Welcome To Panther Tracks
News, updates, and reminders for the coming week and more going forward. La traducción al español está en la parte inferior. የአማርኛ ትርጉም ከታች ነው።
Community Resources
This is a new, recurring portion of Panther Tracks and we will update this section weekly with relevant information as needed. This week:
- A message from BOE Superintendent Dr. Taylor: All our children deserve a high-quality education that fosters both academic excellence and well-being regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, disability, religion, or any other identifying characteristic. Read the full statement here.
- MCPS is committed to ensuring that all students feel safe and welcome in our schools, regardless of immigration status. Click here to read the statement.
- MCPS offers support to our Immigrant students and families. Click here for resources.
- How does MCPS handle immigration enforcement visits to schools? Click here for more information.
- How can I ensure my child's personal information is not shared? Under FERPA, schools may disclose directory information without consent unless the family completed an Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy form at the start of the year. If you would like to update your family's preference, please contact the main office.
Tomorrow: Monthly PTA Meeting
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, March 11, for our monthly PBES/TPES PTA meeting. The Zoom link will be sent later in the afternoon.
Swim Unit in P.E. Returns
Students will be participating in a swim unit during PE class March 10 through March 28th. Students should bring a suit, towel, and goggles (optional) on their regular PE day.
FRIDAY: STEAM Day (Volunteers and Donations Needed)
On Friday, March 14, Piney Branch Elementary School will be celebrating STEAM Day. All day we will have special activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. We are hoping that you can help us make this day extra special! There are lots of ways that you can help! We are asking our community to donate materials that you may have around your home, or pies that students may enjoy as they learn about the number Pi. We also need lots of volunteers to help us with the fun activities we have planned. Please use this google form to find more information and to sign up to help. Thank you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNE_tD1FKWx5h5uYwcOWMooRQoPBjoxX-6l-je5qQZaQeTjw/viewform?usp=sharing
Cultural Heritage Night: Food, Performers, and Volunteers Needed
Please join us for a vibrant celebration of our multicultural community at 7 pm on April 9 at Takoma Park Middle School. There will be food, performances, and a fashion show. We need your help to make it happen! Please visit the links below to sign up to participate or volunteer.
- To sign up to bring Food, use this link: dub.sh/2025PBESeat
- To sign up for performances, use this link: dub.sh/2025PBESperform
- To sign up to volunteer at the event, use this link:dub.sh/2025PBESvolunteer
- Questions? Email Emily Tulli (etulli@gmail.com) or Mari Quenemoen (mariannaq@gmail.com).
Readathon Wrap-Up
Thank you again for encouraging your kids to read over the Readathon! Next steps for families – if your students have collected pledges for minutes read, please submit these pledges on the PBES PTA website (use the Readathon Donation option), or by check (make checks payable to PBES PTA). All donations are tax-deductible.
Needed: GeoBowl Coaches
We are launching the GeoBowl teams with Lunch Bunch study groups to help the kids prepare for the GeoBowl Competition in late March. We are in desperate need of a couple more coaches OR you would be willing to coach a team for that grade/pod, please Sign up here.
Upcoming Dates
This week
- Tuesday, March 11: Monthly TPES/PBES PTA meeting (Zoom)
- Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12: MISA Math test for 5th graders
- Friday, March 14: STEAM Day
This month
- March 10 through March 28: Swim unit in P.E. class
- March 18 and 26: MCPS Math Curriculum Nights (see flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13YtHjs6O0qFTtC0fFcFRCJveGZoTi15Y/view)
Translation | Traducción | ትርጉም