Parent Handbook

PGCPS Vision

Our vision paints the image of a premier educational environment that values the rich uniqueness of who we are as we develop and equip life-long learners, leaders, empowered proponents of justice and prosperous communities to thrive in the global society:

A culturally responsive district developing distinguished learners, leaders, voices of social justice, and advocates for humanity for the world of today, tomorrow, and beyond. 

PGCPS Mission 

Our mission defines our purpose and the scope of our work. It communicates why we exist and what we hope to contribute to society:

Provide a transformative educational experience anchored by excellence in equity – developing 21st century competencies and enabling each student’s unique brilliance to flourish in order to build empowered communities and a more inclusive and just world.  

PGCPS Motto 

Where Children Matter! 

PGCPS Core Values 

Our core values articulate our key beliefs about students, learning, stakeholder responsibility, and the elements necessary to achieve equity and excellence in education: Students are our priority and all students can achieve at high academic levels. Families, students and educators share the responsibility for student success. High expectations inspire high performance. All staff share the responsibility for a safe and supportive school environment contributing to excellence in education. The support of everyone in our community is essential to the success of our schools and students, and this success enriches our community. Continuous improvement in teaching, leadership and accountability is the key to our destiny.

Ardmore Elementary School’s Vision 

Ardmore Elementary School is the education citadel, which catapults future career professionals  into a global society. Through our academic program, we ensure students in grades Pre-K through fifth receive thorough cross-curricular indoctrination, grounded in unpacking all  lesson elements necessary to build a full-bodied understanding of core courses.  

Ardmore Elementary School assures all stakeholders of our academic concentration in student  writing expertise, accentuated vocabulary, literary comprehension, as well as extended  mathematical awareness. Beyond the basic facts, our students are connecting with real world applications, transcending their formative elementary years.  

Ardmore Elementary School’s Mission 

Ardmore Elementary School provides opportunities for high student achievement through elevated parental involvement, retaining highly qualified educators, instruction, and maintaining a respectful air among all stakeholders inspiring a safe and orderly environment.  

“Invigorating the Educational Spirit" is our creed! 

Ardmore Essentials 

School Colors: Blue and White 

School Mascot: The Anchor 

School Motto: Stay Anchored in Education 

School PBIS Values: Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Responsible

Ardmore Elementary School’s Pledge 

I pledge today to do my best 

In reading, math, and all the rest. 

I promise to obey the rules 

In my class and in the school. 

I will respect myself and others too. 

I will expect the best in all I do. 

I am here to learn all I can, 

To try my best to be all I am.

Ardmore Elementary School’s Philosophy Statement 

As educators, we believe all students have the right to a quality educational program that will  develop them into becoming productive citizens in our community. We believe that students should have a well-organized and well-structured academic program that will build strong  academic preparation, social and interpersonal skills, and esthetic appreciation for the performing  arts. We believe the education of all students is not confined to the school alone. The home, the  community, and other institutions must play important roles to ensure all students are academically  and socially prepared to become lifelong learners. To provide the best education possible for every student, there must be full participation and collaboration between the school, community, parents,  teachers, students and administrators.

Ardmore Elementary School Staff Roster

Administration 

Special Education / ELD Teams 

Instructional Staff

Instructional Specialists 

Building Engineers 

Cafeteria Staff

School Days & Closures

• Arrival - 7:10 AM
• Dismissal - 1:40 PM

School Closure and Changes in School Hours 

In cases of inclement weather conditions or other local emergencies, the PGCPS Superintendent or designee will make decisions regarding school hours. These decisions concerning early morning closings are generally made prior to 6:00 AM. Radio and television stations within the Washington Metropolitan area will provide an announcement. This information may also be  accessed on the Prince George’s County Public Schools web page at www.pgcps.org. Parents  can sign up to receive emails about delayed openings and early closings at Emergency Notifications, School Closings and Delays. When schools are closed early or all day, all evening  activities are canceled, and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other  public or private organizations. 

Delayed Openings: Delayed openings will be either one or two hours. 

• One-hour delay – Students will arrive at 8:10 AM. 
• Two-hour delay – Students will arrive at 9:10 AM.

Early Closing 

Early closing decisions are made by the Superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools. This information will be posted on the county website and televised on local television stations. 

Early Dismissal 

The school day will end for students at 11:00 AM. 

Visitors

For the safety of our students and staff, all visitors MUST enter the building through the main entrance and report directly to the main office. Visitors are not permitted throughout the building without a Guest Pass. 

Attendance

• Attendance

Please click here to access the PGCPS Attendance Policy (Student Attendance, Absence, and  Truancy AP 5113)

• Tardiness 

Instruction begins each day at 7:30 AM. The beginning of the day is extremely  important for students and teachers. When a student arrives late, the class and teacher are  inconvenienced and the late student is unaware of instructions that have already been given.  Arriving on time is a lifelong habit that we work to instill in all of our students. Parents,  please make every effort to have your child arrive to school on time.

• Absence 

When your child is going to be absent, parents are asked to send a message via email, Class Dojo, or Google Classroom to your child’s teacher informing of  the absence reason. In addition, parents must complete and submit the mandatory attendance form using the following Absence Reporting link. Following an excused lawful absence, teachers will coordinate with the parent to review missed assignments  and develop a timeline for submitting missed assignments. 

• Absence for Illness

Attendance is crucial. If a child is not present, he/she cannot learn. However, we understand that illness may arise and children may not feel well. In the event your child is not feeling well, or is extremely uncomfortable from other symptoms, please allow them to rest and recover to ensure they are well and able to attend school. If any flu-like symptoms are noticeable, please DO NOT send the child to school.

• Student Early Dismissal

Student early dismissal ends at 1:15 P.M. for appointments. Parents will not be permitted to sign students out after 1:15 P.M.

Student Rights and Responsibilities 

The basic policy of the Board of Education regarding student conduct and discipline is found in The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (SRRH). All personnel in the Prince George’s County Public Schools use this document as they work with children. At the start of  the school year, our Professional School Counselor will review the Student Rights and  Responsibilities Handbook with all students to make connections with appropriate behavior. We will align these standards to our PBIS school-wide interventions and Ardmore Anchor's characteristics to ensure this information is shared with students in a manner  in which they can easily understand and access.

The staff at Ardmore Elementary School works with students in a positive manner to ensure that  they understand that rules are established so that everyone can learn and function in a safe  environment. Staff members will communicate with parents on problems that a child may  be having with discipline. Parents are encouraged to provide as much support as possible. It is  vital for students to realize that school personnel and parents are partners working together for  their successful educational experience.

Student Rights

Prince George’s County Public Schools does not discriminate in admissions, access, treatment or  employment in its programs and activities based on race, sex, age, national origin, religion, or  handicapping conditions. Ardmore Elementary respects the rights of students and will ensure that  all students will be treated equally and fairly. Student rights are outlined in the Student  Rights  and Responsibilities Handbook (SRRH):  

• A free public education in a safe learning environment where high standards are  stressed.
• Freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.
• Due process of academic, attendance, and disciplinary measures. 
• Inspect, review, and seek to amend educational records. 
• Access to prevention and intervention programs. 

Student Responsibilities 

Along with rights come responsibilities. Please review these responsibilities with your child: 

• Know and obey all school rules, regulations, and expectations.
• Attend school each day prepared and ready to learn.
• Work to your full potential in all academic and extracurricular activities.
• Obey instructions from all school employees in a positive manner.
• Ask questions to ensure understanding.
• Dress according to PGCPS / Ardmore’s dress code.
• Accept responsibility for actions.

*To view the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook (SRRH) in its entirety click here. 

General School Guidelines 

*Please review these expectations with your child. 

• Cell phones MUST be turned off upon entering the building and should remain off during the instructional day.
• Teachers may request the use of cell phones for instructional purposes ONLY.
• Show respect for others.
• Show respect for learning materials: books, technology, manipulatives, and learning supplies. Vandalism is unacceptable and may result in monetary cost for repairs.
• Arrive at school on time, prepared, and ready to learn.
• Cooperate when working in small or large groups.
• Follow the directions of all school personnel.
• Use of proper language and good manners when engaging in conversation with the class, peers and adults.   
• Only appropriate items for instruction should be brought to school. Toys should only be brought when the teacher permits. Toy weapons are not acceptable.

Birthday Parties / Celebrations

Individual student birthday celebrations are not permitted. All birthday celebrations must be conducted by parents during non-school hours. Pre-K and Kindergarten classes are allowed to share store bought cupcakes/treats in the classroom for birthdays with advance notice to teachers who will get approval from administration. Students who cannot participate because of religious or other considerations are to be excused to another teacher without embarrassment. 

Bullying/Conflict Resolution 

Based on national, state, and local interest, all students at Ardmore Elementary School will be educated on bullying, online/cyber bullying, and conflict resolution. Through classroom social and emotional lessons, students will learn strategies to handle conflicts. If a student is experiencing difficulty, the Professional School Counselor, School Based Therapist, and classroom teacher will be available to assist. At times, situations may require the attention of the Principal or Administrative designee. Following a thorough investigation of the situation, they will determine next steps on a case-by-case basis using guidance from the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook.

Uniform Policy

Uniforms will be required throughout the school year. Please visit our school's website for more information. Click here: School Uniform. Students who are not dressed appropriately will receive parent notification. If  students continue to disregard the dress code, parents will be contacted by Ardmore’s administration to further address the issue. 

Portable Communication Devices 

Students are allowed to be in possession of Portable Electronic Devices (PED). However,  students may not use such a device in a manner that will disrupt the learning environment. If a PED is not used in accordance with Administrative Procedure 5132,  administration will ask Parent / Guardian to secure the device. The school is not responsible  for such devices if they are lost, stolen or damaged. Additional information can be found in  the SRRH and Administrative Procedure 5132. 

Computer Technology 

Students using Ardmore/PGCPS issued technology must adhere to the following guidelines:

• No illegal activity
• No “chat rooms” or “chat lines”  
• No internet sites that promote activities or opinions inappropriate to a school setting (as  determined by a staff member)
• No use of equipment for commercial or social purposes
• Must not impede network operations
• Must not interfere with others’ work or use another’s account
• Must not misrepresent one’s own identity
• Must not disclose one’s identity on the internet

 Books and Materials 

In addition to using Chromebooks, students may receive textbooks and other educational resources. It is  important that students care for their learning tools to ensure instructional availability. When students are not using textbooks and learning tools, they should be in a safe place to avoid loss and damage. Parent partners, please help your students care for their learning tools and textbooks. 

 Homework 

Teachers assign homework on a daily basis to be completed at home. These assignments may be learning activities and projects related to instruction presented within the school day as well as assignments students need additional time to complete. The purposes of at-home learning tasks is to reinforce, supplement, and enrich work done in the classroom, provide for individual interests, promote competency in skills and content learning, help students to manage time effectively, apply acquired knowledge, and enable students to use a variety of sources of information.  At the beginning of the school year, teachers will share additional information about homework expectations. 

*Homework Suggestions to Promote Positive Homework Habits:

Parent Partners are encouraged to help with homework – ask prompting questions, give a  hint, circle areas that your child should review, and celebrate effort and job well done. Parent Partners should not complete assignments for students. This is not beneficial and does not support learning.

Homework Habits:

• Students should write down their daily homework assignments.
• Work in a quiet space.
• Set a specific time for assignment completion. 
• Write questions about the learning, misunderstandings, and wonderings.
• Check assignment for accuracy. 
• Put forth your best effort.

Reporting Student Progress 

The success of learning is highly dependent on the  home-school connection. It will be important that Parent Partners and Educators have an open line of communication. Research has shown that this positive relationship has significant benefits for students. Each quarter, student progress will be reported through a mid-quarter progress report and quarterly report card. Parents will also have a scheduled Parent Teacher Conference in November. If you have questions about your child’s progress, please contact your child’s teacher. In addition to communication  with the teacher, all parents have access to their child’s grades via the ParentVUE Guide. 

Report Cards 

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is committed to providing our students with an  educational program based on instructional practices that are rooted in educational research and support student achievement. To support these efforts and establish a system where assignments  and assessments both inform and drive instruction, we provide an accurate measurement of a  student’s academic achievement. Our grading system incorporates an equitable grading practice in every content area to ensure all learners’ academic success is measured with fidelity. 

All students will receive graded assignments and feedback on work submitted. Parents should  check Canvas, Google Classroom, Class Dojo, and Student Information System (SIS) frequently to monitor student  progress and teacher feedback. If you have questions regarding grades or feedback on  assignments, you should contact the teacher for additional information. The grades collected on  assignments, will be used to inform progress reports and report cards.  

• Teachers will collect a minimum of two grades per week for elementary content areas depending on the number of sessions. 
• Assignments will remain the same weight: class work (50%), homework (10%), and assessments (40%). Students receive a letter or numerical grade based upon assignment completion. 
• Teachers will share additional information about grading and reporting at the start of school.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 

• PR - Proficient. The student can demonstrate indicators independently at 90 -100% accuracy. 
• IP - In Process. The student can reliably demonstrate indicators at 80 - 89% accuracy.  
• EM - Emerging. The student demonstrates indicators with assistance at 70 - 79% accuracy. 
• ND - Needs Development. The student demonstrates indicators at or below 50 - 69% accuracy. 

Grades 2 – 5 

• A - Excellent progress at the level of instruction indicated 90 - 100% accuracy.
• B - Above Average progress at the level of instruction indicated 80 - 89% accuracy. 
• C - Average progress at the level of instruction indicated 70 - 79% accuracy. 
• D - Below Average progress at the level of instruction indicated 60 - 69% accuracy.
• E - Unsatisfactory progress (failure) at the level of instruction indicated below 60% accuracy.
• I - Incomplete. An “I” grade may be used for elementary students who have been lawfully absent from school and have not had an opportunity to make up missed work in a timely  manner.

In accordance with PGCPS Policy, students in grades 2nd - 5th will receive Honor Roll for a Grade  Point average of 3.0 or higher with no grade lower than a C and Principal’s Honor Roll for a  grade point average of 4.0. Students with A’s and B's will receive  A/B Honor Roll.

Recess 

At scheduled times during the school day, students will have recess for twenty-five minutes. The purpose of the twenty-five minutes recess is to provide a wellness break. Recess is an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and prepare for afternoon learning. Students are not allowed to bring toys from home for recess. All playground equipment will be provided by the school. The use of cell phones during recess is strictly prohibited.  

Food & Nutrition Program

Meals are free for all students regardless of meal benefit status for school year 2025-2026. The website for the meal benefits application https://www.pgcps.org/offices/food-and-nutrition/free-and-reduced-meals 

Parent Involvement 

Communication 

The success of our students highly depends on the home-school connection. It is important that Parent Partners and Educators have an open line of communication. Research has shown that this positive relationship has significant benefits for students. If you need information, have questions, or concerns, feel free to call the school. If you need  additional support during the week, please email the staff member directly, using the staff roster on our website. The best way to communicate with a teacher is via email. If you email a teacher you should expect a response within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Due to the demands of the  instructional day, teachers will respond to emails between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, 2:00 PM and  2:30 PM, and as they are able during their planning period.  

Parent Engagement during Instructional Time

Classroom visitation provides parents with an opportunity to observe the great things happening  within the educational setting. To limit distractions, parents must inform teachers of their plans to visit the classroom. A twenty-four hour notice is required for all visits. The classroom visit is for observation purposes. It is not the time to have a parent/teacher conference. Also, please refrain from other disruptions such as using cell phones, being unmuted, talking, and asking questions.

Prince George’s County Public Schools Learning Tools.

What tools will my child(ren) be using? 

• Canvas 

Teachers will be posting announcements, resources and assignments in Canvas. 

• Clever 

Clever contains links to the tools, websites and online textbooks that students use  frequently in school. Students access Clever with their PGCPS login information. Your  child’s teacher will indicate which tools to use. 

• Google Chrome 

Google Chrome is the recommended way for students to access the Internet while doing  their schoolwork. Students should login to Google Chrome using their PGCPS Mail account to access their information easier. 

• G Suite 

G Suite is a group of tools available to all K-12 students that includes Google Mail,  Google Drive and editing tools such as Google Docs and Google Slides. Teachers may  assign work by way of these tools. 

• WebEx  

Similarly to Zoom, Cisco WebEx is an American company that develops and sells web  conferencing and videoconferencing applications. 

PBIS Behavior Matrix 

Ardmore staff and students must follow our PBIS Behavior Matrix (found below) when instructionally engaged. 

Ardmore Elementary School’s Learning Behavior  Matrix Resilient Ardmore Anchors Are Rooted In The 3-R’s”  READY, RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE

ARDMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK 

PBIS Matrix Incentives 

Students who adhere to the BEHAVIOR MATRIX will receive  positive incentives such as: 

1. Anchor Bucks 
2. Class Dojo Points 
3. Karaoke Party 
4. Free Homework Pass 

PBIS Matrix Consequences 

Students who do not adhere to the Behavior Matrix will receive appropriate  consequences such as: 

1. Student/Teacher Conference 
2. Orange Reflection Card 
3. Parent/ Teacher Conference 
4. Administrator/Parent Conference