Dear Flower Valley Community,
Wow! What a busy, but exciting week! And there is more to come this week. I always feel like the last quarter of the school year is so fast-paced. Even with all of the excitement, there is still so much learning that is happening on top of it all!
Last week, we enjoyed our annual PTA sponsored basketball game, the annual FVES International Night and Art Expo, the PTA sponsored STEM Night, and the Book Fair. Whew! I included some pictures from the FVES International Night and Art Expo. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into the amazing celebration of our rich, cultural diversity at Flower Valley.
Don't forget that Monday is an asynchronous learning day for students. Please be sure to check with your child's teacher if you have any questions about what to expect.
We also have our first Community Conversation April 25th. We hope to see you there. Details are below. Please RSVP, so that we can appropriately plan for the evening. Finally, picture day is this upcoming week as well. You can also check out the calendar below for the other upcoming events scheduled for the last few weeks of school.
I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
With Firefly Pride!
Dr. Fish
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April 25th: Community Conversation about Creating an Inclusive Environment at FVES
Cell Phones in School
Supporting Children with Appropriate Use of Social Media and Technology
Kindergarten Enrollment Update
Parental Input Regarding Next Year
Things to Know from MCPS
MCAAP Testing
PTA Corner
Save the Date
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.
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.
In today's world, where even our youngest students are using technology, it can be challenging to understand everything that is accessible to children as well as how to help them navigate it all safely. Below are a few resources that may support this effort at home. Additionally, Ms. Callen leads lessons connected to Common Sense Media and will be including lessons focused on gaming, internet safety, and media discernment in May.
- Common Sense Media
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EkgGb8ThVQtP4DTRB4VYmPOtlHXoA_lm/view
- Spanish: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yNWiuhLrzCTgqZkFMsDY0zIdNmB5Yt61/view
- Kids Health
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/net-safety.html
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cyberbullying.html
- What is cyberbullying?
Kindergarten registration is underway! In order to register your child to attend Flower Valley ES, they must be 5 years old by September 1, 2024, and must live within the school boundaries. You may use MCPS's School Locator Assignment tool to confirm that you live in the Flower Valley school boundary.
Children who turn 5 years old between September 2 and October 15 are eligible to apply for Early Entrance to Kindergarten. Click here for more information about the process or to complete an application.
Kindergarten Registration opened on March 18, 2024. Required documents and forms can be submitted online through ParentVue accounts OR to the main office between the hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm (no appointment necessary). We encourage all parents to register their incoming students as soon as possible so that we may plan materials and staffing. Additionally, as we continue to plan for the 2024-25 school year, registering incoming students will give us the ability to contact all of our future families to provide updates, share news and information, and invite students to Open House sessions and summer playdates.
Based on MCPS community feedback, current kindergarten classes will not be canceled to hold orientations this year. We will be offering several opportunities to welcome our incoming students and parents to Flower Valley. This includes:
School Tours for incoming Kindergarten families held on the following days and times:
April 24 8:00-8:30am and 4:00-4:30pm
May 15 8:00-8:30am and 4:00-4:30pm
June 5 8:00-8:30am and 4:00-4:30pm
Summer Kindergarten Playdates hosted by Flower Valley PTA. Dates to be determined.
Back to School Kindergarten Parent Information Night- Thursday, August 22, 2024 (Tentative)
Annual Back to School Sneak Peek- Friday, August 23, 2024 (Tentative)
Important Resources:
- Kindergarten Information & Resources
Enrolling Students at Flower Valley ES:
MCPS has launched a new online registration/enrollment process. Click here to access the Kindergarten Registration System. English | español | 中文 | français | Português | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | አማርኛ
Current MCPS Families:
With ParentVUE accounts: Register a child for school by clicking on the Online Registration link in the parent portal.
No ParentVUE: You must contact our main office to receive your activation letter.
NEW to MCPS Families:
Create a ParentVUE account: Online Registration system.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our school secretary and registrar, Cathy Sintetos (catherine_g_sintetos@mcpsmd.org) or our administrative secretary, Nevine Peckoo (nevine_a_peckoo@mcpsmd.org).
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 10th. Thank you for your input!
-Join us for the PTA Fun Run, Sunday, April 21st from 2pm-3:30pm. The Fun Run will take place on the field at FVES and is a free, easy, and fun event for family wellness!
-Don't forget to order your yearbooks. The deadline is April 24th! Yearbooks benefit the PTA and let your children take home the memories! Please use the link below.
FVES Community Conversation: April 25th at 6PM at FVES
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
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