August 18, 2021
Dear Pointer Ridge Families,
I am delighted to welcome you to the 2021-2022 school year on behalf of the Pointer Ridge Elementary School staff. We are eagerly preparing for an amazing year with our Pointer Ridge Panthers filled with growth and development. We look forward to your partnership as we address the needs of our students ranging from social/emotional to academic achievement. We know through your continuous partnership, our students will make great strides this year.
The first day of school is Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Our school hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. We will open our doors and welcome students into the school building at 7:30 a.m. each morning. Students are considered tardy if they arrive after 7:45 a.m. Please ensure your child(ren) arrives at school on time.
Safety is our top priority as we prepare for in-person learning. Please review the items listed below to ensure our Panthers are properly prepared for their return to school:
Face masks are mandatory for all students and staff. We encourage parents to practice at home with students the proper way to wear a mask by ensuring the mouth and nose are covered. Students should also practice wearing a mask for extended periods to prepare wearing a mask the entire school day (outside of lunch).
Chromebooks will continue to be a part of students’ daily instruction. Please practice with students how to safely transport their technology device and charger to and from school each day.
Breakfast, lunch, and supper will be offered at no cost (free) to all families this year. Students will be automatically given breakfast, lunch and supper. Updated PGCPS lunch menus will continue to be located at: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition
Hand washing is a critical component to keeping students safe. Have your child practice how to properly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. See Hand Washing- Purple Paint Demo.
School Supply Lists are available on our school website. https://schools.pgcps.org/pointerridge/
Uniforms are not required.
Bus Route information will be available through the Prince George’s County Public Schools Transportation Department website: PGCPS Transportation Route information will be mailed to parents/guardians on August 23, 2021. PGCPS will use the Stopfinder bus app which is available in Google Play and App Store. Review the Stopfinder Help/FAQs.
Communication will be sent weekly via School Messenger. Please update your phone number and email address in SchoolMax to be sure you receive weekly school updates.
Teacher Assignments will be available in SchoolMax in the coming days. This information is not available yet. If you need access to the SchoolMax Family Portal, please send an email request to Mrs. Vaughan at cvaughan@pgcps.org.
Before and After School Extended Learning Programs is now Vendor Managed Child Care Programs (VMCCP). Pointer Ridge Elementary is designated for Champions. For more information, please contact Sarah Mayes at 848-220-4223 or Smayes@Discoverchampions.com. Please complete the pre-registration link if you are interested .
First Day of School Reminders:
Ensure your child knows how they will travel to and from school each day. It is important to start a routine on the first day of school. For example, if your child is a bus rider then we highly recommend they ride the bus on the first day of school.
As a reminder, there is no parking permitted directly at the curb in front of the school. The bus lane must remain open to busses only.
Access to Pointer Ridge is by appointment only. All school visitors must have proper, state-issued identification to access our building. The Main Office will not schedule any appointments after 3pm.
Mark your calendars:
September 3, 2021 - Student Orientation (In-person, Kindergarten and First Grade only)
September 8, 2021 - First Day of School
September 23, 2021 - Back to School Night (virtual) 6:00 p.m.
September 16, 2021 - No School, Yom Kippur Holiday
October 1, 2021 - No School for Students, Professional Development Day
We look forward to a productive partnership. We understand that families may have some concerns about returning to school. It is important to know it’s ok to be nervous and you are not alone. Please review the articles for Managing Anxiety and communicate any specific concerns about your child that we should be aware of so that we can prepare. ■ Managing Your Own Anxiety During School Reopening (Parents) ■ Managing Anxiety for Return to School (Children)
We are very excited for the start of the 2021 – 2022 school year. We will continue to communicate with you on a daily basis to enhance our collaborative efforts, advance student achievement, and continue with our motto… Above and Beyond. We look forward to seeing you very soon.
Educationally,
Jamila McIntyre
Jamila McIntyre
Acting Principal