In these uncertain times, we know that many children are hearing conversations and seeing news that may cause them to feel anxious or afraid. Some may have concerns about President Trump, heightened ICE activities, and what these things could mean for them and their loved ones. As a school community, we want to reassure you that Apple Grove Elementary is a place of safety (SAFE), belonging (SEEN) and support (SUPPORT) for every child and family.

It is natural for children to have questions and worries when they sense uncertainty. As caring adults, we can help them feel secure by providing reassurance, keeping routines consistent, and reminding them that they are surrounded by people who care for and protect them. Know your resources:

https://www.pgcps.org/offices/communications-and-community-engagement/newsroom/resources/immigration-resources

Here are some strategies to help ease their concerns—and your own:

- **Create a Safe Space for Conversations** – Encourage your child to express their feelings and let them know it’s okay to have questions. Answer honestly but in an age-appropriate way, focusing on what is within their control.

- **Reassure Them of Their Safety** – Remind your child that their school is a safe and welcoming place. Assure them that teachers, counselors, and staff are here to support them.

- **Limit Exposure to Stressful News** – Constant news updates can be overwhelming. Consider limiting exposure and instead, focus on positive and uplifting stories.

- **Maintain Routines and Normalcy** – Predictable routines help children feel secure. Keeping consistent mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and school schedules can provide comfort.

- **Teach Calming Strategies** – Deep breathing, mindfulness, and grounding exercises (like naming things they can see, hear, or touch) can help children manage anxiety.

- **Model Confidence and Hope** – Children take emotional cues from adults. If they see you remaining calm and hopeful, it helps them feel more secure.

- **Know Your Rights and Resources** – If you or someone you know has concerns about immigration-related issues, staying informed and knowing available resources can provide peace of mind.

PGCPS Immigration Resource Page-https://www.pgcps.org/offices/communications-and-community-engagement/newsroom/resources/immigration-resources

ACLU Know Your Rights-https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights

CASA Know Your Rights- https://wearecasa.org/know-your-rights/?keyword=know%20your%20rights

ILRC Know Your Rights-https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

Above all, we want every family in our community to know: **You are not alone. We stand with you.**

Apple Grove is committed to ensuring that all students feel seen, safe, and supported every day. If your child is struggling with anxiety or fear, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school counselor, Mrs. Epps, Mr. Red, our mental health support, or any trusted staff member for support.

Together, we will continue to uplift one another and provide the love, encouragement, and strength our children need to thrive.

We are thrilled to introduce the Apple Grove Spirit Store, your one-stop shop for all things Apple Grove! Our Spirit Wear is now available and can be worn by students as part of their uniforms, allowing them to show school pride while staying in compliance with our dress code.

Why shop the Spirit Store?

Variety of Options: Choose from t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, long-sleeve tees, and more for youth and adults.

School Pride: Represent Apple Grove Elementary with pride and unity!

Support Our School: 10% of every purchase directly supports Apple Grove Elementary School.

Shop Online Now:

Visit www.SpiritGearDirect.com/Shop to browse our collection and place your order.

Ordering Deadline:

Be sure to order by February 7 to secure your Spirit Wear!

Thank you for supporting our school and showing your Apple Grove pride. Let’s make our community shine!

I encourage you to support a cause close to our community. Barnaby Manor Elementary School in Oxon Hill recently experienced a fire that destroyed a classroom and displaced students. 

We can support their rebuilding efforts by donating in addition to our prayers. Let us honor Dr. King's call to serve our community by coming together to help rebuild the classrooms and provide a safe, nurturing space for the children of Barnaby Manor Elementary. 

To donate, you can bring in items to Apple Grove Elementary beginning Tuesday or purchase items using this link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/24EIQB04AWTO6?ref_=wl_share

Zakyia Goins-McCants

Zakyia Goins-McCants, a former teacher-leader and student within District 8 schools, has dedicated her career to ensuring educational excellence and equity for all children. In her 10+ years in the field of education, Zakyia has been a classroom teacher and teacher-leader, supported teacher training as a coach and data manager, and successfully advocated for education policy change or advised on the local, state and national levels. Currently, Zakyia leverages her expertise to coach school leaders on using data to drive decision-making and enhance student outcomes. Zakyia graduated Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University after writing her award-winning honors thesis on the history of Education Policy. She earned a Masters degree and Certificate in Administration & Supervision from Johns Hopkins University School of Education. 

A steadfast commitment to excellence and equity drives Zakyia's candidacy. She believes that by leveraging the collective genius of our students, staff, families, and the broader community, Prince George’s County can be a national model of educational success for Black and Brown children. Her plans involve cultivating safe, positive learning environments, increasing access to mental health supports, bolstering student achievement, and implementing strategies to retain and attract exceptional staff.

You can reach Ms. Goins-McCants at E-mail: zakyia.goinsmccants@pgcps.org or Phone: 301-952-6115.

January kicks off another round of assessments!✨🚀

This month, students will participate in important assessments to measure their progress in English, reading, math, and science. 

• iReady beginning January 8

• ACCESS (English Language) beginning January 8

• DIBELS beginning January 13

• Benchmarks beginning January 21

These assessments help us understand your child’s learning and identify areas where they may need additional support.

To help your child succeed, please review the assessment guides linked below. These guides provide detailed information about the tests and helpful tips to prepare your child. A good night's rest, a healthy breakfast, and arriving to school on time will ensure they are ready to do their best.

Thank you for your support in helping your child shine!

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.

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!"