Principal/Parent Coffee Meeting Summary
Sept. 25, 2015
Dear FVES Families:
Ms. Zolkower, Principal Intern, and I had the pleasure of hosting a Principal/Parent Coffee on Friday,
Sept. 25. Over 30 parents were in attendance. At this meeting, parents were given an opportunity to
ask questions and provide input related to the following important school topics: Arrival/Dismissal,
Lunch/Recess, PEACE and Friendship Program (our school’s discipline policy), Safety/Security,
Teaching/Learning, and Technology.
In an effort to maintain home/school communication, I am providing a summary of each discussion
here:
Arrival/Dismissal: Regarding the morning and afternoon car drop off procedure, parents asked if we
could enforce a rule that cars could enter from only one direction and exit from only one direction. Ms.
Zolkower and I will consult with Montgomery County Police to see if this is possible.
Parents asked the time that school dismisses on early release days. The time is 12:55 p.m.
Lunch/Recess:
Parents asked about free choice seating at lunch. Currently, students (K-5) sit at tables by teacher. Free
choice seating would allow students to sit at the table of their choice. I am in the process of consulting
with lunch staff to see if we can switch to free choice seating, especially at Grade 5. This decision is
based on student behavior in the cafeteria.
In addition, parents asked about a “peanut free” table at lunch. Currently we do not have this type of
table but one can be set up if requested. Students are permitted to bring peanut butter food items to
school.
Parents asked if the younger students could have two shorter recesses (20 min. each) instead of one 40
minute recess. Our lunch/recess schedule is built into a very complicated master schedule so this
change cannot be made at this time.
Parents asked if lunch boxes could be stored, inside the building, instead of outside the building at
recess (in warm weather). I will look into this.
A parent asked about the use of footballs at recess. MCPS policy does not permit footballs or baseball
games at recess.
Lastly, parents asked how recess aides handle disputes between students on the playground. Recess
aides adhere to our school’s PEACE and Friendship policy. They encourage children to solve their
problems and behave in a peaceful and friendly manner. Each recess aide has a walkie talkie, and if
needed, can request assistance from the counselor or administrator.
PEACE and Friendship Program: Parents thanked us for focusing on positive behaviors through fine line
awards, peace tokens, and fine line awards. Parents asked about the frequency of fine dining. Fine
Dining takes place one day per month. Our lunch staff gives out Firefly Fine Dining Awards to students
who follow the cafeteria rules. Students then place their awards in the school’s Fine Dining jars. Six
student names per grade level are randomly selected at the end of each month and these students are
invited to “dine” with school administration at special tables set up on the stage. Our first fine dining
took place on Oct. 5.
Safety/Security: Parents complimented our school safety patrol program. Patrols are doing a great job
so far and the younger children love them. Parents asked about the school’s lice notification policy. Lice
notification decisions are determined by the Montgomery County Health Department. A notification
letter is sent to parents in a particular class when two or more students in that class have lice. Questions
about this and other health policies should be directed to Mrs. Alice Reggia, School Nurse.
Parents asked if we have a fence around the back of the school. We do not have a fence around the
perimeter. I have consulted with Mr. Cedric Boatman, our school security officer, and the county has no
plans in place to install a fence behind our school.
Parents asked how we secure the perimeter of our playground during recess. This is done by assigning
our recess aides to different “posts” around the area. Kindergarten students only play in the
playground/mulch area. Grades 1-5 are allowed to play on the blacktop as well.
Parents asked if school buses have cameras on the outside of them. Some do and some don’t, this is the
same for interior bus cameras. Principals can request that cameras be placed on busses as well.
Teaching and Learning:
Parents requested math terminology definitions and this information has been posted on the school
website.
Some parents indicated that they want more homework for their child/children. I explained that
homework decisions are made on a team by team basis. MCPS does not have any specific policy about
the required amount of homework. I shared that many parents have told me that they do not want
more homework, so parent opinions on this topic are quite varied. If a parent has a concern about the
amount of homework his/her child is receiving (too much or too little), the parent should contact the
classroom teacher directly.
Parents asked if they can advocate for smaller class sizes for our school, particularly in Grades 2 (where
we have 28 students per class) and 5 (where we have 29-30 students per class). I explained that class
size caps are determined for the county. They are the same for every MCPS school (except Title 1
schools). Parents are able to form a PTA sub-committee to address this topic. Contact David Chung, PTA
President, if you are interested.
Technology:
Parents said they were very pleased with the Chromebooks, which are being used in Grades 3-5.
Parents inquired about the use of technology during indoor recess. I informed parents that
Chromebooks will not be used during indoor recess. I want recess to be a time for students to converse
with each other, play board games, etc. In addition, parents asked about Chromebook expectations.
Our school’s technology committee developed a set of Chromebook expectations and they have been
sent home with all students in Grades 3-5. These expectations are also posted on our school’s website.
Please feel free to contact me or Mrs. Zolkower, if you have any questions about this information.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Melnick, Principal