CALVIN M. RODWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL #256
“A Proud Title I School”
3501 Hillsdale Road, Baltimore Maryland 21207
Mary L. Booker, Principal ~ Danette Murrill, Assistant Principal
NEWSLETTER: Volume 5
DATES TO REMEMBER:
School Family Council: February XXX, 2013
Schools Closed for Presidents Day: February 18, 2013
Parent Workshop: “Tea with the Principal,” XXX
Parent Engagement Meeting: February XXX, 2013
SCHOOL GOALS:
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To meet or exceed State Standards (AMO) in reading, math and science by increasing student achievement levels in all areas.
To meet or exceed State Attendance Standards for students at all grade levels.
To increase Parental Involvement and establish an organized parent group.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
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Community Resource Schools:
Community Resource Schools (CRS) contribute to the well being of the community, families and their support of students with
resources and information. If you are in need of resources or information in reference to Education, Health, Housing, Mental Health
and Opportunities - Let’s work together and take a step toward a better future. Every step counts…
Community Corner Tip of the Month: Do you need help with an Elderly Loved One? You are not alone, there is support
contact the following:
Commission on Aging and Retirement Education (CARE)
Benton Building: 417 E. Fayette St. - 6th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 396-2273 (Resource Center)
CARE@baltimorecity.gov
Parents, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the teachers and paraprofessionals who work with your children.
Homework and Achievement:
Homework is a part of the school career of all students. Homework helps students develop study skills that will be valuable even
after they leave school, but also when studying for standardized tests, such as the MSA or the Stanford 10. One purpose of
homework is to reinforce skills and concepts taught in the classroom that may be on a standardized test or assessment. Homework
also assists teachers in knowing what their students know and are able to do. Parents, you can make sure that their child completes
their homework every night. If you are concerned because the child appears to not understand or is confused, you can call the
teacher and let the teacher know about the concerns. It's also helpful if parents know how the homework is aligned with the
curriculum and testing. By helping the teacher reinforce skills and concepts taught in the classroom through homework, parents can
contribute to higher test scores for children. Please check out the following website for more information:
How Homework Raises Standardized Test Scores | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6692892_homework-raisesstandardized-test-scores.html#ixzz2Hxm9Lard
Online Web Instruction:
Our students receive on-line instruction during the regular school day to support reading and math through programs such as; First
in Math, Kids College and ST Math. Students can access all of these programs from home if internet service is available. We
encourage students to log-on to these programs from home, in an effort to practice and reinforce the skills being taught in the
classroom.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE:
School begins at 7:45 AM daily and dismisses at 2:25 PM, except for scheduled early release days. Breakfast students can enter the
cafeteria by 7:20 AM. Breakfast students will line-up on the playground by 7:45 AM. In the event of weather related closings, check
WBAL TV. School Personnel will send Parent Link messages to homes via phone. Students are expected to remain in school the
entire day. Early dismissal should be kept to a minimum and requested during emergencies. Classroom interruptions must be
avoided at all cost. No students will be called to the office from 1:45-2:25 PM. Please send a note to your child’s homeroom teacher
if your child is absent, late, or requesting an early dismissal. Parent or guardian must present ID when requesting an early release.
All early releases must be submitted to central office daily. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
VOLUNTEERS:
We welcome parent volunteers and participation. Please be reminded that we want to afford students all opportunities to learn. If
you visit the classroom, please monitor the volume of your voice and prevent any distractions or interruptions. (For example:
“Yelling across the classroom to get your child’s attention). All visitors and volunteers must sign in at the office when entering the
school. Student safety is a priority at CRES! We are looking for volunteers to help with snow removal during inclement weather.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
The school personnel must maintain updated parent information to help during emergency situations; early dismissal, student sick,
child left, or is unable to get home. Please complete and send an emergency contact form and a school health card as soon as
possible. Updated addresses and phone numbers are needed to help us communicate with you.
STUDENT INFORMATION AND RECORDS:
Parents must maintain two proofs of residency on file at all times. School personnel may not update information in data base
without the appropriate documentation. The data base sends out school information to the most recent phone numbers available
on file. Stay connected! Update your information if you move or change phone numbers.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS:
CRES is a uniform school. Our colors are tan or khaki, burgundy and white. Students are expected to wear uniforms 5 days a week,
Monday thru Friday; except on scheduled dress down days. The school environment is positively affected when our students are
focused on learning.
SCHOOL GROUNDS:
Parents, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the teachers and paraprofessionals who work with your children.
Parents are requested to keep students safety in mind during arrival and dismissal time. It is very busy and congested on Hillsdale
and Liberty Heights Avenue. Please drop off your children and keep traffic moving or pick-up your child in a safe manner and keep
moving. Teachers teach pedestrian safety and we need parental support to reinforce this on our busy traffic corridors.
HEALTH:
Parents as you know, “It’s That Time of Year” where we are all susceptible to cold and flu viruses. Please encourage your children to
use the following precautionary tips: Prevent the spread of germs by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing. Dispose of the tissue after use. Wash hands often with soap and water. Avoid close contact with sick people and try not
to touch your eyes, nose and mouth. Signs and symptoms of flu can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body
aching, headaches, chills and fatigue. People may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. If your child has those symptoms please
seek medical advice before sending them to school. We will make sure that any missed work will be completed upon your child’s
return.
Medication can only be dispersed if a doctor’s order has been received by the health suite or school personnel. Please update
information as soon as possible if your child will need to take medication during the school day.
Pedestrian Safety – Parents please remind your child or children to use pedestrian safety rules when crossing streets, while traveling
to and from school.
Parents, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the teachers and paraprofessionals who work with your children.