The Panda Periodical

Melissa Maestle, Principal

Michael "Todd" Fannin, Assistant Principal

Frederick Douglass Elementary School

100 W. Cedarmeade Ave.

Winchester, Va 22655

ph. 540-662-7656

March

• 17th - PD day - No School for Students
• 18th - Last day to purchase a yearbook - Cost is $12. Exact change only if purchasing through the office
• 20th - Report Cards come home with students
• 26th - Parent Conferences

April

• 1st - Spring Pictures

Spring Break

April 14th-18th

Here are some dates to be aware of as we enter the 2024-2025 testing season:

• April 2nd - 4th: Second grade students will take the AAPPL test to measure Spanish language acquisition.
• April 23rd - 24th: 4th Grade Reading SOL
• April 29th-30th: 3rd Grade Reading SOL
• May 6th - 7th: 3rd and 4th Grade Math SOL
• May 8th - Va Studies SOL

3rd and 4th grade students will bring home additional information about testing with them on Tuesday. Please be sure to see this and let your child's teacher know if you have any questions.

It is imperative that your child be at school on their testing dates.

This year, there have been several changes to the SOL assessments, including modifications to the content, difficulty level, and test format. Our teachers have worked diligently with students throughout the year to prepare them for these more challenging assessments.

Recently, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released sample tests that allow students to view and complete sample questions. While teachers will be utilizing this platform in school to support student learning, we encourage you to explore these sample tests with your child at home to provide additional practice.

The more familiar students become with the test format, the better prepared they will be for success.

This year, FDES is excited to celebrate International Book Day for the first time!

This special occasion is dedicated to the joy of reading and sharing stories, bringing people together to appreciate books and the love of learning. It’s a wonderful way to encourage kindness, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for reading!

Our International Book Day celebration will take place on May 1st, and we would love your support to make it even more special. As part of this event, we invite you to donate any gently used books that your family no longer needs. These books will be shared with students, helping to spread the joy of reading.

If you have books in good condition that you would like to donate, please bring them to school. Books can be dropped off in the designated box at the front entry, either by students or parents. We kindly ask that all donations be made by April 25th to ensure they are included in the celebration.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support in making this event a success!

Spring pictures are on April 1st. Once pictures have been taken, a proof will be sent home with students. After you have seen them you may order if you choose. Spring pictures can not be ordered ahead of time.

Proofs will not be sent home the day of pictures.

The I'm Determined Project is a program facilitated by the Virginia Department of Education. It focuses on empowering students, specifically with disabilities, and their families through the lens of self-determination.

Please see the flier below for more information.

Our PTO is offering the chance to purchase new FDES spirit wear. There are several really cool options! Check out the link below to see the different items and place your order. Click on the link below to see options and make a purchase.

The purchase closing date has been extended to the 21st.

A big thank you to all the families who joined us for the ART Show! It was wonderful to see everyone and the students absolutely loved showing off their creative masterpieces. A special shoutout to Ms. Westman for her amazing hard work in making it all happen – we couldn’t have done it without her!

This annual event was made even better this year with the addition of the bounce house, Mattie's Ice Cream Truck, and the Billy Sous Food Truck!

WPS is happy to once again be offering a Summer Camp Program though Right At School. See the information below for details. If you would like to sign up the link included will take you to the registration page of the Right At School website.

• Located at John Kerr Elementary School (427 Meadow Branch Ave)
• Full day and half day (morning or afternoon) programs available
• Open to all WPS elementary school and Daniel Morgan students (Incoming Kindergarten-8th grade)
• $275 weekly or reduced price for half day programs

It's time to order your child’s yearbook for the 2024-2025 school year! Last week, students brought home information and order forms. The cost of a yearbook is now $12. The last day to order is March 18th.

You can order the yearbook online or through the school office. If you choose to order through the office, please return the order form along with the payment. Cash is preferred, but checks are also accepted. We kindly ask for exact cash.

Don’t miss out on this special keepsake!

Please see the flier below for information on the Equity Advisory Committee