LAST WEEK- SALE ENDS TODAY (Monday)!: The PTA is selling Glen Haven Eagles T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, hats and bags! We have clothes in kids and adult sizes! Check out our online store. (TIP: Click on the square to the left of the quantity number to change the color of the t-shirt/sweatshirt/hat/bag, etc) Show your Glen Haven spirit!

We are looking for parents to volunteer for Glen Haven’s 2016 STEAM Day celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math on March 23 from 1:30-3:50. Good news: you don’t have to be an expert in any of these fields – just willing to help the teachers. To sign up, contact Mary Elliot at larselliot@gmail.com or by text 703-298-5674. Head here for more info.

Do you have an incoming Kindergartener? Or know someone who does? Orientation will be held May 12 & 13 from 9:45-3:15. Please call the main office to set up an appointment 301-649-8051

This Week:

March 11 – Merienda. On the second Friday of the month, Dr. Ennis invites parents into the school to meet and then head into the classrooms to read to their child’s class (or another class that could use a reader). This week, we will be joined by the Audubon Society! Dr. Ennis asks parents to arrive at 9:15 for a meet/greet and everyone will head to the classrooms at 9:48 for a dance party. Interested in joining the fun? Contact Mrs. Jen Lucina at Jennifer_M_Lucina@mcpsmd.org

A Look Ahead

March 14 – Pre-K/Head Start Registration begins. If you (or someone you know) wants to register for pre-K or Head Start, you can do so starting March 14. Children myst be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016, and families must be income eligible to apply. Head here for more info.
March 23 – Career Day/STEAM DAY – a Day Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math!
March 23 – Academic Night! 6-8 pm
March 24 – NO SCHOOL
March 25 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break!!!

Community Events/Other News

Make Your Voice Heard! The County Executive is expected to release his FY2017 operating budget by March 15. Ensure your voice is heard. Visit the budget webpage to learn how you can get involved and advocate.

Board of Ed President Michael Durso issued a call to action to all parents to get involved in the budget process. Here is his blog post.

The MCPS’s 2015 annual report is out. Check it out here.

Would you like your child to become more familiar with taking the PARCC exams? Register for Saturday School – beginning March 12. Learn more here.

Did you know that Glen Haven ES will have a yearbook (40 pages, hard cover!) this year? You can buy yours for $22 by cash, check or online (https://ybpay.lifetouch.com job #: 2943916) Do you have a local business and want to support our school with an ad? Or are you a parent/grandparent who wants to wish your child good luck in year ahead/congrats on a great year? Buy an ad: Full Page ($60); ½ page ($30) and ¼ page ($15)

Planning Board Opening: The County Council is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the county planning board. Applications are due April 20. Members serve 4-year terms. No more that 3 members of the board may be from the same political party and the board already has three Dems. So, this position must be filled by a registered Republican, a voter not affiliated with a political party, or a member of another party official recognized by the county Board of Elections.

More Facebook fun: (Are you following us?) Check out a video from MCPSTV about Glen Haven’s Second Cup of Coffee/Principal’s Book of the Month Club. Here’s the English version and here’s the Spanish version. Kudos to the kids who did a fantastic job explaining what the day was about!

The PTA is selling Glen Haven Eagles T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, hats and bags! We have clothes in kids and adult sizes! Check out our online store here: http://advancedspiritwear.com/glenhaven (TIP: Click on the square to the left of the quantity number to change the color of the t-shirt/sweatshirt/hat/bag, etc) Show your Glen Haven spirit!

We are looking for parents to volunteer for Glen Haven’s 2016 STEAM Day celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math on March 23 from 1:30-3:50. Good news: you don’t have to be an expert in any of these fields – just willing to help the teachers. To sign up, contact Mary Elliot at larselliot@gmail.com or by text 703-298-5674. Head here for more info.

This Week:

March 1 – PTA Information Session! Enjoy free pizza & socializing from 6:30-7. The meeting will run from 7-8. Our guest speaker will be Dana Sheets, and we will be discussing out to build our community and opportunities to help our school. Free child care will be provided.

A Look Ahead

March 11 – Merienda. On the second Friday of the month, Dr. Ennis invites parents into the school to meet and then head into the classrooms to read to their child’s class (or another class that could use a reader). Dr. Ennis asks parents to arrive at 9:15 for a meet/greet and everyone will head to the classrooms at 9:48 for a dance party. Interested in joining the fun? Contact Mrs. Jen Lucina at Jennifer_M_Lucina@mcpsmd.org
March 23 – Career Day/STEAM DAY – a Day Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math!
March 23 – Academic Night! 6-8 pm
March 24 – NO SCHOOL
March 25 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break!!!

Community Events/Other News

Do you have an incoming Kindergartener? Or know someone who does? Orientation will be held May 12 & 13 from 9:45-3:15. Please call the main office to set up an appointment 301-649-8051

Did you know that Glen Haven ES will have a yearbook (40 pages, hard cover!) this year? You can buy yours for $22 by cash, check or online (http://ybpay.lifetouch.com job #: 2943916) Do you have a local business and want to support our school with an ad? Or are you a parent/grandparent who wants to wish your child good luck in year ahead/congrats on a great year? Buy an ad: Full Page ($60); ½ page ($30) and ¼ page ($15)

The Wheaton Library will be hosting a celebration to honor their closing on March 13 from 5-6 at the library.

Are you following the Glen Haven PTA on Facebook? Like us and check out recent pics from our Wendy’s Night out!

Show your Glen Haven spirit! The PTA is selling Glen Haven Eagles T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, hats and bags!  We have clothes in kids and adult sizes!  Check out our online store here: http://advancedspiritwear.com/glenhaven (TIP: Click on the square to the left of the quantity number to change the color of the t-shirt/sweatshirt/hat/bag, etc)

Mark your Calendars for Glen Haven Elementary’s 2016 STEAM Day Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math – March 23 from 1:30-3:50.  We need parent volunteers to help in the classroom. (You DO NOT need to be a scientist/tech whiz/engineer/artist/mathematician to volunteer. Volunteers assist teachers in the classrooms.) To sign up, contact Mary Elliot at larselliot@gmail.com or by text 703-298-5674.  Head here for more info.

Plan on attending our March 1 PTA Information Session! We’ll be discussing how to build our community and help our school with Guest Speaker Dana Sheets.

This Week:

• Feb. 24 – Keep an eye out! 3^rd Quarter interim reports will be sent home with students
• Feb. 26 – Early release!

A Look Ahead

• March 1 – PTA Information Session!  Enjoy free pizza & socializing from 6:30-7.  The meeting will run from 7-8. Our guest speaker will be Dana Sheets, and we will be discussing out to build our community and opportunities to help our school. Free child care will be provided.
• March 11 – Merienda.  On the second Friday of the month, Dr. Ennis invites parents into the school to meet and then head into the classrooms to read to their child’s class (or another class that could use a reader).  Dr. Ennis asks parents to arrive at 9:15 for a meet/greet and everyone will head to the classrooms at 9:48 for a dance party.  Interested in joining the fun? Contact Mrs. Jen Lucina at Jennifer_M_Lucina@mcpsmd.org
• March 23 – Career Day/STEAM DAY – a Day Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math!
• March 23 – Academic Night! 6-8 pm

Community Events/Other News

• The Wheaton Library and Bookstore will be closing (for good) on March 13 at 5 p.m. Head here for an update on the construction project.
• Big news for anyone who drives up and down Dennis Ave. The Dennis Avenue Health Center will be moving to its newly constructed building on March 5.
• Show of hands – who’s commute has been disrupted by potholes? If you are like me and drive up 16^th St., you’re probably lucky to still have all four tires. If you are reporting potholes in MoCo, here’s the link. If you are reporting potholes in the District, here’s the link.  (You can also call 311)
• DTSS is getting a bike lane that will run on Spring and Cedar Streets. Learn more here.

Are you following the Glen Haven PTA on Facebook? Like us and check out recent pics from the Principal’s Book of the Month club!

THIS FRIDAY! Eat out at Wendy’s and support the Glen Haven PTA! Join us on FRIDAY, Feb. 19 at the Wendy’s in Downtown Wheaton where a portion of the night’s sales will go to our PTA. Drive through counts and you don’t have to bring a flyer with you. (Wendy’s has healthy options too!)

Have you been collecting BoxTops? Remember to send them in. Not familiar with boxtops? You can learn more here. You can find box tops on hundreds of items, including Annie’s Mac & Cheese, Cheerios, Ziploc bags, and Nature Valley Granola bars.

Mark your Calendars for Glen Haven Elementary’s 2016 STEAM Day Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math – March 23 from 1:30-3:50. We need parent volunteers to help in the classroom. (You DO NOT need to be a scientist/tech whiz/engineer/artist/mathematician to volunteer. Volunteers assist teachers in the classrooms.) To sign up, contact Mary Elliot at larselliot@gmail.com or by text 703-298-5674. Head here for more info.

Did you know that Glen Haven ES will have a yearbook (40 pages, hard cover!) this year? You can buy yours for $22 by cash, check or online (ybpay.lifetouch.com job #: 2943916) Do you have a local business and want to support our school with an ad? Or are you a parent/grandparent who wants to wish your child good luck in year ahead/congrats on a great year? Buy an ad: Full Page ($60); ½ page ($30) and ¼ page ($15)

This Week:

* Feb. 15. NO SCHOOL. President’s Day.
* Feb. 19 Eat out at Wendy’s and support the Glen Haven PTA! Join us on Feb. 19 at the Wendy’s in Downtown Wheaton where a portion of the night’s sales will go to our PTA. Drive through counts and you don’t have to bring a flyer with you. (Wendy’s has healthy options too!)
* Feb. 19 Drama Club Carnival. Come to the carnival after eating out at Wendy’s! 6:30-8:30 Support the Drama Club while playing games and winning prizes! $1 admission; tickets cost 25 cents each (The cost of games and food will vary) Cash only.

A Look Ahead

* Feb. 24 – Keep an eye out! 3rd Quarter interim reports will be sent home with students
* Feb. 26 – Early release!
* March 1 – Mark your calendar! PTA Meeting

Community Events/Other News

* The Board of Education approved a $2.5 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. The request includes a $180.2 million increase from FY 2016, which will allow the district to “make targeted investments to close the achievement gap; improve students’ literacy and math skills; reduce class sizes; foster stronger partnerships with the community and families to support students; and accelerate efforts to improve and diversify the workforce.”
* The County asked Gov. Hogan for additional funding for our growing school system. Check out their letter here.
* Support the Wheaton Rescue Squad by attending their 2nd Annual Shrimp & Oyster feast on Sun., March 6 from 1-5. Tix cost $45 and include all the steamed shrimp, fried oysters, raw oysters, spiral sliced ham, sides, beer, and sodas you care of have. http://alumni.wvrs.org/shrimpandoyster.html

REMINDER: The PTA Information Session will be held Tuesday, Feb. 2.

A quick reminder to shovel your sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowstorm. (It’s the law!) Let’s work together to keep our children safe as they walk to school. If you have a neighbor who needs help shoveling their sidewalk, you can role model community service to your kids and bring them along to help out.

You can still sign up for Big Learning Foreign Language

Introductory Spanish (K-1), Tuesdays starting 2/9, 4-5 PM
Beginning Spanish (2-5), Thursdays starting 2/11, 4-5 PM
$154 for 12 weeks – a special lower Title I rate of just $12.83 per class
Sign up at http://www.biglearning.org/fles

Are you interested in helping out or donating items to the Chili Lunch for staff? Fill out this form to sign up.

This Week

* Feb. 2 PTA Information Session Free food/socializing from 6:30-7; meeting from 7-8. Free childcare will be provided.

A Look Ahead

* Feb. 12: Valentine’s Day class parties. Has your December holiday chocolate/candy run out? Good thing Valentine’s Day is around the corner! Please fill out the forms sent home before the storm!
* Feb. 12: Principal’s Book of the Month Club/Merienda. What’s this? On the second Friday of the month, Dr. Ennis invites parents into the school to meet and then head into the classrooms to read to their child’s class (or another class that could use a reader). Dr. Ennis asks parents to arrive at 9:15 for a meet/greet and everyone will head to the classrooms at 9:50. Interested? Contact Mrs. Jen Lucina at Jennifer_M_Lucina@mcpsmd.org
* Feb. 15. NO SCHOOL. President’s Day.

Community Events/Other News

* Because of the recent blizzard, the PARCC night for parents that was scheduled for TONIGHT has been cancelled. Instead, MCPS will present a webinar on Feb. 10 from 7-8. More info to come.
* Interact Story Theatre presents One Gold Coin – Una Modeda de oro! A bilingual play about a healer coming to a poor village with a mysterious gold coin. Check it out on Feb. 13 from 11-12:30 at the Wheaton Library.
* NOAA open house! Meet & talk to scientists, weather forecasters, hurricane hunters…. The FREE Open House runs from 9-4 on Saturday, Feb. 6. Head here for more info.

It looks like snow is headed our way (although it’s not clear whether school will be disrupted.) Hopefully everyone knows where to look to get the latest news on whether school is cancelled, but just in case, here’s a run-down.

* Subscribe to QuickNotes (email): http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/quicknotes/subscribe/
* Get text alerts: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/alertmcps.aspx
* Follow MCPS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcps
* Call: 301-279-3673 for recorded emergency information
* Watch local news/listen to NPR or WTOP for announcements

A quick reminder to shovel your sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowstorm. (It’s the law!) Let’s work together to keep our children safe as they walk to school. If you have a neighbor who needs help shoveling their sidewalk, you can role model community service to your kids and bring them along to help out.

There’s still time to sign up for after school activities! Scroll down to the bottom for the full line up!

Monday: Basketball; Big Learning Science & Engineering
Tuesday: Karate (grades 2-5); Spanish (K-1)
Wednesday: Chinese (MORNINGS – 8 a.m.-9 a.m.); Audubon Nature Club (K-2)
Thursday: Karate (pre-K – 1st grade); Spanish (grades 2-5)
Friday: Soccer

What are you looking for from after school activities? Take our survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPZLKPD

This Week:

Jan. 18: NO SCHOOL. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 22: Drama Club Carnival. 6:30-8:30 Support the Drama Club while playing games and winning prizes! $1 admission; tickets cost 25 cents each (The cost of games and food will vary) Cash only.

A Look Ahead:
Jan. 25: NO SCHOOL. Professional Day for teachers
Jan. 30: Attention skaters! Join us at Wheaton Ice Arena on January 30 for a “Skate For Your School” event from 12:30-2:30. More info to come!
Feb. 2: PTA Information Session
Feb. 12: Valentine’s Day class parties. Has your December holiday chocolate/candy run out? Good thing Valentine’s Day is around the corner!
Feb. 12: Principal’s Book of the Month Club/Merienda. What’s this? On the second Friday of the month, Dr. Ennis invites parents into the school to meet and then head into the classrooms to read to their child’s class (or another class that could use a reader). Dr. Ennis asks parents to arrive at 9:15 for a meet/greet and everyone will head to the classrooms at 9:50. Interested? Contact Mrs. Jen Lucina at Jennifer_M_Lucina@mcpsmd.org

Community Events/Other News

* In a joint statement on the County Executive’s Capital Budget recommendation, the Board of Education President & MoCo Interim Superintendent said they were disappointed in the education budget and plan to work with the county council and state leaders to secure more funding for our schools.
* Wondering what’s been going on with PARCC recently? Here’s an update.
* County Exec Leggett will be hosting several forums to discuss the FY2017 operating budget: Jan. 20 at the Silver Spring Regional Services Center at One Veterans Place and Jan. 21 at the Mid-County Community Rec Center at 2004 Queensguard Rd.
* Does your child have a library card? MoCo Public Libraries and MCPS are teaming up to get the word out: every elementary school student should have their own library card. For more info, head here: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS!

Big Learning Science & Engineering
Do your kids like to build towers then destroy them? Would they like to design their own roller coaster or catapult? Then sign up now for Big Learning Science!
This winter the afterschool science classes focus on engineering. Grades K-2 will learn how to build tall towers, strong bridges, and much more. Grades 3-5 will find out about roller coasters, catapults, rockets, and other exciting projects.
Mondays starting 1/11 (8 weeks) YOU CAN STILL SIGN UP! **
$100 per child

Big Learning Introductory Spanish (K-1)
Tuesdays starting 2/2 (12 weeks)
$154 for 12 weeks – a special lower Title I rate of just $12.83 per class
Sign up at http://www.biglearning.org/fles

Big Learning Beginning Spanish (2-5)
Thursdays starting 2/4 (12 weeks)
$154 for 12 weeks – a special lower Title I rate of just $12.83 per class
Sign up at http://www.biglearning.org/fles

Big Learning Beginner Chinese (2-5)
Wednesday MORNING starting 2/3, from 8-9 AM (12 weeks)

A.S.K. Martial Arts
Tuesdays starting 1/19 for Grades 2-5 (9 weeks)
$89 per child
Belt test on 3/23
Thursdays starting 1/21 for Junior Dragons, Ages 4,5,6 (9 weeks)
$79 per child
Dragon test 3/10

Avanti Basketball
Mondays starting 1/11 through 3/21 (8 weeks)
$77 per child
No class on 1/18, 1/25 or 2/15
http://www.avantiathletics.com

Avanti Soccer
Fridays starting 1/22-3/18 (8 weeks)
$77 per child
No class 2/26
http://www.avantiathletics.com

Audubon Nature Club
Grades K-2
Wednesdays starting 1/13 (6 weeks)
$55 per child
Does your child love nature and animals? If so, he or she might enjoy Audubon Nature Club. For the Winter Session they will focus on how animals survive the cold. Each week, they will focus on one animal and discuss it in detail. The class plays games, does scavenger hunts, and explores the Winter wildlife of Maryland. Black bears, deer, squirrels, and owls are just a few of the creatures they will discover, along with LIVE ANIMAL presentations!

It’s time to sign up for after school activities! Scroll down to the bottom for the full line up!

Monday: Basketball; Big Learning Science & Engineering
Tuesday: Karate (grades 2-5); Spanish (K-1)
Wednesday: Chinese (MORNINGS – 8 a.m.-9 a.m.); Audobon Nature Club (K-2)
Thursday: Karate (pre-K – 1st grade); Spanish (grades 2-5); Audubon Nature Club (grades 3-5)
Friday: Soccer

What are you looking for from after school activities? Take our survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPZLKPD

This Week:

Nothing – slow week!

A Look Ahead:
Jan. 18: NO SCHOOL. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 22: Drama Club Carnival. 6:30-8:30 Support the Drama Club while playing games and winning prizes! $1 admission; tickets cost 25 cents each (The cost of games and food will vary) Cash only.
Jan. 25: NO SCHOOL. Professional Day for teachers
Jan. 30 Attention skaters! Join us at Wheaton Ice Arena on January 30 for a “Skate For Your School” event from 12:30-2:30. More info to come!

Community Events/Other News

Encyclopedia Britannica School is now available in the MCPS Chrome Store! This reference source contains encyclopedia articles for all content areas, videos, images, primary sources, games, and other learning resources that support student inquiry, and reinforce curriculum standards. Username: mcps; Password: search

MCPS has created a new Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) program to prompt discussions around the county about the MCPS Operating Budget. Head to the N2N website for a toolkit for setting up a discussion and the Budget 101 website will provide an overview of what’s in the operating budge.

MCPS Parent Academy is hosting a series of free workshops for parents starting on Wednesday (Jan. 13). Check out the schedule here.

County Exec Leggett will be hosting several forums to discuss the FY2017 operating budget. Jan. 20 at the Silver Spring Regional Services Center at One Veterans Place and Jan. 21 at the Mid-County Community Rec Center at 2004 Queensguard Rd.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS!

Do your kids like to build towers then destroy them? Would they like to design their own roller coaster or catapult? Then sign up now for Big Learning Science!
This winter the afterschool science classes focus on engineering. Grades K-2 will learn how to build tall towers, strong bridges, and much more. Grades 3-5 will find out about roller coasters, catapults, rockets, and other exciting projects.
Mondays starting 1/11 (8 weeks) YOU CAN STILL SIGN UP! **
$100 per child

Big Learning Introductory Spanish (K-1)
Tuesdays starting 2/2 (12 weeks)
$154 for 12 weeks – a special lower Title I rate of just $12.83 per class
Sign up at http://www.biglearning.org/fles

Big Learning Beginning Spanish (2-5)
Thursdays starting 2/4 (12 weeks)
$154 for 12 weeks – a special lower Title I rate of just $12.83 per class
Sign up at http://www.biglearning.org/fles

Big Learning Beginner Chinese (2-5)
Wednesday MORNING starting 2/3, from 8-9 AM (12 weeks)

A.S.K. Martial Arts
Tuesdays starting 1/19 for Grades 2-5 (9 weeks)
$89 per child
Belt test on 3/23
Thursdays starting 1/21 for Junior Dragons, Ages 4,5,6 (9 weeks)
$79 per child
Dragon test 3/10

Avanti Basketball
Mondays starting 1/11 through 3/21 (8 weeks)
$77 per child
No class on 1/18, 1/25 or 2/15
http://www.avantiathletics.com

Avanti Soccer
Fridays starting 1/22-3/18 (8 weeks)
$77 per child
No class 2/26
http://www.avantiathletics.com

Audubon Nature Club
Grades K-2
Wednesdays starting 1/13 (6 weeks)
$55 per child
Does your child love nature and animals? If so, he or she might enjoy Audubon Nature Club. For the Winter Session they will focus on how animals survive the cold. Each week, they will focus on one animal and discuss it in detail. The class plays games, does scavenger hunts, and explores the Winter wildlife of Maryland. Black bears, deer, squirrels, and owls are just a few of the creatures they will discover, along with LIVE ANIMAL presentations!

Audubon Nature Club
Grades 3-5
Thursdays
FREE

It’s time to sign up for after school activities! Scroll down to the bottom for the full line up!

Monday: Basketball; Big Learning Science & Engineering
Tuesday: Karate (grades 2-5)
Wednesday: Audobon Nature Club (K-2)
Thursday: Karate (pre-K – 1st grade)
Friday: Soccer

What are you looking for from after school activities? Take our survey!

NO PTA Info Session this week. We look forward to seeing everyone in February!

This Week:

Friday – Principal’s Book of the Month Club/Merienda. What’s this? On the second Friday of the month, Dr. Ennis invites parents into the school to meet and then head into the classrooms to read to their child’s class (or another class that could use a reader). Dr. Ennis asks parents to arrive at 9:15 for a meet/greet and everyone will head to the classrooms at 9:50. Interested? Contact Mrs. Jen Lucina at Jennifer_M_Lucina@mcpsmd.org

A Look Ahead:

Jan. 18: NO SCHOOL. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan. 22: Drama Club Carnival. More info to come!
Jan. 25: NO SCHOOL. Professional Day for teachers
Jan. 30 Attention skaters! Join us at Wheaton Ice Arena on January 30 for a “Skate For Your School” event from 12:30-2:30. More info to come!

Community Events/Other News
* Join thousands of other local residents in honoring Dr. King’s life and teachings by taking part in Montgomery County’s MLK Day of Service 2016, which will feature a wide variety of family-friendly volunteer projects. The Silver Spring Civic Center will be a check in site from 10-12 on Jan. 18. Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating. The county will also be hosting a Manna Food Drive on Jan. 16 & 17 at Giant Food Stores across the county.

* Hungry after hitting up the Silver Spring skating rink? A number of nearby restaurants are offering discounts when you present your same day Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink sticker. Check out the list here. Have a great photo of your child skating? Post it online using the hashtag #SkateSilverSpring and you could win an ice skating 10 pass

* Wheaton Family Theatre Series presents Story Tapestries on Jan. 9 at the Wheaton Library from 11-12:30. InterAct Story Theatre Wheaton Family Theatre Series presents Story Tapestries with Arianna Ross! Come explore The Giggling, Wiggling Bookworm! In Story Tapestries’ interactive performance and workshop, families will dance, sing, wiggle and giggle as their inner bookworms read, write, draw, dance, and make music about new, exciting stories.

* Looking to get in shape in 2016? Montgomery County Recreation will be kicking off its 100 Mile Challenge at the Holiday Park Rec Center in Wheaton on Jan. 20 from 7-9. Speakers will include Mt. Everest climbers Nicky & Bob Lowry. The goal of the program is to complete 100 miles (or more) in 100 days. 20 minutes of continuous physical activity also counts as one mile. Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY Activity #12252.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS!

Big Learning Science & Engineering
Do your kids like to build towers then destroy them? Would they like to design their own roller coaster or catapult? Then sign up now for Big Learning Science! This winter the afterschool science classes focus on engineering. Grades K-2 will learn how to build tall towers, strong bridges, and much more. Grades 3-5 will find out about roller coasters, catapults, rockets, and other exciting projects.
Mondays starting 1/11 (8 weeks)
$100 per child

A.S.K. Martial Arts
Tuesdays starting 1/19 for Grades 2-5 (9 weeks)
$89 per child
Belt test on 3/23
Thursdays starting 1/21 for Junior Dragons, Ages 4,5,6 (9 weeks)
$79 per child
Dragon test 3/10

Avanti Basketball
Mondays starting 1/11 through 3/21 (8 weeks)
$77 per child
No class on 1/18, 1/25 or 2/15
http://www.avantiathletics.com

Avanti Soccer
Fridays starting 1/22-3/18 (8 weeks)
$77 per child
No class 2/26
http://www.avantiathletics.com

Audubon Nature Club
Grades K-2
Wednesdays starting 1/13 (6 weeks)
$55 per child

It’s time to sign up for after school activities!

Monday: Basketball; Big Learning Science & Engineering
Tuesday: Karate (grades 2-5)
Wednesday: Audobon Nature Club (K-2)
Thursday: Karate (pre-K – 1st grade)
Friday: Soccer

What are you looking for from after school activities? Take our survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPZLKPD

Still have presents to buy? Support Glen Haven while shopping online at retailers like Amazon, Apple, Target and the DisneyStore.com. It’s easy! All you have to do is click on the link below to access the eScrip Online Mall and shop as you normally would. That’s it! No card registration, coupons or special downloads required. http://groups.escrip.com/jsp/mall.jsp?ref=g}?id=137956095

This Week:

Dec. 22: Winter Concert! The Chorus, Drama Club and Singing Eagles will present a 6 p.m. concert in the school gym. Want to stop by during the day? They will also be performing at 2 p.m.

A Look Ahead:

Dec 24 – -Jan. 4: NO SCHOOL! Winter Break!

Community Events/Other News

* Montgomery County is offering residents free reusable bags to use while shopping to help reduce water and litter in our community. Plastic bags are one of the top four litter items found in our county’s streams. Pick up your free bag at libraries across the county, including the Wheaton and Silver Spring locations. The Wheaton Neighborhood Opportunity Network at 12247 Georgia Ave is also distributing bags. Each location will distribute one per household.

* Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett is holding the first of five budget forums the first week in January to seek input from residents about Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) Operating Budget priorities. The forum will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6 at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring.

* Set your calendars: The Board of Education set the calendar for the 2016-2017 school year. The year will begin on Monday, Aug. 29 and will end Friday, June 16. The Board also adopted a contingency plan that would extend school until June 23, depending on how many days need to be made up because of emergency closings.

It’s time to sign up for after school activities! See the full line up!

Monday: Basketball; Big Learning Science & Engineering
Tuesday: Karate (grades 2-5)
Wednesday: Audobon Nature Club (K-2)
Thursday: Karate (pre-K – 1st grade)
Friday: Soccer

What are you looking for from after school activities? Take our survey!

Still have presents to buy? Support Glen Haven while shopping online at retailers like Amazon, Apple, Target and the DisneyStore.com. It’s easy! All you have to do is go to the eScrip Online Mall and shop as you normally would. That’s it! No card registration, coupons or special downloads required.

This Week:

Wednesday: The flu mist vaccine will be given at Glen Haven.

A Look Ahead:

Dec. 22: Winter Concert from 6:30-8 p.m.
Dec 24-Jan. 4: NO SCHOOL! Winter Break!

Community Events/Other News

Interim Superintendent Bowers recommended a $2.4B FY2017 operating budget, which includes a 4.5% increase in new spending. Head here for an in-depth run-down of the budget. Interested in testifying during budget hearings taking place on Jan. 7 or Jan. 14? You can register starting on Dec. 14 by calling 301-279-3617 or you can submit written testimony to boe@mcpsmd.org.

Retired educator and Silver Spring resident Michael Durso will serve as the next president of the County Board of Education. He will succeed Patricia O’Neill.

MoCo students in grades 3-8 outperformed their peers across the state on the PARCC tests, according to data released by the state Department of Education. Learn more here.

Half of the Wheaton Market Place parking lot at 11219 Grandview Ave will be closed tonight and tomorrow night (from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m.) The Department of Transportation will be performing a “seismic refraction test to determine type, density, age and water content of soils and/or rock as part of the Wheaton Redevelopment Project“