Woodridge ES Community Letter
August 5, 2025
Greetings Woodridge Elementary School Community,
I hope that you and your families are enjoying the summer and staying safe. The start of a new school year is a very exciting time! The staff and I are excited about the teaching and learning that will happen for the 2025-2026 school year. It is truly an honor to serve my fifth year as principal of Woodridge Elementary School and my 21st year as an educator.
PGCPS Focus
This year the school district will focus on Aligning for Impact: Culture, Clarity & High Expectations.
Impact is the effect that we have on our school communities. We want to make a positive impact on our students and the school community.
Culture sets the tone. We want to create environments where staff and students feel belonging, safety and purpose.
Clarity directs the work. We want to establish a common language, clear expectations and simplified priorities.
High Expectations drive student success. We want to hold a shared belief that all students can and will achieve.
School Vision, Mission, Motto & Core Values
Our school vision:
“At Woodridge Elementary, we will develop global thinkers and lifelong learners.”
Our school mission:
“Through collaboration and shared responsibility, the Woodridge Elementary School Community will set high expectations, build character, and promote diversity and inclusion.”
Our school motto: “Dream, Believe, Achieve!”
To fulfill our school’s vision and mission, we need the help of the entire Woodridge Elementary School Community to hold firm to our core values:
We want our school community to dream big, believe in themselves and achieve their goals… “Dream, Believe, Achieve!”
School Hours
Staff Members
I am pleased to announce the newest additions to our staff:
I am very excited to be working with such amazing individuals. I am expecting great things this year!
Here are some important events and dates so please mark your calendars.
Virtual "Meet & Greet" for New Students & Families
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Parent Orientation
Meet the Teacher Day
On Monday, August 25th, we will have our "Meet the Teacher" Day from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Parents and students can meet their child's teacher(s), visit the classroom, receive free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last) and other items for families. There will be community resources and music. Feel free to bring the following donations for the classroom: tissue, Lysol/Clorox wipes and Ziplock bags with a seal. We have already received an abundance of hand sanitizer so you do not need to donate this item.
Back to School Night
On Wednesday, September 3rd, we will have an in-person Back to School Night. The time frame for grades PK-2 is 6:00-6:45 p.m. The time frame for grades 3-5 is 7:00-7:45 p.m.
School Fundraiser: Chuck E. Cheese
On Friday, September 5th from 4-9 p.m. we will have a school fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese in Largo, MD. The school will receive 20% of the profit. Please try your best to attend and support our school and our students. Money raised will support incentives and rewards for students. School staff and leadership will be in attendance.
School Website
Please visit the school website (https://www.pgcps.org/schools/woodridge-elementary) to be informed about the following items:
Our goal is to continue to increase community and family engagement and build trust with students, families and the community. Please know that we are here to support you and your children because we are a team. We are excited to see our students on August 26th. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Mrs. Gilbert, the principal, at tamara.gilbert@pgcps.org. We look forward to working with you! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Respectfully,
Tamara Gilbert, Proud Principal
