As we enter the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our amazing Pointer Ridge community. This year has been a unique journey as we launched our new Autism Program. Together with your unwavering support, we’ve navigated challenges and many triumphs. As I reflect on our progress since August, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy at how far we’ve come.

From small victories like updating all students' Clever logins to monumental milestones such as some students using core boards to communicate and completing assessments schoolwide online through our new testing platform PGCPS Assessment and Reporting Platform (PARP). Each achievement highlights the power of teamwork and dedication. While challenges remain, we are constantly inspired by the strength of our collective bond and our shared commitment to embodying our theme: We Are One. Every day, we witness the extraordinary collaboration, focus on student success, and unwavering support that make Pointer Ridge such a special place. Your partnership helps create a nurturing and enriching environment where all of our children can thrive.

We are currently about three weeks into our second quarter. Prior to our Thanksgiving break, students received paper copies of their report cards. Parents, please take the time to familiarize yourselves with the new system, "ParentVue," which allows you to view your child's current grades and reports. It is crucial to regularly check in and monitor your child's performance across all content areas by accessing their progress weekly. If you have any questions about your child's grades or performance levels, please do not hesitate to reach out to their classroom teacher for a conference.

As the holiday season begins, we encourage you to find moments of rest and joy with your loved ones. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Together, we are making a difference, one day at a time. Wishing you and your families a wonderful and restful holiday season.

I want to remind everyone to check our school calendar for important dates, including PTA meetings, school closings, and upcoming spirit days. Your ongoing partnership and support mean the world to us.

Warm regards,

Principal McIntyre

Below are links for instructional updates for November and December. Please access the links and collaborate with your child's teacher to support classroom instruction. (Some updates are pending)

• Kindergarten - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• 1st Grade - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• 2nd Grade - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• 3rd Grade - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• 4th Grade - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• 5th Grade - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• Reading Information - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• Math Information - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• Social Emotional Learning - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• Special Education - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• Navigating Neurodiversity - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• English Language Development - November and December Instructional Updates Link

• Cultural Arts - November and December Instructional Updates Link

We were honored to have our very own Dr. Crook, Assistant Principal, facilitate our Native American Heritage Month virtual celebration at Pointer Ridge, concluding our month-long recognition during November of this important observance. Dr. Crook shared her rich heritage and unique experiences as a member of the Shinnecock Nation, offering insights into the vibrant history and traditions of her people. Her presentation included captivating videos from their annual festival, providing a deeper understanding of Native American culture. Please enjoy the video below to learn more about Native American Heritage Month.

National Special Education Day is a day to recognize the importance of inclusive education for students with special needs. It's celebrated on the anniversary of the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) into law on December 2, 1975. The IDEA requires public schools to provide free and appropriate education to children who need learning accommodations. We look forward to Mrs. Hawkins, our Autism Coordinator, providing information to all of our students during our morning broadcast as we highlight this special day!

We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated in the SGA election, demonstrating outstanding citizenship and mutual respect throughout the process. Let’s continue to uplift and encourage one another, celebrate our successes, and collaborate to make our school an even better place for everyone! Stay tuned for their upcoming events and projects!

We FINALLY made it to December. Now it is time to have some holiday fun!

Let’s celebrate the winter season and our upcoming BREAK!!!

The Pointer Ridge PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is essential in building a strong connection between families, teachers, and our school community. Together, we work to enrich the educational experience for all students. Becoming a PTA member allows parents to have a voice in decisions that shape their children's education, support key school programs, and help create a vibrant, supportive environment. We invite you to join the Pointer Ridge PTA and make a lasting impact!

We are proud to support our partnership with New Vision Church in their efforts to assist the Bowie Interfaith Pantry. We invite our school community to contribute by donating unopened rolls of toilet paper to our collection drive, now through December 13th. As an essential but often overlooked necessity, these donations can make a significant impact during the holiday season. Let’s come together to support this meaningful cause and help make a difference in the lives of those in need. Please drop your donations in the large box in the main looby. Thank you for your support!

Off Broadway Shoes/Rack Room is supporting Pointer Ridge students this year by fundraising money to provide shoes for students in need. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Bowie Rack Room Shoes/Shoes That Fit Program. Thanks to their ongoing fundraising efforts, Pointer Ridge Elementary will be able to provide shoes for a number of our students for the fourth year in a row.

We deeply appreciate the generosity of our community partners, whose donations and contributions have greatly benefited our Autism Program. Your unwavering support truly impacts the lives of our students, and we are excited to strengthen our collaboration as we work hand in hand to uplift our Pointer Ridge Panthers and the entire school community.

• Dec 2- Special Education Day
• Dec 5 - PTA Meeting
• Dec 6 - 1st Quarter Awards Assembly
• Dec 6 - Class Color Day
• Dec 10-12 CogAT Testing
• Dec 12- Science Bowl
• Dec 12- Lockdown Drill
• Dec 16- Math Project Released
• Dec 19- PTA Holiday Party
• Dec 20- Teacher Planning 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students
• Dec 23 - Jan 3- Winter Holiday Break
• Jan 6- School Resumes
• Jan 9- PTA Meeting
• Jan 10- 2nd Quarter Code of Conduct Assemblies
• Jan 10- Class Color
• Dec 10 - Winter Concert
• Jan 16- 2nd Quarter Math Project Due
• Jan 20- MLK Day School Closed

Our office hours are 7:15 am - 3:00 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