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A Message from the Principal . . . The winter weather has been very unpredictable and we con-tinue to wonder how the rest of the year will go. Please check the lo-cal radio or news stations in inclement weather in the morning. Re-member, the county makes a decision that impacts the whole area, not just our area and often it is made by 5:30 am. On days that the su-perintendent delays or closes all schools, I will not send individual Con-nect Ed messages. Please check the news or the website for updated information at www.bcps.org for the latest school news. You can also download several aps to your phone, such as the School’s Out ap or the BCPS Now ap, that gives updates.

Please take your time and carefully review the calendar to right. There are several days of early dismissals and closings over the next few weeks. As we look towards the spring we have many im-portant dates to remember such as PARCC testing, spring break and for parents with young children the fall registration information regard-ing Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten registration.

During snow days or inclement weather, have students practice their math facts, read their library books, review prior papers, work on researching something of their choosing or working on long term as-signments. Going to our Essex Website will give you a tremendous amount of games, information and fun activities to do on those snowy days. Also, if your child is sick from school, make sure you are send-ing a note so the teacher can code the absences appropriately. Always get a note from the doctor or dentist so tardies and absences are cod-ed correctly.

Our PTA has been very busy this year creating new ideas to bring our families together. We have had some wonderful opportuni-ties to get together and are looking for more creative and fun activities for students. One hour of volunteering or 100 hours of volunteering is always welcome. Sign up, and become a PTA Volunteer! All are wel-come. Volunteer training is easily accessible on the bcps website.

I need to ask your assistance in helping us in the parking lot. We need you to take a parking space at arrival and dismissal. The grounds department is working with us to help us with traffic flow. Please do not park in the fire lanes coming to and in front of the build-ing. We need this area to keep traffic moving. Please use a space if you are walking a child to class or use the two drop off spots in either lane. Please help us keep our parking lot safe.

We continue to ask you to review the BCPS ONE information. If you do not have a code, please contact the office and we can send one home. It is an easy way to communicate with your child's teacher as well as staying on top of their grades.

February

2/4 Distribution of Report Cards

Joe Corbi Pizza Delivery 3:30—5:30P

2/5 Chess Club Tournament 3-5 p.m.

2/8-12 National School Counselor Week

2/9 Pizza John’s PTA Family Night 5-8P

2/15 Presidents Day, Schools Closed

2/16 PTA Meeting 6P

2/26 Jump Rope for Heart 6:30—7:30 p.m.

Spring Break 3/25—4/3

Return to School April 4th 2016

June 17th 2016, Last Day of School

March

3/4 Professional Development/

Schools Close 3 Hours Early

3/23 Spring Picture Day

PTA Egg Dying Family Fun Night 6P

3/25—4/3 Spring Break/Schools Closed

April

4/4 Schools Re-Open

4/13 STEM FAIR DAY

4/15 PTA Family Game Night

4/26 Primary Election Day/Schools Closed

4/28 Kindergarten 2016-17 Registration

May

5/2-6 Teacher Appreciation Week

5/3 Pre-K 2016-17 Registration

5/10 Field Day

5/11 National School Nurse Day

5/16 Pre-K/Kg Conference Day/

NO SCHOOL FOR PRE-K/KG

5/17 Pre-K Conference Day/

NO SCHOOL FOR PRE-K

5/27 Salute to Building Service Workers

Volume 16, Issue 6

DATE: February 2016

Essex Elementary School Phone: (410) 887-0117

Amy Grabner, Principal Fax: (410) 887-0118

Randy Quinn, Assistant Principal http://essexes.bcps.org

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Page 2 Volume 16, Issue 6

BCPS NEWS . . . A message from Dr. Dance

It’s almost time for the 2016 BCPS Stake-holder Satisfaction Survey! Last year’s survey drew almost 75,000 responses from students in Grades 4-12, parents, community members, and staff. I’m happy to hear from so many of you, but I’d like to hear from even more from our community.

Demonstrating your support for BCPS by taking the survey is quick and easy:

· It only takes about five minutes on a phone, tablet, or computer.

· We’ve asked school leaders to al-low students, staff, and parents to take the survey at school.

· Staff meetings are a great time for colleagues to take the survey.

Please be on the look out for the survey, which will be available online from February 1-29, 2016, on the BCPS Web site (www.bcps.org), and encourage others to share their voices.

CAFETERIA NEWS CORNER… Miss Millie, Miss Ashley & Miss Sandra are in need of volunteer hostesses! If you have time in the middle of your day and want to wear your best apron, help the little ones with their lunch room needs, then, please get your volun-teer training done, and head on down to the Essex Café! You are guaranteed to put a smile on someone’s face for sure when they see you volunteering your time. Email Ms. Scurto-Diven at ddiven2@bcps.org for more information.

COUNSELOR CORNER NEWS . . . A message from Ms. Simpson

“All About Chores”

What a great time to begin (if you have not already…) giving your child chores to do!

Remember teaching our children to be responsi-ble pays off in the long run and it is a school rule!

Children of all ages are able to help with household chores. Having specific chores in-creases a child’s ability to be more responsible, independent, caring and helpful. Children need to be a part of the family by lending a helping hand. It takes a lot of work to keep a house-hold running and children thrive on the idea of being part of a plan to do the job.

Some examples are:

Feeding pets, setting and clearing the table, preparing simple foods, washing dishes, sorting and putting away clothes, taking out trash, yard work, cleaning up toys, cleaning their rooms, sweeping the floor, and making the bed.

For a complete list of age appropriate chores for your child please see or call me at (410)887-0117.

COMMUNITY CORNER ... A message from Mr. Gray

We are still collecting PULL TABS to help the less fortunate through various charities. Let’s make 2016 a Great Year!

As you recycle your aluminum cans, please set aside the tabs to bring into school office.

Page 3 Volume 16, Issue 6

SCHOOL NURSE CORNER . . . A message from Nurse Gorman

10 Tips on How to Stay Healthy

for the New Year!

Tip #1. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

After a long night’s sleep, it is important to refuel. It will help you do better in school. Some ideas for quick, healthy breakfast: peanut butter on toasted whole-grain bread, yogurt with fruit, cheese slices on toast, and fruit in cereals.

Tip #2. Eat a variety of foods.

Your body needs nutrients and many different vita-mins and minerals from a variety of foods. Balancing food choices and checking nutrition labels will help you to get the nutrients you need.

Tip #3. Get moving....don’t be a couch potato.

Step away from the video games! Walk, bike or jog when going somewhere. Climb stairs instead of tak-ing an escalator. Try to do something active for a total of 30 minutes every day.

Tip #4. Participate in activities you enjoy.

Always start with warm-ups to get the muscles go-ing. Do 20 minutes of an aerobic activity (i.e. jump rope, dancing) followed by activities that will make you stronger like push-ups or sit-ups.

Tip #5. Plan out your meals ahead of time.

Take a few moments to think about what you have going on next week. If you have a busy week coming up, make a mental note to be on the look-out for quick, slow cooker or make-ahead meals that can served up in a hurry. I’m a big fan of the cook once, eat twice (or thrice) approach!

Tip #6. Choose healthy snacks.

It is wise to choose snacks from different food groups. Some choices would be: graham crackers, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins.

Tip #7. Include whole grains and fiber in your diet.

Try breads such as whole-wheat, bagels and pita. Spaghetti and oatmeal are also good choices.

Tip #8. Drink plenty of water.

Your body is 65% water. That shows how important water is to your body. Make sure you drink a total of 8 glasses of water each day. That can include the water from foods such as fruits.

Tip #9. Include others in your activi-ties.

Take a dog for a walk. Walk or workout with a friend.

Tip #10. Having FUN is important.

Page 4 Volume 16, Issue 6

KUDOS CORNER . . . A message from Ms. Boursalian

Lily Burton, a 4th grade student at Essex Elementary School, won the school competition of the National Geo-graphic Bee on January 13, 2016. The students answered questions on geography at the school bee, this was the first round in the 28th annual National Geographic Bee. Lily will head to the next level of completion. Listed below are all students who participated in the GEO BEE: Front Row: Left to Right: Kimberly Lopez, Julia Davis, Austin Parks, Jacob Zebeck Back Row: Left to Right: Ian Mullaney, Lily Burton (winner), Kaelyn Keys, Gary Ledwell, Kadence Ledwell

PHYSICAL ED CORNER . . . A message from Mrs. Howell

In the Gym All students will be learning about the importance of keeping their heart healthy by jump roping. All students will be learning a vari-ety of tricks with short and long ropes. They will also be learning different rhymes and games in order to prepare for our Jump Rope for Heart Event on Friday, February 26th.

Jump Rope for Heart Yes, it’s that time of the year, to help raise money for the American Heart Association. My goal for our school this year is to raise $10,000.00. You will be able to sign up for online collection right now. The highest participating class will receive a free game time with Mrs. Howell. The person who raises the most money will receive a lunch with 3 of their friends and Mrs. Howell. If we raise $10,000.00 or more Mrs. Howell will take a pie to the face during our Jump Rope for Heart event on Friday, February 26.

New this year: At our event Chick-fil-a will be available to purchase and also jewelry. 10% of all money spent at each stand will go to our recess equipment fund!!

Marathon Kids Our Marathon Kids AM walk/run program is going strong. I will still be taking the students outside as long as it is 32 degrees or warmer. Please make sure they have their hats and gloves. The doors open at 8:30 AM every school day and they will not be allowed to participate if it is after 8:35. If your child signed up for the program they can join us for the AM walk/run program. Your child should be on Mileage log 3 by now. If they turned in log 1 and 2 they have already received their t-shirt and shoe laces. If your child needs another log, pleas have them see me.

Field Day This year, shirts will be available to purchase for our Field Day event, which will be held on Tuesday, May 10. The student’s voted on the picture that will be on the shirt. More information will coming your way.

Volume 16, Issue 6 Page 5

PHYSICAL ED CORNER continued . . .

Coke Rewards

We have received $350 dollars from My Coke Rewards! This money will go to purchasing

items for Field Day. Thank you all so much for helping us make this so successful. Please

keep collecting the Coke Rewards from cases, 2 liters and 20 oz sodas!! You can deposit all

Coke Rewards in the barrel in the school lobby.

Please open an account today with My Coke Rewards. If you give me the email and the password that you used, I will put the codes in for you. Please fill out the information below and send it into school as soon as you can. You will receive emails stating that the points are being put in.

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

My Coke Rewards information for Mrs. Howell:

Email: ________________________________________________

Password: ______________________________________________

Labels for Education

We are still collecting all Labels for Education. So far I have purchased a $250 visa gift card which will be used towards field day and recess equipment. You can deposit all labels in the Labels for Education box in the school lobby. Please see blow for participating products

Volume 16, Issue 6 Page 6

Volume 16, Issue 6 Page 7

Page 8 Volume 16, Issue 6

Mini Ball Giveaway NightMini Ball Giveaway Night

Friday, February 19th Game at 7:35pm

Baltimore Blast vs. Missouri Comets

$20 seats - But the Blast has generously offered us a buy one

ticket get one ticket free opportunity,

so it is basically $10 a ticket!

Come enjoy a fun night at the arena with your family and the Essex Elementary community.

Invite your family and friends.

There will be an on-field pregame parade for all the soccer players and their friends.

Tickets can be purchased up until 2/5, and the tickets will be distributed on 2/15.

Contact Mr. Gray if you have any questions (rgray@bcps.org)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please detach and return this slip with your payment to your coach.

Student’s name: ________________________________

Homeroom teacher: _____________________________

Number of tickets _____ x $10.00 ________ (total payment)

Payment can be cash or check (Essex Elementary).

BECOME A VOLUNTEER! BCPS VOLUNTEER TRAINING RESOURCES

Thank you for your interest in volunteering in Baltimore County Public Schools. Our schools depend on volunteers and value their contributions to enhance the programs and services provided for students. Volunteers are important mem-bers of Team BCPS and help our professional staff sustain effective learning environments, enrich the education and experiences of students and build critical partnerships to increase achievement for all students. Volunteers are essential to the educational process, as they bring knowledge and skills into our schools and strengthen classroom instruction. VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS: Go to the BCPS Website www.bcps.org Click on the COMMUNITY tab Click on the VOLUNTEER WITH BCPS tab You can access the application on and line training as directed. All volunteers must complete the volunteer application and participate in an orientation/training session annually. Step 1: Complete the on line BCPS Application for Volunteer Services. (The school also has copies.) Step 2: Attend a scheduled BCPS volunteer training at any school or complete the online volunteer orientation. You will be provided with a certificate once you successfully complete the training. Step 3: Submit the application and the valid training certificate to the school in which you intend to volunteer. Volunteers may provide hard copies or the documents may be emailed to the school volunteer coordinator. Both docu-ments must be submitted at the same time to be accepted and reviewed by the school staff. Once the application is reviewed and training has been verified, volunteers may be placed by schools and offices ac-cording to identified needs to perform tasks that support our established goals. Goals of the BCPS Volunteer Program

* Expand parental involvement and engagement strategies to meet the unique needs of all families in the school communities. * Acknowledge parents and community members as important partners in the education of all students. * Strengthen the relationship between schools and parents, guardians and community stakeholders through meaningful service opportunities. * Support teachers and staff with the implementation of curriculum and school programs. * Utilize the knowledge and skills of volunteers to promote student achievement. * Offer direct support to students needing additional assistance with assigned tasks. * Assist school staff and students with extra-curricular activities, afterschool programs and fundraising opportunities. * Provide supervision and direction for students while participating in off-campus learning experiences (field trips).

Types of Volunteer Activities

* Classroom Assistant - assisting teachers and students with classrooms activities * Academic Tutoring * School PTA Councils * Area Education Advisory Councils * Music and Sports Booster Programs * Field-trip Chaperones * After School Activities * Student Mentoring * Career Awareness - speaking to students about career pathways and opportunities * Clerical/Office/Library support

The Baltimore County Kindergarten Classroom Volunteer Initiative The Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Baltimore County has partnered with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) to help our youngest learners through their first year in public school. This opportunity is available ex-clusively for citizens 55 years old and older. (Learn more from a recent blog entry by the RSVP director.) Interested sen-ior citizens can contact RSVP at 410-887-3101 or visit them online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/aging/volunteer/rsvp.html.

For additional information about volunteering with Baltimore County Public Schools, please contact The Office of Family & Community Engagement at 410-887-4554 or by email at cmurray2@bcps.org.

Page 9 Volume 16, Issue 6

Page 10 Volume 16, Issue 6

Bay-Vanguard will have a

representative available at

Essex Elementary School

on the following dates:

February 16, 2016

March 15, 2016

April 19, 2016

May 17, 2016

Buzz into Saving with a

Busy Bee Account!

Teach Your Children How to

Save For The Future

Minimum deposit of $5.00 to open account. Minor must be the primary account holder

with a parent or guardian as a custodian

and signer on the account.

Interest is compounded daily and credited

quarterly. No monthly maintenance fees.

Save $250.00 in the 2015-16 school year

And your child will receive a special gift.

Bay-Vanguard

Federal Savings Bank

532 Eastern Blvd.

Essex, MD 21221

410-686-5940

Nancy Coomer

Bay-Vanguard Federal Savings Bank is not affiliated with Baltimore County Public

BUSY BEE

Bay-Vanguard Federal Savings Bank

Volume 16, Issue 6 Page 11

Akers dakers@bcps.org

Aldon saldon@bcps.org

Batchelder gbatchelder@bcps.org

Blahut ablahut@bcps.org

Boursalian mboursalian@bcps.org

Bowings ybowings@bcps.org

Boyd cboyd2@bcps.org

Butler jbutler@bcps.org

Champagne mchampagne@bcps.org

Carp mcarp@bcps.org

Collins ccollins@bcps.org

Currier ccurrier@bcps.org

Essex Elementary eses1508@bcps.org

Essex PTA essexpta@gmail.com

Frank kfrank@bcps.org

Gorman kgorman@bcps.org

German-Bennett cgerman@bcps.org

Gogel kgogel@bcps.org

Gray rgray@bcps.org

Hafez shafez2@bcps.org

Heil kheil@bcps.org

Henn lhenn2@bcps.org

Hiner thiner@bcps.org

Holcomb tholcomb@bcps.org

Hosier mhosier@bcps.org

Howard ahoward2@bcps.org

Howell chowell@bcps.org

Jackson ljackson4@bcps.org

Johannes rjohannes@bcps.org

Karolkowski jkarolkowski2@bcps.org

Knepple lknepple@bcps.org

Knight cknight@bcps.org

Levine alevine3@bcps.org

Little jlittle2@bcps.org

Loehr lloehr@bcps.org

Markwood dmarkwood@bcps.org

Miller, S smiller3@bcps.org

Neumeister sneumeister@bcps.org

Norton lnorton2@bcps.org

Pasciuto jpasciuto@bcps.org

Pivonski bpivonski@bcps.org

Pomeroy kpomeroy@bcps.org

Rogers srogers3@bcps.org

Rostek arostek2@bcps.org

Sanzone csanzone@bcps.org

Summers eschull@bcps.org

Scurto-Diven ddiven2@bcps.org

Simpson csimpson@bcps.org

Skeels tskeels@bcps.org

Weaver dweaver@bcps.org

You may send a non-emergency

e-mail to your child’s teacher.

Page 12

Join the PTA! Your investment, your child … goes a long way!

Please join us at the next monthly PTA meeting on February 16th 6P.

Membership $8.00

Volume 16, Issue 6