Carson Chronicles
Rachel Carson Elementary School - December 18, 2022
Important Times
Regular Day- 8:40 AM - 3:25 PM
- Students are marked as tardy as of 9:00 a.m., and must go to the front office to check-in and be escorted to class.
Delayed opening- 10:40 AM - 3:25 PM
Early Release- 8:40 AM - 12:55 PM
Please be reminded that staff are not on duty to supervise students prior to 8:40 a.m.
A Message from Principal Reeves
Dear RCES Community,
We know many of our families will spend time over the winter break traveling, visiting with friends and family, and engaging in fun community activities. As these activities possibly involve a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, MCPS is distributing at-home rapid test kits to students and staff prior to the break.
Testing is an important way to identify individuals actively positive for COVID-19 who should temporarily isolate in order to prevent further transmission and keep our school community as healthy as possible. Testing is not mandatory. We are depending on our staff and families to consider their exposure risk, and test and report positive results accordingly. Here is more information about COVID-19 testing, including when to get tested.
Please note that schools will receive a new type of test kit, made by InteliSwab. Video instructions for InteliSwab can be found here in English and Spanish and here for other test kit types. Please note that the InteliSwab test takes 30 minutes for results. Test kits should be used for staff and students. For other family members, free rapid test kits are also available at most public library locations.
What do I do if the rapid test is positive?
Please report positive tests for staff or students on the MCPS COVID-19 Reporting Form. Individuals who have a positive COVID-19 test will need to follow CDC guidelines for isolation.
What do I do if the rapid test is negative?
Negative test results do not need to be reported.
Please remember that non-COVID respiratory infections like influenza and RSV are also circulating in our community. Healthy habits including isolating when sick, good handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes help prevent illness. COVID-19 and influenza vaccination are available for free for Montgomery County residents.
Sincerely,
Mindy Reeves
Principal
PJ Day and Winter Sing-A-Long
On Wednesday, December 21 we will have a PJ day, and students will participate in a 40-minute sing-a-long filled with Winter Songs. The full list of songs can be found below.
- That Time of Year
- Let It Snow
- Hurry Up!
- I’m a Little Snowman
- Jingle Bells / Winter Fantasy
- Snowman Dance
- Winter Wonderland
- 5 Little Snowman
- Do you want to build a snowman?
- Snow Man "Freeze" Dance
- Over the River and Through the Woods
- Lets Rock to Get ready for Winter
- Little Snowflake
- Winter Holiday Hockey Pockey
- Let it Go
- Snowflakes, Snowflakes (ABC tune)
- Sleigh Ride
- Once Upon a December
The anticipated schedule will be...
9:10 - 9:50 Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade 1
10:00 - 10:40 Grade 2 and Grade 3
2:30 - 3:10 Pre-Kindergarten, Grade 4 and Grade 5
Greetings, MCPS Families!
You are receiving this message because this year, your child’s school is using a classroom cart model for Chromebooks. This means students use an assigned Chromebook while in school, but do not bring their Chromebook home each night. As we move into the winter months and plan for potential emergency closures, your child will need access to a device at home to engage in homework, interactive resources and potential virtual instruction. If your child does not have access to a personal or home computer, a parent or guardian should complete a form to request an MCPS Chromebook. The device will be checked out to your student and will be kept at home for the school year. The device will need to be returned at the end of the school year or sooner if your student is leaving MCPS for any reason.
To request a MCPS Chromebook for home use, please complete this form: Chromebook Form to Distribute to Families
First Place Yearbook Cover Winner: Nyssa Bhosle
Runner Up Winner of the Yearbook Contest: Shivani Gopal
Leader In Me
Staying in Touch with MCPS
Winter weather is coming soon. MCPS offers numerous ways for parents to learn about school closures, delayed openings, and early dismissals due to inclement weather. Sign up for AlertMCPS and receive text messages or e-mails from MCPS during weather-related emergencies and other major events that impact school system operations. Parents can also sign up to receive alerts specific to their child’s school by visiting www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/alertmcps.aspx.
School Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Every Friday is Spirit Day at Rachel Carson Elementary!
Check out our site to design your gear.
This Week and Last Week at RCES!
Upcoming Dates
December
23-30- No School for Students or Staff- Winter Break
January
2- No School for Students or Staff- Winter Break
10- PTA Meeting
16- MLK Day- No School for Students or Staff
27- No School for Students or Staff- Grading /Reporting
Principal Reeves
Email: Mindy_D_Reeves@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rachelcarsones/
Location: 100 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-1840
Twitter: @RCESPrincipal