• Please review the WIDA ACCESS Parent Notification letter.

• Did you know that 30% to 40% of all words in English have a related word in Spanish. With similar sound, appearance, and meaning, these cognates help students transfer that word knowledge into their second language.  Here is a list of English Spanish cognates

  • English Spanish Cognates
    
    

• Registration Open! The summit has been postponed but you can still register for PGCPS Latino Education Summit Part II: Students & Families

  • Registration Link: https://forms.gle/Bgy9a1XFXTfEF2kG7

  • Flyer Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KjnXGSp6hA0rzgsSjs5LDLheZ2W0Ux5/view?usp=sharing

We love having your child at school! Their curiosity and joy bring life to our school community and are what makes the "Greatness" at the Grove! Being at school every day helps children stay connected, confident, and on track in their learning.

As we head into the winter months, we know snow, rain, and seasonal illnesses such as colds, flu, fevers, and earaches can sometimes make it harder to get to school. While some absences are unavoidable, every missed day—including excused absences—interrupts the routine of learning and can make it harder for students to stay engaged and connected.

Here are some ways to help keep your child healthy and in school this winter:

1. Create backup plans for getting to school. If you are unable to bring your child, consider arranging a ride with another family or forming a “walking school bus” with neighbors.

2. Seek guidance when your child is ill. If you are unsure whether to keep your child home or send them to school, consult your child’s medical provider or our school nurse, Mrs. Wray (Kristi.JohnsonWray@pgcps.org).

3. Watch for signs of stress or anxiety. If stress or anxiety may be affecting attendance, reach out to your child’s teacher, the school nurse, school counselor, or medical provider for support.

4. Promote healthy habits. Encourage frequent handwashing, adequate sleep, nutritious meals, daily exercise, and plenty of fluids.

5. Help prevent the spread of germs. Remind children not to share cups, utensils, or personal items.

6. Dress for the weather. Please ensure your child has appropriate cold-weather clothing. If your family needs assistance with coats, hats, or gloves, contact Ms. Carter (Laniece.Carter@pgcps.org).

7. Stay connected if your child must be home. If illness keeps your child out for more than a day or two, reach out to your child’s teacher to request learning materials so they can stay on track.

We know winter can be challenging, but showing up matters! If you are experiencing difficulty getting your child to school or need additional support or resources, please call us at 301-449-4966 and ask to speak with Mrs. Branch (Keisha.SmithBranch@pgcps.org).

We are here to partner with you and support your child’s success.
Thank you for your continued partnership—we look forward to seeing your child each day!

Keep your child home and consult with your child’s Primary Care Provider if he or she:

1. Has a temperature greater than 100.4°F taken with an oral thermometer

2. Has nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting

3. Has diarrhea (frequent, loose, watery stools) Symptoms may include cramps, bloating, nausea and an urgent need to have a bowel movement.

4. Has stomach pain that is constant. If vomiting starts after the pain begins (call your health care provider that day)

5. Has a headache that is interfering with activities

6. Has a sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing

7. Has yellow discharge on eye lashes in the morning that comes back after being wiped off of lashes and eyes that are red (call your health care provider for a appointment the day this is observed)

8. Has a skin rash that causes itching and/or is on most of the body

9. Has a constant cough and/or difficulty breathing

10. Is complaining of feeling ill, has a lack of energy and/or a decrease in activity

What to do if your child has these signs of illness:

If your child has symptoms for more than 24 hours or if the symptoms become worse, call your health care provider for an appointment. Follow your health care provider’s advice on administering over the counter medications.

When may your child return to school?

Your child may return to school when your health care provider says he/she can (documentation from the health care provider may be needed), when symptoms are gone for 24 hours or if your child has taken the antibiotic prescribed by the provider for a full twenty-four hours. Keep your child home until his or her fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication. Please call your school nurse if you have any questions about this information.

Hello Apple Grove Elementary School Community!

General announcement: Please notify the nurse (kristi.johnsonwray@pgcps.org) 301-449-4966 if your child has a health concern or health issue. It is very important that I know about conditions such as asthma, food allergies, heart issues and even if your child frequently spits up, or vomits. It is important to let the teacher and the nurse know every year of any conditions that may present at school. 

Click Here to hear what Whooping Cough sounds like: https://youtu.be/DB70izafC1Y

👶 Infants

Infants younger than 12 months who get pertussis often become very sick. About one out of three needs to be treated in a hospital 🏥, especially babies younger than 6 months 👶.

Pertussis can be more serious in infants under 2 months old if their mother did not receive the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy 🤰💉❌.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated infants have the highest risk for serious complications and death ⚠️.

The most common complications in infants include:

Apnea (68%) 😮‍💨 (pauses in breathing)

Pneumonia (22%) 🫁

🧑‍🎓 Adolescents and Adults

Teenagers and adults can also get pertussis and develop complications 🤧. However, symptoms and complications are usually milder than in infants, especially for those who have been vaccinated 💉✅.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our school nurse at Kristi.JohnsonWray@pgcps.org or 301-449-4966.

At Apple Grove Elementary School, the safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff are our highest priorities. We understand the concerns some families may have about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visiting school campuses. Please know that we remain vigilant and have clear procedures in place to protect the rights and safety of all students and families—regardless of immigration status.

If you currently have an active immigration court notice and need legal consultation, please call Apple Grove Elementary at (301) 449-4966 and ask for Mrs. Akpeneye or Ms. Carter.

What you should know:

✅ Schools are protected spaces. Under federal guidance, schools are considered protected locations, and ICE should not conduct enforcement actions at schools or bus stops except under extraordinary circumstances.

✅ No unauthorized access. ICE agents/officers will not be allowed inside Apple Grove ES. Staff will use our video telecom system to verify credentials and the reason for the visit while keeping doors securely locked.

✅ No release of information. Under FERPA, we cannot share student or family information without parental consent or a valid judicial warrant. Administrative ICE warrants do not permit access to student records.

✅ Legal and security response. If ICE visits, we will immediately contact the Office of General Counsel and the Security Office to notify them.

✅ Family notifications. If a situation involves your child, we will notify you immediately and provide updates in your preferred language. Please make sure your child’s Emergency Contacts are updated in Synergy and on your child's Emergency Contact Form.

In the rare event of an ICE visit, we will take additional safety steps including reverse evacuation or lockdown procedures (no one enters or exits the building).

We will also provide helpful resources such as Red Cards and preparedness guides in the lobby and main office.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at (301) 449-4966 or reach Principal Broussard at Samecia.Broussard@pgcps.org

We are here to support you and ensure Apple Grove remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.