From the Desk of Principal McIntyre
Pointer Ridge ES Important Updates
Dear Pointer Ridge Families,
Please take a moment to review important updates regarding safety at Pointer Ridge and our ongoing efforts to maintain a secure learning environment within PGCPS. Additionally, I would like to remind parents of the critical role they play in helping prevent the spread of illness by keeping sick students at home.
It is important use caution and patience when driving up Parkington Lane to the school. Do not pass or pull around vehicles into oncoming traffic. We have observed multiple instances of unsafe driving in recent weeks, and we want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety over convenience.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the recent water main break. We are grateful for the immediate response from the PGCPS maintenance department. We continue to experience a high volume of cars during morning arrival and I am very concerned about unsafe driving practices that I have observed during drop off. To enhance morning safety, I have requested support from our community officer to assist with traffic. Please be aware that you may periodically see officers on-site in the mornings, and rest assured that they are there to help ensure a safe environment.
I also want to address the recent shift and changes on immigration policies. Prince George's County Public Schools is working diligently to provide information and updates on school policies and procedures. Please refer to the message below from our Superintendent.
Warm regards,
Principal McIntyre
A Message from our Superintendent regarding Safe Schools & Learning Environments
Over the past few weeks, heightened news coverage and social media rumors have caused concern for many in our community, particularly around changes to national immigration policies. As your Superintendent, I want to reassure you of our unwavering commitment to supporting our diverse community and keeping all students in school.
Schools are vital to students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. At this time, we have no indication that ICE agents are present at or stationed near our schools, nor have they been allowed on our campuses. However, we are prepared. Our PGCPS Immigration Task Force continues to provide rapid response guidance to principals and staff, ensuring strict protocols are in place to prevent unauthorized access to our schools.
We are also working closely with state and local partners to stay informed, and our local government leaders remain steadfast in their support of protections for all students and families. Our schools remain safe spaces where students can learn and grow.
To ensure timely communication, please update your emergency contacts through ParentVUE or your child’s school. Visit www.pgcps.org/immigration for FAQs, resources, and partner agency support. Together, we will continue to provide a safe, inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Thank you for your trust, partnership, and commitment to keeping students on the path to success.
Sincerely,
Millard House II
Superintendent
Escuelas seguras, entornos de aprendizaje seguros
En las últimas semanas, la cobertura de noticias más intensa y los rumores en las redes sociales han causado inquietud para muchas personas en nuestra comunidad, particularmente en relación a los cambios en las políticas de inmigración nacional. Como su superintendente, quiero reafirmar nuestro compromiso inquebrantable para apoyar a nuestra diversa comunidad y en mantener a todos los estudiantes en la escuela.
Las escuelas son vitales para el bienestar académico, social y emocional de los estudiantes. En este momento, no tenemos ninguna indicación de que los agentes de ICE estén presentes o desplegados cerca de nuestras escuelas o que hayan tenido permitido estar en nuestros campus. Sin embargo, estamos preparados. Nuestro equipo de trabajo de inmigración de PGCPS continúa brindando orientación de respuesta rápida a los directores y miembros del personal, para garantizar que se establezcan protocolos estrictos con el fin de prevenir el acceso no autorizado en nuestras escuelas.
También estamos trabajando de cerca con aliados estatales y locales para mantenernos informados. Asimismo, nuestros lideres de gobiernos locales permanecen firmes en su apoyo hacia las protecciones para todos los estudiantes y las familias.
Nuestras escuelas siguen siendo lugares seguros donde los estudiantes pueden aprender y desarrollarse.
Para garantizar una comunicación oportuna, por favor actualicen sus contactos de emergencia en ParentVUE o en la escuela de su estudiante. Visite www.pgcps.org/immigration para ver las preguntas frecuentes, los recursos y el apoyo que ofrecen las agencias aliadas.
Juntos, continuaremos ofreciendo un entorno seguro e inclusivo en el cual todos los estudiantes puedan prosperar. Gracias por su confianza, colaboración y compromiso para mantener a los estudiantes en el camino hacia el éxito.
Atentamente,
Millard House II
Superintendente
Parking Lot & Drop-Off Safety Reminders
To ensure a smooth and safe arrival process, please follow these important guidelines:
🚗 Parkington Lane Traffic Safety
Be mindful of staff and/or police officers directing traffic.
Do NOT drive into oncoming traffic to go around waiting vehicles. This is extremely dangerous and has led to near collisions.
PGCPS school buses receive priority and will be directed to enter the parking lot. Please allow buses to pass your vehicle.
Students should never be dropped off on Parkington Lane and asked to cross the street.
The Drop-Off Car Line is available until 7:40 AM.
🚗 Drop-Off Car Line Procedures
Students may be dropped off starting at 7:10 AM. The busiest time is 7:25–7:40 AM, so arriving earlier can help avoid delays.
Students are marked tardy after 7:40 AM.
Pull all the way up to the first cone and remain in your vehicle.
Have your student ready to exit the car quickly and safely to keep the line moving.
Students should exit on the passenger side ONLY for safety reasons.
Do not call students back to the car if they forget something. Instead, park and bring the item to the front of the building.
🚗 Parking Lot Safety
Vehicles should always use their blinker when entering and exiting the parking lot to assist the staff member directing traffic.
Drive slowly and remain aware of pedestrians.
Parents should not walk across the parking lot with students. Please use the sidewalk for safety.
The bus lane remains closed to cars until 7:40 AM.
Do not drop students off in the staff parking lot near the gym. This area is off-limits during arrival, as students frequently use the crosswalk there.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school community safe. The safety of our students, families, and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your continued support and patience during arrival and dismissal.
Resource: Video
Health Reminders
If your child is sick, please do not send them to school, as this puts the health of others at risk. Allowing them to rest at home helps prevent the spread of illness to other students and staff. Recently, we have seen an increase in cases of high fevers and gastrointestinal viruses. If your child requires medication before coming to school, they should remain at home. We have noticed that some students are receiving medication before arrival, only to report feeling unwell and then becoming very ill during the school day.
To help maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, we kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping sick children at home. Our maintenance team is working diligently each evening to sanitize classrooms and reduce the spread of germs.
By working together, we can maintain a healthy school environment for all students and staff. Thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe and well.
VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER REMINDER... FRIDAY, JANUARY 31st
VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER!!! Spread the word to your family and friends because the code can be used NATIONWIDE!!!
Who: Panda Express Virtual Fundraiser Flyer for Pointer Ridge
What: Place your order for pickup or delivery
When: Friday, January 31, 2025!
Where: Available at Panda Express locations nationwide www.pandaexpress.com
How: Online orders only Apply code 9000737 in the Fundraiser Code box during online checkout at www.pandaexpress.com or via App 28% of sales will be donated to: Pointer Ridge Elementary Pointer Ridge is a K-5 School in Bowie Maryland serving over 400 students.
PRES Calendar Updates
Jan 16 - 2nd Quarter Math Project Due
Jan 20 - MLK Day School Closed
Jan 23 - Shelter in Place Systemic Drill
Jan 27 - Grading & Reporting for Teachers 3-Hr. Early Dismissal for Students
Jan 30 - K-2 Literacy Night 6:00-7:00
Feb TBD - African American Read-In
Feb 6 - PTA Meeting
Feb 7 - Class Color Day
Feb 13 - Reverse Evacuation Systemic Drill
Feb 14 - Make-up Snow Day, School open for students
Feb 17 - Presidents’ Day – Schools and Offices Closed
Feb 21 - 2nd Quarter awards Assembly
Feb 27 - Black Month - Blacks in Wax Living Museum
Feb 28 - Teacher Planning Day-3 Hr early dismissal for students
POINTER RIDGE ELEMENTARY
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