Deep Run Digest - April 24, 2026

Deep Run Digest ~ Edición de bienvenida al nuevo curso escolar
Friday, April 24, 2026

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,

Did you know that Deep Run has an attendance incentive going on right now. Students who are at school every day and on time have the opportunity to be a part of a grade-level incentive; a Pizza Party!!  We appreciate all our students who show up every day!

Recently, Deep Run was recognized for students math growth. Deep Run was one of six students who's students demonstrated growth from quarter 1 to quarter 2 on math benchmarks. Ask your teacher how your child is doing in math!

This Thursday is "Take your Child to Work day". If you intend for your child to visit your place of work and will be absent simply let our front office know.

Warmly,

Nigel La Roche          Jerome Pickens                  Colleen Golden

Principal                     Assistant Principal              Assistant Principal

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Important Dates

Friday, April 24th: 2nd Grade In-House Field Trip Today

Friday, April 24th: PTA Glow Bingo Night (6:45-8pm.)

Friday, April 24th: Battle of the Books at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia MD (5 pm.)

Thursday, May 21st: Community Clothing Drive at Deep Run from 5-6:30 pm. (Information Below)

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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.

  • Monday, April 27 ~ Orange Day
  • Tuesday, April 28 ~ Yellow Day
  • Wednesday, April 29 ~ Green Day
  • Thursday, April 30 ~ Blue Day
  • Friday, May 1 ~ Red Day

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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Spring Into Fitness at DRES

Dear School Community,

We are excited for the upcoming Spring Into Fitness event on April 29th!

Students from each grade level will participate in a 10-minute race, during which they will try to complete as many laps around the field as possible. Their scores will be averaged to determine one winning class per grade level.

Race times are as follows:

  • Second Grade: 12:50–1:20 PM
  • Kindergarten: 1:50–2:20 PM
  • First Grade: 2:50–3:20 PM

All participants will earn a wristband in recognition of their effort and participation.

If you would like to come cheer on our students, we would love to have you there! Please remember to sign in at the front office upon arrival, and then proceed to the Deep Run Park soccer field.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a fun and active day!

Best regards,

Mr. Sachs, Mr. Roeser, and Mr. E

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Deep Run Named Statewide Read Across America Day Recipient

Deep Run Elementary School (DRES) recently was named the 2026 Read Across America Day recipient by the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) and the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA). As this year’s recipient, DRES received a collection of new hardcover books for its media center, donated by MSEA. An event for the book donation, and read aloud sessions were held March 16. Read More Here

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5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearings ~ Volunteer Judges Needed

We are seeking community members to serve as judges for our 2026 Simulated Congressional Hearings (SCH), a culminating performance assessment for our fifth-grade students. In this engaging event, students present as experts on constitutional issues, and judges take on the role of congresspersons—listening, asking questions, and providing feedback.

No prior expertise is required—students will do the teaching! Training and materials will be provided on the morning of the event. Your participation helps make this meaningful civic learning experience possible.

Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more or register, visit http://sch.hcpss.org or sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/2026-SCH-Judge

For questions, contact kimberly_eggborn@hcpss.org.

Thank you for supporting our students and civic education!

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KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Registration for new students or students entering public school kindergarten in fall 2026 has begun.

  • Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland. State law requires that children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2026 must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2026.
  • Children entering first grade in the fall of 2026 must be 6 years old on or before September 1, 2026.

For details about registration and enrollment, visit www.hcpss.org/enroll/.

INSCRIPCIÓN EN EDUCACIÓN INFANTIL

Ya ha comenzado el plazo de inscripción para los alumnos nuevos o aquellos que vayan a ingresar en la educación infantil pública en otoño de 2026.

La educación infantil es obligatoria en Maryland. La legislación estatal exige que los niños que ingresen en la educación infantil en otoño de 2026 tengan 5 años cumplidos a más tardar el 1 de septiembre de 2026.

Los niños que ingresen a primer grado en otoño de 2026 deben haber cumplido 6 años antes del 1 de septiembre de 2026.

Para obtener más información sobre la inscripción y la matriculación, visite www.hcpss.org/enroll/.

To view the fliers:
In English: It's Time to Register for Kindergarten Flier

En español: It's Time to Register for Kindergarten Flier

In Chinese: It's Time to Register for Kindergarten Flier

In Korean: It's Time to Register for Kindergarten Flier

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Counselors Newsletter - April 2026

Click on the following link to view our latest Counselors Newsletter for April: https://dres.hcpss.org/news/2026/2026-04/dres-counselors-newsletter-april-2026

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Deep Run Clothing Drive ~ May 21st

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MCAP Testing is Happening!!

What is MCAP Testing?
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is a state assessment that measures how well students are learning grade-level standards in subjects like English Language Arts, Math, and Science. The results help teachers and schools understand student progress, identify areas of strength, and plan instruction to better support all learners.

How Families Can Help Their Child Be Ready:

  • Get a good night’s sleep before testing days
  • Eat a healthy breakfast to stay focused
  • Arrive at school on time and avoid early dismissals
  • Encourage a positive mindset—remind your child to try their best
  • Keep routines calm and consistent during the testing window

Your support at home makes a big difference in helping students feel confident and prepared!

¿Qué son las pruebas MCAP?
El Programa de Evaluación Integral de Maryland (MCAP) es una evaluación estatal que mide el grado de dominio de los alumnos de los estándares propios de su curso en materias como Lengua y Literatura Inglesa, Matemáticas y Ciencias. Los resultados ayudan a los profesores y a los centros educativos a comprender el progreso de los alumnos, identificar sus puntos fuertes y planificar la enseñanza para apoyar mejor a todos los alumnos.

Cómo pueden las familias ayudar a sus hijos a estar preparados:

  • Dormir bien la noche anterior a los días de examen
  • Tomar un desayuno saludable para mantenerse concentrados
  • Llegar a la escuela a tiempo y evitar salir antes de tiempo
  • Fomentar una actitud positiva: recuerde a su hijo que dé lo mejor de sí mismo
  • Mantener rutinas tranquilas y constantes durante el periodo de exámenes

¡Su apoyo en casa marca una gran diferencia a la hora de ayudar a los alumnos a sentirse seguros y preparados!

Testing Dates:

  • 5th Grade MCAP ELA Testing: April 8, 9,10 & 13
  • 4th Grade MCAP ELA Testing: April 14,16, 17, 20
  • 3rd Grade MCAP ELA Testing: April 21, 22, 23, 24

     

  • 5th Grade MCAP Math Testing: April 27, 28, 29, 30
  • 4th Grade MCAP Math Testing: May 5, 6, 7, 8
  • 3rd Grade MCAP Math Testing: 11, 12, 13, 15

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Walker Safety Reminders

As we continue through the school year, we want to take a moment to remind all families to review safety expectations with students who walk to and from school.

Please encourage your child to:

  • Walk with a buddy whenever possible
  • Stay on familiar, well-traveled routes
  • Avoid engaging with strangers or approaching unfamiliar vehicles
  • Never accept rides, gifts, or invitations from anyone they do not know
  • Trust their instincts. If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, leave the area immediately
  • Report any concerning situations to a trusted adult right away

We also encourage families to review your child’s walking route together and reinforce safe decision-making. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our students.

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Seasonal Allergies

Spring into healthy habits! It is that time of year when the weather is becoming nicer, and we are spending more time outside.

What do Seasonal Allergies look like?

  • Stuffy/runny nose
  • Watery/itchy/red/puffy eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Dry cough
  • Itchy, bumpy skin, hives, redness

What can parents do to help their child with seasonal allergies?

  • When returning in from playing outside, have your child wash their hands and face
  • Have your child splash/rinse eyes and apply a cool, wet cloth
  • Talk to your child’s pediatrician about oral allergy medications, as well as eye drops or topical allergy medications for symptoms

If your child has Asthma, it is important to contact the pediatrician and have a treatment plan in place during this time of year.

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Visitor Procedures Reminder

Please ensure that all visitors enter through the main office and sign in using the school’s visitor management system. Each visitor should wear a visible badge while in the building. 

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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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COMMUNITY NEWS & INFORMATION

Howard County Service Navigator Newsletter. Click here for a variety of resources: Howard County Community Resources

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.

MHCAC Spring Newsletter: The Mental Health Community Advisory Council (MHCAC) is a group of Howard County mental health professionals and community members who seek to remove barriers and build awareness of mental health support for our children and families. Please review the MHCAC Spring 2026 Newsletter. It is filled with mental health resources, upcoming events, Spring Break Tips, coping skills, and kindness resources

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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.