Principal’s Corner:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is hard to believe it is already the fourth quarter! We are all ready to enjoy warmer weather, sunshine, and blooming flowers. It has been a great year so far, and it has been a pleasure to watch your children gain academic skills as they continue to grow and develop so-cially and emotionally.

We continue with our PARCC testing in the areas of ELA and Math, in grades 3, 4, and 5. Our goal is to have all students tested by the end of May. Our county Math Benchmark Test will be given to all grades in May. The ELA Assessment (CBA) will be given to students in grades 2-5.

As we start thinking about next year, parents often send in a written request for a specific teacher. If you feel there is information that pertains to your child that would assist with a placement decision, please feel free to either send a letter or email me by the last day of school, June 18th. However, please do not include the name of a specific teacher.

I would like to thank our PTO and all of our volunteers and those who have supported activities and events throughout the year. Westminster Elementary School is a very special place with a dedicated staff, supportive parents, and talented students.

Sincerely, Ms. Whitney A. Warner

The Panda Press

Westminster Elementary School

WES Internet Address: http://www.carrollk12.org/wes

Phone: 410-751-3222 Fax: 410-751-3926

Whitney A. Warner, Principal Sheri L. Maring, Assistant Principal

2018-2019

Issue 4

ATTN: Parents and Families!

Help Westminster Elementary be a Children’s Mental Health Matters School

Champion!

Thursday, May 9, 2019 is Children’s Mental Health Matters Green Day

Encourage your child to wear the color green to support awareness of the importance of chil-dren’s mental health.

Fast Facts about Children’s Mental Health

*Mental health refers to a person’s overall social, emotional, behavioral, and psychologi-cal well-being. It impacts how we think, feel, and act, including how a child:

*Feels about himself/herself *Relates to other children and adults *Handles change, stress and other life situations

*One in five children experience a mental, emotional, or behavioral health problem be-

fore age 18. These problems affect children of all demographic groups, regardless of education, income, race or culture.

*Up to 70% of school-aged children with a diagnosable mental illness do not receive

treatment. Early intervention is the best way to prevent long-term or severe conditions into adulthood.

*Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to learn more about chil-

dren’s mental health and to check out available resources to help ensure all children have the opportunity to be successful in school, at home, in the community, and in their future adult lives.

*Read more about the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and find re-sources at www.ChildrensMentalHealthMatters.org

*Early intervention is the best way to prevent long-term or severe conditions into

adulthood. Ms. Doan

From the Nurse:

Getting ready for the end of the school year and summer is an exciting and busy time for us all! Some things to re-member:

As allergy season is in full swing, remind your child that sometimes other symptoms go along with it, like headaches and sore throats. Encourage lots of water! Consider talking to your child’s doctor about an allergy medication if it’s affecting them at school. You can also send them with cough drops, as long as they’re not medicated cough drops, and saline drops for the eyes. MEDICATED EYE DROPS EVEN OVER THE COUNTER MUST HAVE A DOCTOR’S ORDER.

Sunscreen! Remember sunscreen even if the temperature is not so warm. Meds in the health office: Please remember to pick up meds at the end of the year, meds remaining will be

discarded! I will be in my office the day after the last day of school for med pick-up. Spring and Summer are the times when the kids are outside the most, and their safety can be at increased

risk. Don’t forget to wear helmets for biking, skateboarding and scooters too!! Never swim without an adult. Use insect repellant when walking in the woods to prevent mosquito or tick borne disease.

While we wind down the school year I ask that you continue to call the school to report the following illness or other conditions:

Strep throat Flu (confirmed) Head Lice Bed Bugs Pink Eye Mono Pneumonia Any chronic condition that could affect your child’s health and activity at school.

NEXT YEAR? Do we HAVE to think about it? Well, yes, it’ll probably help to……

Go to Health Services for questions about your child’s health care provided while in school, You might find just the answer you’ve been looking for.

I am in the process of auditing files and may be sending home requests for missing paperwork. Regular visits to the doctor are so important in maintaining the good health of your child. Please remember

that per CCHD requirements, all students must have a physical within 6 months of entering school for the first time. A Record of Physical Assessment can be completed by yourself and your doctor for our records.

Don’t forget there are additional immunization requirements for kids in 7th grade. If your child is mov-ing on to middle school and has had immunizations recently, please send a copy in to school so that I can update their records for the middle school nurses.

Regular visits to the dentist are also highly recommended as good oral health is so important in your child’s general health and well-being. Please follow the link for the dental form so that you can take it with you on your child’s next visit.

Forms for next year! If your child takes meds at school, it’s never too early to start collecting the necessary paperwork for next year. Please go to med form front and med form back to print out copies of the med form. I will send home blank order forms for those kids who kept meds at school this year.

I hope that everyone stays safe and healthy this summer, and I hope that you have a BLAST with whatever

activities you have planned!!!!!

Welcome to the Cafeteria!

2018–2019

Here are some things that we think you need to know to enhance your cafeteria experience.

Meal Account and PIN information

Did you know that your child has a cafeteria account? Every student who goes through our cafeteria line will use a unique, Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access their account. Parents have the option to add any denomination to the account for the purchase of meals and snack items. It is a convenient way to ensure that money is not lost or forgotten during the hectic morning rush.

What is the PIN? Each student has been issued a unique, 5 digit PIN. Parents can find their child's PIN in the CCPS Home Access center (HAC). Once you sign on, select the registration button in the far upper right area. Once you click on registration, the demographic information appears. The Caf-eteria PIN can be found under the Emergency Section on the right. Please help your child remember their number. It makes the line move faster and ensures that everyone has plenty of time to enjoy their meal. If they do happen to forget the number, the cashier will be able to find it for them.

How do I put money on the account?

Visit www.myschoolbucks.com to add value to the account with a credit card. ( There is a small ser-vice fee for the transaction.) You’ll need your child’s PIN to complete the simple registration pro-cess. Please note: online payments may require up to 24 hours to process before your child can ac-cess the money in school.

You can still send in cash or a check to your school’s cafeteria. The cafeteria manager will add it to the account.

The money added to the account can be used to purchase meals AND snack items.

Can I monitor what my child is purchasing? Visit www.myschoolbucks.com and set up a FREE account. Once you complete the simple registration process ( you’ll need your child’s PIN to get started) you can set up low balance alerts and monitor what they are purchasing.

What happens to my account at the end of the school year? Money that is left on your child’s ac-count will carry over from year to year. The account will also automatically transfer to any Carroll County Public School.

Please remember to send any needed utensils with your child’s lunch.

********************************************************************************************

Sending cash or check to school? Include this form with your payment.

Student’s Name_________________________________ Homeroom Teacher_____________________

Amount enclosed $________________

__ Please place ALL of the money on my child’s general account for the purchase of either meals, milk or snacks

__ Please place the money on my child’s account, but I want to specify:

$_______ for Breakfast or Lunch

$_______ for Milk or Snacks Sn

Meal Charge Policy

In the rare event that a student forgets their money or does not have any money remaining on their account, Carroll County Public Schools will allow each student to charge up to two days of breakfasts and lunches. Beyond the two days, the student will be served a complimentary meal of a sandwich and side items until repayment is made. Unpaid meal charges are treated consistent with all other school system obligations at the school level. For more information visit

https://www.carrollk12.org/admin/financeservices/foodservices

__________________________________________________________

Wellness Policy

CCPS is committed to promoting student wellness and assuring that our school meals meet federal nutrition standards. Visit our website ( www.carrollk12.org) to learn more about our Comprehensive School Health Program and Wellness Policy.

______________________________________________

Smart Snacks in Schools

CCPS offers a variety of a la carte items for purchase in all of our cafeterias. Our a la carte food and beverage items meet the nutritional standards of the Smart Snacks in Schools regulations. When money is deposited on account, it is automatically available for the purchase of both meals and snacks. Parents who would like to limit their child’s account to meals only, notify your school’s cafeteria manager.

Please visit

https://www.carrollk12.org/admin/financeservices/foodservices for

detailed information on the snacks available in our schools.

NEW THIS YEAR!

Apply for Meal Benefits online at

www.myschoolapps.com

Meal Benefit Applications can also be obtained from your school or by visiting the CCPS website.

Meal Prices

Breakfast

Elementary: $1.50

Secondary: $1.75

Reduced: $0.30

Lunch

Elementary: $2.50

Middle: $2.75

High: $3.00

Reduced: $0.40

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Physical Education News

This year’s “Jump Rope For Heart” program was a huge success! All students participated throughout the day with great jumping and we had a wonderful time coming together as a com-munity to support the American Heart Association. Our WES community raised over $13,000 for the American Heart Association. We want to thank everyone for their help and generous support of this program. All the “Thank You” prizes have been delivered and we are already looking forward to next year’s event!!

GIRLS ON THE RUN is in its fourth year at WES! The program kicked off on March 18th with

practice and will conclude with a regional 5K run on Sunday, June 2nd in Westminster, MD. Way to go girls!

Students recently completed their spring fitness tests in each of the 4 areas: PACER,

Curl Ups, Push Ups and Sit and Reach. Students who receive 3 or 4 of their scores in the “outstanding” area will receive a fitness award at the end of the school year. Students have been setting goals and we look forward to their goals being achieved!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Play day is Monday, May 13th (Rain date is Wednesday, May 15th)! We are still in need of volunteers. Please consider volunteering for this day of fun and fitness for our students! A volunteer form has been sent home and is due back by April 17th. Please return it to the PE teachers. THANK YOU!

Please remember that in the warmer days of April and May, Physical Education classes will be

held outside. All students should wear athletic shoes to perform at their best. Jackets may also be necessary on cooler days.

Thank you for your support of Physical Education at WES!

Stay Healthy!

From the Media Center

Happy Spring, Readers!

The weather is getting warmer. Spring Fever is definitely hitting WES!

The Battle of the Books for the Westminster area takes place Friday, April 12th at West-minster High School. Our participants should be proud of their hard work! I do not know many adults who could read 10 books and answer over 40 questions! A big thank you goes out to the teachers and parents who supported this program. We look forward to another great Battle of the Books season next year. Information will be coming home in the fall. The book list is taken from the Black-Eyed Susan nominees for this year. If your 3rd or 4th grader would like to get a head start, stop by your local library branch!

As summer plans get into gear, the Carroll County Public Library will be stopping by to pre-sent Summer Reading Booktalks. Information will be coming home in May for the Summer Reading Program. Visit our public library website (https://library.carr.org) to find out more about summer reading, as well as all the fantastic programs and events for all ages.

As the year comes to a close, book checkout will be ending. All Media books will be due on May 24th. If books are not returned, notices will be sent home via student, then e-mailed and finally, posted and mailed. We like to avoid sending notices, so please work with your student to return their books before the school year ends.

Finally, we are proud to provide families with a service right here at WES. Not only do we place books in the hands of children and encourage reading, we also provide instruction on essential skills for the 21st century student, including research and information literacy. We’re working to help our students navigate the digital world and become responsible citi-zens in an era of fast information.

When schools have libraries with certified Media Specialists, students are successful. In addition to academic achievements, these skills translate to extra-curricular activities. (A majority of our Battle of the Books students also participate in Instrumental Music, Chorus and Athletics).

Thank you for your support of the WES Media program. We appreciate it! Happy Summer and . . . READ!

ELA News

Spring ELA Assessments

Students in grades Pre-K through 5 take part in a variety of ELA assessments. Student pro-gress, as measured by these assessments, will be reported to parents at the end of the school year.

For information regarding CCPS ELA assessments, visit https://www.carrollk12.org/instruction/curriculum/elementary/ila/parents/Pages/AssessmentInformationForParents.aspx and click on “English Language Arts Assessment Brochure.”

PARCC

Students in grades 3-5 are completing the PARCC assessment for reading and math. Specific testing times and dates will be communicated by your child’s classroom teacher. Please avoid scheduling appointments during testing times, if at all possible. For information about these as-sessments, please visit the PARCC Parent Resources page at https://parcc-assessment.org/parent-resources/

BE READY TO LEARN – BRING HEADPHONES TO SCHOOL!

WES students enjoy the opportunity to work with computers. Many of our programs require students to use headphones or earbuds. As you are checking on your child’s school supplies, please make sure he or she is bringing headphones or earbuds to school every day. Students can

opt to keep a pair in their book bag or locker. Thank you for helping your child be ready to learn!

Happy Reading!

Ms. Andrews

The Carroll Reading Council, in partnership with

A Likely Story Bookstore, presents:

Jacqueline Davies

April 29, 2019 @ 6:00pm

Century High School

355 Ronsdale Rd, Sykesville, MD 21784

Ms. Davies is the best-selling author of The Lemonade War series; Nothing But Trouble;

Panda Pants; and other books for elementary, middle grade and young adult readers.

Free event but PLEASE RSVP **Donations to the Carroll Reading Council appreciated**

Please go to this link to RSVP

https://sykesvillebooks.indiecommerce.com/event/jacqueline-davies

Ms. Davies will be discussing writing, reading, and her novels. She will be sign-ing after the program. Books for signing will be for sale at the event.

ALL CCPS 3rd graders will be reading THE LEMONADE WAR as part of their ELA class beginning sometime in April! This would be a perfect event for them to

attend.

Please call or email if you have questions

410-795-1718 info@sykesvillebooks.com

No outside books are permitted. This allows us to continue to bring great authors to Carroll County. Thank

you.

Chorus News and Dates from Ms. Bargerstock

Spring Chorus Concert: Thursday, May 9th 2019 7:00 p.m. at WES

DRESS CODE: white shirts and black pants (or skirts). No graphics on the shirts, must follow the CCPS school dress code guidelines.

National Anthem at the Frederick Keys game: Saturday, May 18, 2019; Report time: 5:15 Game time: 6:00 p.m. SINGERS OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MUST ALSO HAVE A TICKET!

DRESS CODE: student may wear shorts, shirts (T-shirts are fine) should be school colors: blue and/or white

Questions: e-mail Mrs. Bargerstock at cabarge@carrollk12.org

Music Notes from Mr. Thompson

Carroll County Public Schools was recognized as one of the “Best Communities For Music Educa-tion” by the NAMM Foundation. This distinction is given to only a small percentage of U.S. school districts based on a number of factors, including music course offerings and opportunities inside and outside of the school day. Thank you to our WES community for supporting music in our school!

The WES Music Department is getting ready for its Spring performances. The 4th and 5th grade Instrumental Music Ensembles will have their concert on Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 PM at WES. These performances are free and open to the public.

The WES 5th Grade Intermediate Band and Intermediate Orchestra will perform at "Music In The Parks" in Hershey, PA on Friday, May 31. WES is the only Carroll County elementary school participating in this event this year. This is the seventh consecutive year that our instrumental ensembles have performed in this adjudicated event.

Attention 5th grade parents: As we approach the end of the year, you will receive information from your child's middle school regarding 6th grade music class registration. There are some dif-ferences in music course scheduling at each middle school. Please refer to the information from your child's middle school about what classes are offered and the possibility of dual enrollment in chorus and an instrumental ensemble. Mrs. Bargerstock and Mr. Thompson recommend that cur-rent chorus and instrumental music students continue their present course of study as they enter 6th grade.

Mrs. Bargerstock and Mr. Thompson would like to thank our WES students and families for a won-derful year in our music classes! Best of luck to our outgoing 5th grade students as you move on to middle school. We hope to see you performing on stage for years to come!

Music Notes

Here is what’s happening in Humanities:

Grade 3: Students are engaged in research through the “Meeting of the Minds”. They continue their study of words with Logology.

Grade 4: Students have been learning Latin. Ask them about their vocabulary words!

Grade 5: Fifth graders are writing the scenario for their Mock Trial.

STEM:

Grade 3: Third grade students solving equations with variables using the “Hands On Equations” learning sys-tem.

Grade 4: Students are exploring scale factor by creating scale drawings of comic/cartoon characters.

Grade 5: Students are writing code for their Arduino robotic cars.

Contact information:

Ivy Allgeier, Gifted and Talented Specialist

ilallge@carrollk12.org

Friendship Valley: 410-751-3650

Westminster El: 410-751-3222

Health News from Ms. Walter

The family life videos will be shown to 4th and 5th grade students that have parent permission during the school day on May 1st. Permission slips will be sent home the second week of April.

All grade levels are getting ready to weed and plant our salsa garden in the courtyard area. I am looking for donations of miracle grow potting soil. If you would like to donate a bag please email me at hnwalter@carrollk12.org. I will then arrange a time for you to drop it off in the front office.

Art Students are hard at work creating their Art to Remember Projects!

The Fundraiser ordering will occur in mid-May with the merchandise coming in June.

More info to come on this.

For their Art to Remember Projects:

Kindergarten made watercolor resists suns.

First grade created crayon resist pandas with a hobby and chinese symbol stamping.

Second grade created a birch tree painting.

Third grade made oil pastel animal close ups.

Fourth grade created Maryland crab flag symbols.

Fifth grade made selfie self portraits using marker.

FIFTH GRADE IS IN NEED OF HARDBACK BOOKS FOR AN ALTERED ART BOOK PROJECT.

Books should be hardback, elementary or middle school level chapter books, encyclope-dia, non-fiction books, dictionaries, books with more words than illustrations.

The rest of the students will be completing clay projects & spring and summer themed projects!!!!

Be sure to look for all the wonderful artwork decorating the WES Walls!

Ms. Delzingaro

From the Art Room

CONSENT AND RELEASE

Permission to Photograph, Videotape or Audiotape

Throughout the school year, the Carroll County Public School System frequently covers school

activities and may use your child’s photograph, video image, or voice for educational, informational, or

public relations purposes, with or without identification by name.

If you do not wish to have your child’s voice reproduced on tape or to have his/her image appear

in such things as a video or a photograph, or on the school or school system website or social media,

please notify the school principal in writing. It is assumed that parents and guardians consent to their

children being audiotaped, photographed, videotaped, or having their image placed on a school website

or social media by the school system unless such notification is received.

There are also occasions when the media cover certain school events (such as when a govern-

ment leader visits a school). If you do not wish to have your child’s name or likeness published by the

media, you should address your concerns directly to the school involved so that the media is so advised.

Please be advised that the school system has no control over the media when they are covering activities

such as sporting events and musical programs that are open to the public.

Use of Student Work on Websites or in Publications

There may be times throughout the year when the Carroll County Public School System wishes

to display student work on school websites, social media, or in publications. If you do not wish to have

your child’s art, poetry, writing, etc. appear on school websites, social media, or in publications, please

notify the school principal in writing. It is assumed that parents and guardians consent to their child’s work

being displayed on school websites, social media, or in publications unless such notification is received.

CG/bb

Revised 6/30/17

CARROLL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS LEGAL NOTICES IN PUBLICATIONS

The Board of Education of Carroll County in its operation of the Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) is required to include one or more legal notices in many of their publications and handbooks. A Notice of Non-discrimination is required on most publications for external distribution. In addition, the ADA Accessibility Statement is required on all publications pertaining to events to which the general public is invited.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) is firmly committed to creating equal employment and educational opportunities for all persons with regard to its employment practices and in the provision of services, pro-grams, and activities.

CCPS does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, ancestry or national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. CCPS provides non-discriminatory access to school facilities in accordance with its policies and regulations regarding the community use of schools (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry or nation-al origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or age. CCPS pro-vides nondiscriminatory access to school facilities in accordance with its policies and regulations regard-ing the community use of schools (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts). The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Chantress Baptist

Director of Human Resources

125 North Court Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

Carey Gaddis

Supervisor of Community & Media Relations

125 North Court Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

(410) 751-3020

Raymond Prokop

Director of Facilities

125 North Court Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

ADA ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employ-ment or the provision of services, programs or activities. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Office of Community and Media Relations at 410-751-3020 or publicinfo@carrollk12.org, or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, may use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed.

Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities or the Supervisor of Community and Media Relations.