Aviator Updates
SY23 CWFDES FAMILY ISSUE #2
A WEEK: September 5 - 9
Hello Aviator Families!
Our first FULL week back together was filled with learning, smiles, and positive energy.
If you're looking for some new ways to talk to your child about school, consider one of these conversation starters:
- Tell me something you know today that you didn't know yesterday.
- Did your teacher read a story to you today? What do you remember about it?
- Who or what made you smile today?
- Tell me one way you SOARed today.
- How can you SOAR tomorrow?
All the best,
Ms. Katie Kortokrax, Principal
Friday Popsicles at recess to celebrate our first full week!
Ms. Hair's class discussing what a GREAT classroom looks, sounds and feels like!
Media Marshmallow and Spaghetti Challenge
Notable Dates
Mon, Sept 5 - Labor Day, All Schools & Office Closed
Tues, Sept 6 - 4th Grade (Jackson & Knauer) Field Trip at ELMS
Tues, Sept 6 - Spirit Night at The Salted Scoop from 5-8PM.
Thurs, Sept 22 - Two Hour Early Release; No School for Pre-K
Fri, Sept 23 - No School, Professional Day
Action Item for ALL Families:
Fri, Sept 30 - Deadline to complete the *required* Acceptable Use Policy.
SCHOOLOGY
- If you are NEW TO SMCPS, you should look for an email with a link (check your spam folder if you don't see it). Similarly, if you are not new, but NEVER CREATED AN ACCOUNT, you should look for this email.
- If you created an account, but no longer know how to access this, you will need to send a request for support to schoology@smcps.org
Schoology has a Mobile App!
Ms. Byrnes's class taking turns discussing their weekend plans.
Ms. Grabenstein's class demonstrating being an attentive audience as their classmates present their "All About Me" Brown Bag Projects.
We are in a book! Our students love spending time with Ms. Owen and Ms. Hall in the media center!
A Note from Nurse Dana
School Safety
Schoolwide Expectations
Throughout the first weeks of school, our staff is teaching, modeling, and providing opportunities for our students to practice how to show service, accountability, ownership and respect in all areas of our school. We encourage you to ask your child about SOAR Tickets and our school-wide expectations: Duke School-Wide Behavior Matrix
Cafeteria Corner
Meal Benefit Application
My School Bucks
School Menu
Check our Nutrislice Webpage to:
- View Helpful nutrition info
- Download our FREE mobile app!
- Menus may be subject to change due to supply shortages.
Please note: we are still offering the free and reduced meal program based on the status determined from the meal benefit application. Students who qualify based on income or direct certification will still receive free or reduced meals this school year. A new application must be submitted for this school year to qualify.
MakerSpace
Duke Maker Space is gearing up to come back this school year!! But we need you. Volunteers would commit one day a week for the school year. If you can't do every week maybe you could be a sub?
What is a Makerspace?
- Makerspace is a chance to try something new within the model of "Make, Test, Innovate, and Excel".
- A recess option for first through fifth grades.
- Students are given a monthly challenge.
Examples of challenges
- Quick building games.
- Problem solving with legos.
- Creating circuits.
- Quick building games.
- Building creations with recyclables and even learning to weave.
- Parent volunteers present challenges, keep time and assist with troubleshooting.
If you are interested in getting involved with our Duke Makerspace and are available midday one day a week, please contact Mary Owen, Media Specialist or Amanda Calloway at amandaandjosh@me.com.
Band, Strings, & Chorus Sign-Ups!
Click on the links below to enroll your child in this year's Band, Chorus, and/or Strings classes! Deadline to sign-up: 9/16.
Band
- Will meet twice per week, every Monday and Tuesday beginning September 19
- For students in grades 4 and 5
- Instrument choices include: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion
- Enroll by clicking here.
Chorus
- Will meet once per week, every Wednesday or Thursday beginning September 21 or 22
- For students in grades 4 and 5
- Instrument choices include: awesome voice and likes to sing
- Enroll by clicking here.
Strings
- Will meet twice per week, every Wednesday and Thursday beginning September 21
- For students in grades 3, 4, and 5
- Instrument choices include: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass (recommended to start bass in 4th grade)
- Enroll by clicking here.
More information will be coming home soon and if you have any questions, feel free to contact either of the teachers:
- Mr. Romano for Band questions: (ppromano@smcps.org)
- Mr. Mattera for Chorus or Strings questions (rjmattera@smcps.org)
Please Note: Students are missing instructional time when enrolled in chorus, band and/or strings; they will be responsible for making up any missed assignments.
Action Items:
Vetting of applications can take several weeks. Field trip chaperones must have successfully completed the volunteer application process before they can be considered.
Join us tomorrow!
Helpful Links
Joke of the Week (Labor Day Edition)
Why are locksmiths allowed to remain open on Labor Day?
They are KEY workers.
Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary
We welcome your questions and inquiries. Please call 240-309-4658, refer to the SMCPS Back to School website, or our CWFDES website for additional information.
Katie Kortokrax, Principal
Zach Adams, Assistant Principal
Email: klkortokrax@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/cwfdes/
Location: 23595 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: (240) 309-4658
Twitter: @CWFDES_SMCPS
Practice Student ID Numbers
If you haven't signed up for My School Bucks, we highly recommend doing that.