Dear Flower Valley Community,
I hope you are all doing well. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for all of the ways you support the work we do at Flower Valley each and every day. Your active engagement and support help us best serve our students and the community as a whole. Included in this newsletter is information about opportunities to engage in our work around race and equity and ways you can volunteer at Flower Valley. We truly appreciate all of the support from our families. Together, we can make a difference for all of our Fireflies!
Don't forget that picture day is this week. All of the details about ordering pictures can be found in this week's newsletter.
Our Lost and Found is quickly filling up. If you are missing a jacket, hat, sweater, etc., it may be in the Lost and Found. Please encourage your child to visit the Lost and Found to see if any of their items are there. You can also stop by to take a look. Don't forget to label your child's clothing. That way, we can ensure that anything left behind will make its way back to you.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
With Firefly Pride!
Dr. Fish
All Google links embedded within the newsletter can be translated into numerous languages by clicking "Tools" and scrolling down to "Translate Document". A drop-down menu will appear where you can choose the language.
Flower Valley will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. We will celebrate Latin American cultures through music, dance, literature, and some of our own Flower Valley students! On October 1st students will participate in an assembly from the Latin American Musical group Cantaré called Mucha Música-A Musical Journey to Latin America. Teachers will read books by Latin American authors and illustrators. Our weekly announcements will also feature some of our very own Fireflies highlighting their Hispanic heritage!
This committee would come together 2-3 times this year to plan for 2-3 community conversations focused on the following:
*To promote greater inclusivity for all stakeholders
*To organize opportunities for open conversations around race and equity
*To continue our learning related to inclusivity
*To create an avenue for outreach to all members of our community
*To equip community members with tools to discuss difficult topics at home and school
**The first planning committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 27th at 1:15. This is an early release day.
If interested in supporting this effort, please complete the interest form linked here.
We look forward to your continued support and collaboration in this effort.
After school activities are beginning very soon. These activities are managed by outside organizations, not Flower Valley. We want to make sure any of our students attending an after school activity transition safely at the end of the school day. If your child will be attending an after school activity which causes a change in their dismissal, please inform your child’s teacher and the front office staff. If you have questions about any of the after school activities, please contact the organization directly.
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 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.
Fall Pictures: September 24th
PTA Sponsored Book Fair: October 11th-17th, during School Hours
Math Night: October 17th, 6-7:30PM
FVES Community Conversation - Tentative Date: October 22nd, 6-7:30PM
PTA Sponsored Masquerade Festival: October 26th, 5:30-7:30PM
Fall Festival and Parade: November 1st
Picture Retakes: November 8th
Fall Open House: November 11th (More details to come soon :))
PTA Sponsored Fun Run/Walk: November 17th; 3:00PM
PTA Sponsored Game Night; January 25th; 6:30-8:30PM
Winter IM Concert: January 27th, 7:00PM
Winter Chorus Concert: February 5th at 6:30PM
Wellness Weeks: TBD
Kindness Week and Party: Week of February 10th (party 2/14)
Yearbook Groups and Candid Pictures: February 19th
PTA Sponsored STEM Night: February 20th, 6:30-8:30PM
Spring Book Fair: March 3rd-7th
Read Across America Week: Week of March 3rd
Reading Night: March 6th, 6-7:30PM
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 TBD
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
-Our PTA Meeting Tuesday, October 15th in the APR from 6:30pm-8:00 pm will have childcare AND dinner provided! ALL parents are welcome! (Non-members and members). RSVP here: https://forms.gle/uhySyRtiJGrVskTT7
We'll have an opportunity for parents to chat and meet by grade level, provide an overview of PTA events and activities this year, and have a principal's update.
-Show your FVES pride by purchasing some spirit wear. All orders must be placed by Friday, October 11th and will be delivered to your child’s backpack in early November. Check out this year’s styles and place your order at https://bit.ly/FVSpiritWear. Contact Tamara at tamarapmoore@gmail.com with any questions.
-If you have not already done so, please renew your annual PTA membership! https://tinyurl.com/JoinFVESpta
Key benefit: Updating your info while signing up allows PTA to sponsor an online directory! Gain access with membership. Every person makes a difference, so please contact president@fvespta.org to join in and help. There's no wrong way to PTA! Go to https://fvespta.membershiptoolkit.com/ to learn more or sign yourself up for the Listserv, WhatsApp or our social media.
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