Dora Kennedy French Immersion
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Founded in 1985 by Dr. Dora Funari Kennedy (1921-2009), Dora Kennedy French Immersion is a magnet school located in Greenbelt, Maryland. It is a lottery-based specialty program serving students in grades K-8. The school is one of the oldest French immersion schools in the United States. The school was originally called Robert F. Goddard French Immersion School. In 2014, the school’s name was changed to Dora Kennedy French Immersion in honor of our founder, a long-time Maryland educator. Dr. Kennedy served as a teacher for many years and became the president of the Maryland Foreign Language Association and an executive member of the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages. She founded the National Museum of Language in College Park, MD and became the first foreign language supervisor in the county’s school system.
In 2014, the school was awarded the esteemed designation of being a National Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a national and state program that recognizes and honors elementary, middle, and high schools that exhibit high performance and/or significant improvement in student achievement and reducing the achievement gap for disadvantaged students as well. All DKFI core subjects are taught in French beginning in kindergarten. In second grade, the curriculum begins to incorporate English instruction. In seventh grade, Russian becomes an academic requirement. Our teachers include mostly native French speakers from all over the world, including Morocco, France, and Cameroon. In the past, our students have received top honors in the Diplome d’Etudes en Langue Francaise, a certification of competency in French from the French Ministry of Education. This year, our school is celebrating a rich legacy of 39 years of French education. As proud parents of Dora Kennedy French Immersion we are committed to working with the school’s administration to carry the torch of excellence into the future for our community of learners. DKFI QUICK FACTS: PRINCIPAL: James A. Spence, II DKFI Website: schools.pgcps.org/dorakennedy SCHOOL COLORS: Red, Blue & White SCHOOL MASCOT: Toussaint, le Cardinal PTA PRESIDENT: Pilar Snowden PTA MOTTO: Plusieurs Quartiers, Une Communauté (Many Neighborhoods, One Community) PTA Website: www.dkfipta.org GRADES: K-8 |
In this guide, you will find:
History of DKFI Welcome Letter from PTA President Administration Contact Information PTA Contact Information Things to Do Prior to the First Day Testing for Kindergarten & First Grade Navigating French Immersion General School FAQs In-School Volunteers & Chaperones Helpful Links Car Rider Drop Off & Pick Up (Map) |
Welcome Letter from PTA President
Bienvenue new families!
On behalf of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), I am delighted to welcome you to the Dora Kennedy French Immersion (DKFI) School.
We’ve created this guide to support new parents as they familiarize themselves with the immersion program.
This guide will provide you with a cursory overview of how to navigate some of the most used tools in the PG county school system as well as introduce you to some of the nuances of the immersion program. From learning how to navigate new school apps, or even tracking your child’s school bus route, our goal is to ensure that all new parents feel empowered to advocate for their children as early as possible.
We recognize that DKFI parents have invested time into securing their children a place in this program. It is our hope that you continue this level of engagement as your student progresses through the program. Let’s not only be intentional in getting here but let us be intentional in ensuring our and all children’s success!
We invite you to lean-in and begin to acclimate yourself with the information provided in the guide. Once again, DKFI PTA is excited to have you join us and for you to see the impact that we can all have in the DKFI community as we work together. We encourage you to get involved in any way that works best for you. I am certain you and your student(s) will find this experience rewarding. I invite you to send questions/concerns to [email protected].
Plusieurs quartiers, une communauté!
Pilar Snowden
PTA President
[email protected]
On behalf of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), I am delighted to welcome you to the Dora Kennedy French Immersion (DKFI) School.
We’ve created this guide to support new parents as they familiarize themselves with the immersion program.
This guide will provide you with a cursory overview of how to navigate some of the most used tools in the PG county school system as well as introduce you to some of the nuances of the immersion program. From learning how to navigate new school apps, or even tracking your child’s school bus route, our goal is to ensure that all new parents feel empowered to advocate for their children as early as possible.
We recognize that DKFI parents have invested time into securing their children a place in this program. It is our hope that you continue this level of engagement as your student progresses through the program. Let’s not only be intentional in getting here but let us be intentional in ensuring our and all children’s success!
We invite you to lean-in and begin to acclimate yourself with the information provided in the guide. Once again, DKFI PTA is excited to have you join us and for you to see the impact that we can all have in the DKFI community as we work together. We encourage you to get involved in any way that works best for you. I am certain you and your student(s) will find this experience rewarding. I invite you to send questions/concerns to [email protected].
Plusieurs quartiers, une communauté!
Pilar Snowden
PTA President
[email protected]
School Administration Contact Information
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James A. Spence II, Principal
[email protected] Sandrine Boukabara, Assistant Principal [email protected] Aby Koundoul, Academic Dean [email protected] Peter Mills, Testing Coordinator [email protected] Dr. Neirouz Mills, Reading Intervention Specialist [email protected] |
Cristina Kallon, Principal's Secretary
[email protected] Lee Wright, Registrar [email protected] Sarah Chung, Guidance Counselor [email protected] Rachele Donohue, Guidance Counselor [email protected] |
PTA Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dkfipta.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RGFIPTA
PTA Board Members
Pilar Snowden, President
Benity Sewell, Vice-President, Middle School
Matene Okoye, Vice-President, Elementary School
Kristan Skendall, Treasurer
Romie Duvert, Secretary
Website: www.dkfipta.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RGFIPTA
PTA Board Members
Pilar Snowden, President
Benity Sewell, Vice-President, Middle School
Matene Okoye, Vice-President, Elementary School
Kristan Skendall, Treasurer
Romie Duvert, Secretary
Getting Started: Things to Do Prior to the First Day of School
Locate your Student ID #
Register for a ParentVue Account
Obtain Computer Log-In & Password
Obtain Student Gmail Log-In Information
Access Your Child’s Google Classroom
Add Money to Your Child’s School Bucks Account
Meals are paid directly on My School Bucks which can be accessed at www.myschoolbucks.com.
Arrange Before and After Care
PGCPS has selected vendors for Before and Aftercare programs. The assigned vendor for the 2024-2025 school year for DKFI is Sanbridge Early Learning Center. Please visit the link
www.pgcps.org/offices/early-learning-programs/vendor-managed-child-care-programs
to access FAQs about the program including: When can I register/ How can I register?
Things to note:
Contact PGCPS Tech Support for Device and Log-In issues:
Help Line: 301-925-2874
Tech Support
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Student ID# _________________________________________
Computer Log-In _________________________________________
Computer Password _________________________________________
GMAIL Log-In _________________________________________
GMAIL Password _________________________________________
ClassDojo Class Code _________________________________________
Download Important Apps onto your phone:
PGCPS is using the StopFinder mobile app to allow parents, guardians and caregivers to view information about their child’s bus schedule, and to receive notifications about where the bus is. Parents can track multiple buses and find out exactly when children arrive at school or home. Parents can customize settings in the app to receive push notifications alerting them when the bus is near or advising of a delay or schedule change.
How to Get Started: The StopFinder school bus app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Families must have an up-to-date email address in ParentVUE to activate the subscription. If a family's email address in ParentVUE is not current, the app will not work as the student schedule will not populate.
Please note that parents and guardians must set up a geo alert within the app to receive notifications about where the bus is and when it is near. Instructions on how to set up StopFinder can be found here: www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation/stopfinder
This app can be downloaded from your app store. Teachers use this app as a method to send announcements and information to parents. Request the class code from your teacher to register.
- Your child’s student ID was issued when you registered with Prince George’s County schools. You will need their student ID to log onto ParentVue which is where you will access their grades.
Register for a ParentVue Account
- Please see General School FAQs section for important information regarding ParentVue.
Obtain Computer Log-In & Password
- Contact your classroom teacher for the Login and password.
- You will use this log-in and password to access email and log onto your PGCPS issued devices.
Obtain Student Gmail Log-In Information
- Go to the PGCPS homepage at www.pgcps.org.
- Select the link to Gmail at the top of the screen or go directly to gmail.pgcps.org.
- Enter the same username and password you use to log on to a PGCPS-issued computer.
Access Your Child’s Google Classroom
- Log in to the Google Chrome internet browser then access Google Classroom by signing into your PGCPS email.
- Click on the Google Classroom App Launcher in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
- Click on the Google Classroom icon.
- Join your teacher’s Google Classroom by clicking on your teacher’s name.
Add Money to Your Child’s School Bucks Account
Meals are paid directly on My School Bucks which can be accessed at www.myschoolbucks.com.
Arrange Before and After Care
PGCPS has selected vendors for Before and Aftercare programs. The assigned vendor for the 2024-2025 school year for DKFI is Sanbridge Early Learning Center. Please visit the link
www.pgcps.org/offices/early-learning-programs/vendor-managed-child-care-programs
to access FAQs about the program including: When can I register/ How can I register?
Things to note:
- Historically, Before and Aftercare at DKFI has not been conducted in French. Unless this year's vendor makes changes, if you are seeking care that includes French language, you should explore other options.
- The number of persons seeking these services usually is greater than the number of slots available. Be proactive in pursuing this opportunity.
Contact PGCPS Tech Support for Device and Log-In issues:
Help Line: 301-925-2874
Tech Support
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Student ID# _________________________________________
Computer Log-In _________________________________________
Computer Password _________________________________________
GMAIL Log-In _________________________________________
GMAIL Password _________________________________________
ClassDojo Class Code _________________________________________
Download Important Apps onto your phone:
PGCPS is using the StopFinder mobile app to allow parents, guardians and caregivers to view information about their child’s bus schedule, and to receive notifications about where the bus is. Parents can track multiple buses and find out exactly when children arrive at school or home. Parents can customize settings in the app to receive push notifications alerting them when the bus is near or advising of a delay or schedule change.
How to Get Started: The StopFinder school bus app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Families must have an up-to-date email address in ParentVUE to activate the subscription. If a family's email address in ParentVUE is not current, the app will not work as the student schedule will not populate.
Please note that parents and guardians must set up a geo alert within the app to receive notifications about where the bus is and when it is near. Instructions on how to set up StopFinder can be found here: www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation/stopfinder
This app can be downloaded from your app store. Teachers use this app as a method to send announcements and information to parents. Request the class code from your teacher to register.
Helpful Websites and Program Contacts
By becoming a member of the PTA, you will be able to connect with other parents and guardians build community, and advocate for your child. Membership also grants you access the PTA calendar of events and timely communications about school issues. You will also be placed on the PTA email list, which will ensure that you get event reminders, and receive emails and text messages from the PTA.
PTA Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/RGFIPTA
PG County Language Immersion Programs Office
offices.pgcps.org/immersionprograms
Phone: 240-455-5899 / Twitter: @PGCPSImmersion
Jane M. Tarwacki, Supervisor
[email protected]
PTA Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/RGFIPTA
PG County Language Immersion Programs Office
offices.pgcps.org/immersionprograms
Phone: 240-455-5899 / Twitter: @PGCPSImmersion
Jane M. Tarwacki, Supervisor
[email protected]
Testing for Kindergarten and First Grade
Students at DKFI take several tests during their time in the immersion program -- both state-mandated and French immersion-specific assessments. The information below outlines tests taken during kindergarten and first grade. State-mandated tests are administered in English. A description of DELF, a French language efficiency exam that you must opt-in for your child, is also included here. This test is introduced in second grade.
Acronyms:
DELF - Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française
DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment
KRA - Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
OLSAT - Otis–Lennon School Ability Test
SLO - Student Learning Objectives
Kindergarten Assessments Timeline:
KRA - September
SLO Pre-test - September
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
First Grade Assessments Timeline:
SLO Pre-test - September
OLSAT TAG ID - November
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
Test Descriptions
DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française)
The DELF is a test given by the France Ministry of Education around the world to people who study French but are not native French speakers. The test includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing sections. People who pass the test receive the DELF diploma. At DKFI, 2nd graders take the A1 level; 4th graders take the A2 level. Typically, most DKFI students pass the DELF exams and receive DELF diplomas the following year.
Subjects: French proficiency (2nd & 4th graders)
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
The DRA is a standardized reading test used to determine a student's instructional level in reading. The DRA is administered individually to students by teachers and/or reading specialists. It identifies a student’s reading level, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Students read a selection (or selections) and then retell what they have read to the examiner. For more details, visit the Scholastic website.
Subjects: Reading (K-2nd grades)
KRA (Kindergarten Readiness Assessment)
The KRA measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that children should be able to demonstrate at the start of kindergarten. All items can be administered by the teacher using a test administration manual, but 17 of the items are also available through an App which allows students to select responses using a tablet or computer device.
Subjects: Math, English language arts, Social Foundations, Physical Well-Being, and Motor Development (Kindergarten ONLY)
OLSAT (Otis–Lennon School Ability Test)
The OLSAT is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with several different types of verbal, non-verbal, figural, and quantitative reasoning questions. Schools commonly administer the OLSAT for admissions into gifted and talented programs.
Subjects: Verbal comprehension, Verbal reasoning, Pictorial reasoning, Figural reasoning, and Quantitative reasoning (1st & 3rd all; 2nd, 4th & 5th if new to PGCPS)
SLO (Student Learning Objectives)
The SLO is defined in the state of Maryland as “A specific, rigorous, long-term goal for groups of students that educators create to guide their instruction and administrative efforts.” Teachers develop SLOs at the beginning of the interval of instruction (unit, quarter, or semester) and identify the targeted amount of growth their students will make during this interval, with guidance from the content supervisor and building administrator if needed. Subjects: Any subject (K-8th grades)
Acronyms:
DELF - Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française
DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment
KRA - Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
OLSAT - Otis–Lennon School Ability Test
SLO - Student Learning Objectives
Kindergarten Assessments Timeline:
KRA - September
SLO Pre-test - September
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
First Grade Assessments Timeline:
SLO Pre-test - September
OLSAT TAG ID - November
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
Test Descriptions
DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française)
The DELF is a test given by the France Ministry of Education around the world to people who study French but are not native French speakers. The test includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing sections. People who pass the test receive the DELF diploma. At DKFI, 2nd graders take the A1 level; 4th graders take the A2 level. Typically, most DKFI students pass the DELF exams and receive DELF diplomas the following year.
Subjects: French proficiency (2nd & 4th graders)
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
The DRA is a standardized reading test used to determine a student's instructional level in reading. The DRA is administered individually to students by teachers and/or reading specialists. It identifies a student’s reading level, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Students read a selection (or selections) and then retell what they have read to the examiner. For more details, visit the Scholastic website.
Subjects: Reading (K-2nd grades)
KRA (Kindergarten Readiness Assessment)
The KRA measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that children should be able to demonstrate at the start of kindergarten. All items can be administered by the teacher using a test administration manual, but 17 of the items are also available through an App which allows students to select responses using a tablet or computer device.
Subjects: Math, English language arts, Social Foundations, Physical Well-Being, and Motor Development (Kindergarten ONLY)
OLSAT (Otis–Lennon School Ability Test)
The OLSAT is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with several different types of verbal, non-verbal, figural, and quantitative reasoning questions. Schools commonly administer the OLSAT for admissions into gifted and talented programs.
Subjects: Verbal comprehension, Verbal reasoning, Pictorial reasoning, Figural reasoning, and Quantitative reasoning (1st & 3rd all; 2nd, 4th & 5th if new to PGCPS)
SLO (Student Learning Objectives)
The SLO is defined in the state of Maryland as “A specific, rigorous, long-term goal for groups of students that educators create to guide their instruction and administrative efforts.” Teachers develop SLOs at the beginning of the interval of instruction (unit, quarter, or semester) and identify the targeted amount of growth their students will make during this interval, with guidance from the content supervisor and building administrator if needed. Subjects: Any subject (K-8th grades)
Navigating the French Immersion Program
French Immersion FAQs
What classes will be taught in French?
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are taught in French. Students receive approximately one hour of English Language Arts every day from grades 2-8.
What are the language proficiency goals for the students?
Studies have shown that students achieve an intermediate low level of proficiency by 2nd grade, intermediate mid by 5th, intermediate high by 8th, and advanced mid by 12th grade.
How will my child learn to read in English?
Because your child will be in a totally French immersive environment, if your child is not an English reader when they begin school, they may read French before reading English. English language arts instruction is not introduced to students until 2nd grade. It is vitally important that you read regularly to your child in English and encourage English reading acquisition at home. See “Tips for Reading” for more info.
What can I do to support French language continuity at home?
Exposing your child to French language through music and television is a great way to ensure that your child is hearing French at home. Many streaming services, including Netflix, have programs that are in French. Conversely, you can change the language settings to have programs streamed with French audio. French language posters for beginners that can be purchased are a great reference for your students to review topics such as numbers, days of the week, colors, months of the year, etc. Games such as Spot It!, Kloo, and Bananagrams are available in French editions.
Are homework assignments translated into English for parents?
No - homework assignments are not translated into English. The homework that students receive in kindergarten and first grade should be extensions of work that is done in class. While parents are encouraged not to help with homework, Google Translate does allow you to understand the assignment. However, teachers know the proficiency level of their students and assign work that is appropriate for their comprehension level. Providing your student with Google Translate answers will be detrimental to their learning and will easily be detected by the teachers.
What if my child is not thriving in the French immersion program?
Teachers and administrators constantly assess your student’s progress and provide support to encourage your child’s development. If you are concerned with your student’s progress, parents should proactively schedule a comprehensive review by the end of second grade to determine if your child should continue in the French immersion program.
What classes will be taught in French?
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are taught in French. Students receive approximately one hour of English Language Arts every day from grades 2-8.
What are the language proficiency goals for the students?
Studies have shown that students achieve an intermediate low level of proficiency by 2nd grade, intermediate mid by 5th, intermediate high by 8th, and advanced mid by 12th grade.
How will my child learn to read in English?
Because your child will be in a totally French immersive environment, if your child is not an English reader when they begin school, they may read French before reading English. English language arts instruction is not introduced to students until 2nd grade. It is vitally important that you read regularly to your child in English and encourage English reading acquisition at home. See “Tips for Reading” for more info.
What can I do to support French language continuity at home?
Exposing your child to French language through music and television is a great way to ensure that your child is hearing French at home. Many streaming services, including Netflix, have programs that are in French. Conversely, you can change the language settings to have programs streamed with French audio. French language posters for beginners that can be purchased are a great reference for your students to review topics such as numbers, days of the week, colors, months of the year, etc. Games such as Spot It!, Kloo, and Bananagrams are available in French editions.
Are homework assignments translated into English for parents?
No - homework assignments are not translated into English. The homework that students receive in kindergarten and first grade should be extensions of work that is done in class. While parents are encouraged not to help with homework, Google Translate does allow you to understand the assignment. However, teachers know the proficiency level of their students and assign work that is appropriate for their comprehension level. Providing your student with Google Translate answers will be detrimental to their learning and will easily be detected by the teachers.
What if my child is not thriving in the French immersion program?
Teachers and administrators constantly assess your student’s progress and provide support to encourage your child’s development. If you are concerned with your student’s progress, parents should proactively schedule a comprehensive review by the end of second grade to determine if your child should continue in the French immersion program.
Words and Phrases to Teach Your Child During the First Quarter
When your child enters DKFI, they will be completely immersed in the French language. For many students, this will be their very first school experience. Combined with the introduction of a foreign language, this environment can be overwhelming for some. In order to help acclimate them to their new reality, practicing some common words and phrases can be helpful in overcoming some of the anxiety associated with beginning kindergarten. Below are some of the common words that they will hear and need to be able to communicate (asking for the bathroom is a good phrase to practice!).
Bonjour / Hello
Quel est ton nom? / What is your name?
Je m’appelle / My name is
Comment ça va? / How are you?
Ça va bien / I am well
Je suis malade / I am sick
Aux toilette s’il vous plait! / To the bathroom please!
Asseyez-vous s’il vous plait / Sit down please
Merci / Thank You
Au revoir / Goodbye
TIPS FOR READING
The most important foundation for reading is established before your child goes to school. There is nothing more important that you can do for your child than to establish a love of books and an appreciation of the written word. Expose your child to English and French reading material as often as possible. Use a variety of genres (i.e., newspapers, comic books, fiction, and non-fiction). Discuss content with your child and encourage verbal feedback. Model reading to show that books can be a form of entertainment as well as a source of information. Libraries and Book Clubs are an excellent source for obtaining quality reading material. Parents can assist their child in learning how to locate information and resources which will support their learning.
There are several differences between French and English pronunciation that might be most obvious as you read along with your child:
Students are highly motivated to read in English. Children will find it easier and must be encouraged to read in French. It is easy to transfer the reading strategies and skills between the two languages due to their similarities.
Bonjour / Hello
Quel est ton nom? / What is your name?
Je m’appelle / My name is
Comment ça va? / How are you?
Ça va bien / I am well
Je suis malade / I am sick
Aux toilette s’il vous plait! / To the bathroom please!
Asseyez-vous s’il vous plait / Sit down please
Merci / Thank You
Au revoir / Goodbye
TIPS FOR READING
The most important foundation for reading is established before your child goes to school. There is nothing more important that you can do for your child than to establish a love of books and an appreciation of the written word. Expose your child to English and French reading material as often as possible. Use a variety of genres (i.e., newspapers, comic books, fiction, and non-fiction). Discuss content with your child and encourage verbal feedback. Model reading to show that books can be a form of entertainment as well as a source of information. Libraries and Book Clubs are an excellent source for obtaining quality reading material. Parents can assist their child in learning how to locate information and resources which will support their learning.
There are several differences between French and English pronunciation that might be most obvious as you read along with your child:
- consonants are essentially the same
- there are significant differences between the sounds of the vowels
- h is always silent in French
- an s at the end of a word, to indicate the plural, is silent
- qu sounds like k (not kw as quiet)
- th is pronounced t
- ch is pronounced like the English sh
- i is pronounced like the long English e (see)
- ou in French always sounds like troop (not out)
- oi sound like wa in wash
- au and eau have the long o sound (go)
- ez has the long a sound (say)
- accents change the sounds of vowels
- è sounds like the short English e (peck)
- é sounds like the long a sound (say)
- <ê sounds like the short English e (peck)
- ç sounds like the s sound (sand)
- stress falls on the last sounded syllable (tapi sounds like tap-ee)
- when a word begins with a vowel (or a silent h), it is usually joined with the last consonant of the preceding word – it will sound as though your child is reading one word instead of two
Students are highly motivated to read in English. Children will find it easier and must be encouraged to read in French. It is easy to transfer the reading strategies and skills between the two languages due to their similarities.
General School FAQs
One of the main resources that we ask you to utilize as a parent is the Prince George’s County Public School’s (PGCPS) website. PGCPS provides a wealth of information to help answer your questions and point you in the right direction. The web address for PGCPS is: www.pgcps.org
What is ParentVue and why do I need access to it?
ParentVue is an electronic student information system used by Prince George’s County Public schools. It allows you to view your child’s attendance, grades, assignments, report cards, discipline incidents, and other information. It is important to consistently track your student’s progress via this site. ParentVue also allows you to sign-up for PGCPS alerts and school alerts.
How do I get access to ParentVue?
You can register for ParentVue via this link: ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians
If you are unable to register, you may email the school’s registrar, Ms. Wright, directly at [email protected].
How do I sign up for PGCPS alerts?
You can navigate to the PGCPS website here: SchoolMessenger
Who do I contact if I have a question about bus transportation?
Bus transportation updates for the 2024-2025 school year can be found here: www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation/transportation-updates. If you have questions about transportation, you should contact your bus lot. Information can be found here: Transportation
What do I do if I have an issue with a teacher?
We encourage all parents to contact their teacher directly. Let them know your concerns and try
to resolve the issue. If you are unable to do so, please contact the Assistant Principal, Madame Sandrine Boukabara. She will assist you. Her email address is [email protected].
How do I pay for meals for my student?
Meals are paid directly on My School Bucks which is located here: www.myschoolbucks.com
Where would I find the grading policy for PGCPS?
The grading policy is located here: www.pgcps.org/offices/curriculum-and-instruction/grading-and-reporting
What is the benefit of joining a PTA?
The PTA provides parents and teachers with a way to share their experience and knowledge about children. PTA members support public education and work to improve children’s health and safety. PTAs speak on behalf of children–who can’t effect change for themselves–at local, state and national government levels. We work independently to promote the welfare of children in local schools and communities. We work together with the principal, superintendent, school board and other community leaders to make sure your concerns are heard and needs are met.
What is the cost of PTA membership?
It costs $15 a person or $25 per family, paid annually, to join the PTA.
How do I donate materials to the school? How do I donate money to the school to support teacher programs/supplies?
Contact Mme Cristina Kallon ([email protected]) for classroom/school monetary donations. For donating supplies, contact the teacher or school to see if the supplies are needed.
How can I volunteer at the school?
You must complete the process of getting a background check with fingerprinting. The school or specific teachers may request parent volunteers for certain activities. You can read about the process and the requirements that must be in place before you volunteer here: www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer
What should my student do if their email has been hacked?
Send an email directly to your student’s teacher and include Monsieur Philip Held and administration on the email. His email address is [email protected].
My student has an IEP. How do I ensure my student receives the help and support they need?
Speak with your student’s teacher and contact the Special Education Office:
Gustave Biaka / [email protected]
What is ParentVue and why do I need access to it?
ParentVue is an electronic student information system used by Prince George’s County Public schools. It allows you to view your child’s attendance, grades, assignments, report cards, discipline incidents, and other information. It is important to consistently track your student’s progress via this site. ParentVue also allows you to sign-up for PGCPS alerts and school alerts.
How do I get access to ParentVue?
You can register for ParentVue via this link: ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians
If you are unable to register, you may email the school’s registrar, Ms. Wright, directly at [email protected].
How do I sign up for PGCPS alerts?
You can navigate to the PGCPS website here: SchoolMessenger
Who do I contact if I have a question about bus transportation?
Bus transportation updates for the 2024-2025 school year can be found here: www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation/transportation-updates. If you have questions about transportation, you should contact your bus lot. Information can be found here: Transportation
What do I do if I have an issue with a teacher?
We encourage all parents to contact their teacher directly. Let them know your concerns and try
to resolve the issue. If you are unable to do so, please contact the Assistant Principal, Madame Sandrine Boukabara. She will assist you. Her email address is [email protected].
How do I pay for meals for my student?
Meals are paid directly on My School Bucks which is located here: www.myschoolbucks.com
Where would I find the grading policy for PGCPS?
The grading policy is located here: www.pgcps.org/offices/curriculum-and-instruction/grading-and-reporting
What is the benefit of joining a PTA?
The PTA provides parents and teachers with a way to share their experience and knowledge about children. PTA members support public education and work to improve children’s health and safety. PTAs speak on behalf of children–who can’t effect change for themselves–at local, state and national government levels. We work independently to promote the welfare of children in local schools and communities. We work together with the principal, superintendent, school board and other community leaders to make sure your concerns are heard and needs are met.
What is the cost of PTA membership?
It costs $15 a person or $25 per family, paid annually, to join the PTA.
How do I donate materials to the school? How do I donate money to the school to support teacher programs/supplies?
Contact Mme Cristina Kallon ([email protected]) for classroom/school monetary donations. For donating supplies, contact the teacher or school to see if the supplies are needed.
How can I volunteer at the school?
You must complete the process of getting a background check with fingerprinting. The school or specific teachers may request parent volunteers for certain activities. You can read about the process and the requirements that must be in place before you volunteer here: www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer
What should my student do if their email has been hacked?
Send an email directly to your student’s teacher and include Monsieur Philip Held and administration on the email. His email address is [email protected].
My student has an IEP. How do I ensure my student receives the help and support they need?
Speak with your student’s teacher and contact the Special Education Office:
Gustave Biaka / [email protected]
In-School Volunteers & Chaperones
- Background clearance required, contact the PGCPS Background Unit at 301-952-7831.
- Training required, contact the Office of Compliance.
- Volunteer website: www.pgcps.org/offices/ograc/volunteer
VOLUNTEERS & CHAPERONES Must: (The process takes approximately 3 weeks to complete.)
- Undergo a fingerprint check - at least 15 business days in advance of volunteer activity.
- Undergo a Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance - at least 15 business days in advance of volunteer activity.
- Complete the three (3) required SafeSchools training modules each academic school year – at least 15 business days prior to engaging in volunteer activity.
- Provide a copy of the fingerprint receipt with the CPS stamp to the school to keep on file.
- Upon completion of the three (3) SafeSchools trainings, you will receive a Completion Certificate. Please provide a copy of all three (3) certificates to the school. These certificates will be maintained at the school for that current academic school year. Therefore, each academic school year (August – June) this process will need to be repeated. Again, SafeSchools training certificates are only good for one academic school year.
Appendix
QUICK LINKS to the resources you’ll need!
Car Rider Drop Off and Pickup Map
K-2 car riders (and older siblings of K-2 car riders) are dropped off at the Greenbelt Road entrance of the school.
K-2 car riders (and older siblings of K-2 car riders) are dropped off at the Greenbelt Road entrance of the school.
