August 1, 2023
Dear Parent/Guardian(s),
My wish is that you are having a safe and enjoyable summer with your families and friends. We are looking forward to receiving both you and your young scholar(s) as we partner together to establish a safe, engaging, and rewarding school year. The staff and I welcome and value your positive energy, dedication, and commitment to ensuring that our children reach maximum levels of success. We look forward to building and expanding our collaboration to surpass our expectations.
Our dedicated team of educators and support staff has been working diligently to create an enriching and engaging curriculum that caters to the diverse needs and interests of our students. We are committed to providing a well-rounded education that fosters intellectual growth, social-emotional development, and critical thinking skills. Our teachers have undergone extensive professional development to enhance their instructional practices and utilize innovative teaching methodologies. We are confident that our students will have an inspiring educational experience throughout the upcoming academic year.
We believe that parental involvement is crucial for a child's success in school. We encourage you to actively participate in your child's education and stay connected with us. We will continue to offer countless opportunities for parent-teacher conferences, workshops, and school events to foster a strong partnership between home and school. Our teachers and staff are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have, so please do not hesitate to reach out. We are striving to be a caring community with the common goal of nurturing responsible, caring students and promoting high-level learning.
Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and collaboration. Parental involvement is integral to creating a nurturing and stimulating educational environment. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our students and empower them to reach their full potential.
As we prepare to open our doors and welcome students once again, we wanted to express our enthusiasm for the year ahead and share essential information.
Important Dates
- 9TH GRADE AND NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION will be held in person on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 7:45 a.m.-11:25 a.m. Transportation will be provided. All information regarding bus schedules will be sent directly from the PGCPS Transportation Department. Students must be in FULL uniform.
- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL is Monday, August 28, 2023. All students will report to designated areas (cafeteria or outside courtyard) upon arrival. Staff members will be stationed throughout the building to address concerns.
- BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
- SCHOOL WIDE PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE will take place on Monday, October 9th from 7:30 am – 2:15 pm. (Schools closed for students)
School Information and Other Requirements
- SCHOOL HOURS are from 7:45 a.m. - 2:25 p.m. Students who are not in class at 7:45 am are considered tardy. Arriving after 7:45 will cause your child to miss valuable instructional time due to processing. There are no early dismissals after 1:45 p.m.
- STUDENT IDENTIFICATION: Students are required to wear their IDs around their necks (visible) while on school property. ID pictures will be taken during the first week of school. Students may receive ONLY two temporary IDs (wrist bands) when needed per quarter. Replacement cost for lost or defaced IDs is $5.00, payable via cash, money order, or the My School Bucks platform. A Student Financial Obligation form will be issued to students for each replaced identification card. Students should receive their IDs by the end of September. A student cannot participate in the graduation ceremony if he or she has not fulfilled their financial obligations.
- FALL ATHLETICS - All students should have their community service hours (24) submitted to FHS before participating on an athletic team or extracurricular activities. All students must have earned a 2.0 during the 4th quarter of the previous school year (except incoming Freshmen). Students must submit evidence of a current physical and a signed permission slip. For more information, contact the Athletic Director, Ms. Staves, at makia.staves@pgcps.org or 301-449-4900.
- BUS SCHEDULES will be mailed to you by the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Department of Transportation. Bus information is available by visiting www.pgcps.org. Please review the AM and PM bus numbers and times for your child(ren). If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding your child(ren) transportation, please contact the Transportation Department directly at (301) 952-6570 or transpor@pgcps.org.
- Students are not allowed to remain after school (2:25 p.m.) without their adult tutor/club/team sponsor. Students without an adult sponsor must leave the building at 2:25 p.m.
Significant Policy Changes
- All book bags, backpacks, briefcases, cross-body bags, etc., must be clear, with NO EXCEPTIONS. Personal items may be kept in a small pouch within the clear book bag.
- CELL PHONES ARE ONLY PERMITTED IN CLASS WITH THE TEACHER'S PERMISSION.
- No Outside/Fast Food Deliveries (i.e., UberEats, Door-Dash, Grub-Hub, Carryout, or any other sources of delivery including parents).
- Once students arrive at school, they are not permitted to leave school grounds without parental consent (Under no circumstances). Parents/Guardian must report to the main office to sign out students, and must present appropriate photo ID.
Dress Code
Appropriate Dress Code
- Shirts– Polo or Oxford - solid red, solid navy/royal blue (long or short sleeve) shirts with a collar. T-shirts are not permitted. Tank tops and undershirts should not be visible.
- Pants- Plain tan khaki-colored pants. Shorts (fingertip length), Capri, and cargo pants are permissible. All must be worn on or above the hips.
- Skirts- Plain tan khaki skirts and/or skorts are permissible. Skirts may not be spandex/shape-fitting material. All skirts/skorts must have a minimum length that extends below a student’s extended fingertips.
- Shoes- Must be in styles that have a closed toe and heel. Crocs are allowed, with a secure strap around the ankle.
- Sweaters/Vests- Plain, only solid red, solid navy blue, or solid royal blue sweaters and vests may be worn as pullovers or cardigans. Only solid red, solid navy blue, or solid royal blue sweatshirts (without hoods), quarter zips, and thermals. Any item worn over the uniform for warmth must be solid red or solid blue. Other colors are not permitted.
- Friendly HS Team/Organizations and Club uniforms and/or specialty grade-level shirts with khaki pants may only be worn on specified school-approved days. Hats, Scarves, Ski Hats, Du Rags, Bonnets, or head coverings may not be worn in the building except for religious or health-related reasons only. (An administrative pass is required for any head coverings)
Inappropriate Dress Code
- Midriffs or Making Shirts into Crop Tops.
- See Through Clothing.
- Leggings/Tights/Yoga Pants
- Sweatpants, Jeans, or Ripped Pants
- Head Wraps/Scarfs/Bonnets/Ski Mask or Head Coverings that are not for religious purposes.
- Sandals/Slides/Flip-Flops/Slippers
- Earphones/Headphones
- Jackets/Coats- ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE WORN IN THE BUILDING.
- Hoodies
- Blankets/Throw Covers
It is my hope that we can work together to continue to build a culture of high expectations where everyone will be held accountable for the success of our students. We look forward to a successful and rewarding academic year. Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your child. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. We are here to assist you.
Educationally Yours,
Robin Pope-Brown
Principal
