August 11, 2026
Greetings Barnaby Manor Elementary School Family,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! It is with great excitement that I welcome both our returning families and those joining the Barnaby Manor community for the first time. As I begin my fifth year as principal, I am honored to continue serving this incredible school community and look forward to another year of growth, achievement, and partnership.
At Barnaby Manor Elementary School, we are committed to ensuring high levels of learning for every student through rigorous instruction, meaningful relationships, and a culture of belonging. Our vision is to create a thriving and inclusive learning community where every scholar is empowered to achieve academic excellence, develop strong character, and realize their fullest potential.
This year, our motto, Together We Learn. Together We Lead. Together We Climb., reflects our shared commitment to supporting one another as we continue Climbing to Higher Heights. Together with our families and community, we will provide equitable opportunities that inspire lifelong learners and prepare our Mighty Bear scholars for future success. Over the past four years, our students have achieved double-digit gains in both Reading and Mathematics, and we are excited to continue building on that momentum as we help every scholar reach new levels of success.
Our dedicated staff has spent the summer preparing engaging learning experiences and creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child can thrive. We encourage families to stay connected through our school website, Synergy, and ClassDojo, and we thank you for partnering with us to make daily attendance a priority. Every day counts, and regular attendance plays a critical role in student success.
Whether you are new to Barnaby Manor or returning for another wonderful year, we are grateful to have you as part of our school family. Please take a few moments to review the information included in this packet, as it contains important details to help your family prepare for a successful start to the school year.
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. Students may enter the building at 7:25 a.m., and instruction begins promptly at 7:45 a.m.
We look forward to partnering with you for an outstanding school year!
Together We Learn. Together We Lead. Together We Climb.
Sincerely,
Ashley Conwell
Principal
Here is some important information to help you prepare for the 2026-2027 School Year:
Important Dates To Remember
Orientations for grades PreK, Kindergarten, and new students to BMES will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 10:30 am- 12:30 pm. Students will have an opportunity to visit the school and their classrooms for a brief tour after orientation. PreK at 10:30 AM; K at 11:15 AM; all new students in all other grade levels at 12:00 PM.
All students will return to school on Tuesday, August 25, 2026! Students should arrive at school between 7:25 am - 7:45 am. Setting the right tone is extremely important.
All Grade Levels: Students and parents/guardians will have an opportunity to visit their child’s classroom, meet the teacher, learn about classroom expectations, and receive an overview of the upcoming school year on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Wednesday, September 23, 2026, will serve as the tentative alternative date should the September 16 date need to be adjusted.
First Day of School Procedures
Doors open at 7:25, Parents will be allowed to walk students to class only for week 1
All visitors must exit by 8:00AM on day 1
All visitors must exit by 7:45AM the remainder of the week
School day ends at 1:45PM
School Supplies
The school supplies lists are available on https://www.pgcps.org/schools/barnaby-manor-elementary/parents/school-supplies. They have also been attached to this letter for your review.
Technology
BMES is in-school, cart-based technology system, and we will continue with this model for the 2026–2027 school year. This approach ensures that we have enough devices available for all students each day to support both instruction and testing. If a device needs to be sent home for any reason, a contractual agreement will be sent home and must be signed by the parent or guardian to assume responsibility for the device.
Arrival
Dismissal
Bus Riders
Walkers/Car Riders
Transportation
In light of the continued shortage of bus drivers regionally and nationally, we ask for your patience during the first weeks of school. Please update phone numbers, emails, and emergency contact info in Synergy. Please visit the PGCPS Transportation website for information on how to download the Chipmunk School Bus Tracking App. The app provides families with real-time school bus updates and trip notifications, helping you stay informed about your child’s transportation.
School Hours
Our school hours are 7:30 am to 1:45 pm. Children should arrive at school between 7:25 am and 7:30 am. Breakfast will be available for students from 7:25 am-7:45 am. No child should be left at school before 7:25 am. The school does not provide supervision of children until 7:25 am.
Uniforms:
School Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be offered in all schools. Information on meal prices can be found here along with making payments online to your child’s lunch account. BMES has been identified as a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) School. Breakfast and lunch will be FREE for all students. If needed funds can be deposited in the student lunch account to purchase a la carte items at www.myschoolbucks.com. Student Lunch Accounts Students will receive 6-digit PIN numbers which will remain with them until they graduate
No Shots? No School
Need shots for school? Head to a free immunization clinic in school wellness centers to get up-to-date with vaccinations. Appointments are required. View clinic dates and visit www.marylandvax.org to make an appointment. All students must be in compliance with current immunization requirements. All preschoolers, kindergartners, and first graders through tenth graders must have proof of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or month and year of the illness and 3 doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine. All first time students enrolled in Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade must have a lead certificate completed by a parent or physician where applicable.
