
Flower Valley Elementary School
2024-2025 School Year
Week of March 10, 2025
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Flower Valley Vision
From the Principal...
Dear Flower Valley Community,
We had a fun week celebrating reading at FVES! From the spirit week, to Reading Night, to the Book Fair, reading was the highlight of the week! A special thank you to our FVES Reading Committee for planning this fun and educational week and to our PTA for another amazing book fair!
Please stop by and check out the Lost and Found. There are so many good finds that may be missing from your child's closet. :)
Next Saturday, March 15th, is the annual Parent vs. Staff basketball game at Rockville High at 4:00. We are looking forward to an evening of fun.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wishing you peace,
Dr. Fish
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Table of Contents
Important Testing Update - Planning for Spring Testing
MCPS Gifted and Talented (GT) Designation Process Information
Parent Input: Your Voice Matters
MCPS Transition Day - New for Next School Year (Repeat from Last Week)
Math Curriculum Nights (Repeat from Last Week)
Kindergarten Registration (Repeat from Last Week)
PTA Corner
PTA Restaurants Nights
Save the Date: Calendar of FVES and PTA Events
Calling All Volunteers! :) (Repeat from Last Week)
MCPS Winter Weather Protocols (Repeat from Last Week)
Parent Handbook
Planning for Spring Testing at FVES
Students in grades 3 to 5 will take the MCAP assessments in April. The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provides information to educators, parents, and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. Please refer to grade level newsletters for specific dates and times of testing. If you can avoid appointments during these times, it would be greatly appreciated.
MCPS Gifted and Talented (GT) Designation Process Information
At this time of the year, families often have questions about the GT Designation process and the process for identifying students in the Center for Enriched Studies (CES at Barnsley ES) or Enriched Literacy Instruction.
There are two concurrent processes:
The Gifted and Talented (GT) Designation helps schools better understand a student's instructional needs by providing valuable insights. However, GT designation does not guarantee placement in any specific program or course.
This process includes all Grade 2 students, as well as new Grade 3 and 5 students who were not previously screened in Grade 2. Additionally, Grade 3 and 5 students may be considered for rescreening if they were not identified in earlier grades. Students who do not receive GT identification in Grades 2 or 3 are re-evaluated in Grade 3 or 5.
Once a student is designated as GT, this status remains on record throughout their MCPS enrollment and is never removed. However, the GT screening process is independent of elementary or middle school magnet programs. Instead, it serves as an additional data point to help schools determine which students may benefit from enrichment opportunities within the general curriculum at their current school.
Information regarding the Gifted and Talented Identification Process for the 2024-2025 school year can be found in this document: Understanding the Gifted and Talented Identification Process (2024-2025)
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Local & Regional Enrichment is the Central Review of ALL 3rd grade students to identify candidates for Enriched Literacy Instruction at the Local school AND the lottery pool for the Regional Program (Center for Enriched Studies). Information regarding the CES Selection process for the 2024-2025 school year:
Parent Information videos: Released January 21, 2025
Parent Input Needed
We are at the mid-year pont, and we would like to connect with you for your feedback. We have a brief survey linked here. If you would take a few minutes to provide your thoughts, we would truly appreciate it. Your input helps us continue to improve the services we provide to our students. Thank you, in advance, for your time and input!
MCPS Student Transition Day - New Next Year
Save the Date: Aug. 25, 2025—Student Transition Day
Scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, Student Transition Day is a new non-instructional full day designed to support students transitioning to new school levels or schools by fostering a sense of belonging and preparedness.
This full day will welcome students entering kindergarten, Grade 6 and Grade 9, and those new to MCPS schools, ensuring that they receive a positive first experience with staff and other students. Schools will share individual messaging to welcome students with their communities. Parents and guardians are asked to fill out this brief survey to provide additional input for Student Transition Day.
Note: The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Math Curriculum Information Nights
PTA Updates
-Thank you to all who helped support the Book Fair! You can spend any leftover money from your e-Wallet via the Scholastic Book Fair site and the PTA still benefits!
-The countdown is on to the best night of the year...the FVES Staff vs. Parents basketball game: Saturday, March 15th at 4pm at the Rockville High School gym.
- Adult tickets will be $5; Student tickets will be $3 (max $10 per family).
- Students wearing FVES spirit wear get in for free.
- Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase.
- The silent auction will be happening at the same time to include lunch bunch pizza and craft party, ice cream sundae party, and PE teacher for half a day.
- Special halftime performance by FVES students!
-Friday, March 28th, the PTA will have a fundraiser event at Chuck E. Cheese- (5238 Nicholson Lane, Kensington, MD) Come enjoy a good time and have some of the proceeds go back to the PTA. Don't forget to mention FVES when ordering!
PTA Sponsored Restaurant Nights
Chuck E. Cheese (5238 Nicholson Ln, Kensington) – Friday, March 28 from 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Villa Maya (5532 Norbeck Rd, Rockville) – Wednesday, June 4 from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Kindergarten Registration 2025
Online registration for kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year opened on Monday, Feb. 3. Children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2025 are eligible to register. Registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal. Families that are new to MCPS will need to create a ParentVue account here. For more information about eligibility and the registration process, visit the MCPS Kindergarten Enrollment webpage or contact your local elementary school. Please share this information with anyone who you know will have a kindergarten student next year. Make sure to scroll down on the enrollment page and enroll for the correct school year (2025-2026).
FVES 2024-2025 Calendar of Events
PTA Sponsored Staff vs. Parents Basketball Game and Silent Auction at RHS: March 15th, 4:00-6:00PM
STEM Day: March 21st
PTA Sponsored Mulch Drive (Ends April 5th)
Career Day: April 11th
Spring Individual and Class Pictures: April 28th
International Night: April 28th, 6:00-8:30PM
Field Days: May 16th (3rd-5th grades) & May 20th (k-2nd grades) Rain Dates - 5/27 and 5/28
PTA Sponsored SAVERS Donation Drive: May 3rd, 9:30-1:00PM
PTA Sponsored Carnival: May 18th, 2-5:00PM
Spring IM Concert: May 19th, 7:00PM
5th Grade Promotion: June 12th (Students arrive at 5:00; program begins at 5:30PM.)
5th Grade Fun Day: June 13th
Interested in Volunteering at FVES?
Parent and caregiver volunteers support the overall success of Flower Valley. We welcome volunteers and are truly grateful for the ways you support our school each and every day. Some volunteer opportunities include serving as a mystery reader in class, sharing information about your career or hobby via a class presentation or visit, supporting lunch and recess, chaperoning field trips, supporting in-school events, and so much more! If any of our families have a speciality in coaching or soccer, we would also welcome your support with our students during their recess soccer games.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please see the information below and contact Mrs. Atanda at Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org. Volunteer clearance lasts for 3 years. Many volunteers who completed the training upon returning to in person learning three years ago need to complete the training again.
MCPS Winter Weather Protocols
Winter is here, and MCPS has your back with information on how to Stay Connected to get the latest information on weather delays and closures.
Keep your contact information up-to-date: Visit the ParentVUE link on the MCPS Community Tech Support website
Know the Color-Coded Statuses:
- Green: Normal Operations
- Yellow: Delayed Opening
- Blue: Early Dismissal
- Red: Schools and Offices Closed
- Orange: Schools Closed, Offices Telework
Why it Matters: Decisions are made with expert input and local assessments to keep everyone safe.
How to Know: Check the MCPS website and social media for real-time updates.
FVES Parent Handbook
We are here to serve and help you!
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Below are emails and phone numbers for the following departments:
Administration (240) 740-1780
Dr. Angie Fish, Principal – Angie_L_Fish@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Kimberly Haden - Kimberly_D_Haden@mcpsmd.org
Main Office Staff (240) 740-1780
Ms. Nevine Peckoo, School Administrative Secretary – Nevine_A_Peckoo@mcpsmd.org
Mrs. Cathy Sintetos, Attendance Secretary – Catherine_G_Sintetos@mcpsmd.org
Counseling Office (240) 740-1780
Mrs. Jennifer Atanda - Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Nicole Bamberger - Nicole_M_Bamberger@mcpsmd.org
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