7400 Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 449-4966 | www.pgcps.org/applegrove
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🍎 The Apple Grove Way 🍎
School Mission: The Mission of Apple Grove Elementary School is to ensure that all students acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to become a college and career ready member of a diverse global society and workforce with an understanding of their role, impact and responsibilities within that society.
School Vision: Growing in Greatness: Rooted in Community, Diversity and Academic Excellence
Apple Grove Elementary School is a place where every community member feels safe, feels seen, and is supported to succeed.
Week of February 24 - February 28
Week of February 24 - February 28
Scenes of Celebration at our Quarter 2 Honor Roll Assembly #GreatnessAtTheGrove
Scenes of Celebration at our Quarter 2 Honor Roll Assembly #GreatnessAtTheGrove
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Black History Month
February
January 8 - March 4- English Language Development (ESOL) English Language Proficiency (ACCESS) Assessment Window
February 24 - 28- Black History Month Spirit Week
2/24- HBCU & Greek Life Day- Wear apparel representing your favorite Historically Black College & University or Black Greek Letter organization
2/25- Black Excellence Day- Dress as an inspirational Black leader, innovator, or historical figure
2/26- African Heritage Day- Wear Traditional African attire or clothing with African prints
2/27- Afro-Futurism Day- Wear Black Cultural Fashion inspired by Black Panther or Afro-Futurism
2/28- Black History Colors Day- Show your pride by wearing red, black, green, and gold!
February 25- Family Food Market 3:00 PM
February 25- Family Food Market 3:00 PM
February 27- Fifth Grade Black History Gallery 6- 7 PM
February 28- Ramadan Begins
February 28- 3 Hour Early Dismissal | Teacher Half-Day Planning
February 28- Grade Appeal Window Closes
March 1- PGCPS Spring Into Wellness 9 AM - 1 PM, Largo High School
STUDENT ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
STUDENT ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Apple Grove Elementary's Student January Attendance Data
Fifth Grade takes the lead with the least amount of Chronically Absent Students! One thing fifth graders are going to do is COME TO SCHOOL!
💭 What makes it hard for you as a parent to get your child or children to school every day? 💭
Contact Mrs. Epps, Ms. Worrell, or your child's teacher at (301) 449-4966 to get support today!
STUDENT ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
STUDENT ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Principal's Message
Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!
"And how are the children?
Dear Apple Grove Families,
Last week, we celebrated our Quarter 2 Honor Roll students and the incredible dedication of our staff—Mr. Rosser, Mrs. Dawkins, Ms. Collins, Ms. Slayden, and Mrs. Tuzo-Johnson—and our amazing parents—Ms. Sharisa Cherry, Mrs. Parker-Williams, and Ms. Maria Cruz-Hernandez—whose contributions help ensure that every member of our Apple Grove community feels safe, seen, and supported for success. Your commitment and partnership make a lasting impact, and we appreciate all that you do!
We also invite you to join us for this week's exciting events, where we continue to learn, grow, and support one another:
📌 February 25 – Family Food Market (3:00 PM) & PGCPS Virtual Family Institute: Transportation 101
📌 February 27 – Fifth Grade Black History Gallery
📌 February 28 – Ramadan Begins & 3-Hour Early Dismissal (Teacher Half-Day Planning)
📌 2nd Quarter Grades – Report cards are now available in Synergy ParentVue, and printed copies will be distributed this week. If you wish to appeal a grade, the 2nd Quarter Grade Appeal Window closes this Friday, February 28 Please complete the request here and submit it to Ms. Worrell (Nicole.Worrell@pgcps.org).
🎉 Black History Month Spirit Week 🎉
Let's celebrate Black history and culture together by participating in Spirit Week! Encourage your child to join in each day's theme as we honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders past and present. Look out for the theme details in this newsletter!
🚀 Attendance Matters! 🚀
Consistent attendance is the key to success! Every day of learning counts, and we encourage all students to be present and on time every day. Let’s finish February strong with great attendance so our students continue to thrive! Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our Eagles soar academically and socially.
✨ Please read through the entire newsletter to find out how you can participate in our Community School Needs Assessment and share what resources would benefit your family. Thanks to last year's assessment, we were able to add Weekend Bags providing food for families, ESL classes, and a food pantry. Your voice matters, and we want to continue providing the support you need!
Also, be sure to check out important health updates from Nurse Dillard and a job opportunity for parents.
This Friendly February, be friendly to others and give your relationships a boost. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to be gentle with someone we feel inclined to criticise.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our children in achieving their very best. Together, we’ll make this a successful month for all! Together, with you, we are the Greatness at the Grove and we will continue the work that has been done at AGES because we are 2 Legit 2 Quit the greatness at Apple Grove!
DON'T MISS OUT! SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
This newsletter will be updated Sunday nights and posted on the Apple Grove Elementary website to keep all students, staff, families and community members informed. Be sure to read and make note of all details.
Click the handbook ⬆️
Who to contact
A Guide to Addressing Questions and Concerns.pdfSynergy ParentVue help: Ms. Graham, School Secretary, Kimberly.Jumaniyazov@pgcps.org
Attendance, Enrollment or Withdrawal: Ms. Graham, School Secretary, Kimberly.Jumaniyazov@pgcps.org
To schedule a parent/teacher conference: Your child's teacher(s) or Special Education Case Manager
Grades, Instruction or Student Work: Your child's teacher(s) or Special Education Case Manager
Special Education Services: Your child's teacher(s) or Special Education Case Manager or Ms. Nelson, Special Education Chairperson, Jamie2.Nelson@pgcps.org
Academic or Behavioral support: Your child's teacher(s) or Special Education Case Manager, Mrs. Epps, Professional School Counselor, Robbin.Epps@pgcps.org
Student health: Nurse Dillard, Nurse, Mary.Dillard@pgcps.org
Discipline: Ms. Worrell, Assistant Principal, nicole.worrell@pgcps.org
General questions: Apple Grove, agrove@pgcps.org
To schedule an appointment with Principal Broussard: Ms. Hughes, Principal's Secretary, alethia.hughes@pgcps.org
PGCPS Calendar Updates
PGCPS Calendar Updates
As you may know, Maryland law requires all school districts to have at least 180 school days and meet specific instructional hour requirements for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Due to this year’s winter weather, we have had five school closures and four delayed openings/early dismissals. To ensure our students receive the instructional time they need, PGCPS has made the following adjustments to the school calendar in addition to the February 14 change from a professional development day to a school day:
March 5 – Full school day (No Delayed Opening)
March 17 – Regular school day for students
June 16 – Regular school day for students
June 17 – Regular school day for students
June 18 – Full school day (No Early Dismissal)
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work to provide the best learning experience for our students. If additional changes are needed due to inclement weather, we will keep you updated.
From Nurse Dillard👩🏽⚕️
From Nurse Dillard👩🏽⚕️
Hazel Health is partnering with PGCPS for a Winter Wellness Day at Largo HS on Saturday March 1, 2025. If you have a child and/or children in grades 6-12, this is a great event to attend. The details are listed below:
PGCPS families (Gr. 6-12): Join us for a FREE Spring Into Wellness Health Fair, Saturday, March 1st from 9 am to 1 pm at Largo High School.
Skip the summer rush and take advantage of free vaccines and sports physicals for students in grades 6-12.
Score a $25 grocery gift card when your child receives a vaccine or sports physical.
Enjoy hourly raffles, free breakfast and lunch, and more!
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Here are a few health reminders:
1. Please let Nurse Dillard know if your child/children test positive for any communicable diseases. As of right now, RSV, pneumonia and influenza cases are rising.
2. The Maryland Department of Health has reported a high combination of COVID-19 and Influenza (Flu) hospitalizations in the state of Maryland.
3. Please protect yourselves. Stay home from school/work if you are not feeling well.
4. Facemasks are highly encouraged during this respiratory season.
5. Please practice safe hand hygiene. Wash hands frequently.
6. Get vaccinated against Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV (if applicable).
7. Rest, hydrate, maintain a healthy diet and move your bodies daily. Build and maintain your immune systems!
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
mary.dillard@pgcps.org
301-449-4966
Thank you.
HELP Us Serve You Better!
HELP Us Serve You Better!
The Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Community Schools initiative provides equitable access to services that promote academic, economic and social empowerment for schools and their communities. As a Community School, Apple Grove Elementary School aims to provide our families with as many services and resources as possible.
Please help us better serve you by completing the following needs assessment. Your feedback will help us secure partnerships and programming that best fits the needs of our Apple Grove community. Your voice matters!
Needs Assesment/Family Survey [English] https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25EnFam1_5
Needs Assessment/Family Survey [Spanish]
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25SpFam1_5
Needs Assessment/Family Survey [French]
As the temperatures drop, it is important to ensure children are dressed appropriately for cold weather. Layers are key! Make sure your child has a warm hat, gloves, insulated outerwear, and waterproof shoes or boots. For extremely cold days, adding additional layers and covering exposed skin is crucial.
Please also be aware of the warning signs of hypothermia, which include confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles. If you notice any of these signs, seek warmth and medical attention immediately.
Protect Our Children During Morning Arrival
Protect Our Children During Morning Arrival
The safety of our students and school community is our top priority. This is a reminder regarding Apple Grove Elementary’s morning drop-off procedures, which have been in place for the past three years:
✅ Drive to the end of the Drop-Off Lane (designated by the cones) before allowing your child to exit your vehicle. [Please see the attached picture 🔸]
❌ Do not stop and allow children to exit before reaching the last cone at the end of the lane.
Failure to follow these procedures creates unsafe conditions for you, your child, and other drivers. As we are now in the second semester of the school year, moving forward, anyone who continues to violate these procedures will be reported to Prince George’s County Parking & Traffic Enforcement and may be subject to a formal No Trespass Letter prohibiting access to Apple Grove Elementary property.
Per PGCPS Administrative Procedure 5090 – School Arrival and Dismissal Procedures, all individuals transporting students must follow the directions of school staff. Additionally, the PGCPS Code of Conduct for Families, Volunteers, and Visitors prohibits violating traffic laws or parking regulations on school property.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and efficient drop-off process for all families. Thank you for doing your part to keep Apple Grove a secure and welcoming environment.
Resources for Families
Resources for Families
Red Cards
Red Cards
Assert Your Rights and Defend Yourself
Resources for Legal Assistance
Resources for Legal Assistance
Proactive Measures for Families
Proactive Measures for Families
Update Emergency Contacts at school
Create a Family Preparedness Plan (Immigrant Legal Resource Center); Preparedness Guide- English; Preparedness Guide- Spanish
Save Important Numbers (child's school, neighbors, etc.)
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Suite 350
Baltimore, MD 21211
Takoma Park Field Office: 301.270.2258AYUDA
6925 B Willow Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-387-4848CASA
8151 15th Ave.
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Phone: 301-431-4185
Fax: 301-408-4123Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-328-9799Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)
453 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-488-8787Latin American Youth Center/Maryland Multicultural Youth Center (LAYC/MMYC)
6200 Sheridan Street
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301-779-2851
Protecting Our Families: Apple Grove's Commitment to Safety During ICE Visits, Investigations, or Arrests
Protecting Our Families: Apple Grove's Commitment to Safety During ICE Visits, Investigations, or Arrests
At Apple Grove Elementary School, the safety and well-being of our students, their families, and staff are our highest priorities. We understand the concerns that some families may have regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents/officers visiting our campus. We want to assure you that we have clear procedures in place to protect the rights and safety of all students and families, regardless of immigration status.
Please know the following:
Schools Are Supposed to Be Protected Spaces: Under federal guidelines, schools are considered protected spaces, 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 the school. School staff will use the video telecom system to verify their credentials and reasons for the visit while keeping the doors securely locked.
No Release of Information: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we are prohibited from sharing any student or family information with ICE without parental consent or a valid judicial warrant. Administrative ICE (deportation, investigation) warrants do not permit access to student information.
General Counsel and Security Consultation: If ICE agents/officers visit, we will contact the Office of General Counsel and Security Office immediately to ensure all actions are lawful and appropriate.
Family Notifications: If a situation arises involving your child, we will notify you immediately and provide updates in your preferred language. Be sure your child's Emergency Contacts are updated in Synergy and in the main office.
In the rare event of an ICE visit, we will take additional steps to ensure everyone’s safety, including initiating reverse evacuation or lockdown procedures if necessary. Please know that we will do everything possible to protect our students, families, and staff.
Additionally, we will provide resources such as the red cards and preparedness guides in the lobby and main office for everyone.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at (301) 449-4966 or Principal Broussard at Samecia.Broussard@pgcps.org. We are here to support you and ensure that Apple Grove remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Daily Practice: Good, Better, Best! I will never rest, until my good is better and my better is BEST!
Daily Practice: Good, Better, Best! I will never rest, until my good is better and my better is BEST!
Parents, do these short, engaging and impactful activities daily for reinforcing key skills at home while fostering a love for learning.
English Language Development:
Label in English: Point to items in the picture or objects around the house, say the word in English (if you know it), and encourage your child to repeat it. You can also use a bilingual dictionary or a translation app to learn the English word together, if applicable.
Sight Word Practice: Use flashcards with common English words. Practice saying and using them in sentences. Use a translation app (Google Translation) to learn the English word together, if applicable.
Repetition Practice: Repeat new words or phrases to build pronunciation confidence.
Word Practice: Practice spelling and writing new vocabulary words in sentences.
Pre-Kindergarten:
Reading: Read a storybook together. Ask your child to point to pictures that match the words or describe what’s happening.
Math: Count objects around the house, like toys or utensils. Practice identifying shapes in the environment (e.g., "Find something shaped like a circle").
Critical Thinking: Play “I Spy” to encourage observation skills and ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think will happen next in the story?”
Kindergarten:
Reading: Practice letter recognition by identifying letters on cereal boxes, street signs, or in books. Have them sound out simple three-letter words (e.g., cat, dog).
Math: Count forward and backward to 20. Use household objects to practice simple addition and subtraction (e.g., “You have 2 apples, and I give you 1 more. How many do you have now?”).
Critical Thinking: Sort objects by size, color, or shape and ask your child why they grouped them that way.
First Grade:
Reading: Practice sight words or play a word-matching game. Read a short story and ask your child to retell it in their own words.
Math: Use everyday activities like setting the table to practice counting by twos. Practice simple word problems using addition and subtraction.
Critical Thinking: Solve simple puzzles or riddles. Ask your child to predict what will happen next in a story and explain why.
Second Grade:
Reading: Read a short passage together and ask your child to identify the main idea and key details. Encourage them to read aloud to build fluency.
Math: Practice skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. Use coins to teach the value of money and create simple math problems.
Critical Thinking: Play “Would You Rather?” games with reasoning (e.g., "Would you rather eat ice cream or pizza? Why?").
Third Grade:
Reading: Read a nonfiction article or book and discuss what they learned. Introduce vocabulary words and ask them to use them in sentences.
Math: Practice multiplication facts through flashcards or apps. Solve real-world math problems, like calculating how much something costs with tax.
Critical Thinking: Encourage your child to ask “why” questions about the world and research answers together.
Fourth Grade:
Reading: Read a chapter from a book and discuss the characters’ actions and motivations. Have your child write a summary in their own words.
Math: Practice multiplication and division facts through flashcards or apps. Solve multi-step word problems or practice fractions using objects like pizza slices. Practice rounding numbers in everyday contexts.
Critical Thinking: Play strategy games like chess or card games that involve planning and decision-making.
Fifth Grade:
Reading: Discuss a news article or nonfiction text and ask your child to express their opinion and back it up with evidence from the text.
Math: Practice multiplication and division facts through flashcards or apps. Work on decimals and percentages, such as calculating discounts or tips while shopping. Practice long division with real-world examples.
Critical Thinking: Debate simple topics (e.g., "Should recess be longer?") and encourage your child to present clear arguments and counterarguments.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
Unlocking the Power of ParentVue: Your Window into Student Success!
Unlocking the Power of ParentVue: Your Window into Student Success!
Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, Synergy will replace SchoolMAX as the student information system for Prince George's County Public Schools. Families will now use ParentVUE, in place of Family Portal, to access important information about their students.
ParentVUE is the portal that allows parents and guardians to view information about their student, including classroom assignments and scores, attendance, transcripts, graduation status and more. In ParentVUE, families can also update their phone numbers and emergency contact information and access the Online Registration (OLR) Application.
Learn more about ParentVue here. Additionally, you may reach out to Ms. Graham at (301) 449-4966 or Kimberly.Jumaniyazov@pgcps.org for help activating or navigating your account.
"We've got the energy for Synergy!"
Please view the video on activating a ParentVUE account for parents who previously had a SchoolMAX account.
Please view the video on activating a ParentVUE account for parents who did not have an activated SchoolMAX account.
PH-Poster-English-2.pdfSee a doctor or therapist for $0
See a doctor or therapist for $0
We have an exciting announcement: for the current school year, Prince George's County Public Schools is offering all students access to free online counseling and doctor visits through our partnership with Hazel Health. This service is 100% confidential, and is completely free to families. Hazel Health provides high-quality care for all students — no matter their insurance or immigration status.
Your child can work 1-on-1 with a licensed therapist in weekly video sessions, which they can have at school or at home. They can also see a doctor within minutes using any device.
Please note, students will not receive care without guardian consent.
Signing up takes less than 5 minutes, visit getstarted.hazel.co.
Thank you, and have a wonderful day!
MH-Horizontal-Poster-English.pdfActions for Happiness- Friendly February
Actions for Happiness- Friendly February
Carry out small acts of kindness
Carry out small acts of kindness
Follow us on Twitter!
Follow us on Twitter!
🍎 The Apple Grove Way 🍎
School Mission: The Mission of Apple Grove Elementary School is to ensure that all students acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to become a college and career ready member of a diverse global society and workforce with an understanding of their role, impact and responsibilities within that society.
School Vision: Growing in Greatness: Rooted in Community, Diversity and Academic Excellence
Apple Grove Elementary School is a place where every community member feels safe, feels seen, and is supported to succeed.
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