Principal's Communications

   

Thank you to all our Gunpowder families who were able to attend our Back to School
Night presentations on Tuesday, September 9th.  If you were unable to attend, please
take a few minutes to view the Back to School Night presentation slides that were shared
school-wide. 
Gunpowder Elementary Back to School Night Presentation
2025-26
We look forward to seeing everyone at Family Fun Night sponsored by our PTA on
Friday, September 19th beginning at 5:30 PM.  Please look for the flyer sent home with
information about ordering pizza for your family. 

Anchored in Love, Strengthened by Unity, We Are Gunpowder Family!

 

September is Suicide Prevention Month: 

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day

While BCPS focuses on suicide prevention year-round, we particularly promote suicide prevention during September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. You can show support by wearing yellow on World Suicide Prevention Day next Wednesday, September 10.

One in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24 (NAMI, 2022). Please be aware of the warning signs of a mental health challenge and ways you can respond.

Warning Signs

  • Unexpected/dramatic decline in school performance.
  • Noticeable changes to mood and/or behavior (i.e., if your child who was always cheerful is now quiet and somber, loves a hobby is now disinterested, etc.).
  • Changes in appetite, sleep, and/or hygiene.
  • Frequent physical complaints.
  • Isolating themselves from friends.
  • Comments or gestures that may hint that someone is thinking of ending their life.

Mental Health Resources: Click Here

We look forward to seeing you at Back to School Night on September 9th! 
 

Upcoming PTA Events:

  • PTA Meeting – Tuesday, 9/16 6:30 *Virtual 

  • Family Picnic – Friday, 9/19 5:30-7:00 (rain date Friday, 9/26). Please make sure to send in your pizza order form and payments no later than Monday, 9/16! We are in need of volunteers and donations to make the picnic a success—please consider helping if you are able to! You can sign up on PTBoard ****We reached our membership goal, thank you for your support! There will be a special event at the picnic you do not want to miss!

PTA Membership Drive:
It’s not too late to join! Anyone who becomes a PTA member by 9/12 will be entered into our prize drawing.

 School Store:
Open on 9/12 (K and 5th grade),  9/19 (1st and 4th) , and 9/26 (2nd and 3rd) – see attached flyer for items and prices. 

Spirit Night:
Join us for our first Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, 9/24, from 5–8 pm! A portion of sales will be donated to our school. Flyer to come home soon!

Save the Date:

  • Kindness Fundraiser begins 10/16 – more info coming soon!

  • Trunk or Treat – Saturday, 10/25 4:00-6:00 (Rain date 10/26)

Forms for all upcoming events can be found at https://gunpowder.ptboard.com or on our PTA bulletin board in the school lobby. 

Thank you for supporting our school community—we couldn’t do it without you!

See you soon,

Gunpowder Elementary PTA