COVID-19: Information and Resources

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TPES Families:

On Thursday, March 11, the Governor and State Superintendent announced that Maryland schools will be closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.

The state, the county, and individual schools are all working hard to facilitate this change, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

 

Here’s some of what we know:

  • All children who attend school today will come home with a letter with instructions on how to get on Google Classroom to access resource materials, as well as the password to the Parent/Student Portal
  • If your child will not be in school today, please contact your child’s teacher
  • In addition to materials sent home with your child today, you can access the online curriculum from MCPS at this website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/contingency/index.aspx  (Click on your child’s grade level)
  • These assignments through the county will not be graded but are intended to support and sustain student learning while children are at home

 

Here are some resources that may answer some of your questions and help you get through the next few weeks:

  • The MCPS website (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/index.aspx) will continue to be updated over the coming weeks with more information, in particular the page on the coronavirus response: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/
  • Looking for a guide on how to talk to your children about COVID-19? National Public Radio collaborating with experts in social work and mental health have developed a cartoon that explores what kids might want to know about the new coronavirus (https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus)
  • The TPES website lists a number of additional online resources to support learning here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/takomaparkes/specials/literacy/index.aspx
  • In addition to that list, TPES Art Teacher Kristen Hayes suggests checking out the following (not just related to art!):   https://www.artforkidshub.com/ , BrainPop Jr. (username “takomaes” , password “brainpop”), code.org  (K or 1st graders may work on course A, 1st/2nd grade may work on course B, and 2nd grade may also work on course C, which they have started in STEM at TPES), and the following learn-to-code sites: CS First (coding curriculum through Google),  Scratch, Jr. App (coding for pre-readers), and Scratch (coding for readers).

Resources for families needing support at this time:

  • About 34% of the 170,000 kids in Montgomery County Schools are in the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) program. MCPS has set up some grab and go meals for students (children up through age 18) that might need them during the impending school closure, including Rolling Terrace Elementary and Montgomery Blair High School. If any of your friends or neighbors will suffer from food insecurity in this period and have school age children, please let them know about this option, available M-F 11-1pm. The full list of locations is here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/Coronavirus/COVID-19_Emergency_Closure_Meals_for_MCPS_Students.pdf
  • More great resources to share far and wide for students and families in our community:
  • Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington
    501 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, 20910
    301-585-6556
    http://acsgw.org
    Mon-Thu 10AM-3PM
    Type:Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Appointment Required, Documentation Required
    Languages:French, Spanish
    Features:Special Diet Accommodations, Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • Difference Makers Kokua Foods
    7611 Piney Branch Rd., Takoma Park, 20912
    301-233-1698
    http://difference-makers.org
    Sun11AM-12PM
    Type:Choice Pantry, Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Documentation Required, Service to a Specific Population
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • Crossroads Community Food Network
    Crossroads Farmers Market, Anne St at University Blvd E, Takoma Park, 20912
    http://crossroadscommunityfoodnetwork.org/
    Wed Farmers Market, April 17th-November 27th , 11AM-3PM
    Type:Discount Grocery
    Accessibility:Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Benefits Counseling, Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring
    7410 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, 20912
    301-434-1922
    http://mowtakoma.org
    Mon-Fri 9AM-1PM
    Type:Meal Service
    Accessibility:Fee for Service, Service to a Specific Population
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Delivery, Benefits Counseling, Special Diet Accommodations, Fresh Produce
  • EduCare Support Services, Inc.
    240-450-2092
    Mon, Wed and Fri10AM-2PM-every 1st Sat 10AM-2PM Deliveries every 3rd Sat
    Type:Choice Pantry, Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Appointment Required, Documentation Required, Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish, French
    Features:Delivery, Benefits Counseling, Fresh Produce, Other Services Offered
  • God Glorified Church of God in Christ
    111 Geneva Ave, Silver Spring, 20910
    301-588-6607
    http://ggcogic.org
    Second Thurs of the month (April-Dec.)
    Type:Choice Pantry
    Accessibility:Appointment Required, Documentation Required
    Features:Benefits Counseling

    Shepherd’s Table

  • 8106 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, 20910
    301-585-6463
    http://shepherdstable.org
    Mon-Fri: 7:30-8:25AM, 12-12:55PM, 6-7:25PM Sat & Sun 10:30AM-11:25AM, 6-7:25PM
    Type:Meal Service
    Accessibility:Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Other Services Offered
  • CASA (CASA de Maryland)

    734 University Blvd East., Silver Spring, 20903
    301-270-8432
    http://wearecasa.org
    Sat 10AM-12PM
    Type:Pre-Packed Pantry Items
    Accessibility:Walk-in
    Languages:Spanish
    Features:Other Services Offered

  • Small Things Matter Kokua Foods
    The Co-op from 10-11am
    Fresh Produce/pantry items
  • General Crossroads info:Toll-Free Hotline number for SNAP applications 866-821-5552.
  • Capital Area Food Bank: Call: (202) 644-9807 (they may not be able to serve folks outside DC, but they can offer resources in PG and MoCo)
  • Manna: Must be a moco resident; fall under a certain income level.  Call : (301) 424-1130https://mocofoodcouncil.org/food-assistance-resource-map/