The Green Valley Gazette
March 14, 2023
Letter From the Principal
Greetings, GVES Families.
It is hard to believe that we are wrapping up term three! During this time, it is important that we reflect, collaborate and support each other as we head towards the final stretch of the school year. We are GIANT strong! Thank you for embracing our home-school partnership and for celebrating the importance that each day brings our students, staff, and families. We will continue to focus on our three R’s, so that all of our students bring their best, each and every day. Please reinforce our commitment to the three R’s with your child. The three R’s live and breathe in all that we do at Green Valley, and they help us focus on the simple ideas that help us achieve our very best.
RESPECTFUL ~ READY ~ RESPONSIBLE
Every day is an opportunity to make it the best one yet!
Warm regards,
Max Fletcher
Principal
-------Mark Your Calendar------
March 9: Bingo Night
March 22: No School
April 5: Math Night
April 6: PTA Meeting
April 7-14: Spring Break
April 21: Golf Tournament
April 27: Pastries with Parents
May 5: Teacher Appreciation Day
May 6: School Carnival
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Hearing and Vision Screening
Hearing and Vision Screening will take place April 5th and 6th, 2023 for all students in kindergarten (if not screened in pre-kindergarten), 1st grade, and new enterers to the Maryland public school system. Maryland State Law mandates this screening. Parents/guardians who have an objection to this screening based on their church or religion practices must submit a request for their child to be exempt from screening. All written requests must be submitted to the health room by April 1st, 2023. If your child wears glasses or contacts please make sure that they have them on the screening days. If you have any questions, please contact the health room at 240-236-3404.
Safety First
Avoid parking along the front walkway mimicking the car rider line to help avoid traffic jams and unsafe walking conditions as there are no staff members escorting students or directing traffic.
Safety is our priority! Look for this recurring section each newsletter and submit your ideas for safety messages by emailing gvescomms@gmail.com.
Group Pictures - March 23rd & 24th
March 23rd
Kindergarten, Third, Fifth (Mackintosh, Kane), Clubs, Ambassadors, Band, Chorus, Orchestra
March 24th
First, Second, Fourth, Fifth (Baker, Zentz)
We will NOT be taking individual spring pictures, only group photos.
Did You Know...?
GVES uses two communication methods:
1. FindOutFirst (FOF) messages are email blasts to the whole school audience. Opt in/out anytime online.
2. One Call for targeted news (for example by grade or for an absent student) and emergencies. These messages will show the sender's name if it was the school or an auto-generated number if it was a system message. You're automatically opted in, no action required, and you may get emails, calls and/or text messages.
FCPS plans to choose a single communication provider in 2025 when the FOF contract ends. In the meantime, don't miss important notifications by opting out of FOF or blocking the One Call auto-generated number.
This Month's Watch D.O.G.S. Winner Is...
Can You Help?
Sponsor the Golf Tournament: Check out the sponsorship levels available and our current sponsors on the PTA website.
In the Library: Please email our new librarian at elizabeth.bowen@fcps.org to help shelve, organize or check in books.
As a Watch D.O.G.: Complete the WatchDOGS Volunteer Form then email sheri.wettstein@fcps.org to schedule your day.
👏 THANK YOU 👏
Joe Rice & Eric Jolles
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.
Health Room Reminders
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth completely when coughing or sneezing.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinks, etc.
- Wash frequently used surfaces such as tabletops, counters, door knobs and light switches.
2. FCPS is enforcing isolation of positive/symptomatic individuals and will continue to send individuals with symptoms of infectious illness home from school.
A fever of 100.4 or higher, diarrhea or vomiting within the previous 24 hours, means your child may not attend school, even if COVID tests are negative.
3. Follow the guidelines for when to stay home if you or your child have symptoms of any respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, including:
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
4. Is it COVID?
If you test positive for COVID-19 or have suspected COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you are not permitted in schools or offices.
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.
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