Sunday Scoop, June 14 edition- one more week, surviving on vibes and coffee

Happy Sunday Bushy Park Families! 

Well, here we are... Somehow the school year that seemed to stretch endlessly back in September is now down to just a few days. We are standing at the finish line with one shoe untied, a stack of artwork under one arm, seventeen forms we forgot to sign, and approximately three gallons of coffee. But we almost did it.  Before we spring into summer, we want to take a moment to celebrate what has been an incredible few weeks at Bushy Park.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Ice Cream Social on June 3rd. There is something special about seeing families gathered together, enjoying a sweet treat, catching up with friends, and celebrating another year of growth. Huge shoutout to Jen S. for her hard work and handy scooping that kept the Rita's flowing. No, Rita's isn't technically ice cream, we're workshopping a new name. "Frozen Dessert Social" feels a little too corporate, "Italian Ice Gathering" sounds vaguely like a club no one remembers joining, and frankly, at this point in the school year we're too tired to argue over frozen treat classifications. We all showed up, ate something cold, and finished out the last PTA meeting strong.  

And then there was the End-of-Year Carnival.  Was it hot? Yes.  Was it "surface of the sun" hot? Also yes.  Yet somehow our amazing community still showed up ready to celebrate, perhaps singlehandedly thanks to the snowball truck. Between the inflatables, games, kickball, food, community vendors, crafts, and countless smiling faces, the evening was filled with laughter and memories. Thank you to every volunteer, staff member, PTA leader, and family who helped make the event possible.  We may have melted a little but as a wise snowman once said, some things are worth melting for.

We would also like to give a special shout-out to our Fifth Grade Committee, whose hard work and dedication have helped make this year's fifth-grade celebrations truly memorable. The yard sign sale was a huge success, and the celebration at RBR was fantastic, the service projects were meaningful and well executed. From fundraising to event planning to creating special moments for our soon-to-be middle schoolers, this group has gone above and beyond all year long. Thank you for helping our fifth graders feel celebrated as they prepare for their next adventure.  

To the fifth grade families who will be attending tomorrow's promotion ceremony we wish you  full batteries, waterproof mascara, photos where everyone has open eyes and an approximation of a smile, and just enough tissues to make it through. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, we are so proud of our fifth graders and can't wait to see all they accomplish in middle school and beyond.

As we celebrate our students, we also find ourselves saying goodbye to some extraordinary members of the Bushy Park family.  This year marks the retirement of Mrs. Stephanie Bruner after 30 years in education.  Mrs. Bruner has impacted generations of children and families, and her dedication, warmth, and commitment to students will leave a lasting legacy in our community. 

We also celebrate the retirement of Mrs. Joy Hogan after an incredible 38 years in education, including 22 years at Bushy Park. Throughout her career, Mrs. Hogan has touched countless lives through her exuberance, kindness, and unwavering dedication to children.  Not to mention impacting generations of fashionistas. We wish both Mrs. Bruner and Mrs. Hogan a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, and all the adventures they deserve.

We are also wishing a fond farewell to Mrs. Kristian Rutledge on her transfer to Swansfield Elementary School. Mrs. Rutledge has been with us for 3 years that somehow simultaneously feel like forever and the blink of an eye.  She brought her Pittsburgh style to the front office, complete with Steelers gear on purple Fridays.  She never failed to jump in when things got challenging, and always advocated for a better school and community.  It's not goodbye, it's so long for now.  

With change comes new beginnings, and we are excited to welcome Mrs. Courtney Madden as the incoming principal of Bushy Park Elementary School. Mrs. Madden brings 20 years of experience in the Howard County Public School System as a teacher, instructional leader, and administrator. Throughout her career, she has served at Atholton Elementary School, Ducketts Lane Elementary School, and Swansfield Elementary School. We look forward to welcoming her to the Bushy Park community and beginning this next chapter together. 

As for the week ahead, a few reminders, or the TL/DR section for those of you who know who you are.  I am aware this one was particularly long, sorry!

• Monday is the LAST full day of school, and Fifth Grade Promotion.

• Tuesday- Thursday are 3 hour early dismissal.

• Thursday, June 18, ScHoOl'S oUt FoR SuMmEr!

• And Thursday is also our final Spirit Night of the year at The Snowball Stand from 4-7pm, giving us one last opportunity to gather as a community, have a cold treat, and support the PTA before summer officially begins. All proceeds from 

• Our school supply store is now open, get your school supplies sent to you anytime over the summer without trying to figure out if the stores will have Halloween supplies out in July.

Now let's finish strong, remember to check every backpack pocket for mystery snacks before June becomes July, and get these kids across the finish line.

Summer is calling.  We almost did it.