
Weekly Firefly Newsletter
Week of May 29, 2023
Memorial Day: Monday, May 29th - No School
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Weekly Message from Dr. Fish
Dear Flower Valley Community,
We had yet another successful, fun-filled Field Day! A special shout-out to Mr. Taubman for all of his work organizing a fun day for all and to all of the parents and staff who supported the fun! I also want to thank the PTA and all of our families and staff who supported the FVES Carnival last Sunday. I was not able to make it, as it was my graduation ceremony, but I heard I missed out on a ton of fun. I'm looking forward to next year's carnival. :)
We are nearing the end of the school year with only three weeks of school remaining. Sometimes the end of the school year can escalate emotions and fears for students about leaving their friends for the summer, changes in teachers for next year, moving to middle school, and so much more. Please encourage them to seek out the support of an adult and to use our school-wide strategy of "stop and think and make good choices." Thank you for your continued support and collaboration in ensuring all of our students have a wonderful last few weeks of school.
Don't forget that next Thursday at 7PM is our Spring Instrumental Music concert. Come on out and enjoy some beautiful music from our students.
I hope you all have a wonderful three day weekend! While many of us will be celebrating Memorial Day with pool time, family picnics, and fun, let us also take time to remember the reason behind Memorial Day. It is our annual time to honor those who have died while serving our country. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone who has so bravely served our country and protected our freedom.
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
- Parent Input
- Anti-racist Audit Community Letter
- Plans for Next Year
- Counseling Corner
- PTA Corner - Next Meeting June 5th (Meet our new AP, learn about the anti-racist audit, and vote for the next PTA president.)
- Important Dates in May and June
- 5th Grade Promotion
- Helpful Resources
- Bus Transportation Updates
- Attendance, Early Dismissals, and Transportation Changes
- School Visitors and Volunteers
- School Contact Information
Last Day to return Media Center Books: June 2nd
Your Input Needed
MCPS Anti-racist Audit
Plans for Next Year for Our Kindergarten-4th grade Students
Counseling Corner
Next year, we will be using social-emotional lessons from Sanford Harmony. Below is a link to some of the resources we will be incorporating in our work with our students.
https://www.harmonysel.org/remote-learning/#families
Here are some additional resources to support families with the SEL needs of their children:
https://www.cfchildren.org/blog/2018/09/lets-talk-sel-parents-this-is-for-you/
https://casel.org/systemic-implementation/sel-with-families-caregivers/
Flower Valley Elementary School PTA Corner
Meet our new assistant principal, Ms. Kimberly Haden, at the final PTA General Membership meeting this year - Mon. June 5 at 6:30 PM! Dr. Fish will also join us to discuss the MCPS Anti-Racist audit and how the results impact our work at FVES. In addition, we'll vote for the next PTA President. Please join us in the Media Center or on Zoom.
Everyone is welcome to follow the PTA and participate in any way as we support our students, teachers, and community. Sign up on our list to learn more ahead of the 2023-2024 school year!
Important Dates in May and June
May 29th: No School
June 1st: Spring Instrumental Music Concert at FVES, 7:00pm
June 5th: 6:30-7:00pm- PTA General Membership Meeting
June 6th: 5th Grade Visit to Wood MS
June 14th: 5th Grade Promotion at Rockville High School at 5:30 pm; Students arrive at 5:00pm
June 16th: Last Day of School (Early Release Day)
5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
When: Wednesday, June 14th @ 5:30 pm
Where: Rockville High School Auditorium
A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the Rockville High School cafeteria.
Student Arrival Time: 5:00 pm
Please meet in the hall in front of the auditorium.
Dress code: Students should be dressed nicely. Please no jeans, shorts, or sneakers.
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)
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 Visitors and Volunteers
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please contact Mrs. Atanda at Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org.
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
Dr. 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