Principal's Message

Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!

"And how are the children?

As we settle into the rhythm of the new quarter, I want to start by extending my sincere gratitude for your incredible participation in Curriculum Palooza and Parent-Teacher conferences. Your commitment to partnering with us for your child’s education is the foundational strength of our school community. Thank you for dedicating your time to these vital conversations—it truly makes all the difference!

On that note of success, I am thrilled to share that our school achieved a 6% gain and met improvement goals in all categories of the Maryland School Report Card! This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the essential support you provide at home.

In addition to our focus on academic growth, November presents a special opportunity as it is National American Indian Heritage Month. This is a vital time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. Therefore, our school will be incorporating lessons and activities to honor this heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among our students.

Speaking of making the most of this new quarter, consistent attendance is critical. Our goal for every student in November is to be present for at least 15 out of the 16 school days (since we have fewer days due to holidays). Every day in the classroom counts—it’s where our children receive dynamic direct instruction and academic growth happens. Please prioritize bringing your child to school every day unless they are truly ill.

Finally, as we support our students' academic lives, we also support their overall family well-being. We understand that some families in our community may be navigating unexpected financial challenges, including those related to furloughs or other hardships. Please remember that we are a resource for you. I strongly encourage you to check the latest school newsletter for information on resources for furloughed adults and any available community support for families in need such as our food pantry, comfort closet, rental assistance program, and monthly family food and clothing market. We are here to help, and your family's well-being is our priority.

Let's make this new quarter our best yet! We are so proud to be your partners in education.

Join Us On Campus!

We warmly invite you to step into The Grove experience!

• Come enjoy lunch or morning meeting with your child. Seeing you right next to your child makes a huge difference in their day!

Volunteer Opportunities

We are still powered by the generosity of our families and community members, and we need your help to make this week a success! If you have a passion for students, we have a spot for you. We need volunteers to assist with:

• Main office support

• Student arrival and dismissal

• Lunch and recess

• Reading to students (in English or Spanish!)

• Assisting in classrooms, making copies, or creating bulletin boards for our amazing teachers.

A Note on Health and Safety

As we look forward to all the excitement this week, please be aware that the county has seen a rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease cases. We urge all families to remain vigilant with handwashing and to keep children home if they show any symptoms. Please be sure to read the notes from Nurse Wray in this newsletter and to check for recent emails and calls from Superintendent Dr. Joseph's office for important information and guidance regarding this countywide health matter. Your cooperation helps keep all our students and staff healthy 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.