Principal's Corner
August 1, 2023
Dear Mighty Bulldog Scholars and Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I hope that you all are having an amazing summer filled with many memorable moments with friends and family. Can you believe we only have 21 days until the start of the new school year...the start of school is fastly approaching!
It is with great enthusiasm that I officially welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year where our student friendly theme is “Superheroes: Unlock the Power from Within.” Our motto will continue to be One School, One Team, Making a Difference while ensuring Academic Excellence and Achievement for All, Every Scholar, Every Class, Every Day!
Our goal this year is to leverage our data so that we may fully understand who our scholars are, their specific needs and identify the proper strategies to use which will improve teaching, learning and scholar achievement as we prepare ALL of our scholars for college, careers, and life. Gone are the days where students merely memorize and “do math” or read and recall facts. Students must be able to deeply analyze text, weigh sources of information, and cite evidence. The knowledge and skills that are required in the Maryland College and Career Ready (MCCR) Standards and rigorous instruction used by our teachers will prepare our students for the colleges and careers of tomorrow. I have high hopes for what our students will be learning and accomplishing this year, but their success depends on your partnership with their teachers and the school; we are One School, One Team, Making a Difference!
We look forward to welcoming our Mighty Bulldog families and hope that everyone can join us on August 25, 2023 for our SY24 Sneak-A-Peek at Your Seat (Orientation)-parents can bring in school supplies and leave them in the classroom (reducing the items needed to bring on the first day of school). We can not accommodate extended family during Orientation (up to 2 parents per scholar may attend). This is a great opportunity to meet the teachers and locate your scholar(s) classroom. NOTE: Only scholars will be permitted to enter the building on the first day of school. Parents will not be permitted to leave their cars/approach the building (normal drop off and pick-up procedures will be followed–click here for arrival/dismissal plan). Please make sure to follow all directions provided by BES staff daily to ensure the safety of our scholars and efficiency of our arrival/dismissal processes.
The mission at Brandywine Elementary School is to provide scholars a top-notch educational experience in which academic excellence and academic achievement is the focus every day and in every classroom! We will utilize the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards as our guide in grades K–5. This rigorous curriculum requires scholars to problem solve and think critically with a focus on literacy across content areas. Parents play a vital role in the academic success of our scholars; therefore, school/parent communication is crucial.
We ask that you continue to support us and your child’s learning by ensuring that he/she:
- Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready to learn (by 7:45am)
- Completes all classwork and homework assignments (on time)
- Reads daily to improve literacy skills and develop a love for reading
- Engages in open dialogue with you daily about his/her school life
- Advocates for additional support in any area/subject
- Understand that both parents and teachers expect the scholar to give 100% each day in order to succeed in school and become college and career ready.
I believe that all of us – the school and the community – must work together in an extended family environment to ensure success for all our scholars. I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to empower scholars with the creative, intellectual, and decision-making skills necessary for them to become academically, socially, and emotionally successful. As our partner in education, I am asking each parent/guardian to ensure that each of our scholars have an area set aside at home which is conducive to studying and learning as we work together to ensure all of our scholars are successful.
With that in mind, you are invited to be an active participant at Brandywine Elementary School. Whether you are a volunteer, a member of the PTA or member of one of our school communities, you are encouraged to be involved! Research clearly denotes that parent participation in their child’s schooling coincides with a greater likelihood of academic success for their child. Please plan to join us for our SY24 Back-to-School Night on September 13, 2023 from 6:00pm-7:00pm.
It is our desire to keep you informed of all that is taking place at BES. Our primary form of communication will be ClassDojo–you must be connected and check regularly. Up-to-date and additional information will be sent to you through our email distribution list and will appear on our ClassDojo/web page and/or newsletters. If you have questions or concerns that arise at any time, please do not hesitate to contact the teacher via Dojo/email/phone or call the main office. I look forward to having a long and rewarding relationship with you and your family and thank you for your partnership in reaching our goals.
I hope you continue enjoying your summer break. Encourage your scholar to read daily and study their math facts. Throughout the year, we will provide you with monthly online newsletters. We will begin the school year focused on our mission and vision, invigorated by our scholars, and working to build a positive partnership with all parents. We are looking forward to seeing all of our scholars, IN FULL UNIFORM, at 7:30am on August 28, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact us at (301) 372-0100.
I appreciate and value your partnership and look forward to working with you this school year.
One School, One Team, Making a Difference
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Unique Hunter-Blake
Mrs. Unique Hunter-Blake, Principal
The Brandywine Elementary School