Principal's Page
Greetings, Strathmore Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether your family is returning to Strathmore or joining us for the very first time, we are thrilled to welcome you to a new year filled with discovery, growth, and connection.
This year, our school-wide guiding theme is "Passport to Potential."
Just like a passport opens doors to new destinations and fresh perspectives, this theme represents our commitment to unlocking the unlimited possibilities within every single student. A central part of this journey is recognizing that our greatest strength lies in our vibrant, diverse community. This year, we are intentionally deepening our focus on our diversity. When students learn to appreciate differences—whether in heritage, perspective, or way of thinking—they build the empathy, curiosity, and global mindset needed to navigate the world.
Here is how we will bring our "Passport to Potential" theme to life this year:
- Inclusive Learning: We are continuing to enrich our curriculum with diverse voices, authors, historical figures, and perspectives so every student sees themselves reflected in what they learn.
- Cultural Connections: Throughout the year, we will hold school-wide activities and community showcases that give students and families opportunities to share their traditions and learn from one another.
- Celebrating Individual Growth: Every child's "passport" will look different. We will use our PAWS incentives to celebrate personal milestones—from mastering a tough concept to showing kindness and embracing a growth mindset.
You are an essential co-navigator on this journey. Your insights, background, and presence make our school community whole. We encourage you to share your family’s unique traditions with us, get involved in our school events, and maintain open communication with our teachers and staff. Please use this link to share traditions on feedback on the Beginning of the Year Feedback/Comentarios de los padres sobre el comienzo del año. We look forward to learning about the hopes and dreams you have for your children. Together, let’s make this a year of expanded horizons, deep mutual respect, and celebrated potential.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Teacher Reveal/Open House: Friday, August 21, 2026, from 1:00 - 2:30 - Please bring a picture of your family that celebrates your culture. Pictures will be displayed in your child’s classroom on the “Celebrate Diversity” display.
- Transition Day for Grade 3 and newly enrolled Grade 4 and 5 scholars - Monday, August 24, 2026
- *First Day of School Reminder: If your child is a bus rider, they must ride the bus on Transition Day and on the first day of school. This ensures that we can safely document your child’s correct dismissal routine.
- First Day of School: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Continuous improvement is our collective goal. Thank you for trusting us with your children. It is an honor to serve you, our scholars, and our community!
Best Regards.
Mrs. Nelson, Principal
Mrs. Rosso Rigaud, Assistant Principal
Demand Rigor Equity And Meaningful relationships
READY FOR SCHOOL CHECKLIST
Strathmore ES: Key Dates and Information
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Important Marking Period 1 Dates: |
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SRIPS |
As part of Maryland’s updated PreK–3 Literacy Policy, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, implementing Student Reading Improvement Plans (SRIP) to ensure every student receives dedicated support to master early reading. Here is what you can expect:
We look forward to working closely with you to foster strong literacy skills and ensure every child thrives. Please feel free to reach out to our administration or your child’s teacher if you have any questions! |
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School Hours: Arrival and Dismissal |
Safety is a priority. Do not drop scholars off before 8:40 a.m.
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School Supply List: |
Use this Supply List to purchase school items. |
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New Personal Mobile Device Policy |
This school year, all Montgomery County Public Schools will be restricting the use of cell phones during school hours. These restrictions align with the Maryland Phone-Free School Act (HB 525). Effective the first day of school, August 24, 2026, all students are not permitted to utilize personal mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, e-readers, personal laptops, smartwatches, smart glasses, and anything with a microphone, camera, speaker, or headphones/earbuds (including AirPods) during the instructional day. This includes during lunch and in the hallways as students transition to class. We believe that by restricting personal mobile devices, it will reduce distractions to your child’s learning, support their social development through increased engagement in discussions with their peers and teachers, and promote a safer school environment. For more information, including how you can support your child, please visit the Personal Mobile Device FAQ for Families. |
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Lunch Information *Students will NOT automatically receive free lunch at Strathmore for the 2026 -2027 School Year. |
New Elementary Lunch Prices for the 2026- 2027 school year: $2.85 Households MUST complete Free And Reduced-price Meal (FARMS) applications or sign up for SNAP to receive free meal benefits at Strathmore* Review school menus here. Students will continue to receive a free breakfast. We need your help to maintain our Title 1 status! Applying for SNAP is the most efficient option. Families must re-apply every year.
*Households with students at other MCPS schools should check directly with those schools to determine if a FARM/SNAP application is needed. |
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Bus Routes, Arrival, and Dismissal |
Bus Stop Arrivals and Bus Stop Departures routes are not available. Please check our website for updates @ www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/strathmorees/. You will receive a separate email once we have received the bus routes for 2026-2027. Thank you for your patience. Strathmore and Bel Pre scholars ride separate buses and have different bus identification processes. Strathmore’s bus schedule is also posted on our website under the “Back to School Packet” link. Copies of the bus schedule may be picked up at the school during Open House. We encourage parents to walk the route from home to the bus stop with their child. It is also critical that adults supervise children at the bus stops in the morning and are there to meet them in the afternoon. Parents should not depend on older siblings to monitor younger siblings at the bus stops. As always, safety is our priority. We encourage parents to discuss an after-school and emergency dismissal plan with their child. Please contact an administrator immediately with any bus concerns or changes in your child’s emergency dismissal plan. Reminders:
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Immunization Requirement Reminders |
Please follow the guidelines: Maryland Department of Health: Important Deadlines:
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NewAmplify Math and Reading Curricula |
We are excited to implement new Amplify math and reading curricula. We need your help to ensure every scholar is successful. Please see the Amplify Desmos Math Parent/Caregiver Hub and CKLA Reading Parent/Caregiver Hub to log in and review parent resources. |
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All parents must Create Parent Portal Account(s) in order to provide and maintain contact information for their child. This will also serve as the primary tool for all schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, and more. Every parent must enroll so that we can share important school and community information in a secure way. Parents that are unable to create a Parent Portal account may visit the school for assistance. |
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Obtain A Chromebook for use at home |
This year, student chromebooks will stay at school. Parents may complete this Chromebook Request Form to request a home use Chromebook for MCPS students who do not have access to a personal or home device. Please note that families are financially responsible when there is avoidable damage. For reference, see last year's MCPS Chromebook Parts and Replacement Costs. We will provide an updated link asap. |
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Parent Square Communication App |
This year, we use Parent Square as the primary form of communication. During the week of August 17th, you will receive an email from your child’s teacher with more information on how to access Parent Square. You will receive weekly updates from the school, administration, or classroom teacher. |
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Twitter @DreamStrathmore |
We will continue to use Twitter to share updates with our community. This is a great way to showcase the work of staff and scholars regularly and connect with the community. Be sure to follow the excellence of Strathmore at our Twitter handle @DreamStrathmore. |
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Staff Updates |
Welcome to our Bulldog Family:
We wish the best for our Strathmore family members who have moved on to new experiences. |
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Cosmic Kids |
Registration Information can be found here: https://www.cosmickidsinc.com/ Welcome back to another great year at Strathmore ES! We are looking forward to another fun-filled, action-packed year at Cosmic Kids! Whether you are looking for homework help, sports, arts & crafts, field trips, or a variety of clubs and activities, we’re the place for you! Cosmic Kids has a variety of plans to suit your busy schedules, and we are open when school is not! Please feel free to contact us at cosmickidsinc@msn.com or give us a call at 240-765-9771 (Beth Lewis) or 240-372-5349 (Deedee O’Grady). |
“The future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
As principal of Strathmore Elementary, it is my pleasure to welcome all of our scholars back! We look forward to filling our classrooms and hallways with their energy, laughter, and enthusiasm for learning. It is our mission to help every child feel welcomed, connected, and a valued part of our Strathmore family. As our “co-teachers”, we encourage you to maintain your high level of involvement in your child’s education. Please, reach out to the teacher first if you have questions and concerns. It is also important that you daily check in to see how you child is doing socially emotionally. Here are five questions to ask instead of “How was school?”:
- What made you smile today?
- Who did you sit with at lunch?
- If you could change one thing about today, what would it be?
- What was the hardest rule to follow today?
- Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday?
We are filled with hope, perseverance, and gratitude to you - our community- as we look towards another school year. The Strathmore vision, “Strathmore is a safe place where we show respect for all, challenge our minds, and experience success,” continues to embody our daily efforts. As we navigate another historic year, one that brings great opportunity for creativity, collaboration, and enduring commitment, safety and respect remain at our core. We look forward to inspiring, engaging, and elevating scholars' academic and social emotional successes as a team. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to:
Demand Rigor, Equity And Meaningful relationships for every scholar!!
Assistant Principal: Welcome from Mrs. Rosso Rigaud:
My name is Taina Rosso Rigaud and I am honored to serve as your assistant principal. I was born in Rochester, New York to parents of Puerto Rican descent. Con mucho orgullo soy Boricua y estoy muy emocionada de trabajar con ustedes. At the age of 9, my family moved to Puerto Rico so that my brother and I could grow up around family and our culture. I graduated from Antilles High School, in Puerto Rico, then attended the University of Tampa in Florida where I earned my Bachelors in Elementary Education. Later in my career, I earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Trinity University, Reading Specialist Certification, and an Administrator Certification from McDaniel College.
I have enjoyed a career in education for almost 20 years. My first position was here at Strathmore Elementary, as a long-term substitute. After a semester of substitute teaching, I joined the Peace Corps as a teacher training in The Gambia. I was so homesick I returned back to Maryland and continued my teaching career at Sargent Shriver ES as a 5th and 3rd grade teacher. My journey then brought me back home to Strathmore Elementary as a 5th and 3rd grade teacher. For 3 years, I was the Reading Specialist at Strathmore. The lessons learned at each of these wonderful schools has given me the courage to move forward into school leadership and am now the Assistant Principal.
As I reflect on my years in education, the most important core values to me are: creating a strong community connection, building a safe learning environment, and providing opportunities and access to rigor for every child. I truly believe that schools should be a place where hard work is balanced with celebration. My hope for our school community is that we feel welcomed, supported in our efforts, and are able to grow and be challenged. Go Bulldogs!
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