As the new school year begins, I am honored to welcome students and families back to school. It is also truly a privilege to serve our highly qualified and dedicated staff. This year, we are anticipating a tremendous impact as we open our new Autism Program. The planning, hard work, and commitment to excellence displayed over the past few months is overwhelming. I anxiously await to open our school doors so we can continue to provide a nurturing, safe, and positive learning environment so every child can achieve academic success.

Our theme this year is "We Are One" because we are united as one school community with two programs. Inclusion is a cornerstone of our community, and this theme reflects our commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued and included in all aspects of school life.

While we cherish our partnership with parents, we kindly ask that only students enter the building on the first day of school. This practice helps us prioritize the safety and smooth transition of our students as they begin the new school year. For those who would like to see their child’s classroom and meet teachers, I encourage you to join us tomorrow Friday, August 23rd for our Orientation and Sneak-a-Peek event. We will be welcoming families into the building at staggered times to ensure a safe experience for everyone and avoid overcrowding. If you are unable to attend tomorrow, please mark your calendars for our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 12th, when we will open our doors to all families. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to create a safe and welcoming environment for our students.

Please note the important information for Sneak-a-Peek below:

• Friday, August 23rd

• Kindergarten Orientation, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

• Autism Orientation, 9:00 am, - 10:00 am

• Sneak a Peek Session I, 10:30 am - 11:15 am 1st, 3rd and 5th grade

• Sneak a Peek Session II - 11:15 am - 12:00 pm, 2nd and 4th grade

• PTA Membership Drive at PRES, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

I have enclosed some additional information for you to review prior to the beginning of the school year.

School Hours

The instructional school day for students is from 7:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Students' arrival time is 7:15 a.m. - 7:30 am. Please do not drop students off prior to 7:15 a.m. as there is no adult supervision before this time. Students arriving after 7:40 a.m. are considered tardy and will need to be escorted into the school building and signed-in to receive a tardy slip. The bus loop is closed to cars from 6:50 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. and from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Early dismissal ends at 1:15 p.m.

Parent/Guardian Identification

All parents and guardians are required to display an identification when picking up students, beginning the first day of school. Early dismissal involves verifying your identification and cross-referencing students with individuals specified on the emergency card or through a written note only. Please be sure to have identification starting on the first day of school.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Student arrival begins at 7:15 a.m. All students line up in front of the building by grade levels. Parents can park and walk students to the front of the building using designated sidewalks or use the drop-off car line. Due to the volume of cars, we ask that parents have students ready to exit vehicles so the line moves efficiently yet safe.

Dismissal will begin with bus riders at 1:25 pm (earlier the first two weeks of school). All kindergarten and first grade bus riders will be required to wear an orange safety vest to and from school for the entire year. All daycare van riders will be called to report to the media center. Bus riders will be dismissed to their buses in the front of the building. All walkers will be dismissed at 1:40 p.m. Last, parent pick-up students will line up in the front of the building with their classroom teacher. Parents can choose to either sign the student(s) out from the teacher or drive around the loop and have their child escorted to their car. Please be reminded that student safety is our priority; so be cautious when driving near the school. All students must be picked up no later than 1:45 pm. While I fully understand that emergency situations do occur, I want to remind you that the end of our staff duty day is devoted to instructional planning for the next day.

Champions Before and After Care

Champions after school program is based at Pointer Ridge. Parents can learn more information and enroll their children in the Champions program for the coming school year. Champions at Pointer Ridge Elementary in Bowie, MD | Before and After School Programs (discoverchampions.com)

Student Classroom Assignments

Classroom assignments will be available online in ParentVUE by August 19, 2024. To activate your account, check your email for your personalized activation code, which synergy.feedback@pgcps.org has shared.

School Dress Code & Supply Lists

School uniforms are not mandatory. However, students are expected to adhere to the PGCPS dress code. All school supply lists can be found on our school website https://schools.pgcps.org/pointerridge/ .

Emergency Contact Form

It is extremely important that we have accurate emergency information on file for every child. Please complete the form and return it to the classroom teacher by the first week of school.

School Meals

Breakfast is offered to students free of charge daily, and lunch is offered to students daily at a cost of $2.75. Based on household size and income, free or reduced-price meals are available to students. Families must apply for this benefit each year here: Apply for Free and Reduced Priced Meals. Students without lunch money may borrow money from the Principal’s Lunch Account; however, the money must be repaid. It is recommended that families complete the application before the first day of school to avoid charges. MySchoolBucks is an online payment service that provides parents the ability to securely pay for meals and receive email notifications for low account balances at MySchoolBucks.

Immunizations

No Shots, No School! Kindergarteners in the state are required to get a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine, while students in the seventh grade must get the vaccination for Meningococcal and Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Please schedule an appointment today if vaccines are needed.

Class Dojo

Parents are also encouraged to sign up for the Class Dojo account to receive school information. Connect to the school using this link: ClassDojo for Pointer Ridge Parents. Classroom teachers will also share a class code.

Bus Information

Bus information should be available the week of August 19th - 23rd. Bus route cards will be mailed to the last address of record in SchoolMax. Families with students who will be riding the bus this fall can download the new StopFinder mobile app for info on bus locations and schedules. Please note that you must have an email address on record to use the app https://stopfinder.com/parents/. Schools do not manage buses or assign students to buses. Questions and concerns regarding transportation should be directed to https://www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation or 301-952-6570.

Cell phones

Pointer Ridge cell phone policy aligns with the policy established by PGCPS. While students are allowed to bring cell phones to school, they must remain turned off and stored away during school hours. I respectfully ask parents to support our no-phone-in-the-classroom expectation to ensure a focused and productive learning experience for all students.

Technology

Returning students had devices collected at the end of the prior school year. Devices that were turned in have been accounted for and aligned with the student of record. Broken or misplaced devices will receive notification to remit payment per the Prince George County Device Agreement that was signed by the parent or guardian. Devices that were submitted for updates that are in working condition will be returned to students within the first few weeks of school. New contractual agreements will be sent home before students can sign out the device. A notification will go home to parents when devices are ready to go home. New students will devices once the contractual agreements have been signed and ready to be distributed.

Our dedicated staff eagerly awaits the arrival of our Panthers and is committed to making this school year a memorable and successful one for all our students. I look forward to working together throughout this new school year to provide a rigorous curriculum that supports student achievement. Together, we will continue to build a strong, inclusive community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Sincerely,

Jamila McIntyre, Principal

Greetings Pointer Ridge Family,

I am delighted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal of Pointer Ridge Elementary School! I am thrilled to be joining such a dedicated staff and community that makes Pointer Ridge a great place for students to learn and grow.

I bring with me 30 years of experience, which includes Family and Children’s Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Head Start, and K-8 Education. I have been an educator for 25 years; 19 of those years have been with Prince George’s County Public Schools. I have previously served as a classroom teacher, TAG Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, Success for All Facilitator, Mentor Teacher, Instructional Lead Teacher and Assistant Principal at Accokeek Academy for the last 10 years.

My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame IN, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from American Intercontinental University and Doctoral degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Walden University. Each of these experiences have provided me with valuable insights into the diverse needs of students, parents, and educators.

I have received numerous awards, such as the 2010-2011 Prince George's County Teacher of the Year Nominee, Maryland State Advisory Council Outstanding Educator Award in Gifted Education, and Prince George's County Public Schools Talented and Gifted Program Teacher of the Year award. I have a special place in my heart for special education and I am currently writing a children’s book series focusing on special education youth.

At Pointer Ridge, my goal is to build upon and continue the existing culture of excellence and achievement, and to work collaboratively with our exceptional staff to provide an enriching educational experience for all students. I believe in fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that celebrates student success and promotes a high-quality education for all students.

I am truly excited to embark on this journey with all of you and look forward to getting to know each and every one of our staff, students and families. I look forward to meeting everyone during pre-service week.

Greetings Pointer Ridge Family,

I hope this email finds you well, and just as excited as I am, about the start of the 24-25 SY!! My name is Brenda Hawkins, and I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Autism Program Coordinator here at Pointer Ridge.

In my role, I will be focusing on supporting and enhancing our programs and services for students with autism, both inside and outside of the general education classroom. I am transitioning to Pointer Ridge with 35 years of service in Prince George's County Public Schools. I have worked the gamut of special education programs including regional, CRI, self-contained, and resource. I have also served as an educational leader for a Comprehensive Special Education Program (CSEP), as well as two Autism Programs. Additionally, my passion and commitment to children extends beyond the walls of the school building, as I have welcomed 25+ kids into my home for well over 10 years, as a foster parent. I am also the proud parent of two sons, with my youngest son being a student with a disability.

I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, received a Masters degree in education from Howard University, and also have my Admin. I & II Certifications, from McDaniels College. I believe that learning is a life-long process, and am constantly engaging in professional development opportunities that help keep me abreast of the current trends, strategies, and best practices in education. Of course, with a focus on special education. What I have learned is that "best practices" are "best practices". In other words, they don't only work for one group of students. Many of the strategies and techniques that we use with our students with autism, are effective strategies that work with our non-disabled students as well.

Through ongoing collaboration, communication, and coaching, I am looking forward to working together with this AWESOME team, to support not only the students in the Autism Program, but ALL students! I am hopeful that as we learn and grow together, we will be able to move from awareness to acceptance of all students. Let's create an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where we can wholeheartedly embrace our theme of "We are One"!!

I am eager to meet each of you, and learn about the great work you're already doing, and how I can contribute to our collective success. Please feel free to reach out to me, or stop by my office if you have any questions, ideas, or just want to introduce yourself.

This year, we are excited to be welcoming a new autism program here at Pointer Ridge! The autism program will have classes at the Kindergarten through fifth grade levels. The program is supported by a full time Crisis Intervention Resource Teacher (CIRT), and Autism Program Coordinator.

Students within our autism program will follow the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards, aligned to their grade level. They will be educated both inside and outside of the general education classroom using evidence-based strategies. Students will receive targeted instruction in self awareness, self regulation, and self management as needed. By learning these skills in an inclusive environment, students will have opportunities to interact with, and fully participate in both academic and/or non academic learning tasks with their same-age peers when appropriate, and as determined in their IEP. Evidence based practices include: visual supports, scaffolding, modeling, reinforcement, and explicit instruction with an emphasis on using a total communication approach.

Kindergarten - 2024-2025 Kindergarten Supply List

1st Grade - 2024-2025 1st Grade School Supply List

2nd Grade - 2024-2025 2nd Grade School Supply List

3rd Grade - 2024-2025 3rd Grade School Supply List

4th Grade - 2024 - 2025 4th Grade School Supply List

5th Grade - 2024 - 2025 5th Grade School Supply List

It is extremely important that we have accurate emergency information on file for every child. Please complete the attached form to assist us in ensuring we know how your child is getting home on the first day of school. Be sure to complete this form and return it to the classroom teacher during Sneak-a-Peek or on the first day of school.

Safety is our top priority. We will continue to receive support from our community police officers to make sure our students are safe. I want to provide some reminders to ensure the safety of our students.

• Parkington Lane Traffic Safety
  

• Be mindful of the staff member and/or police officer directing traffic.

• Cars should NEVER travel into oncoming traffic to go around the line of cars waiting to come into the parking lot. We have witnessed several near collisions and this is an unsafe practice.

• PGCPS school buses receive priority and will be directed to enter the parking lot around vehicles. Please allow them to pass your vehicle.

• Students should never be dropped off on Parkington Lane and cross the street to get to the parking lot.

• Cars will be permitted to use the Drop-off Car Line until 7:30 am.

• Be mindful of your speed when driving.

• Please be patient with the line.

• Drop-off Car Line
  

• Allow ample travel/wait time for the drop off line. Students can be dropped off starting at 7:15am. There is a high volume of traffic between 7:25 am - 7:35 am so dropping off earlier is better. Students are marked tardy after 7:45 am.

• Pay close attention to the direction of staff and pull up as the line moves.

• Have students ready to quickly and safely exit your vehicle when in the Car Drop-off Line to keep the line moving efficiently.

• Your child does not have to wait for their car door to be opened to be let out of the car.

• Parents must stay in your car and allow staff to assist your child.

• Have students get out of the car on the passenger side ONLY for safety reasons.

• For safety reasons, DO NOT call students back to the car. If they forget something, please park and walk the item to the front of the building.

• Cars will be permitted to use the Drop-off Car Line until 7:35 am.

• Parking Lot Safety
  

• Be mindful of your speed when driving on the school premises.

• Parents should NOT walk across the parking lot with students. All parents should use the sidewalk to walk to the main entrance.

• Cars should not enter the bus lane until all buses have arrived which will be approximately 7:35am.

• Cars should never use or drop students off in the staff parking lot near the school gym. This area prohibits cars during arrival as students frequently use the parking lot crosswalk to enter the school building.

Please watch the instructional videos below for guidance on our parking lot logistics.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the generous donation of items and materials to our Autism program from Village Baptist Church. Their contribution was a vital resource that will greatly enhance our ability to support our students. The sensory items, in particular, will provide our students with the tools they need to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. These resources will also benefit our teachers by equipping them with the means to foster a focused atmosphere in the classroom.

It is partnerships like the one we have with Village Baptist Church that help our school thrive. Their commitment to our community is truly inspiring, and we are so thankful for their continued support. We look forward to continuing this partnership and working together to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and staff.

We would like to thank our community partner Bowie Police Department for supporting our Meet and Greet last Friday. Corporal Redmond enjoyed popsicles and popcorn with our students while engaging with our families and students. He also brought pencils for our students to help prepare them for the school year. We truly appreciate the partnership and support for our students

We are so grateful for the donations of backpacks and school supplies from New Vision Church. We are thankful for our continued partnership. We look forward to collaborating throughout this year. Your support and commitment to Pointer Ridge students and families has been amazing!

• August 23rd, Friday
  

• - Kindergarten Orientation, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

• - Autism Orientation, 9:00 am, - 10:00 am

• - Sneak a Peek Session I, 10:30 am - 11:15 am 1st, 3rd and 5th grade

• - Sneak a Peek Session II - 11:15 am - 12:00 pm, 2nd and 4th grade

• - PTA Membership Drive at PRES, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

• August 26th, Monday
  

• First day of school - Doors open at 7:20 am, Start time is 7:30 am,

• Dismissal at 1:40pm (Early dismissals end at 1:15 pm)

• Sept. 2nd, Monday
  

• - Labor Day Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed

• Sept. 6th, Friday
  

• PRES Spirit Day - PRES Spirit Days/Class Color Link

• Sept. 12th, Thursday
  

• Back to School Night (More information forthcoming)

Our office hours are 7:15 am - 3:15 pm.

Email: Jamila.mcintyre@pgcps.org
Website: https://www.pgcps.org/pointerridge
Location: 1110 Parkington Lane, Bowie, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 390-0220
Twitter: @Pres_PGCPS