Principal’s Message:
Our students are moving forward with Respect, Responsibility and Rigor!  Progress reports will be released on October 6th.  One of the most powerful tools that you have as a parent is a question.  A well-asked question can assist you in determining if your parental support is on target for your child's needs.  It can be essential for accessing appropriate academic and or personal support.  Asking questions doesn't mean that you lack trust in your child's teacher(s) or other school personnel.   Asking questions simply means that you are looking out for your child's best interests.  Keep the lines of communication open with our teachers and staff.  Ask good questions and provide full information about your child's needs, interests, preferences, strengths and weaknesses.  Together, we will help our students soar to their highest levels.

October Testing Schedule:
DRA’s for kindergarten will be administered on Thursday, October 1st and for first grade students on Monday, October 5th.  The Formative Assessments for reading and math will be administered on Tuesday, October 13th through Thursday, October 15th for students in grades 3-5.  The OLSAT will be administered for students in grade 1 on Tuesday, October 20th—Wednesday, October 21st. 

You Can Make a Difference:
Prince George's County Public Schools is seeking highly motivated individuals who have a Bachelor’s Degree to enter our teacher training program.  Are you a high-achieving, caring professional with a bachelor’s degree interested in pursuing a career where you will impact the future?  If so, consider becoming a certified teacher through the Resident Teacher Program of the Prince George’s County Public Schools.  This Alternative Teacher Preparation Program is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.  There is no cost to you!  Our students would benefit from individuals who have a degree in Spanish or speak Spanish. Please visit our website to learn more about this dynamic program: www.residentteacherprogram.org. We will have information sessions on the following dates: Thursday, October 22, 2009—6:00 PM at Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School—8201 15th Ave.  Hyattsville, MD 20783; Tuesday, October 27, 2000—6:00 PM at Kenmoor Middle School—2500 Kenmoor Dr. Landover, MD 20785; Thursday, October 29, 2008—6:00 PM at James Madison Middle School—7300 Woodyard Rd. Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

PG County GreenFest:
The PG County GreenFest will be held on Saturday, October 3rd from 11:00AM-4:00PM at Prince George’s County  Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774.  The admission is free.  There will be green vendors,                      educational workshops, information on green jobs, dance, music, art, poetry, children’s activities, and local environmental organizations.  For more information, please contact Alex Hirtle at 301-952-3888.

Gorgeous Prince George’s Day:
Parents and students are invited to join us on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 8-11:30AM (rain or shine).  Volunteers are needed to assist with tree and flower bulb planting and the overall outdoor beautification of our school grounds.

October PTA:
The October PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6th at 7:30PM.  All families are invited to attend! 

Attendance:
Parents, please send in a note with your child upon their return from any absence.  Parents will have twenty-four hours after an absence or tardy to submit excuse notes.  Excuse notes should include the student’s name, parent’s name, reason for absence, and date of absence.

Market Day:
Our monthly Market Day pick-up and sale date will be Monday, October 12th from 5:00—5:45PM.  Cash, checks, money orders, and Independence cards will be accepted on the night of the sale.  November order forms will be sent home with all students on Monday, October 15th for the November 9th sale.  Please feel free to go online at www.marketday.com to place an order, view products, nutritional information, recipes and much more. 

From the Nurse:
Please stress to your children the importance of good hand washing, using soap and water, and keeping fingers and other objects out of their mouths.  Also, the Dental Van will be at the school on October 22nd.  Only those students who returned the permission slip will be allowed to visit with the dentist.

Bicycle Safety:
Maryland state law requires that all bicycle riders under the age of 16 wear helmets when riding on public property including roadways, trails and sidewalks.  We encourage all students who ride bicycles to school to wear their helmets each day. 

Fundraiser Updates:
Many thanks to those families who supported our Fall Fundraiser!  All items will be delivered to the school at the end of October.  A more specific date will be sent home once we are notified.

Upcoming Events and Important Dates to Remember:
Tuesday, October 6th—Market Day orders due
Tuesday, October 6th—First Quarter Progress Reports Released
Tuesday, October 6th—PTA Meeting—7:00PM
Monday, October 12th—4:45PM-5:45PM—Market Day Pick-Up
Friday, October 16th—All Schools are Closed for Students and Teachers—MSTA Convention
Thursday, October 22nd—Dental Van
Thursday, October 29th—End of First Quarter
Friday, October 30th—All Schools are Closed for Students—Grading/Teacher Planning
Tuesday, November 10th—Make-up Picture Day