Aviator Updates
SY24 CWFDES Family Issue #27
A WEEK: March 18-22
Greetings Aviator Families.
Exciting news - spring break is just one week away! Let's rally together and finish the final week of the third quarter with grit and determination. Encourage your student to stay focused, complete assignments, and make the most of these last days before a well-deserved break.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Katie Kortokrax, Principal
Zach Adams, Assistant Principal
P.S. Look for the next issue of Aviator Updates on Sunday, March 31st.
Upcoming Notable Dates:
- March 18: Spring Picture Day
- March 22: Virtual Instruction Day and Two Hour Early Dismissal - End of 3rd Marking Period
- March 25-April 1: Spring Break – No School for Students and 10-11 Month Employees
- April 19: Talent Show
Duke's 1st Community Gathering
We gathered as an Aviator Community on Friday to celebrate all the wonderful things happening within our building. We highlighted everyone from our Math Teams, to Battle of the Books members, to our 2nd graders going above and beyond with their research to Aviators with March birthdays. We started a tradition and we can't wait to see what's to come next month! A huge thank you to our MCs: Ms. Knauer, Ms. Jackson, Ms. Byrnes and Ms. Delaney!
If your student would like one of their jokes told at an upcoming Community Gathering, please submit it using the button below!
Attendance - Every Day Counts!
Duke Elementary - Where Children SOAR!
Congratulations to Our INTERMEDIATE Fridge of Fame Recipients!
News from our PTA
#DukesGotTalent Show Info
We want you to share your talents! The show is April 19th, 2024. All acts must be approved and can be NO MORE than 2 minutes long. We will have auditions after school followed by a MANDATORY parent meeting at 5:00pm on Thursday, April 4th. We will have 2 after school rehearsals: Thursday, April 11th and Thursday, April 18th. Students must attend all after school rehearsals and be picked up no later than 5:00pm. Again, the parent meeting is MANDATORY- if your child wants to participate, you must attend!
Additional information is forthcoming.
Thank you to all who donated to the "Sweet as Pi" Bar that the PTA put on for our staff on 3/14. It was so appreciated and SO DELICIOUS. We have the best parents and the best PTA in St. Mary's County Public Schools. I hope you know how grateful we are to you and how these staff appreciation events lift our spirits!
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
SMCPS Equity for All Site
Visit the Equity for All website showcasing monthly celebrations, best practices, instructional strategies, and a Community Resource page.
March is Women's History Month. The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions.
Helpful Resources & Info Worth Repeating
Summer Sports Academies
Have You Heard About the SMC Health Hub?
The Health Hub is making health and wellness accessible to everyone in our community, especially those who need it most. With a wide range of services, free of charge, they're here to support you every step of the way on your journey to well-being.
Their hours are 8-5 M-F. They have walk-in crisis counseling, mentoring for children ages 7-17, medical services including vaccines, job counseling, housing help, insurance help, etc.
Visit this link for additional information: hub.smchd.org.
SMCPS Approved Calendars
The Board of Education approved the school year calendars for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.
View the calendars at http://smcps.org/calendar. Watch the BOE presentation here.
School-Based Counseling Support in the evening for SMCPS Students
Special Education Parent Involvement Survey
Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from MSDE during the week of February 12, 2024. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope by May 24, 2024. The Survey may also be completed online. Parent feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in SMCPS. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.
Maryland State Report Card
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
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