Dear Elkridge Family,

True strength lies in extending grace to others and understanding that we are all learning and growing in our own way. When we choose acceptance over judgment and fellowship over animosity, we create space for connection, understanding, and meaningful progress together. Collaboration flourishes when we set aside division, listen with open minds, and work toward solutions that uplift everyone.

Together, let’s make kindness the heart of Elkridge!

MESA Showcase:

A HUGE THANK YOU to our MESA Coordinators Ms. Jones, Ms. Richmond, and Ms. Cliff for providing the space for our young scientists to flourish and bring their creations to reality. The MESA showcase was a huge hit with our students and families! Students from 4th and 5th Grades presented their projects and demonstrated what our EES Scientific Scholars are all about!

Our MESA competition was incredibly close and fierce this year. There were so many great projects. Thanks to all the students who came out and pitched their ideas. It was incredible and you all did an amazing job.

Congratulations to these students for working with their team to achieve a THIRD Place finish at the MESA Showcase on Friday night:

• Adelyn B., Anna M., Ngun P., Akila (Kiki) W., Ailsie (SiSi) W., Avery F., Sofia H., Carmen Odunukwe, Molola O., Zephaniah K., Shalom S., and Ngocho T.
  
  

Congratulations to these students for working with their team to achieve a SECOND Place finish at the MESA Showcase on Friday night:

• Gia B., Monica F., Neria K., Maria K., Oluwatamilore (Tami) A.O., Mojetoluwa (Jetolu) I., Sydney R., Annabelle V., Aderayo E., Cassietta R., Kofoworola (Hanifah) B., Dawt S.

SECOND PLACE TEAMS will continue to meet in March.

5th grade 2nd place teams meet Monday after school.

4th grade 2nd place teams meet on Wednesday after school.

FIRST Place finishers at the MESA Showcase will go to the REGIONAL Competition.

Please congratulate these students for working with their team to achieve a FIRST Place finish at the MESA Showcase on Friday night.

• Axton C., Luke H., Muhammed I., Jorddan S.
• Natalie A., Noelle A., Teagan M., Harper P.
• Simon Crawford., Josh F., Aaradh G., Sam H.
• Shashwat D., Elijah P., Aarav S., Joseph S.
  
  

FIRST PLACE TEAMS will continue to meet in March and will go to the Howard County Regional MESA Competition on APRIL 5th.

5th grade 1st place teams meet Monday after school.

4th grade 1st place teams meet on Wednesday after school.

Third Grade MESA Showcase will be rescheduled from the evening of Friday, March 7. A new date will be announced in the coming weeks.

Updated Student Calendar for 2024-2025 School Year:

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The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) 2024-2025 school year calendar included five inclement weather days, June 12–13 and June 16–18. As of Feb. 28, HCPSS has used six days. In order to meet the State-mandated 180 days for students, HCPSS must add a day to the school year calendar.

At its Feb. 27 meeting, the Board of Education approved making Monday, March 31, a full day for students, shifting the scheduled Professional Work and Development Day for school staff to Monday, April 14, which is the first day of spring break. HPCSS did request a waiver for the sixth inclement weather day from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), but it was not approved.

The Board also approved moving the end of the third marking period from March 28 to April 4, which accounts for inclement weather days and better balances the number of days in each marking period.

Barring any additional inclement weather days, the last day of school will be Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Updates to the June calendar include the following:

• Friday, June 6: Schools dismiss three hours early; No half-day pre-K/RECC
• Monday, June 9-Friday June 13: Full school day
• Monday, June 16-Tuesday, June 17: Schools dismiss three hours early
• Wednesday, June 18: Last day of school; schools dismiss three hours early
  
  

An updated HCPSS calendar can be found online.

National Reading Month:

March is National Reading Month! EES has some great activities planned for our students and families. On Monday, March 10, EES will be hosting Guest Reader Day. If you would like to sign up to come in and read to your child's class, or any class, please use the links below.

Staff members will be hosting Cozy Reading Nights online at 7:00 PM every Wednesday evening in March! Be sure to look at the flier for Google Log in codes.

Updated Student Personal Electronic Device Policy:

The updated Student Personal Electronic Device policy can be found here and takes effect today, March 3, 2025. To know the major points of the policy change, a quick fact sheet can be found here.

Joe Corbi Fundraiser:

EES is excited to announce that we have hit our sales goal of $12,000! Thank you to all of the families and staff members who participated in the sale. In the coming weeks, we will find out how much the school is receiving to support with student activities and teacher resources in the building. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 24 between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM to pick your items up from the cafeteria.

Belonging Day & Night - Friday, March 21, 2025:

Annual EES Belonging Night is coming up on Friday, March 21st from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Let’s celebrate what makes our community special with food, fashion, and history about our cultures. If you wish to participate, use the link to sign up for what you are interested in: 2025 Belonging Night Family Sign Up

We look forward to seeing you there! Please reach out to your child's homeroom teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Ramadan 2025:

Ramadan is a time for reflection, family, community, and charity. We understand some students may choose to fast, either fully or partially, during this time. To support their needs, students may choose to spend the lunch shift in an alternate location, engaging in a book or other quiet activity.

If your child is fasting and you would prefer this alternative lunch setting, please email your child's teacher.

Elkridge Elementary School has Talent!

Talent Show auditions will take place on Monday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 4 in the Media center after school. Contact Ms. Loughry at carrie_loughry@hcpss.org with any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you at the auditions! All are invited to the performance on March 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm!

Breakfast Update:

Please note that all breakfast items, including students who come to school with breakfast, will conclude by 9:30 AM. Any uneaten portion of breakfast for students who bring breakfast to school will be stored for lunch. Instructional minutes are very valuable and instruction begins promptly at 9:25 AM. If your child participates in breakfast at school, please make sure they are at school between 9:10 AM and 9:25 AM.

SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Week:

This week is SEL Week! We have a great week planned for our students to enjoy and share kindness throughout the building. See below for the theme for each day. Participation is optional.

2025-2026 School Registration:

If you have a child who is approaching Kindergarten age or will be attending Howard County Public Schools for the first time in Fall 2025, please refer to the HCPSS Enrollment page for valuable information, which can be found here.

Safety Reminders:

Please remember the importance of safety habits while on HCPSS Property. Please remember the following when you are on HCPSS Property:

• Drive slowly (10 mph is recommended) to ensure that in the event something unexpected happens, you have enough time to react.
• Please refrain from (handheld) cell phone use and texting while in a moving vehicle.
• Please ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts to ensure their safety.
• Animals, including the walking of dogs, are also prohibited on school system property during arrival, dismissal, recess, and other HCPSS-sponsored outdoor activities. Shared campus hours are 7:50 AM – 3:55 PM, Monday – Friday.
  
  

Cold and Flu Season:

To keep our community healthy, it’s essential to practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when needed. Always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of tissues properly to protect others. Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and shared devices, to reduce the spread of germs. If you’re feeling unwell, stay home and encourage others to do the same to help prevent illness from spreading. Supporting a healthy environment also includes staying vaccinated, eating well, staying hydrated, and ensuring good ventilation in shared spaces.

Daylight Saving Time Begins! ⏰🌞:

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00 AM—set your clocks ahead one hour. Enjoy the longer daylight and brighter evenings!

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Kelley Powell, Principal

LaShonne Wright, Assistant Principal

Jonathan Swann, Assistant Principal

Saturday, March 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cedar Lane School
11630 Scaggsville Road
Fulton, MD 20759

The HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services (those who have an IEP or IFSP). Get connected to:
Recreational Activities
HCPSS Speech, OT, PT, Vision, and Adapted PE
Camps
Community Groups
Service Providers
Transition to Adulthood Information
Assistive Technology
Behavioral Health
Howard County Government Resources
And Much More!

For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. Registration is not required. The event will be cancelled if HCPSS has an inclement weather closure. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.

Read Across Elkridge Guest Reader Day is Monday, March 10, 2025!

Elkridge Elementary is celebrating Read Across America Day on Monday, March 10th. We are looking for guest readers to share their favorite children’s book with students! Please sign up below to be a guest reader based on your child's grade. Please complete the volunteer training and bring in your training certificate when you come in to read. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions.

Thanks for volunteering!

PreK 4

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

📚 Book Donations Needed for Literacy Events!📚

We're collecting new or gently used books to support our upcoming literacy events, including our exciting Reading Night in April! If you have books to donate, please drop them off at school in bags or boxes labeled with either Mrs. Cooke or Mrs. Barr's name. Your generous contributions will help foster a love for reading in our community. Thank you for your support! 📖✨

Arrival & Dismissal Reminders:

Student Arrival and Breakfast:

Students will be admitted into the building between 9:10 and 9:25 AM. Breakfast service will end promptly at 9:30 AM. Please ensure students arrive on time, especially if they plan to eat breakfast, as the kitchen doors will close at 9:30 AM.

Dismissal:

Student dismissal begins promptly at 3:55 and is completed by 4:15. Recently, we have noticed an increase in students waiting to be picked up at 4:30 and beyond. Late pickups can disrupt school operations and create unnecessary delays for staff and administration. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring students are picked up on time. Thank you for helping us keep our dismissal process efficient and ensuring the safety of all our students. Please call the front office by 2:30PM if you are changing the way your child is being picked up from school. Also, only students who are car riders are dismissed from the gym. If you are walking up to meet your child at the car rider door, you will need to go to the main office to pick them up.

The Howard County Public School System welcomes visitors to our schools. To limit interruptions and distractions to teaching and learning, and to maximize safety for all:

• Anyone wishing to visit a school is asked to contact school administration or the appropriate staff member to establish a convenient time for both the visitor and the school.
• The school will arrange for an escort for the visitor.
• To avoid interrupting instruction, no students are allowed to shadow HCPSS students.
• Understandably, interactions between visitors and school staff and students will be limited.
• If a follow-up meeting with school staff is desired, the visitor will schedule it for a mutually convenient time.
  
  

Safety Protocols for Visitors

Please be aware of the following procedures for any visitor to a school/office:

• The front door is the only entrance point for all visitors.
• Please ring the bell and look into the camera.
• Be prepared to state your name and purpose for visiting.
• All visitors must walk directly into the front office with a valid photo I.D. and sign in using our LobbyGuard system.
• A visitor’s sticker will be given to visitors following the above procedures and must be worn and prominently visible.
• Any visitor in the school without a visitor sticker will be escorted directly to the front office by a staff member.
  
  

In some cases, it may be more convenient for a prospective visitor to acquire information in other ways. The following may be helpful:

• Information about the Howard County Public School System is available on the HCPSS website and the HCPSS News site.
• Visit our Schools page to find school locators (attendance areas), school profiles, bus stops and much more.

We thoroughly enjoy when parents come in to enjoy lunch with their child. We ask that you remember the following when visiting:

1. Before entering the cafeteria, please sign in at the front office to obtain a visitors pass.
   
   
2. Food may not be shared with other students in the cafeteria. Food that is brought in from outside sources (fast food lunch, cupcakes, etc. etc.) cannot be guaranteed to be allergen free. Therefore, to protect students, any food that is brought into the cafeteria may only be shared with the child you are visiting.
   
   
3. When dining with your child, please sit at a table that is either empty, or that has a few students at it.
   
   
4. When having lunch with your child, please refrain from interacting with any other children. If you need assistance, please request to speak with an administrator before you attend lunch.
   
   
5. If you choose to eat a school lunch with your child, you may not use your child's account to purchase a lunch for yourself. Adult lunches are $4.50, payable in cash (preferably exact change) at the time of purchase.
   
   
6. Elkridge Elementary does not accept student lunches from services such as Door Dash and Uber Eats. If you are bringing outside lunch for your children, please bring lunch to them around their lunch time.

As a general reminder for our students who sit at the allergy table, it is important that the same student(s) should sit at this table everyday. If two friends are going to sit at the table with a friend who has a peanut allergy, it should be the same students. If one student brings lunch that day they will not be able to sit at the allergy/peanut table that day.

If you have concerns about your child's development - whether it's their speech, motor skills, social skills or learning - it's important to act now. Waiting until the summer for a referral can delay crucial support that your child may need before starting kindergarten.

Contact us today to schedule a screening. Let's work together to ensure your child has the best possible start in kindergarten!

Call 410-313-7046 or email ChildFind@hcpss.org

The After School Belonging Group will be meeting on the following days after school. Please reach out to Ms. Harmon for additional details.

March 18, 2025

April 22, 2025

May 20, 2025

AAU Tryouts are coming March 3 - 6! We are a year round program with intense training, mentorship opportunities, and winning mentality. This program is looking for student-athletes that are serious about the game of basketball and have the skills to play on a competitive level. Complete the registration form and we will see you there!

LIFE Elite Athletics is an organization that caters to the youth and young adults. We foster the development of leadership qualities through a commitment to education and community involvement. We aim to provide our constituents with versatile experiences through scholastic empowerment, athletic conditioning, and cultural exposure. We believe in guiding our youth to Seeing Obstacles as Lessons Understanding Trials Induce Opportunities for Next Steps (SOLUTIONS) mentality.

We create opportunities for youth and young adults to achieve their dreams by providing them with resources, instilling work ethic, and building the confidence needed to be successful adults.

Teaching the game of basketball is an avenue used to achieve said goals. We believe in using basketball as a tool to prepare the players for real life; by instilling discipline, dedication, teamwork, leadership to name a few. In addition, we work on the fundamentals of basketball and enhance the basketball IQ of each player. Lastly, we aim to win, to build confidence in our kids, and learn from losses.