Weekly Firefly Newsletter
Week of April 24, 2023
By clicking on the icon to the right, you can translate this newsletter into multiple languages. Just click your selected language.
Spring Picture Day: April 26th
Weekly Message from Dr. Fish
Dear Flower Valley Community,
This past week provided me with yet another first at FVES...STEM Day! It was such a blast! All of our students were engaged and having fun at the same time. You can't ask for anything better! Students designed paper airplanes and tested them to see how aerodynamic they were, used natural foods to dye fabric, created amazing marble runs, built houses for the three little pigs that the big, bad wolf had to try to blow down, and so much more! On top of that, our 4th grade teachers and students created a real life arcade for all of our kiddos to visit. I was amazed at how the huge pile of boxes in the hall became a workable and fun-filled arcade in our very own gym! Truly AMAZING! A special shout-out to all of our parents who supported this wonderful day of fun and learning!
This upcoming week is another busy week. We have our annual spring PTA sponsored book fair all week, spring pictures on the 26th, and our PTA sponsored STEM Night on the 27th. Let the fun continue!
The 27th is also Take Your Child to Work Day. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience a day in the life of their parents and learn about other professions. If you take your child to work that day, it is an excused absence. Just email Mrs. Sintetos to let her know.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
With Firefly Pride!
Dr. 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
- STEM Day
- FVES Spring Pictures
- Phones and Watches
- Reading Corner
- Book Fair
- Sneakers for Soccer
- FREE Basketball Clinic; Grades 2-5
- Art Contest
- Testing Update
- Counseling Corner
- PTA Corner: STEM Night April 27th
- Important Dates in April
- Save the Date
- Helpful Resources
- Summer School
- Bus Transportation Updates
- Attendance, Early Dismissals, and Transportation Changes
- Covid and OUTCLASS: Out of Class On Demand Resources for Students
- Available Tutoring Opportunities for Students
- School Visitors and Volunteers
- School Cash Online
- School Contact Information
STEM Day at FVES: April 20th
FVES Spring Pictures: April 26th
Class pictures, the 5th grade panoramic, and individual pictures will be taken on this day. Please see below for details.
Individual Pictures: Individual pictures will only be taken for students who complete the online order form prior to the 26th or the paper order form, which must be returned to school the day of the pictures.
Class Pictures: All students will participate in class pictures. These can be ordered online or with the paper order form.
5th Grade Panoramic: All 5th graders will participate in this, and a copy of this picture will be provided to all 5th grade students free of charge.
If you have any questions, email Ms. Peckoo at Nevine_A_Peckoo@mcpsmd.org.
Skip the order form and click the
link below to pre-order before picture day:
https://classicphotographyimaging.simplephoto.com/search/flowervall23
Please Note:
Pre-ordering will close at 6am on picture day.
Important Reminder about Cell Phones and Smart Watches
Reading Corner
FVES Book Fair
Sneakers for Soccer: Help out a couple of our FVES students!
Art Contest for All Elementary Students
MCAP Testing Update
Students in grades 3 to 5 will take the MCAP assessments in May. 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. Students will test on the following days and times. If you can avoid appointments during these times, it would be greatly appreciated.
Want to learn more about the standardized tests in MCPS?
Counseling Corner
Helpful Resources:
Employment Information:
- Maryland Job Genie
- https://worksourcemontgomery.com/mobile-job-center
- https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/_documents/workforce-development-continuing-education/english-language-skills/esol-flyer.pdf
- https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/_documents/workforce-development-continuing-education/english-language-skills/esol-general-information-spanish-version.pdf
Health Information:
- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/healthconnect/
- How to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
- COVID Testing this week
Grief Resources, Including Summer Camps: https://www.caringmatters.org/
SNAP to end in Maryland: SNAP customers should ensure that they are claiming all expenses to receive the highest SNAP benefit possible, including shelter expenses (rent and utilities), childcare expenses, and medical expenses for those with disabilities. Customers can report changes through the online portal, by phone at (240) 777-1003, by email at oess.moco@montgomerycountymd.gov, or by stopping by a local DHHS office.
Mental Health Resources:
- DCC Student Services Team Site
- 988 is our new Behavioral Health Crisis Response Hotline. Here’s more information
Flower Valley Elementary School PTA Corner
Pizza, STEM and books, oh my! Join us next week for STEM Night on Thurs. April 27 from 5:30-7:30 PM on the blacktop! Pick up poster boards for students in the FVES main office. Papa John's pizza will be available for sale & benefit the PTA.
Thurs. April 27, you can also visit next week's Spring Book Fair in the Media Center from 6 - 8 PM! Families are welcome to visit and shop that evening (April 27) and after school until 4 PM Mon. April 24 - Weds. April 26. Please see the listserv for more details. Love book fairs? Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/FVESBookFair2023SUG
Important Dates in April
April 24th-28th: PTA Sponsored Book Fair
April 26th: Spring Individual, Class, and Grade 5 Panoramic Pictures
April 27th: PTA Sponsored STEM Night
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 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
MCPS Things to Know (Community Messages)
Student Rights and Responsibilities (Spanish Version Available in Main Office)
Student Code of Conduct (English) (Spanish Version Available in Main Office)
Kindergarten Registration Continues
Summer School
Zones of Regulation
Bus Transportation Updates
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 within 3 days of the return to school. 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.
School Meals, FARMS, My School Bucks, and Lunch Menus
Beginning school year 2022-2023, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for lunch - meaning that students who qualify for reduced-price meals will eat for free! To learn more about eligibility for Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) and apply for FARMs, click here. Deposits into lunch accounts can be made by any student and can be made ahead of time via the MCPS online payment system, My School Bucks. Details about how to add money to your student’s account can be accessed here. Menus can be accessed here.
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
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