Due to hazardous road conditions and freezing temperatures, Dorchester County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, December 15, 2025. Please be safe!
**Reminder for tomorrow: Holiday Spirit Week** #withJOY
- **Monday, December 15:** Holiday Spirit Week begins with Comfort Cozy Day! Wear your favorite holiday pajamas.
- **Tuesday, December 16:** Mean, Green Grinch Day! Represent the famous Mr. Grinch by wearing green, and don't forget a red heart!
- **Wednesday, December 17:**Go, Team, Go! Wear your favorite winter sports team attire (football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, etc.).
- **Thursday, December 18:** "UGLY" Christmas Sweater Day! Wear your craziest, tackiest Christmas sweater!
- **Friday, December 19:** Are you PRESENT?!? Dress as a holiday gift bag or present.
Students who are not participating are expected to be in uniform.
- **Monday, December 15:** Holiday Spirit Week begins with Comfort Cozy Day! Wear your favorite holiday pajamas.
- **Tuesday, December 16:** Mean, Green Grinch Day! Represent the famous Mr. Grinch by wearing green, and don't forget a red heart!
- **Wednesday, December 17:**Go, Team, Go! Wear your favorite winter sports team attire (football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, etc.).
- **Thursday, December 18:** "UGLY" Christmas Sweater Day! Wear your craziest, tackiest Christmas sweater!
- **Friday, December 19:** Are you PRESENT?!? Dress as a holiday gift bag or present.
Students who are not participating are expected to be in uniform.
On Thursday, December 11th, Mr. Kevin O'Malley visited Vienna Elementary School and captivated students in grades 1–5 with engaging stories from his life, clever coin tricks, and fun illustrations. The students were all smiles, with many commenting, "He is cracking me up!"
Mr. O'Malley is the co-author and illustrator of the popular Miss Malarkey series, as well as the author and illustrator of the award-winning Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude and the New York Times bestseller Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Share.
After his visit, every student in grades 1–5 received one of Mr. O'Malley's books to take home. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. O'Malley for inspiring our students to follow their dreams. We also appreciate Mrs. Connar Winn, our School Social Worker and Community School Liaison, for organizing this fantastic event.
The purchase of the books was generously funded through our school's COP (Concentration of Poverty) funds, making this experience possible for our students.
We are excited to celebrate #withJOY our Vienna Terrapin STANDOUT STUDENTS for the month of November and proudly recognize their outstanding achievements!
These remarkable students are honored for their outstanding qualities, which may include academic success, positive attitudes, athletic abilities, active participation, good decision-making, leadership skills, kindness, support for others, responsibility, and being true role models.
They are indeed the leaders of tomorrow!
These remarkable students are honored for their outstanding qualities, which may include academic success, positive attitudes, athletic abilities, active participation, good decision-making, leadership skills, kindness, support for others, responsibility, and being true role models.
They are indeed the leaders of tomorrow!
At Vienna Elementary School, 67 Days = 67 ways to shine #withJOY!
Tomorrow, we encourage everyone to wear their "HOUSE" t-shirts. Students who do not wear a "HOUSE" t-shirt are expected to wear their uniforms.
Magical Snowman Show at Vienna Elementary School on Friday, December 12th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Join us on a magical adventure through a Winter Wonderland of Fun! This show is filled with music, magic, and silliness. Your family will love watching the Magical Snowman appear before their eyes, as well as magical appearances by the snow-white rabbit. We will help the poor Snowman on his quest to stop him from melting before it’s too late!
Come see our school transform into a magical Winter Wonderland! Your family will go crazy when they see the GIGANTIC SNOWSTORM filling the whole room with fluffy white snow!
But… be careful! Where there is snow, sometimes there is a snowball fight! Bring your family and join us for the Magical Snowman Show! We can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you to the Vienna Parent Association for hosting this event!
Join us on a magical adventure through a Winter Wonderland of Fun! This show is filled with music, magic, and silliness. Your family will love watching the Magical Snowman appear before their eyes, as well as magical appearances by the snow-white rabbit. We will help the poor Snowman on his quest to stop him from melting before it’s too late!
Come see our school transform into a magical Winter Wonderland! Your family will go crazy when they see the GIGANTIC SNOWSTORM filling the whole room with fluffy white snow!
But… be careful! Where there is snow, sometimes there is a snowball fight! Bring your family and join us for the Magical Snowman Show! We can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you to the Vienna Parent Association for hosting this event!
Vienna Elementary School students recently voted on a name for our little terrapin, and the winner is "Cookie"! Cookie's aquarium is right by the main office, and the students love stopping by to say hi.
Starting in 2026, fourth-grade students will have the opportunity to join the Terps Club and learn more about Cookie.
A bit of backstory: Cookie was born on Poplar Island and was immediately taken in by scientists involved in the Head Start Program. This program is a partnership between the University of Ohio, the Port of Baltimore (which is currently rebuilding Poplar Island), and the Maryland Environmental Science Department, all aimed at rebuilding the terrapin population.
The goal is to take the terrapins out of the wild soon after they hatch, when they are about the size of a quarter, a time when they naturally go into hibernation. The terrapins are placed in participating classrooms, where they grow to about the size of a cheeseburger before being released back into Poplar Island, their natural habitat. The hope is that these terrapins will have a better chance of survival compared to those that emerge from hibernation in the wild.
We are happy to have Cookie as part of our Vienna family! #withJOY
Starting in 2026, fourth-grade students will have the opportunity to join the Terps Club and learn more about Cookie.
A bit of backstory: Cookie was born on Poplar Island and was immediately taken in by scientists involved in the Head Start Program. This program is a partnership between the University of Ohio, the Port of Baltimore (which is currently rebuilding Poplar Island), and the Maryland Environmental Science Department, all aimed at rebuilding the terrapin population.
The goal is to take the terrapins out of the wild soon after they hatch, when they are about the size of a quarter, a time when they naturally go into hibernation. The terrapins are placed in participating classrooms, where they grow to about the size of a cheeseburger before being released back into Poplar Island, their natural habitat. The hope is that these terrapins will have a better chance of survival compared to those that emerge from hibernation in the wild.
We are happy to have Cookie as part of our Vienna family! #withJOY
Attention, Vienna Elementary families! Don't forget that tomorrow is a half-day for our students. Dismissal will be at 12:45 p.m.
Ship Ahoy!
In October, Miss Shanise Perry and Mrs. Katie Cole took their 4th-grade students on an exciting adventure aboard the Sultana, a 97-foot topsail schooner. They boarded the Sultana at Long Wharf in Cambridge for what turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Mrs. Cole and Miss Perry for organizing the trip, and to the Sultana staff for teaching our students about the history and environment of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as maritime life in the 18th century. #withJOY
**STAFF "Underground Spirit Week" took place from Monday, November 3rd, to Friday, November 7th, 2025.** #withJOY
**Monday:** Our Hallway Heroes kicked off the week with capes, and their enthusiasm for "flying" through the halls earned them bonus points!
**Tuesday:** Stache Bash was a hit! Everyone enthusiastically participated by wearing mustaches, and Mr. Abbott showed great spirit by shaving his beard for the occasion.
**Wednesday:** We had a great time celebrating Secret Service Day! The staff dressed as Secret Service agents to protect "HER MAJESTY, MADAM TERRAPIN," our esteemed principal, Mrs. Price, while also honoring her birthday.
**Thursday:** During Monochrome Day, we each showcased our favorite color from head to toe, encouraging creativity and vibrant expression among staff and students alike.
**Friday:** We wrapped up the week with Ties and Tutus Day, where everyone enjoyed the playful mix of tutus and ties. It was a fantastic way to end the week!
The students truly appreciated seeing our joyful spirit while we continued to teach. Overall, we shared a wonderful week filled #withJOY and unity!
**December Vienna Terrapin 2025 Calendar Reminders:**
- **Tuesday, December 2:** McTeacher Night in Cambridge from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- **Thursday, December 4:** Picture Retake Day.
- **Friday, December 5:** Wear your "HOUSE" t-shirt Day!
- **Tuesday, December 9:** Term 2 interim reports go home.
- **Wednesday, December 10:** Half-Day for Students; dismissal at 12:45 p.m.
(Day “67”th of school)
- **Thursday, December 11:** Author Mr. Kevin O'Malley is visiting Vienna Elementary School at 2:00 p.m.
- **Friday, December 12:** Wear your "HOUSE" t-shirt Day!
Join the Vienna Parent Association for the Magical Snowman Show in the Vienna Elementary School gym from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- **Monday, December 15:** Holiday Spirit Week begins with Comfort Cozy Day! Wear your favorite holiday pajamas.
- **Tuesday, December 16:** Mean, Green Grinch Day! Represent the famous Mr. Grinch by wearing green, and don't forget a red heart!
- **Wednesday, December 17:** Winter Concert at North Dorchester High School. Students should arrive by 5:30 p.m. The concert starts at 6:00 p.m.
Go, Team, Go! Wear your favorite winter sports team attire (football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, etc.).
- **Thursday, December 18:** "UGLY" Christmas Sweater Day! Wear your craziest, tackiest Christmas sweater!
- **Friday, December 19:** Half-Day for Students; dismissal at 12:45 p.m.
Are you PRESENT?!? Dress as a holiday gift bag or present.
- **Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2, 2026:** Winter Break. Students return on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Enjoy Winter Break with family and friends! #withJOY
**Students Ran #withJOY!**
The Vienna Elementary Running Club was so much more than just a program; it was a joyful celebration of unity! Every Wednesday, our students laced up their shoes and took to the beautiful streets of Vienna, bringing excitement and energy to the town while community members cheered them on.
A huge shoutout to our amazing coaches: Mrs. Jennifer Bailey, Mrs. Katie Crucillo, Mrs. Jodie Condon, Mrs. Connar Winn, Ms. Shanna Hubbard, Ms. Chela Hernandez, and Ms. Ginger Oakes. Your dedication to volunteering after school has made a wonderful impact on these young athletes, and we can't thank you enough!
To show their appreciation, the students wrote "Happy Mail Notes" for each coach, saying, "Thank you for helping make the Running Club a fun and positive experience."
Let's keep inspiring our students to continue their running adventures and carry the joy they found in this program into everything they do!
Good Morning! Due to unpredictable weather patterns forecasted for today, Dorchester County Public Schools will be closed on Friday, December 5, 2025 for students and central office staff. Everyone, be safe!
**Tomorrow**
We encourage everyone to wear their "HOUSE" t-shirts. Students who do not wear a "HOUSE" t-shirt are expected to wear their uniforms.
We encourage everyone to wear their "HOUSE" t-shirts. Students who do not wear a "HOUSE" t-shirt are expected to wear their uniforms.
**A Celebration of Fun, Food, and Community!**
“Our Vienna Elementary School McTeacher Night” was a resounding success, thanks to the amazing support from our Vienna families and the community!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cambridge McDonald's for hosting this event, to the dedicated staff at Vienna Elementary for volunteering their time, and to Mrs. Connar Winn, our Community School Social Worker, for organizing the fundraiser. Most importantly, we appreciate our Vienna families for coming out and contributing with generous hearts—your participation made all the difference! Thank you for continuing to give #withJOY!
** HAPPY MAIL**
Something is in the A I R at Vienna Elementary School! We just wanted to take a moment to brag about our outstanding students! Each Happy Mail note is color-coded to represent their "HOUSE" color, and our students can earn points for their "HOUSE" by showing off some fantastic positive behaviors, such as:
-Being a good friend
-Showing great improvement
-Showing kindness
-Excellent behavior ALL day
-Uplifting others
-Working well with others
-Helping others
-Following instructions
-Moving up a level in reading
We are so proud of our Vienna Terrapins and all their accomplishments! Keep up the great work! #withJOY
Something is in the A I R at Vienna Elementary School! We just wanted to take a moment to brag about our outstanding students! Each Happy Mail note is color-coded to represent their "HOUSE" color, and our students can earn points for their "HOUSE" by showing off some fantastic positive behaviors, such as:
-Being a good friend
-Showing great improvement
-Showing kindness
-Excellent behavior ALL day
-Uplifting others
-Working well with others
-Helping others
-Following instructions
-Moving up a level in reading
We are so proud of our Vienna Terrapins and all their accomplishments! Keep up the great work! #withJOY
***** Tonight ******
**McTeacher's Night!**
Have you ever wondered what your teachers do after school? Here's your chance to find out!
Join the Vienna Elementary staff at McDonald's, where they will be serving delicious meals and sharing big smiles. It's the perfect opportunity to hang out with friends and enjoy a fun evening!
Please remember that 20% of all orders between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM will directly support our school.
**When:** December 2nd, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
**Where:** McDonald's in Cambridge
**Address:** 317 Sunburst Hwy, Cambridge, Maryland 21613
Your participation will help us purchase books by author Mr. Kevin O'Malley for every child in grades 1–5. Plus, Mr. O'Malley will visit VES for a special assembly in December! Don't miss out on this chance to support our school! #withJOY
**Ready, Set, Game!**
Vienna Elementary School students had a fantastic time at the Term 1 Kindness Incentive Reward held on Friday, November 14th. The staff truly enjoyed seeing the joy on the students' faces as they received their well-deserved reward.
We want to extend our gratitude to the Precision Paintball Mobile Gaming unit from Georgetown, Delaware, to Mrs. Connar Winn (our Community School Social Worker) for organizing the event, and to the Vienna Parent Association for their generous support that made it possible.
Keep up the great work, Vienna Terrapins! We are looking forward to the Term 2 incentive! #withJOY
We are incredibly thankful for our Vienna Trotters! The Turkey Trot at Vienna Elementary School on Tuesday, November 18th, was a tremendous success, and we owe it to everyone who participated.
Our Dorchester County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jmyil Thompson, ran with the students, demonstrating his support for our young athletes. The Running Club proudly made him an honorary member and presented him with a Vienna Elementary Running Club shirt.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the VES Running Club for hosting this wonderful event, to all the students and their families for their participation, to Dr. Thompson for joining us, and to the dedicated Vienna staff for their unwavering support.
Your involvement makes all the difference. We appreciate it greatly! #withJOY
Fifth-grade students from Vienna Elementary recently had an incredible opportunity to attend NorthBay, located at 11 Horseshoe Point Lane in North East, Maryland 21901. This trip was an unforgettable experience that provided our students with the adventure of a lifetime, keeping them engaged and excited every single day.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the chaperones, the NorthBay staff, and our Vienna staff for making this trip an exceptional and cherished experience! #withJOY
For more information about NorthBay and online lessons, click here for details: https://northbayeducation.org/
