7400 Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 449-4966 | www.pgcps.org/applegrove
Embedded Files
🍎 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 May 12 - May 16
Week of May 12 - May 16
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
💐 May 💐
ALS & Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Better Hearing and Speech Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
May 12 - Mothers' Day
May 12 - 15 - Third and Fifth Grade MCAP Testing 📝
May 13 - Mother's Tea
May 13 - 17 - Pupil Personnel Workers Appreciation Week
May 16 - Student Early Dismissal | Teacher Planning
May 18 - 22 - Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports Week
May 21 - Apple Grove Squires Citizens Association Unity Walk
May 22 - Fourth Quarter Progress Reports Released Online
May 26 - Schools & Offices Closed | Memorial Day
May 28 - Spring Concert: Music in Motion 🎶🎤
May 29 - English Language Development (ELD) Department Family Night 🧑🧑🧒🧒
May 30 - AGES Career Day
Friday, May 16
Friday, May 16
Attendance All Stars (1).mp4
Principal's Message
Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!
"And how are the children?
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and kindness you showered upon our teachers, nurse, and staff during last week's appreciation events. Your thoughtful gestures and support truly uplift our entire school community.
As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we emphasize the importance of consistent attendance. Regular school attendance is crucial for your child's academic success and helps them stay engaged as we wrap up the year and prepare for next year. Give your child the advantage!
We want to take a moment to wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers in our Apple Grove community. Thank you for the love, strength, and support you pour into our children every day—your impact is immeasurable and deeply appreciated.
We also extend sincere thanks to the families who have advocated to PGCPS executives and Board of Education members on behalf of Apple Grove. Your voices are powerful and have helped ensure we receive the funding needed to maintain staffing and continue the momentum we’ve built toward student achievement.
This is a critical time for our third, fourth, and fifth graders as they continue MCAP state testing, as well as i-Ready and Benchmark assessments. We encourage families to support students by ensuring they arrive at school on time, are well-rested, and eat a healthy breakfast. A calm and encouraging home environment can make a big difference during this intense testing season.
Please take note of the following upcoming events:
Friday, May 16: Teacher Planning Half-Day – Students will have a 3-hour early dismissal.
Thursday, May 22: 4th Quarter Progress Reports will be released online.
Monday, May 26: Memorial Day – Schools and offices will be closed.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your child’s education. Let’s finish the school year strong—together!
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for new announcements and opportunities for your child and family!
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Apple Grove a place where every student feels safe, seen, and supported to succeed —let’s finish the year with greatness!
We Are Too Legit to Quit the Greatness at the 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
Class of 2025 T-Shirt Sale
Class of 2025 T-Shirt Sale
Hello to all those who love the Fifth Grade Class of 2025!
We have "Apple Grove Elementary Fifth Grade 2025" t-shirts for sale. The shirts were designed by our very own fifth grader, Grace Turcios, and the back of the shirt lists all of our fifth grade students class of 2025.
If you're interested in ordering, click the link below to begin.
https://www.imagemarket.com/AppleGroveElementaryFifthGrade2025
Hurry, the fundraiser close date is May 22, 2025 12:59 AM. All t-shirts will be delivered to the school May 30. Order one for yourself and for all those who love a fifth grader today!
Fifth graders will sport their shirts at their Fifth Grade Cookout!
_Summer Camp Advertisement (1).pdf4th and 5th Grade STEAM and Robots Summer Camp
4th and 5th Grade STEAM and Robots Summer Camp
JULY 7 - JULY 31, 2025
CAMP TIMES:
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
MONDAY - THURSDAY
CAMP SITES: ANDREW JACKSON ACADEMY, CALVERTON ES, GLENRIDGE ES, KETTERING ES, AND PORT TOWNS ES
Fill out and submit Summer Camp Application Registration using Lottery platform SCRIBBS:
pgcpsmdc.scriborder.com/family
Applications open March 12 - April 28th
Late application will not be accepted
Parents will be notified in May 2025
MCAP Testing is HERE!
MCAP Testing is HERE!
Beginning Wednesday, April 23, all third, fourth, and fifth grade students at Apple Grove Elementary will participate in Maryland’s Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) English Language Arts and Mathematics tests. Federal guidelines require Maryland to test in both English/Language Arts and Mathematics each year in grades 3-8 and in selected high school content courses. The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) test will help measure students’ mastery of English Language Arts, Literacy, and Mathematics.
Our testing window begins April 23 and ends May 16. Students needing to participate in make-up testing may test through Friday, May 23rd. During this window your student will participate in both ELA and Math testing, using a computer device to access the test. Different grade levels will participate in the tests over the course of the testing window (see the AGES calendar).
It is extremely important that your child is in school every day and on time when their grade or class is scheduled to test. Remember that MCAP English Language Arts and Mathematics begins on Monday, April 7th and continues through Friday, May 16th, according to the schedule noted above.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT PUTS FORTH HIS OR HER BEST EFFORTS. PLEASE…MAKE SURE…
Your student arrives at school on time- 8:15 AM. .
Your student eats a substantial breakfast in the morning that will give him/her the necessary energy and alertness for participation in the testing.
Your student gets a good night’s sleep the night before each testing day.
Your student is in school every testing day. Children absent on a testing day will participate in make-up testing, but will not participate in the MCAP incentives.
Please remind your student that during testing sessions all cell phones are turned off and secured.(Reference Administrative Procedure/Board Policy 5132)
Please encourage your student to do his/her best!
Thank you for your help. We know our students will do their best! Should you have any questions, please call 301-449-4966.
MCAP - English Parent Assessment Literacy Guide V2.pdfMCAP - Spanish Parent Assessment Literacy Guide.pdf
From Nurse Dillard👩🏽⚕️
From Nurse Dillard👩🏽⚕️
Hello Apple Grove Elementary School Community!
Good afternoon. This post is to provide education on poison ivy. There are various trees and plants surrounding the school environment/school grounds. Please note the following:
1. Poison Ivy has three leaves. When in doubt, please do not touch any unknown plants/trees.
2. Signs/symptoms of poison ivy: intense itching, hives, scaly rashes. Please cleanse area (s) affected by poison ivy immediately with soap and water.
3. Management: anti itch creams (i.e. hydrocortisone), non-drowsy antihistamines (i.e. Claritin, Zyrtec), conservative measures
4. Poison ivy is NOT contagious. However the oil from the leaves can stay on surfaces for an extended period of time.
5. Please contact your child/children's pediatrician and/or seek urgent care for the following: signs/symptoms of an infection, fevers and if medications are not working or if symptoms are not improving.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
mary.dillard@pgcps.org
301-449-4966
Thank you.
Opportunities for Students
Opportunities for Students
Field Day is coming!
Field Day is coming!
Apple Grove Elementary School is excited to announce Field Day 2025! A day filled with fun, teamwork, excitement and friendly competition awaits our students who have demonstrated strong attendance this school year!
📅 Grades K-5: June 10, 2025
📅 Pre-K: June 16, 2025
To participate in Field Day, students must have at least a 94% attendance rate. Students who attend school 94% of the time or more not only receive valuable instruction to help them read, do math, and perform at grade level, but they also earn the opportunity to participate in Field Day! 🎯🏃♂️🎈
🚨 Not at 94% yet? There’s still time! 🚨
With about 60 days left in the school year, you can boost your attendance rate by showing up every day, on time, ready to learn!
💪 Stay Healthy & Stay in School!
Work hard to stay healthy so you don’t miss valuable learning time and Field Day! Remember to:
✔ Wash your hands frequently 🧼
✔ Wear a face mask 😷
✔ Get your Flu shot 💉
✔ Follow Nurse Dillard’s guidance—only stay home if you have a fever, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Let’s finish the school year strong—come to school, learn, and get ready for an unforgettable Field Day celebration!
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.
Third Grade:
Test Taking Skills
Brain Pop - https://youtu.be/bsX4GGZb8P0?si=N4tBvjZzayflyTjm
MCAP- Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program
Language Arts
English online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN131373627&password=6F2ZGWQJ
English paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/ela/MD1155387_Sp25_Gr3ELAPT_TB_WEBOP.pdf
Math
Spanish online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN230215670&password=DBZ78Y65
Spanish paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/math/MD1141774_Gr3MathESsp23_ptTB.pdf
English online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN530604745&password=8HPFBTCK
English paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/math/MD1141748_Gr3Math_ptTB.pdf
Fourth Grade:
Test Taking Skills
Brain Pop - https://youtu.be/bsX4GGZb8P0?si=N4tBvjZzayflyTjm
MCAP- Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program
Language Arts
English online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN684128838&password=MUCM3XJ2
English paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/ela/MD1155389_Sp25_Gr4ELAPT_TB_WEBOP.pdf
Math
Spanish online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN214573068&password=M827SBHG
Spanish paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/math/MD1126642_Gr4MthES_PT.pdf
English online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN073233375&password=V875RS86
English paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/math/MD1126616_Gr4Mth_PT.pdf
Fifth Grade:
Test Taking Skills
Brain Pop - https://youtu.be/bsX4GGZb8P0?si=N4tBvjZzayflyTjm
MISA Public Release Practice- Maryland Integrated Science Assessment
Spanish online- https://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#
Spanish paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/science/MD1155409_Sp25_Gr5SciPT_SPTB.pdf
English online- https://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#
English paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/science/MD1155405_Sp25_Gr5SciPT_TB_WEBOP.pdf
MCAP- Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program
Language Arts
Math
Spanish online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN117613570&password=NE86FCK2
Spanish paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/math/MD1126643_Gr5MthES_PT.pdf
English online- http://md.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN774811357&password=MFGPK7K7
English paper- https://support.mdassessments.com/resources/practice-tests/math/MD1126617_Gr5Mth_PT.pdf
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.
Second Grade:
Second Grade:
📘 Reading: Read a short passage and identify the main idea and key details. Encourage reading aloud for fluency.
💰 Math: Practice skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. Use coins to teach money value and create math problems.
❓ Critical Thinking: Play "Would You Rather?" with reasoning (e.g., “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible? Why?”).
First Grade:
First Grade:
📖 Reading: Practice sight words or play a word-matching game. Read a story and have your child retell it.
➕ Math: Count by twos while setting the table. Solve simple word problems using addition/subtraction.
🤔 Critical Thinking: Solve puzzles or riddles. Predict what happens next in a story and explain why.
Kindergarten:
Kindergarten:
📚 Reading: Identify letters on signs or food packages and sound out simple words (cat, dog, sun).
🧮 Math: Count forward and backward to 20. Use objects for basic addition/subtraction.
💡 Critical Thinking: Sort items by size, color, or shape and ask why they grouped them that way.
Pre-Kindergarten:
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 everyday objects (toys, snacks) and identify shapes around the house.
🧠 Critical Thinking: Play "I Spy" to encourage observation skills and ask, “What do you think will happen next in the story?”
Water, Water, Everywhere!
Water, Water, Everywhere!
Please send your child to school with a reusable water bottle. This will help to ensure they stay hydrated and keep them from missing instruction due to frequent visits to the water fountain.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (May 5 - May 9) will be here soon! I invite you to stop by and drop off your expressions of love for our hard-working, self-sacrificing teachers and staff! Our teachers and staff make great efforts to show up for our children and families every day!
You are welcome to drop off anything - notes, cards, snacks, etc. I appreciate your efforts, generosity, and consideration in celebrating and honoring the members of our children's village. Please email me at Samecia.Broussard@pgcps.org with any questions.
Pre-Kindergarten
Ms. Vanessa Weddle
Ms. Ansa Bullen
Kindergarten
Ms. De'Erica Slayden
Ms. Imani Baynes
First Grade
Ms. Melanie Hardy
Ms. Tynisha Cole
Second Grade
Mr. Wayne Alexander
Ms. Victoria Howard
Third Grade
Ms. Maysa Whitley
Ms. Jamie Daniel
Fourth Grade
Mr. Dereyk Jones
Ms. Darcee Doles
Ms. Charita Collins
Fifth Grade
Ms. Anicka Tuzo Johnson
Mr. Jeffrey Woodson
Resource Teachers
Dr. Syrentha Armstrong
Mr. John Rosser
Creative Arts
Ms. Johnetha Davis
Ms. Taysia Farrell
Mr. Clifton Brockington
Mr. Montez Davis
Mr. Cobey Barnes
Substitute Teacher Cohort
Mrs. Edelen
Ms. Milligan
Ms. Ellerbe
Mrs. Hastings
Ms. Arrington
English Language Development Department
Ericka Akpeneye
Dixy Ortiz Osorio
Hannah Kirby
Special Education Department
Ms. Jamie Nelson
Ms. Carjainae Kemp
Mr. Andre Cragg
Ms.Vickey Sicard
Mrs. Nate' Dawkins
Ms. Jasmine Brown
Custodial Staff
Mr. Denard Smith
Mr. Julius Jackson
Mr. James Newman
Support Staff
Mrs. Robbin Epps
Ms. Mary Dilliard RN
Mr. Red Haile
Ms. Laniece Carter
Office Staff
Mrs. Alethia Hughes
Ms. Kimberly Graham
Cafeteria Staff
Ms. Towanda Abney
Ms. Lanae Billups
Ms. Terri Davis
Ms. Mary Cooper
Adminstrators
Ms. Nicole Worrell
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 Apple Grove Elementary 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.
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.Graham@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- Active April
Actions for Happiness- Active April
Let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy.
Let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy.
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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