Greetings Benfield Families!

October is upon us and our children have been doing amazing work, and we are especially proud of their excitement and perseverance with the new reading curriculum, CKLA. The vocabulary is enriching, and the content is filled with new and interesting information to learn.

The Maryland State Department of Education has the Science of Reading statewide and CKLA is based on the Science of Reading. There is a great resource to read on the Amplify website called, 5 Shifts for True Science of Reading Instruction (click to read). This is a great summary of the importance of teaching children to read using Science of Reading.

Recently, MSDE released MCAP test scores, and for the third year in a row, Benfield has lead the Anne Arundel County elementary schools in reading, mathematics, and science (MISA). This is a testament to the staff and their dedication to teaching, the work ethic of our students, and continuous support of the whole Benfield community. We are all very proud of our Benfield Bulldogs!

We appreciate your continued support,

Sue Myers, Principal

Missy Fuson, Assistant Principal

Benfield Elementary School Family Handbook

Important Dates

Fall Festivities

Parade The Halloween Parade will take place outside, weather permitting, at 9:00 a.m. We will walk one loop around the building. Students should plan to wear their costumes to school, as there will be no opportunity to change into their costume. Parents are asked to ensure that costumes are "school friendly" and do not depict violence, gore, blood, or include any type of weapon. Parents are welcome to join us for the parade. In the event that the weather does not cooperate, we will hold the parade inside, but unfortunately will not be able to invite guests indoors.

Parking - please be understanding of the needs in the neighborhood and keep the streets passable. Last year, we received several complaints from neighbors who were blocked in and not able to get out.

Parties The class parties will take place at the end of the day from 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. with the first grade class party occurring from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Room parents will be contacting you with information about the party in your child's classroom.

A Special Thank You!

Thank you to the creative parents who took the time to decorate and ensure that Benfield looks festive on the inside and outside. We all appreciate you!

Indoor Team - Sam Bartgis, Carolyn Seuling, and Farin Wilson

Outdoor Team - Kirstin Gesling, Kaycie Quinones, Lyndsey McGlaughlin

Magnet Programs for Middle School

There are several other options available through the AACPS Magnet Program. Click here for more information: AACPS Magnet Programs

If your child is interested in the arts, perhaps the APEX Arts program is of interest. Click here to learn more information: APEX Arts at Wiley H. Bates Middle School.

Importance of Being on Time

Bus Safety and Student Responsibilities

It is important to discuss appropriate behavior on the school bus. Ensuring a safe and positive environment for all students is a top priority as they are transported to school. Mrs. Fuson collaborates with drivers every morning at drop off to monitor how the Benfield students are doing on the bus. A few areas of concern from the drivers have been noted:

Respectful Conduct: Encourage your child to treat bus drivers and fellow students with respect. Disruptive behavior, including loud talking or shouting, should be avoided.
Safety First: Remind your child to remain seated while the bus is in motion, keep their hands and feet to themselves, and follow any safety instructions provided by the driver.
No Eating or Drinking: For cleanliness and to prevent health hazards, eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these rules with your child. Working together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable bus ride for everyone.

Harvest for the Hungry Campaign

Benfield PTO Updates

We hope the first month of school has been filled with fun and new learning opportunities for everyone! The PTO has been busy gathering volunteers for exciting events and planning our fundraisers for the first half of the year. If you’re looking to get involved at Benfield but aren’t sure where to start, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ptobenfield@gmail.com.

Here are a few updates from the PTO Board:

- Register TODAY for the PTO and receive a Benfield magnet as part of our membership drive, ending on October 9th.
- Volunteers Needed: We are always seeking volunteers to support the many great activities at Benfield, particularly for our Variety Show committee. If you would like more information, please contact us at ptobenfield@gmail.com.
- October PTO Meeting: Join us on October 8th at 6:30 PM for our first virtual PTO meeting of the school year. Keep an eye out for the Zoom link to join. Please note that if you are a room parent, you or a representative must attend.
- Ice Cream Social and Book Swap: Register today for the Ice Cream Social and Book Swap on Thursday, October 10th at 5:00 PM. If you register for the PTO before October 9th, you will receive your magnet at the event!
- Upcoming Restaurant Fundraisers: On October 17th, we will be hosting a fundraiser event at MOD Pizza from 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Pizza for dinner sounds amazing! See flyer below for more details.
- Room Parent Outreach: If you haven’t already heard from your room parent(s), be on the lookout for an introductory email. If you missed the note to opt in for email sharing with room parents, please reach out to ptobenfield@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support!

Severna Park Library Happenings

Resources for Parents

How to Become a Volunteer

Chaperone / Volunteer

All information is available on the AACPS Website.

Chaperone / Volunteer Information

Harassment Video

Everyone who wishes to be a volunteer, classroom visitor, or chaperone must view the Sexual Harassment/Child Abuse Training Video and submit the video viewed form to the main office.

Link: AACPS Sexual Harassment & Child Abuse Video English

AACPS Sexual Harassment & Child Abuse Video Spanish

Commercial Background Check

All chaperones and volunteers must complete either the online request for a commercial background check or have an AACPS fingerprint card. The commercial background checks are at no cost to the applicant and are valid for two calendar years. Please submit your application electronically at least 3 weeks prior to the intended school event.

Link: Commercial Background Check

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is at the Board of Education by appointment only. The card does not have an expiration date, however, there is a fee. Please submit a copy of the card to the main office.

Link: Fingerprinting (scroll to end for FAQ)

When coming to Benfield, always be ready to show your driver’s license. This includes, but is not limited to, picking your student up from school, events, and volunteering.

Attendance and Dismissal Notes

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) have three options to submit absent and/or change in dismissal notes to Benfield Elementary School.

EMAIL

Please email the main office and the homeroom teacher anytime your child is absent and/or has a dismissal change.

Main Office Email Address: BENFIELDES@AACPS.ORG

PARENT PORTAL

Utilizing the web-based Parent Portal application or mobile app, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) can submit an absence note or early dismissal request online via the Parent Portal.

Link: https://www.aacps.org/parentportal

HANDWRITTEN NOTES

Your child can bring a handwritten note to their homeroom teacher. Please be advised that the main office may not receive these notes timely and prefer an email at BENFIELDES@AACPS.org.

When coming to Benfield, always be ready to show your driver’s license. This includes, but is not limited to, picking your student up from school, events, and volunteering.

Advanced Learner Parent Guidebook

Background Checks and Fingerprinting Directions

Background Checks and Fingerprinting AACPS Link

Maryland Blueprint Resources

Bus Notification System

Cell Phone / Smart Device Policy

Emergency Form - Please be sure to update and submit your child's emergency form.

Family Newsletter - link to all previous newsletters

Parent Portal: This is an excellent resource for parents as it has information about grades, attendance and more.

Permission to Administer Medication at School Form

Physical Education Restriction Form

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health and Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. has provided a list of local resources that may be of use to you. Please see below:

Local Resources

Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System 410-768-5522

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Dial 988

Anne Arundel County Department of Health Adolescent and Family Services 410-222-6785

Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency 410-222-7858, www.aamentalhealth.org

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Social and Emotional Supports, www.aacps.org/crisisresources

Safe School Maryland Tip Line 833-632-7233

AACPS School Safety and Security / Safety Hotlines www.aacps.org/Page/8178

Network of Care http://annearundel.md.networkofcare.org/mh

Children’s Mental Health Matters www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org

Crisis Text Line 741-741, www.crisistextline.org

Mind Resilience www.mindresilience.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Anne Arundel County 443-569-3498, www.namiaac.org

Benfield Bulldog Family Newsletter