ELC KNOWS

Phone #: 240.776.5804

Fax #: 301.944.1005

Instagram: elc_laplata1

Physical Address:

8730 Mitchell Rd.

Bldg. CL

La Plata, MD 20646

Mailing Address:

5980 Radio Station Rd.

La Plata, MD 20646

Coordinator:

Candice Adam: cvallandingham-adam@ccboe.com

Students enter the building starting @ 9:30am (tardy time: 9:45am)

Students will dismiss @ 4:00pm

WELCOME! We have been adding to our Cub Community every day with new families! Our classrooms are enjoying the new additions and students are doing well with learning the routines of the day!

With new students, please know that bus routes and the car rider line will adjust!

BUS RIDERS: Routes and stop times may adjust if your child's bus received new students. Please keep communicating with your bus driver to see if the bus stop times may adjust

CAR RIDERS: As we receive new students, the car rider line could also get longer. Please see the car rider protocols below. The most important car protocol is not driving around other vehicles unless a staff member gives you the signal to do so. I know that sometimes we have places we need to be, but hitting a person would be horrible - PLEASE keep a SAFETY FIRST mindset when picking up and dropping off.

2 Hour Early Dismissal - This Thursday, Sept 24th

Students will start dismissing at 2pm!

Cub Community Circle - Virtual Parent Meeting

Friday, Sept. 25th, at 3pm. Please see the info section below for the link. A flyer was sent home with your child with a QR code to join. Topic this week: Learning Through Play!

NEEDS ASSESSMENT:

Thank you for our parents who filled out the Needs Assessment! Since we are getting more families, I am keeping the link in the newsletter. New Families: please help us guide our Cub Community parent meeting by filling out the Needs Assessment using this link 👉PARENTS - We Want Your Input! – Fill out form.

OPEN HOUSE - Wednesday, Sept 30th, from 6pm - 7:30pm

Please come join us to hear about what you child will be learning this year! We will delve into our curriculum and also have some resources to help get your child involved!

Dental Screenings - October 15th

Students will have an opportunity to receive a free dental screening while at school on October 15th through the Health Department. The screening is completely voluntary but will onyl be done with permission from home. Information will be coming home this week with your child. If you would like for them to receive the screening, please complete the form. If you do not want your child to receive the screening, you do not need to do anything.

Helpful links:

MySchoolBucks: To put $$ on your child's lunch account

Charles County Public Schools - School Nutrition And Fitness: Free & Reduced Meal Application

NEW in this Newsletter, you will find:

Apptegy Information - Stay Connected!

Calendar of Events

Fall Festival - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

What Is Your Child Learning?

Link to Parent Handbook

Click on the invite below to join the meeting at 3pm on Friday, Sept. 25th, or use the QR Code!

Tell us what YOU want to hear about! Use this link 👉PARENTS - We Want Your Input! – Fill out form or the QR Code to guide our Parent Meetings this year! How can we support your child and you as we navigate Pre-K together?

The new CCPS mobile app features push notification alerts, translated content based on the user’s preferred language (parents can choose their language) and access to log into Rooms.

To activate a parent Rooms account, the email and/or phone number used must be the one on file with CCPS. A parent/guardian will not be able to activate their Rooms account if they do not have a valid email or phone number (mobile) on file with CCPS.

Additionally, if the contact information on file with CCPS is the same email and phone number (meaning parent 1 and parent 2 share the same email and phone number), you will not be able to activate your Rooms account. Please contact your child’s school to update this information in the student information system to access Rooms.

Attached is a quick guide overview for Rooms account activation. If you have a question about Rooms, please submit it using the support form linked below.

Apptegy Rooms Question/Support Submission Form - School Year 2026-2027 – Fill out form

Hear a message from CCPS, access School Supply Lists and much more!

Questions about the bus? Visit this website to find out bus information, fill out a Help Desk Ticket, and more! 👉 Transportation | Charles County Public Schools

Car rider tags are how we know which student to place in which car. Your child's backpack is tagged with the same number on your car tag. Any person who has your car rider tag can pick up your child without being IDed. Anyone who shows up to pick up a child without a car rider tag WILL be IDed, whether we know them or not. This is not to be difficult - it is for the safety of YOUR child and to make sure that we are always dismissing your child to who they are supposed to be dismissed. Please also relay our procedures to anyone who is picking up your child so that they are aware. We move through our car rider line in 15 minutes or less, please be patient and stay in line.

Car Rider Line Procedures

~ Pull into Parking Lot #2 using first entrance.

~ Proceed to back of parking lot and follow the long side of parking lot along the trees to join the car rider line.

~ Staff will pull cars up 5 or 6 at a time to pull in front of the building.

~ Once you are parked along the sidewalk, staff will help the student out of the vehicle and escort them to class.

~ For DISMISSAL: staff will escort the student to the car, but the parent/guardian must buckle the child in (staff are not permitted to do this).

* We are required to unload/load buses before cars. Staff will intermingle cars and buses to keep arrival/dismissal moving. Please make sure to follow staff guidance.

September Events

24th: 2 Hour Early Dismissal (Students dismiss at 2pm!)

25th: Virtual Parent Meeting @ 3pm

28th: Interims Post (K-12th)

30th: Open House (6:00 - 7:30pm)

October Events

Week of 5th: Practice Bus Evacuations

15th: Dental Screenings

16th: Fall Festival Rotations - VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED

21st: UNITY DAY - Wear Orange to Unite Against Bullying

23rd: Virtual Parent Meeting

28th: Q2 Begins

29th: Fall Picture Day

30th: 2 Hour Early Dismissal (Dismiss @ 2pm) / Book Character Parade

November Events

1st: Daylight Savings - Turn Your Clocks BACK

3rd: No School - Election Day

6th: No School for Students - Parent/Teacher Conference Day

9th: Report Cards Post (K-12th)

11th: Veterans Day - Schools Closed

12th: Sampling of Family Traditions (6pm - 7:30pm)

13th: World Kindness Day

19th: 2 Hour Early Dismissal (Dismiss @ 2pm)

20th: Virtual Parent Meeting

25th - 27th: School Closed / Thanksgiving Holiday

December Events

2nd: National Special Education Day!

3rd: 2 Hour Early Dismissal (Dismiss @ 2pm)

7th: Interims Post (K-12th)

10th: Academic Night (6:00 - 7:30pm)

21st - Jan. 1st: No School - Winter Break

Volunteer Sign-Up HERE 👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4EABA62DABFD0-45025012-fall

If you'd like to help, but can't be there in person - we are in need of a couple donations!

Donations Sign-Up 👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4EABA62DABFD0-66009387-fall

Unit 1:

Project: Class Book

~ project focuses on building a classroom community

~ supports the important work of building a safe, respectful, and fun learning environment from the start of the year

~ students will learn how to be a friend, how to ask to play, and how to welcome someone into play

~ will consist of students working together, being engaged, behaving, and learning about each other and their names.

Week 3:

Reading Standards:

RL.PK.1 With modeling, prompting and support, answer questions about details in a text.

PK.RF1.d Recognize and name some upper and lowercase letters.

PK.RF2.b Recognize rhyming words in spoken language.

PK.RF2.c Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.

PK.RF3.d Recognize own name in print.

Math Standards:

PK.NOS.A.1 Count to 20 by ones.

PK.NOS.A.4 Identify written numerals 0-10.

PK.NOS.B.5 Use the relationship between numbers and quantities within 10 to count objects with one-to-one correspondence and verbalizing the last number stated is the total when asked "How many…?” (cardinality).

PK.NOS.B.6 When counting objects within 10, recognize that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger.

PK.NOS.B.7 Represent a number within 10 by producing a set of objects with concrete materials, drawing pictures, and/or writing numerals. Correctly respond when asked "How many" after counting concrete objects.

PK.NOS.B.8 Recognize the number of objects in a set without counting (subitizing) with both unfamiliar patterns within 3 and familiar patterns within 5.

Writing Standard:

W8 With modeling and support from adult, recall information from experiences or information from provided sources to answer a question.

Language Standard:

L5.a Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

Speaking & Listening Standards:

SL1.a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns; speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

SL4 Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with modeling, prompting, and support.

Week 4:

Reading Standards:

RL.PK.1 With modeling, prompting and support, answer questions about details in a text.

RL.PK.6 With modeling, prompting, and support, identify the role of author and illustrator.

RL.PK.2 With modeling, prompting, and support, retell familiar stories/poems.

PK.RF4.b Demonstrate developing accuracy and automaticity with naming letters and producing their corresponding sounds.

PK.RF1.d Recognize and name some upper and lowercase letters.

PK.RF2.d Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in in spoken words.

PK.RF3.d Recognize own name in print.

Math Standards:

PK.NOS.B.8 Recognize the number of objects in a set without counting (subitizing) with both unfamiliar patterns within 3 and familiar patterns within 5.

PK.NOS.A.4 Identify written numerals 0-10.

PK.NOS.B.6 When counting objects within 10, recognize that each successive number name refers to a quantity that is one larger.

PK.NOS.B.5 Use the relationship between numbers and quantities within 10 to count objects with one-to-one correspondence and verbalizing the last number stated is the total when asked "How many…?” (cardinality).

PK.NOS.B.7 Represent a number within 10 by producing a set of objects with concrete materials, drawing pictures, and/or writing numerals. Correctly respond when asked "How many" after counting concrete objects.

PK.NOS.A.1 Count to 20 by ones.

PK.AT.A.1 Represent addition and subtraction situations (presented verbally, without the use of numerals or mathematical symbols) within quantities of 5 with objects, fingers, drawings, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, and/or verbal explanations.

Science:

PK.PS.1. Explores and describes* (SEP) the physical properties (for example, size, weight, shape, color, texture, smell, and sound) of objects and changes (CCC) of solid or liquid materials during play and investigations (SEP)

Writing:

W8 With modeling and support from adult, recall information from experiences or information from provided sources to answer a question.

Language Standard:

L5.a Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

L2.a Recognize that their name begins with a capital letter.

Speaking & Listening Standards:

L1.a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns; speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

SL1.a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns; speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

Theme 1: Marvelous Me

Week 1: Physical Me

Social and Emotional Development

SE.RA.1: Initiates and engages in interactions with familiar adults.

SE.RC.1: Initiates and engages in interactions with other children.

SE.RC.2: Develops relationships with peers through interactions over time.

SE.EF.3: Responds with care and concern towards others.

SE.SR.1: Develops the ability to manage own emotions and their expression.

SE.EF.1: Develops an understanding of one’s own emotions.

Language and Literacy

L.VO.1: Understands an increasing number and variety of words heard in familiar environments, play, and routines.

L.EL.2: Demonstrates interest and attention to language and structure used in books, rhymes, and storytelling.

L.EL.3: Understands meaning communicated through stories, pictures, and informational books.

Approaches to Learning

ATL.IC.2: Shows curiosity and interest when engaging with new objects, people, and experiences.

ATL.IC.1: Shows initiative in interactions, routines, play, and other experiences.

ATL.EF.3: Develops the ability to manage impulses and reactions (inhibitory control).

Early Cognition and STEAM

C.STE.1: Demonstrates curiosity about the world through exploration and investigation of physical objects and materials.

C.GCD.1: Develops the ability to store, recall, and share information about people, objects, and previous experiences.

Week 2: Feeling Me

Social and Emotional Development

SE.RA.1: Initiates and engages in interactions with familiar adults.

SE.RC.1: Initiates and engages in interactions with other children.

SE.RC.2: Develops relationships with peers through interactions over time.

SE.EF.3: Responds with care and concern towards others.

SE.SR.1: Develops the ability to manage own emotions and their expression.

SE.EF.1: Develops an understanding of one’s own emotions.

Language and Literacy

L.VO.1: Understands an increasing number and variety of words heard in familiar environments, play, and routines.

L.EL.2: Demonstrates interest and attention to language and structure used in books, rhymes, and storytelling.

L.EL.3: Understands meaning communicated through stories, pictures, and informational books.

Early Cognition and STEAM

C.MT.4: Explore the similarities and differences between objects and compares, sorts, and creates simple patterns with objects.

C.STE.2: Develops an understanding of the causes and effects of actions and events.

C.GCD.1: Develops the ability to store, recall, and share information about people, objects, and previous experiences.

Approaches to Learning

ATL.IC.1: Shows initiative in interactions, routines, play, and other experiences.

ATL.EF.3: Develops the ability to manage impulses and reactions (inhibitory control).

Specials Schedule:

Monday - P.E. - wear tennis shoes

Tuesday - Music

Wednesday - Art

Thursday - Art

Friday - Library

Mrs. Moore

* changes from copy provided in parent folder

Staff have tagged your child's backpack with a tag for what their daily dismissal will be - please do NOT remove the tag. If the tag comes off, please communicate with your child's teacher so that we can replace it. It helps us to ensure that we are getting our students home safely and in the manner you have communicated!

Each and every time that you come to the ELC, bring your photo ID. In order to enter the building and/or pick-up your child, you MUST have an ID. Pictures of an ID on your phone DO NOT COUNT! Please also let others who you may be counting on to pick up your child that this will be required. While this may on occasion be inconvenient - it is for the safety of the staff and students - including yours!

If your child's dismissal needs to be changed from its daily routine, please email your child's teacher and the school secretary, Ms. Brindle, at nbrindle@ccboe.com. We cannot accept changes in dismissal over the phone - it MUST be in writing! This helps to ensure that your child gets home safely in the midst of a change!

When your child is absent/tardy/leaves early, please send an email/note to the school secretary, Ms. Brindle, at nbrindle@ccboe.com. This note will have the absence documented with the appropriate absence code.

Hello! I have been working for Charles County Public Schools since 2007.I have worked at Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School and PISOTA. I like to drink sweet tea and my favorite treat is cinnamon rolls. I enjoy talking with students and seeing what is on their mind, and I believe that kids are just special. I spend my spare time with my two sons and three grandsons.

Hello, I have been working for Charles County Public Schools since December 2018. While working for CCPS I have worked at various schools in the county such as Gale-Bailey, North Point, St. Charles, Wade, Malcolm, Neal, Mt. Hope, Gwynn Center, Brown, and Davis before eventually settling here at the ELC. In the rarity that I have free time, I am an avid reader of fiction, a writer, and poet.

Hi! I will be supporting the staff and students at the ELC. I have been teaching in Charles County for 18 years. I most recently was a Kindergarten teacher at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary. I am excited to watch your children grow and learn this year! I have a loving husband and two amazing middle school daughters. I love the beach, reading, and chocolate.

HI! I have been a Nurse for 16 years. I have one son in elementary school. I enjoy nature, relaxing on the porch, and I run on coffee!

Greetings! I came on board with CCPS in March 2025 as a Computer Analyst. I have been in the IT field in various capacities for over 30 years, working with the Department of Defense, Department of Treasury, and commercial banking industries. I am a retired veteran having served in the U.S. Air Force in many worldwide locations. My wife, April, and I have two children, Andre (son) and Adrienne (daughter), and one granddaughter, Maridienne (age 5). I enjoy history, reading, relaxing travel and an interest in board gaming (an old interest being renewed)!

I started as a volunteer for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) sometime around 2004 when my three children were enrolled in the school system. Since January 2006, I have worked in the Food Services department of CCPS in various capacities to include a Food Service Worker, Assistant Food & Nutrition Manager, and more recently, served as the Food & Nutrition Manager at a Charles County elementary school. I look forward to serving as the Food & Nutrition Manager at the Early Learning Center. I have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Hi! I’m Alexis Mocco (think “taco” with an M 🌮). I’m Southern Maryland born and raised and am excited to join Charles County Public Schools as an IEP Facilitator! I have 15 years of experience in special education and love helping students, families, and school teams work together. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, bargain hunting, and probably buying more snacks than any one person needs. I love to laugh, don’t take myself too seriously, and am always happy to help—especially if you need a snack! 😊

Hello, I've been working with Charles County Public Schools since January 2002. During that time, I have taught in classrooms with grades Pre-K through 5th grade. This time has included teaching science, being an instructional coach and an assistant principal. I have 2 children, Jacob (23) and Jackson (15). I enjoy hiking, fishing, and spending time with my family.

Hello! I have been working for Charles County Public Schools since January 2009. I have taught in classrooms from 1st through 6th grade in CCPS. I also taught 6th grade Math and Science in the state of California straight out of college. My husband, Nick, and I have 3 kiddos, 1 boy (Jamison) and 2 girls (Dawsynne & Ellyette). I enjoy reading, hiking, and love coffee and chocolate!