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 October 5 - October 9
Week of October 5 - October 9
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
October
Hispanic Heritage Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Filipino American History Month, National Bullying Prevention Month, National Principals’ Month
10/4-10 World Space Week
10/5 OLSAT 2nd Gr. Window Opens
10/6 Q1 Progress Report Grades Released in ParentVUE
10/6 PK-2 Montpelier Farm Field Trip
10/8 3-5 Montpelier Farm Field Trip
10/9 2nd Gr. OLSAT 8:45 AM
10/9 Storytime and STEM with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
10/9 DUE: Pre-K Early Learning Assessment Window Closes
10/10 DUE: KRA Window Closes
10/12 Yojo Show Gr, PK-2
10/14 Hispanic Heritage Celebration
10/15 Yojo Show Gr. 3-5
10/15 DUE: DIBELS K,1,2,3 Window Closes
10/15 Great Shakeout Drill
10/16 Professional Development Day | Schools Closed for Students
10/20 National Day of Writing
10/20 Family Food Market; Curriculum Night
10/21-10/22 1st Gr. OLSAT 8:45 AM
10/23-31 Red Ribbon Week
10/28 Fifth Grade Arts Showcase Field Trip
10/28 Trunk-o-Treat
10/29 Vocabulary Parade
10/30 Early Dismissal
10/30 End of Grading Quarter 1
10/30 PBIS Celebration: Game Truck
10/31 Halloween
11/1-2 Dia de la Muertos
11/3 SCHOOLS CLOSED- Election Day
Principal's Message
Greetings Apple Grove Friends and Families!
"And how are the children?
Happy October! As we begin a new month, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping our students experience Greatness at the Grove.
Our beginning-of-year diagnostic assessments are now complete, and this is a great time to ask: How did my child do? What grade level are they currently performing at in reading and math? What skills do they need to strengthen, and what can we do at home to help them grow? Please check ParentVUE, talk with your child about their progress, and connect with their teacher to better understand their strengths, areas for growth, and ways you can reinforce learning at home.
Parents and guardians, please also take time to carefully review the Title I information sent home on Thursday, September 24. We especially need families to complete and return the Parent Feedback section located inside the ESSA & Title I PFE District Policy form. Your voice is important and helps us strengthen our school-family partnership.
We also want to hear from you! Help us build safe, supportive, and welcoming schools. Your feedback helps PGCPS strengthen school culture and Family & Community Partnerships as part of our Forward By Design strategic plan.
The survey is 100% anonymous. After completing it, you may also enter for a chance to win one of two $200 grocery gift cards provided by the Department of Family & Community Engagement (DFACE). Prize drawing information is collected separately from survey responses and will never be linked to your answers or shared with PGCPS.
As we work together to maintain a safe and welcoming school environment, I also ask all drivers to please be considerate when parking and traveling around our school. Please avoid blocking driveways, crosswalks, entrances, or other vehicles, and remain mindful of our students, families, staff, and neighbors during arrival and dismissal.
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Here are two meaningful ways you can partner with us this year:
Practice and Learn at Home: Learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. Reviewing daily lessons, reading together for 20 minutes each night, and practicing foundational skills through every day activities and chores at home makes a massive difference in your child's academic confidence.
Become a Volunteer: We love welcoming our families into the building! Whether you can chaperone field trips, assist with classroom activities, or help out with school-wide events, your time and talents enrich our entire community.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us so that every Bulldog feels safe, seen, supported, and successful. Your involvement matters, and together we will continue helping our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
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
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
English Language Services: Mrs. Akpeneye, ELD Teacher, Ericka.Akpeneye@pgcps.org; Ms. Ortiz-Osorio, ELD Teacher, Dixy.OrtizOsorio@pgcps.org
Special Education Services: Your child's teacher(s) or Special Education Case Manager, Ms. Love, Heike.Love@pgcps.org or Ms. Nelson, Special Education Chairperson, Jamie2.Nelson@pgcps.org
Academic or Behavioral support: Your child's teacher(s) or Special Education Case Manager, Ms. Brown, Professional School Counselor, Mia.Brown@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
PGCPS: ¡Llene la Encuesta de Clima 2026 para ayudar a impulsar #AvanzandoDeliberadamente (#ForwardByDesign) y entre en la rifa de 2 tarjetas de regalo de $200! bit.ly/26ClimateSurveyESP
PGCPS: Complete the 2026 Climate Survey to help us grow #ForwardByDesign & enter to win 1 of 2 $200 grocery gift cards! bit.ly/26ClimateSurvey
Aim for 94%!
Aim for 94%!
Welcome to a new month! I’m excited about all October has in store for us! This October, we have 21 school days. That means students should be in school at least 20 days this month to stay on track with our attendance goal (94%). Every day counts toward learning, growth, and success!
At Apple Grove Elementary, we believe that consistent school attendance is essential to student success! Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academically on grade level and beyond, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and develop lifelong habits for success.
To support this goal, we are asking families to commit to ensuring their child attends school at least 94% of instructional days, which means no more than 11 missed days for the entire school year—or about one day per month.
Why Attendance Matters:
Being present each day allows students to fully participate in lessons, activities, and collaborative learning.
Regular attendance supports social-emotional growth and helps students feel connected to the school community.
Students with consistent attendance (94%) are eligible to participate in monthly Atten-Dances and the end-of-year Field Day, recognizing and celebrating their dedication.
We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable due to illness, medical appointments, or emergencies. Please communicate these absences with the school so we can provide appropriate support.
By working together, we can help every student reach their full potential. Thank you for your commitment to your child’s success and for partnering with Apple Grove Elementary to ensure a strong attendance culture.
HHM posters are due Friday, October 9, 2026 for 3rd and 4th grade students.
Our Next Flaunting Fashion Day for Hispanic Heritage Month is Friday, October 9. Students may wear traditional attire, jerseys, or t-shirts that represent Hispanic/Latino culture.
Families are invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Books. Read a book in Spanish or English that highlights Hispanic/Latino Culture. You may bring a book or we can provide a book to you. Here is the link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DAAAA22A6FCC61-66102193-readers
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! Please email dixy.ortizosorio@pgcps.org if you are not connected to the ELD Class Dojo.
P.R.I.D.E. at The Grove
P.R.I.D.E. at The Grove
At Apple Grove Elementary, we teach and encourage students to show their Bulldog P.R.I.D.E. all year long. This is part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system, which helps create a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for every child.
What P.R.I.D.E. Stands For:
P – Prepared: Be ready to learn with materials, homework, and a positive attitude.
R – Respectful: Use kind words and actions with teachers, classmates, and staff.
I – Integrity: Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
D – Discipline: Make good choices and follow school rules.
E – Engaged: Stay focused, participate, and give your best effort.
Students are expected to show P.R.I.D.E. in every area of the school: classroom, hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground.
How Parents Can Support P.R.I.D.E. at Home
How Parents Can Support P.R.I.D.E. at Home
Families play a key role in reinforcing these values. Here are ways to support:
Talk About P.R.I.D.E. Daily
Ask your child: “How did you show P.R.I.D.E. today at school?”
Celebrate their successes with praise or a small reward.
Model the P.R.I.D.E. Values at Home
Show respect by using polite language.
Demonstrate integrity by keeping promises.
Stay engaged during family conversations or activities.
Create Home Routines that Match P.R.I.D.E.
Prepared: Pack backpacks, set out clothes, and review homework each evening.
Respectful: Encourage siblings to share and take turns.
Integrity: Praise honesty, even when mistakes are made.
Discipline: Set consistent rules and follow through with consequences.
Engaged: Limit distractions (like TV or devices) during homework or family time.
Recognize and Reinforce Positive Behavior
Use phrases like: “I’m proud of how respectful you were with your sister” or “Great job staying engaged with your homework.”
Connect school and home by saying: “That’s showing Bulldog P.R.I.D.E. at home!”
Stay Involved with the School
Attend school events, communicate with teachers, and encourage your child to see you as a partner in their learning and behavior growth.
By working together, parents and staff can help students feel safe, seen, and supported—and live out their Bulldog P.R.I.D.E. everywhere they go! Students who have earned enough PBIS Points were celebrated September 25.
From Nurse Wray👩🏽⚕️
From Nurse Wray👩🏽⚕️
Hello Apple Grove Elementary School Community!
This post is a reminder that ALL medications must be given to Nurse Wray by an authorized parent/guardian. The parent/guardian or authorized adult must sign a form that serves as proof that medication (s) may be administered to the student.
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.
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.
Kristi.JohnsonWray@pgcps.org
301-449-4966
Resources for Students & Families
Resources for Students & Families
Unlocking the Power of ParentVue: Your Window into Student Success!
Unlocking the Power of ParentVue: Your Window into Student Success!
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.
Resources for Families
Resources for Families
Red Cards
Red Cards
Assert Your Rights and Defend Yourself
Resources for Legal Assistance
Resources for Legal Assistance
Proactive Measures for Families
Proactive Measures for Families
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: 301.270.2258AYUDA
6925 B Willow Street NW
Washington, DC 20012
202-387-4848CASA
8151 15th Ave.
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Phone: 301-431-4185
Fax: 301-408-4123Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)
1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-328-9799Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)
453 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-488-8787Latin American Youth Center/Maryland Multicultural Youth Center (LAYC/MMYC)
6200 Sheridan Street
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301-779-2851
Protecting Our Families: Apple Grove's Commitment to Safety During ICE Visits, Investigations, or Arrests
Protecting Our Families: Apple Grove's Commitment to Safety During ICE Visits, Investigations, or Arrests
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.
Actions for Happiness- Optimistic October
Actions for Happiness- Optimistic October
Actions to help you focus on what really matters.
Actions to help you focus on what really matters.
Follow us on Twitter!
Follow us on Twitter!
🍎 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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