Eagle News
September 6, 2023
From Dr. Davis
Arrival
Student Drop Off Zone on Underwood Street near the entrance of the bus lane (AM Duty 7:30 a.m.-7:50 a.m.)
Student Drop Off Zone on Queens Chapel Rd.- AM Duty (AM Duty 7:30 a.m.-7:50 a.m.)
At 7:40 am students will enter the building
PreK - will enter through the front door
K- Enter through the exterior door of the Kindergarten wing
1st - Enter through the front door
2nd - Enter through the front door
Ms. Althoff's Grade 3 class- Enter through the front door
Ms. Smith, Mr. Hall, and Grades 4 - 5 will line up on the blacktop
Enter through the door by the 5th-grade hallway
Students will enter the building in the following order:
3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade
Dismissal
Afternoon announcements will be made at 1:50 p.m.
The first bus will be called after 1:50 p.m.
Bus riders will leave through the main door by the front office
Walkers will be dismissed at 1:55 p.m.
Walkers leave the building using the following exits:
Pre-K, K, and Ms. Althoff - Exit through exterior doors in their wings
1st, 2nd, Ms. Smith, Mr. Hall- Exit by Ms. Feng's classroom
Grades 4-5 - Exit through the door near grade 5
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) continues to follow the state and local guidance in the collection of student and teacher attendance. Administrative Procedure 5113 identifies this process for lawful and unlawful absences. PGCPS is responsible for identifying, collecting, and transmitting data to local, state, and federal agencies for purposes of compliance, accountability, and school system funding for student attendance. Strong monitoring of systems, implementation of a streamlined process, and using objective and accurate data related to attendance collection is crucial. Physical attendance of staff and students will be collected in the 2022-2023 school year and daily attendance procedures will be communicated so all stakeholders are aware of PGCPS’ definition of being considered present.
Students returning to the school building for regular in-person learning must adhere to the attendance administrative procedure. Daily attendance is expected of all students unless there is a lawful reason for the student’s absence. In the event of each absence, the parent/guardian must communicate the reason for the student’s absence with written documentation upon the student’s return to school. Students will be permitted to make-up missed assignments in accordance with the administrative procedure for all lawful absences.
Chromebook Return
In a couple of weeks, after student devices are returned and inventoried, parents will receive information about a take-home option. If you choose, we can assign your child a device to take home with them after signing the Student Device Usage Agreement. More information will follow soon.
Please help prepare for our cart-based program by ensuring your child brings their PGCPS-issued device (with charging cord and case) to school so it can be checked and kept at school for the upcoming school year.
If your child’s device is damaged because of negligence or if it's lost or stolen, we may assess a fee based on what’s identified in the Student Device Usage Agreement:
$30 for damage caused by negligence
$200 for lost Chromebooks
$300 for lost iPads
Thank you for your continued support of our student device program in Prince George’s County Public Schools. If you have questions, please contact our school.
Communication and Parent Engagement
The PGCPS Office of Communications and Community Engagement will continue to deliver timely communication that achieves our goals of safety, equity, and excellence.
Communication Tools
The Office of Communications and Community Engagement uses five key tools to reach audiences:
School Messenger
○ Text/SMS
○ Robocall
Websites
○ PGCPS (www.pgcps.org)
○ PGCPS en español (www.pgcps.org/es)
Newsletters
○ Engage PGCPS (families and communities), weekly
○ Acción PGCPS (Spanish-speaking families and communities), weekly
○ Partner PGCPS (business, faith-based and nonprofit
groups), monthly
Social media
○ Facebook (@PGCPS)
○ Facebook en español (@PGCPSenespanol)
○ Twitter (@PGCPS, @DrMonicaCEO)
○ Instagram (@PGCPS)
○ YouTube
PGCPS-TV
○ Verizon 38
○ Comcast 96
○ YouTube
○ Video-on-demand
Emergency Dismissal Form
https://offices.pgcps.org/volunteer/cards/Become-a-Volunteer/.
If you were fingerprinted and approved last year, you still need to use the link to sign in to register and watch the SafeSchools videos for SY 23-24.
Helpful Links/Enlaces Importantes
1. School finder...know what school your child belongs to… Buscador de escuelas... sepa a qué escuela pertenece su hijo... http://gis.pgcps.org/schoolfinder/
Registration requirements...know exactly what you need to register your child... / Requisitos de inscripción... sepa exactamente qué necesita para inscribir a su hijo...
https://www1.pgcps.org/registration/
2. Sign up for email & text alerts...school closings & more.../ Inscríbase para recibir alertas de correo electrónico y de texto...cierre de escuelas y más..https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/PGCPS/subscriber/new?qsp=PGCPS
Lunch...apply for free/reduced meals... / Almuerzo... solicitar comidas gratuitas/reducidas... https://www.myschoolapps.com/ |
3. Bus Stop Finder...know what bus & route your child is assigned to... / Buscador de Paradas de Autobús...sepa a qué autobús y ruta está asignado su hijo... http://busstops.pgcps.org/Public/default.aspx?load=addressInput&skipPlan=true
Before & After Care... / Cuidado antes y después...
https://www.pgcps.org/Office-Directory/Before---After-School-Care-Program/
4. Volunteering/Voluntario Safe schools training videos...required if you want to participate in field trips and other events... / Vídeos de formación sobre escuelas seguras... necesarios si quieres participar en excursiones y otros eventos...
UPES Family,
Summer has ended, and the new school year begins on August 28, 2023. This time of year can be hectic for parents and children. Everyone rushing about trying to enjoy the final days of summer, while also trying to get prepared for the start of the new school year. A few years ago, the University Park Police, along with elected officials and concerned community members, developed the University Park Safe Route to School Plan. We created the plan to
ensure that all children arrive safely at school. During this past school year, aspects of the plan were observed and followed, while far too many drivers ignored posted drop-off signs and certain traffic control devices while transporting their students to University Park Elementary School. We recognize how difficult it can be trying to get your child to school on time while not being late for work. However, the plan was also developed to ensure an organized and efficient process for parents to drop their children off at school. With your ongoing support, patience, and compliance, the University Park Police Safe Route to School Plan -can work. That is why the University Park Police are asking that you review and follow these helpful hints.
12 dos and don’ts of the Safe Route to School Plan:
1. Do have your child exit your vehicle on the curbside at drop-off
zones on Underwood Street or Queens Chapel Road.
2. Do use the crossing guard to cross Queen’s Chapel Road and
Underwood Street.
3. Do use the lower crosswalk when parking at the Word of God
Baptist Church.
4. Do push the button to activate the blinking lights so vehicles
driving on Queens Chapel Road can see you.
5. Do set the proper example and be polite and courteous to the
crossing guards, police officers, and school staff.
6. Do obey the posted speed limit.
7. Do come to a complete stop at all stop signs in University Park.
8. Don’t block any driveway in University Park.
9. Don’t make a U-turn on Queens Chapel Road.
10. Don’t Park in the drop-off zones on Queens Chapel Road or
Underwood Street or leave your vehicle unattended.
11. Don’t walk your child across the University Park Elementary
School staff parking lot.
12. Don’t jaywalk with your child or cross in the middle of Queens
Chapel Road.
Let’s all do our part to make this a safe school year for children and
parents.
Thank you,
Chief Harvey R. Baker
SchoolMax Family Portal
School Max Family Portal
At any time during the school year, parents may access his/her child’s school information through the SchoolMax Family Portal. You can register through the site with an email address. If you need assistance, please contact Mr. Clark, Technology Coordinator at aclark@pgcps.org
Student Publicity Release Form
Conee Prout
My name is Constance Prout. I have been teaching since 1999.I started teaching in the District of Columbia and came to Prince George County (Apple Grove E.S. in 2005-2023) While working at Apple Grove, I proudly served as Department Chairperson and Accreditation Lead Teacher. In this capacity, I was instrumental in ensuring the PreKindergarten Program passed their initial Maryland accreditation process in 2017 and provided guidance to new PreK team members to keep the PreK program accreditation ready. I am so excited to now join the University Park Elementary School Family. I look forward to collaborating with and becoming a PreK teamplayer. I have taught Kindergarten, but my passion is for PreKindergarten - the county’s youngest learners.
Gregory Richards
My name is Gregory Richards, and I'm excited to be joining Team Pre-K in the fall at University Park Elementary! This upcoming school year marks my 18th year of teaching and my 10th in Pre-K. I was born and raised locally and started my career in education at the elementary school of my youth. I support all the DC sports teams, am a proud graduate of both Syracuse University and Grand Canyon University, and enjoy traveling, a wide range of musical genres, and macaroni and cheese from scratch.
Katherine Romero
My name is Katherine. I recently graduated with a Sociology degree from the University of Maryland. I am planning to pursue my master’s. I look forward to a fun year with this year’s kindergarten class.
Brandie McCoy
Zaakira Guillen
Jonathan Hall
My name is Jonathan Hall. I am excited to be joining the third-grade team at University Park. I am from Annapolis and have taught students from third to eighth grade in my over 25 years of teaching. I went to Frostburg University and Notre Dame of Maryland University. I am married, have four adult children, and have four grandchildren who live all around the country. I enjoy reading, traveling, and outdoor activities. This summer my wife and I have been traveling the US visiting our children, grandchildren, and National Park.
Teresa Althoff
Ada Moore
Andre Wright
My name is Andre Wright, and I am excited to join the 5th-grade team at University Park Elementary. I am originally from Hampton, Virginia and I am a Patriots fan. I have taught in a plethora of educational settings for over 20 years including substituting at all grade levels and working with various academic support units in college level programs. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and a Master's in Elementary Education from Hampton University. I will receive my Doctorate in Urban Education Leadership from Morgan State University in December 2023.
I am elated to bring the experience and wealth of knowledge that I have ascertained during this journey in order to educate and shape young minds to reach their highest potential in the academic arena. Let's go 5th-grade!!!!
Cheryl Tan
My name is Cheryl B. Tan, and I am truly excited to join and be part of the wonderful staff of the University Park Elementary School, where I am assigned as a new addition to the amazing ESOL team. Prior to being assigned to this new workstation, I have taught in many academic settings, not just in the Philippines where I was born and raised, but also here in the US. I had the privilege of working at various locations, ranging from urban to rural settings in the country. I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education at Bicol University College of Education in the Philippines and completed my Master’s Degree in TESOL at the Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. I am married and blessed with one daughter. I love reading books, listening to music, and watching movies. I may not have all the time in the world to satiate these little pleasures of mine, but I try to indulge in these hobbies whenever I can. It’s a rare treat, though, sad to say…
Alba Prieto
Hi everyone! I'm Alba Prieto Gonzalez, and I couldn't be more excited about joining University Park’s team this year. I am originally from Asturias, a beautiful northern region in Spain and my journey into education began during my time studying Biology when I embarked on an incredible Erasmus journey in Italy. This experience ignited my passion for the Italian language, its people, and its fascinating culture. Since then, my career has drifted towards education, and I have the pleasure of fully dedicating myself to teaching both English and Italian to students through private schools, immersive programs and summer schools in the UK and Ireland.
As I step into my role as a teacher at University Park, I'm excited to foster an intercultural understanding of the beautiful Italian language among the students and share with them as much as possible. Beyond the classroom, you'll find me exploring new places and meeting new people, as I have a deep love for travel and adventure. I am really excited to live the American experience!
I believe that learning is really fun and a lifelong adventure, and I can't wait to embrace the language and the culture with you and make this year an unforgettable one for all of us!
Sarah Kerr
Greetings , my name is Sarah Kerr. I’m really excited to be joining the staff at University Park as a special education resource teacher.
I have lived in different areas of MD throughout my life. I graduated from University of Maryland CP with a degree in Elementary Education . I then got my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College and a certificate in Special Education. I’ve taught for 13 years. I am married and have 4 kids and two large dogs. I like to travel, hike, and watch college and professional sports. I’m hoping to help the students at UP soar to their best abilities!!
Jamie McLean
I'm Ms. Jamie McLean, and I'm so happy to be at University Park ES working with the 4th and 5th grade band and orchestra students! I went to the University of Maryland, College Park, and am thankful to return to the area after teaching in Delaware and Maine. My favorite instruments to play are clarinet (my main instrument), viola, and ukulele. I have 2 cats, Hercules and Athena, love playing Dungeons and Dragons, and going to the Renaissance Festival.I can't wait to make music with my new students!
Cedraan Askew
Susy Edmiston
Hello University Park Elementary!
My name is Susy Edmiston, and I am the new mental health therapist and social worker here at UPES. My family is from El Salvador, but I was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland! I have worked closely with PG county students and families, and actually come from La Clinica Del Pueblo's school-based mental health program, located at Northwestern High School right here in Adelphi where I worked for 6 years! I am very excited to work with you all, our wonderful students and be part of this amazing team of educators.
If you have questions or curiosities, please reach me!
E- mail: smedmiston@lcdp.org
Work cell: (202) 907-4097
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, September 13, Back to School Night, 6:00 p.m.-7:25 p.m., Fingerprinting Night
Wednesday, September 20, PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 9-Indigenous People's Day & Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 12-Hispanic Heritage Night, 6:00 p.m.
University Park Elementary
Email: upark@pgcps.org
Website: https://www1.pgcps.org/universitypark/
Location: 4315 Underwood Street, University Park, MD, USA
Phone: 301-985-1898
Facebook: facebook.com/UniversityParkElementary-PGCPS
Twitter: @UPSoaringEagles