The Elkster
August 25, 2025
Our school is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for every student. As part of that commitment, we want to share information about how we prevent, respond to, and investigate incidents involving hate and bias.
Incidents related to hate or bias can have a serious impact on students’ emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and ability to fully engage in school. Harmful language, slurs, symbols, jokes, threats, exclusion, or online behavior targeting someone’s identity can affect not only the person directly involved, but also others in the school community who may feel unsafe or unseen.
We believe that addressing these incidents requires a strong partnership between school staff, students, and families.
What We Mean by Hate/Bias
A hate- or bias-related incident is behavior that targets or demeans a person or group based on actual or perceived identity. This may include race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity. Some incidents may involve student discipline or policy violations, while others may still require school follow-up, support, and education because of their impact.
How Families Can Help
Talk with your child. Encourage honest conversations about identity, belonging, respect, and how to respond when harm occurs. Ask your child what they are seeing or hearing at school and online.
Reinforce that words and symbols matter. Help children understand that comments framed as jokes or trends can still be harmful and may create fear, humiliation, or exclusion for others.
Encourage reporting. If your child experiences or witnesses a hate/bias concern, encourage them to tell a trusted adult at school as soon as possible. Reporting helps us respond, support students, and address harm. Reports can be made at https://stopbullying.hcpss.org/report/bullying.
Stay engaged in online activity. Digital communication can spread harm quickly. Monitoring online interactions and talking openly about respectful digital behavior can help prevent escalation.
Partner with the school. When concerns arise, your communication and support are important. Working together helps us respond thoughtfully and consistently.
When a report is made, school administrators will review the concern, gather information, and determine appropriate next steps in alignment with school and district procedures. Responses may include student support, family communication, restorative measures, disciplinary action, safety planning, and broader school or classroom follow-up as needed.
If your child reports a hate/bias concern, or if you become aware of one, please contact a school administrator and use the established reporting process. Even if you are unsure whether an incident meets a specific definition, we encourage you to share the concern so it can be reviewed.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us foster a school community where every student feels safe, affirmed, and respected.
Families of ALL incoming Kindergarteners are invited to a Title I family event on Tuesday, May 5, 5:00-6:30 pm.
You and your future Kindergartener are invited to learn about how you can support your child as a whole learner to help prepare them for Kindergarten in the fall. You will also get the opportunity to connect with other Kindergarten families, you'll meet the teachers, and your Kindergartener will get to meet their classmates. We will provide dinner and you will leave with resources, games, and books to continue the learning at home. Please RSVP here.
Our 2026 Field Day will take place on Friday, May 15, with a rain date of Friday, May 22.
We are seeking volunteers to help make this day a success. If you’re interested in assisting for all or part of Field Day, please sign up using the link below.
If you have not yet completed the required HCPSS volunteer training, please be sure to do so before Field Day. The information for the trainings is included below.
We truly appreciate your support in helping make Field Day a fun and successful experience for our students! Field Day Volunteer Sign Up
Volunteer Trainings:
- Confidentiality Training Course:
Thank you for your interest in volunteering within the Howard County School System! We value our volunteers and the contributions they make to our students and schools.
According to HCPSS Board Policy, all parent volunteers must complete a Confidentiality Training Course about protecting the privacy of our students, staff, and schools.
View the brief training presentation and print out a certificate of completion.
- Child Abuse/Neglect Training Course:
To volunteer at Elkridge Elementary School, please watch the attached slideshow, print the HCPSS certificate, and bring it in to one of our school secretaries when completed.
Take a look below at the upcomming events!
👉The PTA is all about connection—parents, teachers, and staff coming together to make our school a place where every child thrives. Even 30 minutes or an hour of your time can make a big difference!
👉 Join the PTA: Becoming a member helps strengthen our community and gives you a voice. Link to Join the PTA: https://elkridgepta.givebacks.com/shop/items/1205656
👉 Get involved in events: Want to help with planning or volunteering? Send us a quick email at info@eespta.com, and we’ll add you to our event planning list.
Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner, and we’re excited to celebrate our incredible staff!
- Please consider signing up to donate items or volunteer your time using our SignUpGenius below:
- Dates: May 4-8, 2026
- 👉https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0849AFAB2FA46-62509238-eat
Thank you for supporting our school community, we couldn’t do this without you!
💯Testing - MCAP Grades 3,4,5
All testing sessions begin promptly at 9:30 AM. To ensure your student is settled and ready:
- The "All In" Arrival: Please allow extra time for the car line. Arriving early allows students to eat a healthy breakfast, greet their friends, and start the day with a focused mind.
- The "Closed Door" Policy: Once a testing session begins, late students cannot be admitted to the classroom. To protect the focus of the group, late arrivals will wait in the office and must make up their test at a later date at the discretion of the Testing Coordinator. Students always perform their best when they are with their own teacher and classmates!
- The Ideal Window: Please schedule medical or personal appointments before 9:00 AM or after 3:55 PM.
🍎Spread the Word! Kindergarten Registration for 2026-2027
Do you have a little one getting ready to start school? It is already time to begin the Road to Kindergarten! While registration for the upcoming school year officially begins on March 2, 2026, there are several steps you can take now during the winter months to prepare.
Key Eligibility & Details:
Age Requirement: Children must be five years old on or before September 1, 2026, to enroll in kindergarten for the upcoming fall.
Full-Day Program: Please remember that HCPSS kindergarten is a comprehensive, full-day program.
Mandatory Enrollment: Every eligible child must be enrolled in a kindergarten program this fall or have an approved waiver form.
Steps You Can Take Now:
Locate Your School: Use the HCPSS School Locator to confirm the school that serves your neighborhood.
Attend an Info Session: We highly encourage you to attend a Road to Kindergarten parent information session to learn about readiness, the program, and registration.
Gather Documents: Start collecting the required registration documents now to ensure a smooth process in March.
Support Readiness: Visit your local Howard County Library System branch for book recommendations and classes, or work through the Early Learning Adventures booklet to help your child prepare.
Link to Flyers: CLICK HERE
