April showers have brought May flowers! We have 20 school days. That means students should be in school at least 19 days this month to stay on track with our attendance goal (94%). Every day counts toward learning, growth, and success!

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.

At Apple Grove Elementary, we believe that consistent school attendance is essential to student success! Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academically on grade level and beyond, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and develop lifelong habits for success.

To support this goal, we are asking families to commit to ensuring their child attends school at least 94% of instructional days, which means no more than 11 missed days for the entire school year—or about one day per month.

Spring weather often brings increased pollen and seasonal allergies, which can make students feel uncomfortable with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. While these symptoms can be bothersome, regular school attendance remains important for maintaining learning routines and staying on track academically. Families can help by monitoring symptoms, following medical guidance, and sending students to school when they are well enough to participate. Consistent attendance ensures students do not miss valuable instruction, even during allergy season.

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

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, vitamins and allergy medicines.

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

6. Dress for changing spring weather. Please ensure your child comes to school prepared with layers such as a light jacket or sweater, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warmer. If your family needs assistance with spring clothing, please 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 springtime or seasonal allergies 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!

• The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights—formerly CAIR Coalition—engages in unwavering legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrant children and adults facing detention and deportation. They work with current or previous residents of the Capital area who are currently in detention. Visit this link if you know of someone who is detained and in need of legal support in their immigration case.

• ELD Family Day on Saturday, May 2nd:  Join us for ELD Family Day at Camp Schmidt on May 2, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM! This special event is open to families with students in 4th grade or lower and offers an opportunity to explore the environmental literacy program that is a key part of the 5th-grade science curriculum in PGCPS. Transportation is provided from Adelphi ES, Glenridge ES, and Montpellier ES. 

• Flyer  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ufxSs0s5ReKg5qMjKjqAgYf2jZOG1NlI?usp=sharing

• Email ericka.akpeneye@pgcps.org or dixy.ortizosorio@pgcps.org.

• 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

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.

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.