MONTPELIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

9200 Muirkirk Road

Laurel, Maryland 20708

www.pgcps.org/~mtpelier

Mrs. Carla Furlow, Principal Telephone: 301-497-3670

Ms. Denise Mahdi, Assistant Principal Fax: 301-497-5431 PARENT BULLETIN

June 1, 2012

Dear Montpelier Families:

As the 2011-12 school year comes to an end, I would like to thank you for a most “productive, positive and peaceful” year.

We are very proud of being a recipient of the 2012 Maryland Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) School Award and receiving a citation from Governor O’Malley and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Montpelier Elementary students continued to improve their performance on the Maryland State Assessment tests. I am so proud of our students and grateful to my wonderful staff and parents for their hard work and dedication. How productive!

We have continued our traditions of Moms and Muffins, Dads and Donuts, Book Fairs, Honor Roll assemblies, and Math Month. We have also continued our dedication to helping others through our support of the Walk for the Homeless, Jump Rope for Heart, and the Saint Jude Foundation. All programs were extremely well received. How positive!

And, let’s not forget the continuation of our Behavior Incentive Program in conjunction with our Charactergram weekly awards for exhibiting commendable character traits. The students have traded their Charactergrams for token rewards each Friday afternoon. We also continued our Compliment Card program. Classes received "points" for compliments. These points were applied towards ice cream celebrations and the privilege of year-end festivities. We have witnessed a marked improvement in the students’ responses. How peaceful!

In conjunction with the Healthy Schools Initiative, our students have enjoyed our daily, morning “Jam Sessions” beginning each morning with exercises. Emphasis has been placed on nutritious meals and snacks, as well.

Most of you will be returning to Montpelier but some will be moving on to middle schools or to new schools, depending upon your personal situations. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to educate your child and wish you well at your new schools.

Thank you for your support. It is hoped that, with your continued support, we may continue to modify and improve upon the strong foundation that has established Montpelier Elementary as the wonderful school we all know it to be.

Sincerely,

Carla C. Furlow, Proud Principal

FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE RECOGNITION

Invitations for the fifth and sixth grade promotion ceremonies along with two (2) tickets per family were mailed on May 14th to fifth and sixth graders’ address of record (with the exception of those students with outstanding library or textbook fines). Students and their two ticketed guests will enjoy an academic awards assembly in our Multi-purpose room followed by a brief reception. The sixth grade promotion ceremony will be held on June 4th. The fifth grade ceremony will be held on June 5th. Both programs will begin at 9:45 AM. Tickets must be presented for admission.

FIELD DAY

This year’s field day was held Wednesday, May 23rd for all classes. It was a huge success! Each grade level participated in organized activities including Tug-of War, 3-Legged races, Moon Bounce, Running Relays, Hoops challenges and, generally, had a really good time. Special thanks to Coach Mitsak and Miranda! We would also like to thank the many parents who supported this activity by volunteering at various game stations.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be mailed to the address of record on or about June 25th. They will be mailed from our main mailing facility in Upper Marlboro. Retentions are notified by a separate letter.

FROM THE STAFF AND FACULTY, THANK YOU!

A wonderful “Staff Appreciation” luncheon was hosted by the Montpelier PTA on May 11th. This was, truly, a special treat for the teachers and staff. Thank you.

MEDICATIONS IN HEALTH ROOM?

Please contact Nurse Jordan in our Health Room to arrange for pick-up of your child’s medications, inhalers, nebulizers, etc. Only the parent or guardian is authorized to retrieve these important items. We may not send them home with your child. Please plan to pick up your child’s medicine between the hours of 8:30 AM an 3:00 PM. All unclaimed medications & equipment will be properly disposed of as of June 8th.

OPEN REGISTRATION BEFORE & AFTER CARE

Registrations continue to be accepted for the Before and After School Extended Learning Program (BASELP) offered at Montpelier Elementary. Registration will continue through June 8th during the regular operating hours of BASELP (7-8:45 AM and 3-6 PM). Only a parent or legal guardian may register a child who is currently enrolled at Montpelier Elementary. Please bring a listing of emergency contacts and a money order (only) in the amount of $110.00 ($10 registration fee + $100 Tuition deposit). Enrollment is limited to our licensed capacity of 45 children.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012-2013 school year. Registration is open from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, daily. Prekindergarten registrants must be 4 years old by September 1, 2012, income eligible (proof of income required). Kindergarten registrants must be 5 years old by September 1, 2012, and reside within our attendance area. Only a parent or legal guardian may register a child. Present the child’s birth certificate, immunization records, photo ID, and proof of residency to register.

UPDATED SHARED HOUSING DISCLOSURE REQUIRED

“Shared Housing” is when the registering parent/guardian is NEITHER the lease holder nor the property owner. When this occurs, the lease holder/property owner AND the registering parent/guardian provide the school with a notarized “Shared Housing Disclosure” and the deed, lease, property tax bill, or mortgage statement of the lease holder/property owner. (Two pieces of mail showing the date, name of parent/guardian and address will be requested.) PGCPS now requires that these documents be updated and resubmitted each year.

LAST CALL FOR THE LOST & FOUND

Please check the Lost & Found located in the multipurpose room before the end of the school year. ALL ITEMS WILL BE REMOVED AS OF JUNE 11TH AND DONATED TO A LOCAL CHARITY.

Dates to Remember:

June 4 Sixth Grade Recognition & Reception (9:45 – 10:45 AM)

Tickets required for admission

June 5 Fifth Grade Recognition & Reception (9:45 – 10:45 AM)

Tickets required for admission

June 6 Pre K Celebration

(AM classes celebrate at 9:30 AM and PM classes at 1:00 PM)

June 8 Last School day for ALL Students

June 25 Report Cards mailed from PGCPS central mailing facility

August 20 First Day of the 2012-2013 school year