Somerset from a to Z

Somerset from A to Z

Absences

If a student is going to be absent for any reason, parents are asked to telephone the school office prior to 8:50 am at 301-657-4985. After five consecutive days of absence, a physician’s note is requested. As proscribed by the MSDE, attendance will be recorded as follows: A student is counted present for a full day if a student is in attendance four hours or more of the school day. A student is counted as absent for a half day if he or she arrives more than two hours after the start of the school day, leaves more than two hours before the end of the school day or leaves school for more than two hours during the day. A student is considered tardy if he or she arrives within the first two hours of the school day.

Parents should keep students home when illness is suspected, a communicable disease has been diagnosed, or lice nits have been found.

Accelerated & Enriched Program – also see Testing

Also known as The Elementary Center Programs for the Highly Gifted program. Through testing, observation, and other methods, the school identifies gifted students and provides appropriate alternative school programs. Teachers may challenge students by presenting work at higher grade levels or by creating ability groupings. The school also screens students to determine their eligibility for special countywide programs. Countywide testing for gifted/talented designation occurs in 3rd grade. Visit the MCPS website under Students, and Special Programs.

Advertising

Permission to distribute advertising material of any kind, in the school or on the grounds, must follow the guidelines set forth by the Board of Education. Please consult the school office staff before distributing materials.

After School Program

Our before and after school care provider, Wonders Childcare, currently offers an after-school program named, WOW! Enrichment Programs, which include classes such as Chinese Culture and Language Fun, Found Object Art, Knitting, Modern Dance, Math Olympics, Science Club and Computer Animation. The classes take place at school for a fee. Wonders organizes the programs and hires the teachers and staff. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on need, students may receive scholarships, which are handled in confidence between Wonders and the PTA leadership. Call Wonders Somerset at 301-656-4270 or visit www.wonderschildcare.org for more information.

Arrival at School

Students arriving by bus generally arrive at school between 8:25-8:40 am. Students not riding buses should arrive between 8:30-8:45 am. The school day begins when the first bell rings at 8:45 am with instruction beginning at 8:50 am. If your student needs supervision prior to 8:30 am, please contact Wonders Child Care at Somerset at 301-656-4270 for information about enrollment in its Before School program. (see also Departure from School)

Back-to-School Classic

The 2012 Back-to-School Classic marks the 25th anniversary of this popular event. Somerset parents and students work together to host a certified 8K road race, a 2K fun run, as well as special student’s races. This event attracts hundreds of runners from the metro area and is the PTA's largest fundraising activity.

Back-to-School Nights

All parents are invited to meet the teachers and visit their student’s classrooms for an explanation of the school year curriculum and classroom policies and practices. Parents are invited to volunteer for classroom and school-wide activities, to provide contact information in the event of emergencies and for receiving information from the school through the listserv somerset.net and the “Tuesday is Newsday” (TIN) newsletter, to learn more about the Somerset Education Foundation and the Somerset PTA.

Bicycles and Scooters

Students are permitted to ride bikes and scooters to school and are required to wear bike helmets. All bikes and scooters must be parked and locked at the bike rack located on the south side of the building. Bikes and scooters are not permitted anywhere else on school grounds. MCPS and Somerset Elementary does not assume responsibility for bicycles and scooters brought to school.

Birthday or Other Personal Celebrations

Party invitations for celebrations must be sent to students at their home addresses and may not be distributed at school. With the approval of classroom teachers, limited school celebration, such as store bought cookies or cupcakes to share with classmates, is usually permitted. Please contact the classroom teacher directly to discuss his/her policy.

Bus Transportation

MCPS provides bus service for Somerset students who live outside of the walking boundaries. For questions about the bus service, please call William Stapleton at 301-469-1068 for buses 1106/1109, 1110/1125, 1113 and 1127. For route stops and schedules, visit the MCPS website and choose Students, then Bus Transportation. Select Bus Routes by School, then Somerset ES.

Camp Summerset

The PTA sponsors a summer camp designed for pre-K (age 4) – 5th grade (rising 6 th graders) that offers an array of exciting activities including arts and adventure, yoga, swimming, and trips into the city. Camp runs for six weeks following the last week of school and is staffed by Somerset teachers and other professionals. Information and registration are available in January at www.campsummerset.com.

Career Day

Individuals, many of them Somerset parents, representing a variety of professions and skills, visit Somerset to inform the students about different career paths. This event is usually held at the end of March or early April.

Change of Address and Telephone Numbers

The school must have current addresses and phone numbers (home, cell and work) for all parents and guardians. Please remember to let the school office know immediately of any changes to contact information on your emergency cards.

Character Education

In 1997, Somerset became a Community of Caring school by adopting a character education program that acknowledges the importance of our student’s social and emotional development, along with their academic achievements. Somerset hopes to foster a learning environment that embodies the following values: Trust, Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Family. In 1998, the Maryland Board of Education mandated that each public school in the state implement a character education program toward the goal of integrating the concepts of such programs into school curricula and activities. All schools in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC) Cluster have since agreed to adopt the Community of Caring as their vehicle for character education. This means that from kindergarten through twelfth grade our student’s character education will be based on a common philosophy and vocabulary. Long before Community of Caring, Somerset worked to integrate service projects into the curriculum, Service Learning began in 1989 under the name "SKIP" (Somerset Kids Participating). In 1998, Service Learning projects were incorporated within the broader goals of the Community of Caring. Somerset now has Service Learning projects integrated into the curriculum at all grade levels.

Communications

Most bulletins and notices go home on Tuesdays or Fridays. Each grade also has a page or series of pages on the school website where teachers communicate with parents and families through class or grade newsletters, as well as share learning resources and photos of activities at school.

Cultural Arts

As part of the school program, Somerset students have many opportunities to extend their appreciation for the cultural arts. With support from PTA funds, professional drama, dance, and music groups entertain Somerset's students at many in-school performances. Artist-in- residence programs help integrate the arts into the curriculum in individual grades. The school organizes many field trips to support the instructional program. Students may attend performances at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore, and also visit theaters, museums, and other cultural centers.

Delayed Opening and Emergency Closing

In the event of severe weather, Somerset may delay opening by 2 hours, close 2-1/2 hours early, or close for the day. If school is closed early due to weather conditions, all students will be sent home according to the emergency instructions provided by parents/guardians. In addition, any after school and evening activities scheduled at the school will be canceled.

PLEASE NOTE: If severe weather conditions exist anywhere in the general area, please stay informed. MCPS covers a large and diverse weather region, and may declare a school closure even if severe conditions do not exist in Somerset. Call the MCPS Emergency Hot-Line at 301- 279-3673, or check the MCPS website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org. Subscribe to MCPS QuickNotes for weather-related email messages.

You may also sign up for SMS text and email messages with AlertMCPS. Twitter updates can be accessed at twitter.com/mcps. The school will also post information on somerset.net listserv. For delayed opening or emergency closing information for Wonders Somerset, call Wonders at 301-656-4270. Departure from School

Students are dismissed at 3:05 pm, and should leave school promptly at that time. Students enrolled in the Wonders ChildCare or After School programs, or attending a Somerset academic club or activity, will meet at their designated locations. If a student is to be picked up by someone other than their parent or guardian, the school must have written authorization from the parent or guardian.

Discipline

Copies of Somerset's discipline policy are available in the school office or the Somerset Elementary website.

A county ordinance prohibits dogs from being on school grounds while school is open. If you walk to school with your dog, please do not bring him or her on school grounds. If you decide to walk your dog on school grounds outside of school hours, please be courteous and pick up after your pet at all times.

Early Dismissal

A student who needs to be dismissed early for any reason must bring an explanatory note. No student will be dismissed during school hours to anyone other than his or her parent(s) without written permission. Students are to be picked up at the office. A parent or guardian must provide requested information on the sign-out log located on the office counter.

Early Release Day: Half Days for All Students

There are several half-days during the year when all students are dismissed at 12:35 pm (see School Calendar). Many are Teacher Professional Days, when the Board of Education holds workshops for teachers. Teacher conferences with parents are also scheduled on half-days. Wonders ChildCare is open to students enrolled in the After-School program.

Enrollment Entrance Requirements Students who are five years old before September 1st are eligible to attend kindergarten that year. In order to register your student, you must present a completed registration form, birth certificate or passport, current rental lease, property tax bill or utility bill, and a completed immunization and health inventory. Detailed information can be found on the MCPS website under Getting Started in the Parents section.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Somerset holds special classes during the school day for students who cannot understand, speak, read or write English well enough to follow regular classroom instruction. This special help continues until the student knows enough of the language to learn within the regular classroom.

Field Day

In late spring, grades K-5 have a full day or half day (depending on grade level) of games and sports organized by the physical education teacher with the help of other staff members and parent volunteers. This yearly event is usually held at Norwood Park for grades 1-5. A Field Day for Kindergarteners is held on the school grounds.

Financial Help

Families with limited incomes may apply to the Board of Education for free or reduced cost breakfasts and lunches. An application form is sent home with all students at the start of each year. You also can apply in confidence to the principal for help towards the cost of field trips. Limited scholarships also are available for After School Program classes. No student need miss class outings because of a limited family budget.

Foundation

The Somerset Elementary School Educational Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization created by committed parents, staff and community leaders to enrich the learning experience of our children at Somerset, and to reach out to the wider community. The Foundation solicits funds from Somerset ES families to support initiatives that improve the educational resources available to students in a way that is consistent with the policies of Montgomery County Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the school's administration and the PTA to identify priorities. To learn more about the foundation or to get involved, please contact Elisabeth Smith [email protected], or Somerset Elementary School Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 30764, Bethesda, MD 20824-0764.

Guidance Counselor

Somerset's counselor works with school staff, helping students resolve problems or concerns that may affect their school performance. Students may refer themselves or be referred by teachers or parents. They see the counselor individually or in small groups. The counselor also works with an entire class to address problems such as teasing, fighting, and other social difficulties.

Halloween Parade

Halloween is celebrated with gusto at Somerset, at the end of October. On this occasion the students (and some teachers and parents) don costumes at school and hold a grand march around the neighborhood in the afternoon. In recent years we have combined the parade with the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless to raise money and awareness of homelessness in our community. Each classroom then holds a Halloween-themed celebration.

Illness and Medication

A school nurse or health technician works in Somerset's Health Room five days a week. Should a student be injured or become ill during the school day, the office will notify the parents at once. The student will rest until parents arrive. If neither parent can be reached, the school will call the alternate person specified on the student's enrollment card. The school is not authorized to give any medicine without a form signed by a doctor. These forms are available in the school office. MCPS policy requires all medication must be delivered to school by an adult and in the original container. School-held medicines are only available during regular school hours of 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Instrumental Music

Students in grades 4 and 5 are eligible to learn and perform instrumental music during the school day. Instruction is free, but students must provide instruments. Rentals are available from local music stores. Limited scholarships are available for rentals for qualified students.

Internet – also see Web Sites The Montgomery County Public School system (MCPS) website is www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org, Somerset Elementary’s website is www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/somersetes, and the Somerset PTA website is located at www.somersetpta.org.

Kindergarten Orientation

An open house for prospective kindergarten students is held in early spring. Parents may register their students for school and learn more about the school and curriculum while the students visit kindergarten classes and meet their prospective teachers.

MCPS has adopted a No-Nit policy. This means that a student will be sent home from school if lice or lice eggs (nits) are detected on the hair or scalp. The student will be re-admitted to school only after treatment has been administered and all visible eggs have been removed. The PTA is committed to educating parents about the lice policy and helping families whose students have lice.

Lost and Found

All items found in the building and on the grounds are placed in the Lost and Found. Please reclaim any lost items as soon as possible. Any unclaimed items are given to charitable organizations at the end of each term. Identification is easier if all personal items are clearly marked. Contact the school office for the Lost and Found location. Valuables such as jewelry or watches are kept in the office.

Students can bring lunch from home or purchase meals at the cafeteria. The daily cost of meals is as follows:

Breakfast $ 1.30 (reduced $0.30 or no cost)

Lunch $ 2.50 (reduced $0.40 or no cost)

Milk $ 0 .60

Snacks cost varies depending upon the item Payment is made in exact change or through a lunch account plan. To set up a lunch account, students can bring a check for any amount, made payable to the ‘Somerset Cafeteria’, to the Cafeteria Manager at any time. The Cafeteria Manager will deposit the funds into the student's individual account.

Each student is given a PIN (Personal Identification Number), which is keyed in each time the student purchases food from the cafeteria. Notices are sent home when a student's account balance is low. Any funds in a student's account at the end of the school year are carried over to the next school year. No refunds are given. You can also use myLunchMoney.com, an online service to make prepayments to your child’s cafeteria account via the Internet with a credit or debit card. MyLunchMoney.com also allows you to monitor the purchases your child makes and allows you to block specified items from being purchased.

Media Center

Somerset's Media Center supports the instructional needs of the students and staff and provides an environment that promotes an appreciation for literature and reading. The Media Center has more than 8,500 print and non-print resources including books, magazines, CD- ROMs, and videos. It operates on an open and flexible schedule. Students may come individually with a pass, in small groups to do research, or in whole classes for research and instruction in information seeking strategies. Students learn how to use the Research Learning Hub (seven networked PCs) to search the Patron's catalog and use electronic encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, and a full-text periodical index (SIRS Discoverer). Contact the Media Center at 301-941-2453 with any questions.

NAACP Parents' Council Representative

The Parents' Council of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People seeks to empower parents and guardians of African-American and other minority students enrolled in MCPS who share the goal of equal education for all students. The Parents' Council is composed of representatives from each school. The Council meets monthly throughout the calendar year to share information that parents can use to enhance their student's chances of success. The phone number for the Council's office is 301-657-2062. Mrs. Melissa Hopkins, Ms. Cori Daniel and Ms. Chana Brissett are Somerset’s NAACP Parents’ Council Representative.

New and International Families

See Somerset Connections Committee

Open House Held on Columbus Day every year, this event gives parents a chance to visit classes to see their student's classroom in action.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Every March, the Executive Board appoints a Nominating Committee to choose a slate of candidates for the PTA. The PTA invites nominations of members to serve as next year's executive officers. Officers are elected at the May PTA meeting. The new officers then invite interested parents to chair PTA committees and activities for the following year. More than 50 parents chair the PTA standing committees.

The PTA has elected to make all members of our community members of the PTA. However, the PTA still relies on your contributions for teacher stipends and activities. The PTA suggests a contribution of $50 per family. Room parents collect funds and accept donations at Back to School Night and throughout the year. Contributions may also be made online when verifying information for the directory, or at www.somersetpta.com. Meetings are held throughout the school year and are announced in the TIN. Agendas and reports from the PTA co-presidents, Kristen Khanna and Beneva Schulte, are published in the TIN prior to the meetings.

Playdates

Arrangements for playdates must be made at home. If your student rides a school bus, a note should be given to their teacher indicating the change in dismissal arrangements.

Playground

Students may play on school grounds only with adult supervision. There is no supervision on the playground prior to 8:30 am or after 3:05 pm, unless your student is enrolled in Wonders ChildCare or After School Program.

Report Cards

Kindergartners receive a checklist report in January and June. Grades 1 - 5 receive report cards in November, February, April and June. Teachers may send written notices or make calls regarding possible low scores to parents by the end of the sixth week in each nine-week grading period.

Retention A parent conference will be scheduled at least a month before the end of the school year if there is a possibility that a student cannot be promoted.

Room Parents

Room parents work with the teacher to identify specific tasks that need to be performed throughout the year and then recruit other parents to help with these tasks. Examples include arranging class parties, chaperoning field trips, and helping with classroom and PTA projects. In addition to providing classroom help, room parents act as Community of Caring representatives and first contacts for new families. To volunteer, contact the Room Parent Coordinator.

School Closing: Emergency – see Delayed Opening and Emergency Closing

School Picnic

The school picnic is held in September. Families may bring a picnic dinner or enjoy pizza or other offerings from several community vendors. Teachers, students, siblings and families all enjoy the relaxed time together to celebrate the kick-off of the school year.

School Photographs

A professional photographer takes individual photos of students in the Fall. Class and individual photos are taken in the Spring.

School Play

Somerset's annual school play is coordinated by a team of parent and community volunteers and typically directed by a theater professional. The play gives students the chance to appear on stage and to be involved in other aspects of the production. This serves to increase students' skills, confidences and appreciation of theater. The play also provides an opportunity for students and parents to get to know each other across grade levels by working together on a common project. Performances are usually held in early spring.

Share Our Diversity Night

This evening is a chance to share the wealth of cultural diversity that our students and their families bring to Somerset. There are numerous exhibits displaying the homelands of or places of interest to Somerset students, international foods to sample, and a musical performance of songs from around the world that is directed by Somerset's music teacher. Share Our Diversity Night is usually held in May.

Sneak Peek

Traditionally held the weekday preceding the start of school, this event allows students to visit their classrooms and meet their new teachers.

Somerset Connections Committee

The Somerset Connection Committee (formerly the New and International Families group) welcomes all families – new, international and old – into our community with social events and support for finding whatever you need whether it is a Girls Scout troop, a handyman, or a pediatrician. Their welcome coffees, cultural outings and other social gatherings continue to be a big hit. Other "get to know you" activities this year include the Fall Picnic, Community Playdates at Norwood Park, potluck dinners and Skate Night at Cabin John. Share Our Diversity Night is organized by the Committee and is held in May. It is a wonderful time to learn about all the cultures, languages and countries represented in our school (see Share Our Diversity Night).

Somerset Organized Service (S.O.S)

The Somerset Organized Service or S.O.S. is a service program for 5th graders. At the end of 4th grade, students are offered an opportunity to fill out an application listing their top priorities for service positions. The choices include announcers, greeters/assembly assistants, honor guard, kindergarten assistants, office assistants, patrols, and peer mediators. The students are selected for one of their priority choices. Through the program, 5th graders enhance their leadership and responsibility skills.

Special Needs

Parents with questions regarding special education issues should contact Special Education Teachers, or the chair of the PTA Special Needs Committee. The Special Education Teachers can be reached directly at 301-941-2444.

Staff Appreciation The commitment and excellence of our teachers and staff is the key to making Somerset an outstanding school. The PTA Staff Appreciation Committee recognizes the wonderful and important jobs of these professionals in several ways during the course of the year.

Strategic Action Committee (SAC)

Under guidance of the principal and teachers, the SAC determines the school's needs and priorities as they relate to goals of community-based, educational excellence. Interested parents and staff form working groups to implement plans and achieve goals. The committee is charged with requesting proposals from the community, reviewing proposals and make funding recommendations to the Foundation.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Somerset's student council consists of an elected president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and two representatives (one boy, one girl) from each class in grades 2 to 5. Students in those grades vote in the Fall after a lively election campaign that lasts for a week. The SGA council meets during school hours to discuss student concerns and ideas. The SGA also organizes school activities and collection drives to benefit student’s charities.

Suspension

As a last resort, the principal may suspend a student for up to ten days in cases of extreme misbehavior. A student with any kind of weapon must be suspended. This is a mandatory MCPS policy.

Tardiness

School begins at 8:45 am. All students arriving after 8:50 am will be considered tardy. A note of explanation and an adult should accompany the student when he or she arrives. All students who arrive after the 8:50 am bell rings must sign in at the office and receive an admit-to-class slip.

Teacher Conferences Conferences to discuss each student's progress are held every year in November. Sign up usually occurs at Back-to-School night. Teachers may also send home a letter suggesting a time and day. Conferences are with the teacher, but the principal can be present if requested. Additionally, the school emphasizes that you may arrange a meeting with the teacher or principal at any time about anything that concerns your student's wellbeing and education.

Technology Learning Center (TLC or Computer Lab) and Laptop Carts

Somerset's computer lab, the Technology Learning Center (TLC), has 30 computers. Recently, the Somerset Foundation purchased 30 computers on 3 mobile “carts”. Teachers can sign up to use the carts in their classrooms for research or writing projects. Everyone loves having this technology so readily available in the classroom. Students use the computers to develop proficiency in keyboarding, word processing, and to create multimedia projects to enhance study units. Visit the Somerset Web site to see some of the students’ work.

Telephones

Each classroom has a telephone, and a telephone for essential calls is available for students in the lobby, on the first floor. Students may use the office telephone in an emergency. Social arrangements should be made at home. Voice mail messages may be left for staff during the school day.

Testing – also see Accelerated and Enriched Programs

Students in 2nd grade are screened for “giftedness". The Maryland State Assessment (MSA) test is given to students in grades 3-5 each Spring. K-2 students are assessed in reading using the mClass three times a year. Grades 3-5 students take the MAP-R three times a year to assess their reading. Visit Testing Information in the Parents section at the MCPS website for more information.

Transfers and Withdrawals

In certain circumstances, parents may request the transfer of a student from one school to another. Forms are available in the office. The school should be notified promptly if a student must be withdrawn or transferred to another school. This policy applies for withdrawal during a school year, as well as at the end of the school year.

Tuesday is Newsday (TIN) In addition to the Somerset School Calendar and Directory, the PTA publishes a weekly news bulletin called Tuesday is Newsday (TIN). Distributed by email on Tuesdays, the TIN contains important announcements and useful reminders of upcoming events. News and information for publication may be submitted by email to: [email protected]. Sign up to receive the TIN electronically by sending your email address to [email protected].

Used Book Sale and Bake Sale

Somerset students collect books from their homes and community to be sold at bargain prices during this annual two-day event. Prizes are given to the classes collecting the largest number of books. The Bake Sale, which is held in conjunction with the Used Book Sale, features a wide variety of homemade foods to sustain the book buyers, browsers and sellers.

Valentine's Day

On February 14 (or the school day before if this date falls on a weekend), students may bring Valentine cards to exchange with all of their classmates, and a class celebration may follow. Contact your room parents for details.

Weapons and Pocketknives

Students must not bring anything to school that may cause injury, or can be construed as a weapon, such as Swiss Army knives or small pocketknives, toy weapons or dangerous liquids. (Disciplinary action may be taken, including Suspension.)

Weather Contingency Plan

If school is closed for more than five days during the school year due to weather emergencies, the Weather Contingency Plan may be implemented and additional student instructional days may be added to the school year. Visit the MCPS website for schedule changes due to weather.

Websites for Somerset and the PTA – also see Internet

Somerset Elementary’s website is www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/somersetes.

Many of the programs used by the students in Computer Lab, such as Harcourt Math and online encyclopedias, are accessible through the Media Center link. The Classrooms link contains class projects for many of the classrooms, and is updated throughout the year. The Staff Directory link takes you to Somerset’s online telephone and email directory. The MCPS Home link at the bottom of the page takes you to the Montgomery County Public School website for comprehensive information. The PTA’s website is located at www.somersetpta.org.

Wonders at Somerset

Before and after school programs offers a place for students to learn, play and enjoy the supportive Wonders community. For information regarding before and after school ChildCare contact Ebony Ellis at 301-656-4270. Visit Wonders at Somerset online at www.wonderschildcare.org/programs/wow.php

Yearbook

Somerset's yearbook is published and available for purchase near the end of each year, with photos of all students and staff along with pictures of major school events.

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