Aviator Updates
SY24 CWFDES Family Issue #18
B WEEK: January 15-19
Hello Duke Families,
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the profound impact of his legacy. Let us continue to work together to create an environment where every child feels valued and respected. Thank you for your ongoing support in shaping a community that celebrates diversity and promotes kindness.
Warm Regards,
Katie Kortokrax, Principal
Zach Adams, Assistant Principal
Upcoming Notable Dates:
- Mon, Jan 15: MLK, Jr Day; School Closed
- Thurs, Jan 25: Winter Concert (Band, Strings, Chorus)
- Fri, Jan 26: Professional Development Day - No school for students
- End of Marking Period 2
Mark Your Calendars! Spring Testing Dates!
3rd Grade
MCAP ELA: April 15, 17, 22, 24
MCAP Math: April 29, May 1, 6, 8
4th Grade
NAEP: February 27 (more information coming)
MCAP ELA: April 16, 18, 23, 25
MCAP Math: April 30, May 2, 7, 9
5th Grade
MISA Science: March 12 and 14
MCAP ELA: April 16, 18, 23, 25
MCAP Math: April 30, May 2, 7, 9
Attendance - Every Day Counts!
Duke Elementary - Where Children SOAR!
Congratulations to Our INTERMEDIATE Fridge of Fame Recipients!
4th Grade Fun with STEM
News from Our PTA
YOU Make the New Year POP!
January Staff Appreciation will be on Wednesday, January 17th. We will be hosting a popcorn bar with all the toppings. Please review the available slots below and sign up to donate an item. Amazon items can be shipped directly to the Marcum home at 41456 Culpepper Way, Leonardtown. Please have other items sent into or dropped off at the school by Tuesday afternoon. Thank you for your continued support in showing the staff members at Duke how much we appreciate them!
Cafeteria Info (& Menu Changes)
Click here for the Menu. Due to supply chain issues, menu changes occur. We recognize that the decision to bring lunch from home or purchase lunch from school is often dependent on the menu.
Last Week's Episodes of the Duke Morning News
Order Your 2023-2024 YEARBOOK TODAY!
Capture this year's school memories by ordering your yearbook TODAY!
Click here to order yours today.
SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
There are so many fantastic things happening in our efforts to support SMCPS students with disabilities. Please use this survey to share your praise, story, or news about successes here at CWFDES! Thank you in advance for sharing your appreciation for our special education staff members!
Helpful Resources & Info Worth Repeating
Local Resources & Food Pantries
Select the links below to learn about available resources in our area.
SMCPS is Looking for Calendar Input for SY25
Calendar Survey - School Year 2024-2025: The SMCPS Calendar Committee is seeking input in the development of the 2024-2025 school year calendar. Please respond to this Calendar Survey to provide your input.
- Direct Link to survey-- https://bit.ly/SMCPS24calendar
School-Based Counseling Support in the evening for SMCPS Students
2024 Annual SMAMUN Conference
I am so pleased to announce that registration for the 2024 Annual SMAMUN Conference is now open! Our SMAMUN Conference will take place on Friday, February 9th, 2024 and Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at Leonardtown High School and is open to any SMCPS student from 5th to 12th grade. Participants will enjoy exciting exposure to and deliberation on a variety of major real-world issues from across the globe, all through warm collaboration with fellow SMCPS students.
- SMAMUN Website: https://sites.google.com/smcps.org/smamun/home
- SMAMUN Commercial: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mIreZPPxUOy69YbNeIqeGw444g08fH2S/view?usp=sharing
Blueprint Town Halls
In implementing the requirements and reform initiatives associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, St. Mary’s County Public Schools is inviting stakeholders to learn about each pillar of the Blueprint, its requirements, and current status. As part of the Town Hall sessions, stakeholders will be able to ask questions of staff and provide input in responding to the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of the Blueprint.
Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education - Tue, November 7, 2023
Pillar 4: Resources for Student Success - Tue, December 5, 2023
Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness - Thur, February 8, 2024
Pillar 2: High Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders - Tue, March 12, 2024
All sessions will be held at 6 PM at the Dr. J. A . Forrest Career and Technology Center, and will be livestreamed at www.smcps.org/streaming.
Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary
We welcome your questions and inquiries. Please call 240-309-4658, refer to the SMCPS Back to School website, or our CWFDES website for additional information.
Katie Kortokrax, Principal
Zach Adams, Assistant Principal
Email: klkortokrax@smcps.org
Website: https://cwfdes.smcps.org/
Location: 23595 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: (240) 309-4658
Twitter: @CWFDES_SMCPS