
We've made it to Chapters 11 & 12 of Zoey and Sassafras! Zoey continues her scientific adventures - and this time she learns a lot from her second experiment.
Question to think about: What does Zoey learn from her second experiment? How do you think this will help her going forward?
Extension Activity: Try some of the fun Bingo activities in the Family Fun Pack! Reda in your pajamas, head to the park for a chapter, or gather the whole family for a story time session.
Don't forget to share your photos and responses - each one is another entry into our end-of-summer drawing!
Question to think about: What does Zoey learn from her second experiment? How do you think this will help her going forward?
Extension Activity: Try some of the fun Bingo activities in the Family Fun Pack! Reda in your pajamas, head to the park for a chapter, or gather the whole family for a story time session.
Don't forget to share your photos and responses - each one is another entry into our end-of-summer drawing!


We're so excited to see our students enjoying Zoey and Sassafras this summer! Whether they're working together with a friend or by themselves, these readers are building great habits and making the most of their summer adventures with a book in hand!
Keep those photos coming! Not only do they celebrate your child's learning, but they may inspire other families to join in!
Keep an eye out for our next set of questions and activities for Chapters 11 and 12 this afternoon!
Keep those photos coming! Not only do they celebrate your child's learning, but they may inspire other families to join in!
Keep an eye out for our next set of questions and activities for Chapters 11 and 12 this afternoon!


We are moving onto Chapters 9 & 10 of Zoey and Sassafras!
Take a look at these questions to help guide you through these chapters while reading:
1. Why do you think Sassafras was with the baby dragon instead of in bed? Have you ever seen a pet help another creature?
2. What is the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals?
3. Do you know of any cold-blooded animals?
Check out the DIY craft on how to make dragon eggs! This fun and magical activity is perfect for creative kids (and adults too!). You only need a few simple materials to bring your dragon egg to life. The link is in the graphic below. Don't forget to share a photo of your finished masterpiece in the comments. We'd love to see what you create!
Take a look at these questions to help guide you through these chapters while reading:
1. Why do you think Sassafras was with the baby dragon instead of in bed? Have you ever seen a pet help another creature?
2. What is the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals?
3. Do you know of any cold-blooded animals?
Check out the DIY craft on how to make dragon eggs! This fun and magical activity is perfect for creative kids (and adults too!). You only need a few simple materials to bring your dragon egg to life. The link is in the graphic below. Don't forget to share a photo of your finished masterpiece in the comments. We'd love to see what you create!


We're diving into Chapter 8 of Zoey and Sassafras!
As you read together as a family, use these guiding questions to spark conversation:
1. Why does Zoey's first hypothesis predict that the baby dragon will eat worms?
2. Have you ever conducted a science experiment? What was it?
3. Why is it important to just change one thing and keep everything else the same in an experiment?
4. What did Zoey learn from her first experiment?
Don't forget to complete the "Trait Detective" activity on the pink sheet! Share a photo or response with us for an entry into the raffle at the end of the book!
As you read together as a family, use these guiding questions to spark conversation:
1. Why does Zoey's first hypothesis predict that the baby dragon will eat worms?
2. Have you ever conducted a science experiment? What was it?
3. Why is it important to just change one thing and keep everything else the same in an experiment?
4. What did Zoey learn from her first experiment?
Don't forget to complete the "Trait Detective" activity on the pink sheet! Share a photo or response with us for an entry into the raffle at the end of the book!


Don't forget that Maple Mornings with Mrs. Higgins are happening all month!
Join Mrs. Higgins tomorrow from 9 - 11 AM at Bucktown Trailer Park for a morning full of fun! She'll have an engaging activity, great books to explore, and a special treat for every student who stops by.
She has been joined by wonderful community partners like the Dorchester County Health Department and MidShore Meals til Monday - all coming together to support our Maple families.
We'd love to see even more of our students and families there - come say hi and join the fun!
Join Mrs. Higgins tomorrow from 9 - 11 AM at Bucktown Trailer Park for a morning full of fun! She'll have an engaging activity, great books to explore, and a special treat for every student who stops by.
She has been joined by wonderful community partners like the Dorchester County Health Department and MidShore Meals til Monday - all coming together to support our Maple families.
We'd love to see even more of our students and families there - come say hi and join the fun!


Chapters 6 & 7 of Zoey and Sassafras are here - can you believe we're almost halfway through the book already?!
As you read today, spark some fun conversation with this question: Who do you think the shimmery blue tail that Zoey sees at the barn belongs to? Why? We'd love to hear your guesses - share in the comments!
Don't forget to check out the Family Fun Cards for pages 1 - 44 in your activity packet for even more ways to connect with the story.
Keep those photos and responses coming - we love seeing our Maple Lions reading and thinking like Zoey!
As you read today, spark some fun conversation with this question: Who do you think the shimmery blue tail that Zoey sees at the barn belongs to? Why? We'd love to hear your guesses - share in the comments!
Don't forget to check out the Family Fun Cards for pages 1 - 44 in your activity packet for even more ways to connect with the story.
Keep those photos and responses coming - we love seeing our Maple Lions reading and thinking like Zoey!


Chapter 5 of Zoey and Sassafras is here!
As you're reading today, think about this: How did Zoey feel about being in charge of the barn and any magical creatures that might need help? Why do you think she felt that way?
Talk about it with your child and share their thoughts in the comments! A comment on this post is worth 2 entries into the raffle!
Don't forget to check out the extension activities on the BINGO page in your activity pack - they are a fun way to keep the magic going!
As you're reading today, think about this: How did Zoey feel about being in charge of the barn and any magical creatures that might need help? Why do you think she felt that way?
Talk about it with your child and share their thoughts in the comments! A comment on this post is worth 2 entries into the raffle!
Don't forget to check out the extension activities on the BINGO page in your activity pack - they are a fun way to keep the magic going!


We're on Chapter 4 of Zoey and Sassafras ! As you read tonight, use the following question to spark discussion: Do you think you would be able to help an animal in need?
Don't forget to check out today's extension activity - make your own paper plate dragon ! All you need is a paper plate and scissors. Let the creativity fly!
Keep sharing your photos and discussion responses with the school - each one earns an entry into our end of book drawing!
Don't forget to check out today's extension activity - make your own paper plate dragon ! All you need is a paper plate and scissors. Let the creativity fly!
Keep sharing your photos and discussion responses with the school - each one earns an entry into our end of book drawing!


Our Maple Elementary Lions are diving into Zoey and Sassafras this summer and we love seeing their excitement for reading!
Don't forget - each time you share a photo or comment with your child's response to the discussion questions, you'll earn an entry into a special prize drawing at the end of the book!
Reading just a little each day helps build great reading habits. Keep up the great work, students and families - and keep reading!
Don't forget - each time you share a photo or comment with your child's response to the discussion questions, you'll earn an entry into a special prize drawing at the end of the book!
Reading just a little each day helps build great reading habits. Keep up the great work, students and families - and keep reading!






Today is day 2 of reading Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows! As you read Chapters 2 and 3 with your child, use the following questions to spark discussion:
1. What did Sassafras like to do with bugs?
2. How did Zoey feel about being in charge of the barn and any magical creatures that might need help while her mom was away? Why do you think she felt this way?
3. How would you feel if your grown-up told you that they met a talking frog?
Reminder: Design your own magical creature on the blue “My Magical Animal” sheet! Share a photo or description of your creature with us!
We’d love to see your child’s responses or reading moments. Share pictures or answers by emailing fordm@dcpsmd.org or commenting below.
Each photo or question response will earn your family an entry into a raffle drawing at the end of the reading! The more you participate, the more chances you have to win.
1. What did Sassafras like to do with bugs?
2. How did Zoey feel about being in charge of the barn and any magical creatures that might need help while her mom was away? Why do you think she felt this way?
3. How would you feel if your grown-up told you that they met a talking frog?
Reminder: Design your own magical creature on the blue “My Magical Animal” sheet! Share a photo or description of your creature with us!
We’d love to see your child’s responses or reading moments. Share pictures or answers by emailing fordm@dcpsmd.org or commenting below.
Each photo or question response will earn your family an entry into a raffle drawing at the end of the reading! The more you participate, the more chances you have to win.


Maple Families, here is the school supply list for Grades K–5. Please note that all supplies for PK3 and PK4 will be provided by Maple’s Judy Center, so you don’t need to send anything for those classes. While grade levels may suggest preferred brands, any brand is welcome and appreciated!



Uniforms are required for all students again this year. Students must wear plain hunter green, pastel yellow, or navy tops with navy or khaki bottoms. Old Navy currently has a sale for 50% off!!


We’re excited to begin reading Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows! As you read Chapter 1 with your child, use the following questions to spark discussion:
1. What did Zoey find when she flipped over the heavy rock in her yard?
2. Is there anything that helps you when you need to think of an idea? (Zoey puts on her “Thinking Goggles.”)
3. What photo do you think Zoey’s mom was holding at the end of Chapter 1? Why do you think she was looking out at the barn?
Reminder: Begin filling out the story map (white sheet) and continue adding to it throughout the book.
We’d love to see your child’s responses or reading moments. Share pictures or answers by emailing fordm@dcpsmd.org or commenting below.
Each photo or question response will earn your family an entry into a raffle drawing at the end of the reading! The more you participate, the more chances you have to win.
Happy reading!


Maple Mornings with Mrs. Higgins will be happening for the month of July!
Stop by between 9 A.M. and 11 A.M. for fun activities and a special treat.
Locations & Days:
Mondays – Academy & Light St.
Tuesdays – Bucktown & Cordtown Rd.
Wednesdays – Henry & Franklin St.
Thursdays – Stone Boundary & Hibiscus Rd.
We’ll also have food, hygiene products, and more available.
For more information, contact Mrs. Higgins at 410-228-8577.


Yearbooks have arrived and are ready for pick-up! If you ordered one, please stop by the main office Monday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to pick it up. If you're unable to come during these hours, please give us a call. We're happy to work with you to make other arrangements.


We’re thrilled to announce that our summer One School, One Book begins next Monday, July 7!
All students received their book and activity packet either in person during the last week of school or through the mail. If yours hasn’t arrived yet, keep an eye out!
Be sure to check Facebook regularly for discussion questions, fun activities, and ways to stay connected throughout the month of July!


At the end of the school year, we celebrated many of our Maple Lions for their personal growth and achievements! We hope all of our Maple Lions are off to a great start this summer. Summer reading logs, math packets, and a book for our One School, One Book program, kicking off on July 7th, have been sent home to keep the learning going!










A big thank you to DEPCOM Power for treating our staff to a delicious catered lunch this week! We’re also incredibly grateful for their generous donation of books for our students. Each student will receive a copy of the same book so we can kick off a One School, One Book program this summer. We appreciate your support in helping us build a love of reading in our school community! 📚💚




Yesterday marked our last day of school! We wish all our Maple Lions and their families a fun, safe, and unforgettable summer!











Our 5th grade promotion ceremony took place today! We’re so proud of our 5th graders and all the hard work they’ve put in this year. While we’re sad to see them go, we’re excited to see all the amazing things they’ll accomplish in the future!🦁💚









