Elk Neck Express

Dear Families,

The 2026-2027 school year is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 31, 2026. Our office and custodial staff have been working hard to prepare for the school year, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome students, families, and teachers back to school.

All returning students should have received their classroom assignment letters via email on June 13, 2026, Students new to Elk Neck Elementary School should have received their classroom assignment letter earlier this week. If you did not receive an assignment letter, please contact the office at (410) 996.5030.

We have two exciting events this month as we prepare for the new year. The Back to School Kickoff will take place at North East Elementary School from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.. There will be giveaways, inflatables, community vendors, and MORE! We hope to see you there!

Our annual Back to School Social will take place at Elk Neck Elementary on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Students can meet their teachers and enjoy a popsicle from PTO. Families will also have the opportunity to join our PTO. This AMAZING group of parents works hard to provide fun, enriching events for our students throughout the year.

Please take a few moments to read all the information contained within this newsletter. We can't wait to have students back in our school again! We look forward to a great year of learning together.

Committed to serving the Elk Neck Community,

Mrs. Ashlee Groce, Principal

Ms. Melissa Pratt, Asst. Principal

If your child will be a car rider for the 2026-2027 school year, please read the Car Rider Letter that contains important information and procedures prior to completing the linked Car Rider Loop Application.

ENES 26-27 Car Rider Letter

ENES 26-27 Car Rider Loop Application

Please take a few moments to provide your input on events for the 26-27 school year.

This is your August reminder that we are still accepting enrollment for the 2026-2027 band and orchestra programs! The school year is starting at the end of the month, and it's down to the wire for signups!

If your child is entering "Year Two" of lessons, you can disregard this message.

If you've already signed up, you should have received an email with instructions on how to get your child's instrument. If you did not receive this email, please let me know. Otherwise, you too can disregard this message.

If you have not signed up yet! The rest of this email is for you!

At the elementary level, we offer instruction on the following Band Instruments:

Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Percussion.

We also offer instruction on the following Orchestra Instruments:

Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass.

Students will receive instruction during the school day in a pull-out lesson format. Students are pulled from their regular classes for one thirty-minute lesson per week. They will perform at our Spring Concert in May, and be eligible to continue playing in band or orchestra at the middle and high school levels.

To sign up, visit the Band & Orchestra Website and complete the following steps:

1. First, fill out the online form to enroll your student.

2. Once enrolled, you will receive an email concerning the instrument selection and sizing process.

3. After selection and sizing are done, you may follow the website instructions for renting an instrument.

4. There are school-owned instruments available for families who can not afford to rent an instrument.

The website has more information on the sizing and selection process, how to get an instrument, and more.

Here are a few important dates to note:

1. You can sign up anytime from right now until September 7th, 2026

2. Lessons begin the week of September 8th, 2026.

3. If renting, try to rent before August 1st so that your child's instrument will be delivered in time for the first lesson.

Please review the following information regarding immunizations for the upcoming school year. You may reach out to your student's primary care provider to ensure they are up to date for school.
The Cecil County Health Department will also be holding immunization clinics before the start of school, with appointments available starting in August.(see the flyer below).

Maryland Elementary Requirements (K-5):
Standard immunizations for elementary school in Maryland include:
DTaP/DTP/DT: 4 to 5 doses
Polio: 3 to 4 doses
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 2 doses
Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses for Kindergarten through 5th Grade
Hepatitis B: 3 doses

For additional information, please visit Maryland.gov.

Tuesday, 8/18/26

Back to School Kickoff @ North East Elementary, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Thursday, 8/27/26

Pre-k and Kindergarten Meet and Greets

Back to School Social @ 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Monday, 8/31/26

First Day of School for All Students!

Wednesday, 9/16/26

Back To School Night @ 6:00-7:00 p.m.