CONOWINGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
471 Rowlandsville Road
Conowingo, MD 21918
410-996-6040
410-658-6673
410-996-6059 (Fax)
Thomas A. Marinelli
Principal
Important Dates & Events...
Every Tues & Thurs @ 7:50am – Running Club (last day May 21st)
May 4 – 8 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5 – 8:15am, iMom meeting w/Mrs. Reed
May 5 – 4th MP Interim Period Ends
May 6 – 9:30am, dress rehearsal for spring concert
May 6 – 6:30pm, Spring Concert
May 8 – School CLOSED for Students - Professional Day
May 11 – PTO Meeting, 4:00pm
May 12 – 4th MP Interims Issued
May 12 – 5-Deemer Snorkeling Trip
May 12 – 5-McIntyre Conowingo Dam Trip
May 13 – Grade 5 Transition Meeting with PVMS
May 14 – 5-McIntyre Snorkeling Trip
May 19 – 5-Deemer Conowingo Dam Trip
May 20 – Memorial Day Celebration
May 20 – For Grade 5 Parents @ 3pm: Presentation
of Family Life in conference room
May 22 – Fun & Fitness Day (rain date 5/29)
May 25 – School CLOSED for Memorial Day
May 27 – Gr 5 Transition Meeting with RSMS
May 28 – AM PreK to Philadelphia Zoo
May 29 – PM PreK to Philadelphia Zoo
May 29 – KG to Plumpton Park Zoo
website: www.ccps.org/cono/home/home.html
2015
Karen Adair
Assistant Principal
June 1 – 5-Ray Conowingo Dam Trip
June 2 – 5th Grade Family Life Lessons
June 3 – 5th Grade Career Day
June 4 – 5th Grade Family Life Lessons
June 4 – RSMS Music Visits 9:30-10:15am
June 5 – Gr 3 to Amish House & Farm, 9:15-2:30
June 5 – 5-Deemer & 5-McIntyre to FHNC, 9:15-2:15
June 8 – RSMS & PVMS visits grade 5
June 9 – 5-Ray to FHNC, 9:15-2:15
June 10 – Gr 4 & Gr 5 Picnics
June 11 – Gr 5 Promotion Ceremony 9:30-10:30am
June 12 – Last Day of School for ALL Students.
4th MP GreenZone Event.
Report Cards Issued.
Dismissal at 2pm.
Start Of 2015-2016 School Year:
th
First day of school for Grades 1-12 ~ August 20
th
First day for Pre-K and Kindergarten ~ August 25
PK/K Conferences will be held Aug 20, 21 & 24
There are no conferences for grades 1-5.
We’ll inform families this summer as to when
Back-To-School Night will be held.
Our 5th grade ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 9:30am. It will run
approximately 60 minutes and refreshments will be served afterwards. An
invitation, along with the end of year packet, went home with all 5th grade students.
There will be 4 guests allowed for each student for the ceremony; infants, toddlers
and any school-aged children will be included in this count if they attend. If you
haven’t sent Mrs. Drennen photos of your child for the slideshow, please do so by
May 7th. Snapshots/candid shots only please – one baby, one small child & one
current photo. Email to [email protected] or send in with your child, marked with
their name in an envelope or Ziploc bag. Any questions, contact your child’s teacher
or the office. Thank you! 
ARTSONIA.COM ~ Timelessly preserving your child’s artwork
MOTHER’s DAY & FATHER’s DAY ARE COMING SOON!
You can purchase keepsakes of your child’s artwork and give them as special one-of-a-kind
gifts that the mothers & fathers in your life will love! Mrs. Colson, the art teacher, is
uploading new artwork all the time, so be sure to check out the website, leave comments for
your artist, and pick up a cool gift for your loved ones!
And remember… 20% of the proceeds from Artsonia.com come back to our school for the
Art Program!
Kindergarten
 Registration began in March 2015. Kindergarten is mandatory in MD.
 Students must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2015 & be toilet-trained.
 Currently enrolled Pre-K students automatically enroll into Kindergarten (however, there
is additional paperwork.
 New immunization requirements! Please consult your packet for details.
Pre-Kindergarten
 Application began in March 2015. It is NOT first-come, first-served. There is a specific criterion to be
met before Pre-K is opened up to other, non-qualifying applicants.
 Students must turn 4 on or before September 1, 2015 & must be toilet-trained.
 Pre-K is a federally-funded program for age 4 children who are at-risk of school failure. Specific
criteria must be met in order for these students to be eligible. Students who do not meet the criteria
can apply and may then be randomly selected if spaces remain open.
 AM & PM Sessions are based on current bus routes.
Documentation required for Pre-K and K enrollment:
 Birth Certificate & SSN
 Current immunization records
 Custody order (if applicable). If family is split and there are no court-issued custody orders, both
parents on the birth certificate are allowed access to the child(ren).
 Proof of Residency – must be one of the following in the parent/guardian’s name:
o Residential phone, electric, gas, water, mortgage bill or rental/lease agreement.
 OR
o If you live with someone who is a homeowner/renter in our district, we must receive one of
the above documents in the homeowner/renter’s name as well as a school-issued document
(contact Mrs. Drennen for this document).
 OR
o If you are out-of-district but within Cecil County please contact Mrs. Drennen for further
guidance.
Please contact Mrs. Jennifer Drennen with questions or to schedule a registration appointment at
410.996.6040 or 410.658.6673 (8am-4pm) or [email protected]. You may also contact Education Services
at 410.996.5424 with further questions.
**There is a 3-year old school program offered at Rising Sun Elementary School. The students attend 3
days (M,W,F) or 2 days (T,Th), am or pm. If you have a 3-year old and are willing to transport your child
to RSES for this program, please contact RSES at 410-658-5925 or 410-378-4493**
YEARBOOKS ARE COMING SOON!
Yearbooks have been ordered and they should be in on or around May 15th.
There is a very limited number of extra yearbooks. Call the school if you are
interested as they are first come, first served. They cost $18.00 and you would make
your check payable to Conowingo Elementary School. Do not send a payment in until your
order has been confirmed with office staff.
Questions? Please contact Mrs. Trina Sigwart at [email protected].
Our Spring Concert is scheduled for Wednesday,
May 6thth at 6:30pm. Participants should arrive at
6:15pm. All are welcome to attend! Please come
out and enjoy the musical talents of our
chorus and band students.
*Dress rehearsal for students is at 9:30am*
We are very excited to have fifth grader, Samantha Robertshaw
represent Conowingo Elementary School as our 2015 Outstanding
School Safety Patroller sponsored by the AAA Mid-Atlantic
Foundation. This is the second year that 5th grade students at
Conowingo Elementary have participated in this program and it has
been a huge success in our building. Samantha will be receiving a
gift card and plaque during the luncheon, which will be held at the
Christiana Hilton on Thursday, May 28, 2015. Congratulations,
Samantha! Great job 
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
SCHOOL
ADVOCACY NEWS –

IMPORTANT
BUDGET MEETING!

The County Council
will be holding the annual budget hearing on
Tuesday, May 12 at
7:00pm at the Elkton High School auditorium. It is

critical that Councilsee that there are more pro-education citizens
who are supporting
the funding of the County Executive’s budget than
 wear either red or blue to identify you as an
those opposed. Please

education advocate! Thank you for supporting public education in

Cecil County!


 Fun & Fitness Day will be held on Friday, May 22nd. (Rain date 5/29)
 Activities begin at 9:30am and cease at 3:00pm.
 Please be sure your child wears sunscreen, dresses appropriately for outdoor activities and
brings a bottle of water with their name clearly marked on it.
 Parents & Guardians are invited to participate! Please, no babies or toddlers.
 If attending Fun & Fitness Day and/or picking your child up from school this day, be sure you
have photo ID with you. If someone other than yourself will be picking up your child, we’ll
need a phone call or note from the parent/guardian – even if that person is on the
emergency card. Family dynamics can change at any time.
 Lunch will be during each grade level’s normal time. Students should remain on school
property for lunch. Parents/Guardians may NOT take students who are not their child to other
areas or off-site to eat lunch.
 For safety reasons, there will be only 2 doors used to access our building; the main entrance
and the entrance by the upper parking lot.
 If there are any custody orders regarding your child(ren), please be sure the office has the
most up-to-date order on file. Otherwise, the birth certificate will be referenced for
accessibility.
 Please do NOT take your child without signing them out either with the teacher or the office.
 Maps and an informational sheet will be sent home soon detailing Fun & Fitness Day events.
The staff and students of Conowingo Elementary cordially invite the veterans,
active duty, and reserve duty men and women from the families of our students
to join us as we honor them for their service to our school and our country.
Event: Memorial Day Celebration
When: Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Where: Conowingo Elementary
Please join us for patriotic music, poetry, speeches, and marching to show our
gratitude for the contributions of those who have sacrificed so much for our
country and our students; we are thankful for all that you do!
(RSVP slips were sent home with students on April 30)
Your Voice Makes a Difference!
MSDE – Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
April 13 through May 29, 2015
Parents/guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education
Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early
Intervention Services during the week of April 13. Parents/guardians are asked to complete the survey and return it in
the postage paid envelope by May 29, 2015. The Survey may also be completed online at https://www.mdparentsurvey.com/
Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in Cecil County
Public Schools. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children across the
state of Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




What is the purpose of the Parent Survey?
The purpose of this Survey is to determine how well your child’s school is partnering with you and
promoting parent involvement in your child’s education.
States must collect this data as part of their State Performance Plans as required under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Who completes the Parent Survey?
Parents or guardians of children ages 3 to 21 who are receiving special education and related services
through their local school system.
Parents or guardians of children ages 3 to 21 who are receiving special education and related services
who are placed in a nonpublic facility by the child’s local school system.


What’s in it for me?
This is your opportunity to provide direct feedback to your Local School System or Public Agency.
Survey results will be available to the public and used to highlight strengths and identify possible areas
for improvement in engaging and involving parents in the special education process.

How do I complete the Survey? How can I make sure that my answers are counted?
You will receive a survey packet in the mail. Instructions on how to complete the survey are included in
your packet.
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Do I have to participate? If I choose not to participate, will it negatively affect my child’s services?
Participation is completely voluntary; however, we encourage you to participate to make your opinions
heard.
Your child’s services will not be negatively affected in any way.
Who will have access to the survey results?
The State level report will be published on MSDE’s website.
A summary of the Survey results will be provided to each local school system regarding parent
involvement in special education.
CONOWINGO STAFF AND STUDENTS PLACE IN TIGER TROT!
Rising Sun Middle School held a 5K Run/Walk Tiger Trot on
Saturday, April 25th to help raise money for their PBIS program.
COES staff members Michele Brown, Dawn Reed, Christa McIntyre
and Kerry Patrick participated along with numerous students, parents
and family members from our school. Fifth graders, Alexis Wilson
and Ashton Busseau both placed first in their age division as did
second grade teacher, Kerry Patrick, who is also one of the COES
Running Club coaches. Thank you to all of our Conowingo families
who helped to make this event a success!
Jump Start & North Bay Info for Students Entering 6th Grade
Jump Start, a program offered for incoming 6th graders at PVMS & RSMS in order to get students
comfortable with their new school, lockers and more will be held on the following dates:
RSMS: July 28, 29, 30 & August 4, 5 & 6: 8:00-11:00am & 12:00-3:00pm.
PVMS: Dates to be determined.
North Bay, an adventure, character and team building camp, is a week-long trip that 6th grade
students will attend during the first semester of school.
North Bay dates have not yet been scheduled. Notifications will come directly from PVMS &
RSMS.
Please contact the middle schools directly with questions about North Bay & Jump Start.
RIF Book Distribution
We greatly thank Brent Converse from the Rock Springs Generation Facility/Old Dominion Electric
Cooperative for partnering with our school and donating yet another book to each student at Conowingo!
Every child was able to choose a book from a variety of fiction and non-fiction subjects such as
environmental education, unusual bugs, unique animals, historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr.
in addition to a variety of picture, short story, and chapter books. Some children had the opportunity to
meet Mr. Converse and thank him personally for the donation of so many wonderful books. We also thank
Mr. Marinelli for creating this partnership with Rock Springs. Thanks also to Mrs. Perry for ordering the
books and scheduling our RIF book distribution. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated partners in
education!
LEARNING FUN WITH STEM!
All of our students had an exciting opportunity to use their imagination by creating solutions to problems
using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills. Engineers from Aberdeen Proving Ground in
Harford County provided this learning experience for our children. We received many positive comments
from the engineers for the adventurous spirit of the children as they solved problems within a team setting.
Each child received a STEM SUPER HEROES booklet that included a picture of their team and the object
they created. The booklet also included challenging activities and websites for additional STEM-based
ideas! We thank the STEM engineers from Aberdeen Proving Ground and Mr. Marinelli for creating this
special opportunity for all of our students here at Conowingo! Once again, we are very fortunate to have
such dedicated partners in education!
Conowingo Elementary School joined the Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports/PBIS
schools for Cecil County in August 2013 and is now an officially recognized PBIS school. This
means that we are recognizing students for the positive behaviors they display during the school day.
Hopefully students have been taking home the individual recognition PAWS sheets and/or talking
about earning a special classroom incentive.
On Thursday April 16th the staff was excited to recognize those students who put forth an extra
effort to do their best during the 3rd marking period. These children had the opportunity to take part
in the Green Zone Laps Celebration that consisted of students earning rewards for walking/running
laps around our playground.
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Students received foot charms to add to their PBIS Incentive Ring; also, they have the
opportunity to earn more charms if they choose to continue running laps during their directed
play times.
It is the goal of the PBIS team and Fuel Up to Play 60 that the children have the desire and
opportunity to continue walking/running as a healthy activity. Charms can be earned for
completing 5, 10, 15, 20, 26 ½ marathon, and 30 miles.
Students were provided a healthy snack and drink by food services department.
The criteria for students to participate in the Green Zone Celebration for the 3rd marking period
were the following:
● 5 or less unexcused absences (doctor’s notes and approved vacation days are
considered excused absences for our PBIS goals)
● 2 or less Minor Incident Reports, or MIR’s
● 1 or less Office Discipline Referrals, or ODR’s
To prepare for the 4th marking period we wanted everyone to know the expectations for the students in
order for them to attend the next Green Zone Celebration that is scheduled for June 12th:
● no more than 5 unexcused absences (doctor’s notes and approved vacation days are
considered excused absences for our PBIS goals)
● no more than 1 Minor Incident Report, or MIR
● 0 Office Discipline Referral, or ODR
● 0 suspensions
Please review this information with your students so they are clear of the expectations for attending
the Green Zone Celebration for the final marking period.
Sincerely,
The Conowingo Elementary PBIS Core Team
*See Pictures At The End of All Articles*
CONOWINGO ELEMEMTARY ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB PARTICIPATES IN
PROJECT CLEAN STREAM
On Saturday, April 11, 2105, forty-one members of the COES Environmental Club and their families
joined the residents of the Octoraro Lakes Community in a marine debris clean-up called Project Clean
Stream. Together, they picked up 1,880 lbs of debris along the banks of Octoraro Creek as well as Rt. 1,
Horseshoe Road, Melitota Drive, Roop Rd and New Bridge Road. Many thanks to all of the parents,
students, family members, teachers and local residents who pitched in to make this event such a
successful clean-up. Mr. George Raley, President of the Octoraro Lakes Association and event organizer,
stated that the COES volunteers did an incredible job! A big thank you to Principal Marinelli for providing
water bottles for all of the participants. For more information about Project Clean Stream and clean-ups in
your local area, go to https://allianceforthebay.org/
CONOWINGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN THE
15th ANNUAL RIVER SWEEP
Many COES students, families and staff took part in the 15th ANNUAL RIVER SWEEP on Saturday, April
18, 2015. COES students assisted in the clean-up of marine debris at 6 of the 7 sites along the
Susquehanna River, which included the Conowingo Creek Boat Launch, Octoraro Creek/Conowingo
Community Park, Marina Park in Port Deposit, Perryville Boat Launch, Garrett Island and the Perryville
Community Park. The Mayor of Perryville, Mr. James Eberhardt & the Executive Director of the Lower
Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, Ms. Mary Ann Lisanti, expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the
great support from our Environmental Club. They were very impressed that students not only came
prepared with paperwork, life preservers and tools but that they were so willing to work!
Nineteen students, family members and teachers from the COES Environmental Club boated over to
Garrett Island. They determined that styrofoam and plastic were a major source of marine debris as they
were cleaning up this beautiful land feature. The River Sweep is sponsored each year by Exelon
Generation, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway. For more
information about River Sweep 2015 go to www.hitourtrails.org . Again, many thanks and kudos to all COES
volunteers who participated in this Harford/Cecil County clean-up.
Conowingo Environmental Club SHOE DRIVE GOING STRONG
April 13, 2015 to May 7, 2015
Conowingo students know they are stewards of our Earth and that by working together, they can
make a difference both with our planet and in the lives of others. So, during the months of April and May,
as we are promoting the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle), we are encouraging our students to make
decisions and take actions that not only preserve and protect our natural resources, but also help with the
needs of our global community.
The Conowingo Elementary Environmental Club started the “Used Shoe Drive” on April 13, 2015. As
of Thursday, April 23, 2015, members have collected more than 800 pairs of shoes, through generous
donations from the community. We are over the half-way mark in reaching our goal of 1,200 pairs by
Thursday, May 7, 2015. We are collecting any type of “almost new or gently used” shoes except shoes
with wheels. All sizes (children and adult) and all styles are welcome. So, as you are spring cleaning,
please consider donating your used footwear for this great cause. In addition, club members are also
collecting new socks, new laces and shoe cleaning supplies. Our COES Environmental Club will be giving
the collected items to the Shoes 2 Share organization. To learn more about this group, go to
www.shoes2share.org. For more information or questions about the COES Shoe Drive, please contact Ms.
McIntyre at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success and
for making a difference in the lives of others.