FROM THE DESK OF PRINCIPAL HERRING

Dear New Ardmore Anchors and returning Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth grade students,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to start this journey with you, and we want you to know that this year holds limitless possibilities for growth, learning, and success. As we embark on another year together, we encourage you to embrace each moment and challenge as an opportunity to discover your strengths, develop your skills, and become the best version of yourself.

Remember, learning is a journey, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. What matters most is that you keep moving forward, ask for help when you need it, and never stop striving to be your best. Whether you are tackling new subjects, forming friendships, or growing as a leader, this is your year to shine.

Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Together, we will work to provide a safe and enriching environment for all. Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality education that supports each child's academic, social, and emotional development. As we embark on this new academic year, our enthusiastic educators are ready to inspire and guide you towards success. Through collaborative activities, problem-solving opportunities, and critical thinking challenges, we aim to foster well-rounded individuals who excel academically and personally.

The administrators and staff are thrilled to start the 2026-2027 school year with renewed optimism. We are excited to welcome both familiar faces and new additions to our school community Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Together, we will continue our journey towards academic excellence and character development for ALL students. We proudly represent the Ardmore Anchors – a symbol of strength, unity, and success.

Warm regards,

Dr. Melreta Mai Herring, Principal
Brenda Holmes, Assistant Principal

Parents/Guardians Volunteer Approval Process Information (English, French, and Spanish)

We would like to share a few reminders for the safety and security of our students for the School Year:

• Students are to arrive at school no earlier than 7:10 a.m. (NO EXCEPTIONS).

• Early dismissal is 11:00 a.m. Students MUST be picked up on time.

• Daily Early dismissal ends at 1:10 p.m.

• All students must be picked up on time by 1:45 p.m., including students waiting at the bottom of the hill.

• Please make sure students are dressed appropriately for the weather. No handbags/purses allowed in school. All accessories worn with the uniform MUST be school color blue or white. No large headbands or earrings.

• NO CELLPHONE during school hours (Exception: Teacher instructional assignment)

• ONLY Pre-K and Kindergarten students are allowed to share store-bought cupcakes/treats in the classroom for birthdays with advanced notice to the teacher. Teachers are NOT allowed to deliver private party invitations to students in the classroom. (Please allow at least a week’s notice)

• All visitors must enter through the front lobby door and report directly to the main office to obtain a visitor’s pass (The visitor must have a driver's license).

• In light of enhanced security measures, we would like to inform you that all classroom observations are now restricted to parents and legal guardians only. To ensure a smooth and organized experience, observations must be scheduled by appointment. Please note that appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and security of our students and staff.

This year, we are committed to collaborating with you as partners to create a successful and enriching experience for your student. Your active engagement and steadfast support are essential to their academic and personal success.

To remain informed about school activities and announcements, please access ClassDojo regularly. Please note that our official school start time is 7:25 a.m.

To facilitate a seamless transition from the summer schedule, we ask that you ensure your child arrives promptly. Below is our detailed arrival schedule:

Teachers' Arrival: 7:00 a.m.
Teachers' Duty Begins: 7:05 a.m.
Students' Arrival: 7:10 a.m.
Tardy Policy: Students arriving after 7:25 a.m. will be marked tardy.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this schedule, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to ensuring a seamless and successful transition.

Warm regards,

Dr. Melreta Mai Herring, Principal
Ms. Brenda Holmes, Assistant Principal

RESOURCES

MARK YOUR CALENDAR (BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS)

Primary (Pre-K-2nd) Back to School Night - Monday, September 14, 2026 @6PM

Intermediate (3rd-5th) Back to School Night - Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @6PM

SEPTEMBER 2026

Primary (Pre-K - 2nd) Back to School Night September 16, 2025 @ 6PM

Intermediate (3rd - 5th) Back to School Night September 17, 2025 @ 6PM

September 7 Schools and Offices Closed (Labor Day)

September 12 Rosh Hashanah**

September 16 Schools Closed for Students | Professional Development

September 21 Schools and Offices Closed (Yom Kippur**)

Email: ardmore@pgcps.org
Website: https://schools.pgcps.org/ardmore/
Location: 9301 Ardwick Ardmore Road, Springdale, MD, USA
Phone: (301)-925-1311
Twitter: @ArdmoreES_PGCPS