Flower Valley Weekly Newsletter
Week of May 20, 2024
Dear Flower Valley Community,
Thank you for your patience in the delay of the newsletter. Unfortunately, I was out Thursday and Friday with an eye infection that impacted my vision. You never truly appreciate some things until you do not have them. Although still a bit blurry, I am grateful to be able to see again! :)
Sadly, I missed Field Day, but I heard it was AMAZING! Thank you, Mr. Taubman, for all of your efforts organizing this, and thank you to our fabulous 5th graders, our staff, and our families who helped make this happen. A special thank you to Mrs. Haden who had some splash tank fun. :) Next week, we have Field Day for our students in grades 3-5. I can't wait!
Don't forget to stop by FVES this Sunday from 2-5PM, rain or shine. Our annual PTA sponsored carnvial is happening, and it will be a blast!
Enjoy the weekend! I'll see you at the carnival!
With Firefly Pride!
Dr. Fish
All Google links embedded within the newsletter can be translated into numerous languages by clicking "Tools" and scrolling down to "Translate Document". A drop-down menu will appear where you can choose the language.
Kindergarten Enrollment Update
Interims
Lunch and Recess
Art Therapy Opportunity at Rockville High School
Wood Middle School Spring Production
Opportunity to Support Our Community
PTA Corner
Save the Date
Information from Previous Newsletters can be found on our school's website and in the FVES Parent Handbook linked here. The document can be translated by clicking "File", scrolling down to "Language", and then selecting your preferred language.
We are getting close to summer, so if you have not yet enrolled your incoming kindergartener, please do so as soon as possible. With the current budget situation in MCPS, they are closely monitoring our kindergarten enrollment to ensure our current level of staffing is appropriate. If you know of friends in the community with incoming kindergarteners, please let them know to enroll as soon as possible as well. This helps us better plan for next year. Once we have your enrollment information, we will be able to provide you with updates about opportunities to get to know the kindergarten teachers, play dates, class assignments, and so much more!
All of the details can be found on our school website linked here. Our next tours are June 5th at 8:00AM and 4:00PM.
**Please remember that cleats are not allowed at school, especially at recess.
As spring season enters, we find that students' behaviors escalate during lunch and recess. We want students to be able to enjoy some down time with their friends at lunch and recess, but we also need them to be safe and listen respectfully to the adults supporting lunch and recess. We have reiterated this important message to students through town halls, in their homeroom classes, and at lunch and recess, but we could use your support as well.
Below are a few updates from lunch and recess.
- Our 4th and 5th graders are now together again for recess. We did have to put a pause on soccer for 4th grade. We hope to be able to bring this back soon. If you have experience refereeing soccer games and would like to volunteer, we would love the additional support at recess to help all of our students learn how to play the game according to the rules and respectfully.
- Some of our younger students are struggling to listen respectfully during lunch. It is an exciting time, and we want students to be able to enjoy this time with their friends. We are, however, finding it challenging to get students to clean up after themselves and to quiet down when staff are talking to them about cleaning up and transitioning to recess.
- We have begun a rewards program to promote positive behaviors. Some of the rewards include the option for students to eat outside, the choice in their seating at lunch, or a fun treat at the end of the week.
- We have also recently started using our new technology in the All Purpose Room to play calming music and to show calming backgrounds. On Fridays, we are providing an incentive for students to watch MCPS approved short clips or movie excerpts on the Boxlight.
On June 12th at 5:30PM, our 5th graders will be celebrating their exit from Flower Valley Elementary School.
Please consider volunteering to help out at the 5th grade promotion ceremony. It is a FVES tradition that parents of younger students offer support at this event so that the 5th grade parents can enjoy this special moment with their child.
There are several 1.5 hour shifts available between 4-7pm. All help is appreciated! If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Taylor at JRT42209@gmail.com.
Thank you for helping! Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49AAA628A6FD0-49223822-5thgrade
Join us in celebrating the memory of our beloved former firefly, Madison Jane Smith, by taking part in a Lego drive. We're collecting NEW and UNOPENED Lego sets through May 31st to bring joy to young cancer patients at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. These Legos will give them fun and distraction during their treatments. Let's come together to spread smiles and hope. Your contribution can truly make a difference. Thanks for your support!
Flower Valley Elementary School
Be bright! Be kind! Be you!
We inspire all children to become critical thinkers who are imaginative, adaptable, and collaborative. We strive to cultivate peaceful, life-long learners who contribute positively to the community around them.
Email: Angie_L_Fish@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/flowervalleyes/
Location: Flower Valley Elementary School, Sunflower Drive, Rockville, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-1780
Twitter: @AngieFish_FVES