Parent Resources
Important resources and helpful links for Kettering parents and guardians
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Welcome new and returning families to the 2023-2024 school year! We are excited about welcoming our entire community to a year where teaching and learning equals success. We are Kettering Strong!! Through our school’s mission of Care, Respect, and Trust, our students will learn and grow through engaging and high quality instruction. Parents, you are our partners and our student’s success depends on you ensuring that they complete assignments, eat a nutritious meal and get a good night's rest. With your continuous support, our students will definitely demonstrate growth.
Thank you for your collaboration during the 2022-2023 as we updated our vision and mission statements. Throughout this year, you will be asked to share your input on whether we are meeting our goals or if changes are needed.
Vision Statement (Long Term Goal) - The vision at Kettering Elementary School is to prepare and empower our students for a globally changing society by instilling in them critical thinking skills, reasoning and a respect for core values of honesty, perseverance, and compassion. Also, to foster curiosity by encouraging a deeper understanding of the world and their role in it.
Mission Statement (Short Term Goal) - To build a community of care, respect, and trust that enables students to learn and grow through engaging and high quality instruction. To achieve our mission we will provide:
- Rigorous and differentiated instruction
- Inclusive and nurturing learning community
- Meaningful learning experience that is engaging and fun
Important Information:
Parent Communications
There are several methods to stay informed at Kettering. Please ensure that you have signed up. You can also retrieve these sites on the Kettering website as well.
- Join Kettering Elementary on ClassDojo >> Click Here!
- Follow us on Twitter @KESCougars
- To follow our Facebook Page >> Click Here!
- Website >> Click Here!
- PGCPS Text Messages and Alerts (weather, school closing, etc.) >> PGCPS School Messenger
Breakfast and Lunch
>>Breakfast and lunch are free to all students at Kettering Elementary this school year.
Kettering is now a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.
What does it mean for our school?
>>Breakfast and lunch are free to all students.
>>More nourished students to improve academic performance.
>>Meal benefit applications are not collected for students enrolled in CEP schools.
>>All students enrolled in CEP school are entitled to all benefits and services afforded to students who are eligible for free meals.
>>Students will be required to use their lunch account PIN# number for meal service.
Bottled Water
PGCPS Environmental Office has tested our school for Lead in Drinking Water according to the Maryland Department of the Environment COMAR 26.16.07. These results indicate that the drinking sources that are currently working in our school are safe for consumption by staff and students. As a result of these findings bottled water delivery service will be discontinued for Kettering. Students may continue to bring a bottle of water to school.
Schoolmax Family Portal
If you have not done so, please log into your Schoolmax Family Portal and ensure your information is correct. If the data is incorrect in the system, you will not receive the necessary updates or be able to access student passwords, grades, etc. Directions for creating a Family Portal account can be found at SchoolMAX Family Portal. Need help? Visit SchoolMAX Support for Parents and Guardians.
Chromebooks
Newly enrolled students to Prince George’s County will receive a chromebook on the first day of school. Students who previously received a chromebook should continue to use the one assigned to them. Current students in need of chromebook support, please email the teacher on the first day of school or during the orientation. Students are expected to bring their chromebooks to school daily.
School Uniforms
Kettering Elementary has a MANDATORY uniform policy. Many studies have shown that schools where students wear uniforms have significantly fewer discipline problems and student referrals. If students are allowed to be out of uniforms for any reason, parents will be notified. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
- Light Blue, White, Navy collared Shirt or Polo
- Navy Blue pants or shorts – Girls may also wear Navy Jumpers or skirts
- Navy blue, black or white sweater is permitted during the school day
Black belt
- All tennis shoes, sandals, crocs, etc. must have a strap around the back of the student’s foot. Open toe shoes are not permitted.
First Day of School
On the first day of school, grades Kindergarten through Third Grade will enter through the cafeteria and be guided by KES staff. Pre-Kindergarten, Fourth and Fifth Grade students will enter through the side door where the teachers will be waiting to greet them in the classroom. Bus Riders and Van Rider students will enter through the front door and receive assistance from our staff. Parents will be allowed to escort grades Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade on the first day only.
During afternoon dismissal, please have your ID available. The students will be dismissed from the following locations:
- Pre-Kindergarten will be dismissed from their classroom door
- Kindergarten and First Grade will be dismissed from the cafeteria
- Second Grade will be dismissed from the Second Grade door (follow the posted signs)
- Fourth and Fifth Grade will be dismissed from the side door near the flagpole
- (New) Third Grade students will be dismissed at the door with second grade. This is past the flagpole and Pre-K doors.
Walkers will be dismissed at 1:55 pm. Please note, there may be a delay with dismissal due to buses. Please be patient during the first week. Parents are not permitted in the classroom or building during dismissal. Also, regular dismissal does not occur at the front entrance for parents unless it is an Early Dismissal. Parking occurs on the street and lower parking lot.
Arrival
Arrival time for students is 7:30 am. Please be aware that there is no adult supervision for students who arrive at Kettering before 7:30 am and students will not be permitted to enter the building. For safety reasons, please do not send the students to school early and leave them sitting outside.
Visitation
Visitors are required to make an appointment with the school prior to arrival.
To ensure a safe and secure building, families will not be permitted to walk the students to the classroom. The Classroom Teacher and KES staff will support students during the first week transition.
In order to enter the school building, you will be required to press the buzzer and present a legal picture ID, such as your Driver's License. Only individuals with appointments will be granted access.
Classroom visitations will occur by appointment only for no more than 45 minutes between the hours of 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. Only one visitor at a time and all individuals must be identified on the Emergency Contact form.
Early and Regular Dismissal
Kettering cannot accept verbal changes for dismissal and other matters relating to your child, it must be in writing and given to the school no later than 10:00 am on the day of the needed adjustment with a picture ID. If you email permission, you must scan proof of identity. We will not accept an email as proof without a picture ID.
- Early dismissal will stop at 1:15 pm. For all early dismissals, upon arrival, please ring the doorbell, show ID, and the student will be brought out to you. All students must be signed out by an approved family member. KES will not permit students to leave the building with individuals not identified on the Emergency Contact.
- Regular Dismissal - The dismissal procedures will be shared with families prior to the start of the school year. Your opinion matters as we ensure the safety of the entire KES Community. Please click on the link to share your thoughts and suggestions: KES Dismissal Procedure.
Dismissal Times
- Bus Riders -1:45 pm (Dismissed to the bus)
- Van Riders - 1:55 pm (Dismissed to the van room)
- Walkers (Students who walk directly home. Not picked up) - 1:55 pm
Car Riders - 1:55 pm
Before/After Care Program
Kettering Elementary School is the site of Alphabest Before/After Care Program, which provides care for students from 7:00 to 7:45 am and from 1:55 to 6:00 pm. If you are interested in learning more about the program please call Ms. Taylor at 240-209-0372 or click here.
School Buses
Postcards with students’ bus information for the 2023 - 2024 school year will be mailed out on Monday, August 14th. If you have any questions regarding your assigned bus stop or times, please contact Transportation at 301-952-6570. Kettering does not assign buses, locations, or times. You may locate designated, comprehensive bus stops using the Infofinder tool by entering the home address. Information for the 2023 - 2024 school year will be available beginning on August 18th. Use this link to access Infofinder: https://bit.ly/PGCPSinfoFinderi. For more information, please click on the Transportation Link.
Stopfinder Bus App
PGCPS uses the StopFinder mobile app to allow parents, guardians and caregivers to view information about their child’s bus schedule and where a child’s bus is and to receive notifications about where the bus is. The StopFinder mobile app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Parents/guardians must have an email address on file in SchoolMax in order to be invited to view the students’ bus schedule. Use this link for Stopfinder Help/FAQs: https://stopfinder.com/help/.
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten will be given a vest to ensure they are identified as bus riders and placed on the correct bus. Please return both items daily. If your child loses the vest, there is a $5.00 replacement cost. All vests must be returned at the end of the school year. The vest will be worn daily, to and from school, until June of 2024. Label book bags with the assigned bus number using a permanent marker. In the event that there will be a change at a later date, use tape to write the number on it.
Parents are not permitted to change bus assignments without contacting transportation and meeting with the Secretary I and Assistant Principal. We will place the students on the bus that was assigned by PGCPS, not the parent’s personal choice. Avoid telling the classroom teacher of a bus change, they are not permitted to accept it. All bus changes must be approved by the Department of Transportation. Once an approval occurs, the school will notify the parent and teacher.
Parents/Guardians/Relatives are not permitted to get on a PGCPS bus at any time or for any reason. If you have a question or concern, contact the school or transportation office.
Parking
Parking for morning and afternoon arrival is located in the lower parking lot and street. For the safety of the entire community, cars are not permitted in the upper parking lots from 7:20 - 8:05 am and 1:30 - 2:05 pm.
Students may be dropped off at the designated spot near the second gate (on the left side). Parents are not permitted to exit the vehicles. This is a “Kiss and Go” location.
Parents wishing to walk with their child, check their clothing, have them finish eating, etc., must park in a parking space and walk up.
The parking procedures will remain the same for all weather conditions.
Class Assignments
Class list will be available on the first day of school. KES Staff will assist students with locating their classrooms. Prior to the first day of school, student schedules will be available in the SchoolMax parent portal.
Supply List
Grade Level supply list can be accessed by clicking here.
Medicine and Immunization
No medication will be accepted by school personnel without the receipt of the appropriate “Physician’s Medication Authorization Form” completed by the physician in its entirety without deletion or alteration. Students who are still missing required immunizations will be excluded from school on the first day.
Immunization - No shots, no school! If you have not done so, please make an appointment for routine immunization.
Parent Conferences and Meetings
Parent conferences and meetings will be held virtually unless you request an in-person meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the classroom teacher or an administrator via email. You may also contact the school and your message will be delivered to the appropriate staff member. We will respond within 48 hours of receiving the message.
Volunteer
To learn how you can become a certified volunteer or to begin the process online click here or visit Volunteer website.
Celebrations
All birthday celebrations must be approved in advance. To ensure we are in compliance regarding student allergies and other health related concerns, outside foods are not permitted for distribution to other students. Birthday cakes/cupcakes and home created goodie bags are not permitted. Pizzas can be delivered to the school directly from the company only (arranged in advance). Families may not drop off pizza. You are permitted to send in a box of individually wrapped chips and sweet treats in the original box (such as hostess cakes). Items cannot be removed or separated. It must have the original seal. All celebrations must be pre-approved by the school. Please note, items not delivered in the required method will be returned.
Dates of Interest
- Back to School Virtual Parent Night - Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 6:00 pm
- Orientation Day for all students - Friday, August 25, 2023 (8:45 - 10:45 am)
Please visit Schoolmax for classroom teacher assignment. If you are unable to attend, grade level presentations will be posted.
Once again, welcome back! We are looking forward to a wonderful school year full of successes beyond our dreams.
Sincerely,
Dr. V. Lynch
Principal