7400 Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 449-4966 | www.pgcps.org/applegrove
Hello Apple Grove Bulldog Families!
7400 Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 449-4966 | www.pgcps.org/applegrove
🍎 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.
June
PRIDE Month
Caribbean Heritage Month
June 15- Father's Day
June 16- Field Day PK
June 17- Moving Up Celebration, Jones, Doles, Collins 9:30 AM
June 17- Moving Up Celebration, Daniel, Whitley 1:15 AM
June 18- END of Qtr. 4
June 18- Last Day of School for Students (Full Day)
June 18- Icecream Day 🍦
June 18- June HR Perfect Attendance Popcorn Party 🍿
June 19- Juneteenth
June 30- Quarter 4 Grades available online in Synergy ParentVue
July
July 4- Independence Day
July 9- Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Playdate and Prep for Success! <<for incoming Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students and families>>
July 11- Quarter 4 Report Card mailed
August
August TBD- Popsicles with the Principal
August 22- AGES Back-to-School Bash, 2 PM - 5 PM
August 25- Orientation Day, Sneak Peeks Grades PK - 5
Tuesday, August 26- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SY26
Principal's Message
Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!
"And how are the children?
Happy Father’s Day to the dads and father figures in our Apple Grove community! Your love, guidance, and steady presence help our children grow with confidence, strength, and character. We are grateful for all you do to nurture, support, and inspire the next generation every single day.
Thank you to all of our parents, families, and community members for joining us to celebrate our students during their moving up and promotion activities. A special thank you to Superintendent House, Board of Education Representative Zakiya Goins-McCants, and our own Apple Grove Squires Woods elder, Mr. Carrington Smith, for honoring our fifth graders for their exemplary character.
This has been a year filled with tremendous support for our children, our staff, and for me — and for that, I am grateful. You are truly the GREATNESS at the Grove.
As we head into summer, let’s continue to help our students avoid the “summer slide” by keeping them engaged in reading, math, and meaningful experiences. Be sure to watch for information about our summer events — we look forward to seeing you there!
We expect all students to be present and on time (8:30 AM) each day unless they are vomiting, have diarrhea, or a fever. Maintaining strong attendance through the end of the year helps ensure a smooth transition to the next grade level and reinforces the value of commitment and responsibility.Thank you for partnering with us to finish the year strong!
And in these final days, here are a few important reminders to help us close out the school year smoothly and set our scholars up for continued success:
✅ Final Dates & Details:
Lost & Found: All items will be posted outside during arrival and dismissal beginning June 16 and remaining items will be donated after June 18. Be sure to check if your child is missing anything!
Material Returns: Please return any borrowed school items (textbooks, library books, etc.) by June 16.
Summer Learning Resources: Summer learning packets and digital resources are shared below and at https://www.pgcps.org/offices/chief-academic-officer/summer-programs/program-listings/elementary-school. Prevent Summer Learning Loss and keep your child engaged over the break!
Last Day of School: June 18. This is a full day of school.
Report Cards: Will be available in Synergy ParentVue on June 30 and mailed to the address in Synergy ParentVue on July 11.
🗓 Looking Ahead to SY26:
Please make sure your contact information (phone and e-mail) is up to date to receive communication about next school year. Be on the lookout for summer announcements, school supply lists, and class assignments. School will resume on Tuesday, August 26.
🌈 Celebrating Pride Month
This June, we also celebrate Pride Month, a time to honor the courage, identity, and humanity of our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. At Apple Grove, we believe that everyone deserves the right to love whom they choose, to express themselves freely, and to live life boldly and authentically. Let’s continue to build a school community where every child and adult feels safe, seen (valued), and is supported and celebrated for who they are. Our strength lies in our diversity and our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and love.
As we close out the school year, let’s reflect on all that we’ve learned, celebrate how far we’ve come, and take pride in the resilient, respectful, and brilliant community we’ve built together. Thank you for being a part of the Apple Grove family—we look forward to continuing this important work with you in SY26.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for new announcements and opportunities for your child and family!
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
Synergy ParentVue help: Ms. Graham, School Secretary, Kimberly.Jumaniyazov@pgcps.org
Attendance, Enrollment or Withdrawal: Ms. Graham, School Secretary, Kimberly.Graham@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
Hello Apple Grove Elementary School Community!
This post is a reminder that ALL medications must be picked up by an authorized parent/guardian by the last day of school. Per the PGCPS calendar, the last day of this school year (2024-2025) is Wednesday June 18, 2025. In order to pick up medications from the nurse, please bring your driver's license and/or identification card. The parent/guardian or authorized adult must sign a form that serves as proof that medication (s) have been returned.
Per the administrative policy (5163), the Prescriber Medication Order Form (PMOF) is only valid for one calendar school year. This means that every school year a new PMOF must be provided if medication is deemed for your child/children. Upon the return of medications, a new PMOF will be provided for next school year (2025-2026).
Please note, any medications not picked by the last day of school will be properly discarded.
Link to the Administrative Policy 5163 (Medication): https://www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/administrative-procedures/students--5000/ap-5163---medication#:~:text=Students%20are%20permitted%20to%20take,individual%20basis%20for%20each%20student.
SPANISH Link to the Administrative Policy 5163 (Medication): https://www.pgcps.org/globalassets/offices/gov-relations-compliance-procedures/docs---ograc/administrative-procedures/5000/procedimiento-administrativo-5163---procedimientos-de-medicamentos.pdf
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions or concerns.
Have a great day.
Thank you.
mary.dillard@pgcps.org
301-449-4966
Good day Apple Grove Family, I want to inform you about the PG County Public Library summer reading program that encourages student reading over the summer months. I have attached a flyer below please go to the PGCMLS website for further information and the grand prize of 2 Washington Nationals Baseball tickets. The public Library is partnering with the Washington Nationals for this years summer reading program.
How to Play
Go to the Beanstack online platform or app and sign up. Play online or on paper. Use your library number or LINK to sign up. If you already have a Beanstack account, just sign in.
Log activities towards your 20 point goal by earning a point each time you:
Borrow physical books, ebooks, audiobooks, films, music, magazines, etc.
Read for 30 minutes
Attend a library event
Participants will earn prizes as they progress through the challenge on Beanstack.
Ms. J. Davis, School Librarian
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Summer Programs offer opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, intervention, credit recovery or original credit. These programs will be offered at no cost, either in-person, virtually or hybrid. Use this site (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/chief-academic-officer/summer-programs/program-listings/elementary-school) as a guide to review the available options and learn how to participate. Each card below links to a unique opportunity in PGCPS. The role of students, parents, and community members is also outlined to ensure that students have a fun-packed summer while developing skills that will propel them into the school year!
***sharing does not equal an endorsement***
Register Here: www.OPDEAInc.org
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Does your child want to learn or play Soccer; or just have fun playing this summer?
The academy provides soccer training and intramural game play; introduce PG County & Middle School Soccer league rules; teach soccer technical skills -
dribbling, passing, shooting, and the goalie, offense and defense positions; sportsmanship and game play. Fee Includes NEW 2025 uniform and awards.
REGISTER NOW TO SAVE YOUR SPACE
10 - WEEK SUMMER SOCCER ACADEMY
IN CLINTON
JUNE 14 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
Spaces fill fast, so don't wait!!!
Register Here: www.OPDEAInc.org
June 14 Basic Training and uniform issued
June 21 Basic skills
June 28 Basic training ends
July 5 NO Academy, holiday break
July 12 Game 1
August 2 Game 2
August 9 Game 3
August 16 Game 4
August 23 Game 5
August 30 Game 6
September 6 Game 7 & Graduation
***sharing does not equal an endorsement***
Does your child want to learn soccer or improve their soccer knowledge, skills, speed and footwork for competitive teams or just have fun!
Sessions are once a week to fit busy schedules.
COST: $200 per player, ...plus late fee ($25) on April 13, for single jersey orders
TEAM: COED: Boys and Girls, age 5 - 14
All-inclusive cost includes NEW 2025 jersey, awards, training
field and facility use and maintenance permits, games, awards and fun!
LOCATION: Tanglewood Park, 8333 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD
TIME: Based on age on January 1, 2025
_____________________________________________
***sharing does not equal an endorsement***
Rare Jewelz All Stars is a cheerleading and dance facility that is an approved PGCPS vendor (#45515).
We offer on site training and classes (in the schools with fingerprinted and background checked staff) as well as rental space for practice on either of our two spring floors/gyms throughout the school year.
We are currently offering a summer camp for the community. If anyone is in need of a place to send their Jewel, please let them know The Jewelry Box has openings!
All those that register for camp via your communication will receive $50 off session 1 (06/23/2025 - 06/27/2025). Simply enter PGCPSCAMP in the coupon section upon checking out.
We are a great place for students to "Break" during the summer!!!
***sharing does not equal an endorsement***
Tell your neighbors and family!!!
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten registration for 2025–26 is now open! 🍎
The info you need to ensure your child is enrolled is just a click away! 👆🏽 https://www.pgcps.org/inside-scoop-blog/2024-2025/how-to-enroll-your-child-in-prek-or-kindergarten-for-the-202526-school-year
Call Ms. Graham at 301-449-4966 or email her at Kimberly.Graham@pgcps.org to make an appointment or get more information.
Assert Your Rights and Defend Yourself
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: 301.270.2258
AYUDA
6925 B Willow Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-387-4848
CASA
8151 15th Ave.
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Phone: 301-431-4185
Fax: 301-408-4123
Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-328-9799
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)
453 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-488-8787
Latin American Youth Center/Maryland Multicultural Youth Center (LAYC/MMYC)
6200 Sheridan Street
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301-779-2851
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.
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.
🍎 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.