Jun 19 Last Day of School for Students – School Dismisses THREE Hours Early (12:55 PM) (It Is Official)

Worthington Elementary School Issue 32, 2014 – 2015 SY

HTTP://WES.HCPSS.ORG

May 7, 2015

IMPORTANT DATES: May 14 Field Day May 19 Middle School Visitation Day for incoming 6th graders students to Ellicott Mills Middle School from 9:45-10:45 AM May 20 Rain date for Field Day May 21 Grade 4 Field Trip going to Annapolis Grade 1 – weeding from noon – 1:30; planting from 1:30 – 3:30 PM May 22 Kindergarten Field Trip going to the Baltimore Zoo Grade 1 – rain date for planting project Grade 2 Field Trip going to Robinson Nature Center May 25 Memorial Day – Schools and office closed Jun 02 SCH – Grade 5 students Jun 04 Spring Concert in the gym at 2 – 3:00 PM Jun 05 Kindergarten End of Year Program at 9:45 – 10:45 AM in the cafeteria Spring Music Concert at Howard High School for the chorus, band and strings students – more info will follow Jun 08 Softball Game/Grade 5 students vs Staff Jun 09 Grade 5 End of Year Celebration – more info to follow Jun 10 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration – more info to follow Jun 15 Rain date for Softball Game Jun 17 Last FULL day of school Jun 18 School dismisses TWO hours early (1:55 PM) Jun 19 Last day of school for students – school dismisses THREE hours early (12:55 PM) (It is official)

Aug 03-18 Movin’ Up Dates for incoming 6th graders to Middle School Sep 10 Back to School Night at Ellicott Mills MS at 6:30 PM

ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE: If you know that your children will not be returning to Worthington Elementary School in the fall, please send in a note to Ms. Feinberg in the Front Office. We are in the midst of preparing for the next school year, and this information would be quite helpful for placements.

THANK YOU to all of our students, families and fantastic PTA for a Sensational Staff Appreciation Week. We enjoyed the delicious breakfast, baked goods, flowers, kind notes, fruit arrangements and ALL of the thoughtful and creative expressions of appreciation. The Worthington community is the BEST!

We hope everyone has an exceptional and fun weekend!

We want to CELEBRATE YOU! - Our Volunteer Brunch is scheduled for June 10th. Invitations will be coming home shortly. We hope you can put this date on your calendar and join us in the cafeteria. Worthington ES is sure lucky to have an enormous amount of volunteers at our school.

Please continue to spread the word that kindergarten and new family registration is on going at WOES. Contact Iris Feinberg at [email protected] if you have any questions or by calling (410) 313-2825 to schedule an appointment.

SAY NO TO TV: WOW! Over 300 of our families volunteered to participate in TV/Screen Turn-Off Week. We hope everyone is having fun playing board games, reading books, drawing, playing outside, visiting with neighbors and participating in activities other than watching TV or using another electronic device. We hope the families that were randomly selected for a visit from the Worthington “Prize Patrol” enjoyed the surprise home visit from staff members. Every student who participated will receive a sun visor on Friday from the WOES staff. Please remember to mail your participation forms directly to Senator Gail Bates at the address listed on the form. If your family sent your form to school by today, we will mail it for you. Way to go Worthington Wildcats!

CHILD SAFETY IN CARS: During arrival and dismissal, we have observed that some of our students aren’t properly secured in booster seats or with seatbelts. We have also noticed that some of our students have been sitting in the front seat. Please note that depending on the age or height of the child, this could be against law and more importantly, unsafe for your child. Please visit the link below sponsored by AAP to learn about the laws related to car safety for children. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car- Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx Your support would be most appreciated for the safety of all of our Worthington Wildcats! Thank you.

Please make sure that your child is NOT arriving at school before 9:10 AM. There isn’t any supervision outside and we want our Worthington Winners safe. Thank you.

MAKING UP SNOW DAYS/FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The Maryland State Board of Education HAS APPROVED the HCPSS 2014-2015 Calendar Waiver request to waive one instructional day that was lost due to inclement weather. The LAST student day will now be on Friday, June 19th. All schools will be open for a full day on Wednesday, June 17th. All schools will close TWO hours early for students on Thursday, June 18th and will close THREE hours early for students on Friday, June 19th.

APPROVED DATES / CALANDER FOR 2015-2016: August 17 School Staff Returns From Summer Break August 18 Countywide Professional Development Day August 24 First School Day Starts for Students – Yea!!!

FOR FIFTH GRADE PARENTS ONLY: Included with your child’s progress report, parents of fifth graders will be receiving their child’s schedule for next year for middle school. Please keep it handy for future use.

RUBE GOLDBERG PROJECT: Do you want to see some fabulous videos that our students created from their hard work on their Rube Goldberg Projects? Please check out the highlighted website and take a moment to vote for the videos as many times as you like…. The students would be thankful for your support. We have VERY creative, scientific students at Worthington ES. Thank you to all of the parents and volunteers who helped the students with their submissions. Also, a huge Thank You to Mr. Chen who was the coordinator of this project that lasted for a few months. Way to go Mr. Chen. http://hclibrary.org/rubegoldbergvideo/2015_index.php

STRAWBRIDGE SPRING PHOTOS: You will be receiving your child’s class photo and spring packet of pictures today. Thank you to those of you who purchased class group photos. If would like to purchase any or all of the individual sprin photos, please use the enclosed envelope in the packet and send it back to school along with the unwanted photos (and payment envelope). If you aren’t purchasing any photos, please send everything back to school. Your attention to this important matter is much appreciated.

FIELD DAY IS COMING SOON!!! This year’s Field Day will be on Thursday, May 14th, 2015. The rain date will be Wednesday, May 20th, 2015. Grades K-1-2 will participate from 9:30-12:00. Grades 3-4-5 will participate from 1:00-3:30

We will need LOTS of volunteers, so please save the date(s)!!! If you can volunteer, please fill out the flyer that was sent home and return it to school ASAP. Thank you.

FROM MS. DRISKILL: Dear past, present and future grade 1 parents! Our first graders have a planting project planned and we're in need of many extra hands! You don't have to be a plant expert to help- just be willing to help with pulling weeds, then supporting students while they dig holes, plant, water and mulch the new perennials that will further beautify our school grounds. The weeding will be noon-1:30, and the student planting will be 1:30-3:30 on Thursday, May 21st. (Rain date is Friday, May 22nd) If you can help all or even just part of the time, please email [email protected].

WALKING WEDNESDAYS: Hip, hip hooray for the committee for walking with the students this past Wednesday. The students enjoy their recess time exercising and walking with their friends. Thank you.

FROM WOES YEARBOOK CHAIR – Mrs. Laura Diaz: Hello Everyone! The yearbook is almost finished! I accepted photos until April 24th! I will be adding field day photos in, however, I have completed everything else last week.

If you are a scout and have ONE group photo and would like it to be in the yearbook please email it to me. Or if you are a part of an after school activity where the ENTIRE team/group are Worthington school students, please email to me. If anyone has Jump Rope for Heart photos from Thursday night ONLY, please email to me!

Send all school related photos to [email protected] with the Grade and/or Event in Subject line.

June 8th - yearbooks are due to be delivered! I will get them to the students before school ends and in enough time to get them signed by friends and teachers…. do not worry! If you are moving and or wont be around at this time, please email me your address, I will mail it to you and I can also get it signed by some friends if you would like. PLEASE remind your children to write their name in their yearbooks and do not leave them lying around, as I said before I won’t be able to replace or order more.

A flier was sent home to those on the do not photo list allowing permission for them to be in the yearbook. Every student is in the yearbook more than once (unless I was asked not to photograph them). Even the new students who just arrived…they are in there!

Thanks again for your cooperation and remember if you see me coming...SMILE :)

Happy Snapping - Laura Diaz questions or comments at [email protected] or (443) 472-1712.

FROM THE FRONT OFFICE/IRIS: Please know that registration for Kindergarten and other grades are on going for the remainder of the school year and through the summer. Please call to make an appointment and we will be happy to accommodate you. (410.313.2825)

To register for kindergarten, children must be five years old by September 1, 2015. Parents should check out the website and visit: HYPERLINK http://www.hcpss.org/news-posts/2014/12/r2k-2015/ for more information, and to become aware of the time line for the early admission process.

Items needed: a signed deed or lease to your home, current bill (electric, cable or landline telephone), picture ID of custodial parent (drivers license), child’s original birth certificate, current immunization, child’s social security number (optional), and custody papers (if applicable). All documents must be in their original form. Worthington Elementary School will make all the copies. Parents requesting a one-year waiver to defer entry to kindergarten may obtain a form by calling the Office of Elementary Administration at 410.313.6609.

MOVIN’ UP TO MIDDLE SCHOOL: Movin’ Up to Middle School is a 60 minute class for students starting sixth grade in the fall. Meet new classmates, discuss the big move, and learn secrets to success. Compete in a book bag relay and combination lock time-trial! Registration required. Parents… this is not mandatory. This is a service from the Howard County Public Library to make the transition from elementary school into middle school a little bit smoother and less stressful for your child. If you are interested, please call the library (whichever one is convenient for you) to reserve a space for your child. Thank you.

HCLS Central Branch (410-313-7860) Saturday, August 8th 2 – 3 PM

HCLS East Columbia Branch (410-313-7700) Friday, August 14th 5 – 6 PM

HCLS Elkridge Branch (410-313-5077) Monday, August 10th 7 – 8 PM

HCLS Glenwood Branch (410-313-5577) Tuesday, August 18th 7 – 8 PM

HCLS Miller Branch (410-313-1950) Monday, August 17th 7 – 8 PM

HCLS Savage Branch (410-313-0760) Monday, August 3rd 6:30 – 7:30 PM

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: PTA NEWS:

PTA Events: WOES has an amazing PTA. Please take a look at some of the wonderful activities and events that our PTA sponsors and plan to participate in the fun.

Silent Auction/BINGO Feedback: Did you attend Bingo/Silent Auction night at Howard High School on March 20th? What did you like? What changes would you like to see be made? Please send your comments to [email protected]

Mom’s Event Sunday, May 17th from 7-9pm at LOFT at the Mall in Columbia An evening out for our Worthington moms to mingle and shop.

Dad’s Event Friday, May 8th from 8-9pm in the WOES Cafeteria Worthington dads spend an evening building Legos with their children for prizes.

End of Year Movie Night Friday, May 29th from 7:30-10:30pm on the WOES Blacktop Friday, June 12th (RAIN DATE) Worthington families and staff can grab some free popcorn and enjoy a movie on the blacktop. Everyone will also have an opportunity to buy baked goods and make cards for the Message of Hope Foundation.

Spirit Night Worthington families and staff can dine in or carry out at local restaurants and the WOES PTA receives a portion of the sales. These events are typically held once a month.

PTA Meetings Second Wednesday of every month at 7pm in the WOES Media Center

PTA meetings provide a forum for Worthington parents and staff to discuss school and PTA topics.

FROM THE PTA: MOVIE NIGHT Dear Parents, Come join us for our annual 2014-2015 End of Year Movie Night screening “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” hosted on the Worthington Elementary Blacktop area on Friday, May 29th. To get first pick on seating, please plan to arrive at 7:30 – 8:00 PM as the movie will start promptly at 8:30 PM! Also, don’t forget to bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Before the movie starts, there will be opportunities for students to purchase baked goods, make cards for the Hope Foundation and share positive thoughts to critically ill children, and grab FREE popcorn & water; dinner will not be served. Enjoy the show!!! Movie: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Date: Friday, May 29th Time: 7:30 – 8:00 PM (movie will start promptly at 8:30 PM) Location: WOES Blacktop Bring: Blankets or Chairs Sincerely, Joy Gabriana & Paula D’Alonzo

COMMUNITY NEWS: The following announcements have been approved by the Public Information Office for school notices and distribution. Please feel free to contact the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682 if you have any questions.

Schools may publish any or all of the following announcements in their school newsletters when time and space permit. These notices should be clearly identified as “Community Notices” and preceded by a statement indicating that the events are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System.

Soccerdome: SDA Summer Camps are now taking registration for summer camps. Register on-line at www.soccerdome.com or call 443.755.0014 (Monday-Friday 10:00AM – 6:00 PM)

Kennedy Krieger: We are recruiting children ages 8-12 to participate in an MRI research study to learn if there are differences between the brain’s structure and its function in children with and without ADHD as well as with and without High Functioning Autism. The study involves participating in 2 seven-hour days of paper and pencil tasks, computer activities, and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. Parents will receive a report of the IQ assessment administered to their child as well as the radiology report. All testing is done free of charge and you get to choose the dates you participate. For more information about this study, please contact Alyssa Tiedemann at 443-923-9263, Mary Martinelli at 443-923-9258, or Kristie Sweeney at 443-923-9254 or by email [email protected] ES, MS

Girls Who Code: Celebrate Scratch Day at HCC. Girls and Boys in grades K-12 are invited to celebrate Scratch Day on Sat., May 9, at Howard Community College. Girls Who Code Howard County is hosting this event to teach kids about computer science and various coding opportunities in #HoCoMD. This is a FREE event. Space is limited. Register here http://day.scratch.mit.edu/events/57/

Slayton House: Sign up now for these spring workshops in the Performing Arts Razz-A Ma Tap-Shuffle off to Buffalo and learn techniques of Tap dance for fun, Exercise or that next audition. Classes begin May 12 on Tues., for grades 3-10. For more information call 410-730-2380. ES, MS, HS

Robinson Nature Center: Native Plant Palooza, Sun., May 12- 4:30 p.m./ FREE Come shop Robinson Nature Center’s native plant sale and learn how best to care for native plants that can attract wildlife while reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers in your lawn and garden. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all plants benefits educational programs at the Nature Center. See www.howardcountymd.gov/RNCplantnative.htm ES, MS, HS

Columbia Association: Free Mosaic Mural, join celebrated artist Susan Stockman and your fellow community create a collaborative mosaic. Dates & Locations, Tues., May 12, at Columbia Art Center, 4-8 p.m., Sat., June 13, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., call 410-313- 2787. ES

Howard County Office of Children’s Services: Parenting Workshop for Families of School Aged Children. The Family Institute will present a workshop, Internet Safety 101 for Parents to protect their children online no matter where they access the Internet. Wed., May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Bain Senior Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way. The cost is free but space is limited so pre-registration is required. Parents can register online at www.howardcountymd.gov/familyinstitute or by phone (voice/relay) at 410-313-1440.

Howard Community College: Estate Planning: Special Needs Families for parents, guardians and other family members with children of any age with special needs. Offered at the Gateway Campus of Howard Community College, Thurs., May 14, 7-9 p.m. Offered through Howard Community College Division of Continuing Education.

Columbia Orchestra: Into the Woods, Carousel, & Porgy and Bess, blockbuster scores from Star Wars & James Bond, and jazz hits from Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Vocalist Delores King Williams and the Columbia Jazz Band join the Orchestra on Sat., May 16, 7:30 p.m., The Jim Rouse Theatre. Call 410-465-8777 or visit www.columbiaorchestra.org/hcpss to purchase tickets or for more information.

Columbia Association: FREE Family Art Frenzy, Sun., May 17, 1-3 p.m., all ages can enjoy a free creative event. May project is an up-cycled rocket bird feeder. ES, MS, HS

Beth Shalom School: Open House and Reading Festival, Sun, May 17, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 8070 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia www.beth-shalom.net or 410- 531-5115.

Town Center Community Association: Art in the Afternoon, Sun, May 17, 3-5 p.m. Historic Oakland 5430 Vantage Point Road Columbia, MD. FREE admission. Registration preferred 410-730-4744.

Columbia Association: Painting Exploration and Design with Manique Buckmon begins with the basics for ages 6-9, Tues., May 26-June 16, 5:30-7 p.m. Painting by Design with Kate Cavanaugh explores composition and color theory for students ages 10 and up begins Mon., June 1-22, 5:45-7:15 p.m. To register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email [email protected].

Columbia Association: Mixed Media Mania with Korey Rosenbaum ages 5-10, Sun., June 7-28, 1-2:30 p.m. To register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email [email protected]

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park: Colonial Market Fair, Sat and Sun., June 13- 14, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Benjamin Banneker Historical Park, 300 Oella Avenue, Catonsville, MD. A $5.00 donation for parking is requested. ES, MS, HS

Columbia Association: Schools Out Botanical Printmaking, June 17; Dimensional Explorations, June 18. To register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email [email protected] ES, MS

Forest Hill Swim and Tennis Club: Swim America swim lessons, 3, 2-week sessions starting June 22- July 31. Learn to dive lessons, 5, 1-week sessions starting June 22-July 20, 4310 Columbia Road Ellicott City. For more information go to FHSTC.com and click Swim Lesson and or Dive Team tab.

SPORTS Laurel Soccer Club Tryouts for 2015-2016, registration is open. www.laurelsoccerclub.org

CAMPS Junior Achievement: JA BizTown Summer Venture for young people ages 9 to 12. Dates: June 22 – 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, 10711 Red Run Blvd., Suite 110, Owings Mills, MD. For details or to register, contact Rebecca Golloub at [email protected] or 410-753-3292 http://jamaryland.org/programs/summer-camp

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County: Journey Camp 2015 Sun., July 12 – Sat., July 18. Journey will be held on the picturesque campus of Washington College in Chestertown, MD on the Eastern Shore. Applications can be obtained at www.mlw.org and will also be available in guidance counselor offices at local middle schools. Limited financial assistance is available. Applications are due by May 15, 2015. For further information, contact the MLW office at 301-444-8623 or [email protected].