7400 Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD 20744 | (301) 449-4966 | www.pgcps.org/applegrove
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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.
Week of November 3 - November 7
Week of November 3 - November 7
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
November
National American Indian Heritage Month
November 3 - Picture Day: Make-Ups and Retakes
November 3 - October Poppin Perfect Attendance Homeroom Party
November 3 - 6- Afterschool Parent-Teacher Conferences for Selected Teachers 3:30 - 5:30 PM
November 5 - Primary Team Pumpkin Patch Field Trip [New Date]
November 6 - Curriculum-Palooza Night 5:00 - 6:30 PM
November 7 - AttenDance [94% Attendance + No More than 1 Tardy]
November 11 - SCHOOLS CLOSED for STUDENTS | Veteran's Day | Parent-Teacher Conferences for Selected Teachers
November 13 - Countywide Evacuation Drill
November 13 - Fifth Grade Parent Meeting 5:30 PM
November 14 - Quarter 1 Report Card Released on ParentVue
November 18 - AGES Family Food & Clothing Market 3:00 PM
November 18 - Virtual State of the Community Meeting 5:00 PM
November 19 - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Story Time
November 19 - Melwood Y.E.S. Thanksgiving Dinner for Melwood Afterschool program
November 21 - PBIS Event: Uncle Devin Show
November 25 - Turkey Trot Tuesday
November 25 - Quarter 1 Report Card Sent Home
November 26 - 28 - SCHOOLS & OFFICES CLOSED | Thanksgiving Break
Principal's Message
Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!
"And how are the children?
As the air turns crisp and the leaves transition into vibrant hues, we welcome November—a month of gratitude, reflection, and new beginnings! We're officially kicking off a new grading quarter, a fantastic opportunity for all our students to set fresh goals and finish the calendar year strong.
November is also 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. Our school will be incorporating lessons and activities to honor this heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among our students.
To truly make 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.
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.
Finally, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible parent volunteers and supporters. Your overwhelming support for our recent events, Trunk-o-Treat and the Vocabulary Day Parade, was truly astounding! You helped transform these events into an absolutely amazing experience for our children, demonstrating the power and warmth of our entire school community. Thank you for all you do to enrich our students' lives.
Let's make this new month and quarter a successful and inspiring one for every child!
Join Us On Campus!
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
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
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.
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
Resources for Students & Families
Resources for Students & Families
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We look forward to partnering with you during our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences November 3-6 and November 11 to discuss your child’s progress and goals for the school year. Conferences are an important opportunity to celebrate achievements and plan for continued growth.
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📅 November 3–6, 2025 – Afternoon Conference Days
🕟 Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Grade Levels/Teachers Meeting:
Kindergarten Team- Ms. Baynes, Ms. Slayden
1st Grade – Mrs. Cole
5th Grade Team - Ms. Collins, Mrs. Tuzo-Johnson
ELD – Mrs. Akpeneye
Special Education – Ms. Nelson
Counseling Department- Mrs. Branch
Monday (Nov. 3): Walk-in conferences (last walk-in at 4:30 PM) and appointments
Tuesday–Thursday (Nov. 4–6): By appointment only
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📅 November 11, 2025 – Systemic Parent-Teacher Conference Day
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Grade Levels/Teachers Meeting:
Prekindergarten- Mrs. Bullen
1st Grade – Ms. Hardy
2nd Grade Team - Ms. Howard, Ms. Whitley
3rd Grade Team - Ms. Doles, Mrs. Zaleskiwisc (formerly Ms. Daniel)
4th Grade Team - Mr. Jones, Ms. Woodard
Specials Team (Art, Music, PE, Media, etc.) - Mr. Barnes, Mr. Brockington, Ms. Davis, Ms. T. Farrell, Mrs. Gorham
ELD – Mrs. Ortiz-Osorio
Mental Health Department- Mr. Red
Walk-in conferences are welcome, with the last walk-in at 3:00 PM
Pre-scheduled appointments are encouraged to ensure time with your child’s teacher
✨ Additional Information
Priority Scheduling: Parents of students with academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns will receive priority for appointments.
Conference Length: 20 minutes
Format: In-person or virtual (please specify your preference with your child's teacher)
Scheduling: To schedule a conference, contact your child’s teacher via email or ClassDojo.
Interpreter Services: Please let your child’s teacher know if you require an interpreter.
Other Availability: If you are unable to meet during the scheduled times, teachers are available Monday–Friday during their planning periods for individual appointments.
💡 Helpful Reminders
Plan to arrive on time so you can enjoy your full 20-minute conference.
Bring any questions or updates you’d like to share about your child’s learning experience.
If you have children in multiple grade levels, reach out to each teacher to coordinate your times.
Please get more information about Parent/Teacher conferences in the attached file or here: https://www.pgcps.org/parents/parent-guides/parent-teacher-conference-guide-for-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
Kids Heart ♥️ Challenge
Kids Heart ♥️ Challenge
Thank you so much, Apple Grove Elementary, for helping children with special hearts! We raised $534.86! Even in the midst of this financially challenging season, Apple Grove has been able to bless others. Thank you so much for your efforts!
Counselor's Corner
Counselor's Corner
🎃Attendance Reminder Message – November Atten-Dance Party
🎃Attendance Reminder Message – November Atten-Dance Party
Can you believe it’s the end of October? Eeeekkkk! Time is flying — how’s your child’s attendance looking?
Our next Atten-Dance Party is set for Friday, November 7th!
Students who maintained 94% attendance and no more than one tardy for October will earn their points and their ticket to dance!
Let’s start the month strong — showing up on time, every day, makes a big difference. We can’t wait to celebrate our superstar students who make attendance a priority!
🎃K–12 Family Tips: Cyberbullying & Online Harms/Spanish
Most kids will face unkind behavior online at some point. Staying involved in your child’s digital life — by checking in, talking openly, and setting clear expectations – helps them feel supported. With your guidance, kids can learn to stay safe, rise above online negativity, and stand up for others. (resource linked above)
🎃Navigating Halloween with Sensory or Emotional Challenges
🎃Navigating Halloween with Sensory or Emotional Challenges
Halloween fun can feel overwhelming for children sensitive to noise, crowds, or surprises. Help your child feel confident by talking through what to expect at parties, parades, or trick-or-treating. Try role-playing at home to practice saying “trick or treat” and accepting candy calmly.
If big events feel overwhelming, consider checking out sensory-friendly celebrations in the community. These offer quieter, more predictable fun for all kids. Resources: Halloween Tips
Counselor Virtual Office.pptxEnglish Language Development (ELD) Program
English Language Development (ELD) Program
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. 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!
Copy of Primary Grades- Tips for Parents of MLs.pdf
From Nurse Wray👩🏽⚕️
From Nurse Wray👩🏽⚕️
Hello Apple Grove Elementary School Community!
As we move into the fall season, we want to take a moment to update you on common illnesses we are seeing in school, including hand-foot-and-mouth disease, colds, COVID-19, and the flu. These illnesses can spread quickly among children, and we appreciate your partnership in helping keep our school community healthy.
What You Can Do at Home:
Remind your child to wash their hands often with soap and water.
Teach your child to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
Encourage healthy habits: plenty of rest, nutritious meals, and staying hydrated.
When to Keep Your Child Home:
Please do not send your child to school if they have:
A fever of 100.4°F or higher (they must be fever-free for 24 hours without medicine before returning).
Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
New or worsening cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath.
Rashes, blisters, or sores that could be contagious (such as those from hand-foot-and-mouth disease).
How We Are Supporting Students at School:
Extra attention to handwashing and sanitizing in classrooms.
Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
Monitoring of student symptoms and communication with families when needed.
Together, we can reduce the spread of illness and keep our students learning in a safe and healthy environment. Thank you for your cooperation and care.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our school nurse at Kristi.JohnsonWray@pgcps.org or 301-449-4966
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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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