Principal Welcome Back to Families
Mrs. Holland is Counting the days down until your return!
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Dear Apple Grove Families,
Greetings Apple Grove Elementary School Families!
Welcome back to school! I am hopeful you were able to create lasting memories during the summer months! I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet many of you as I begin my journey at Apple Grove. I look forward to meeting many more families in the weeks to come. As we begin our journey into the new school year together, we will navigate our journey with the theme Back to the Future: Distance Unites Us. This theme was inspired by the classic series Back to the Future. If you recall the main character Marty McFly, continuously attempts to mold what his future will look like until he realizes life has chosen the path for us and we are not always in control. Also, in this classic McFly and Doc (the futuristic scientist) grasp an understanding of how to adjust and embrace transformation along their path when obstacles arise. Learning from home has been an unexpected futuristic experience. Who would’ve ever imagined we would close our school doors’ in 2020 to rely on technology platforms to educate our children. We have demonstrated our resilience, commitment and passion to support our scholars during a time that forced us to transform how we would educate children.
As we begin to transition back into the building full-time I ask that we remain flexible with a transformation mindset. We will continue to follow all safety guidelines required by the CDC (Center for Disease Control).
Our Number One Priority...SAFETY
Prior to the pandemic and even more so now, safety has always been the number one priority at AGES. In order for students to learn, they need to feel safe. It is essential that all students have the opportunity to attend schools that provide a clean, safe and orderly environment where they can thrive and fully engage in their studies without the distraction and worry about their health and other safety concerns. We will achieve this environment by using preventive strategies.
UNIVERSAL MASKS
All students and staff are required to wear masks inside of school and on the school buses, regardless of vaccination status. Handkerchief and gaiter style masks are not allowed. Face shields may be worn with a mask underneath. Please make sure your child has a properly fitting mask each day. It is also encouraged to send them with an extra mask in case they need it.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
At least 3-feet of social distancing will be maintained in classrooms and other areas where possible.
VISITORS
Visitors must make an appointment with the school prior to arrival and will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Conferences with parents and other meetings that do not need to be held in person will be held virtually to limit the number of visitors entering school buildings.
SCHOOL BUSES
Face masks are required while riding the school bus. To improve airflow, windows may be open to the maximum extent possible when weather permits. Buses will be cleaned and sanitized at the conclusion of each run, in between morning and afternoon routes and at the conclusion of the day.
CLEANING & DISINFECTION
Buildings will be thoroughly cleaned using CDC approved disinfectants at the end of every school day. Cafeterias and other eating locations will be cleaned and disinfected daily. All touch points, door knobs, sinks, health rooms and locker rooms will be cleaned and disinfected daily. Restrooms will be inspected throughout the day and sanitized when necessary.
AIR QUALITY
Airflow in buildings will be increased by opening classroom windows, running exhaust fans before/after occupancy and increasing HVAC hours of operation by 4 hours before and after occupation and /or increasing the intake of outside air where possible. MERV-13 filters have been installed in HVAC systems per CDC guidelines. PGCPS will continuously replace HVAC equipment and clean ductwork and coils throughout systems to remove contaminants and improve airflow
SCHOOL HOURS:
Arrival 8:30am to 8:45 am after 8:45 you are late
Dismissal 2:30PM you can not sign your child out of the building after 2PM please send a note to your child's teacher if you intend to have an early dismissal
MEALS AT SCHOOL
Daily all students receive FREE breakfast, lunch and a snack (Supper) to go home
HOMEROOM PLACEMENT
Finding out homeroom placements is a much anticipated communication and sort of like opening presents! For students in grades PK-6...drum roll please…Your homeroom teacher will be available in SchoolMax. Teachers will also be emailing homeroom placements through class Dojo if you are an existing student and signed up for the app. PK-1st grade students can also find out placement if they attend orientation.
AFTERCARE
Our before and after care program will resume with AlphaBest. There will be a limited number of spots available. The before care time is 7:00- 8:30 am and after care will be from 3 pm - 6:00 pm. AlphaBest is requesting interested families to register as soon as possible to secure a spot https://www.alphabest.org/princegeorgecountymd
Meet Our New Staff
As you know, we have some new members of the Apple Grove Team this year.Below is a list of our new team members, and I know you will join me in welcoming them to this special Apple Grove community!
Ms. Maysa Whitley- Pre-Kindergarten
Ms. LaTasha Coleman- Kindergarten
Mr. Jason Gary- 3rd Grade Reading
Mrs. Ethel Cornelius-4th Grade Math
Ms.Brenda Boudreaux- 5thGrade Math
Mr.Jeff Woodson- 6th Grade Math
Mr. Earl Jackson- Physical Education
Mr. Christopher Hooks Physical Education
Ms. Sharon McCorkle- Music
Mrs. Robin Scales- ESOL
Uniforms
Just a reminder about uniforms. Last year we had a very relaxed uniform policy as we all navigated the changing landscape of the pandemic. Please know that this year we will be returning to and enforcing the full uniform code as it is detailed in the handbook which can be found on the website. Please make sure that you have all of the correct uniform pieces your child will need on the first day of school. The information is also provided below.
Upcoming Dates
Home-School partnerships are vital to the success of preparing our students for college and career readiness. It is important to me that you know how valuable you are to the educational process. Without your love and support, we would not be able to fulfill our duties as educators. In the coming weeks, our partnership will be vital to the success of the 2021-2022 school year. Therefore, we have set aside some important dates (detailed below) in order to ensure a successful start.
Meet the Teacher: Orientation and Sneak a Peek
Friday, Sep 3, 2021, 10:00 AM
Apple Grove Elementary School, Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD, USA
Resources for Parents
Apple Grove Elementary School
Email: shane.colemcdonnaugh@pgcps.org
Website: https://www.pgcps.org/applegrove/
Location: Apple Grove Elementary School, Bellefield Avenue, Fort Washington, MD, USA
Phone: 3014494966
Twitter: @appleGroveES