September 15, 2023
Good Afternoon SES Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. Beginning next Wednesday, September 20th, the student hours will change for all schools in Howard County. Our school day at SES will now be 8:45am - 3:15pm. The doors will continue to open at 8:30am and we will dismiss car riders and walkers beginning at 3:15pm. Please refer to my email sent yesterday morning that discusses the changes more in depth.
We want to wish a Happy New Year to our families celebrating Rosh Hashanah.
Enjoy your weekend! ~ Anthony J Esposito, Principal
Important Dates
- September 15th - No School
- September 20th - Standards Based Instruction & Reporting Info Session @ 5:30pm
- September 20th - PTA Meeting @ 6:30 pm
- September 25th - No School
- October 5th - Maryland Science Center Family Night @ 5:30pm
New Information
Family File & FARMs Application
We are looking to have 100% of our families complete the Family File and FARM application by October 20! Each grade level that reaches 100% earns an outdoor dance party or pajama day (their choice). Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete the family file at HCPSS CONNECT. If you need password help, contact the front office at 410-313-6907. Be sure to click “submit” at the end.
- Complete a Free and Reduced Price Meal (FARM) application.* To complete the application online, click HERE and click on the blue “apply online” button. If you prefer to complete this on paper, paper FARM applications will be sent home this week.
So far, 3rd grade is closest at 71% completion! Current completion rates are:
|
Grade
|
% Complete
|
|
1
|
63%
|
|
2
|
59%
|
|
3
|
71%
|
|
4
|
62%
|
|
5
|
54%
|
|
K
|
61%
|
|
PK
|
33%
|
* We need FARM forms completed because Swansfield’s Title I status depends on this information. Title I funding supports additional staff, smaller class sizes, family programming, and more!
Animals on School System Property and Service Animals
Animals in schools or offices, whether leashed or not, present health, safety, environmental, and liability issues. Students and staff may be exposed to potential physical hazards, such as bites, and/or allergy-related health problems. As a result, animals are prohibited from HCPSS buildings, except for the instances mentioned below. Animals are also prohibited from school system property during arrival, dismissal, recess, and other Howard County Public School System-sponsored outdoor activities. Circular 19
Flags for the Cafeteria
During the first few weeks of the school year the admin team has been in lunch shifts asking students to view the flags on the walls. We have asked students to share with us if we are missing the flag of their native country. We know that we are currently missing flags for the Republic of the Congo, Japan, & Ukraine. As you visit SES during the first quarter we ask families to check out the flags and to let the front office know if we are missing your native country. We plan to order more flags at the end of quarter 1 for any countries we are missing.
Swansfield Wish List
The staff have requested a few items for their classrooms for the 23-24 school year. Thank you for your generosity. https://a.co/2pGfaXr
Updated Carloop Procedures
- Left turns are no longer permitted into the car loop during arrival and dismissal.
- Car riders can be dropped off at the car loop which is located on the side of the school (Rock Coast Road) from 8:25 am - 8:40 am. SES Car Loop Procedures.pdf
- If you make a U-turn on Rock Coast Road, please be mindful of the neighborhood lawns. Please try your best to avoid driving on grass as it can damage neighborhood property.
Alternate Drop-Off Option
- The option to park your car across the street in the Swansfield Mini Waterpark parking lot and walk your child across the street utilizing the bridge is also available.
- Please do not stop your vehicle along Cedar Lane or Rock Coast Road during morning drop off or dismissal. This is extremely dangerous and impedes the flow of traffic for buses and the community.
PTA News
First PTA Meeting: Wednesday, September 20th
Join us for the first PTA meeting of the school year on Wednesday, September 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. We will approve the budget and plan for the upcoming school year. The first 30 minutes will be an opportunity for members of the community to get to know each other, and the business meeting will start at 7 p.m. Child care will be provided.
PTA Committee Volunteer Sign-up
Sign up to volunteer on a committee this year and help make our SES events and programs fun and successful! There are many opportunities to choose from, including events, fundraisers and grade reps. Please fill out this form by Thursday, September 21. If you aren't ready to commit right now, you can always decide to volunteer at a later date. We will always welcome volunteers!!
Spirit Wear is Coming Soon!
Your student will be bringing home information on Swansfield Spirit Wear ordering soon! You will have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, and hoodies to show your Swan spirit (with fun new designs!) Ordering will take place until October 6 and items will be delivered later in October. Stay tuned for more information!
Membership
It’s the first week of the school year - that means it is time for our new families to join and our returning families to renew your Swansfield PTA membership! The PTA has planned a year of exciting programming including the upcoming Back to School Picnic on September 8, Fall Festival, Winter Bingo, Family Culture Night, and many more! We need YOUR support to make that happen - please take a few minutes to join the PTA!
Each individual voting membership is only $5, and you can quickly and easily join online: https://swansfield.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true. Just select your association with the Swansfield community (parent, grandparent, staff, etc.), provide your information and payment and you will be good to go! For multiple family members, please add each individual to your cart before checking out.
The majority of your membership fees go to the state and national PTA organizations. Only $0.75 stays with us. We count on additional support from our community to bring you the full slate of PTA programming. If your personal situation allows, we would welcome additional contributions: https://swansfield.memberhub.com/store/items/745451.
What are your donations used for? The infographic above illustrates the impact of PTA funding during the 2022-2023 school year. Thank you for your support and helping us to do great things for our school community!
Connect with the PTA!
For the latest news and event updates, follow the PTA on Facebook: Swansfield Elementary School PTA | Facebook (please request to join the group and answer a few short questions to help us keep this group secure), or visit us online: www.swansfieldpta.org
Reminders
Shoe Donations Needed
Parents, the PE teachers can use your help! They are looking for donations of gently used sneakers to loan to students who forget their gym shoes. Please sign up below if you can help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F44A9A82AA0FF2-peshoe
