TRES Retriever Report September 18, 2026

Upcoming Events

  • September 21 - Schools/Offices Closed
  • September 30 - Early Dismissal, 12:45 pm
  • October 2 - 2nd Grade Field Trip, Fire House Visit
  • October 8 - Fall Picture Day (see more below)
  • October 9 - Kindergarten Field Trip, Gaver Farm
  • October 16 - Schools Closed for Students
  • October 27 - 1st Quarter Ends
  • October 28 - Schools Closed for Students

Message from Mr. Morton-Ortega and Mr. Hiel:

Dear Retriever Families,

It is hard to believe we are already wrapping up our fourth week of the school year! Time is truly flying, and our building is filled with energy and enthusiasm.

We want to extend a huge thank you to our amazing PTA for funding and organizing last week’s Back-to-School Picnic. It was a wonderful, well-attended evening, and Mr. Hiel and I loved spending quality time catching up with returning families and meeting so many new faces.

As fall approaches and we look forward to comfortable autumn weather, classroom instruction and learning are in full swing. During our recent classroom walkthroughs, we have been so impressed seeing our students actively engaged in their learning while modeling our Treasure Traits: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Care. We couldn't be prouder of how our TRES community is shining every day.

Wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Warmly,
Jason Morton-Ortega, Principal
Kory Hiel, Assistant Principal

News and Information

SMILE: Fall Picture Day Is Thursday, October 8th
Flyers will be sent home October 2nd and envelopes with orders should be brought in by your student(s) the morning of picture day, October 8th.  You can Pre-Order Online by visiting www.schoolpix.com.  Use Pre-Order Code: TRESF26.  Please see the attached flier for order options. We look forward to seeing your smiles on Picture Day!

News from the Health Room as We Welcome Cooler Weather
It is sometimes difficult to decide whether your child has a communicable disease and/or is too sick to go to school. As a rule, a child should stay home if they have: 

  • A fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Vomited (not caused by motion sickness or a gag reflex unassociated with illness)
  • Diarrhea
  • A very frequent cough
  • Persistent pain (tooth, ear, stomach, etc.)
  • A widespread rash
  • Redness along with drainage or crustiness in eye(s)
  • Open sores on hands, feet or mouth accompanied by drainage or drooling indicative of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. 

Most of these problems need to be discussed with your child’s healthcare provider to determine if an office visit is needed. Please keep your child at home when ill or with a fever (100F or above). Students should stay home until fever free WITHOUT fever reducing medication for 24 hours.

To help prevent the flu and other colds, please encourage your children to use good hygiene habits:

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

In addition to illness, cases of head lice are common during the cold weather months. Please encourage your child not to share items such as hats, earmuffs, brushes/combs, and hair ties with others. If your child complains of an itching scalp, please check their hair for evidence of head lice. Though head lice may be a nuisance, they do not cause serious illness or carry any diseases. We remind all parents that you are the first line of defense. Daily inspections and nit removal are key to managing and preventing re-infestation. The school nurse does not routinely screen for lice as research has shown this to be ineffective and a violation of privacy.
 
Thank you for your assistance in keeping TRES students healthy and ready to learn! Please contact the health room with questions (410-313-2562).

The HCPSS Partnerships 2025–2026 Annual Snapshot 
This snapshot highlights the many ways our community partners support HCPSS students and schools, including TRES. Together, our partners help ensure every student has the tools and support they need to succeed beyond graduation. 

Counselors' Corner - A Message from Mrs. Wolf and Ms. Desir
Has your Retriever mentioned the recent TRESmission video that was viewed school-wide?  Our first Welcome Back video was well received by staff and students, and new installments will be released monthly.  Tune in from home if you're hoping to use/reinforce common school language, get a glimpse of footage from around the building, and see some friendly staff faces.

If you're thinking to yourself, "My kid comes home and shares very little," you can use each TRESmission as a springboard for conversation.  Also, check out the article below for ideas on how to spark more open-ended conversation. Enjoy!

Link to TRESmission #1, Welcome Back!  (15 min)
Link to Article:  25 Better Ways to Ask Kids About Their School Day

Within the Howard County Government, the Office of Children and Families is committed to offering services and helpful information.  A monthly publication is distributed with a listing of FREE virtual workshops offered to parents/guardians. This installment includes training opportunities with worthwhile topics that include:    navigating challenging child behaviors, screen time, sibling rivalry, and more.          Link to this month's OCF Newsletter

Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Parent Educational Group Info 
See this flyer for more information: SPACE INFORMATION FLYER

  • 📅 Start Date: Week of October 5th
  • ⏳ Duration: 7 weeks (Ends mid-November through early December, depending on holiday closures like Election Day; exact end dates are listed on the registration form)
  • ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Weekly)
  • 📍 Format: Options for both virtual and in-person groups
  • 📝 Registration Window: Open now and closes September 23rd
  • 🔗Registration Link: This Link takes you to the HCPSS Landing page for the Fall 2026 SPACE groups. This page includes group information as well as links to register for all the groups.

Kick off LGBTQIA+ History Month with Lesléa Newman
Families and Community are invited to join HCPSS in partnership with the LGBTQIA+ Commission of Howard County and CARY to bring you this hybrid FAMILY Read the Rainbow and LGBTeaQi&A on Thursday, October 1, 2026 @ 6:00 pm. The first 50 families with children in grades 5 and under who register and attend the program will receive a free copy of the book, Rainbow Cookies by Lesléa Newman. FAMILY Read the Rainbow is a 30-45 minute virtual program in which participants get to meet an LGBTQIA+ inclusive author to hear them read their book aloud, and have a discussion with the author and our LGBTeaQi&A is an activity to bring together families and community who are looking to connect and learn together. This special combination program will provide attendees with the opportunity and option to join us in person at the Miller Branch Library. Registration is required as space is limited. Thursday, October 1, 2026 @ 6:00PM; HYBRID - in person at Miller Branch Library or virtual (select when registering). Registration is required. 

Howard County Community Flu Shot Clinics
The Howard County Health Department will offer free flu shots at multiple community events this fall.  See the flyer for more information.
Howard_County_Flu_Clinics.pdf 

Food Resource 
There will be a free food and fresh produce distribution from 12-2 on Monday, September 28th.  Sponsored by The Salvation Army, it will be held at 3267 Pine Orchard Lane, Ellicott City, MD, 21042.  There is a drive-through option and attendees should bring an ID.  

Volunteer/Visitor Training Required Every Year 
THIS TRAINING MUST BE COMPLETED EVERY YEAR  (no paperwork required). Anyone volunteering at school in any capacity is required to complete volunteer training prior to their first visit. Thank you in advance for your gifts of service and time.

TRES PTA

Membership: Join the TRES PTA by September 30th to enter your name into a raffle to win a Kendra Scott necklace!

Join or donate HERE. See: PTA FLYER

Upcoming PTA Events and Information: TRES PTA Fall 2026 Newsletter

  • September 8th - October 2nd: Winter Gear Drive 
    • TRES PTA is partnering with the Multiservice Center in Laurel to help local families stay warm this winter. We are collecting new or clean, gently used winter clothing for neighbors in need.
    • We are accepting winter gear for all ages and sizes—from infants through adults, including coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, heavy/winter socks.
    • Drop-Off Location: A collection bin is in the TRES school vestibule. If you have a donation but need help getting it to the school, please email Julie Nikkel to coordinate (julie.c.nikkel@gmail.com)
    • Winter Drive Flyer
  • October 1st - November 1st: Reflection Art Competition
    • Students may create original art (dance choreography, visual arts, music composition, photography, film production, or literature) based on the theme “What My Culture Means to Me.” All works are created at home and submitted electronically.
    • Entries may be submitted October 1st - November 1st. More information to come on TRES PTA Website
  • October 7th: Tony’s of NY Pizza Ellicott City Fundraiser (In Person or Phone Orders Only)
    • Support the TRES PTA by ordering from Tony’s of NY Pizza in Ellicott City,10040 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Order in store or call (410) 988-5820. Mention the TRES PTA when ordering or show the flyer below. Online ordering DOES NOT count toward the fundraiser.
    • Tonys Flyer Fall 2026
  • Save the Date! Saturday, October 24th - Boo Bash & Trunk-or-Treat, 3:30-5:30pm. To learn more about this year's Wizarding World Themed Boo Bash, see the PTA Website.
    • RSVP Here! Optionally, donate to the "candy monster" located in the TRES vestibule from October 13th-23rd. See the Amazon or Target wishlists.  Thanks for your donations!
    • Register to Decorate a Trunk or Hand Out Candy! Use your own candy or PTA-provided treats! Optionally, donate to the "candy monster" at TRES from October 13th-23rd.
      • Top Trunk Prizes
        • 1st Place: HUGE Trophy & Overnight Stay at Turf Valley Resort
        • 2nd Place: Tall Trophy PLUS one hour of Bowling for six people at Stratosphere Social Eldersburg
        • 3rd Place:Trophy PLUS two Entrees from Chipotle
        • ALL Trunks will be entered to win a Dream Auto Detailing gift card!
    • TRES Boo Bash Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Winners will receive a special medal. All entries will receive a coupon to The Pottery Stop. Categories include Spookiest, Most Creative, Best Wizarding Theme, Funniest, and Pop Culture/Movie Themed
    • Volunteer Here! Volunteers are needed for set up, clean up and check-in. All volunteers will be entered to win pizza gift cards from Papa Johns!
  • Staff Appreciation: Stock the Staff Lounge
    • Please help the Staff Appreciation Committee stock the staff lounge with goodies to show our appreciation for all they do for our children! Feel free to purchase from the Amazon Wishlist (be sure to select "ship to Catherine Loomis" at checkout). Thank you in advance for your support!
    • Staff Lounge Wishlist
  • Seeking PTA Sponsors: The TRES PTA is looking for businesses or individual sponsors to augment our operating budget. If interested, Sponsor HERE or email TRESPTA1@gmail.com.  See: TRES PTA Sponsor Flyer

Stay in Touch: Visit www.trespta.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trespta.

Community News and Events

The HCPSS Community News and Programs website makes it easy for families to find educational and recreational resources, events and after-school programs beyond the school day by non-profit organizations. Community organizations requesting their announcements be shared in school newsletters should visit community-programs.hcpss.org for more information. Questions should be directed to the Public Information Office at publicinfo@hcpss.org.