nathan R, Crystal H, Kamyra M

Free and Reduced Meals Program

Parents of students who quality for Free and Reduced Meals must submit a new application every school year.  Details on the HCPSS Free and Reduced Meals program are online, including how to apply.  Paper applications were sent home in the communication folder this week.  If you need assistance please contact Family Liaison Deborah Slater at 410-313-6907 or by email at deborah_slater@hcpss.org

Emergency Card Procedures with Family File

HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information.  Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect, selecting the Family File tab and then clicking on Family File.  Instructions are available online.

Volunteers/Chaperones Must Complete Training

All volunteers and field trip chaperones in HCPSS schools must complete the online training course prior to volunteering (see link below), print a completion certificate and return it to the front office. If you are unable to access online a printed version is available at school.

Connect With Our PTA

Learn more about upcoming PTA activities, how you can get involved, and even join the PTA if you haven't done so already.  Visit http://swansfieldpta.org/

Visit http://swansfieldpta.org/monthly-bulletin/ to catch up on all things PTA.

Community News and Programs

Please visit the Community News and Programs page at http://www.hcpss.org/community-news-and-programs/ for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations