Flower Valley Weekly Newsletter

Para ver el boletín en español, haga clic sobre la palabra "Translate" en el cuadro a la derecha y seleccione "Spanish" del menu de idiomas disponibles.

By clicking on the icon to the right, you can translate this newsletter into multiple languages. Just click your selected language.

Dear Flower Valley Community,

It was wonderful having all of our students back in school Tuesday! I loved seeing all of the students' excitement about being back in school. While the rain was trying to dampen our spirits, there was no way for this to happen given how happy everyone was to be back together again. :)

This week's newsletter has several important items included. I know it is a lengthy newsletter, but please read through everything, as it helps all of us to be informed and prepared. Some of the important items include the following: preparing for the solar eclipse Monday, International Night details, PTA meeting resources about creating a community of care and addressing bullying, as well as information regarding our parent and child reunification plan. While we hope to never have an emergency situation that warrants a reunification, we want to make sure we keep the lines of communication open to ensure the safety of our students. There are several other important items, but they are not as time sensitive as the items above.

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 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.

Preparing for the Solar Eclipse

Creating a Community of Care at FVES

FVES Parent and Child Reunification Plan

International Night and Art Expo

April 25th: Community Conversation about Creating an Inclusive Environment at FVES

Parental Input Regarding Next Year

Kindergarten Enrollment Update

MCAAP Testing

Asynchronous Learning: April 22nd

PTA Corner

Save the Date

Career Day - Volunteer Opportunity

Information from Previous Newsletters can be found in the FVES Parent Handbook linked here. The document can be translated by clicking "File", scrolling down to "Language", and then selecting your preferred language.

With the solar eclipse that is occurring Monday, we want to share the information from MCPS below. At FVES, we will do our best to ensure the safety of all of our students during the dismissal time period, which begins at the peak of the eclipse. We are asking families to please review the safety information provided by MCPS below and discuss this with your child. Should you want to pick up your child early from school that day, we completely understand your desire to share this momentous experience with your child.

Information from MCPS:

People outside during this time should review this information on eclipse safety, as looking directly at the sun may cause eye injury. Some children may need supervision and support in practicing eclipse safety. Click here for a one-pager with safety tips and family activities.

At this week's PTA meeting, Mrs. Atanda, Mrs. Haden, and I shared information about creating a community of care at FVES and addressing any bullying behaviors our students may be involved in or experiencing. Below is the slide presentation we shared with parents at the meeting.

Community of Care PTA Presentation

Spanish Translation of Community of Care Presentation

We would like to take this opportunity to share our Parent Child Reunification Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring the safety and security of our students during any unforeseen emergencies that may require us to temporarily separate children from their parents or guardians. Planning for this type of procedure is very similar to a fire drill or other safety drills that occur throughout the year, so we wanted you to be informed of the process if such an event requires us to implement our plan. We did invite the PTA board members to learn more about this prior to the last PTA meeting as well so they may be able to provide assistance in the case of such an event.

Our plan has been carefully developed in alignment with resources provided by MCPS security and takes into consideration various scenarios to ensure a smooth and efficient reunification process. In the event of an emergency, our priority is to reunite each child with their parent or guardian as quickly and safely as possible.

Key features of our Parent Child Reunification Plan include:

1. **Clear Communication:** We will keep you informed throughout the emergency situation via multiple communication channels, including text messages, phone calls, and emails. We would also include an outgoing message on our phones.

2. **Designated Reunification Area:** We have designated the Cafeteria/All Purpose Room where parents and guardians will be directed to reunite with their children if the scenario allows us to remain on campus. This area will be clearly marked and staffed by trained personnel to assist you through the process. If the scenario requires us to move off campus, the same process is followed with adjustments to adapt to the situation. Details about this would be included in the communication to the community. Parents and Guardians would need to park along the street or our parking lot. The bus loop would not be available for parking.

3. **Secure Check-in Process:** Upon arrival at the reunification area, parents and guardians will be required to check in with staff to verify their identity with a photo identification and reference to the emergency information that was provided at the start of the school year. Please ensure that your emergency information and names of people who are authorized to pick up your child(ren) are identified on the form. This ensures the safety and security of all involved as well as keeps the process moving smoothly.

4. **Efficient Reunification Procedures:** Once checked in, parents and guardians will be directed to their child's designated pickup location. Our staff will then escort the child to meet their parent or guardian, facilitating a smooth and efficient reunion process.

5. **Emotional Support:** We understand that emergencies can be stressful for both children and parents. Our trained staff will be available to provide emotional support and assistance as needed throughout the reunification process.

We believe that proactive planning is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and families. Our Parent Child Reunification Plan is just one of the many ways we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your child.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work together to prioritize the safety of our school community.

Please join us in celebrating the cultural diversity of our school community at Flower Valley’s International Night and Art Expo. It will be on Monday April 15th at 6:30 pm in the Rockville High School Auditorium. All students will sing songs from around the world. Families are encouraged to bring a dish to share and a display board telling us about your culture. Please see the linked Google Form here and the attached flyer for more information. We are looking forward to sharing this wonderful evening with you.

Please join us at FVES in the All Purpose Room at 6:00PM to engage in a community conversation about creating and nurturing an inclusive environment for all at Flower Valley. Changes to some of the long held traditions at FVES have created an opportunity for us to explore ways to be more inclusive of all students and families in our community. During the community conversation, we will discuss how our demographics have changed over the past decade as well as collaborate about how Flower Valley traditions can continue to nurture an inclusive environment for all of our students and families. Our partners in the MCPS Equity Office will be joining us for this important conversation. We will also have interpreters present for the evening. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP here.

Planning for next year is currently underway. Our teachers, counselors, and administration are developing the most balanced and appropriate classes for every child at Flower Valley. If you are the parent of a kindergarten through 4th grade student at Flower Valley, we value your input and ask that you provide us with information to help us develop appropriate class groupings for next year. While we do not accept teacher requests, we do value your thoughts about what type of environment works best for your child as well as any social or academic concerns that we may be able to minimize for next year. Please complete the form linked here no later than May 1oth. Thank you for your input!

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. Details regarding the process can be accessed here. MCPS is not setting aside time from the school day for kindergarten orientation this year; however, Flower Valley will be providing multiple opportunities for school tours. We will also host an information evening where families can visit the kindergarten classes and meet all of the teachers prior to the start of school. We will be reaching out to families of incoming kindergarteners enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year later in the spring to provide details about school tours, kindergarten play dates, and the kindergarten information night event.

Students in grades 3 to 5 will take the MCAP assessments in April. 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. Please refer to grade level newsletters for specific dates and times of testing. Please avoid appointments that would take students out of school during these times, as make-up testing is difficult for students since they will be pulled from classes to do so.

Monday, April 22 will be an asynchronous learning day for all students. The day is designated as a professional development day for teachers and possible make-up day for students in the 2023-2024 Traditional School Year Calendar. Students will engage in learning experiences and complete work asynchronously at home. Your child's teacher will provide you with information regarding what this will look like for your child.

The FVES PTA has many activities happening soon - Parent/Staff Basketball, Book Fair, STEM Night and Restaurant Night! Details below.

-Please join us April 13th at 4pm at RHS gym for the Parents v. FVES staff basketball game! Students wearing spirit wear get in free! We have the game, student halftime show, popular staff silent auction, and concessions benefiting the PTA. We need volunteers for concessions and to help make posters! Please contact Kendra Pasquill at kendra.pasquill@gmail.com to sign up.

-The Scholastic Buy One Get One Book Fair is coming soon!! We need volunteers. Go to FVESBookFairBOGO2024 and choose a shift or two (or three!) to help out. Set up is Friday after school, April 12th. Take down is MONDAY, April 22nd in the morning. The fair runs April 15-19th for students, with the parent buying night on Thurs. April 18th (parents cannot buy during the school day, or come in during the school day class visit to the fair.

-STEM Night, where students present a project on a board or with a pre-recorded video, is ALSO Thurs. April 18th 5:30 pm -7:30 pm. Adult and student volunteers are needed for the day of (SSL hours are available): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090B49A9AE2EA2FE3-48881870-stem

-We also have Restaurant Night with Paisano's Rockville ALL DAY on Weds. April 17th, 11 am - 10 pm

• PTA Sponsored Basketball Game and Silent Auction: April 13th at Rockville High School at 4:00PM

• International Night: April 15th at Rockville High School at 6:30PM

• PTA Sponsored Book Fair: April 15th-19th

• PTA Sponsored STEM Night: April 18th, 5:30-7:30PM

• Take your Child to Work Day: April 25th
  

• Spring Pictures: April 26th
  

• Career Day: May 3rd

• PTA Sponsored SAVERS Donation Drive: May 4th, 9:30-1:00

• Field Days: k, 1, 2 - May 17th; 3, 4, 5 - May 22nd

• PTA Sponsored Carnival: May 19th, 2-5:00PM

• Spring IM Concert: May 30th at Rockville High School at 7PM (tentative)

• 5th Grade Promotion: June 12th at Rockville High School

• 5th Grade Fun Day: June 13th

• Rockville Paisano’s - Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 and Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 from 11:00am-10:00pm
• Rockville Chipotle - Monday, May 13th, 2024
• Villa Maya - Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Interested in volunteering for Career Day? Complete the interest form linked here.

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

Mrs. Kimberly Haden - Kimberly_D_Haden@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. Nicole Bamberger - Nicole_M_Bamberger@mcpsmd.org

All Staff Directory

The parent handbook provides a wealth of information about school policies and procedures. Some of these include volunteer procedures, school parties and birthday celebrations, bullying and harassment reporting, visitor policies, attendance, health policies, safety and security, and so much more. The English version of the handbook can be accessed here, and the Spanish version can be accessed here.

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