Aviator Update
May 7, 2021
Dear Families,
Thank you to all of you who thanked a teacher (or several) this week. Our teachers certainly appreciated all of the kind words and PTA sponsored treats! Duke teachers and staff are simply the BEST!
Please note that Learning Preference Requests (see below) are appreciated by May 14th, as Duke staff will begin planning for next year by the end of May.
Warmly,
Denise
Spring Book Fair
Picture Orders
Pictures are now online. To order please follow these instructions:
Click on link below
https://orders.classicphoto.com/
Enter your code on your proof form. You must have this number! Proofs were sent home with students this week.
Please contact customer service with any questions. Orders will be mailed directly to your home address.
800 869 9515 ext. 112
Rising Sixth Graders
Learning Preference Requests
Dear Parents,
During the fourth marking period, we are beginning the formal process of creating class lists for next year. This is a lengthy and complex process. At our school, the teachers, counselor, IRTs, and administrators spend hours preparing class lists that are balanced academically, socially, culturally, and by gender.
As Dr. Smith alluded to at a prior Board of Education Meeting, the intention is to have all students return for in-person instruction five days per week in the fall.
Students are grouped heterogeneously in order to promote the rigorous educational standards that Duke upholds. To keep this balance, many variables are considered. Each class is balanced as much as possible with an equal number of boys and girls, a range of ability levels, and a careful consideration of the group dynamics within each classroom.
In certain circumstances, parent input is helpful. If you wish to provide student information from a parent’s perspective, please describe:
your child's learning strengths
any academic or social concerns that you have about your child, and/or
the type of classroom environment you feel would best suit your child
Please be as specific as possible. In order for the information to be part of the class selection process, it needs to be received by May 14, 2021. You may send your request via email to Ms. Denise Mandis, Principal, at ddmandis@smcps.org. Please do not request specific teachers, as teacher assignments are not finalized until mid-summer. We prefer your input be based on sound educational factors unique to your child’s needs. Your input will certainly be considered as we make our final decisions.
We at Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary pride ourselves on knowing your child(ren). We also pride ourselves on the high caliber of our teachers. We trust our process and our knowledge of your child, combined with your input, will serve him or her well. With or without parental input, every child will receive a class placement based on his or her needs for academic excellence.
Sincerely,
Denise D. Mandis, Principal
Please submit the parental input to Ms. Mandis at ddmandis@smcps.org by May 14, 2021.
Pre-K Application Process Now Open
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade Registration Now Open
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e45a5a92fa2fd0-pkapplication
School Kits: School Supply Ordering
Moving Now or Over the Summer?
COVID Protocols in SMCPS
New** This brief video provides general information for families and includes an overview of Covid information for schools. This overview video is under 2 minutes. This may answer many questions parents might have.
The expanded video provides detailed information, including specific steps for students who exhibit COVID-like symptoms or are a close contact. This detailed video is 7 minutes in duration.
In addition, further information is provided on the Health and Safety page of the SMCPS website for expanded processes and details.
PTA Enrollment for 2020-2021 School Year
We hope all Duke families will join the PTA for the 2020-2021 school year using the brand new online membership store at https://cwfdespta.memberhub.store. If you have any questions, or would like to request a paper membership form, please email the PTA at cwfdespta@gmail.com.
Jenn
Meal Distribution
Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary
Email: ddmandis@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/cwfdes/
Location: 23595 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-309-4658
Twitter: @CWFDES_smcps