Hello Duke Families,
This week ends with our Duke Elementary Fun Run, and we’re aiming to raise $20,000 for school improvements, including a new sound system and projector in our "cafetorium". Currently, our projector is on the stage, which also serves as a full-time music classroom. This setup disrupts classes whenever we need to use it. As for the sound system, if you’ve attended our events, you know it’s scratchy and unreliable, so we’re eager for an upgrade. Just like last year, funds will also be used to enhance classroom resources to give our students the best possible educational experience!
If we reach our $20,000 goal, our incredible Aviator Staff will host a "Masked Singer" Performance for students on November 1st. We did this in 2022 and the students LOVED it.
Here’s how you can help:
- Sign up today at MyBooster.com.
- Share the fundraiser with friends and family.
- Donate (if you're able).
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you cheer on your student(s) at the Fun Run Event on Friday!
Katie Kortokrax, Principal
Zach Adams, Assistant Principal
Mark Your Calendars:
- Oct 7-11 - Treats for Troops Collection
- Thurs, Oct 10 - Frank Kros presents "A New View of ADHD for Parents" (6-8PM)
- Fri, Oct 11 - Boosterthon FUN Run Event 🏃🏃🏻♀️👟
- Oct 14-18 - Digital Citizenship Week
- Tues, Oct 15 - Conscious Discipline Parent and Childcare Provider Workshop
- Mon, Oct 14 - Two Hour Early Release/Family Conferences
- Fri, Oct 18 - Two Hour Early Release
- Fri, Oct. 25: End of 1st Marking Period
- Mon, Oct 28 - PTA Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat
- Oct 21-25 - Bus Safety Week and Bus Driver and School Bus Attendant Appreciation Week
Fridays are School Spirit Days
Wear Red, White and/or Blue or an CWFDES Shirt!
Parents of young children and local Childcare Providers are invited to participate in a Conscious Discipline workshop Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The Building from the Beginning workshop will be held in the Dohrman rooms at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center. Mission BBQ has graciously offered to provide dinner to the first 100 people who register. Childcare is not available. Please refer to the flier here for more details and fill out the Registration Form.
Supporting Services Update
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.
October is Fire Prevention Month and today marks the start of Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Our PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade classes will have a special visit from the Leonardtown Fire Department tomorrow to talk about fire prevention and safety. Students will learn about the importance of smoke alarms and about safe evacuation procedures. Be sure to ask your students about the assembly!
Duke Fun Run is rapidly approaching and we need your help to make it a success!! Please review the available slots below and consider signing up to help out on October 11th. Please sign in and out at the front office day of the event. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashlee Marcum @ abrownie1802@yahoo.com.
September Average Daily Attendance (ADA)
Families are essential partners in addressing excessive absences. We appreciate our Duke families! September started our year out strong. Our school wide ADA was 94.51%. Let’s keep it up for the month of October!
5th Grade Aviators won the September Average Daily Attendance (ADA) challenge! Congratulations! We love that you're in school and available for learning.
Parent/Teacher Conference 'Day'
Monday, October 14, is a two-hour early release for students. SMCPS has designated the two-hour afternoon block (1:30-3:30 pm) for Family/Teacher Conferences.
Due to the limited timeframe, teachers will reach out to students’ families only if they feel a conference is necessary. If you do not receive a communication from your child’s teacher by Tuesday, October 8, but would like to discuss your student’s progress, please contact the classroom teacher. Family/teacher conferences can be scheduled anytime throughout the school year!
Online Emergency Information Update
Effective communication is critical to the success of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). This will be crucial not only for emergencies but for our ability to communicate with families in general. Online Emergency Information Update Forms are now available through the student’s Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. It is vital that all information is updated in eSchool. The deadline for the online submission of Emergency Information Update forms is October 31st, 2024. Please click here for the Blank Emergency Form. If you have any questions, please contact The Department of Student Services at 301-475-5511 ext.32150.
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 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:
Great Mills High School
- Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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
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