Weekly Update
|
Week of March 16, 2026
Dear Families,
It looks like we may experience severe weather in our area tomorrow. Our staff is aware of the forecast and is preparing accordingly to ensure the safety of our students.
Teachers will be reviewing severe weather procedures tomorrow with students, including the designated shelter areas in the building. These procedures have been practiced, and students are familiar with where they should go if needed.
If severe weather occurs during dismissal, we will pause dismissal and shelter students in the building until it is safe to continue. Please know that students will not be dismissed to families while we are in a shelter.
Please also continue to monitor emails and communications from MCPS tomorrow morning in case any updates are made to the school day, including the possibility of an early release.
As a reminder, on Friday, March 20, there will be no school for students. It will be a planning, grading, and reporting day for staff.
Warm regards,
April
April D. Longest
Principal
Farmland Elementary School
|
Farmland Updates
Parent Teacher Association News and Updates
Montgomery County Public Schools Updates
Calendar
Contact Information
|
|
|
Dear MCPS Community,
School will open On-Time for Monday, March 16, with an announcement about any updates to the school day on Monday morning.
We are watching the weather, and we are expecting a strong storm on Monday, March 16, which could bring severe thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and the potential for tornadoes. Current forecasts indicate the strongest elements of the storm may move through our area between approximately 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., just as many of our students typically begin outdoor after-school activities and athletic practices. We will continue to monitor the forecast closely and will share any updates on Monday morning.
We encourage families to take a few moments to plan ahead for tomorrow’s weather:
|
|
|
MISA testing scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until Wednesday. Thank you for your flexibility, and please let us know if you have any questions.
|
|
|
Worksite Support Staff Excellence AwardCongratulations to Mrs. Lucia Williamson!
Mrs. Williamson, a Learning for Independence Paraeducator at Farmland, was recognized by staff for her outstanding contributions, demonstrating excellence, commitment, and service to the school community while reflecting MCPS core values at the Gold Star Gala on Friday night.
We are thrilled to have her represent Farmland and sincerely thank her for all she does to support both students and staff.
|
Farmland Teacher of the YearCongratulations to Mrs. Kim Stimely!
We are thrilled to share that Mrs. Stimely, a Kindergarten teacher at Farmland, was recognized as Farmland’s Teacher of the Year at the Gold Star Gala on Thursday night. She was honored for her many years of dedicated service supporting students and families. Her advocacy for students, thoughtful instruction, and commitment to nurturing young learners exemplify the very best of what it means to be an educator.
We are grateful for Mrs. Stimely’s unwavering commitment and the lasting difference she makes in the lives of our students and families.
|
Wednesday Night: Community Service NightFarmland’s Annual Community Service Night is Wednesday, March 18, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the All Purpose Room! Each grade level is now collecting donations that will be used during the event and help our community. Help your grade and the Farmland community by bringing in donations! You can drop your donations in the bins outside your teachers’ classrooms.
Donations by Grade Level
Kindergarten - Small coloring/activity books, small crayons, markers, and/or colored pencil boxes
First Grade - Mini games, small handheld gadgets (ex. pop its, mini-mazes, small blank notebooks), and/or playdough
Second Grade - Allergen-free individual granola bars and/or applesauce pouches
Third Grade - Single-serve ramen, macaroni and cheese, and/or oatmeal
Fourth Grade - Full-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, and/or shampoo and conditioner
Fifth Grade - Full-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, and/or shampoo and conditioner
|
|
|
Health Room DonationsWe are looking for a few items to help our Health Room support students:
Donations can be:
We greatly appreciate your generosity and support.
|
|
|
The fourth quarter Refrigerator Curriculum, which provides a one-page overview of the main themes and texts students will study each marking period, is now available.
MCPS will be hosting a community meeting next week for parents/guardians to preview the materials. This meeting will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Ritchie Park Elementary School, 1514 Dunster Road in Rockville.
|
|
|
Kindergarten Registration is Open for 2026–2027Online registration through the ParentVUE portal opened February 17, 2026.
Eligibility
Children who are 5 years old by September 1, 2026, are eligible to enroll.
Special Enrollment Situations
Contact International Admissions and Enrollment (240-740-4500) if:
What You’ll Need
Families who register online will receive a confirmation email from the school within approximately one week.
For more information: Click here for details.
.
You can also contact Farmland Elementary School at 240‑740‑0660.
|
|
|
Parent Teacher Association News and UpdatesComing Soon: STEAM Night and International Night!
STEAM Night is Wednesday, March 25th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM - FREE!
Join us for a free evening of hands-on science and art opportunities for families to enjoy together, as well as recognition of all of our Reflections Art Competition entrants and winners this year. Get dinner from Trippy Tacos and dessert from Captain Cookie, too!
International Night is Thursday, April 16th, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM - FREE!
Come celebrate our diverse and vibrant Farmland community and enjoy learning about different countries and cultures. Parent volunteers interested in signing up a table may do so through this link: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080F4AA5AF22A0FA7-62952803-international
We are also planning a cultural showcase. If your child is interested in participating, please sign up using the same link. Any questions can be directed to megharajaram@gmail.com
Thank You, Farmland!
Our online auction was a massive success, and we couldn't have done it without you. A huge thank you to the teachers, staff, local businesses, and community members who donated—with a special shout-out to Kids After Hours for their incredible generosity!
Thank you again for your generous support!
|
|
|
Montgomery County Public Schools UpdatesWe’re Listening: Your Voice Matters! Share Your Feedback Today. We want to hear from you! Earlier this year, MCPS implemented significant operational changes and shifts — affecting topics as different as grading, safety (including police in schools), the Student Code of Conduct, open lunch in high schools, and cell phones in schools. Starting today, MCPS is distributing surveys on several of these issues important to families, students, and staff; we want to know how they are working for you in practice.
The survey is available here. Not everyone will receive the same set of questions. If you are a member of more than one group (for example, a staff member who is also a parent), you will be able to take the family survey and the staff survey, and potentially receive different questions. You will be asked to self-identify both times.
Participation is confidential. No individual responses will be shared; only summarized data will be used to guide districtwide improvements.
Ready for Summer School? How to Register and Get Help
Summer school registration for high school is now open. For information about registration, students should see their school counselor. If you have additional questions or need to make a change, you can fill out this Help Request. Read more about schedules and costs. Watch the Now You Know: High School Summer School.
Boundary Studies and School Construction Update: Let’s Break it Down — What Families Should Know
MCPS continues to advance important planning related to school boundaries and long-term facility investments. During today’s Board of Education Spring Facilities and Boundaries work session, district leaders reviewed updates, including alternative options, to the superintendent’s recommendations and answered questions raised by Board members and the community. The Board is scheduled to take final action on the boundary studies on March 26, with approved changes beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. Read more.
Now You Know: PreK and Kindergarten Registration (Video Series)
Are you the parent of a 3- to 5-year-old who’s ready to get started with MCPS? Prekindergarten and Head Start help 4-year-olds — and some 3-year-olds — build early skills in reading, math, and social development. Eligibility is based on age and family income. If your child turns 5 by Sept. 1, register for full-day kindergarten. NOW is the time to sign up!
|
Calendar |
 |
Administration
Mrs. April Longest, Principal (2nd and 5th Grade)
Ms. Pam Strauss, Assistant Principal (1st and 4th Grade)
Mrs. Kharima Wilson, Assistant Principal (Kindergarten and 3rd grade)
Administrative Assistances
Health Room Contacts
Food Services
Mrs. Olga Cardenas, Food Svc Satellite Mgr II - For questions related to menu or lunch accounts
PTA President
Farmland Hours
School Hours
Doors Open: 9:15 pm
Bell Rings: 9:25 am
Dismissal: 3:50 am
Office Hours
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Office Phone: 240-740-0660
School Address: 7000 Old Gate Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
Early Release Schedule
9:15 am Doors open
9:25 am Bell Rings
1:20 pm Dismissal
No Recess
Two-Hour Delay Schedule
11:15 am - Doors open
11:25 am - School Day Begins
(No recess on a delayed opening
Important Links
|