The Green Valley Gazette
Feb. 13, 2023
Letter From the Principal
Greetings, GVES Families.
It is hard to believe that we are already in February! I am always impressed with our team’s genuine care for students and each other. Our goal is to provide a safe learning space for all of our Giants to take risks, challenge themselves, and to provide opportunities to learn from valuable mistakes. Serving our students and families is rewarding because we are blessed with observing so much growth among our Giants on a daily basis. It is special to provide both academic and social-emotional learning opportunities that provide each child with abundant opportunities to reach and achieve new heights. We rise together by lifting each other up.
During February each year, we celebrate Black / African American History Month. This is a wonderful opportunity for our staff and students to learn about the history of people and individuals that are able to overcome obstacles with determination and perseverance. We also want to celebrate and acknowledge our amazing African American trailblazers that inspire us to be our very best. It is important that all of our GVES Giants embrace each other, expect equity, and celebrate the uniqueness that each of us bring to our Green Valley community.
We are also partnering with Linganore High School (LHS), and members of LHS will be performing an assembly titled Great Blacks in Wax for our Giants in grades 3-5 at GVES on Feb. 22. This is an authentic avenue for us to celebrate unity as one larger school community. We thank LHS for offering this opportunity to celebrate Black / African American History Month with our students and school team.
We are together. We are united. We are one.
Warm regards,
Max Fletcher
Principal
-------Mark Your Calendar------
Feb. 13: Grades K-2 Valentine Class Parties
Feb. 14: Grades 3-5 Valentine Class Parties
Feb. 15: 2-hour Early Dismissal
Feb. 17: Friendship Dance at GVES
Feb. 20: No School
Feb. 22: Bus Driver Appreciation Week
March 9: Bingo Night
March 22: No School
April 5: Math Night
April 7-14: Spring Break
April 21: Golf Tournament
--------------------------------------------------------------
Celebrating Black / African American History Month at GVES
We will be highlighting important trailblazers that achieved greatness and inspired change in our nation during announcements each morning
A bulletin board will be utilized in the hallway to celebrate and add individuals throughout the month who helped shape our nation
Each teacher will be coordinating activities and lessons
Our administrative team and school counselors will be visiting each classroom to conduct a read aloud with students
Our media center will be sharing a variety of activities and resources with students and staff
Valentine's Day Class Parties
We are looking forward to our Valentine’s Day parties this week! To ensure a fun and safe experience for all students, please make note of the following reminders for families.
Teachers and room parents may help students pass out cards as long as all students in the class receive a card. We don’t want anyone excluded. Cards should not include candy or any food items.
K-2nd Grade will have their party February 13th
3rd-5th grade will have their party February 14th
Each party will be held from 2:00-2:45 pm.
Parking will be at a premium. We will be utilizing the back parking lot behind the gymnasium to support the additional necessary parking. Please follow directions from staff when parking. Only volunteers will be permitted in classrooms. Unfortunately, there is not enough parking or space in classrooms to accommodate “party guests.” Volunteers should have already completed the online volunteer training orientation.prior to the day of the parties.
Health Room Reminders
Please make sure that your family is mindful of our FCPS procedures related to COVID, colds, and the flu. It’s the time of year when we see an increase in health room visits and families notifying us of ill children and other family members. Please reference the helpful reminders below:
While we are taking measures at school to mitigate the spread of illness, we also ask that families apply similar measures at home.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing. This should be done into the arm or a sleeve. Do not use your hands to cover your mouth or nose. If you use your hand, wash your hands thoroughly after each cough or sneeze.
Do not share others’ eating utensils, drinks, etc.
Wash surfaces that are touched frequently in your home such as tabletops, counters, door knobs, and light switches.
All persons who test positive for COVID-19 or who have suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, are not permitted in schools or offices.
Individuals and parents are responsible for following our guidelines for when to stay home if they or their child have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness or are positive for COVID-19. Symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness include:
Fever of 100.4 or higher
Cough
Sore throat
Diarrhea or vomiting
FCPS is enforcing isolation of positive/symptomatic individuals and will continue to send individuals with symptoms of infectious illness home from school.
If your child has a fever of 100.4 or has had diarrhea/vomiting within the previous 24 hours, your child may not attend school, even if COVID tests are negative.
If your child tests positive for COVID, isolation at home must occur for 5 full days following the onset of symptoms (Day 0). Your child may return to school for days 6-10 with a well-fitted mask, as long as symptoms are improving and there is no fever without medication.
Let's Dance!
This is a family event (no drop offs) and tickets will be available at the door for $10 per student. PTA family memberships get one student free.
Celebrate Your Bus Driver
From daily commutes to field trips, our bus drivers keep our school moving and our students safe! Show your appreciation on Wednesday, Feb. 22, by personally thanking your bus driver or contribute to the gift bags being arranged by the PTA. Contact Amy Henry to participate.
This Month's Watch D.O.G.S. Winner Is...
Be a WatchDOG -- We Need You
Step 1: Complete the WatchDOGS Volunteer Form.
Step 2: Send an email to sheri.wettstein@fcps.org to schedule your day to come in.
Step3: Show up and give out some high fives and fist bumps to the students.
Any questions email gveptapresident@gmail.com.
Guidelines for Attendance Changes
Please make sure you are sending attendance changes to Greenvalley.es@fcps.org.
- Late Arrivals: If your child arrival past 9 a.m., be sure you walk them into the building and sign them in. If they arrive after 9:30 a.m., you will receive an automated call from our central office.
- Absences: If your student is absent, please email the day-of to Greenvalley.es@fcps.org. However, you can still expect to receive the automated call from FCPS Central Office.
- Dismissals: We do NOT allow dismissal changes after 2 p.m., so please make sure you plan accordingly.
- Early Pick-Ups: If you are picking up your student prior to regular dismissal, please make sure you are inside the building by 3 p.m. If you arrive past 3 p.m., you are welcome to wait in the car rider line.
Earn Cash Back & Donations While Shopping
Stay Connected
Here are ways to ensure you're getting the latest news and updates from GVES:
- Find Out First E-mails - We use the email address you provided when your student enrolled to send out information. If that email address changes, please email the school (greenvalley.es@fcps.org, also listed in the About Us info below) to update your information.
- PTA Website - This provides information about upcoming PTA events and activities, membership and volunteer opportunities, current and previous editions of this newsletter, and more. Bookmark it today! https://gvespta.memberhub.com
- PTA Facebook Page - Stay informed about PTA events, activities, and school information by liking the Green Valley Elementary School PTA Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GreenValleyESPTA
About Us
Email: GreenValley.ES@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/gves/home
Location: 11501 Fingerboard Rd, Monrovia, MD 21770, USA
Phone: (240) 236-3400