Rockburn Report
September 16, 2024
Game On! Rockburn
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Hello Rockburn Families!!
It was great seeing so many of our families last week at Back To School Nights. If you missed the night, you can find all the power points on our Rockburn Website.
October 8th is picture day...more information will be coming home soon.
The Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinic will be held on October 15th at RES. The registration link and more information will be sent out shortly.
As a reminder if you are coming for lunch or to volunteer (like the prize cart) please make sure to complete the volunteer training which can be found here: https://www.hcpss.org/parents/volunteer-information/
Please email your paper work to [email protected]
Phones and Smart watch usage
Phones and Smart Watch Usage
We are noticing a significant increase of students wearing and using smart watches to school during the day. Additionally, parents and children are communicating during the school day using smart watches and phones. Use of a smartwatch and phone by an elementary school child during the day is a violation of HCPSS Policy 8080. Students should not be wearing smart watches during the school day. Any phone or watch should be placed in the student’s backpack at the beginning of the day and stay there until after dismissal. Thank you for your support. Please encourage your children to reach out to adults at school when needed.
Fundraising for an electronic sign!
New year - New sign!!!!
This year we are going to work with PTA to try to raise funds for a new electronic sign out front. Our sign is looking a little dated and old. One way we're going to raise funds is to sell spirit wear. Please click on the link to check out our amazing store! Shop away!!!
Family File - it's that time again!
It's that time again- FILL OUT YOUR FAMILY FILE
Please fill out your Family File today!
It is very important that each year, every family update their Family File. Please make sure all
Here is a direct link to HCPSS Connect. The Family File tab will be on the left hand side once you have logged into HCPSS Connect.
Thank you for taking the time to complete the Family File.
Rockburn Updates
Map Testing
MAP Testing Dates
We are excited about the great start we have had to the school year. Students are all learning and working hard. We will begin our MAP Fall Testing starting on Tuesday 9/17. Please see the dates below for when grade levels will be tested. We are looking forward to seeing all of the things our students know so we can continue to plan high quality instruction.
From Our School Counselors
Prize Cart Help
We will once again be doing prize cart at recess! If you are able to help out, please sign up. Each slot is 30 minutes.
HCPSS Policy 9460
HCPSS Policy 9460 Update
Parents, Guardians, and Families,
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. Our administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well as preventative and responsive measures.
We know how important your role is in not only supporting your children, but also reporting possible incidents as you become aware of them. The Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimication (BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school, or interfere with the educational environment. An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe your child has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible and/or assist your child in doing so.
Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the compaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.
There are times when incidents of peer conflict or code of conduct offenses may occur that may not be bullying, but may need follow up action. If you become aware of something that falls under conflict and/or a code of conduct offense, please notify a school administrator via email or phone call so that they can become aware and follow up as needed.
Lastly, I want to take a moment to specifically lift up cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines.
While all of this information will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring all of our students feel a sense of safety and belonging in their school communities! More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.
HCPSS UPDATES
2024-2025 HCPSS Parent Academy Kickoff
2024-2025 HCPSS Parent Academy Kickoff
2024-2025 HCPSS Parent Academy Kickoff HCPSS parents, guardians and family members are invited to join HCPSS Superintendent Willliam J. Barnes, school system leaders and community organizations for this valuable information night to prepare for a successful academic year. The 2024-2025 Parent Academy KickoffLinks to an external site. will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6-8:30 pm at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. Dinner will be provided at no cost from 5:15-6 pm Registration is encouragedLinks to an external site..
Strategic Plan Stakeholder Input Meetings
Strategic Plan Stakeholder Input Meetings
Community members are invited to attend one of these meetings to help inform the system’s new strategic plan by providing their input about stakeholder values during this virtual, hour-long opportunity facilitated by HCPSS staff. No registration is required.
- September 17, 2024 – 5:00–6:00 pm – Google Meet linkLinks to an external site.
Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMs) program
HCPSS participates in the Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMs) program. QualificationLinks to an external site. is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential.
Participation in FARMs qualifies students for a wide range of opportunities and resources beyond breakfast and lunch, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.
Families must submit a new application every school year by Oct. 31. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.
Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely. Families can:
- Apply onlineLinks to an external site.
- Apply by mail: Paper applications can be picked up in the Food and Nutrition Service Office (5451 Beaverkill Rd, Columbia, MD 21044). Applications can be returned to your child’s school or mailed to: HCPSS Food & Nutrition Service Office, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMsLinks to an external site. or call Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743.
Important Dates
Important Dates
September
15 - National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month begins18 - 3 Early Dismissal - School dismisses at 12:15
October
3 - Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices Closed
8- Picture Day
18- Professional Work Day - Schools Closed for students
31- Professional Work Day - Schools closed for students
PTA Updates and Information
Back to School Celebration
The PTA is excited to celebrate a new school year with you this Thursday, September 19th from 6-8pm on the blacktop. Pizza or sandwiches can be pre-ordered at https://tinyurl.com/RESbacktoschoolcelebration. Please pre-order your food by Wednesday, September 18th at 3 pm. Kona Ice will be selling snow cones on site. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday for an evening of fun!
Join the PTA
The 2024-2025 PTA Membership Drive has begun. Your PTA contribution and membership helps fund many programs throughout the year such as Cultural Arts assemblies, Family Involvement events, Back to School Celebration, Fall Festival, Holiday Shop, Bingo Night, Movie Night, Sports Park NIght, 5th grade signature shirts, school gifts, staff appreciation, and enhancements to our recess and PE programs. All parents are encouraged to join the PTA.
You can pay your annual membership dues and order classwear t-shirts online via our MemberHub store (https://tinyurl.com/joinrockburnpta). You can also make a direct donation to the PTA there.
Choose “Bundle Membership” when purchasing your Rockburn PTA membership to get the best deal. This includes a joint membership for two, no entrance fee to PTA events (October Fall Festival, February Bingo Night, and May Rockburn Sports Park Night) and ONE FREE CLASS WEAR T-SHIRT!
Additional classwear is $12 each. T-shirt colors are based on the grade. Your child will wear their class t-shirt at events like: Rocky Run, Field trips, Walk to School Day, etc.
All memberships include the traditional benefits on National PTA’s partners (see pta.org) and help to enrich our students, families and staff. Good through June 2025.
You can also download the membership form and mail it to the school (Attn: PTA Treasurer). The school address is 6145 Montgomery Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075. You can also send it in with your child and have them give it to their teacher.