Star Family Scoop
August 12, 2019
Welcome Back Newsletter
A Note from the New Principal
I hope you have enjoyed your summer and were able to relax and rejuvenate! It's been wonderful transitioning to CES this summer and getting to know so many of you. After an extended vacation with my family, I've been busy settling in to a new school setting and working to get to know this great school community. It's been a pleasure meeting many of you and I look forward to a great year together.
I’ve been a part of FCPS most of my life, as I attended the Middletown Feeder schools as a student. I began working with FCPS in 1995 as a teacher in both Spring Ridge Elementary and Oakdale Elementary Schools. My work as an administrator began in 2001 when I became the Assistant Principal at Valley Elementary School. I then transitioned to Deer Crossing Elementary as the Assistant Principal in 2004 and then was promoted to Principal of DCES in 2006. In 2011, I transferred to Middletown Primary where I served as Principal for 8 years. My next journey to Centerville Elementary School is equally as exciting as my other assignments.
I live in Middletown with my husband, two children and sweet golden retriever. My son is heading to 7th grade and my daughter will be a 3rd grader. Their interests in travel baseball and competitive dance certainly keep us busy with lots of traveling on the weekends.
If you come by the school, please feel free to stop in to introduce yourself. I greatly value the partnership between the families and community. It will be such a joy to serve the CES Community!
Enjoy these last few weeks. The summer has certainly gone by too quickly.
Sincerely,
Karen Hopson
Summer Updates
*Teacher placement letters are being mailed by August 12. Please keep in mind that we use bulk mail service so the letters will take some time to reach your mailbox. Due to confidentiality, we are unable to share teacher placements via phone or email. If you do not receive your letter by August 27th. you can stop by CES on/after August 27th with an updated proof of residency and we can share placement information with you.
*Grouping students in classrooms is an extensive and lengthy process involving many key professionals in our building. There are many considerations and factors (appropriate instructional levels, class size and boy/girl ratios) used throughout this process. We make placement decisions that are in the best interest of all students. We are confident that with our grouping process, we make appropriate placement decisions, and ask that you put your confidence in us in making the best choice for all of our students. Thank you for your understanding and support.
*Bus information and routes will be available Friday, August 23 at 6 PM at www.fcps.org (click bus stop information). However, you must check back periodically until the first day of school as changes may occur due to late registrations.
*Student water bottles: FCPS schools with portables/pods are no longer equipped with water coolers. Water fountains are available and students are encouraged to bring a filled water bottle to school each day for hydration.
*Lunch accounts: to set up or add funds to your child's lunch account, visit www.myschoolbucks.com. You can also designate snack only details within your child's account.
Incoming Kindergarten Stars
Important Dates
Thursday, August 29: Open House for Scholars and Parents
3-3:30pm Last Name A-M attends
3:35-4:05pm Last Name N-Z attends
Tuesday, September 3: First Day of School for Scholars
(Kindergarten runs on a staggered schedule)
Tuesday, September 10: Back to School Night (grades 2 and 5) 6-7:45pm
Thursday, September 12: Back to School Night (grades 1, 3 and 4) 6-7:45pm
Change of Address
Where Our Stars Shine Bright
Website: education.fcps.org/CES/
Phone: 240-566-0100
Twitter: @cesstarsfcps