7400 Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 449-4966 | www.pgcps.org/applegrove
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Hello Apple Grove Bulldog Families!
🍎 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 June 15 - 19
Week of June 15 - 19
Last Week of School Year '26
🇧🇶 June 🏳️🌈
☀️
6/15 4th Grade Moving UP Celebration 1:15 PM
6/16 Qtr.4 Grade Window Opens
6/16 5th Grade Movie Party 12 PM
6/18 Fifth Grade Clap Out 2:15 PM
6/19 - 8/24 Summer Break 🌞🏖️🍉
8/21 AGES Back-to-School Bash
8/24 Pre-K and K Orientation; Grades 1-5 Sneak Peek
8/25 First Day of Schools for Students
Principal's Message
Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!
"And how are the children?
As we enter the final four days of the 2025–2026 school year, my heart is filled with gratitude, pride, and hope.
There is a traditional Maasai greeting that asks, “And how are the children?” The customary response is, “All the children are well.” This simple exchange reflects a profound truth: the well-being of a community is measured by the well-being of its children. Throughout this school year, that question has remained at the heart of our work at Apple Grove Elementary School. Every decision, every lesson, every partnership, and every act of care has been grounded in our shared commitment to ensuring that our children are safe, seen, valued, and supported to be successful.
This year has been one of growth, perseverance, and purpose. Together, our students, families, staff, and community partners have demonstrated what it means to remain committed to excellence even through challenges. Every lesson learned, every goal reached, every obstacle overcome, and every smile shared has contributed to the story of Apple Grove.
As we prepare to commemorate Juneteenth, we are reminded of the enduring significance of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity for all. It is a time to reflect on our history, celebrate the strength and contributions of those who came before us, and reaffirm our responsibility to create learning environments where every child feels safe, seen, valued, and supported to be successful.
Over these last few days of school, I encourage our students to finish strong by continuing to demonstrate our PRIDE values—Preparedness, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Engagement. Let us celebrate accomplishments, cherish memories, and show kindness as we close another remarkable chapter together.
To our incredible staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to the children of Apple Grove. Your passion, flexibility, and perseverance have made a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
To our families, thank you for entrusting us with your greatest treasures and for partnering with us throughout the year. Your support strengthens our school community and helps our Bulldogs thrive.
And to our students, never forget how proud we are of you. Keep dreaming boldly, working diligently, and believing in yourselves because your future is bright.
As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, I am excited for the opportunities that await us. Together, we will continue building a school community where innovation flourishes, relationships deepen, and every child is empowered to reach their fullest potential.
Until then, enjoy a safe, joyful, and restorative summer with your loved ones.
Remember, Bulldogs—we are 2 Legit 2 Quit the Greatness at the Grove!
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!
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.Graham@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. Branch, Professional School Counselor, Keisha.SmithBranch@pgcps.org
Student health: Nurse Wray, Nurse, Kristi.JohnsonWray@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
Summer Sets Us Up for Success!
Summer Sets Us Up for Success!
Please use the Reading materials you received during the Get Ready for Summer Parent Night over the summer break. Also, go to your local library to sign up for their reading program. Remember to READ,READ, READ over the summer break.
Counselor's Corner
Counselor's Corner
Dear Apple Grove Families,
As we close out the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership, support, and trust throughout the year. It has been a joy to support our students as they continued to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Summer break is a wonderful time for students to rest, recharge, enjoy family time, and continue building important life skills. I encourage families to keep routines simple and meaningful by making time for reading, outdoor play, creative activities, conversations, and rest.
Here are a few ways to support your child’s social-emotional growth this summer:
Talk about feelings. Encourage your child to name their emotions and share what they need.
Practice kindness. Look for small ways your child can help at home or show appreciation to others.
Build independence. Allow your child to take responsibility for age-appropriate tasks and routines.
Encourage positive friendships. Support respectful communication, sharing, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Keep learning fun. Visit the library, read together, journal, draw, play games, or explore new places as a family.
Most importantly, remind your child that they are capable, loved, and ready for new opportunities. Celebrate their progress, encourage their effort, and help them enter the summer feeling proud of all they have accomplished.
Thank you for being a valued part of the Apple Grove community. Wishing you and your family a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable summer break.
Warmly,
Ms. Branch (School Counselor)
Counselor Virtual Office.pptxMrs. Branch
Keisha.SmithBranch@pgcps.org
Professional School Counselor
English Language Development (ELD) Program
English Language Development (ELD) Program
FREE Legal Support
Free legal advice is available for immigrants who must appear before Maryland’s immigration court because they are at risk of deportation. Children, families, and adults can go to www.probonomd.org/help-for-immigrants to request to speak to an attorney about their case during one of our free clinics.
Consejos legales gratuitos son disponibles para inmigrantes quien tiene que parecer ante el tribunal de inmigración en Maryland porque están en riesgo de deportación. Niños, familias y adultos pueden ir por el Internet a www.probonomd.org/ayuda-para-inmigrantes para pedir una cita con un abogado durante una de nuestras clínicas gratuitas.
Summer Learning
Please continue to practice speaking and writing during the summer. We shared several resources at the AGES Get Ready for Summer workshop. If you would like additional copies, please message the ELD Team. In addition, students are bringing home their ELD class folders.
Por favor, sigan practicando el habla y la escritura durante el verano. Compartimos varios recursos en el taller de AGES «Prepárate para el verano». Si desean copias adicionales, por favor envíen un mensaje al equipo de ELD. Además, los estudiantes llevan a casa sus carpetas de la clase de ELD.
Copy of Primary Grades- Tips for Parents of MLs.pdf
How can I support my child's education if I don't speak English?
We are excited to share a new tool to support our English Language Learners and their families — the English Language Development (ELD) Family Resource Website (https://sites.google.com/pgcps.org/resourcesforesolfamiles/home). This website is designed to give parents and guardians quick access to helpful resources, tips, and information to support your child’s growth in English at home and at school. You’ll find activities, guides, and connections to school programs that make learning engaging and accessible.
Together, we can ensure that every child is safe, seen, supported, and successful!
Resources for Students & Families
Resources for Students & Families
Copy of ML Family Resources.pdfEnglish Language Development Resources for Families
Website for ELD Family Resources:
Support At Apple Grove.docxResources for Families during the Government Shutdown
Support for Families
Support for Families
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.
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🍎 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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