Luxmanor Elementary School

Principal Newsletter

My newsletter this month contains information regarding the return to school, as well as information regarding summer programs, the elementary immersion application process, calendar changes and tutoring services.

Reopening of Schools

Please read this presentation for important information concerning the reopening of MCPS schools.

Back to School Resources

Technology Resources

Please look at our Technology Resources Guide for information on accessing StudentVue, Google Drive, myMCPS Classroom (Canvas), and Zoom.

Maryland Safe Schools

If you have a safety concern for your student, please use the Maryland Safe Schools Tipline. The tipline is a safe, anonymous place to report physical, emotional, and environmental student safety concerns.

Chromebook Repairs

Chromebook repairs will now need to go through a process that is outlined in the Chromebook Obligations document.  To summarize this document, if you have an issue with your MCPS Chromebook:

• Go to 45 W. Gude Drive.
  • Parents should park in the 45 W. Gude parking lot and walk up to the front overhang parallel to Gude Drive.
• Provide Students ID#, First and Last Name, School, and Contact Information.  Please ensure accuracy of information.
• A loaner device can be requested at this location, if inventory is available.
• The loaner may be a different model than the original chromebook but should still allow all accessibility.
• Once the repair is complete, the child’s school will contact the parent/guardian to arrange a time for pick up. 
  • Parents/guardians will also be notified of any incurred cost. The Chromebook Obligations Repair Costs document provides details.
  • If the loaner device is not returned there will be a $100 flat fee.

Luxmanor Open House

Our Open House on October 12th was a great success. If you were unable to attend, please access our presentations on Social Emotional Learning, our Benchmark reading curriculum, and our Eureka math curriculum.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household size and income. They may also qualify if they are receiving Food Supplement Program (FSP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits. Families may apply for meal benefits by completing an Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals for the current school year.

Apply online NOW at MySchoolApps.com (Translations available)

Federal eligibility guidelines change each school year; therefore a new application must be submitted each school year. All students in the family should be listed on one household application. A notice will be mailed home for each student if you are approved for meal benefits or do not qualify for meal benefits. Please keep this important document for your records and use throughout the school year. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time during the school year. 

Households that are unable to apply online should contact the Division of Food and Nutrition Services at 301-284-4900.

ESOL Update

Hello parents of ESOL students who took the WIDA ACCESS test in January 2020.  You either have or will receive an ISR in the mail very soon.  A helpful supporting document, translated in multiple languages, can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the MCAP page of the MCPS website.  This guide will help you to better understand your child’s score on the Access assessment.  

LES Updates

Please read my latest newsletter with updates about teaching schedules, supply lists, signing into Zoom and other technical support.

Parent Webinar Series

• A series of technology webinars for parents have been scheduled to help parents learn about the new parent portal (ParentVUE) and other digital tools their children will be using this fall (myMCPS Classroom, Kami, Zoom). Webinars will be recorded and posted on the MCPS website.

Student Logins

• ConnectED messages will be sent to all families beginning August 23rd with student login and password information. This information will be used to log in to StudentVUE, myMCPS Classroom, and other core MCPS platforms.  Passwords will NOT be changed for the start of the year.  Students can continue to use their passwords from last year.

 ParentVUE Activation Communication

• Beginning Friday evening, activation emails and letters will be sent to parents. If you have an email on file in Synergy, an email with activation instructions will be sent. If you do not have an email on file, a mailer will be generated and mailed to your address. If you have difficulty with activating accounts, or if you do not receive a communication, you can contact the help line at 240-740-7023.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. 

Online Office Hours

During online learning, the main office will remain closed, however, there will always be someone in the office answering the phones between 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. every school day and checking phone messages left from the previous day.  Access to the main office will change based upon guidance from MCPS and the Health Department.  If you leave a phone message, you can expect to hear back from a Luxmanor staff member within 48 hours of your message.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Instruction begins on October 5. Please go to the Luxmanor Music Page of this website for the schedule and access to band classes.

Covid-19 Resources

Please access our Covid-19 Resources Page for information about school and community resources, meal services, and other important information related to navigating the coronavirus pandemic.

Kindergarten and New Student Enrollment

Are you new to MCPS and need to enroll your student? Do you have a child who will be a kindergartener (with a birth date prior to September 1, 2015) for the 2020-2021 school year?  Go to our Kindergarten and New Student Enrollment Page for details about how to enroll a student in MCPS.

We strongly encourage all families to complete your child’s registration online.  However, we do recognize that this may not be possible for all families.  If you need to come to school to complete the registration process, please let Ms. Colin know and she can set up a time when she can help you individually.  Depending on social distancing guidelines and MCPS procedures, this may have to take place outside in front of the building. 

Staff Read Alouds

Miss seeing your Luxmanor teachers? Want to enjoy a good story with them? Go to the Staff Read Aloud page to watch videos of your favorite Luxmanor people reading some of their favorite books.

Technology Assistance

MCPS has set up two different ways for you to share your tech issues with them.  You can call 240-740-7022 for Chromebook technical help.  You can also submit an email to mymcps_support@mcpsmd.org.  I have also been provided directions to also assist with logging into your child’s account.

Counseling Resources

Visit the Luxmanor Elementary School Counseling site to find more information about mental health supports, community and parent resources.