Message from The Principal

The 2024–25 school year was filled with both challenges and victories, and through it all, our community came together with determination, heart, and purpose. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together!

Our students and staff thrived in the joy of learning, connection, and growth.,  Students have learned more about themselves, their interests, and the world around them in lessons that teach and help them improve academically and emotionally.  As the year came to a close, we did so with pride in who we are and all we’ve achieved. We celebrated meaningful milestones, from our youngest learners moving up from Kindergarten to 1st grade, to our twelve incredible 8th graders taking the exciting step into high school.

Together, we made this a year to remember, and we’re just getting started!

Growing More Than Vegetables

This Spring, Ms. Dexter teamed up with the students in Ms. Buford’s middle school class to bring learning to life by building their very own vegetable garden! With hopes of harvesting carrots, green beans, zucchini, and squash, the students rolled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty, and planted seeds with care and purpose. Day by day, they tended their garden, pulling weeds, watering the soil, and watching eagerly for signs of growth. Their hard work paid off when tiny green sprouts emerged and blossoms began to bloom, proof that their vegetables were well on their way! But the project doesn’t stop at growing food; the students have big plans to sell their fresh produce to staff members to fundraise for a class wide reward. The garden is still a work in progress, but we can’t wait to see what grows next. 

Dave & Busters! 8th Grade Trip

Saying goodbye to our 8th graders is never easy, especially for those who’ve been with us since they were little! Watching them grow into confident, capable young people is a proud moment, but it also tugs at the heart. To celebrate this important milestone and make the transition a little more memorable (and a lot more fun!), we filled their final days with laughter, connection, and joy. From video games and pizza to time spent just enjoying each other’s company, our 8th graders closed this chapter surrounded by friends and staff who believe in them.

As they head off to high school, we know they’re ready for whatever comes next. We’ll miss them dearly, but we’re cheering them on every step of the way.

Moving On Up! A Day to Remember

For the first time since before COVID, our gym was once again filled with cheers, smiles, and proud parents as we celebrated the promotion of our amazing K–7th–grade students!

The energy was electric, staff lined the gym with handmade signs, clapping and cheering as each student took the spotlight and moved up to the next grade. One by one, students stepped forward to proudly receive their promotion certificates, class awards, and fun superlatives, all while parents and staff captured every moment with phones in hand and hearts full of pride.

It was more than just a ceremony; it was a joyful reminder of how far our students have come and the bright futures ahead. Here’s to growth, resilience, and the excitement of what’s next!

8th Grade Promotion Celebration

Our annual 8th-grade promotion was a heartfelt celebration filled with pride, joy, and a few happy tears. Staff, students, and families came together to honor the incredible achievements of our graduating class, and the moment did not disappoint.

This event is always an emotional one, as it marks not just the end of middle school but the beginning of a brand-new chapter. From heartfelt speeches to proud smiles and tearful hugs, the room overflowed with love and admiration for our 8th graders’ perseverance, resilience, and growth.

We couldn’t be prouder of each one of them. As they move on to high school, we know they’ll continue to rise, shine, and make us proud every step of the way!

"Passport to Summer" - A Journey to Fun and Learning!

This year’s Extended School Year (ESY) theme, “Passport to Summer,”  took students on an unforgettable adventure filled with creativity, excitement, and hands-on learning! Throughout July, we packed in sports, arts & crafts, and memorable field trips that made every day feel like a new destination.

With their custom “passports” in hand, students traveled the world, exploring beach destinations, cozy campgrounds, and more. During Camp Days, they roasted s’mores, tie-dyed hats, and soaked up the fun on Water Day with slip-and-slide action! Beach Week brought surfboard painting, sandcastle building, and sunny vibes all around.

The highlight? A thrilling trip to Glenn Dale Splash Park! Judging by the huge smiles and laughter, it’s safe to say the waterpark was a splash-tastic hit.

Message from The Principal

Hello, all Foundation families and supporters!

The 2024-2025 school year and extended summer year (ESY) have come to a close, and we are excited to take the time to celebrate the many milestones our students achieved. Please enjoy our Summer Newsletter and read about our graduation season, memorable field trips, and experiential learning opportunities that created inspired global thinkers.

PBIS Trips

As part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, our high school students were rewarded with exciting field trips that celebrated their positive choices and personal growth throughout the school year. Students enjoyed a fun and energetic day at the Laurel Skating Rink, where they got to unwind, skate with friends, and build community. Later, our seniors had a special experience at NR Paintball, where they celebrated their final year with teamwork and friendly competition.

To close out the year, all students participated in a field day at Watkins Park, filled with games, outdoor activities, and plenty of laughter. These trips not only recognized student achievement but also strengthened relationships and school spirit across our Foundation Schools community. Thank you to the SYTA Youth Foundation for funding the transportation to these memorable trips!

Around the World in ESY

During ESY, students embarked on a global learning adventure by exploring the cultures of India, Jamaica, Thailand, and Ethiopia. They cooked traditional meals from each country, gaining hands-on experience while learning about international cuisines and customs. In addition to cultural exploration, students planned their dream vacations, applying practical math and life skills to budget for travel expenses such as transportation, accommodations, food, and excursions. Classes also reinforced literature and writing skills through weekly four-paragraph essays and other engaging activities centered around world travelers.

In the Community

As part of our commitment to community service and environmental responsibility, students also participated in a community service project at Flagstaff Pond in Lusby, Maryland, where they helped dispose of invasive grasses. These experiences gave students a deeper understanding of the importance of caring for their local environment and the long-term impacts of the decisions they make every day. We concluded ESY on a positive and meaningful note and are excited to build on these experiences during the 2025–2026 school year.