Banking  (First Union)*:  Banking at NCC in conjunction with First Union Bank.  Twice a month the NCC bank is open for students.  Sixth graders may complete a real First Union job application for teller positions at the NCC branch.  A parent is needed to supervise.

Bingo Night  (March 16)*:  An entertaining evening for the whole family.  Teachers volunteer to be our "callers."  Participants purchase bingo cards and dinner.  The small prizes that are awarded are extra party favors or new and gently used games and toys from our closets.  PTA Bingo Night Committee Chair is Mana McNeill (301-652-8494).

Birthday Calendar*:  January through December calendar containing photos of students, and the birthdays of all NCC students and teachers.  Children particularly enjoy this item which is sold for a nominal fee at the Winter Concert.  Parents have an opportunity to purchase (for $5.00) a special Birthday Greeting to be placed on the month of their child’s birthday.  Look for flyers advertising this coming home in the backpacks in the late fall.  Help is needed for this committee to assist with selling calendars at the concert.  Please contact Committee Chairs Eileen Adelman (301-986-1096) or Meg Owen (301-654-1807) to volunteer.

Book Club  (Teachers and Parents as Readers):   For teachers, parents and community members.  Meetings are held once a month at lunchtime to discuss a chosen book.  Meeting dates vary throughout the school year and are noted in From All of Us.  Direct questions to Mrs. London, the Reading Specialist. 

Book Fair  (November 13-17)*:  Annual week-long sale of new books, tapes and novelty items, usually set up in the Reading Specialists' Office.  Students visit the Book Fair twice during the week with their classes.  Parents are always welcome whenever the Book Fair is open, and, in fact, it is timed to coincide with parent-teacher conferences.  Committee Co-Chairs are Eileen Adelman (301-986-1096), Amanda Manheim (301-907-9177), Pat Mertens (301-718-4342) and Meg Owen (301-654-1807).

Boxtops for Education *:  Program sponsored by General Mills to trade box tops logos from cereals, Big G snack foods, Betty Crocker products and Yoplait yogurt for cash.  PTA Chair is Rachel Braun (301-588-5843).  There is a box in the lobby to collect these box tops all year long.

Clubs :  Weekly activities open to all NCC students, usually supervised by an NCC teacher.  All skill levels are welcome; interest, effort and good behavior during club sessions are the only requirements.  Clubs usually start at the end of October or beginning of November and run through May.

Clubs:   After school:  Past clubs have included Chess Club, Drama Club, Sports Club and Science Club.  Each year's clubs are discussed with students in school, and a notice goes home for parents.  Parents may sign each student up for one after school club, and clubs fill on a first come first served basis.  In past years, an Activity Bus has been available to return some children home after the Clubs.  Check From All of Us for specific dates and details.

Clubs:  At lunch:  Clubs include Chorus, Math Olympiads, a nation-wide program in which students are taught and tested on complex math problems, and the Gardening Club, in which students help maintain our Skolnick Outdoor Classroom garden.

Community of Caring  Character Education Program*:  Program adopted by NCC along with the entire cluster to implement a county-mandated ethics curriculum.  See "Character Education Committee" below for more information.

Community Service/Serivce Learning * :  This committee works with teachers, administrators, students and parents to create and implement Community Service projects.  To head or participate in this committee, please contact one of the PTA Co-Presidents, Charlotte Fremaux (301-589-6908) or Diana Ditto (301-949-3446).

Cultural Arts *:  Series of supplemental cultural programs brought to the school by the PTA.  During school hours, all classes participate in events showcasing folklore, artistry, music, dance, science, etc.  Programs are open to parents and siblings as long as advanced notice is given to the office and younger children are removed if they become disruptive.  Programs will be listed in advance in From All of Us. This year, the PTA Cultural Arts programs will be selected by PTA Committee Chair Priscilla Peterson (301-942-1720).

D.A.R.E. :  County-wide 5th grade drug and alcohol awareness program.  This program replaces social studies class for several weeks and focuses on 4 major areas:  providing accurate information about alcohol  & drugs; teaching students decision-making skills; resisting peer pressure; and alternatives to drug use.  It is taught by a County Police Officer.  Children draw posters and write poems to express what they've learned, and are given DARE t-shirts.  Parents are invited to attend the DARE graduation ceremony.  DARE is a cooperative program between the Montgomery County Police Department and MCPS.  This year’s program begins on March 5, 2001 and the graduation ceremony is planned for April 6, 2001.

Family Education :  County 5th grade program for students to learn about the ways in which their bodies will change in pre-teen and adolescent years.  The curriculum is taught by the science teacher(s) during science class for a few weeks and usually involves a film as well as class discussion.  Parents are given the opportunity to view one of the County-approved films, and they are notified in advance when the curriculum is about to be introduced.  Parents are given the option to exclude their children from instruction.  A slightly more advanced Family Education Program is part of the 8th grade MCPS curriculum.

Field Day:   Schoolwide intramural competition for a whole school day.  The entire school divides into three teams (Red, White & Blue), and each student wears a T-shirt of his/her team's color.  The program is organized by our physical education teacher, Mr. Ramey, and includes outdoor activities such as relay races and tug-of-war.  Parent volunteers are need to help with the individual events in the morning.   Field Day this year is scheduled for May 25, 2001.

Foreign Language in Elementary Schools  (FLES)*:  County-sponsored beginning and intermediate Spanish and French lessons offered for 1/2 hour twice a week after school.  Children are supervised in the Media Center while they await lessons.  Classes meet Monday and Wednesday except school holidays and half days.  Pre-registration and payment are required.  This year, the program is organized at NCC by PTA Coordinator Karen Smith (301-942-7740).

From All of Us *:  NCC's weekly newsletter distributed every Friday.  It contains vital information concerning important dates to remember, a message from Mrs. Greene, news from classroom teachers, PTA notices and announcements, and other important school-related items.  PTA Secretary Sam Hoxie (301-942-0743) is organizing From All of Us this year, and helping her will be Margaret McBurney (301-962-6445).  Please contact the front office if you can help in the Xerox efforts on Friday mornings.  If you would like to receive this weekly communication via email, send an email to samhoxie@megapathdsl.net.  For access to this year's editions, click here.

G/T Liaison * :  Keeps the PTA up-to-date on issues related to educating Gifted and Talented students, and gives the PTA and school feedback in this area.

Garden  - The Muriel Skolnick Outdoor Classroom *:  Natural environment in which classes and school organizations can meet.  Nestled in the heart of the school, this garden was planned by parents to reflect the academic curricula.  The Gardening Club, supervised by fourth grade teacher, Ms. Jackie Moore, helps maintain the garden.  The "outdoor classroom" is named in honor of our late Guidance Counselor, Muriel Skolnick.  This year, the garden will be overseen by PTA Garden Committee Chair Paula Fudge (301-933-9396).

Grocery Receipt Tapes*:   County-wide program in conjunction with Giant, Safeway and Chevy Chase Market food stores.  Committee Chairs are Eileen Adelman (301-986-1096) and Amanda Manheim (301-907-9177).  This year, both Giant and Safeway will have customers register their "courtesy cards" instead of saving receipts.  The schools receiving the accumulated points of the cardholder must be designated by registering with the PTA, at the stores or on-line. The Giant school code is 0651.  The Safeway school code is 0794.  Chevy Chase Supermarket receipts should be placed in the collection box in the school lobby.   For direct links to sign-up and more information, click here.

Harvest Dinner Evening (November 4)*:  New this year, we will try what has proven successful at other schools.  Parents will host dinners in their homes, serving as many as is comfortable.  Other parents will purchase tickets to these dinners, and be treated to a delicious dinner and delightful company.  A wonderful opportunity to mingle with old friends or meet new ones, and relax with staff members for a fun filled evening, while raising much-needed money for all of the enrichments PTA strives to provide to NCC.  Chairs are Diana Ditto (301-949-3446) and Margaret McBurney (301-972-6445).

International Night  (February 16)*:  Dinner and entertainment focusing on international cuisine.  This is a fun family event that brightens the dreary winter months.  Bring a dish from your family's cultural heritage or a favorite recipe and celebrate our community's diversity through food.  Parents are needed to help coordinate the event and gather a few volunteers to keep the night running smoothly.  Committee Chair again this year is Alinda Iman (301-656-3621).

Literary Magazine * :  Includes students' art, music and writing.  Parents and teachers are asked to encourage children to submit quality creative works.  The magazine is usually published at the very end of the school year.  Please contact the Chair of the committee, Janna Bialek (301-951-7075) if you would like to help.

Mentoring :  A program in which the entire student body is divided into small groups and matched with a staff member.  About once a month students meet during school for a "mentoring activty" or discussion with their mentors and mentoring group.  Students are assigned to the same mentor and mentoring group for their entire 4 years at NCC.  The program was pioneered by the late Muriel Skolnick, a Guidance Counselor at NCC for many years, to ensure that each child has an adult at the school who s/he can approach and with whom s/he can discuss problems.

Open Houses*:  Monthly presentation by Mrs. Greene to prospective NCC parents.  This year, PTA Open House Coordinator Vicki Jacoby (301-654-8101) will assist NCC staff as they prepare refreshments and clean up from the Open Houses.  These short sessions run from 9:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. in the office conference room and are generally scheduled monthly from October until March.  This year the following dates have been set aside for these informative sessions:  October 26, November 30, December 14, January 25, February 15, and March 15.

Overnight Programs:  

Fifth Grade Williamsburg/Jamestown trip:  Culmination of the American Colonies Social Studies unit for 5th graders.  Students spend two days and one night at Williamsburg and Jamestown, experiencing colonial American life.  Teachers organize and supervise the trip, and parents chaperone.  Students and chaperones stay overnight at a hotel.   Scholarships are available if needed.  This year the trip is scheduled for June 6-7, 2001.  

Outdoor Education :  Countywide 6th grade curriculum in environmental education.  Students spend two days and three nights at the Lathrop Smith Center near Meadowside Nature Center.  Activities include hiking during the day and at night, orienteering, a history program, nature programs, and nature-related games.  Chaperoned by NCC teachers.  One night, parents help run a carnival at the Smith Center for the students.  An informational meeting will be held prior to this event.  This program is scheduled for May 15-18, 2001.  

Principal's Chats  (November 10, December 5, April 3):  Short and informal chats with Mrs. Greene open to all parents and guardians.  Two chats have been tentatively scheduled this year from 7-7:45 p.m. just preceding PTA meetings (December 5 and April 3) and an 8:30 a.m. Principal’s Chat is scheduled the morning of the Veteran’s Day Open House (November 10).

Promotion & Pool Party *:  Sixth grade's final events of the year.  Parents are invited to attend Promotion exercises in the All Purpose Room at NCC.  Students then walk to the North Chevy Chase Pool on Brierly Road for pizza and swimming.  Parent volunteers are needed to help coordinate this event with the teachers.

Sally Foster Wrapping Paper * :   Fall fundraiser.  We use this fundraiser, like so many schools do, because the PTA receives 50% of all money collected for the wrapping paper.  Volunteers may be needed to help tally and divide orders.  Contact Co-Chairs Mary Kay Lyddane (301-986-1960) and Lynda Maudlin-Jeronimo (301-654-5180) to volunteer.

School Liaisons  – Rosemary Hills, Westland and BCC*:  Attend PTA meetings at our feeder schools or those which our graduates attend and/or help keep lines of communication open among NCC and those schools.

Silent Auction (May 11)* :  Held in the Media Center during Spring Fling.  Class Baskets, getaways, tickets and services are some of the bargains available.  Help is needed for planning, solicitation of donations, set up, clean up, creating baskets, and running "cash out."  To head or participate in this committee, please contact one of the PTA Co-Presidents, Charlotte Fremaux (301-589-6908) or Diana Ditto (301-949-3446).

Special Needs Liaison *:  Keeps up to date on issues relevant to educating special needs children, and gives the PTA and school feedback in this area.  This year's liaisons are Karen Levi-Shandler (301-652-8203) and Laurie Collins (301-587-1810).

Special Support – Teachers’ Wish List /Fundraising Letter*:  This committee meets with the faculty and Mrs. Greene to determine specific items that would enhance the classroom experience for our children.  A fundraising letter is sent out to parents to fund specific purchases from the Teachers' Wish List.   Our 2000-2001 PTA Treasurer, Suzi Walsh (301-949-1809), plans to head-up this endeavour this year.

Spring Fling  (May 11)*:  Annual school fair held outside (weather permitting), in and around the school.  Many volunteers are needed for this event, and each NCC family is encouraged to donate at least one hour of their time to help run game booths and sell food and tickets.  To head or participate in this committee, please contact one of the PTA Co-Presidents, Charlotte Fremaux (301-589-6908) or Diana Ditto (301-949-3446).

Staff Appreciation * :  Works to arrange events and gifts to thank the staff and teachers for all they do.  Parents can help by contributing baked goodies for gifts baskets or treats in the lounge.  To participate in this committee, please contact Meg Owen (301-654-1807) or Eileen Adelman (301-986-1096).

Student Government Association  (SGA):   Supervised by our Special Education Teacher, Mrs. Chupka.  Each year, students vote for a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the SGA.  Campaigning takes place over 2 days.  The SGA also consists of representatives elected by their constituents from every grade and geographic area that feeds into the school.  The SGA meets regularly to discuss schoolwide issues, and sponsors several after school dances and community service events.   See also SGA.

Testing, County- and State-wide :  The CTBS, CRTs and MSPAPs.  Parents are encouraged to be sure their children are well rested the night before testing, and have eaten a nutritious breakfast, to be certain they perform at the highest level possible.  

Testing:  California Test of Basic Skills (CTBS): Given to the 4^th and 6^th grades only at NCC.  Scheduled this year for 4^th grade during the week of February 26, 2001 and 6^th grade during the week of March 12, 2001.  The CTBS is a component of the TerraNova series of assessments published by CTB/McGraw-Hill.  Now in its fifth edition, the CTBS is a nationally norm-referenced test that describes the performance of an individual student in comparison to the performances of a national sample of students who took the CTBS under similar conditions in 1996. The CTBS contains multiple-choice items in reading/language arts and mathematics with two skills subtests, language mechanics and mathematics computation.  In terms of reading language arts, the CTBS is very similar to the multiple-choice reading test that is included in our Criterion Reference Tests (CRTs).  In math, the curriculum in grades 4 and 6 includes the skills students need to do well on the test.

Testing:  Criterion Reference Test (CRT) :  Montgomery County Public Schools uses three types of tests to determine how well students have learned from instruction they have received on curriculum objectives set by the state and local district in reading, writing, and mathematics.  The tests used are multiple choice, open ended, and performance assessment.  Together, they are called the Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRTs). The tests are scheduled to be administered April 30th through June 8th for all students in grades three through six.  A detailed schedule of specific testing days is sent home prior to administering the tests.  Parents will receive a report of your child's individual performance on the CTBS and the reading and math multiple choice and math open ended portion of the CRT.

Testing:  Maryland State Performance Assessment Program  (MSPAP ):  This test is administered in grades three, five, and eight in reading, writing, language usage, mathematics, science and social studies and included in the Maryland School Performance Program (MSPP) report.  These assessments require students to apply what they know and can do to solve problems, reason, explain, recommend, and display other "higher order" thinking skills.  Results are analyzed on a school wide basis, and individual scores are not available.  More information on MSPAP testing philosophies, methods and results will be made available during the school year.  MSPAP’s for the 2000-2001 academic year are scheduled to be administered for the third grade from May 8^th through 12^th and the fifth grade from May 15^th through 19^th.

T-Shirt/Sweatshirt Sales * :  Annual sale of t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the artwork that adorns the front hall.  In addition, look for a new design this year!  Chairs are Peg O’Donnell (301-933-0899) and Ardoth Hassler (301-949-1285).

Veteran's Day Open House  (November 10):  MCPS tradition established to allow parents to observe classes in session during specified hours on Veteren's Day.

Winter Fundraiser *:  January PTA fundraiser.  Past activities include selling Joe Corbi Pizzas, and selling Human-i-tees T-shirts.  Look for more information about this year's activity.  Isabelle Koenig (301-656-1092) is the Chair this year.