Thank You!

Many thanks to all who contributed to the success of our annual Dragon-Fest! It was a beautiful day, the children and adults had a great time, and we enjoyed seeing so many of our DuFief alumni helping out at the various games. We do appreciate our families and staff who came out in great numbers to support this fun, family event!

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Wanda Coates, who will be our acting assistant principal during Mr. Williams’ absence. Mrs. Coates comes to us with many experiences and has quickly acclimated to our wonderful school. We do expect Mr. Williams to return to DuFief when his health permits him to do so, and we wish him the best as he continues to recuperate.

We are so grateful to our parents and the PTA Sunshine Committee for the many notes of appreciation, gifts, raffle prizes, and wonderful luncheon provided to our staff during Staff Appreciation Week. DuFief is truly a great place to learn and work because of our students, staff, and families.

A special thanks to all of the parents who contributed to the successful “Journey to Japan” program our third graders experienced this past week. This, and all of our other events, programs, and field trips would not be possible without our parent volunteers. All parents who have volunteered in any capacity during this school year are invited to a special “Parent Volunteer Luncheon” on May 29 at 11:30. We hope that you will be able to join us so we can show our appreciation for all you do!

As the school year comes to an end, we are beginning the process of creating class groupings for next year. We use a variety of information to create classes. If you would like to share information about your child, please complete the attached (blue), Student Information Profile and return it to the office by May 30.

Our goal is to create balanced, heterogeneous classes in which children can be happy and productive. We seek to achieve balance in terms of gender, level of academic achievement, racial/ethnic groups, leaders and followers, learning rates, learning skills, behavioral issues, and special needs. We look carefully at children who work well together and who motivate each other.

Class organization continues through the summer because of unexpected increases and decreases in the number of students at specific grade levels, staff changes, and teacher assignments. We value and consider your input concerning your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. Please do not request specific teachers on the form or to your child’s current teacher!

Thank you for your support and cooperation. Enjoy this beautiful spring weather!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Reitz
Principal

From Assistant Principal Mr. Williams

I consider myself a “local” after working and living many years in Montgomery County, Maryland from Columbus, Ohio. The years working in education have been shared between elementary and middle schools within MCPS. The most recent assignment, prior to DuFief ES, was an administrator at Earle B. Wood MS in Rockville.

My priority is the students! I will do all that I can to make certain that all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe, challenging and rewarding environment (with the emphasis on safety). I am here for the students. My motto and approach to many things are “Keep it simple”! I am happy to be working at DuFief ES with Mrs. Reitz and her staff.

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