Flower Valley Elementary School
2024-2025 School Year
Dear Flower Valley Community,
I hope you are all staying well, especially with the winter break quickly approaching. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for all that you do to support, not only your own children, but our entire FVES community. Flower Valley is truly an amazing community that works together to create a warm, welcoming environment for all of our staff, students, and families. Thank you! :)
As we move into our last week before the winter break, we have a little secret we are planning to bring some laughter to our students. Tell your children to keep their eyes open for some strange things that may occur next week. We're curious to see how quickly they catch on.
I also want to thank our PTA for planning a special hot cocoa, coffee, and treats day for us this upcoming week. We know how busy everyone is, so the fact that you take the time to show your care and appreciation of staff really makes a difference. We always feel the love!
I wish all of you a wonderful winter break. I hope it is filled with family, friends, fun, and, hopefully, a little relaxation.
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.
We had visitors from central office visit one of our 2nd grade music classes and interview Ms. Grande, our music teacher. They highlighted Ms. Grande and her experiences at Strathmore in a video linked here. We are thrilled to have Ms. Grande sharing her love of music with our students at FVES. Enjoy!
DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. DIBELS is a series of short, quick assessments that some schools use to determine if students may be struggling with reading and need additional help. Teachers use DIBELS to inform their reading instruction. In other words, DIBELS tells teachers if students are at risk in reading and the type of help they may need.
BOOST is a digital program designed for K-5 students to help them improve their reading skills through personalized learning pathways, where the program adapts to each child's individual needs and abilities, providing them with engaging games and activities to practice foundational reading skills while progressing at their own pace; essentially, it's like a fun, interactive way for students to practice reading that automatically adjusts to their current level, whether they need extra support or are ready for more challenging content.
Hello Flower Valley Parents, Students, & Staff - On December 16th-20th we will be having a New Hat and Mitten/Glove drive. If you could donate to help those in need, it would be greatly appreciated. The grade level who donates the most will get a prize (results will be announced after winter break).
SGA Member
—
Noah New-Schneider
We would like to showcase all of the many winter holidays our community celebrates. There is a bulletin board in our main hall where we will be sharing winter holidays from all over the world. If you would like to share a picture of your family celebrating one of the festivities, we would love for you to send in a picture. Please write a brief description on the back of the picture. We look forward to being able to celebrate our rich cultural diversity.
With winter weather here, our students are bringing their coats, mittens, hats, and scarves. We want to make sure they keep all of these items with them, so that they can stay warm and cozy. We are hoping to have fewer clothing items make their way to the Lost and Found; however, one thing that would really help is if families label all of their child's winter clothes. That way, if items do make their way to the Lost and Found, we are able to reconnect the items with the appropriate child. Thank you for your help with this!
-Thank you to everyone who attended the December 3rd PTA meeting on Zoom! Notes and slides will be posted here: https://fvespta.membershiptoolkit.com/minutes
-Game Night is Saturday, January 25th from 6:30-8pm. More information coming soon!
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
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
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 any of our families have a speciality in coaching or soccer, we would also welcome your support with our students during their recess soccer games.
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.
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