The Lion's Den: February 2025

February is upon us, and it's my FAVORITE month of the year! Not just because my birthday is this month (but that helps a lot) but also because it's Black History Month. 91% of our student body is African American or has roots in the African diaspora. Our children must have opportunities to learn about who they are and those who came before them to ensure their success. And for those students who do not fall into this demographic, it is critical for them to learn of the greatness of history for their cultural knowledge.

We look forward to presenting students and families with robust engagement opportunities. Please be on the lookout for projects and presentations your child's teachers will assign to incorporate student content standards with the cultural theme.

We will also be celebrating the following recognitions this month:

• February 3rd - 7th: National School Counselors' Week

• February 10th - 14th: Peace Week

• February 12th: The 100th Day of School

• February 14th: National Love Day,

• February 17th: Presidents' Day (SCHOOLS CLOSED

Finally, the Virtual Parent Data Night initially scheduled for January has been rescheduled to February 13th; there is an African American Read-In on February 21st and a Black History Month Showcase on February 25th.

CAN YOU FEEL THE ENERGY ALREADY??? Stay tuned for additional updates throughout the month!

It is February, and our Black History Month celebration starts tomorrow. Throughout the month, we will have special days for students to divert from the traditional uniform in commemoration of the month. As usual, if your child has behavioral challenges, the teacher MAY request that they come in full uniform until the behavior is back in alignment with expectations.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH, AND SHOUT OUT TO THE MULTICULTURAL COMMITTEE AND MS. CHAMBERS FOR THIS CALENDAR!

February 3 - Wear Black
February 5 - HBCU Shirt
February 7 - Team Jersey
February 11 - Culture Day
February 13 - Black History T-Shirt
February 19: Presidential Attire (should have an asterisk as well)
February 21 - Afrocentric Day
February 25 - Icon Day

February 28 - Black History T-Shirt

On Thursday, February 13th, we will allow parents to understand how our various assessment platforms work together to support their scholars. We will host a Parent Data Night to explain the various state and local assessments administered, how they help your scholars prepare for colleges and careers, and how you can support student success.

Please register for the event by clicking the link below. You do not need to re-register if you have already registered for the January session.

Monday is the first day of National School Counselor's Week! This week was created to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. The theme is: School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive. National School Counseling Week, presented by ASCA, highlights school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

At Lake Arbor, our AMAZING "Spelmanite" Professional School Counselor is Ms. Emma Ferguson. Ms. Ferguson is a critical member of our school community who supports the mental and emotional health of our students and our families and staff. She has a heart for our school and does everything she can to promote a positive school environment by functioning as our student support services team member, liaising with the Lake Arbor PTA, and sponsoring events like Grandparents Day and our Awards ceremonies. She will give you a big hug and will "gather you together" at the same time.

We absolutely love her and want to make sure she knows it.

Families, please send her some appreciation however you can (her favorite color is purple 😉). Thank you for helping us love on her this week!

Lake Arbor, please welcome Ms. Toni McKinnon to the family! Ms. McKinnon has assumed the duties for the 5th-grade Reading classes Mr. Bynum taught and is the PERMANENT teacher for those sections. Ms. McKinnon is an alumna of the University of Maryland College Park and the Tulane University School of Law. She is a wife and mom transitioning from the Virginia Tidewater Area. We will host a parent meet and greet so you can check in with her and get to know her better. If you need to contact her, she is connected to our Class Dojo; her email is toni2.mckinnon@pgcps.org.

She has already hit the ground running, and we LOVE her - please be sure to welcome her as she transitions into our community!

• Tuesday, February 11th - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released (Online)
• Thursday, February 20th - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released (Printed)
• Friday, February 21st - 2nd Quarter Grade Appeal Window OPENS
• Thursday, February 27th - 2nd Quarter Grade Appeal Window CLOSES
• Friday, February 28th - Students will be released at 10:40 a.m. for a three-hour early dismissal due to it being a 3rd quarter progress report grading day for teachers. Please ensure that your scholars are picked up on time. Thank you.

DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR SCHOOL HAS ITS OWN WEBSITE FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES?

You can find detailed information on the daily offering for breakfast and lunch, as well as nutritional nutritional information. Click the picture below for a live link to the most updated menu for Lake Arbor Elementary School.

Sharing good news about one of our LAES ALumni Lions, Mr. Enoch Omotayo.

Enoch became an alumnus of Lake Arbor in 2017 and is now a freshman at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He is pursuing a double major in Communication and Education Studies with a minor in Political Science. Enoch is an honors student passionately seeking a career in public policy, education reform, and communication strategy to create meaningful change in underserved communities.

Enoch recently shared a wrap up of his fall semester:

"As the Fall 2024 semester wraps up, I am beyond excited to share some incredible highlights from this season of growth and achievement:

• Academic Excellence: This semester, I’m proud to have completed challenging coursework while maintaining strong academic performance. Pursuing a double major in Education Studies and Communication continues to fuel my passion for marketing and educational reform.
• Leadership in Action: Serving as one of the SGA Freshman Senators has been a remarkable experience, empowering me to advocate for my peers and contribute to initiatives that enhance our campus community.
• Professional Growth: As an ambassador for the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA), I’ve had the opportunity to represent my university in meaningful ways, connecting with alumni, donors, and other stakeholders to advance institutional goals. This role has enhanced my communication skills and strengthened my dedication to fostering positive change.
• Campaign & Political Experience: Meeting Governor Tim Walz and contributing to the Harris-Walz campaign was a transformative experience. This opportunity allowed me to engage directly with impactful leaders, gain hands-on political experience, and witness the importance of grassroots efforts in shaping policies and communities.
• Looking Ahead: With these accomplishments, I’m looking forward to a great Spring 2025 semester filled with new opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Each milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, community, and vision."

We are so very proud of Enoch and look forward to having him and other LAES Lion Alumni share their experiences with our current students. If you have good news to share about one of our alumni, please send a write-up to Principal Sothern!

(Due to the inclement weather days, this event has been rescheduled to the Presidents' Day Holiday)

Together, Iota Gamma Omega, Upsilon Tau Omega, Psi Epsilon Omega, Alpha Alpha Sigma Omega, Eta and Theta Nu chapters, and the Proud Pearls of Prince George’s County Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, will come together to uplift the community!

They are giving away non-perishable items, toiletry items, coats, hats, gloves and socks to spread love and comfort to members of the community. Stop by anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Monday, February 17th at Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Temple Hills, MD 20748. While supplies last!

• Saturday, February 1st : Black History Month begins
• Monday, February 3rd : National School Counselors' Week begins; Benchmark Assessments begin (grades 3-5)
• Monday, February 10th : Peace Week begins; Benchmark Assessments begin (grades 3-5)
• Tuesday, February 11th - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released (Online)
• Wednesday, February 12th: The 100th Day of School
• Thursday, February 13th: LAES Virtual Parent Data Night @ 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, February 14th: MAKE UP SNOW DAY - SCHOOL IS IN SESSION
• Monday, February 17th: PRESIDENTS' DAY - SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED
• Thursday, February 20th: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Released (Printed)
• Friday, February 21st: African American Read-In; 2nd Quarter Grade Appeal Window OPENS
• Tuesday, February 25th: Black History Month Showcase (details forthcoming)
• Thursday, February 27th: 2nd Quarter Grade Appeal Window CLOSES
• Friday, February 28th: 3rd Quarter Progress Report Grading Day - Early dismissal at 10:40 a.m.

At Lake Arbor Elementary School, it is our mission to continuously strengthen our knowledge and pedagogy, focus on sustaining improvement through data inquiry, build efficient and effective operations and establish mutual respect and trust amongst the parent/community, staff and students, thus building a positive culture for learning.

Website: https://www.pgcps.org/lakearbor/
Location: 10205 Lake Arbor Way, Bowie, MD 20721
Phone: 301-808-5940

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