Weekly Update

Farmland Weekly Update

Week of February 16, 2026
 
Good afternoon, Farmland families,
 
The recent events at Wootton High School have been difficult for our community. I understand that this may raise concerns for families, and I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of every student in our school is our highest priority.
 
As a Montgomery County Public School, we have safety measures in place that include controlled entry procedures, locked doors, visitor check-in protocols, security staff support, and regular safety drills conducted in an age-appropriate manner. We also have security cameras throughout the building and around the exterior of the school to help monitor our campus.
 
Staff reviews emergency procedures with students throughout the year, including what to do during a lockdown. These conversations are handled thoughtfully, with clear, simple steps shared calmly and reassuringly to avoid unnecessary fear or anxiety.
 
We also have specific procedures for portable classrooms. Portable doors remain locked throughout the school day, and staff are vigilant about ensuring they are secured at all times. In the event of a lockdown involving a threat inside the main building, students in portables would be moved off campus to our designated reunification site at Tilden Middle School. This plan is designed to move students away from potential danger to a secure location where reunification procedures would be implemented if needed.
 
Below are links to videos that teachers use to explain lockdown procedures to students. You may also use these at home to reinforce expectations:
 
 
The message “See something, say something” is an important principle for students to understand, so we encourage families to talk with their children about the importance of speaking up if they see something concerning or feel unsafe. If a student becomes aware of unsafe behavior or a weapon, they should report it immediately to a trusted adult, such as their classroom teacher, school counselor, administrator, or any staff member. Concerns can also be reported anonymously through the Safe Schools Maryland tip line:
If it is ever necessary to move students off campus for a parent reunification, families will receive detailed instructions through our communications. To ensure you receive the most current information in an emergency, please make sure your contact information and emergency contacts are up to date in ParentVUE.
 
Families can access additional information through the MCPS Emergency Response Protocols and the MCPS Division of Safety and Emergency Management website. 
 
In this issue:
Farmland Updates
  • Reminder: No School February 16-17
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Farmland's 5th Grade Got Talent
  • Congratulations, Spelling Bee Winners
Parent Teacher Association News and Updates
  • Classroom Parties March 6
  • Spiritwear Sales Online
Calendar
Contact Information
 

Emergency Preparedness: The Standard Response Protocol

The safety of our students is always our top priority. As part of this work, this school year, MCPS has adopted the nationally recognized Standard Response Protocol, developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. This provides a shared language for students, staff, and first responders to use during different types of emergencies.
 
  Communication During a Lockdown
 
  • What is a Lockdown? A lockdown is used when there's an immediate, serious threat inside or near the school. Staff will be trained to follow the "locks, lights, out of sight" procedure.
  • What to Expect: The school will first call 911. We will then provide updates to our school community approximately every 20 minutes (when possible) through our district communication system.
  • Your Role as a Parent: Please do not come to the school or call/text your child during a lockdown. This can interfere with emergency responders and put you or others at risk. We will provide detailed instructions for a reunification process if needed after the event.
Below is a breakdown of what to do before, during, and after a lockdown for students, staff, and parents.
 
Staff Responsibilities
  • Before: Understand emergency protocols, have your classroom set up for safety, and participate in all drills.
  • During: Lock and secure doors, turn off lights, and move students to a safe, hidden location. Do not respond to fire alarms or knocks on the door unless directed by authorities.
  • After: Remain in lockdown until an "All Clear" is given. Provide emotional support to students and avoid giving tests or quizzes immediately after the event.
Student Responsibilities
  • Before: Actively participate in all emergency drills and talk with your parents about what you've learned.
  • During: Move quickly to the safe area in your classroom or the nearest secure room. Silence your phone and follow all instructions from staff members. Stay calm and quiet.
  • After: Talk with your parents or a trusted adult about how you're feeling and ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Parent Responsibilities
  • Before: Make sure your emergency contact information is up to date and talk with your child about the importance of safety drills.
  • During: Do not come to the school. Avoid calling or texting your child, as this could be a distraction. Wait for communication from the school or district.
  • After: Listen to your child's concerns and reassure them that they are safe. If they continue to show signs of stress, please reach out to school staff or a mental health professional for support.

Farmland’s Got Talent – Tickets On Sale Now!

Farmland’s Got Talent – Tickets On Sale Now!
Join us for Farmland’s Got Talent, a fun, non-competitive 5th Grade talent showcase and fundraiser, celebrating the incredible talents of our very own Farmland students! Get ready to enjoy an evening filled with music, comedy, and so much more!  
 
When: Friday, March 6 | Doors open at 5:30 PM
Where: Farmland Elementary School
Tickets: $5 per seat (only 200 seats available)
 
Tickets & Pre-Order Pizza Available NOW
Seating is limited, so we encourage families to purchase tickets in advance. Friends, extended family, and community members outside of Farmland are welcome to attend and cheer on our students.
Pizza pre-orders are also available! Purchase by the slice or a whole pie to make show night easy. Snacks and beverages will also be available at the event while supplies last.
All proceeds support 5th-grade end-of-year celebrations and promotion events. We can’t wait to welcome our community for a high-energy night celebrating our students!

Congratulations Spelling Bee Winners and Participants!🎉

We are proud to announce our school spelling bee champions: Ailin from Ms. Eayrs' class and Noam from Ms. Coates' class!
Congratulations to all students who participated for their hard work and enthusiasm. A special thank you to Ms. Zelinski, Ms. Nugent, Mrs. Sherman, and all parent volunteers for making this event such a success!
 
Ailin will represent our Farmland at the 2026 Montgomery County Regional Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 12, at The Landon School.
 
Good luck, Ailin, we are cheering you on!!

Parent Teacher Association News and Updates

Classroom Parties are March 6 - Sign Ups Now Available!
We are gearing up for our next round of classroom parties! These parties are a fun, easy way to volunteer, spend time in your child’s classroom, and help create joyful memories for the whole class.
 
Plans and materials are provided—now all we need is YOU!
 
Please note: Due to overlapping times, each volunteer may sign up for only one party.
 
Our Spiritwear Sales Are Now Online!
We moved our spirit wear sales online, and we now feature more fun designs, sizes, and styles than ever before! Pro tip: combine your order with a friend’s to take advantage of the free shipping offer! Farmland PTA earns a small commission from each sale. We can’t wait to see your new Farmland spirit style. Thank you for your support!
25% OFF GRAND OPENING SALE! USE CODE: SPIRIT701
 

Calendar

A table titled 'Upcoming Important Dates' lists school events and holidays.

Contact Information

Administration
Mrs. April Longest, Principal (2nd and 5th Grade)
MrsKharima Wilson, Assistant Principal (Kindergarten and 3rd grade)
 
Administrative Assistances
 
Health Room Contacts
 
Food Services
Mrs. Olga Cardenas, Food Svc Satellite Mgr II - For questions related to menu or lunch accounts
 
PTA President
Farmland Hours
 
School Hours
Doors Open: 9:15 pm
Bell Rings: 9:25 am
Dismissal: 3:50 am
 
Office Hours
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
 
Office Phone: 240-740-0660
School Address: 7000 Old Gate Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
 
Early Release Schedule
9:15 am Doors open
9:25 am Bell Rings
1:20 pm Dismissal
No Recess
 
Two-Hour Delay Schedule
11:15 am - Doors open
11:25 am - School Day Begins
(No recess on a delayed opening
 
Important Links