Eagle News
September 18, 2024
From Dr. Davis
What a fantastic start to the school year! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at last week’s Back-to-School Fair. It was a tremendous success! The smiles on our students' faces as they explored the planetarium, enjoyed the food trucks, played with bubbles, and received exciting giveaways were priceless. We were thrilled to see so many parents engaging with the information and resources we had available.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Mark your calendars for **Family Gym Night** on **September 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.**—it’s sure to be a night of fun and fitness for all!
We will publish the next Eagle Newsletter on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. However, if you would like to read back issues of the Eagle News Newsletter, you can find this year's published newsletters on our school's website under the heading 'Announcements and Newsletters.' If you have questions between now and then, please contact me at Toi.Davis@pgcps.org or 301-985-1898.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) continues to follow the state and local guidance in the collection of student and teacher attendance. Administrative Procedure 5113 identifies this process for lawful and unlawful absences. PGCPS is responsible for identifying, collecting, and transmitting data to local, state, and federal agencies for purposes of compliance, accountability, and school system funding for student attendance. Strong monitoring of systems, implementation of a streamlined process, and using objective and accurate data related to attendance collection is crucial. Physical attendance of staff and students will be collected in the 2024-2025 school year and daily attendance procedures will be communicated so all stakeholders are aware of PGCPS’ definition of being considered present.
Communication and Parent Engagement
The PGCPS Office of Communications and Community Engagement will continue to deliver timely communication that achieves our goals of safety, equity, and excellence.
Communication Tools
The Office of Communications and Community Engagement uses five key tools to reach audiences:
School Messenger
○ Text/SMS
○ Robocall
Websites
○ PGCPS (www.pgcps.org)
○ PGCPS en español (www.pgcps.org/es)
Newsletters
○ Engage PGCPS (families and communities), weekly
○ Acción PGCPS (Spanish-speaking families and communities), weekly
○ Partner PGCPS (business, faith-based and nonprofit
groups), monthly
Social media
○ Facebook (@PGCPS)
○ Facebook en español (@PGCPSenespanol)
○ Twitter (@PGCPS, @DrMonicaCEO)
○ Instagram (@PGCPS)
○ YouTube
PGCPS-TV
○ Verizon 38
○ Comcast 96
○ YouTube
○ Video-on-demand
The steps for the approval process are below.
The volunteer approval process must be completed for each academic school year. To reinstate your SafeSchools account for SY '24-25, you will need to complete an updated registration form which can be found by clicking this LINK.
Returning Volunteers renewal applications can be completed in just four easy steps!
- Use the email address you originally registered with and your existing volunteer identification number (VIN) to complete your application for the 2024 -2025 school year.
- Click the green plus + sign below the Register Volunteer column to enter/edit your volunteer details that may have changed from the previous school year.
- Read and sign the disclaimer statement.
- Submit your application.
- You will receive an email from SafeSchools in approximately 48 hours with the training plan for SY '24-'25.
i-Ready Reading Diagnostic Family Sessions for Grades 4 and 5
The sessions are designed to help families understand the i-Ready Diagnostic, Personalized Instruction, and the data teachers use to support student learning. Families will deepen their understanding of i-Ready and its core components and develop an understanding of how the Diagnostic works and how their students will engage with the assessment. Families will be taken through an exploration of the resources that are available to them to support their students during the Diagnostic and beyond. Click on the flyer button below to access the workshops.
English | Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Español | Thursday, September 26, 2024
Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. Parents can click the button below to read Administrative Procedure 6130 - Guidelines for Outdoor Activities and Playground and Recess Supervision for further information.
We use the criteria below to determine when there will be indoor recess.
"Recess, other outdoor activities, and Physical Education
should be considered for an inside activity if the following
conditions exist:
(1) Temperature with or without a wind chill factor is
below 32 degrees.
(2) Definite rain, sleet or snow with accumulation.
(3) Soggy, wet conditions.
(4) Heat temperatures that fall within the categories for a
Code Orange, Code Red or Code Purple. See
Attachment 1, Chart for Heat Designations."
La Clinica Del Pueblo
La Clinia Del Pueblo will provide mental health services and support to University Park Families again this year. Sophia King is the Mental Health Therapist assigned to University Park ES. Sophia will be on site on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Please read below to learn a little about Sophia.
My name is Sophia King, and I am a licensed therapist working with La Clínica del Pueblo as a bilingual practitioner in Spanish and English. I grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland and then studied both Politics and Spanish at Ursinus College in the Greater Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania as well as one semester in Santiago, Chile. I obtained my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore at the Universities at Shady Grove campus and I am licensed to practice in both Maryland and Washington, D.C. I am passionate about providing understanding and access to mental health services and empowering adults, families and children to live balanced, meaningful lives. In addition to working with students at University Park Elementary School, I am providing therapy services at La Clínica Del Pueblo’s health clinics in Hyattsville, Maryland and Columbia Heights, D.C.
Lockdown Drills
The first Lockdown Drill is tomorrow, September 19, 2024, shortly after 9:30 a.m. Teachers have practiced Lockdown Drill procedures with students Monday, September 16, 2024-Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The Lockdown Drill procedures and expectations are below.
1. Students are told if they are locked out during a drill or real emergency, they could run away from the building.
Students are not to stand in front of the entrance during a drill or a real emergency.
2. Teachers will point out other areas in the building where students can hide if locked out of the classroom.
3. The best places to hide,” thoughtful hiding”(Conference room, Principal’s Office, bathrooms, teacher’s lounge, copy rooms, book room, etc.) are identified for students.
4. “RUN, HIDE, and FIGHT!”
Depending on the situation it may be more appropriate to RUN or FIGHT instead of a traditional lockdown.
5. RUN and/or SCATTER may increase survival rates when escaping from an ACTIVE THREAT.
If there is a clear path of escape, RUN and/or SCATTER.
If you have questions/concerns, contact the PGCPS Safety Office because individual schools do not and cannot determine the procedures and practices for Lockdowns.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a process which UPES uses to instill behavior and allows for a positive school experience for all students and staff. Students are acknowledged and rewarded for displaying positive behavior. Students earn Dojo points for making good choices throughout the school day. Students who do not display appropriate school behavior might need a staff member to intervene in order to get them back on track. Each month, the students who earn enough Dojo points can attend the monthly Club Day event. This event allows students to participate in a club of their choosing from the offered list that month. Students need 19 Dojo points to participate in September's Club Day.
2024-2025 PTA Executive Board
President: Kara Mundy
Co-Vice Presidents: Julia Rupert and Bernadette Jerome
Treasurer: Megan Brisch
Secretary: Merlyn Torres
Visit our website (https://www.upespta.com) to learn more about the PTA, how you can get involved, and to join the UPES PTA Listserv.
Have a question, suggestion, or looking to reach out to the PTA team? Contact us: UPESPTABoard@gmail.com
Committee Updates (Volunteer Opportunities)
Fall Fest
Calling all Volunteers!
Please join us for a UPES tradition, Fall Fest, on October 11, 2024. Students, Pre-K through Grade 2, will enjoy a day of games and activities with their class in the school field.
We need volunteers to help lead stations like apple tasting, the obstacle course, Storytime, and more. If you're available, please fill out the sign-up survey, and we’ll be in touch with more information. You do not need to be a cleared PGCPS volunteer to assist with Fall Fest!
After School Enrichment
After School Enrichment Classes will be running from the beginning of the week of September 30, 2024. Sign up by September 24, 2024.
Check out the offerings:
CHEER SQUAD: Grades 3-5
IMPROV DRAMA CLUB: Grades 3-5
JTCC TENNIS: Grades K-5
CRAFT CLUB: Grades K-2
ADVENTURES IN ART: Grades K-2
EARTH CLUB: Grades K-5
CHESS CLUB: Grades 2-5
BEYOND GO FISH CARD GAMES: Grades 3-5
ADVANCED SPANISH: Grades 3-5
PRIMARY BALLET: Grades K-2
LEVEL 1 BALLET: Grades 3-5
CRICKET: Grades 1-5
For class descriptions, pricing, schedules, and to sign up, click here. Scholarships available!
If you are an approved volunteer and have flexibility during the daytime, we need volunteers to escort students to their classes at 1:40pm a few days a week. Please reach out to Danielle Tiley at upesafterschool@gmail.com if you can help or if you have any questions!
Teacher Appreciation
Please help us kick off the new school year with a welcome to fall teacher appreciation event! We need volunteers to bring in food, drinks and other supplies- sign up below!
Welcome to Fall Teacher Appreciation on September 27, 2024
If you are interested in joining our committee and have #squadgoals please contact Michele Pintur at mpintur@gmail.com.
Feather Our Nest Fall Fundraiser
We are planning for Nov 4-26 for the Feather Our Nest Fall Fundraiser (we shortened from last year’s 5 weeks to 3 weeks). Look out for opportunities to get involved!
Azalea Classic
It's only September, but it's not too early to mark your calendar for our annual Azalea Classic, the PTA's spring 1K/1-mile/5K fundraiser. This year, the race will be held on May 10. We need volunteers year-round to make the event a success--email upesazaleaclassic5K@gmail.com if you want to learn how you can help!
PTA Reminders
Volunteer Renewals for Returning Volunteers
The volunteer approval process must be completed for each academic school year. To reinstate your SafeSchools account for SY '24-25, you will need to complete an updated registration form which can be found by clicking this LINK or By going to Step 1: and clicking on the online volunteer application link (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer#volunteer-process).
Returning Volunteers renewal applications can be completed in just four easy steps!
Use the email address you originally registered with and your existing volunteer identification number (VIN) to complete your application for the 2024 -2025 school year.
Click the green plus + sign below the Register Volunteer column to enter/edit your volunteer details that may have changed from the previous school year.
Read and sign the disclaimer statement.
Submit your application.
You will receive an email from SafeSchools in approximately 48 hours with the training plan for SY '24-'25.
New Volunteer Registration
Follow Steps 1, 2 and 3 on PGCPS page for Volunteer Registration and Approval Process (https://www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer#volunteer-process). PGCPS requires a fingerprint background check and Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance for each person who will provide volunteer services more than once each school year. This fee of $61 is waived for parents/guardians of students who are approved for free/reduced meals. You must bring a copy of the approval letter to your appointment. Please note that this is a one-time requirement for all volunteers.
PGCPS Tutoring Support
Did you know that tutoring support is available to our students 24/7? Pear Deck Tutor connects students with highly qualified tutors for 1:1 support, whenever and wherever they need it the most. This resource is available and can be accessed via Clever for ALL PGCPS students.
To find additional information (including a tutorial) about Pear Deck Tutor, click here. It is beneficial to both you, your students and their families to take advantage of this opportunity to receive additional support not only in mathematics, but in any subject area.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, September 19 -Lockdown Drill
Thursday, September 26-Family Gym Night, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 7- Parent-Teacher Conferences (Schools closed for students)
Tuesday, October 8-Progress Reports released online (must have ParentVue account)
Thursday, October 10-Hispanic Heritage Night, 6:00 p.m.
Helpful Links/Enlaces Importantes
1. School finder...know what school your child belongs to… Buscador de escuelas... sepa a qué escuela pertenece su hijo... http://gis.pgcps.org/schoolfinder/
Registration requirements...know exactly what you need to register your child... / Requisitos de inscripción... sepa exactamente qué necesita para inscribir a su hijo...
https://www1.pgcps.org/registration/
2. Lunch...apply for free/reduced meals... / Almuerzo... solicitar comidas gratuitas/reducidas... https://www.myschoolapps.com/ |
University Park Elementary
Email: upark@pgcps.org
Website: https://www1.pgcps.org/universitypark/
Location: 4315 Underwood Street, University Park, MD, USA
Phone: 301-985-1898
Facebook: facebook.com/UniversityParkElementary-PGCPS
Twitter: @UPSoaringEagles