Tiger Times
Community Edition, Volume I, Issue I
Together is Better - No Matter the Distance
The Princeton Elementary Team continues to embrace the school theme, Together is Better - No Matter the Distance, and it will surely allow us to ROAR to great heights and do remarkable things over the course of the school year! We are grateful to the school community for extending grace and flexibility as we navigate through uncharted territory. #PrincetonPride has been amplified and it is a beautiful thing! We are in this Together!
School Website
PES Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held on Wednesday, September 16. Information is forthcoming regarding Zoom Links for respective classes. There will be two sessions provided.
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020, 05:30 PM
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Free Meals
- On Mondays, breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided for Monday and Tuesday.
- On Wednesdays, breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided from Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Students and/or Parents/Guardians can pick up means at any school, if they have a Student ID, PIN Number, or current Report Card. If PIN Numbers are needed, parents can request from their child's teacher.
It is still required for Parents to complete the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application here.
Morning Announcements
Morning Announcements will begin on Monday, September 14, the first full school week in September. Announcements will be held at 7:45 a.m. daily and will be conducted by the administrative team and school counselor. Prior to Monday, information regarding the format will be shared along with the Zoom Link. Until September 14, students should continue to join their classes at 7:45 a.m., using assigned zoom links.
Master Schedules
At this point, all classroom teachers have provided schedules for students. Please be sure to review with your children so they develop an understanding of their daily schedule. It is our goal to ensure that there is consistency and continuity in our daily structure.
Please note that Wednesdays will serve as Flex Days, allowing all students to meet with teachers for small group instruction.
Virtual Classroom Information
- Beginning this week, educator names will be renamed in Zoom to include a Prefix and Last Name (ex. Ms. Coley).
- There are some students that have the names of their parents attached to their Zoom accounts. In these instances, parents will need to replace with student names. This will assist teachers with learning the names of students and monitoring persons who enter the virtual space. View this link for support, if needed.
- All Zoom Waiting Rooms will be disabled (with the exception of Pre-K Classes), allowing for students to join classes seamlessly.
- Students should be seated when engaging in virtual instruction, to remain focused.
- Students should wear headphones to minimize background noise.
Opt-Out Form
Please complete the Opt-Out Form here. All Teachers and Students should have their images presented on the screen during Zoom Meetings. Students will only be exempt from this if they a completed No-Opt Form on file. If there is an issue with students adhering to the expectation, please share with the administrative team.
SY21 Publicity Release Form
Throughout the school year, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and the Prince George’s County Board of Education conduct activities that may be publicized by local or national news media or used to promote the school system. Publicity activities include interviews, photographs or videos of individuals or groups of students, or student works (including, but not limited to, artistic works, athletic activities, performances and competitions) that may be used in websites, social media such as Facebook and Twitter, print or online publications, or videos.
The information shared under this publicity release may include certain directory information, which is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released under Administrative Procedure 5134.
Please check ONE of the two statements below, include your DIGITAL SIGNATURE, and SUBMIT this form. The Publicity Release Form can be found here and will remain in effect through September 2021.
Grading, Reporting and Attendance
Students must be online, during live instruction, to be marked present. Recorded lessons will be posted in the Google Classroom for review, for all students. Students who have an unlawful absence will earn a zero for all work missed on that day.
Technical Difficulties
A new absence reason code has been created to reflect when students are unable to participate in live instruction due to technological difficulties. When this issue occurs, parents must alert the child’s teacher of the difficulty by email. Although parents may see “absent” in SchoolMAX for the day the issue occurred, the student will be considered “present” when the new absence reason code “TC” is used. Students must submit all missed assignments.
Distribution of Instructional Materials
Following the delivery of ipads and chromebooks, information regarding the distribution of instructional materials will be provided.
Testing Information
The Department of Testing, Research, and Evaluation (DTRE) provided parent letters in English and Spanish, announcing the Fall Bridging Diagnostic assessments for the Fall of 2020. They are linked in this newsletter and can also be found on Class Dojo and in the School Communication folder in Google Classrooms on Tuesday, September 8.
It is important that all students have access to appropriate testing software on their devices. If a students is using a school-issued device, the software is embedded in their provided device. If a student is using a personal device, please read the linked document to find out how to download the necessary software on the device.
Please be advised that downloads must be completed by Friday, September 11. If you are in need of assistance, please contact a Technology Parent Support Center (information below).
Student Usernames and Passwords
Teachers were provided student usernames and email addresses of students and can provide, upon request.
Resetting Student Passwords
Parents can reset passwords online by visiting self-service at idm.pgcps.org and following the appropriate steps to reset passwords.
Distance Learning Hotline
PGCPS has launched the Distance Learning Hotline to afford parents, guardians and caregivers the opportunity to receive “real time” assistance with technical support and other needs, such as navigating aspects of distance learning or accessing instructional packets. It will be managed through the collaborative efforts of the Division of Information Technology, Departments of Communications, Community Schools and Family and School Partnerships.
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hotline Number: 240 - 696 - 6229
Parent Support Centers
PGCPS has launched nine Parent Support Centers to provide a bridge between families and the schoolhouse. Under the direction of the Department of Family and School Partnerships, the Parent Support Centers will assist parents, guardians and caregivers - by appointment only - with technology, accessing and navigating platforms, and other troubleshooting such as navigating aspects of distance learning or accessing instructional packets. There will be a Parent Distance Learning Support Center located in each Board of Education District. Locations closest to Princeton Elementary include; Thurgood Marshall Middle School and Drew Freeman Middle School.
No children will be permitted to enter the center in support of PGCPS efforts to keep children safe. Parents may schedule a 30-minute appointment by calling the Parent Support Center Line: 240-696-3315 or the Parent Distance Learning Hotline: 240-696-6229. Other opportunities to schedule an appointment will be provided on the school system's website and Facebook page. Centers will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., by appointment only.
Snapshots of the First Week of School
Ms. Howard
Ms. Howard experienced some technical difficulties at the start of the first day of school, but it did not stand in the way of her determination to give her best to students! Her enthusiasm was caught on the screen and students were intrigued by her reading of First Day Jitters!
Food Services
The Princeton Elementary Food Services Team is absolutely awesome. They have collaboratively worked to provide meals for students and families!
Ms. Ogarro
Ms. Ogarro captivated her Kindergarten students with a Read-Aloud, followed by a stretch break on the first day of school! She showcases #PrincetonPride and it is evident in her actions with her Kinder Kiddos!
Ms. Rhinehart
After reading a story to her third graders about the role of an engineer, students were tasked to create their own invention. Ms. Rhinehart couldn't resist sharing an invention inspired by her sweet pup!
Ms. Jones
Ms. Jones led students in a stretching exercise and little yogis were found on the screen, enjoying a "zen" moment!
Ms. Lane
Students enjoyed their introductory lesson to counseling and first graders shared excitement about time with Ms. Lane! They were intrigued by her virtual office!
Tiger Communication
Parent Newsletters will be provided every Monday and will be posted on Twitter and Class Dojo. They will also be emailed to email addresses on file.
Princeton Elementary School
Email: Jessica.Coley@pgcps.org
Website: https://www.pgcps.org/princeton/
Location: 6101 Baxter Drive, Suitland, MD, USA
Phone: 301 - 702 - 7650
Twitter: @Princeton_ES