Dear Families,

As we welcome the month of December, I am filled with gratitude for the energy, enthusiasm, and kindness that our students bring to school each day. This time of year gives us a chance to reflect on how far we have come since the beginning of the school year and to celebrate the growth we see in every classroom. Whether it’s the excitement of learning a new skill, the pride of completing a challenge, or the joy of helping a friend, our students remind us daily of the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and compassion.

Our teachers and staff continue to create meaningful learning experiences that help students learn, explore, and build confidence. I am proud of the strong partnerships between home and school that make this progress possible. Your involvement—whether through attending events, supporting learning at home, or simply staying connected—has a tremendous impact on our students’ success.

This month, we are focusing on the character trait of generosity. Generosity is about recognizing the needs of others and choosing to act with empathy and kindness. Throughout December, we look forward to seeing students practice this trait.

As we approach winter break, I hope each of you has time to relax, enjoy family traditions, and create memories with loved ones. The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge for the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued trust, encouragement, and partnership. I am incredibly proud of our school community, and I look forward to all that the new year will bring.

Amy L. Buckless

Principal

12/9: Two-hour early dismissal. No afternoon ECSE. Project Unity Day. Professional Development.

12/11: Picture Retakes

12/13: PTA's Santa's Workshop

12/18: Winter Concert

12/22–12/31: Schools & Central Offices closed. Christmas/Winter Break.

*Please remember these days are optional! Choose the ones you would like to participate in.*

December Breakfast Menu

PreK Lunch Menu

K-12 Lunch Menu

By attending school and being on time each day, your child will have the best opportunity for success both socially and academically. Students are encouraged to arrive to school no later than 7:55am so they are able to be in their classroom and ready to begin their day at 8:00am. This will eliminate stress and will set your child up for a successful day.

Have you ever wondered what counts as a full school day versus a half school day? Please keep these times in mind when scheduling appointments or when dropping off and picking up your student.

Ms. Buckless, Ms. Lewis and Ms. Smith are challenging our students to be at school at least 14 out of the 15 days before Winter Break! If students are here for at least 14 days, they will be invited to a special celebration! 

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Help spread holiday cheer—grab a snowman from our Giving Tree in the lobby! After purchasing the listed item, wrap it, attach the snowman tag, and send it in with your student by Friday, December 5th.

Click to join the PTA and support RBES!

December is Asking Questions About Their Day

Do you get a shrug of the shoulders and a "fine," when you ask how your child's day was?

Try asking directed questions. They can be a mix of open-ended and closed questions to help you engage them in conversation.
Closed-ended questions - These questions have a limited set of responses, very often yes/no, or specific answers.
Open-ended questions - These questions allow for answers that can be detailed and varied depending on the situation.

What was the best part of your day?

What is something you would have liked to go differently?

Who did you sit with at lunch today?

Tell me about something you read in school today.

What is something that made you laugh today?

You can extend the conversation based on their answers. Share about your day too! Find more questions you can ask your children at Parent.com.

Read the full December Family Link Newsletter Here: Click Here

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8515 Jenkins Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122

(410) 360-2300