Principal's Welcome Message

August 8, 2025

Dear Mighty Eagle School Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!  I hope you and your family had a restful and enjoyable summer. As we prepare to open our doors for a new year of learning and growth, I am filled with an incredible sense of excitement. It is a true honor to begin my seventh year as your principal, and I am as committed as ever to serving our students, staff, and community.

This year, our work will be guided by one powerful word: IMPACT.

As we embark on this new journey, we remain grounded in the core principles of our motto: at the Eagles' N.E.S.T. - Nurturing and Educating Scholars Together. Our actions as educators and partners should always have a meaningful impact on our students' lives, their learning, and their future. This theme is more than just a word; it's a commitment to a shared vision for our school community.

Here's what our IMPACT theme looks like in action:

• I is for Innovate: We will approach our work with purpose and creativity, always seeking new and effective ways to engage students in their learning. This means trying new teaching methods, exploring innovative projects, and using technology to make lessons come alive.
• M is for Maximize: We will work smarter, not harder, by using our resources and time efficiently. This allows us to dedicate our energy to what matters most: your child's success and well-being.
• P is for Partner: We know that a strong school is built on a strong community. We will actively partner with you—our incredible parents and guardians—as we work together to support our students. Your involvement is a key part of our success.
• A is for Act: We will act with urgency to meet our students' needs. When a child needs support, whether it's academic or emotional, we will respond quickly and purposefully to provide the resources they need to thrive.
• C is for Cultivate: We will continue to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and respected. It is our goal that every student walks through our doors feeling like they belong.
• T is for Track: We will track student growth and progress to see the real impact of our actions. By using data and observation, we can ensure that our efforts are producing tangible results and making a positive difference for every child.

This year, our success will be measured by the IMPACT we make together. We invite you to join us on this journey. Please look for opportunities to volunteer, attend school events, and communicate with your child's teachers. Your partnership is invaluable.

I can't wait to see the smiles on our students' faces as we kick off another amazing year. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

With immense gratitude,

HeNina Bunch Ed.D.
Dr. Bunch, Principal

Important Information

• First Day of School: August 26, 2025 - Patuxent’s Very First Bring your Parent to School Day.  One parent/guardian for each child is welcome to come to school with your child on the first day.  We ask that all parents make their way out by 11:00 so students can begin to acclimate and bond with their teacher and class.
• All Parents and Visitors are expected to Sign in, in the Main Office. Proper identification must be available at all times when entering the building.
• School Hours: Entry bell, 7:15, Instruction is from 7:30 a.m. - 1:40 p.m.

(Classroom Instruction begins promptly at 7:30 A.M.) Late students will need to be signed in by parents, in the main office.  Our official dismissal begins at 1:40 pm. Students will not be released from class after 1:15 pm.  Please keep our dismissal process smooth by honoring the school’s policy.

• Anyone picking up a student before 1:15 p.m. must have a picture ID and must be listed on the family information sheet.
• School Breakfast Hours: 7:15-7:30 A.M. (Breakfast will be available for free to all scholars, picked up in the cafeteria to be eaten in the classroom). 
• School Breakfast Prices: FREE for all Patuxent ES students
• School Lunch Price: FREE for all Patuxent ES students
• Snack Money: Students eat lunch for free but if they would like to buy snacks they will need to have cash or money on their accounts.  You can load their accounts and check the status using this link provided for My School Bucks.  Also, although all students receive free meals, we encourage every family to complete a lunch application.  This can help our school continue to access benefits for meals.  You can also check out the lunch and breakfast menus here mealviewer, throughout the school year.  This allows you and your scholar to plan and choose whether to send a lunch or allow them to eat what the menu offers.
• School Bus & Transportation Information will come directly from the Prince George’s County Public Schools Transportation Office. Please see the website pgcps.org for additional information or contact transportation directly at 301-952-6570. Bus route information will become available the week of 8/18/2025.
• Communication - Class Dojo is a platform we use daily. Please ensure you gain access to Class Dojo for all updates.  Teachers will begin to put you in their Dojo classes, so you are aware which teacher your child has. Download the Class Dojo app or go online to classdojo.com, create an account and then search for Patuxent Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD to add yourself to our school. If they ask you to join a class or educator, you can select my name.  Everything happening at Patuxent will be shared here all school year long.
• Teacher and classroom assignments can be found in Class Dojo on 8/22/2025.
• Synergy ParentVUE - We highly recommend every parent use ParentVUE to monitor your child’s attendance and grades throughout the school year. Please click this link for directions to create an account for access.
• Parent Volunteering - If you are interested in volunteering throughout the school year or updating your volunteer status please check out this site to get ahead and receive your certificate of approval.
• School Supply Lists - They are always updated on our school website but I am including it here for your convenience.

New Staff

• Linwood Cole, Community School Coordinator
• Dawn Phillipson, Special Education Teacher
• Aliaya Hendricks, Second Grade Teacher
• Cinnamon Jordan, Fourth Grade (RELA/SS)
• Monet Umana, Fifth Grade (RELA/SS)
• Marcia Denton, ELD (ESOL)
• Awilda Diaz Vazquez, Primary Spanish
• Emylee Stotler, Speech Language Pathologist (Virtual)
• Veena Lao, Dedicated Aide

Mighty Eagle staff adjustments

• Cameron Coram, switch to First Grade
• Sherida Butler, switch to First Grade
• Paul Butz, switch to Second Grade
• David Foster, switch to Fifth Grade
• Jailyn Ponzo switch to Special Education Paraprofessional
• Sandra Marshall, switch to Special Education Paraprofessional
• Carlton Jones, Preschool Paraprofessional

Vacancies Remaining

• Media Specialist

* We are an uniform school. *

SCHOOL UNIFORMS ARE WORN EVERY DAY

(LEGGINGS, JEANS AND SWEAT PANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED)

Fully enclosed black, white or navy blue shoes (no sandals or open toed shoes)

Please Mark Your Calendars:

• Monday, August 25, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. - Pre-K, K and New Student Orientation
• Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 7:15: – 11:00 a.m. - Bring Your Parent/Person to School Day (Students are invited to bring one parent/person to school with them.
• Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. - Annual Back to School Night