Message from Dr. TRESler and Mr. Hiel:
Dear Retriever Families,
After a snowy return from winter break, we are looking forward to a strong finish to the end of the first semester and second marking period! It’s hard to believe that we are nine school days away from the half-way point in this school year! We have a busy second half of the year planned, with many events and activities, including the upcoming parent/teacher conferences in February and MAP testing for students in grades 1st-5th. To ensure you don't miss out, please continue reading this bi-weekly newsletter, visit our TRES website including our school calendar, and opt in for text messages (see website for info).
We are proud to share that our prekindergarten program earned their Maryland state accreditation in December! Our prekindergarten team has been working diligently since they opened last school year to ensure they meet the highest standards in education for the youngest learners! You can read more about the accreditation process and standards on the MSDE website.
Warmly,
Dr. Tiffany TRESler, Principal
Kory Hiel, Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
Please visit the TRES calendar webpage to view important upcoming dates.
- January 15 - PTA Virtual Meeting, 7pm
- January 20 - Schools/Offices Closed, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- January 20 - Parent/Teacher Conference Scheduling Window opens, 8am
- January 22 - Chorus Winter Concert, 6:30 pm
- January 23 - Early Dismissal, 12:40 pm. Second Marking Period ends.
- January 28 - Beginning Band/Orchestra Winter Concert, 6:30 pm
- January 29 - Schools Closed; Professional Work Day
- January 30 - Yearbook Club Photos
- January 31 - Parent/Teacher Conference Scheduling Window closes, 4pm
- February 4 - Report Cards available in HCPSS Connect, 4pm
- February 5 & 6 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (more information to follow). Early Dismissal both days at 12:40 pm.
- February 7 - Schools Closed; Professional Learning Day
News and Information
TRES All School Read Continues Through February 13
TRES families, especially those with students in 2nd-5th grades, are invited to share the joy of reading at home and enjoy The Wild Robot by Peter Brown together. See links below for further information. Families are also invited to attend The Wild Robot Reading Celebration at The Howard County Library Glenwood Branch and enjoy fun crafts and activities. Mark your calendar to join us Thursday, February 13th between 5:30 - 7:00 pm (open house).
Link to TRES All School Read Sign Up
Link to TRES All School Read Google Site with information
Memory Book Cover Contest Updates
Thank you to all of our student artists who submitted their original artwork for consideration for the cover of the TRES ‘24-’25 memory book! There were two rounds of student voting: first by grade level, and then for the grade level finalists.
Congratulations to 5th grader Raon Kim whose art will be featured on the cover! The following grade level finalists will be displayed on the back cover:
Kindergarten- Jashen Bajaj
1st Grade- Norine Xiao
2nd Grade- Quinn Beigel
3rd Grade- Marcus Louie
4th Grade- Kinley Beigel
Help Wanted- TRES in Need of One Lunch/Recess Monitor
Please spread the word. We need one more daily lunch/recess monitor. This is a 3-hour per day position (10:45am - 1:45pm) The pay is $16 per hour. Please email our assistant principal, Kory Hiel (kory_hiel@hcpss.org) if you are interested in learning more.
Counselors' Corner - A Message from Mrs. Wolf and Ms. Diaz
Happy 2025 to everyone! With the return from winter break and the start of the new year, students have been hearing a lot about making "SMART" goals (specific, measurable, attainable, result-oriented, timely). This pairs well with information on the importance of keeping a can-do attitude with "GROWTH" mindset thinking. You can hear more by tuning in to our most recent TRESmission video, now available for viewing at home. Watch as a family to partner with common language/approaches and to see footage of our Blizzard of Belonging and Retriever Award winners from December. (Students have viewed in homeroom classes. Ask your child about the many cute staff doggies shown in this installment). Enjoy!
TRESmission Video, "Goodbye 2024, Hello 2025" (16 min.)
Article for Families: The Importance of Fostering a Growth Mindset in Your Child
Article for Families: How Parents Can Instill a Growth Mindset at Home
Coloring for Students: "Thrive in 2025"
Cold Weather Reminder
We want to remind families that students will still be going outside for recess in the winter months. Please make sure you send your child to school with warm clothes. All clothing should be labeled with your child's name. Below you will find the HCPSS criteria we consider when having outdoor activities.
- Temperature and humidity
- Wind chill
- Heat index and air quality
- Age of students
- Length of time outdoors
- Adequacy of the children’s clothing
- Condition of the playground
- Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
- Thunder and lightning
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess, physical education, or any other outdoor activity when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95.
Attention Parents of Rising Kindergarteners: Don't Wait for Summer to Address Developmental Concerns
If you have concerns about your child's development - whether it's their speech, motor skills, social skills or learning - it's important to act now. Waiting until the summer for a referral can delay crucial support that your child may need before starting kindergarten. Contact us today to schedule a screening. Let's work together to ensure your child has the best possible start in kindergarten! Call 410-313-7046 or email ChildFind@hcpss.org
Volunteer Training Required for all Visitors and Volunteers - Must Complete Every Year
NEW THIS YEAR, COMPLETE THIS GOOGLE DOC (no paperwork required). Anyone volunteering at school in any capacity, and parents joining their children for lunch, are required to complete volunteer training prior to their first visit every school year. Thank you in advance for your gifts of service and time.
TRES PTA
Join the TRES PTA today! Sign up at Givebacks (memberhub.com). Learn more about what PTA does by visiting our website, https://www.trespta.com/, which includes a Google Calendar feature to easily add all events to your phone.
Upcoming PTA Events:
- iCode Workshop Friday, January 10, 6:30-8p.m. Register HERE for a STEM coding workshop, including hands-on projects related to robotics, drone coding, and gaming! A portion of the proceeds will support PTA events.
- Virtual PTA Meeting, Wednesday, January 15, 7p.m. Please join us virtually for the first PTA meeting of 2025. Use the Google Meeting link HERE to attend. See agenda HERE.
- KidzArt After-school Classes. Register HERE to enroll in after-school sessions 3 & 4. Summer camp registration will open in January.
- TRES Fundraiser Restaurant Night: Blowfish Poke & Grill Fundraiser in Clarksville, Thursday, January 23. Mention TRES and 20% of proceeds will be donated to the PTA. See flyer HERE.
- Save the Date: TRES Winter Fest, Friday, January 31, 6:30-8:30p.m. Join TRES friends for music and activities! Please RSVP HERE. View and bid on items available for auction HERE; bidding is currently open and you do not need to be present at the event to have the winning bid. See flyer HERE.
- Purchase your TRES spirit wear HERE.
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.