Weekly Update

Week of February 9, 2026

In this issue:

Farmland Updates

Reminder: No School February 16-17
Parking and Cross Walk Safety - Keep Ramp Clear
Bus Loop: Arrival and Dismissal
Golden Trash Can Award Winners
Digital Citizenship & AI Literacy Update

Parent Teacher Association News and Updates

Classroom Parties: Volunteer Sign Ups
Our Spiritwear Sales
Other News and Notes

MCPS Community Updates

Making Up the Snow Days
New Marking Period, New Momentum
Superintendent Presents Boundary Recommendations

Yellow signs indicate 'No Parking, Drop-Off, or Pick-Up' in specific areas around a building entrance with a ramp.

Parking and Crosswalk Safety — Keep Ramp Clear

We need your help to keep students safe.

Keep crosswalks and ramps clear. Do not stop, stand, or park here. Students with disabilities need ramps to enter safely.
Use the parking lot for Kids After Hours drop-off and pick-up.

These rules follow Maryland Transportation Code § 21-1003. This law stops parking in crosswalks, on sidewalks, in front of driveways, and other unsafe areas. More info: Maryland Transportation Code §21-1003

Thank you for helping keep all students safe and the school accessible.

Aerial view of a parking lot with signs indicating 'No Parking, Drop-Off, or Pick-Up' in certain areas and 'Park here during arrival and dismissal' in another.

Bus Loop: Arrival and Dismissal

Keep the bus loop clear:
Arrival: 9:00–9:50 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Buses are moving at these times.
Use street parking on Farmland Drive if you need to park.

🏆Golden Trash Can Award Winners! 🏆

Congratulations to Ms. Choi’s 2nd grade for keeping their lunch areas the cleanest!

Congratulations to Mrs. Gibb's 3rd grade for keeping their lunch areas the cleanest!

A special thanks to Mrs. Pascover for coordinating this award and working with Panda Express, who generously donated award certificates with a free kid’s meal for each winning classroom.

Digital Citizenship & AI Literacy Update

Montgomery County Public Schools establishes policy and approves curriculum at the district level. MCPS is currently reviewing a draft policy related to emerging technologies, including AI, and is collecting public feedback through the Board of Education’s public comment process:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy-public-comment#igs

At Farmland, students participate each year in digital citizenship lessons using the Common Sense Media curriculum. Lessons vary by grade level and focus on topics such as online safety, digital footprints, cyberbullying, and information literacy. While AI is not taught explicitly at this time, related concepts such as evaluating reliable sources and understanding digital bias are embedded throughout instruction.

Once the district finalizes its policy and provides guidance, schools will receive the next steps for implementation. Families are encouraged to share feedback through the MCPS public comment process and explore parent resources available through Common Sense Media, including the Family Tech Planner.

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.

Learn more about Farmland’s classroom parties here.

View your party plans here.

Contribute to our classroom party fund here.

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

Click here to visit our new spirit wear store!

Other News and Notes from PTA

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Skate Night! It was great to see so many Farmland families having fun together!
We are excited to share that 7 Farmland students’ entries advanced from the county level to the state competition in the Reflections Art Contest! Bravo!
Save the date: Join us for STEAM Night on March 25 for hands-on science and art activities, and to celebrate all of Farmland’s Reflections entries this year.

MCPS Community Updates

Making Up the Snow Days

As a result of the recent winter storm, MCPS needs to make up four instructional days. Two non-instructional days will be changed to instructional days: Friday, March 20, and Thursday, June 18, which will be an early release day and the new last day of the school year. Students observing Eid al-Fitr on March 20 will receive an excused absence.

Other make-up days are being considered, but no decisions have been made. MCPS will request a waiver from the state for some of the missed instructional days. Pending the outcome, the district will update its make-up plan and share a revised school calendar with families.

New Marking Period, New Momentum: Staying Connected for Student Success

Marking Period 3 officially started on Tuesday, Feb. 3. With the start of a new semester, families have the opportunity to reestablish communication to ensure everyone remains on the same page about student progress throughout the marking period and second semester. Read more for tips for a strong start and key dates.

Superintendent Presents Boundary Recommendations and Regional Secondary Programs Model

During the Board of Education’s work session today (Feb. 5), Superintendent Thomas Taylor presented a set of boundary recommendations regarding Charles W. Woodward and Thomas S. Wootton high schools. He also proposed a regional secondary model that would provide students with increased access to a broad range of programs. Read more.