September Newsletter
The Patuxent-Appeal Elementary School Judy Center Early Learning Hub
Appeal Elementary School
11655 HG Trueman Rd
Lusby, MD 20657
443-550-8077
Website: Judy Center - Patuxent Appeal Elementary (calvertnet.k12.md.us)
Dear Judy Center Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are so excited to welcome you and your little ones back to the Judy Center! We have been working hard to plan another year filled with learning, play, family connections, and support for our wonderful families.
With a new school year comes a few changes to how we will be offering our programs. We know that changes can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we want you to know that our goal is to make these changes work for our families while continuing to provide as much support and as many opportunities as possible.
Our New Playgroup Schedule
To give more families the opportunity to participate and to make sure we have enough space and materials for everyone, families may attend one Playgroup per week.
Here is our updated schedule:
Cruisers
Every Tuesday
10:00–11:00 AM
Tummy Time
Once a month on Thursday
10:00–11:00 AM
Preschool Playgroup
Every Friday
10:00–11:00 AM
We encourage families to choose the Playgroup that works best for their families. We can't wait to play, learn, and grow with you and your little ones!
Imaginarium "Pizza & Play"
We know how much our families enjoy spending time together at the Imaginarium! To help us continue offering this special experience, Pizza & Play will now take place every other month.
We will offer one evening session from 5:30–7:00 PM, giving families an opportunity to enjoy an evening of play, pizza, and connection together!
Continuing Our Diaper Support
We are happy to continue providing diaper support to our Judy Center families. For us to continue offering this important resource, families receiving diaper support will be asked to actively participate in Judy Center activities and opportunities throughout the year.
Participation can include attending Playgroups, Family Nights, Imaginarium events, picking up an Activity Kit, or participating in other Judy Center opportunities.
Our goal is not to make things harder for families. We simply want to make sure our resources are supporting families who are connected and participating in the many opportunities the Judy Center has to offer. Your participation also helps us show the impact our program is making in our community so we can continue providing these valuable resources.
Can't Make It to Playgroup? We've Got You!
We understand that mornings don't work for every family. Work schedules, appointments, transportation, and everyday life can sometimes make it difficult to join us in person.
That's why we will be offering Family Activity Kits for families who aren't able to attend our morning Playgroups. These kits will include fun, hands-on activities that families can enjoy together at home while staying connected to the Judy Center.
Even when you can't be with us, we want you to feel like you're still part of our Judy Center family!
We Are Still Here for You!
We understand that all these changes may feel a lot at first, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we make these adjustments. Please know that these changes are being made with our families in mind.
Our schedule may look a little different, but our hearts and commitment to our families have not changed. We will continue doing everything we can to provide resources, learning opportunities, family activities, support, and connections for you and your little ones.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family's journey. We are so excited for another year of playing, learning, growing, and making memories together!
Thank you,
Miss Jenn & Your Judy Center Team
PAC Judy Center
Family Night at the Solomons' Library!
September 25, 2026
5:30pm - 7pm
Solomons Library
Join us for a fun family night at the library!
Registration required. Register here: Family Night at the Solomons' Library! September 25, 2026 5:30pm - 7pm Solomons Library – Fill out form
Wednesday September 16, 2026
5:30 - 6:30pm
TEAMS online
Join us for Meals with Mayea, a fun and interactive virtual cooking class designed for families! Together, we'll explore simple, delicious, and healthy recipes that everyone can enjoy making at home. Mayea will guide you step-by-step through each dish, sharing cooking tips, tricks, and ways to get kids excited about helping in the kitchen.
This month's recipe is Ramen Noodle Skillet!
The PAC Judy Center will provide ingredients to confirmed registrants. Ingredients will be available for pick up at the Judy Center prior to the event. Once your registration has been confirmed by a Judy Center staff member, you will be sent a link to join online and details regarding ingredient pickup times and dates.
Registration is required. Register here: Meals with Mayea September 16, 2026 5:30 - 6:30pm – Fill out form
Friday September 18th & 25th, 2026
10am - 11am
On September 18th we will have Sing & Swing after so playgroup will be from 10am - 11:30
Join us at The Judy Center for some fun! We will have free play, story time, a craft, and enjoy a nutritious snack.
Due to space, we will be limiting groups to 10 children per playgroup. Thank you for understanding.
Registration required. Register here:
September 18th: Friday September 18 Preschool Playgroup Sing & Swing 10am - 11:30am – Fill out form
September 25th: Friday September 25 Preschool Playgroup 10am - 11am – Fill out form
Tuesday September 15th, 22nd, & 29th, 2026
10:00am - 11:00am
This playgroup is for children ages 13 month - 2 years old.
We will focus on free play, music and movement, and sensory activities.
Kids Art Skool will be visiting our playgroup on September 29th so dress for mess!
September 15th: September 15 Cruisers Playgroup 10:00 - 11:00 am – Fill out form
September 22nd: September 22 Cruisers Playgroup 10:00 - 11:00 am – Fill out form
September 29th: September 29 Cruisers Playgroup 10:00 - 11:00 am – Fill out form
Thursday September 17, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am
**This playgroup will be for ages 0-13 months.**
Spend a relaxing hour with your baby while enjoying the company of other parents! Fun activities include Infant Massage techniques and developmentally appropriate activities, plus you will receive a free book to build your child's home library, or a developmentally appropriate toy.
Registration is required. Register here: Tummy Time September 17, 2026 10am – Fill out form
Thursday September 24th, 2026
10:00 - 11:30 AM
A 1-hour interactive support group to learn the benefits of mindful parenting, deep breathing, journaling, how to handle tough moments with a clear mind, and so much more.
**Children are welcome🙂**
Registration is required. Register here: Mindfulness & Me (Mindful Moms) 10:00am - 11:30am PAC Judy Center – Fill out form
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of several products designed for infants and children. Stop using the products listed below and keep them away from children. More details about each of the product recalls can be found using the links provided. Find more recalls at cpsc.gov.
- Vevor Retractable Baby Gates
- Tubby Tots Fizzy Flask Bath Magic Bath Foam Set
- Christmas-Themed Magnetic Chess Games
- Trankerloop Baby Bath Sets
- Magnetic Chess Games
- Bicystar High Chairs
- Grtard Magnet Stick Figure Men Toy Sets
- TheKiddoSpace:
- Children's Story Books
- Print and Cursive Handwriting Kits
- Fingerpainting Kits
- Reusable Water Balloons
- Children's Flashcard Talking Toys
- Children's Montessori Egg Toys
- LED Soccer Hover Balls
- Peg Dolls in Cups Toys
- Children's Sensory Swing
- Children's Christmas Tree Toy Play Sets
- Zelbuck Magnetism Ball Game Toys
- Joyreal Busy Board Toys
- Concord 360 Degree Rechargeable Light-Up Bike Helmets
- Evajoy 48-Inch and Taller Above-Ground Pools
Parents can enter the Healthy Families program prenatally or before a baby is three months old. Family Support Workers partner with parents to help build a nurturing relationship between parent and child, provide information on how children develop, and suggest ideas for activities for parents to engage with their child. Services are provided where it is most convenient for the participant – usually at home.
Healthy Families Participants receive:
- Connection to needed services such as help with food, housing, medical, education and training so that parents can focus on themselves and their children.
- Information on how children develop and learn.
- Materials and ideas for activities to do with children to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
- Knowledge and skills to help parents prepare children for success in school.
- Support for parents with children up to age 5.
Home Instruction of Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
Support through Healthy Families can continue until a child is age three and eligible for the HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program. Parents of children ages 2-4, not already enrolled in the Healthy Families Program, may be eligible to enroll in HIPPY. The HIPPY Program continues to focus on supporting parents through home-visiting but with an emphasis on school readiness.
HIPPY Home Visitors meet parents weekly for 30 weeks providing the HIPPY curriculum, books and educational materials. Parents are trained to use the curriculum and educational materials with their child, supporting the parent’s ability to be their child’s first teacher. The curriculum provides activities for parents to do for 15-20 minutes daily for five days. The suggested activities include language/literacy, math, science and motor activities.
For more information:
Learning begins at home HIPPY | Home Instruction for Parents and Preschool Youngsters (hippyus.org)
Infants and Toddlers is birth to age 3 years of age and provides an array of early intervention services for children and their families birth to the age of three. Children, birth through the age of three, who are experiencing a developmental delay, or who have an established condition or disability are eligible. Early intervention services are family-centered, functional and based on individual family routines and activities. Services may include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Special Instruction, Audiology, Family Counseling and Training and Vision Services. The goal of the Calvert County Infants and Toddlers Program is to provide family-centered support and services to infants and toddlers with delays/disabilities to help them reach their potential and be prepared for school.
The Calvert County Infants and Toddlers Program (ITP) serves children birth through two years of age who reside in Calvert County and meet state eligibility requirements. Services are provided year-round at no cost to families. If your child is found eligible, the Infants and Toddlers Program (ITP) can target the following areas:
- Cognition
- Communication
- Social/Emotional
- Self-help
- Fine Motor
- Gross Motor
- Hearing
- Vision
To be eligible for our program, children must have a 25% delay in at least one area of development (cognitive, communication, social-emotional, self-help, fine & gross motor), atypical development, or a high probability of delay due to a diagnosed medical condition. Services offered:
- Audiology
- Family Counseling/Training
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Special Instruction
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Vision Services
Services are provided in home, community, or center-based settings depending on the needs of your family and child. Sessions are scheduled with your individual service provider(s) Monday through Friday.
Infants and Toddlers - Calvert County Public School District
Are you concerned about your young child’s development? Do you think your child has difficulty with movements, talking, understanding, learning, socializing, playing, or eating?
For more information, contact one of the following programs.
Infants and Toddlers Program (Birth to 35 months) Call 443-550-8405 for a developmental evaluation or visit the website at: Infants and Toddlers Program - Calvert County Public School District (calvertnet.k12.md.us)
Child Find (35 months to 5 years/prekindergarten) Call 443-550-8373 for a developmental evaluation or visit the website at: Child Find - Calvert County Public School District (calvertnet.k12.md.us)
SMILE is located at 10290 H.G. Truman Rd in Lusby. SMILE offers various services to its community.
You Must Register to Receive SMILE Services
- SMILE Food Pantry
- SMILE Thrift Store: Children of registered clients may be eligible to receive a seasonal clothing allotment.
- SMILE Thanksgiving Basket Distribution
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Help to Avoid Foreclosure
HOW TO REGISTER TO BECOME A SMILE CLIENT
A current SMILE ID card must be presented to receive any SMILE services, including the Food Pantry, Thrift Store, and Emergency Services.
To obtain a SMILE card, you must register at the SMILE Thrift Store during its normal hours of operation
What to Bring to Register for SMILE services
The following information is required at the time of registration:
– Description or explanation of need
– Proof of residency in SMILE’s service area (zip codes: 20615, 20629, 20657, 20676, 20685, and 20688). Please be prepared to show one of the following that shows your address: a copy of a mortgage bill, lease agreement, SMECO or Comcast bill, etc.
– Proof of Identification (Driver’s license or other State ID)
Once registered, you will receive a SMILE ID card which is good for 6 months. You must renew and update your registration every 6 months. A current SMILE ID card must be presented whenever asking for any SMILE services, including the Food Pantry and Thrift Store, and when requesting Emergency Services.
Are you in need of clothes for your child or baby supplies? Make an appointment to visit Judy's Closet to see what we have available. We have clothes ranging from Preemie and up. We also have baby blankets, bottles, jackets, hats and gloves.
Email Cecily Crawford PAC FSW at crawfordc@calvertnet.k12.md.us to make an appointment
- All families currently receiving assistance from the Calvert Diaper Bank will be required to reapply.
- Changes have been made to qualifying requirements.
- Families in need of diapers will need to contact the Diaper Bank each month to set up their pickup date and time.
- Diaper Bank contact Cecily Crawford by phone at 443-550-8082 or via email at: crawfordc@calvertnet.k12.md.us
PLEASE NOTE:
- We are unable to serve walk-ins. Appointments only.
- You must contact the diaper bank via phone or email to ensure that we have sizes in stock.
- This is a monthly service, we cannot provide diapers more than once per family, per month.
- The Diaper Bank is a donation-based program and as such, our sizes and availability vary. We do not guarantee diapers will be available.
Did you know that the Judy Center is a hub for the Maryland Diaper Bank? The diaper bank provides support to families across Calvert County. Maryland Diaper Bank participants will receive 50 free diapers and a set of wipes each month. There are qualifications to be able to access the diaper bank. To see if you or another family qualifies, please contact Cecily Crawford at crawfordc@calvertnet.k12.md.us
🚩Just a reminder that the Judy Center follows all CCPS closures and delays 🚩
CCPS, the Judy Center and the Diaper Bank will be closing 2 hours early on the following date(s):
September 16, 2026
CCPS, the Judy Center and the Diaper Bank will be closed on the following date(s):
September 7, 2026 - Labor Day
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development, we would love to help.
Need a referral to outside agencies or clothing/food/financial assistance? Please feel free to contact us.
Karen Jordan
Judy Center Multi-Site Program Coordinator
Phone: (443) 550-8083
Email: Jordank@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Jennifer Bendfeldt
Judy Center Program Coordinator
Phone: (443) 550-9697
Email: bendfeldtj@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Cecily Crawford
Family Service Worker
Phone: (443) 550-8082
Email: crawfordc@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Christina Herrick
Judy Center Multi-Site Administrative Assistant
Phone: (443) 550-8077
Judy Center programming is developed with funds from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood
The content and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Maryland State Department of Education.