As part of our commitment to being good neighbors in our community, I want to kindly remind everyone to be mindful when parking and dropping off or picking up your children from school. Please refrain from parking in or blocking our neighbors' driveways. Not only is this unneighborly, but it is also against Maryland laws.

We value our relationship with the community and want to ensure that we are respectful to those who live nearby. I have asked our neighbors to record the license plates of any vehicles that persist in blocking driveways or parking in their spaces, which will be shared with the authorities to assess fines and further correction.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors.

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.

As we head into the winter months, we know snow, rain, and seasonal illnesses such as colds, flu, fevers, and earaches can sometimes make it harder to get to school. While some absences are unavoidable, every missed day—including excused absences—interrupts the routine of learning and can make it harder for students to stay engaged and connected.

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

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.

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

6. Dress for the weather. Please ensure your child has appropriate cold-weather clothing. If your family needs assistance with coats, hats, or gloves, 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 winter 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!

Hello Apple Grove Elementary School Community!

General announcement: Please notify the nurse (kristi.johnsonwray@pgcps.org) if your child has a health concern or health issue. It is very important that I know about conditions such as asthma, food allergies, heart issues and even if your child frequently spits up, or vomits. It is important to let the teacher and the nurse know every year of any conditions that may present at school. 

Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade: After Winter Break, I  will begin planning for  conducting vision and hearing screenings. The screening will be for Pre-K, newly enrolled Kindergartners and  1st graders. Over the break, please review these shapes with your child and make sure they know the proper names. House, Circle, Apple (some say Heart and that's okay),  and Square.

5th grade parents: If your child has recently  received their Tdap and or Meningococcal (MCV4) please send me an email with that information. If during this school year, your child receives these vaccines( December- June) please email me the updated vaccines. My email address is kristi.johnsonwray@pgcps.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our school nurse at Kristi.JohnsonWray@pgcps.org or 301-449-4966.