Talbott Springs Elementary School
Newsletter - 9/4/26
Greetings TSES Families,
We had an awesome second week of school at TSES. Please note that HCPSS schools and offices are closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. We look forward to seeing our students return on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:30.
A few beginning of the year reminders that I would like to reiterate:
HCPSS prohibits animals on school property. Please do not bring your dog or any other animal if you are dropping off or picking up your child(ren) from TSES as a walker. Please help us out by adhering to HCPSS policy.
If there will be a change in your child's transportation for dismissal, please email tsesabsence@hcpss.org prior to 2pm. This helps the Front Office communicate changes to the teachers in a timely manner. We understand that sometimes that is not possible and the change will come at the end of the day. If that happens, please park your car in the parking lot and report to the front office for assistance. TSES Staff will direct you to the Front Office to ensure that we locate your child(ren) and deliver them to you. Thank you for helping us ensure safety during dismissal.
We have a few upcoming events. Please see below.
We hope our parents/guardians can join us for Back to School Night(s) next week to learn more about your child’s grade level for the new school year.
Tuesday, September 8 - Grades K-2 Back to School Night @ 6:00-7:00 pm
Thursday, September 10 - Advanced Programming (previously Gifted & Talented) Back to School Night @ 5:30-6:00 pm
Thursday, September 10 - Grades 3-5 Back to School Night @ 6:00-7:00 pm
ENGLISH - 2026-2027 Back to School Night Information.pdf
SPANISH - 2026-2027 Back to School Night Information.pdf
KOREAN - 2026-2027 Back to School Night Information.pdf
CHINESE - 2026-2027 Back to School Night Information.pdf
Please join us for our Annual Title I Night to contribute to setting goals for connecting the school to your home!
Date & Time: September 23, 2026, from 6-8pm
Dinner and childcare provided!
RSVP by 9/18: https://forms.gle/YBHJoNUUku7qXjiZ9
This week's newsletter includes:
Important Dates
Measure of Academic Progress
Parents' Right to Know
Bullying Prevention and Response
Family File
Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs)
Important Dates
September 7 - Schools Closed for Labor Day
September 8 - Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Back to School Night @ 6pm
September 10 - 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Back to School Night @ 6pm
September 16 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00pm
September 21 - HCPSS Schools & Offices Closed
September 23 - Annual Title I Night @ 6pm
September 30 - HCPSS Schools Close 3 Hours Early - TSES will dismiss @ 12:15
October 12 - Fall Picture Day
Measure of Academic Progress
The MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) fall testing window for Grades 1-5 opens on Tuesday, September 8th and runs until Friday, October 9th. You will find the testing schedule below. This assessment is designed to measure student growth in math and reading during the school year and across multiple school years.
Each student in grades one through five will complete one day of math testing. Students in grades four and five will also complete one day of reading testing. Chromebooks will be provided to the students for testing. The MAP assessment allows teachers to see instructional strengths and needs for each student. MAP is an adaptive test in which it adjusts based on the students’ answers to each question. The test gets more difficult as correct answers are given and easier as incorrect answers are given until an instructional match is found.
At the conclusion of the test, each student receives a RIT score that aligns to their instructional level based on the assessment. MAP, in conjunction with other measures throughout the school year, helps teachers differentiate instruction within their classrooms.
At the conclusion of the testing window, parents and guardians will be able to access the assessment scores using these directions.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Derek Lewis <dlewis@hcpss.org> with any questions.
Grade 1
Math MAP
September 11, 2026
Grade 2
Math MAP
September 28, 2026
Grade 3
Math MAP
September 25, 2026
Grade 4
ELA MAP
September 15, 2026
Grade 4
Math MAP
October 1, 2026
Grade 5
Math MAP
September 15, 2026
Grade 5
ELA MAP
September 17, 2026
Parents' Right to Know
Please see the Parent's Right to Know letters below.
Family File
347 Family Files have been completed! We have 76 left to go. Please help us reach 100% by completing your Family File today!
Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. HCPSS requires that your Family File before your child(ren) can attend a field trip. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect PARENT ACCOUNT and selecting the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left and then click on Family File.
Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:
- Student Information
- Parent/Guardian Contact
- Emergency Contacts
- Medical Information
- Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
- Photo Approval Data Confidentiality
- PTA/PTSA Directory
Again, it is important that you complete the Family File in order to receive the name of your child's teacher for the upcoming school year.
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf
Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs)
Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program.
Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.
Families must submit a new application every school year. 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.
- Apply online
- Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Additionally, I want you to know that there are school staff available to support you and your child.We have numerous supports in place, and I encourage you and your child to take advantage of them whenever they are needed.
Here are the support staff available at our school who can provide supports along with your child’s teachers and administrators:
Jenny Rothenberger, Family and Community Engagement Liaison - jennifer_rothenberger@hcpss.org
Autumn Joiner, Black Student and Achievement Program Liaison - autumn_joiner@hcpss.org
Jessica Pena, Hispanic Achievement Liaison -
Answers to frequently asked questions on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or foodsvc@hcpss.org.