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

Support the PTA on Friday: It’s our SECOND Wendy’s Dine Out! Come between 5 and 8 and have a family dinner night! Drive through counts!

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
Friday – Wendy’s Dine Out and Support the PTA 5-8! Head over to Wendy’s on Dec. 11 to grab dinner (they have healthy options!). Drive through counts. You don’t have to bring a flyer with you!
Saturday – Testing for students who have filled out applications for programs at Roberto Clemente, Eastern and Takoma Park middle schools is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5 (snow date: Dec. 12).

A Look Ahead:

Dec. 16 – The flu mist vaccine will be given at Glen Haven. Please call the health room at 301-649-8051 or e-mail Laura_K_Robey@mcpsmd.org by Monday, December 7th for an appointment.

Community Events/Other News

You may have already heard that Glen Haven Elementary was one of 28 MCPS locations that have shown radon levels that are above the guidelines commended by the EPA. In a letter to parents, Interim Superintendent of Schools Larry Bowers said the school would be retested and the results will be made public. Remediation will take place, if needed.

Are you curious about how the MCPS budget process works? If so, check out this new Budget 101 website!

Teacher awards season is nearly here! Nominations are open for several competitions for outstanding teachers and principals. Check out the full list here.

Do you work for the federal government? Help MoCo received impact aid programs and grants designed to help local schools that enroll federally connected students. To qualify for Impact Act funding, MCPS must determine how many parents/guardians are in active duty, employed on federal property, reside in federal or public housing, and/or are a foreign government military officer. If this applies to you fill out this survey by Dec. 18.

PTA Information Session on Dec. 1! PTA President Doug Ryan will be making chili for everyone to eat from 6:30 to 7. The Information Session will run from 7-8. Free child care is available.

This Week:
Dec. 1 – PTA Information Session! Dinner + socializing from 6:30-7. Information session from 7-8.
Dec. 2-3 – Is your child new to Montgomery County public schools, in kindergarten or in first grade? If you answered yes, then your child will be screened for possible vision and/or hearing problems. If you would like to opt out, please notify the school health room in writing.

A Look Ahead:
Dec. 11 Wendy’s Dine Out and Support the PTA 5-8! Head over to Wendy’s on Dec. 11 to grab dinner (they have healthy options!). Drive through counts. You don’t have to bring a flyer with you.

Community Events/Other News

At a recent public forum, Comptroller Franchot made some incorrect comments about the costs of school construction in Montgomery County. Our interim superintendent, Larry Bowers, recently sent Comptroller Franchot a letter to share correct information with him. Read the letter.

A number of businesses in Downtown Silver Spring will be staying open later between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Here’s a list with hours.

Every Saturday until Dec. 19, Downtown Silver Spring will be featuring performances by student bands/groups. The Sligo Middle School Concert Band and Concert Chorus will be performing on Dec. 5, from 2-3 p.m. Check out the schedule here.

Are you planning on taking advantage of any deals on Black Friday or CyberMonday? If you go through our eScrip Online Mall, they will donate a portion of your sale to the Glen Haven PTA. Amazon, Target and the Disney store all have deals.

Do you have any old, dried out magic markers or highlighters in your house? Don’t just throw them away! Between Nov. 3 and 30, Glen Haven will be collecting markers as part of the Crayola Color Cycle program. There will be a box near the main office for the collection. This is a great way for students to be good citizens and explore eco-friendly practices.

This Week:
Wednesday – Early release
Thursday – NO SCHOOL! Happy Thanksgiving
Friday– NO SCHOOL!

A Look Ahead:
Dec. 1 – PTA Information Session! PTA President Doug Ryan will be making chili for everyone to eat and I hear the board members will be providing some grub as well! Dinner + socializing from 6:30-7. Information session from 7-8.
Dec. 2-3 – Is your child new to Montgomery County public schools, in kindergarten or in first grade? If you answered yes, then your child will be screened for possible vision and/or hearing problems. If you would like to opt out, please notify the school health room in writing.
Dec. 11 Wendy’s Dine Out and Support the PTA 5-8

Community Events/Other News

The MoCo Board of Education unanimously approved a $1.73B six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) that will help ease overcrowding and allow the district to upgrade and maintain aging facilities. Board President O’Neill also sent a letter to Gov. Hogan requesting additional funding. Read it here.

Support Wheaton’s local businesses on Nov. 28 with Small Business Saturday, a national event sponsored by American Express. This year downtown Wheaton will participate with Small Business Bingo – pick up your bingo card at a participating business and get your card stamped. There will be prizes and a raffle! A list of participating businesses will be posted here.

Brookside Garden’s Garden of Lights opens Nov. 27 and runs through Jan. 3. The Garden Railway exhibit will also be returning. Head here for more info.

Do you have any old, dried out magic markers or highlighters in your house? Don’t just throw them away! Between Nov. 3 and 30, Glen Haven will be collecting markers as part of the Crayola Color Cycle program. There will be a box near the main office for the collection. This is a great way for students to be good citizens and explore eco-friendly practices.

Did you know shopping online at retailers such as Amazon, Apple Store, Gift Card Mall, Target, DisneyStore.com, and hundreds more, will earn up to 16% of every purchase you make for Glen Haven Elementary School? 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:

Thursday, November 19 – Didn’t like your kid’s pic? Nov. 19 is Picture Make Up Day

A Look Ahead:

November 25 – Early release
November 26 – NO SCHOOL! Happy Thanksgiving
November 27 – NO SCHOOL!

Community Events/Other News

• In case you didn’t catch the news, the MoCo Board of Education voted to close schools on Eid al-Adha in 2016 (Sept. 12, 2016).
• The MoCo Board of Ed met last week and our cluster coordinator provided testimony outlining physical plant funding requests for our cluster, including Glen Haven. You can read her testimony here an send a note to of support to Board of Ed President Patricia O’Neill (Patricia_O’Neill@mcpsmd.org )
• Good-bye final exams. The MoCo Board of Education approved a policy to phase out two-hour semester final exams next year and replace them with centrally developed marking period assessments.
• Downtown Silver Spring will be hosting its Thanksgiving Parade on Nov. 21, starting at 10 a.m. What’s the can’t-miss item this year? You can take a selfie with a 10-foot tall turkey or an inflatable Elsa. Use the #MoCoThanksParade and your pic will be broadcast on the jumbotron at Ellsworth & Fenton
• MoCo’s Winter Rec Guide is out. Find it here.
• County Exec Ike Leggett will be hosting an online discussion on Nov. 17 from 1-2. Looks like you can submit questions ahead of time.
• Dave & Buster’s Update: the chain has signed a long-term lease at Ellsworth Place! The location should open mid-2016.

Do you have any old, dried out magic markers or highlighters in your house? Don’t just throw them away! Between Nov. 3 and 30, Glen Haven will be collecting markers as part of the Crayola Color Cycle program. There will be a box near the main office for the collection. This is a great way for students to be good citizens and explore eco-friendly practices.

Looking for a fun gift to give grandparents/aunts/uncles/family friends? Turn your child’s artwork into usable products and keepsakes while helping Glen Haven! Send in the artwork, order form and payment in by Thursday, Nov. 12. You will get the artwork back, and orders will be in before winter break. Want more info? Head to http://www.originalworks.com/

This Week:
Wednesday – Early Release/Parent-teacher conferences
Thursday– Early Release/Parent-teacher conference
Thursday – Report Card Day!
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). This month, PK-2 will be reading Miss Rumphius and 3-5 will be reading Who Would Win? Hornet vs. Wasp. 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

**In honor of Veterans Day, our students will be presenting thank you notes to soldiers with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research during the Principal’s Book of the Month Club.**

A Look Ahead:
November 19 – Didn’t like your kid’s pic? Nov. 19 is Picture Make Up Day
November 25 – Early release
November 26 – NO SCHOOL! Happy Thanksgiving!
November 27 – NO SCHOOL!

Community Events/Other News

* MoCo students are performing better than their peers across the state, according to the first results from the PARCC state assessment tests. That said, the Board of Education found that the tests demonstrate the “urgent need” to remain focused on closing the achievement gaps and improving student performance literacy and math. Learn more here.

* The Board of Education is already planning for the 2016 legislative session. Here is a blog post on their priorities and another on their meeting with the MoCo delegation.

* The NAACP Parents’ Council is hosting a Donuts for Dads event on Nov. 11 from 9:30-11. Head there to learn more about the importance of father involvement! More info here.

* Wheaton will be hosting at Art Festival at Chuck Levin’s Music Center on Nov. 13 from 3:30-9:30. The event is Free, although if you buy a patron ticket you are guaranteed seating. Head here for a schedule.

Although it’s my understanding that Festivus (a Festivus for the Rest of Us) is celebrated on Dec. 23, Downtown Silver Spring will be celebrating a little early – on November 14. The “Foodie Festivus” will start at 6 p.m. with the lighting of a 30-foot public art installation featuring illuminated take-out containers and a glass bottle star. The fun, which will include live music, food tastings and drink specials, will run from 6-8.

Our FIRST Wendy’s Dine Out Fundraiser is on FRIDAY, Oct. 30 from 5-8! Grab some dinner and support the Glen Haven PTA. It’s simple: Go to Wendy’s. Get dinner. A portion of your bill goes to Glen Haven PTA. No need to bring a flyer or submit a receipt! The drive-thru counts! If you mention that you are with Glen Haven you can get a coupon for a FREE Jr. Frosty! Looking to help? We’d love volunteers! Contact sarahvailwilliams@gmail.com (What does volunteering entail? Not much – sitting at Wendy’s and greeting families who come in to take advantage of our fundraiser!)

Mark Your Calendars: the next PTA Information Session will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Free Child Care! Free Food! Socialize from 6:30-7; meeting will run from 7-8 p.m.

LAST WEEK!- Kids Helping Kids Food Drive: Please donate any non-perishable items (peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables and fruits, cereal, rice, tuna fish, soups, etc). There is a collection bin near the Main Office and all food collected will be given to Maryland families.

Up This Week:
It’s Red Ribbon Week – where we present a unified and visible commitment toward creating a drug free America

• Monday – Love Yourself: Wear Red and/or hearts
• Tuesday – Turn Your Back on Bad Choices: Wear your shirt backwards! (FUN!)
• Wednesday – Sock it to Bad Choices: Get those crazy socks back out! Wear crazy mismatched socks to school
• Thursday – Your Choices are the Key to Your Dreams: It’s Pajama Day! Remember to wear regular shoes
• Friday – Team Up Against Bad Choices: Under your costume – wear your favorite team shirt to school!

Friday – Fall Festival. Please join us at Glen Haven for a school-wide festival! There will be a costume parade at 2 p.m., a dance party in the hallway and class parties. You should have received a flyer asking how you can help – bring in food? Paper goods? Help in the classroom? .Please communicate with your child’s teacher about what you’re child will be bringing in for the party. This is also a great time to touch base with your room parents! Don’t know who the room parent is for your child’s class? Contact Kate at kateosullivanus@yahoo.com

Friday – Don’t let the fun stop with the Fall Festival! Head to Wendy’s for dinner for our FIRST Wendy’s Dine Out Fundraiser! This is a great way to support the PTA

A Look Ahead:
November 2 – NO SCHOOL!
November 11 – Early Release/Parent-teacher conferences
November 12 – Early Release/Parent-teacher conference
November 13 – 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). This month, PK-2 will be reading Miss Rumphius and 3-5 will be reading Who Would Win? Hornet vs. Wasp. 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
November 19 – Picture Make Up Day

Community Events/Other News

Did you know that the Wheaton Library is hosting a family theatre series? Me neither. On Nov. 7 at 11 a.m., Story Tapestries presents Diane Macklin in Succotash Stories. Diane Macklin Master Storyteller, has delighted listeners with a “dynamic” approach to engaging young and older for over 15 years.

The new tower at Holy Cross Hospital will be opening soon. Washington Business Journal ran a story about the 7-story, $190M expansion, which included pics. Check it out here.

Lunch menus are online and now mobile friendly! Here’s the link.

Attention Veterans: County Cable Montgomery and the Commission on Veteran’s Affairs have launched a new monthly show called Homefront that will provide info on topics/services for vets and their families.

Crayola Color Cycle: Do you have unwanted, dried out markers or highlighters around your house? If you do, then please donate them between November 3 – 30, 2015. There will be a box near the main office for the collection. This is a great way for students to be good citizens and explore eco-friendly practices.

Special Programs: This is just a reminder that the Highly Gifted Center (for 3rd grade students going into 4th grade), Middle School Special Programs (Eastern Middle School and Takoma Park Middle School), and Middle School Magnet Consortium (Argyle Middle School, Loiderman Middle School, and Parkland Middle School) applications are all due by November 6, 2015. If you have any questions regarding these programs please contact Rebecca Willis (School Counselor) at 301-649-8051 or Rebecca.h.willis@mcpsmd.net.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the Scholastic Book Fair! We hope everyone had a great time! And don’t forget that you can still buy books online until Oct. 23: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/glenhavenelementaryschool2

Our FIRST Wendy’s Dine Out Fundraiser is on Oct. 30! Grab some dinner and support the Glen Haven PTA. It’s simple: Go to Wendy’s. Get dinner. A portion of your bill goes to Glen Haven PTA. No need to bring a flyer or submit a receipt! The drive thru counts! If you mention that you are with Glen Haven you can get a coupon for a FREE Jr. Frosty!

PRESIDENTS CORNER: Moco will be repainting the crosswalk at the corner of Huntley Place and Windham Lane, so as to make your walk to school safer. Please abide by posted speed limits and street signs, and use caution when driving your children to school. Please remember the cul de sac on Huntley Place is not a drop off/pick spot for school as the Montgomery County Police can cite you for parking during those hours. Thank you and have a SOARING week. – Doug Ryan GHES PTA President

Up This Week:

Saturday, Oct. 24 – Join us at the Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park from 2-4 on Oct. 24 for a PTA Playdate!. Get to know other parents while the kids play. Please spread the word! Snacks will be provided!
Ongoing through Oct. 30 – Kids Helping Kids Food Drive: Please donate any non-perishable items (peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables and fruits, cereal, rice, tuna fish, soups, etc.) between October 5 – 30, 2015. There is a collection bin near the Main Office and all food collected will be given to Maryland families.

A Look Ahead:

Oct. 30 – Fall Festival. Please join us at Glen Haven for a school-wide festival! There will be a costume parade at 2 p.m., a dance party in the hallway and class parties. You should have received a flyer in your Wednesday folder. Please communicate with your child’s teacher about what you’re child will be bringing in for the party. This is also a great time to touch base with your room parents! Don’t know who the room parent is for your child’s class? Contact Kate at kateosullivanus@yahoo.com

Community Events/Other News

• October 16-25 is Community Service Week in Montgomery County! Sign up for a project! http://www.montgomeryserves.org/community-service-week-2015
• Overcrowding is an issue throughout the county. Interim Superintendent of Schools Bowers released five recommendations last week to address capacity issues. The changes don’t look like they will affect Glen Haven, but for those who are interested, head here.
• Check out this discussion led by Board of Education President O’Neill about growing enrollment at MCPS, the Capital Improvement Plan, and capacity issues: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/edmatters. Guests include Bruce Crispell, Director of Long-Range Planning, James Song, Director of Facilities Management and Frances Frost, President of the MCCPTA.
• The Board of Education requested a review of the county’s Special Education Programs, and heard a presentation last week. The report confirms that MCPS is doing a good job overall, but there are areas of improvement. Next step: work to develop an action plan. Check out the BOE blog post or the report.

Scholastic Book Fair: Our Scholastic Book Fair will be held on October 15th. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Contact Christina Tallent at tallent2@verizon.net to help out or fill out this online form.

During the day, Students and Teachers will be able to preview the Fair. Teachers and students can also buy books during they day (feel free to send your child in with $$). The book fair will also be open for business during Academic Night as well. If you are not able to shop in person, then you can visit our Online Book Fair by visiting our fair homepage October 9-23. Feel free to share the website with grandparents too! http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/glenhavenelementaryschool2

Up This Week:
Monday, Oct. 12 – SOARing for High Scores – Wear a Jersey or shirt with numbers on it
Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Sock it to a Good Book – Wear your silliest socks
Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Jog your way to Academic Achievement – Wear a sweatshirt or sweatpants
Thursday, Oct. 15 – Academics in your PJs! – Wear your pajamas!
Oct. 15 – Academic Night & Book Fair! Come to the school from 6-8 to find out more about what our kids are learning and BUY BOOKS! The PTA will also be selling “vintage” Spirit Wear and Glen Haven car magnets ($5)
Oct. 16 – NO SCHOOL

A Look Ahead:
Oct. 24 – Join us at the Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park from 2-4 on Oct. 24 for a PTA Playdate. Get to know other parents while the kids play. Please spread the word!
Oct. 30 – Fall Festival. More info to come – mark your calendars

Community Events/Other News

• October 16-25 is Community Service Week in Montgomery County! Sign up for a project!
• Wheaton Rescue Squad is hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their new digs on 2400 Arcola Ave. There will be a Moon Bounce. What more do you need?
• The Board of Education has announced it has resumed its search for a new superintendent of schools, who would begin July 1, 2016. Head here to learn more.
• The county is conducting a survey on its school choice and special academic programs arents can complete a short survey online and/or submit their feedback through a comment box. The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, Oct. 22. More information about the study and the list of Choice and special academic programs is available online.

SPIRIT WEAR DEADLINE IS THIS WEEK! Get Your GLEN HAVEN Spirit Gear – The Glen Haven PTA is selling short and long-sleeved T-shirts with our new logo! Short sleeve shirts are $12 and long-sleeve shirts are $15. Order by FRIDAY. Send a check and the form into your child’s teacher.

PTA Informational fair! Dinner/meet & greet will take place from 6:30-7 on Oct. 6; the information fair will run from 7-8. Free childcare will be provided. Representatives from Bright Eyes and SAC will be there to discuss their before/after school care options.

Earn money for Glen Haven while you shop online! Shop online via the eScrip online mall, and a portion of what you pay will go to support the PTA. Just set up a profile and choose Glen Haven as your school!

Scholastic Book Fair: Our Scholastic Book Fair will be held on October 15th. Students and Teachers will be able to preview the Fair during the school day and it will be open for business during Academic Night as well. If you are not able to shop in person, then you can visit our Online Book Fair by visiting our fair homepage October 9-23. We will need volunteers to help staff the Fair and make it a wonderful success. Signups are available on the fair homepage and will be coming soon via the listserve!

Up This Week:
Monday, Oct. 5 – Kids Helping Kids Food Drive: Please donate any non-perishable items (peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables and fruits, cereal, rice, tuna fish, soups, etc.) between October 5 – 30, 2015. There will be a collection bin near the Main Office and all food collected will be given to Maryland families.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 – PTA Informational fair! Dinner/meet & greet will take place from 6:30-7; the information fair will run from 7-8. Free childcare will be provided. Representatives from Bright Eyes and SAC will be there to discuss their before/after school care options.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Walk to School Day!
Thursday, Oct. 8 – SPIRIT WEAR DEADLINE!

A Look Ahead:
Oct. 15 – Academic Night & Book Fair. More information to come – mark your calendars!
Oct. 16 – NO SCHOOL
Oct. 24 – Join us at the Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park from 2-4 on Oct. 24 for a PTA Playdate. Get to know other parents while the kids play. Please spread the word!
Oct. 30 – Fall Festival. More info to come – mark your calendars

Community Events/Other News

Wheaton is revamping the library and community rec center. Check out the presentation that was shared during a Sept. 21 meeting. If you have questions or feedback, please contact the county at wlcrc@montgomerycountymd.gov. Here’s the website dedicated to the project.

Capital Bikeshare is coming to Wheaton! The Wheaton bikeshare network is expected to be up and running by the end of 2016.

The county is offering free Flu-Mist vaccines at Kennedy HS on Nov. 2, from 9-12 (there is no school that day). Head here to register on line for an appointment: Flu Information – Montgomery County, MD

Did you know that Maryland is using new equipment for the 2016 Presidential Election? If you vote early, you’ll use the touch screen ballot, but if you vote on Election Day, you’ll use a pen to fill in a paper ballot that will then be scanned.

Are you wondering what is happening at the intersection of Randolph & Georgia? Here’s info from the State Highway Administration.