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.
5th Grade Opportunity: Principal's Advisory
The Principal’s Advisory is important to help ensure that our students have a voice in making Duke the #1 place to work and learn in St. Mary's County Public Schools.
I plan to meet with the advisory at least quarterly during lunch. During our meeting times, students will discuss key issues within the school, school spirit/culture, and any ideas they have to make this the best year of their elementary experience. Mr. Adams and I have some ideas of our own that we would like these student leaders to help us put into action.
Each student who would like to apply will need to fill out the application that follows. Being in the principal’s advisory is a privilege; these students represent and are the voice of the Duke student body. They are expected to demonstrate SOARing behaviors in the classroom, throughout the building, on the bus and in the community.
I look forward to starting new traditions with you!
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!
Duke's Military and Family Life Counseling Program
Captain Walter Francis Duke is excited to have the MFLC program to provide continued support to active-duty military students and families. The Military and Family Life Counseling Program helps military families and children navigate challenges by providing free confidential non-medical counseling services to children and youth via formal groups, lunch bunches and individually. Military and Family Life Counselors provide support to assist students with improving behaviors, performance in school and relationships. Military and Family Life Counselors provide support on topics such as feelings identification, bullying, self-esteem problem solving and deployment and reunification. Military and Family Life Counselors provide consultation support to parents, teachers, and administrators, conduct classroom observations, and participate in school wide events.
Vision and Hearing Screenings
The school nurse will be starting vision and hearing screenings on Pre-K students, Kindergarten students that were not screened last year, all 1st grade students, and new students to SMCPS. The screenings will be conducted as time permits over the next several months.
Vision and hearing screening is a relatively short process. Screenings are not diagnostic, but instead, are used to identify a child at risk for vision/hearing problems. Screenings do not replace examinations performed by a health or eye care professional that provide diagnosis and treatment, if indicated. Vision/hearing problems that go undetected or uncorrected may impair a child’s development, lead to behavior problems in school, interfere with learning, and impact health and well-being into adulthood.
A student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) objects in writing to hearing and vision screening, on the basis of the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member, may not be required to take these screenings. Please contact Nurse Dana if you have any questions or want to opt out of these screenings.
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.
Box Tops for Education App
Download the Box Tops for Education app, scan your receipts, and earn cash for our school!
For over 25 years, Box Tops for Education has given families an easy way to earn for schools with products they already buy. Today, you can find thousands of participating products throughout the store — and all you need is the Box Tops app.
Thank you for your support!
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