Happy Sunday Emerald Hill Eagles!
We had a great first week of school! We are super excited to have the students back in the classroom and we’ve been practicing what it looks like to SOAR in school.
SOAR stands for: Show Respect to Others, Obey All Rules, Always do your Best, and Be Responsible. Please take some time to talk to your child(ren) about how to SOAR in the classroom and ask them about how they can earn SOAR bucks to use at our school store.
This week we will be having our first fire drill of the school year. Fire drills are an essential part of our safety protocols which help ensure that students and staff are well prepared in case of an emergency. Teachers will discuss fire drill procedures with their class and we will practice how to safely exit the building. Please remind your children of the importance of safety drills and reassure them that drills are one aspect to keeping them safe at school.
Culpeper County Public Schools is now offering Chromebook Protection Plans for students. For peace of mind and to avoid unexpected repair costs, we encourage families to purchase the optional $30 Chromebook Protection Plan by August 28. This plan covers up to two incidents of accidental damage during the 2025-2026 school year. To sign up, plans can be purchased through SchoolCash Online. Use the link is below: https://culpeperschoolsva.schoolcashonline.com/
Additionally, Emerald Hill is selling Birthday Grams again this year. If you would like to purchase a Birthday Gram for your child, to include a birthday pencil and me singing happy birthday to them, please see the flier that was sent home last week or purchase through SchoolCash Online. Birthday Gram orders are due by September 19th.
Tomorrow is a day 4 in our resource rotation.
Have a great rest of your weekend and remember to learn everyday!
~Dr. Gelbert
We had a great first week of school! We are super excited to have the students back in the classroom and we’ve been practicing what it looks like to SOAR in school.
SOAR stands for: Show Respect to Others, Obey All Rules, Always do your Best, and Be Responsible. Please take some time to talk to your child(ren) about how to SOAR in the classroom and ask them about how they can earn SOAR bucks to use at our school store.
This week we will be having our first fire drill of the school year. Fire drills are an essential part of our safety protocols which help ensure that students and staff are well prepared in case of an emergency. Teachers will discuss fire drill procedures with their class and we will practice how to safely exit the building. Please remind your children of the importance of safety drills and reassure them that drills are one aspect to keeping them safe at school.
Culpeper County Public Schools is now offering Chromebook Protection Plans for students. For peace of mind and to avoid unexpected repair costs, we encourage families to purchase the optional $30 Chromebook Protection Plan by August 28. This plan covers up to two incidents of accidental damage during the 2025-2026 school year. To sign up, plans can be purchased through SchoolCash Online. Use the link is below: https://culpeperschoolsva.schoolcashonline.com/
Additionally, Emerald Hill is selling Birthday Grams again this year. If you would like to purchase a Birthday Gram for your child, to include a birthday pencil and me singing happy birthday to them, please see the flier that was sent home last week or purchase through SchoolCash Online. Birthday Gram orders are due by September 19th.
Tomorrow is a day 4 in our resource rotation.
Have a great rest of your weekend and remember to learn everyday!
~Dr. Gelbert
🛍️ The Emerald Hill Student Store is Coming Soon! 🎉
Our students are working hard to earn SOAR Bucks by Showing Respect, Obeying All Rules, Always doing their Best, and Being Responsible—and soon, they’ll be able to spend them at our Student Store!
We need your help to stock the shelves! If you’d like to donate new items, please visit our Amazon Wish List here: https://amzn.to/3UJJZR5 or scan the QR code on the flyer. You can also call the Guidance Office at EHES for more information.
Let’s work together to make the Student Store an exciting reward for our amazing SOAR-ing students! 💚
Our students are working hard to earn SOAR Bucks by Showing Respect, Obeying All Rules, Always doing their Best, and Being Responsible—and soon, they’ll be able to spend them at our Student Store!
We need your help to stock the shelves! If you’d like to donate new items, please visit our Amazon Wish List here: https://amzn.to/3UJJZR5 or scan the QR code on the flyer. You can also call the Guidance Office at EHES for more information.
Let’s work together to make the Student Store an exciting reward for our amazing SOAR-ing students! 💚
🚍 SOAR-ing on the Bus! 🚌
Here at Emerald Hill, we teach our students to SOAR:
Show Respect to Others
Obey All Rules
Always do your Best
Be Responsible
During the first days of school, our teachers show students what SOARing looks like in different areas around the school. Today, Mrs. Lane, with help from Mr. Jason, taught students how to SOAR while riding the bus—making sure everyone knows how to be safe, respectful, and ready to learn before and after each trip.
Ask your child about the ways they can SOAR on the bus and how they can earn SOAR Bucks to spend at our school store!
Here at Emerald Hill, we teach our students to SOAR:
Show Respect to Others
Obey All Rules
Always do your Best
Be Responsible
During the first days of school, our teachers show students what SOARing looks like in different areas around the school. Today, Mrs. Lane, with help from Mr. Jason, taught students how to SOAR while riding the bus—making sure everyone knows how to be safe, respectful, and ready to learn before and after each trip.
Ask your child about the ways they can SOAR on the bus and how they can earn SOAR Bucks to spend at our school store!
🎯📚 Welcome Back, Eagles! 📚🎯
The first day of school is off to a great start here at Emerald Hill! Our students and staff came ready to learn, grow, and start the year strong. From smiles in the hallways to hands-on fun in the classrooms, it's clear—we’re already Targeting Excellence Every Day! 🦅💚
The first day of school is off to a great start here at Emerald Hill! Our students and staff came ready to learn, grow, and start the year strong. From smiles in the hallways to hands-on fun in the classrooms, it's clear—we’re already Targeting Excellence Every Day! 🦅💚
Happy Sunday Emerald Hill Eagles!
We are so excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! At Emerald Hill, we are Lifelong Learners, and this year, we are Targeting Excellence Every Day in all that we do.
Meet the Teacher Night is tomorrow, Monday, August 4th from 1-6pm. Our teachers are eager to welcome their new students to their classrooms. During Meet the Teacher Night, Mrs. Lane and I will be hosting a “Popsicles with the Principals” in the courtyard. After meeting and visiting with your child’s teachers, please join us in the courtyard to enjoy an ice pop.
Also, if your child has any medical conditions, or takes any doctor prescribed medications, please stop by the clinic to see Nurse Rachael during Meet the Teacher Night so that she can help you with any actions required to ensure your child has all they need completed before the first day of school.
Our first day of school will be Wednesday, August 6th. If your child is riding the bus to school on Wednesday, please have them at the stop a few minutes early, as pickup times may vary slightly the first few days. Transportation has started sharing bus routes with families. If you have any transportation questions, please check out the CCPS transportation website (https://www.culpeperschools.org/page/transportation). Students not riding a bus may be dropped off between 7:40-8:15am in the loop to the right of the building. Parents may park in the main lot and walk their children to their classrooms on the first day of school. Our tardy bell rings at 8:15am.
Our dismissal time is 3:00pm. Again, bus route times may vary the first few days so students may be dropped off a little before or after the time that is provided. We will continue utilizing the transportation dismissal sheet to include the time each bus left our parking lot, and any notes to go along with dismissal (buses running late, buses ahead of schedule, etc.). The link to the bus dismissal document can be found on our EHE website starting the first day of school. If you are picking up your child, cars can start lining up at 2:40pm and dismissal will occur between 3:00-3:20pm. Any parent arriving before 2:40pm should park in the numbered spots in the upper parking lot. This year we will continue to use our numbered car tag system for student pick up. If you did not get a car tag last year, or have a new student, we will have a table in the front lobby during Meet the Teacher Night where parents can get a car tag.
If you are new to Emerald Hill and will drop off or pick up your child, or need a refresher on our drop-off and pick-up procedures, check out our video on arrival and dismissal procedures linked below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oDgqPJT4W8&feature=youtu.be
Our amazing PTO will be hosting a Boo Hoo Woo Hoo breakfast for kindergarten families on the 1st day of school. After dropping off your child in their classroom, we hope all kindergarten parents can join them for the breakfast in our Teachers’ Lounge.
Wednesday, the first day of school, will be a day 1 in our resource rotation.
Have a great rest of your weekend and remember to learn every day!
~Dr. Gelbert
We are so excited to welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year! At Emerald Hill, we are Lifelong Learners, and this year, we are Targeting Excellence Every Day in all that we do.
Meet the Teacher Night is tomorrow, Monday, August 4th from 1-6pm. Our teachers are eager to welcome their new students to their classrooms. During Meet the Teacher Night, Mrs. Lane and I will be hosting a “Popsicles with the Principals” in the courtyard. After meeting and visiting with your child’s teachers, please join us in the courtyard to enjoy an ice pop.
Also, if your child has any medical conditions, or takes any doctor prescribed medications, please stop by the clinic to see Nurse Rachael during Meet the Teacher Night so that she can help you with any actions required to ensure your child has all they need completed before the first day of school.
Our first day of school will be Wednesday, August 6th. If your child is riding the bus to school on Wednesday, please have them at the stop a few minutes early, as pickup times may vary slightly the first few days. Transportation has started sharing bus routes with families. If you have any transportation questions, please check out the CCPS transportation website (https://www.culpeperschools.org/page/transportation). Students not riding a bus may be dropped off between 7:40-8:15am in the loop to the right of the building. Parents may park in the main lot and walk their children to their classrooms on the first day of school. Our tardy bell rings at 8:15am.
Our dismissal time is 3:00pm. Again, bus route times may vary the first few days so students may be dropped off a little before or after the time that is provided. We will continue utilizing the transportation dismissal sheet to include the time each bus left our parking lot, and any notes to go along with dismissal (buses running late, buses ahead of schedule, etc.). The link to the bus dismissal document can be found on our EHE website starting the first day of school. If you are picking up your child, cars can start lining up at 2:40pm and dismissal will occur between 3:00-3:20pm. Any parent arriving before 2:40pm should park in the numbered spots in the upper parking lot. This year we will continue to use our numbered car tag system for student pick up. If you did not get a car tag last year, or have a new student, we will have a table in the front lobby during Meet the Teacher Night where parents can get a car tag.
If you are new to Emerald Hill and will drop off or pick up your child, or need a refresher on our drop-off and pick-up procedures, check out our video on arrival and dismissal procedures linked below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oDgqPJT4W8&feature=youtu.be
Our amazing PTO will be hosting a Boo Hoo Woo Hoo breakfast for kindergarten families on the 1st day of school. After dropping off your child in their classroom, we hope all kindergarten parents can join them for the breakfast in our Teachers’ Lounge.
Wednesday, the first day of school, will be a day 1 in our resource rotation.
Have a great rest of your weekend and remember to learn every day!
~Dr. Gelbert
🌟 Over the summer, we’ve been working hard to beautify Emerald Hill and it’s looking better than ever! 💚✨
Thanks to the support of our dedicated staff and generous community partners, our school has a fresh new feel both inside and out. A huge shoutout to Jason Stanley, one of our amazing custodians, for his hard work on the tile project in our main office. We’re also grateful to Sunband Inc. for adding the finishing touches to complete the look. And thank you to Line & Ladders Wash Co. for giving the entire exterior of our school a sparkling clean refresh!
We’re so lucky to have such a supportive Emerald Hill family! 🦅💚
Thanks to the support of our dedicated staff and generous community partners, our school has a fresh new feel both inside and out. A huge shoutout to Jason Stanley, one of our amazing custodians, for his hard work on the tile project in our main office. We’re also grateful to Sunband Inc. for adding the finishing touches to complete the look. And thank you to Line & Ladders Wash Co. for giving the entire exterior of our school a sparkling clean refresh!
We’re so lucky to have such a supportive Emerald Hill family! 🦅💚
🌟 Meet Ms. Hackley! 🌟
We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Hackley to the Emerald Hill family as one of our new 4th grade teachers! 🦅📚
With six years of experience in a variety of roles - Pre-K teacher, instructional assistant, substitute teacher, and more - Ms. Hackley brings a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of passion to the classroom. She’s currently earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is beyond excited to be part of each student’s learning journey.
When she’s not in the classroom, you might find her catching up on a favorite show, enjoying a beautiful sunset, or out shopping for something fun!
Let’s give a warm EHES welcome to Ms. Hackley! 💚
We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Hackley to the Emerald Hill family as one of our new 4th grade teachers! 🦅📚
With six years of experience in a variety of roles - Pre-K teacher, instructional assistant, substitute teacher, and more - Ms. Hackley brings a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of passion to the classroom. She’s currently earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is beyond excited to be part of each student’s learning journey.
When she’s not in the classroom, you might find her catching up on a favorite show, enjoying a beautiful sunset, or out shopping for something fun!
Let’s give a warm EHES welcome to Ms. Hackley! 💚
🌟Meet Our New Kindergarten Teacher🌟
We’re so excited to welcome Mrs. Rivera to the EHE teaching team! After 26 years of working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, she’s now stepping into the classroom as a teacher - fulfilling her lifelong dream! 🧡
She’s spent decades creating safe, nurturing spaces where young children could learn, grow, and thrive - and now she’s bringing that same heart and dedication into her new role as a teacher.
Mrs. Rivera describes herself as a passionate person who truly loves everything about working with children, and we can already tell she’s going to make a huge impact.
Let’s give Ms. Rivera a big Eagle welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter! 💚
We’re so excited to welcome Mrs. Rivera to the EHE teaching team! After 26 years of working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, she’s now stepping into the classroom as a teacher - fulfilling her lifelong dream! 🧡
She’s spent decades creating safe, nurturing spaces where young children could learn, grow, and thrive - and now she’s bringing that same heart and dedication into her new role as a teacher.
Mrs. Rivera describes herself as a passionate person who truly loves everything about working with children, and we can already tell she’s going to make a huge impact.
Let’s give Ms. Rivera a big Eagle welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter! 💚
📬 It’s almost time, Eagles! Our welcome postcards should start flying into mailboxes today to help you get ready for an exciting new school year at Emerald Hill! 💚🦅
🗓 Mark your calendars:
📌 Meet the Teacher Night – August 4th from 1–6 PM
🍦 Popsicles with the Principals – during Meet the Teacher in the courtyard
🎒 First Day of School – August 6th
In order to view your child’s teacher in Parent Portal (starting August 1st), be sure to complete the Returning Student Registration!
🎥 Don’t miss this cheerful Welcome Back Video from Dr. Gelbert and Mrs. Lane, filled with helpful info and a big Eagle welcome:
👉 https://youtu.be/d3TNuaLcsCc
We can’t wait to see all our Eagles back for another great year! 🦅✨
🗓 Mark your calendars:
📌 Meet the Teacher Night – August 4th from 1–6 PM
🍦 Popsicles with the Principals – during Meet the Teacher in the courtyard
🎒 First Day of School – August 6th
In order to view your child’s teacher in Parent Portal (starting August 1st), be sure to complete the Returning Student Registration!
🎥 Don’t miss this cheerful Welcome Back Video from Dr. Gelbert and Mrs. Lane, filled with helpful info and a big Eagle welcome:
👉 https://youtu.be/d3TNuaLcsCc
We can’t wait to see all our Eagles back for another great year! 🦅✨
🌟Meet Ms. Coburn, our new Early Childhood Special Education Pre-K teacher! 🌟
This will be Ms. Coburn’s first year teaching preschool, and she’s excited to begin this new adventure with our youngest learners. She previously taught collaborative Kindergarten and brings a strong passion for helping all students thrive.
Ms. Coburn is a proud graduate of Old Dominion University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in special education. She’s currently working toward her master’s degree in school counseling.
When she's not in the classroom, you’ll find her exploring Virginia’s beautiful outdoors or spending time with her two playful pups. 🌄🐶
Welcome to EHES, Ms. Coburn - we’re so glad to have you on the team! 💚
🌟 Meet Our New 4th Grade Teacher! 🌟
We’re so excited to officially welcome a familiar face into a new role at Emerald Hill! This is Mrs. Dunford's seventh year at EHE, but her very first year as a 4th grade teacher! Over the years, she’s served our school community as a paraeducator and long-term sub and is ready for a great year in 4th grade.
Before finding her passion for teaching, she spent 14 years as a dental assistant. It wasn’t until she had children of her own that she discovered just how much she loved helping kids learn and grow.
Her family is part of the EHE community, too - her son was a former student and is heading into 9th grade, and her daughter will be a 5th grader here this year!
When she’s not at school, you can find her soaking up the sun at the beach, tending to her garden, or hanging out with her adorable crew of animals: a dog, a cat, chickens, rabbits, and now a brand new puppy 🐾. She also loves live music and spending time with her husband and kids.
Please help us give a warm Eagle welcome as Mrs. Dunford begins this exciting new chapter at EHE! 💚
We’re so excited to officially welcome a familiar face into a new role at Emerald Hill! This is Mrs. Dunford's seventh year at EHE, but her very first year as a 4th grade teacher! Over the years, she’s served our school community as a paraeducator and long-term sub and is ready for a great year in 4th grade.
Before finding her passion for teaching, she spent 14 years as a dental assistant. It wasn’t until she had children of her own that she discovered just how much she loved helping kids learn and grow.
Her family is part of the EHE community, too - her son was a former student and is heading into 9th grade, and her daughter will be a 5th grader here this year!
When she’s not at school, you can find her soaking up the sun at the beach, tending to her garden, or hanging out with her adorable crew of animals: a dog, a cat, chickens, rabbits, and now a brand new puppy 🐾. She also loves live music and spending time with her husband and kids.
Please help us give a warm Eagle welcome as Mrs. Dunford begins this exciting new chapter at EHE! 💚
🏃♀️ Say hello to our new PE teacher, Mrs. Mettinger! 🏀
Mrs. Mettinger is starting her 13th year of teaching physical education and brings tons of experience and energy to our team! She began her career as a certified athletic trainer and still holds that certification today - though these days, most of her time outside school is spent cheering on her two kids at their activities.
Emerald Hill already feels like home for her - her son is an EHES graduate heading to middle school, and her daughter is a proud 3rd grader here this year! Now she’s excited to join our school family not just as a parent, but as a staff member too.
Welcome to the team, Mrs. Mettinger! 💚💛
Mrs. Mettinger is starting her 13th year of teaching physical education and brings tons of experience and energy to our team! She began her career as a certified athletic trainer and still holds that certification today - though these days, most of her time outside school is spent cheering on her two kids at their activities.
Emerald Hill already feels like home for her - her son is an EHES graduate heading to middle school, and her daughter is a proud 3rd grader here this year! Now she’s excited to join our school family not just as a parent, but as a staff member too.
Welcome to the team, Mrs. Mettinger! 💚💛
This week, Emerald Hill welcomed new teachers and staff for the 2025–2026 school year! We are excited to introduce a group of passionate, talented educators who are ready to inspire, support, and grow alongside our students. Here's to a great year ahead!
This summer our dedicated staff have continued to learn everyday. From hosting professional development sessions right here at our school, to traveling to conferences, and attending state-level trainings, we've had fun learning and collaborating with others around the state and nation.
We hope all of our Eagles are enjoying their summer and continuing to learn everyday! We look forward to seeing you soon!
We hope all of our Eagles are enjoying their summer and continuing to learn everyday! We look forward to seeing you soon!
📣 HOLIDAY HOURS
Culpeper County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, July 3, 2025 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
As part of our summer schedule, we are already closed on Fridays, including July 4.
We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!
Is your child turning 5 before September 30?
That means it’s time to register for kindergarten with Culpeper County Public Schools!
Give your child a strong start by enrolling today and getting ready for an exciting year of learning, creativity, and fun.
📚 Register now online at https://www.culpeperschools.org/o/ccps/page/enroll
CALLING ALL COMMUNITY PARTNERS!!
The 2nd Annual CCPS Back to School Bash is coming soon and we need you!
WHEN? Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 9 AM–12 PM
WHERE? Sycamore Park Elementary School
If you're interested in:
✅ Hosting a table
✅ Giving free haircuts to students
✅ Sharing a youth oriented service (childcare, sports, etc)
✅ Donating supplies or volunteering
📋 Please complete our interest form: https://forms.gle/uRDwsaAJzpKbyXTM8
Looking for something to do this summer? Check out the Summer Reading Challenge sponsored by the White House.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/read/
📚✏️ Get ready for the new school year! The 2025–2026 Elementary School Supply Lists are now available on the CCPS website. 🖍️📓
🖱️ Visit: https://www.culpeperschools.org/page/school-supplies
📅 Plan ahead and make back-to-school shopping a breeze!
Happy Sunday Emerald Hill Eagles!
This week is my last robo call of the school year! I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown!
Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is still open. There are still Pre-Kindergarten slots available for next school year. If you have a child that will be 4 before September 30th and are interested in your child attending Pre-Kindergarten, please visit the CCPS website for applications.
Just a reminder, if your child has medicine in the nurse’s office, please make plans to pick it up by the last day of school. Any medicine left in the clinic after May 23rd will be disposed of.
Our amazing PTO has thought of another great idea for our students. They have created a “Flat Emerald” that students can color, cut out, and take around on all of their summer adventures, near and far. Check your email for a copy of the “Flat Emerald” sheet and a copy will be coming home with all students next week. Feel free to take pictures of your summer adventures with “Flat Emerald” and send them to the Emerald Hill PTO Facebook page to be posted!
Thursday, May 22nd, is our last day of school. There will be no school for students on Friday, Mary 23rd.
Tomorrow is a day 5 in our resource rotation.
Have a great rest of your weekend, have an amazing summer, and continue to learn everyday!
~Dr. Gelbert
