Weekly Firefly Newsletter
Week of November 14th, 2022
By clicking on the icon to the right, you can translate this newsletter into multiple languages. Just click your selected language.
Weekly Message from Mrs. Fish
Dear Flower Valley Community,
The second quarter has begun! We started it off with field trips to the KID Museum and the Museum of American History. While I was out on leave Friday and will continue to be on leave for a few days, I did hear we had a wonderful time recognizing our veterans and active duty service members. A sincere thank you goes out to all who have served and are still serving.
We have started off our month of kindness with a huge outpouring of kindness throughout FVES! This week, we recognized three students and three staff members for their acts of kindness. A special shout-out goes out to Jasmine S., Sadie T., Natalie O., Mr. Barringer, Ms. Seaman, and Mr. Langsam for demonstrating kindness. Let's keep those acts of kindness coming!
The week ahead is a full, 5 day week. Woo hoo! We also have our PTA restaurant night on November 15th at Ledo Pizza in Leisure World and our PTA sponsored Firefly Virtual Storytime November 17th at 7PM.
Have a wonderful weekend!
With Firefly Pride!
Mrs. 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.
Show Your School Spirit Every Friday! Wear your FVES shirt or something blue or yellow.
Important Items in This Week's Newsletter
- Preparing for Grandparents and Special Friends Day: November 21st
- Focus Groups at FVES
- Report Cards
- Kindness Movement
- Spirit Week
- Safety Message from MCPS
- Lost and Found
- Parent Conferences: November
- November: Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
- Counseling Corner
- PTA Corner
- Available Tutoring Opportunities for Students
- Curriculum Corner
- School Meals, FARMS, My School Bucks, and Lunch Menu
- School Visitors and Volunteers
- Attendance, Early Dismissals, and Transportation Changes
- School Cash Online
- Covid and OUTCLASS: Out of Class On Demand Resources for Students
- Seasonal Roots Fundraiser
- Helpful Resources
- Save the Date
- School Contact Information
Reminder: Turkey Reading Logs Due November 22nd
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Grandparents and Special Friends Day: November 21st
For students with last names starting with A-L:
Visitors should arrive at 9:15. They will be escorted to the cafeteria where we will check them in. Class visits will be from 9:30-10:05.
For students with last names starting with M-Z:
Visitors should arrive at 10:00. They will be escorted to the cafeteria where we will check them in. Class visits will be from 10:15-10:50.
Please make sure your child's special visitor brings identification on November 21st. Light refreshments will be provided by our PTA. It will also be helpful for you to let them know which block and which teacher their child will be with that morning, particularly for classes in specials and for our 4th and 5th graders since they have multiple teachers. The schedule is included below.
FVES Parent Focus Groups
Report Cards
A Kindness movement is here!
It's time for spirit week at FVES!
- Stuffed Animal Day: Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school. It has to be smaller than 12 inches.
- Opposites Day: Wear your clothes inside out.
- Fancy Day: Dress up in your fanciest attire.
- Wacky Wednesday: The more mismatched clothes, the better.
- Favorite Color Day: Choose your favorite color to wear for the day.
MCPS Safety Message: Please see the message below about important safety protocols.
School Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shelter-in-place?
A shelter-in-place is an emergency response when there is danger in the school community or near school property. It provides heightened awareness by staff of what is occurring on or in the area around the school. If the danger or threat to the school becomes imminent, the shelter-in-place prepares the school to move quickly to a lockdown. A shelter-in-place may also be utilized to hold students in their classrooms to address a medical emergency or safety situation, or in response to a biological, chemical, or radiological incident.
What actions do we take during a shelter-in-place?
- Staff lock and monitor all exterior doors.
- Classroom instruction continues.
- Staff take attendance and account for any discrepancies.
- Hallway passes or movement in hallways is limited.
- Students will not transition to classes, but will remain in their current classroom until the shelter-in-place is lifted.
- Administration will make announcements to provide safety information as needed.
What actions do staff take during a shelter-in-place?
- Staff lock and monitor all exterior doors.
- Classroom instruction continues.
- Staff take attendance and account for any discrepancies.
- Hallway passes or movement in hallways is limited.
- Students will not transition to classes, but will remain in their current classroom until the shelter-in-place is lifted.
- Administration will make announcements to provide safety information as needed.
What actions do students take during a shelter-in-place?
- Students will continue with classroom instruction.
- Students will not transition to classes, but will remain in their current classroom until the shelter-in-place is lifted.
What is a lockdown?
A lockdown is an emergency response to a life-threatening imminent danger in or around school grounds. Exterior doors and interior classroom doors and offices are immediately locked and secured.
What actions do staff take during a lockdown?
- Sweep or scan the immediate area outside the classroom, if safe and practicable to do so, for any students and staff, and immediately bring them into their classroom.
- Staff inside the building but outside a classroom or office should go to the nearest securable location.
- Staff outside the building should go to a pre-determined safe location (identified in the school emergency plan) away from the building.
- Instruct students to move to the safest corner of the room away from doors and windows.
- Lock and secure doors.
- Cover door windows and close blinds.
- Turn off lights.
- Silence all electronic devices.
- Utilize Chromebook/laptop for attendance and communication purposes, if safe and practicable to do so.
- Ignore alarms and bells.
- Wait for further instructions.
What actions do students take during a lockdown?
- Move to the safest corner of the room as identified by the teacher, away from doors and windows.
- When inside the building but outside a classroom or office when a lockdown is called, students and staff should move into the nearest securable location.
- Students outside the building should follow the direction of staff and move to a pre-determined safe location.
- Silence all electronic devices.
- Follow the directions of the teacher or staff member.
- Remain silent and await further directions.
As a parent/guardian, what can I do to support student safety during a lockdown?
- Keep emergency contact information updated in Synergy so that we can keep you informed.
- Have ongoing conversations with your child regarding school safety and emergency preparedness.
- Encourage your child to take drills seriously and ask staff any questions that will help them be well prepared.
- Understand that law enforcement and/or emergency responders will arrive onsite and take command of emergency situations.
- Stay calm and reassuring during any communications with your child during an emergency situation.
- Encourage your child to follow the directions of school staff in order to prevent confusion or added safety risks.
- Should school officials request parents to pick up their children, please have identification with you so that your child can be released to your custody.
How and when will I receive communication during a lockdown?
- You will receive information as soon as possible after the initiation of a lockdown.
- Our goal is to communicate within 20 minutes, with updates as frequently as possible.
- This initial information will be shared utilizing the ConnectEd system via phone call, text message, and email.
How will I receive communication after a lockdown?
- You will receive a follow-up communication providing detailed information regarding the emergency and resources available to students/parents.
- We recognize the importance of two-way communication. Please know that if you or your child has serious concerns in response to an emergency or crisis, contact your child’s school directly for information and guidance.
What types of support will be available to my child following emergency situations that may potentially impact their well-being?
- Specialists in mental health, specifically recognizing and addressing trauma, will partner with the school administration to provide the appropriate services.
- Students will have full access to their counselor to support their social emotional well-being.
- We will continue to provide communication to the community as we verify information.
- Teachers will demonstrate flexibility with academic assignments such as tests/quizzes.
Lost and Found
Parent Conferences
November: Remembrance and Reconciliation Month
Emancipation Day in Maryland is celebrated annually on November 1st, and the Montgomery County Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation declared November as Remembrance and Reconciliation Month for community members to remember and reflect on the lynchings that took place in the late 1800s in Montgomery County, Maryland. The MCPS Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs has developed lessons for in school as well as resources for families. Please see the resources linked below to support conversations about race at home.
Resources for Talking About Race, Prejudice, Segregation, and Discrimination Did You Know? Facts About Historic African American Communities in Montgomery County
Counseling Corner
FVES is working on becoming a No Place For Hate school. Fourth and fifth grade students will help lead the way to this designation. Here is more information about No Place for Hate: https://www.noplaceforhate.org/
FVES Peacemakers will begin helping students with conflicts at recess. Trained 5th grade students are available to help 3rd and 5th graders during recess beginning this week. Later in the school year, 4th grade students will be trained in peacemaking skills to support 1st and 4th graders during recess.
Are you interested in volunteering at lunch and/or recess? Please reach out to Mrs. Atanda at Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org.
Families with students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals also qualify for a $40 stipend for school supplies for their child(ren). This information can be found at: https://www.readyforschoolinitiative.org/ .
Families with students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals also qualify for a free or reduced PTA membership. This information can be found at: https://fvespta.membershiptoolkit.com/membership.
Please complete the following google form if you are in need of resources for your family such as Friday Snack Bags, Holiday Giving donations, backpacks, or other resources. You may also reach out to Mrs. Atanda, School Counselor, at Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-1780. You may also send a note into school with your child.
Flower Valley Elementary School PTA Corner
This Tuesday, November 15th, support the PTA with Ledo Pizza at the Leisure World location from 11AM - 9PM! Use the code Fundraiser (be sure to enter it online in the 'Coupon/Fundraiser Code' box!), or mention this 'FVES Fundraiser' on phone and in-person orders.
Firefly Story Time is this Thursday, November 17th from 7PM - 8PM on Zoom! Fireflies will share their favorite books. Join us from your coziest reading spot at home via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86575024461?pwd=bGlVQ0hSQlVBRTgyeEpyaXRsVmtVZz09
Available Tutoring Opportunities for Students
After School Activities
Curriculum Corner
Eureka Math: MCPS has a dedicated website which has support for each Eureka module in every grade level. Here is a Eureka Math support page for families. You will need to create an account to access the family resources called "tips for parents." "Homework Helpers" are tips for parents that are included with each homework assignment in the Math Succeed (HW) book. Additionally, this is a google document that contains helpful videos for parents to use. There are general Eureka videos and grade level specific videos included.
Please keep an eye out for grade level bi-weekly communication regarding details about what is happening in each of our classes.
School Meals, FARMS, My School Bucks, and Lunch Menus
School Visitors and Volunteers
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please contact Mrs. Atanda at Jennifer_T_Atanda@mcpsmd.org.
Attendance 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. 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, please let Mrs. Sintetos and your child's homeroom teacher know.
School Cash Online
Covid Safety Protocols
OUTCLASS: Out Of Class On Demand Resources for Students
Seasonal Roots FVES Fundraiser
Flower Valley Elementary School is partnering with Seasonal Roots to bring healthy, delicious food to our community, to support local farmers and artisans, and to raise money to support programs for Flower Valley students!
Seasonal Roots is an online farmers market that delivers “dirt to doorstep” to families in Maryland and Virginia. Each week the market offers more than 150 items that are all grown and produced locally, sustainably, and ethically. Market items include fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, vegan specialties and more.
To access the Seasonal Roots market, you sign-up as a member and pay an annual membership fee. Through our collaboration, the fee is reduced by 50% - it’s just $25. For each Flower Valley Elementary School family that joins, the school receives $20!
Once you are a member, what you order and when you order are up to you! There is no obligation. You can select exactly what produce and extras you want, skip or pause weekly deliveries, and cancel anytime. The online market opens Friday at 2:00PM and closes at midnight on Sunday. Orders are delivered on Wednesdays in Montgomery County.
To join Seasonal Roots and earn a $20 donation for Flower Valley Elementary School, use promotional code FVES at https://www.seasonalroots.com/fves.
Important Dates in November
November 15th - Restaurant Night at Ledo Pizza in Leisure World
November 17th - Virtual Firefly Story Time
November 21st - Grandparents and Special Friends Day at FVES and Early Release Day
November 22nd - Early Release Day
November 23rd-25th - No School
Save the Date
December 5th - Picture Retakes
December 13th, Time TBD - FVES Musical Production
January 17th - Group/Class Pictures
February 2nd: Winter Instrumental Music Concert at FVES, 7:00pm (Note the date change)
February 10th, 6:30-8:00pm - PTA Sponsored Bingo
February 14th, 2:30-3:15pm - Valentine’s Day Parties
March 26th, 2-3pm - PTA Sponsored Fun Run
April 20th, 5:30-7:30pm - PTA Sponsored STEM Night
April 24th-28th - PTA Sponsored Book Fair
April 26th - Individual and Grade 5 Panoramic
May 6th, 10:00-2:00pm - PTA Sponsored SAVERS Donation Drive
Field Day, TBD
May 16th, Time TBD - FVES International Night and Art Expo
May 19th - K, 1, 2 Field Day (rain date - May 30th)
May 21st, 2-5pm - PTA Sponsored Carnival
May 24th - 3, 4, 5, Field Day (rain date - May 31st)
June 1st: Spring Instrumental Music Concert at FVES, 7:00pm
5th Grade Promotion, Date and Time TBD
*Please remember these dates are subject to change. There will also be several PTA sponsored virtual nights for families throughout the year.
Helpful Resources
Student Rights and Responsibilities (Spanish Version Available in Main Office)
Student Code of Conduct (English) (Spanish Version Available in Main Office)
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
Mrs. Angie Fish, Principal – Angie_L_Fish@mcpsmd.org
Ms. Angela Castillo, Assistant Principal - Angela_M_Castillo@mcpsmd.org
Main Office Staff (240) 740-1780
Mrs. Padma Radhakrishnan, School Administrative Secretary – Padma_Radhakrishnan@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