Aviator Update #10

Dear Duke Families,

We are excited to recognize School Bus Safety Week as well as Bus Driver and Attendant Appreciation Week. Our bus drivers and attendants play a crucial role in ensuring your children arrive safely to and from school each day. This week offers a great opportunity for us all to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Please take a few moments to view the video below and review the Student Rules for Transportation with your student(s). Riding the bus is a privilege; it takes all of us to safely transport our students each day.

Lastly, please encourage your children to express their gratitude to their bus drivers and attendants this week. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in showing appreciation for all they do.

Thank you for your support!

Katie Kortokrax, Principal

Zach Adams, Assistant Principal

• Oct 21-25 - Bus Driver Appreciation & Transportation Safety Week
• Oct 21-25 - Fall Book Fair @ Duke!
  
• Fri, Oct. 25: End of 1st Marking Period
  
• Oct. 25-31- Red Ribbon Spirit Week
• Mon, Oct 28 - PTA Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat

Fridays are School Spirit Days

Wear Red, White and/or Blue or an CWFDES Shirt!

The Book Fair dates are Oct. 21-25

• The book fair hours for Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday are 8:45-3:30
• The hours for Tuesday, Oct. 22, are 8:45-5:00
• The hours for Friday, Oct. 25, are 8:45-12:00

PLEASE NOTE: The book fair will be open late on Tuesday, Oct. 22, until 5:00 p.m.

Dr. Smith, our dedicated superintendent, and Ms. Hannah Heisler, the esteemed Student-Member-of-the-Board, visited CWFDES last Wednesday.

The focus of the visit was to engage with our 5th grade students in meaningful conversations about how SMCPS and CWFDES HEAR by being Here, Engaged, Approachable, and Renewed. Our students had the opportunity to share their insights on what makes CWFDES unique and how, as a school, we embody the principles of HEAR.

Thank you for visiting, Dr. Smith and Ms. Heisler! We enjoyed our time with you.

Check our Nutrislice Webpage to:

• View Helpful nutrition info
• Download our FREE mobile app!
• Print menus

• Monday, October 14
• Tuesday, October 15
• Wednesday, October 16
• Thursday, October 17 (No DMN today 😭)
• Friday, October 18

As we approach the cooler months, nighttime temperatures have dropped significantly, which means our buildings may feel quite cool in the mornings, even though we're not yet ready to turn on the boilers and switch to heat. Given these fluctuating temperatures over the coming weeks, we encourage everyone to dress appropriately for the weather. Layering is recommended to ensure comfort throughout both the warmer and cooler parts of the day.

Once the forecast indicates that nighttime temperatures will consistently fall below 45 degrees and daytime temperatures remain below 55 degrees, we will begin the two-day process of transitioning our school climate control systems from cooling mode to heating mode for the rest of the season. This change typically occurs by October 15th each year; however, we may postpone this switch if extended forecasts suggest a streak of warm weather ahead.

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 in your school or department!

LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 18, 2024) – The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will host FREE drive-thru flu vaccine clinics for children ages six months to 18 years. No appointments are necessary.
Clinics have been scheduled for the following dates and locations:

SMCHD Main Office in Leonardtown

• Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

“Annual flu vaccinations are the most effective tool we have for preventing infection and serious illness from seasonal influenza,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “We hope parents will take advantage of these convenient drive-thru clinics to get their children vaccinated and help us prevent influenza complications in our community. Local pharmacies and medical practices are also offering flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.”

For more information about seasonal flu, please visit smchd.org/flu.

Within the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is the Google Workspace for Education Additional Services Agreement. In order for students to have access to "additional services," the form granting your student access must be completed.

Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary

Ms. Katie Kortokrax, Principal

Mr. Zach Adams, Assistant Principal

We welcome your questions and inquiries. Please call 240-309-4658, refer to the SMCPS Website, or our CWFDES website for additional information.

Website: https://schools.smcps.org/cwfdes/
Location: 23595 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: (240) 309-4658
Twitter X: @CWFDES_SMCPS