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January 2016

Fort Garrison Elementary

School 3310 Woodvalley Drive

Baltimore, MD 21208

T: 410-887-1203 F: 410-887-1204

A MESSAGE FROM MRS. HARRIS

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all! The children

entered school on January 4th and quickly readjusted to their

school routines. The New Year provides us with an opportunity

to review and adjust our goals. I hope that 2016 brings all Fort

Garrison families good health and much happiness.

The end of the second marking period is quickly approaching

on January 15th. All students will receive their report cards on

Thursday, February 4th. First grade students will receive their first

report cards on this day.

The months between winter break and spring break provide the

longest uninterrupted time for instruction during the school year.

Please continue to monitor your children’s attendance, check

homework, review classroom performance, assist your child to

study for tests, and reinforce positive behavior.

The administration, faculty, and staff are working hard to

ensure that your children reach their greatest potential.

Together we can accomplish great things for all of the

students here at Fort Garrison. It is not very often that teachers

are recognized for their hard work, dedication, and success.

Parents stop me on a regular basis to share their appreciation

We Are TEAM Fort

Garrison!

Technology

Environment

Accessing Tomorrow

Motivated students &

teachers

Upcoming Events

January 15

Second Marking period ends

January 18

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday

Observed- Schools & Offices closed

January 19

Professional Development Day- Schools

closed for students

January 21

Spirit wear day

January 22

School Banking Day

January 27

Doughnuts with Dad

February 4

Distribution of report cards

Principal: Karen Harris

Assistant Principal: Anne Gorman

www.fortgarrisones.bcps.org

www.fortgarrisonpta.com

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of the fine teaching staff that works with their children. Please

take a few minutes to recognize the teachers at our school.

You can support this effort by nominating a teacher that has

shaped the life of your child and who, in your opinion,

represents the very best of the teaching profession. Each year,

the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce sponsors the

annual Awards for Excellence in Education program. This

recognition is a wonderful way to show your support for our

dedicated teachers and staff. A copy of the nomination form

is at the end of this newsletter. I greatly encourage you to

support this initiative to give our wonderful teachers the

recognition they deserve!

PRIVATE SCHOOL APPLICATIONS

When applying to private schools, please submit the entire packet that you received from the private school

to Mrs. Mazurek in the front office. All Common Referral Forms will be distributed to your child’s teachers for

completion. There is a $5.00 fee per school assessed to cover transcript copying and postage. It is not necessary

for you to provide stamps. Transcripts will be sent to private schools after report cards were issued on November

15. Any question, contact Robin Mazurek 410-887-1203.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Our Kindergarten Registration will take place on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Children who will turn five on or

before September 1, 2016, are eligible to register for kindergarten. You will need to bring the following

documentation with you in order to complete the registration process:

1. Your child’s birth certificate

2. Your child’s immunization records

3. Your proof of residency, which may include a copy of your lease, your tax bill, or your mortgage coupon

book.

4. Three pieces of current mail with your current address (no junk mail)

5. Your photo ID showing current address.

If you know a family who has a child entering kindergarten who might not receive our newsletter, please

share this information with them.

EARLY ADMISSION INTO KINDERGARTEN

An early admission into kindergarten process is available for students demonstrating advanced learning

characteristics. Parents may request that their child be screened for early admission into kindergarten at Fort

Garrison if their child turns five (5) years of age after September 1, 2016, and no later than October 14, 2016.

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The parent must submit a written request for early admission to the principal no later than June 1, 2016. The

letter of request should include the following information: name of child, child’s date of birth, name, address

and phone number of parent, and reason for the request.

CONGRATULATIONS

Mrs. Grace Hulse our Art teacher received the National Art Education Association Eastern Region Elementary

Art award! Congratulations go out to her for this much deserved award!

WELCOME BABY DEMERS

Mrs. Demers, one of our kindergarten teachers, welcomed a baby boy on January 5th weighing in at 6lbs 2 oz.

Mom & baby are doing great and we wish them the best!

COPYING FEE

This is the time of the year when parents often request copies of student transcripts to

send with private school applications. To address the increasing cost of copying, paper,

and postage, parents will be assessed a $5.00 fee per school to cover these costs. It is not

necessary for you to send envelopes with postage. In addition, if you need duplicate copies

of any of your child’s documents that you have already received, there will be a copy fee assessed —

10ɇ per page with a minimum charge of $1.00. Please do not distribute any forms to your child’s teachers.

These forms need to come directly to Mrs. Mazurek in the front office.

THANK YOU

We want to thank Hot Spots after care for providing complimentary care for our young students during the

winter music concert in December!

COUNSELOR’S CORNER- MRS. LEPLEY

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone is off to a great start in the New Year!

During the month of January, students in all grades are working to

learn friendship and social skills. Be sure to ask your child about these

important lessons and reinforce the concepts that we are discussing in

class. The monthly character trait word that is being discussed at Fort

Garrison is TOLERANCE/ ACCEPTANCE. The College and Career Ready Skill is FLEXIBILITY. Students are hearing

about this important trait on the morning announcements, with our character crew, and in classroom lessons

so be sure to discuss this with your child.

I am working to plan a career day for our students this spring and would love to start compiling a list of

interested presenters. Parents, grandparents, and other relatives make great presenters for career day. The

purpose of this event is to expose our kids to as many different career choices as possible. Please contact

me using the email address below to get involved.

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As we get close to report card time, be sure to check BCPS ONE often to note your child’s progress. I am

working closely with students on some academic goals and often use data from this website to set goals

with students. The New Year is a great time to set new goals!

Kate Lepley

CLepley@bcps.org

January Character Trait:

Acceptance

What we teach at school: Acceptance means you accept differences. You do not expect others to think,

look, speak, or act just like you. Also, to be accepting means to deal with things that you wish were different

with flexibility and patience.

Acceptance is:

Understanding Differences

Making others feel included or welcome

Accepting others for who they are

How parents can help at home:

Discuss the importance of acceptance with your children. Read about people who have fought

for these values and who have made a difference such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson

Mandela, Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln.

Talk about how our differences make us all special and unique. Be a good example of treating

others how you would want to be treated.

Teach your child how to cope with challenging or frustrating situations. Talk openly about having

patience or being flexible when things did not go your way.

Consider this quote:

“We may have come here on different ships, but we are all in the same boat.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Quarter 1 Recognition Assembly

Character Trait Awards

Grade Teacher

Name Responsibility Respect

Thankfulness/

Good

Manners

Caring/

Generosity

K Cohen Bhavya R. Eshal A. Spencer R. Emily M.

K Demers Drew S. Eman A. Ethan G. Izzie U.

K Sullivan Mackenzie B. Hadia G. Brody E. Brandon R.

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1 Hoffman Tyler P. Colbi G. Emma D. Ethan F.

1 Varelli Casey R. Chloe T. Ian D. Andrew L.

1 Ashton Charlie Y. Sophia F. Brian P. Maddie F.

2 Crain Ben R. Lindsay S. Charlie L. Ryan K.

2 McGivney Lia B. Adam M. Madison S. Spencer B.

3 Kilmer Samara B. Greg M. Madison D. Izzy A.

3 Kim Marios K. Hunter P. Morgan R. Maya V.

3 Nolan Hannah K. Noah C. Mason T. Lauren S.

4 Sanders Max G. Rachel P. Noah G. Sophia K.

4 Kovatch Jacob C. Gabby B. Nick D. Lilly R.

4 Levine Jane Z. Andrew F. Anne C. Peter H.

5 Shaw Baba O. Braden K. Mylah M. Emma S.

5 Wolfe Sarah L. Rachael B. Dylan R. Simon B.

5 Strohman Ella F. Nathan R. Ben R. Laila J.

Attendance Awards

Kindergarten Perfect Attendance-

Eman A.

Neil B.

Ryan B.

Mackenzie B.

Aaron B.

Samantha B.

Elaine C.

Brody E.

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Bhavya R.

Rafe R.

Caroline R.

Drew S.

Jett V.

Mia W.

Meghan Z.

Kindergarten Nearly Perfect Attendance:

Brandon B.

Tashae C.

Max H.

Bailey K.

Alex K.

Sam L.

Kate L.

Zachary S.

Benjamin S.

Wynter S.

Marco T.

Xavier V.

Sophie Y.

1st grade Perfect Attendance:

Samuel B.

Ian D.

Emma D.

Eva F.

Abigail G.

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Colbi G.

Benjamin K.

Ethan R.

Casey R.

Sophia S.

Mya T.

Hannah W.

1st Grade Nearly Perfect Attendance:

Meital A.

Wooree B.

Christian B.

Remy C.

Elise E.

Madilyn F.

Sophia F.

Julia G.

Jace K.

Hannah L.

Grant L.

Alexis M.

Ariel M.

Bogdan M.

Sophie N.

Brian P.

Brenden P.

Jonathan P.

Renxian S.W.

Charlie Y.

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2nd Grade Perfect Attendance:

McKenzie B.

Ben R.

Ben S.

2nd grade Nearly Perfect Attendance:

Nathan A.

Evangelia A.

Lia B.

Spencer B.

Spencer E.

Ethan G.

Samuel L.

Savannah R.

Lindsay S.

Jeremiah S.

3rd Grade Perfect Attendance:

Christopher B.

Evan D.

Taylor G.

Mikhail K.

Hannah K.

Ololade L.

Gregory M.

Aiden M.

Evan M.

Jack M.

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Paola M.

Erin N.

Lindsay N.

Ezra P.

Marissa P.

Morgan R.

Camryn R.

Daniel S.

Michael S.

Max S.

Zachary S.

Alexandra S.

Andrew S.

Mason T.

Covy W.

Brooke Z.

3rd Grade Nearly Perfect Attendance

Evan A.

Isabel A.

Samantha B.

Lillian B.

Samara B.

Jordan C.

Noah C.

Madison D.

Sascha F.

Max F.

Sarah F.

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Jonah H.

Joey H.

Benjamin K.

Marios K.

Tyler M.

Garrett M.S.

Yaroslav M.

Ryan S.

Ewan S.

Jack U.

Jared W.

Rowen W.

Noah Z.

4th Grade Perfect Attendance:

Angel A.

Yetunde B.

Blake B.

Gabriella B.

Taylor B.

Tyler B.

Nicholas D.F.

Brooke D.

Alexandra E.

Mason F.C.

Noah G.

Maxwell G.

Hannah H.

Grace J.

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Lauren J.

Hannah K.

Hannah K.

Isabella K.

Jaclyn K.

Kiah N.

Rachel P.

Caleb R.

Drew R.

Kiran S.W.

Elan V.

Anna Y.

Diana Y.

4th Grade Nearly Perfect Attendance:

Eleni A.

Darryl A.

Ayala A.

Ethan A.

Anne C.

Jacob C.

Asher F.

Joshua G.

Bryce H.

Peter H.

Gabriella J.

Carsyn L.

Jadyn N.

Sofia N.

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Anu N.

Merrick P.

Melany Y.

5th Grade Perfect Attendance:

Simon B.

Owen B.

Jake C.

Olivia D.

William D.F.

Vaughn E.

Rebecca F.

Steven F.

Gabriella G.

Julia G.

Rachel G.

Madison G.

Sarah K.

Sarah L.

Ella N.

Baba O.

Samuel P.

Dylan R.

Nathan R.

Navarro R.

Sam S.

Alyssa S.

Elizabeth S.

Benjamin T.

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Nathan T.

Brandon Z.

5th Grade Nearly Perfect Attendance:

Ashanti A.

Connor A.

Hunter A.

FROM THE NURSE- MRS. LOPER

Nosebleeds and other Dry Winter Air Distractions

Winter is here and the very cold air creates some difficulties for our students. The very dry air

causes many students to experience bloody noses, dry throats, chapped lips, and itchy skin.

These things are both uncomfortable and distracting for the students.

Using a humidifier in the bedroom at night can be very helpful in reducing these

symptoms, as well as the use of body lotion and chapstick (No doctor’s order needed!). If

your child tends to have recurring nose bleeds, review with them the need to apply

constant pressure for 5 full minutes, pinching the nose between the thumb and index

finger, in order to stop the bleeding. It can also be helpful for children with frequent nosebleeds to keep a

change of clothes in their locker (all children should keep a change of clothes in their locker!). I find students

who know how to handle their nosebleeds, and know they can change into their own clothes if needed, are

much less upset or frightened by the bleeding.

Flu and Illness

Also, Flu season is upon us, so in addition to getting your family immunized and keeping

their immune system strong with adequate sleep and nutrition, here are just a few

reminders below.

Remember that any medication needed on a regular basis requires a Doctor Order Form and a

supply of the medication, even over the counter medications. The Discretionary Consent form

allows me to give Tylenol and cough drops for the occasional headache or cough, in keeping

with the protocols. Students are not allowed to carry medication; it must be provided adult to

adult. You may send in cough drops with a note if you have already given permission on the

Discretionary Consent form, but they must be accompanied by a note from you, and go directly to be

stored in the health suite.

Vigilant Habits that Help

Be sure to review hand washing with your children, especially related to before and after eating, and after

using the bathroom. Remind them to use tissues for sneezing and coughing, washing their hands afterwards,

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and to use their arm if there are no tissues nearby. Remember that students need to be free of fever

(temperature 100 F or above), vomiting, or diarrhea, for 24 hrs. before returning to school. Most of you have

been wonderful in responding to my calls quickly. Thank you for that attentiveness, for your child’s sake, as

well as the positive impact of reducing illness transmission in the school.

Head lice continue to plague us off and on, with a few cases at all grade levels. Many of you are vigilant in

checking your student’s heads at least once a week, looking for those tiny glued-to-the-hair-shaft white

ovals that are nits – the eggs of lice. Although lice do no harm, they are distracting with the itchiness, and

certainly a tremendous amount of work to eradicate. Therefore I ask that all parents join in the vigilant head

checking.

Alisa Loper, RN, BSN

School Nurse

PE NEWS & NOTES- MRS. GRAPES

Our 5th grade students will be participating in the ballroom dance program during the week of Jan. 11-15.

The parents of the 5th graders are invited to attend their final performance on Friday, January 15th at 10:25.

Students are asked to dress up for their final performance. We look forward to seeing the progress all the

students make!

Students in 4th and 5th grade will be finishing up their Fitnessgram testing and they will receive their results with

their 3rd marking period report cards. I have been very pleased with the student’s efforts during these tests

and enjoy watching them push themselves harder than some of them thought they could. Also the support

and encouragement the students have been giving each other is also commendable. Keep up the great

work 4th and 5th graders!

Jump Rope and Hoops For Heart is here! If you haven’t already, please register for our school team at

www.heart.org/jump or www.heart.org/hoops by searching Jump/Hoops in the app store on your mobile

device. Our students are learning all about what they can do to keep their hearts healthy, and how they

can help others by collecting donations for the American Heart Association. We are a healthy and service-

minded community! Our school raised over $13,000 last year and we are hoping to meet or exceed this

amount this year. Students will bring home information during the first week of January and the event will be

held during the first week in February. Please contact me at bgrapes@bcps.org if you have any questions.

Beth Grapes

Fort Garrison Elementary

Physical Education Teacher

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT MRS. CASE & MR. STOJAK

Thank you to the families of Fourth and Fifth Grade students for your strong support of our first concert

of the year in December. We were very proud of the students and their efforts and hope it was a fun evening

for you, as well!

Students in Third Grade who purchased recorders through the school received them the first week of

January. These AND the children who are using a recorder they already owned MUST bring their recorders

to Vocal Music Class every week, including on rotating Wednesdays. I ask that students keep their recorders

in their backpack so that they can be used in class and at home for practice. Thanks!

Students in First and Second Grade will perform a musical entitled, Hats! on January 26th at 7:00.

Report time is between 6:30 and 6:45. Speaking parts have been assigned to many students in Second

Grade. They should be practicing them at home several times per week.

Students participating in Recorder Ensemble have rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at

8:20. In the event of a 1-hour delay, rehearsal will be at 9:20. In the event of a 2-hour delay, rehearsal will be

at 10:20.

Instrumental music lessons are in full swing following our first successful performance. Please help

your student remember their instrument and check with them to see which day of the week (Tuesday,

Wednesday, or Friday) their lesson will occur.

Happy New Year!

BANKING

We have a date change for January so please take note of that change below. Our banking program is in

full swing and we are always looking to open new accounts. Please see Mrs. Grapes to get an application.

Please bring your deposits to the lobby in the morning between 9:05-9:20 on the upcoming banking dates:

Jan. 22nd (changed from 1/15) Feb. 19th March 18th April 15th

DOUGHNUTS WITH DAD

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

8:30 A.M.-9:00 A.M. Bring a blanket and some books!

Fort Garrison Elementary School Cafeteria

Who: All students at Fort Garrison and their Fathers or Male Role Models

What: Bring a blanket and some books to read with your dad while you eat a doughnut

When: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 8:30 A.M.

Where: School Cafeteria

Why: It's always fun to read with your dad and share a doughnut together

Please RSVP to Stacy Crain @ scrain@bcps.org

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ABSENCE NOTES

Please send in a note to inform the school of the reason that your child is absent. The reason for the absence

is noted on the students’ attendance records. When notes are not received, the absence is considered

unexcused. Your assistance with this important procedure would be greatly appreciated.

CAFETERIA MONEY

When sending money into school to be placed on your children’s lunch accounts,

please make sure the envelopes indicate your children’s names. At times, we

receive envelopes containing checks that are merely labeled cafeteria. If you are

sending in one check or one sum of cash that is to be divided between two or more

children, please clearly explain how the money is to be divided among the children. You

can also add money to their accounts using the following website. The money is automatically added to

your child’s account. https://www.mylunchmoney.com

WEATHER INFORMATION

With the arrival of colder weather and the chance for inclement weather, parents may find the following

resources helpful in determining if and when schools are closing early. To hear the latest information about

weather related delays or closings, please call Baltimore County Public Schools at 410-887-5555 at any time.

Please do not call the school office with questions related to weather or school closings. In addition,

information about school closings, weather related closings, school policies, and current events may be

obtained by visiting the Baltimore County Public Schools website at www.bcps.org. Parents are also

encouraged to sign up for email notification through www.schoolsout.com.

HOT SPOTS

Are you looking for extended learning FUN, socialization, and STEM activities before or after school during?

Gym/ Yoga?

Late work Meetings?

Professional Development Early Dismissals?

January-June enrollment is OPEN!!

Choose from:

AM Only, PM Only, Part Time or Full Time Schedules, Drop-In

Call to schedule a tour: 410-937-7800

Or Enroll TODAY! www.HSECP.org

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FROM THE PTA

2/8 PTA Meeting at 6:30pm

Spirit: The next official Spirit Day is on Thursday, January 21. Show us your school pride by wearing

your Fort Garrison gear/ or school colors (Red and White) on that day.

Contest #3 Box Tops & Labels for Education: The second Box Tops & Labels for Education contest

ended December 11th. The results are as follows:

3rd place goes to Ms. Hoffman's 1st grade class with a total of 166

2nd place goes to Ms. Sanders' 4th grade class with a total of 264

1st place goes to Ms. Cohen's 1st grade class with a total of 269.

Congratulations to Ms. Cohen's class! You won the pizza party!!!

The third Box Tops & Labels for Education contest started last Monday, January 4th and will end Friday,

February 19th. The winning class wins a popsicle party. Every single one counts. Thank you for supporting

our school!

Movie Night: Grades K through 2, save the date 3/18 for a fun, family event! Students will vote

on the movie soon, at school.

School Supplies: Stay tuned for information to order school supply kits for next school

year. All kits will include name brand school supplies and include everything the county

requires for each grade level. This is a service and not a fundraiser, so prices are very

competitive. Most classrooms use community supplies and all the kids end up sharing

supplies at tables. Save yourself time and order ahead to make the back to school

transition easy. All orders will be completed online. Kits will be delivered to your child's classroom before

back to school night in August.

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