Weekly Firefly Newsletter
Week of February 27, 2023
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March 3rd: Dismissal at 12:55
Weekly Message from Mrs. Fish
Dear Flower Valley Community,
We have a fun week ahead! It is Read across America Week! Please take a look at the newsletter information below to see all of the fun ways we are celebrating. Monday is sports day, so wear your favorite sports attire, and read a book about your favorite sport or athlete. We'll also have several mystery readers throughout the week. We'll have to wait to see what special guests visit our classes. :)
We also have our annual PTA sponsored parent vs. staff basketball game Saturday, March 4th. The game is at Rockville High School. There will also be a silent auction, a fabulous halftime performance by FVES Students, a dance led by our very own Mr. T, a basketball shooting contest for our 5th graders, some yummy pizza, and so much more! Come enjoy some Flower Valley fun!
A special thank you to our PTA for all of their hard work organizing the basketball fun and for providing a wonderful breakfast February 13th. We also really appreciated all of the perfectly timed and selected supplies for all classes. You all rock!
Have a wonderful weekend!
With Firefly Pride!
Mrs. Fish
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.
Important Items in This Week's Newsletter
- Read Across America at FVES
- Celebrating Black History Month at FVES
- Women's History Week
- DATE CHANGE: Principal and Assistant Principal Chat: February 28th at 6:30PM via Zoom
- Hearing and Vision Screening: March 13th, 14th, and 15th
- Rockville High School ASL Club Bingo Night
- Do you have an incoming kindergartner? See below.
- Counseling Corner
- PTA Corner
- Important Dates in February and March
- Curriculum Corner
- Save the Date
- Helpful Resources
- Zones of Regulation: Social-Emotional Learning at FVES
- GT County Updates
- Bus Transportation Updates
- Update about Virtual Snow Days
- Requesting a Chromebook for Use during Inclement Weather
- Attendance, Early Dismissals, and Transportation Changes
- Covid and OUTCLASS: Out of Class On Demand Resources for Students
- Available Tutoring Opportunities for Students
- School Meals, FARMS, My School Bucks, and Lunch Menu
- School Visitors and Volunteers
- School Cash Online
- School Contact Information
Read Across America Week at FVES
Celebrating Black History Month
On March 3, 2023, we will have our Black History Month assembly, which is sponsored by the PTA. The Smithsonian Associates, Discovery Theater on Tour will introduce us to young heroes Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, the first student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin, the 15-year-old who refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama before Rosa Parks; and Ruby Bridges, who won equal rights before she could read.
Women's History Week
DATE CHANGE: Principal and Assistant Principal Chat: February 28th at 6:30PM Via Zoom
The Zoom information is as follows:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/96813213178?pwd=bHROTFlaTUR3VVVwT0JZZjlWVE90QT09
Meeting ID: 968 1321 3178
Passcode: fireflies
We hope to see you there!
Hearing and Vision Screening at FVES
In accordance with Maryland State Law students in Montgomery County Public Schools are screened for possible vision and hearing problems. Trained hearing and vision screeners will be screening students new to MCPS, students in grade (s) K, 1, and 2, and students referred by teachers because of possible signs of hearing or vision problems. The screeners will be at Flower Valley on March 13, 14, and 15.
Children who do not see clearly or are unable to hear what their teacher and classmates are saying have a harder time learning at school. You will receive a referral form, via US mail, to take to your child’s doctor if your child fails the screening. If your child is already under care for a hearing or vision problem, or you do not wish your child to be screened at school because of conflicts with your religious beliefs, please notify the school nurse in writing. If your child wears glasses or contacts they should wear them every day and bring them to the screening.
School based vision screenings may not detect every vision problem. To learn more about possible vision problems and symptoms or health conditions that may require additional evaluation go to Montgomery County Government’s website at this link: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/PHS/SchoolHealth/HearingVision.html
Contact your school’s nurse if you have questions about your child’s screening.
5th Grade Pictures Needed
From Mrs. Young (Mom to Tim – 4th gr & Mary – 2nd gr)...
It is hard to believe, but the 5th grade promotion to be held on June 14, 2023 at 5:30pm at Rockville HS is right around the corner. We need your help to make it great!!
Please provide at least TWO (2) pictures of your child for the 5th grade promotion ceremony slideshow video.
One (1) photo from kindergarten or 1st grade
One (1) photo from 4th or 5th grade
These can be casual, candid photos like during the Fall parade, in the classroom, on a field trip, at the bus stop, or on the playground (not the formal school pictures).
We hope to include ALL 5th graders. Even if your child didn't go to Flower Valley when they were younger, it's OK! Please send in their pictures!!
Also, short videos of music concerts, kids playing, gym activities, etc. are welcome too!
Please send all photos/video electronically to me, Sandy Young, at sandyjelen@hotmail.com by MARCH 1, 2023. Please make sure to tell me your child's name and what grade/year the photo was taken.
Thank you!
Rockville High School ASL Bingo Night
Need Information about Enrolling a Kindergarten Student?
Counseling Corner
Career Day is coming to FVES on March 29th! We will need at least 48 volunteer speakers to have a meaningful day for our students. Flyers have been sent home with students. Anyone interested in speaking at Career Day, please complete this link: FVES Career Day Flyer . Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think might be interested in presenting at Career Day. Contact Jennifer Atanda, Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org, if you have any questions.
Flower Valley Elementary School PTA Corner
Fan favorite Parent/Staff Basketball game is Sat. March 4th at 6 PM at the Rockville High School gym. Adult tickets $5 & student tickets $3 (max $10 per family) - students in spirit wear get in free! Watch the game, purchase pizza and snacks and check out the silent auction featuring awesome prizes like after school ice cream parties, bowling and more!
Important Dates in February and March
March 3rd: Early Dismissal
March 4th: 6 - 8:30 PM - Parent-Staff Basketball Game / Staff Silent Auction
March 15th: Early Dismissal
March 20th-24th: Save the date for Wellness Week at FVES!
March 26th: 2-3pm - PTA Sponsored Fun Run
March 29th: Career Day
March 29th: 6:30-8:00pm- PTA General Membership Meeting
March 31st: No School
Curriculum Corner
Eureka Math: MCPS has a dedicated website which has support for each Eureka module in every grade level. Here is a Eureka Math support page for families. You will need to create an account to access the family resources called "tips for parents." "Homework Helpers" are tips for parents that are included with each homework assignment in the Math Succeed (HW) book. Additionally, this is a google document that contains helpful videos for parents to use. There are general Eureka videos and grade level specific videos included.
Please keep an eye out for grade level bi-weekly communication regarding details about what is happening in each of our classes.
Save the Date
April 3rd-10th: Spring Break
April 20th: 5:30-7:30pm - PTA Sponsored STEM Night
April 21st: No School for Students
April 24th-28th: PTA Sponsored Book Fair
April 26th: Spring Individual and Grade 5 Panoramic Pictures
May 6th: 10:00-2:00pm - PTA Sponsored SAVERS Donation Drive
May 16th: Time 6:30-8:00pm - FVES International Night and Art Expo
May 19th: K, 1, 2 Field Day (rain date - May 30th)
May 21st: 2-5pm - PTA Sponsored Carnival
May 24th: 3, 4, 5, Field Day (rain date - May 31st)
May 26th: Early Dismissal
May 29th: No School
June 1st: Spring Instrumental Music Concert at FVES, 7:00pm
June 6th: 6:30-7:00pm- PTA General Membership Meeting
June 14th: 5th Grade Promotion at Rockville High School
*Please remember these dates are subject to change.
Helpful Resources
Student Rights and Responsibilities (Spanish Version Available in Main Office)
Student Code of Conduct (English) (Spanish Version Available in Main Office)
Zones of Regulation
Gifted and Talented (GT) Identification Process
Grade 2 parents will receive a letter in the mail asking for Parent Input for the GT Identification process. Your input is due by March 17th and you may use https://bit.ly/GT-parent-input to access the google form.
This GT screening process includes gathering academic performance data, as well as information from parents and school staff. To learn more about this process please visit bit.ly/gt-identification-2023.
Bus Transportation Updates
Virtual Snow Days
Your child will need a device to use at home for this purpose. If your child does not have a device to use at home, please complete the information below to get a Chromebook for home use.
Important Message from MCPS about Requesting a Chromebook for Use during Inclement Weather
You are receiving this message because this year, your child’s school is using a classroom cart model for Chromebooks. This means students use an assigned Chromebook while in school, but do not bring their Chromebook home each night. As we move into the winter months and plan for potential emergency closures, your child will need access to a device at home to engage in homework, interactive resources and potential virtual instruction. If your child does not have access to a personal or home computer, a parent or guardian should complete a form to request an MCPS Chromebook. The device will be checked out to your student and will be kept at home for the school year. The device will need to be returned at the end of the school year or sooner if your student is leaving MCPS for any reason.
To request a MCPS Chromebook for home use, please complete this form: Chromebook Form to Distribute to Families
Links:
Attendance and Dismissal Information
If your child is going to be absent, please email your child's teacher and Mrs. Sintetos at Catherine_G_Sintetos@mcpsmd.org or call the office at 240-740-1780. When your child is absent, please send in a note explaining the reason for the absence. If your child sees the doctor, please bring in a doctor's note.
If your child is going to be arriving late, you need to bring your child to the main office and sign them in. If you will be picking up your child early or changing your child's dismissal process, please let your child's teacher and Mrs. Sintetos or Ms. Peckoo in the main office know in advance.
Covid Safety Protocols
OUTCLASS: Out Of Class On Demand Resources for Students
Available Tutoring Opportunities for Students
School Visitors and Volunteers
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please contact Mrs. Atanda at Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org.
School Cash Online
School Meals, FARMS, My School Bucks, and Lunch Menus
We are here to serve & 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
Mrs. Angie Fish, Principal – Angie_L_Fish@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Angela Castillo, Assistant Principal - Angela_M_Castillo@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) 740-6680
Mrs. Jennifer Atanda - Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Colleen Smith - Colleen_B_Smith@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
Twitter: @AngieFish_FVES