Aviator Updates

Good evening, Aviator Families.

We have wonderful news to share! I was recently notified that our application was reviewed and Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School has been designated as a Maryland Purple Heart School. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our entire school community towards supporting our military-connected students and their families. I would like to recognize Ms. Tia Brooks and Ms. Monique Osborne who led the charge in completing the very intensive application process in order to highlight the many ways our staff and student leaders ensure that we have a welcoming and supportive environment for our military-affiliated students. Please see the letter from the Interim State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carey Wright (right) to learn more about this distinguished honor!

Katie Kortokrax, Principal

Zach Adams, Assistant Principal

• March 1: Professional Day – No School for Students – Staff Development/Professional Responsibilities
• March 4-8: Read Across America Spirit Week (see flier below)
• March 22: Virtual Instruction Day and Two Hour Early Dismissal - End of 3rd Marking Period (38 days) - Professional Responsibilities
• March 25-28: Spring Break – No School for Students and 10-11 Month Employees
• March 29: Holiday – All Schools and Offices Closed

A huge shout-out to the following Aviator musicians who played magnificently and represented our school so well on Thursday evening: Kamille Hicklin, Camille Winings, Elliot Meek, Chayne Stevens, Isaac Neall, Jacob Kidd, Serah Ross, and Finnley Burch. Bravo to our orchestra and band teachers: Dr. Alvey and Mr. Romano! Thank you for teaching and encouraging our students on their musical journeys!

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.

SMCPS and SMC R&P have partnered to offer the new Summer Sports Academies. Campers will be instructed by area high school coaches. Camps are held Monday -Thursday. Click below for more information. Registration begins March 1st. Don't miss this opportunity.

• https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate/camps

• https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/thescoop.pdf

SMCPS is once again offering School-Based Counseling Support in the evening for SMCPS students. Counseling support focuses on the following areas: Healthy Relationships, Social Skills, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Worry, Sadness, and Emotional Regulation. Services will be located at Margaret Brent Middle School and Greenview Knolls Elementary School on Tuesday evenings from 4-7:30 p.m. Please complete the Parent Contact Form for Evening Counseling to request services.

There are 4 school days left in February. Let's finish off the month with strong attendance.

Thank you for your help with getting your kids to school daily.

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.

• 2/27/24: Corn dog Nuggets ( Have some Beef Rib B Que)
  

• Tuesday, February 20
  
• Wednesday, February 21
• Thursday, February 22
• Friday, February 23

Early bird special lasts until March 8th and then the price increases to $25.

Order Before It’s Too Late!

Click Here to Order

The Maryland School Report Card provides information about our school's performance for the 2022-2023 school year. You can find a link to our school's SY23 report card by visiting the Quick Links on our school's website. In addition, you can view the January 11 presentation to the Board of Education about system-wide data or visit www.smcps.org/about-us for additional information. Here is a direct link to Duke's Report Card.

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

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.

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