Deep Run Digest ~ Edición de bienvenida al nuevo curso escolar
Monday, December 1, 2025
Mission: Deep Run Elementary ensures academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student by celebrating our diversity, setting high expectations, and ensuring equitable access and opportunities for all learners.
A Word from You Administrators
Dear Deep Run Families,
Happy December! I hope your Thanksgiving break was filled with rest, warmth, and time with loved ones. As we return to school, there is a wonderful sense of excitement and energy in the air. This month brings opportunities for learning, celebration, and community—and we are thrilled to experience it all together.
Throughout December, our classrooms will be buzzing with creativity and joyful learning. Students are showing incredible growth, and we are so proud of their hard work and enthusiasm. Thank you for the encouragement and support you provide at home—it truly makes a difference.
As we enjoy this festive season, a few reminders help keep our students thriving:
- ✨ Attendance matters! Every day of learning helps your child stay confident and connected as we close out the year.
- 🧥 Bundle up! Please send your child with warm layers as we continue outdoor recess and arrival in colder weather.
- 🤝 We’re here for you. If your family needs any support during this busy time of year, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
December is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and celebration, and we are grateful to have such a strong and caring school community. Thank you for sharing your children with us each day—they brighten our school in every way.
Wishing your family a joyful start to the holiday season and a magical month ahead!
With warm holiday cheer,
Nigel La Roche Jerome Pickens Colleen Golden
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
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Important Dates
December 1st: Fall School Picture make-Ups
December 5th: Pop-Up Food Pantry outside Cafeteria (9-9:30 am.)
December 8th-12th: Inclusive Schools Week
December 9th-11th: CogAt Testing for 3rd Graders
December 12th: Pre-K Field Trip to Robinson Nature Center (9:20 am.-1:30 pm.)
December 12th: Pop-Up Food Pantry outside Cafeteria (3:40-4:15 pm.)
December 12th: PTA Winter Festival
December 19th: Pop-Up Food Pantry outside Cafeteria (9-9:30 am.)
December 19th: 4th Grade Field Trip to University of Maryland (9:30-1:30 pm.)
December 23rd: Last Day before Winter Break
December 24th-January 2nd: Schools Closed - Winter Break
December 24th-25th: Schools and Offices Closed
January 1st-2nd: Schools and Offices Closed
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Staying Connected!
DRES Spirit Days ~ Deep Run School Spirit Days-25/26 School year
All School dates are posted on our Deep Run Community Calendar located on our Website
HCPSS calendars ~ found HERE. They can be downloaded, subscribed to and/or printed out.
HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar for 2025/26 can be found HERE.
News and Information ~ For more information about these and other events please check out the Deep Run News listings on our website (https://dres.hcpss.org/news)
PTA Facebook Group ~ Stay Connected to all things PTA by joining the PTA Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1YyViTX3U1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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PTA Winter Festival ~ Volunteers Needed
The Annual Winter Festival is quickly approaching. As one of our most popular events, its success relies heavily on volunteer participation. This year's Winter Festival will take place on Friday, December 12. A range of volunteer opportunities are available, including options for those who cannot attend the event. If volunteering interests you, please click on the link below to fill out the form below and I will provide additional details. Your support is crucial in making this Winter Festival an outstanding experience.
https://forms.gle/rQbnk2kVFhwkBSgF7
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Deep Run Pop-Up Food Pantry
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Deep Run Clothing and Shoes Collection
Our Deep Run Clothing Bin accepts a variety of items. Thank you for participating in our Clothing to Cash Recycling Program. Our school gets paid for every bag of clothing, shoes and textiles placed in this bin. The bin is located in our parking lot. Read More
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Attendance-The Importance of Showing Up "On-Time and Every Day"
This week we are sharing some attendance strategies for families. Our attendance is amazing at Deep Run. Keep it up families. You are doing a great job!!
⭐ Ways to Improve Attendance for Families
1. Establish a Strong Morning and Bedtime Routine
Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. Prepare backpacks, lunches, and clothes the night before. Use alarms or visual schedules to help children stay on track.
2. Schedule Appointments After School When Possible
Try to book doctor, dental, or other appointments at the end of the school day so children don’t miss instruction.
3. Create a Back-Up Plan for Mornings
Families can plan for a backup adult who can help with drop-off, carpool options or walking groups or shared supervision. This helps when unexpected delays or challenges arise.
4. Communicate Early and Often With the School
If you’re facing challenges—transportation, health, family emergencies, or something else—contact the school. We can help problem-solve, connect you with resources, or provide support.
5. Keep Track of Absences
Many families don’t realize how quickly absences add up. Missing just 2 days per month becomes more than 18 days per year, which can impact learning, confidence, and friendships.
6. Understand When to Keep a Child Home
- A minor illness (like a runny nose) — often OK for school
- A serious illness (fever, vomiting) — needs rest
7. Make School a Place Children Want to Be
Families can talk positively about school. Ask children about their day. Celebrate attendance improvements. Encourage friendships and extracurricular involvement. Feeling connected improves attendance.
8. Build Incentives at Home
Small, consistent rewards can motivate children. Praise and recognition go a long way.
9. Use Attendance Tools
Families can use calendar reminders or sticky notes near the door
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COMMUNITY NEWS & INFORMATION
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
Visite el sitio web de HCPSS Community News and Programs site para conocer los próximos eventos y programas patrocinados por organizaciones sin fines de lucro.
For HCPSS Back to School Information please click on the following HCPSS Website link
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New HCPSS Resources For Families
New Resources for Families: A new webpage highlights HCPSS and community resources for families, including those related to food, shelter, financial assistance, and more. https://www.hcpss.org/supports/family-resources/.
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HCPSS Supports for Immigrant Families
The following this link has just been created to support immigrant families and students. Resources will continue to be added to the page as they become available.