Deep Run Digest - December 5, 2025

Deep Run Digest ~ Edición de bienvenida al nuevo curso escolar
Monday, December 5, 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.

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Community Schools

A Word from You Administrators

Dear Deep Run Families,

 

Nigel La Roche          Jerome Pickens                  Colleen Golden

Principal                     Assistant Principal              Assistant Principal

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Important Dates

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 13th: Centennial High School Holiday ThriftHouse (10-1 pm.)

December 15th-19th: "Hour of AI" Technology Week. See Information Below

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.

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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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Counseling Corner: December 

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Click here to view the December Newsletter

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The Hour of Code is returning to DRES, but with a twist! This new Hour of AI is an introduction to coding, AI and computer science. We will be asking students to participate in different activities that highlight skills needed in coding and AI identification and application. We will be hosting Hour of AI from December 15-19, but we have been prepping and introducing students to a variety of coding and AI activities.

During the hour long Media and Technology classes, all students in grades K-5 will participate in coding stations.   Students will rotate between stations with online tutorials and games, coding robots, as well as unplugged programming activities.   These activities introduce students to basic computer programming skills to develop problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, pattern recognition, AI identification, generative AI activities and AI simulations.

Be on the lookout for Canvas announcements from technology teachers sharing more information about the Hour of AI and how students can work on coding activities outside of school. 

Ms. Yang and Ms. Sampogna ~ DRES Technology Teachers

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PTA Winter Festival ~ Volunteers Needed

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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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Tissues and hand sanitizer needs

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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.