Welcome
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August 11th, 2025
Dear Heather Hills Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope your summer has been filled with joy, rest, and special moments with family and friends. On behalf of our staff, I am thrilled to welcome both returning and new families to another exciting year of learning at Heather Hills Elementary.
This year’s theme is Unbridled Excellence: Galloping Toward Greatness, a powerful reminder that, just like our Mustang mascot, we are charging ahead with energy, determination, and purpose. At Heather Hills, we remain deeply committed to excellence in all we do, and we are excited to partner with you in supporting our scholars’ growth.
Our Focus Areas for the Year
This year, aligned with our district’s priorities, we will center our work around three key goals:
Improving Writing Across All Content Areas
Students will engage in meaningful writing experiences in every subject to sharpen their communication skills and deepen content understanding.
Enhancing Small Group Instruction
Our teachers will continue to provide targeted, flexible instruction in small groups to meet the diverse academic needs of our gifted learners.
Prioritizing Social-Emotional Support
In addition to academic excellence, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child and supporting the emotional wellness of our students.
Welcoming New Mustang Team Members
We’re excited to welcome several new educators to our Heather Hills family this year. They bring fresh perspectives, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to gifted education. I can’t wait for you to meet them and begin building connections.
Mrs. Balogun rejoins the Heather Hills family in 2nd grade after working with the Capitol Heights Talented and Gifted Program. She previously taught second grade right here at Heather Hills and brings a strong understanding of our school culture and high standards.
Ms. Kirby joins us from Anne Arundel County Public Schools and brings a deep knowledge of social-emotional learning. Her experience will support our efforts in nurturing the emotional and interpersonal development of our scholars.
Ms. Bowie, a proud graduate of Morgan State University, comes from a family of educators and is passionate about teaching and student growth. She is excited to begin her teaching career with our 2nd-grade team. We can not wait to see all the magic she will create in her classroom.
Mr. Lanier brings over 20 years of experience in education, including a strong background in gifted and talented education from his time at Glenarden Woods. We are thrilled to have his leadership and expertise join our team. Mr. Gibbs is an experienced math educator with over 10 years of training. He returns to Prince George’s County Public Schools from Charles County and is excited to support our students’ math development.
Ms. Amiger joins our fourth-grade team with more than 25 years of teaching experience. Most recently from Patuxent Elementary, she brings deep knowledge of both teaching and parenting gifted learners.
Ms. Tucker comes to us from Lake Arbor Elementary, where she spent over a decade teaching in both TAG and general education classrooms. Her experience and commitment will be a valuable addition to our fourth-grade team.
Mr. Settle has over 25 years of experience in education, having taught in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Colorado at a Magnet Center. He has a well-rounded background, including experience in gifted instruction.
Dr. Evsen joins our fifth-grade team, transitioning into teaching from a distinguished career at the National Institute of Health. With a strong background in genetics, biology, cognitive science, research, and mathematics, she brings a unique perspective to the classroom and is eager to inspire our students.
We are incredibly proud of the talented team we’ve assembled this year. Each new staff member enhances our commitment to unbridled excellence and ensures that our students continue galloping toward greatness.
Required for All Families to Review on the Website
On our website, you can also find important resources to help you prepare for the year.Please take the time to read the 2025–2026 Parent-Student Handbook. The updated handbook will be posted next week on our website.Handbook Acknowledgment Form – One form must be completed for each student.
Transportation
Transportation assignments are currently being processed and will be finalized by August 18, 2025. Families will receive a postcard from the Transportation Office with bus information during the week of August 18. After that date, parents may check ParentVUE for bus assignments or contact the Transportation Office at 301-952-6570 for additional details or assistance. Please note, students must be fully registered prior to August 15th to receive a bus assignment for the first day of school. Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars for Sneak a Peek! On Friday, August 22, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m., we will open our doors to welcome our families back for the new year.
Families can come during this time to meet teachers, drop off supplies, and reconnect with friends before the start of school next week. The PTO will keep the excitement going with a Back-to-School Social from 12:45–3:00 p.m.
Second Grade Orientation and Third - Fifth Grade New Student Orientation information was sent separately in an email. If you have not received this information, please contact Ms. Cruzado for Grade 2 Orientation information: Sophia.Cruzado@pgcps.org and Ms. Smith for Grades 3-5 New Student Orientation: Tricia.Smith@pgcps.org.
Room Parent Program
For the 2025-26 school year, we have a new initiative designed to strengthen the home school connection, support classroom needs, and ensure timely communication between families, teachers, and the PTO while also preserving the integrity of our learning environment. Please consider serving as a room parent. Information will be forthcoming in the next week.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a joyful, productive, and inspiring school year together.
Warm regards,
Dr. Shaneena McDonnaugh Holland