MAFI BOUCLE (LOOP)
Parent-Student Monthly Newsletter - August 2025
At Maya Angelou French Immersion IB World School, our vision is to create a vibrant, inclusive and equitable community that nurtures multiliterate, reflective, innovative, and global-minded learners, leaders, and citizens.
À l’École d’Immersion Française et de Baccalauréat International Maya Angelou, nous aspirons à bâtir une communauté dynamique, inclusive et équitable, où s’épanouissent des apprenants, des leaders et des citoyens plurilingues, réfléchis, innovants et ouverts sur le monde.
We foster a culture where every learner feels valued, supported, and challenged. Through collaboration, we deliver rigorous, differentiated, inquiry-based, and culturally responsive teaching and learning. We empower learners to become compassionate citizens, confident leaders, and global thinkers; prepared to engage positively with their communities.
Nous favorisons une culture où chaque apprenant se sent valorisé, soutenu et encouragé à s’épanouir. Par la collaboration, nous offrons un enseignement rigoureux, différencié, fondé sur la recherche et culturellement pertinent. Nous outillons les élèves pour qu’ils deviennent des citoyens bienveillants, des leaders confiants et des penseurs ouverts sur le monde; engagés positivement dans leurs communautés.
August 14, 2025
Bonjour La Famille MAFI,
Oh, how time flies! Can you believe we’re just one week away from the start of the 2026 school year? I am filled with joy and gratitude as I continue to serve as principal of this remarkable school community. It is truly an honor to lead alongside such passionate educators, dedicated families, and brilliant scholars.
To our returning students and families: welcome back! I look forward to reconnecting and continuing the strong partnerships we’ve built. Your commitment and support are the heart of our school. To our new families and scholars: welcome to Maya Angelou French Immersion School! We’re thrilled you’ve joined our community and are excited for the journey ahead. This year, we also welcome new members of our team:
Dr. Tracy Oates, Assistant Principal
Dr. Clovis Djeutcha, Academic Dean
Mme. Ortiz-Smith, Special Education Resource Teacher
Mme. Dominique Santos, Grade 1 Teacher
Vacant, Media Specialist (Currently filled by Mme. MciLwain-Substitue)
Each brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to student success.
This year, our district’s theme is: “Aligning for Impact: Culture, Clarity, and High Expectations.”
At Maya Angelou, we bring this theme to life through our school-wide focus:
“Elevating Excellence through Engaged Minds, Empowered Voices, and Enduring Impact.”
For teachers, this means delivering rigorous, bilingual instruction aligned with IB and TAG standards while creating inclusive and joyful classrooms.
For students, it means growing as thinkers, leaders, and communicators—in both French and English.
For families, it means partnering with us, staying involved, and helping us nurture a culture of high expectations and meaningful learning.
I’m energized for the year ahead and confident that, together, we’ll make this our best school year yet.
Avec toute ma gratitude,
Kenneth I. Barrie, Ed.D.
Principal
Ensuring a Safe, Smooth, and Positive Start and End to the Day
At Maya Angelou French Immersion, our top priority is the safety, well-being, and success of every student. Following our drop-off and dismissal procedures ensures a calm, organized, and joyful start and end to each school day. By adhering to these procedures, you help us create a safe and efficient environment where every student can arrive, learn, and leave with confidence. If you wish to walk your child to the door, please park in a designated spot—the carpool lane must remain clear for safety.
Arrival & Drop-Off (Morning)
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Students may arrive as early as 8:00 a.m. and are greeted with smiles by our caring staff and student ambassadors.
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Breakfast students: Go directly to the cafeteria. Food may not leave the cafeteria. Breakfast ends at 8:30 a.m.
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Non-breakfast students: Head directly to their assigned first-period class.
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Kindergarten & Grade 1 students: Staff and student ambassadors welcome students in the gym from 8:00–8:20 a.m., guiding them safely to their classrooms.
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Drop-off occurs in the front circle, with students exiting from the right (passenger) side only for safety.
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Parents must remain in their cars to ensure traffic flows smoothly and all students are safe.
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Instructional day begins at 8:30 a.m.—ready to learn, explore, and grow!
Dismissal (Afternoon)
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Dismissal begins at 3:10 p.m. We are excited to safely reunite students with families each day.
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Early dismissal ends promptly at 2:40 p.m. Families arriving after this time will be asked to join the carpool line.
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Kindergarten and Grade 1 students are ready for dismissal by 3:05 p.m.; early arrival helps ensure a smooth flow.
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Leave space on the passenger side for students to safely enter vehicles.
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Parents must remain in their cars; please do not exit your vehicle or enter the building.
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Bus riders will be escorted to the gym for safe and orderly boarding.
Why These Procedures Matter
Following these steps keeps our school day safe, structured, and enjoyable for everyone. Your cooperation helps maintain traffic flow, ensures every child reaches their destination safely, and supports a calm, positive start and end to the school day. Together, we create a welcoming, organized, and joyful learning environment!
Grade K & 6 and New Students: Monday, August 25, 2025
We are so excited to welcome our newest Maya Angelou French Immersion scholars! Orientation is a special opportunity for students and families to get to know our school, meet teachers and staff, and begin building a strong foundation for a successful year ahead.
Important Details:
■ Students may wear their school uniform, but it is not mandatory for orientation day.
■ Parents of Grade 6 students, please pick up promptly at 10:30 a.m.
■ Kindergarten parents must stay with their children.
■ Kindergarten supplies, including a change of clothing, may be brought to orientation. Please label all items.
First Day of School Essentials, Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
We are excited to welcome you back for an amazing year of learning and growth. Here’s how to start strong on Day 1:We are excited to welcome you back for an amazing year of learning and growth.
Here’s how to start strong on Day 1:
🗓 Know Your Schedule
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Log into Synergy to find your teacher (elementary) or your first-period teacher (middle school).
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If you don’t have your schedule yet:
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Elementary students → report to the Gym
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Middle school students → report to the Media Center
🍽 After You Get Your Schedule
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Head to breakfast or straight to your classroom ready to learn.
⏰ Arrival
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Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Arrive early to start the day on time.
👕 Dress for Success
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Wear your full uniform proudly as it shows our school spirit.
✏️ Be Prepared
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Bring your school supplies and a mindset ready for excellence.
📖 Instruction Begins on Day 1
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Learning starts immediately so be ready to engage and shine!
We can’t wait to see your energy, smiles, and eagerness to learn. Together, we’re going to make this year extraordinary!
No Shots? No School!: Student Immunization Compliance
As required by the Maryland Department of Education, all students must be up-to-date on their immunizations. Please ensure your child meets the requirements as soon as possible, but no later than September 15, 2025.
Important: Students who are not in compliance by September 16, 2025, will be withdrawn from school.
We ask that you make every effort to ensure your child is fully compliant. If you require a religious exemption, please contact the school office immediately.
Maryland Immunization Requirements is Linked Here.
Kindergarten: 2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
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7th Grade: 1 dose of Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine and 1 dose of Tdap vaccine
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Grades K–12: Must be up to date on all required vaccines, including:
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DTaP
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Polio
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Hepatitis B
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MMR
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Varicella
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Letters were sent to families of students who were out of compliance in June and again last week.
Action Steps
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Review your child’s immunization records and MD Immunization requirements and update as necessary.
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Take advantage of the PGCPS Immunization Clinics (dates and locations below).
Visit the PGCPS Resources and FAQ.
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Contact the school office for assistance or to discuss exemptions.
Your prompt attention to this matter ensures the health and safety of all students and prevents interruptions to your child’s education.
School Meals and Application
Student Breakfast and Lunch PINs
Beginning tomorrow, students will be provided with PIN numbers for breakfast and lunch.
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We encourage all families to apply for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program. You can apply here: Free and Reduced Meals
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Prior year balances must be paid. Any unpaid balances will follow the student until high school.
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Important: Students should not share their PINs with friends. Sharing can lead to overuse and unexpected charges without parental knowledge.
Thank you for helping us ensure a smooth and responsible lunch system for all students.
Transportation Information – 2025–2026 School Year
To ensure a smooth and safe start to the school year, please review the following important transportation details:
Bus Numbers
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Students who are currently eligible for bus service as of August 15, 2025 will receive their AM and PM bus numbers at the start of Period 6 on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Dismissal Choices
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Please use the Transportation/Dismissal Form to indicate whether your child will go home via bus, carpool or remain in aftercare with Alphabest.
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Timely submission is essential to ensure they are safely routed to the correct mode of transportation.
Important Reminders
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Students should not share bus numbers or PINs.
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Prior year balances must be paid.
Transportation Support
If you experience challenges or have questions:
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Fill out the Transportation Resolution Form: http://trs.pgcps.org/
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Contact Transportation via email: http://trs.pgcps.org/
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Visit the Transportation FAQ page: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/transportation
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Call Transportation at 301-952-6570
Please Note:
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The school works to support parents, but transportation is managed by PGCPS Transportation Services.
Tutoring Opportunity for PSAT 8/9: Register NOW
The PSAT 8/9 is an aptitude test used to help determine placement in specialty programs in high school.
- Free tutoring sessions are available to help students prepare.
- Register as soon as possible to secure your spot.
At Maya Angelou French Immersion IB World School, we deeply value the partnership we have with parents in ensuring the well-being and academic success of our students. Today, I would like to bring your attention to our Parent Concern Flow Chart, a valuable resource that plays a crucial role in addressing and resolving any concerns you may have about your child's education or school experience.
Why is the Parent Concern Flow Chart Important?
Clear Communication: The flow chart provides a structured pathway for communicating and addressing concerns, ensuring that your feedback reaches the appropriate channels for resolution.
Timely Response: Following the steps outlined in the flow chart helps expedite the process, allowing us to respond promptly to your concerns and work towards a resolution. PGCPS policy stipulates a response within 48 hours.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: By using the flow chart, we promote a collaborative approach to problem-solving, involving both parents and school staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
Steps to Use the Parent Concern Flow Chart:
Initiate Communication: Share your concern with your child's teacher or the relevant school staff member, following the communication guidelines in the flow chart.
Follow the Process: The flow chart outlines the steps to take if your concern is not resolved at the initial stage. This may involve escalating the matter to the appropriate school personnel or administration.
Seek Resolution: Our goal is to address and resolve concerns in a fair and timely manner. The flow chart serves as a guide to ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and handled effectively.
Access the Parent Concern Flow Chart in the Blue link above and HERE: Parent Concern Flow Chart
Your active involvement and use of the Parent Concern Flow Chart are integral to maintaining a positive and effective school-parent partnership. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Kenneth I. Barrie at kenneth.barrie@pgcps.org.
Thank you for your commitment to the success and well-being of our students.
Best regards,
Dr. Kenneth Barrie, Principal
Mark Your Calendar
Maya Angelou French Immersion IB World School
Principal
Email: kenneth.barrie@pgcps.org
Website:https://www.pgcps.org/schools/maya-angelou-french-immersion
Location: 2000 Callaway Street, Temple Hills, MD 20748
Phone: (301) 702-3950