Important Dates:

• Monday, March 29 - Group A Hybrid Cohort Begins for Students in Grades 3-5

• Wednesday, March 31 - Deadline to Register for G/T Seminars (see more below)

• Thursday, April 1 - Group B Hybrid Cohort Begins for Students in Grades 3-5

• Friday, April 2, through Tuesday, April 6 - Schools Closed for Spring Break

• Wednesday, April 14 - Early Dismissal. 3rd Marking Period Ends.

• Wednesday, May 5 - School Picture Day (Sign-Up and more information to come April 9)

• Wednesday, May 19, & Thursday, May 20 - Virtual Science Fair (see more below)

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Next week we enter the final phase of the transition to hybrid instruction for elementary schools as we welcome back two groups of our intermediate students. It's been wonderful to witness our students' excitement in the school building. As we have these personal interactions it does give us hope for the future that one day soon we will all be able to come together. Until then, we continue to work to serve all our students.  A great big THANK YOU to all Swans, including families and staff, for your support and patience these past few weeks as we began the transition process. It's gone rather smoothly, and we hope all continue to feel engaged and supported by us. We continue to feel so grateful for this wonderful school community, and, as always, our school administration welcomes any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding any aspect of your school experience.  

Gifted and Talented Program Seminars:

Bridge Building Challenge for Students in Grades 2 and 3
Has your student ever wondered how bridges work?  Why do some bridges fail, and why are some stronger than others?  If so, please consider having your student join the Instructional Seminar Bridge Building Challenge. Seminar participants will learn about different types of bridge designs and use household materials to put their ideas to the test. Your child can become a bridge builder extraordinaire. Students in Grades 2 and 3 ONLY, SIGN UP HERE by March 31st.  

Cryptology for Students in Grades 4 and 5
This seminar is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about codes, ciphers, and their history.  Among other things, students in this seminar will answer the question, “What does math have to do with codes, ciphers, and cryptology?” and will learn how to apply mathematics skills and concepts to understand the world of code breaking!  Students in Grades 4 and 5 ONLY, SIGN UP HERE by March 31st. 

Please Complete An Interest Form For Any Student Interested In Participating In the Swansfield Science Fair

The Swansfield Science Fair will take place online on Wednesday, May 19th, from 6:30-7:30 PM for students in Grades K-2 and Thursday, May 20th, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM for students in Grades 3-5. Students will have the option to share their science fair experiment by creating a video or recording a google slides presentation about their project.

• If any students are interested in participating, please let us know by filling out this Interest Form for each child.
• If you want to volunteer, we will need parent judges to make each night a success! Please let us know on the form if you can help as a volunteer.

More information will be shared shortly including project guidelines, instructional videos and virtual information sessions. Questions? Contact your Science Fair Co-Chairs: Amy Becker (amybreebecker@gmail.com) or Debbie Goldberg (debbie.s.goldberg@gmail.com)

HCPSS Digital Education Center Virtual Information Sessions

The Howard County Public School System is considering a virtual school option for students in grades K-12 who wish to remain virtual for the 2021-2022 (upcoming) school year. Once finalized, the Digital Education Center program will give students the option to access synchronous (real-time) instruction and digital assignments while receiving support services from the student’s districted home school.

The HCPSS Digital Education Center (DEC) is currently in the planning and design phase. Students and families interested in learning about the DEC option can register to attend a virtual information session Wednesday, March 31, at 1 or 7pm. Please select one of the links below to register for a session and receive login information:

• Wednesday, March 31 - 1-2pm
• Wednesday, March 31 - 7-8pm

Please note that decisions on the 2021-2022 academic year, in terms of students returning in person, hybrid or virtually have not yet been determined, and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Kindergarten & Pre-Kindergarten Registration Underway for School Year 2021-22

Kindergarten Registration for next school year is now being conducted ONLINE (scroll down to the green Begin Online Registration link). Students must be five years old by September 1, 2021 to register. If your child will be attending Kindergarten in the fall, please visit the HCPSS Getting Ready for Kindergarten page, which includes resources to support kindergarten readiness.  We also encourage families to visit our Grade K Family and Community Resources page for more information about the kindergarten instructional program and ways families can support their children at home.

Applications for the Pre-K Program are also being accepted ONLINE (scroll down to the green Begin Online Registration link).  Children must be four years old by September 1, 2021 to attend.

Please call the school front office at 410-313-6907 with any questions.  

Learning Together Program Prekindergarten Applications Being Accepted

The Swansfield Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) prekindergarten program is preparing for the upcoming 2021-22 school year.  This class includes children with and without disabilities.  The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills.   Parents of children who will be 3 years old by September 1, 2021 or 4 years of age may learn more about the program by reviewing the attached Learning Together Program (LTP) Flier.  Applications are being accepted now and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st.  

If you need assistance to complete the application, please contact Early Intervention Services at earlyinterventionservcies@hcpss.org or call 410-313-7017.

HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, or in person).   If you have any additional questions , please contact RECC teacher Nancy Barsoum at nancy_barsoum@hcpss.org.

LearningTogetherFlier.pdf 

2021 Summer Programs Registration Now Open

Currently enrolled HCPSS students can submit online enrollment requests for BSAP Summer Institute, Gifted and Talented Summer Institutes for Talent Development, Innovative Pathways High School (Math and Science only), and STARTALK Chinese Language Summer Camp. Learn more HERE.

Shining The Spotlight

Each week at Swansfield Elementary we recognize students who shine by demonstrating one of our six Success Factors (Kindness, Self-Control, Perseverance, Empathy, Accountability and Hope). Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for displaying the success factor Accountability:

• Pre-K: Deon'A B
• Kindergarten: Kendall N, Thomas M, Ryleigh H
• 1st Grade: Alivia X, Alexandra C, London M, Daris S
• 2nd Grade: Marializ R, Jordan P, Samuel P, Timothy C, Madyson K
• 3rd Grade: Madeleine B, Andrew R, Ronahldyne F, Tara S, Julianna T
• 4th Grade: Khloe' J, Austin H, Miles J
• 5th Grade: Spark L, Xavier M, Josthin A, Lucas A

Staying Connected

Swansfield and HCPSS frequently send updated information to parents/guardians via email and text. Please be sure that your Family File is up-to-date and that you have opted into text messages to ensure you receive all messages. To opt into texts, text “yes” to 67587 from the cell phone listed in your Family File. If you need assistance updating your Family File, please contact our front office at 410-313-6907. If your Family File is updated and you have opted into texts, but are still not receiving messages, please fill out this form or contact the Swansfield front office.

Visitor Protocol Across School System

While we welcome students back and wish we could have more personal interaction with our Swansfield families, visitors are not permitted under the HCPSS Infectious Disease Plan. Exceptions are made for emergency services, contractors, and special situations. Facility special visitors will be limited and should occur by scheduled appointment only. No walk-in visitors are permitted. As much as possible, appointments to meet with parents and customers should be accommodated via telephone, video conference, or other suitable technology. When a face-to-face visit is necessary, the school or office must schedule an appointment time with the visitor and follow set steps outlined on page 23 of the Bridge to Normalized Instruction.

There will be a drop box/table in the vestibule to allow parents or others to drop off items for students and/or staff.

PTA News

Upcoming Dates:

• Tuesday, March 30 - PTA Special Meeting: 7:00-8:00pm (see more below)

The PTA will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 30, from 7:00-8:00pm. The purpose of the meeting will be to vote on a statement of support from the Swansfield PTA general body for our teachers and staff as they transition to in-person learning, and for the Work-to-Rule (WTR) resolution the Howard County Education Association has adopted. Information about WTR can be found HERE. The statement was emailed to PTA members on March 22. Please reach out to the board if you did not receive a copy, or if you have any questions or concerns, at https://swansfieldpta.org/contact/.

Save the Date! Virtual Science Fair

• Grades K-2: Wednesday, May 19, 6:30-7:30pm
• Grades 3-5: Thursday, May 20, 6:30-7:30pm

The PTA needs Virtual Science Fair Committee volunteers! Please contact Lizz Hammon if you’re interested at schoolrelations@swansfieldpta.org.

Please help support our staff and students by checking out this Amazon Wish List. Any items donated will be greatly appreciated. 

Community News and Programs