SCHOOL PROGRAMS
COMMUNICATIONS
The pink school bulletins and newsletters will be used to communicate what is happening at Pointer Ridge. The first bulletin is lengthy and also includes some items that are to be completed and returned to school. To keep you abreast of school happenings, a newsletter will be sent home with all students every other Friday. All newsletters will be a bright pink, to make it easily identifiable. Additional reminders and classroom information may be sent home periodically via fliers, letters and classroom newsletters. A monthly menu is provided by the county for all students.
If you have information, questions or concerns, please feel free to call us. We welcome open communication. Teachers are available before (7:20-7:40) or after school (2:00-2:40) for phone calls and scheduled conferences. Teachers are unable to leave their classes during the instructional day and may not be interrupted for consultation.
The school office opens at 7:10 A.M. and closes at 3:15 P.M. All students receive the Pointer Ridge Calendar & Handbook on the first day of school.
CUB SCOUTS - PACK 
Cub Scout Pack 1559 is chartered to the Pointer Ridge PTA and holds meetings in the school multi-purpose room. Cub Scouts is for boys in the 1st through 5th grades (1st graders join the Tiger Cub program, 2nd graders join a Wolf Den, 3rd graders join a Bear Den, 4th and 5th graders join the Webelos). Scouts participate in fun activities that teach honesty, bravery and respect for others and the environment, while parents get support from a program that helps to strengthen character, develops citizenship and enhances mental and physical fitness. For more information, explore the web site for Cub Scout Pack 1559.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an integral part of the instructional program. The purpose of a field trip is to provide educational experiences, related to a student's study, which are beyond the immediate school environment. All field trips are planned by the classroom teacher. The cost for transportation is divided equally among participating students. Advance written notice of all field trips is sent to parents who must sign a permission slip allowing their child to participate. Verbal permission will not be accepted. In addition, an emergency card must be on file with the classroom teacher.
Parents assisting teachers as chaperones on a field trip should remember that they will have students in their care and, therefore, cannot bring younger siblings.
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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
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The instrumental music program is designed to encourage all participants to explore and develop their musical abilities by learning to play an instrument and to have opportunities to perform for their friends and family. All fifth grade students are encouraged to participate in the instrumental music program.
Group lessons are given in school during the school day. It is expected that parents will rent or buy the needed instrument. The first three to four months are considered to be a trial period during which the child can decide whether he/she enjoys the experience enough to continue, and the teacher can determine whether the instrument is truly appropriate for the student. After this step, most students do continue.
SAFETY PATROLS
The safety patrol program is under the guidance of Mr. Harris, with the supervision by an officer of the Prince George's County Police department. The students are chosen with special emphasis upon reliability and good behavior. Patrol duties involve crossing the children safely at crosswalks.
The safety of children is of primary concern to us. Safety, school pride, discipline, and responsible decision-making go hand in hand. Children from our fifth grade serve our school as safety patrols. They are chosen on the basis of their willingness to obey the rules, to respect authority, and to cooperate in maintaining safety and accepting responsibility. We ask your cooperation in impressing upon your child the importance of obeying the patrols as they are insuring your child's safety when he is under their supervision.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Information will be sent home a week before the scheduled day for taking pictures. There will be a prepay packet offering several picture options. Envelopes for your picture selection and money will be sent home the day prior to the picture day.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Teachers use the following criteria to recognize students monthly:
- Is respectful to teachers, students, and others
- Has good attendance at school
- Practices self-control
- Works well with others
- Accepts responsibility
- Follows directions
- Does work neatly and completely
- Completes homework assignments
- Participates well in class
- Is cooperative in class
- Has a positive self image
- Is proud to be a Pointer Ridge Elementary School Student
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WRITE A BOOK LITERARY COMPETITION