We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the third and final round of community engagement sessions focused on identifying priorities to guide future school construction projects across the district.
These sessions brought together a diverse group of community members who collaborated with professional planners to develop a comprehensive evaluation rubric. This rubric reflects the values and priorities most important to our community and has been used to assess the condition and needs of each school facility.
The evaluation identified Warwick Elementary School as having the highest level of need. However, the assessment also highlights that all DCPS elementary schools face significant facility challenges that require attention. With this valuable information, DCPS now begins the critical process of determining which school construction project will be submitted first to the state for consideration and funding.
We encourage continued community involvement as we move forward. The full report is available on our district website, dcps.k12.md.us, and community members are invited to share their feedback. Additionally, public input can be provided in person at the DCPS Board of Education meeting on May 21, 2026.
In accordance with state requirements, the DCPS Board of Education will vote on June 18, 2026, to select the school construction project to advance in its formal request to the state. Electronic public feedback will be accepted leading up to this vote. Scan the QR code below or go to bit.ly/4cNettq to share your input on any additional factors you believe the DCPS Board of Education should consider when deciding which elementary school to recommend for replacement first.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to all community members who have participated in this process, contributing their time, insights, and collaboration to help shape the future of our schools.
#BelieveInUs

Get ready, Vienna Elementary Terrapins! Our Pep Rally is happening Friday, May 1, 2026, and school spirit is in the AIR! ❤️ 💚 💙
🏫 One School ❤️ One Family 💚 Three Houses 💙
🔴 AMISTAD | 🟢 ISIBINDI | 🔵 RÊVEUR
Come dressed in your house colors, bring your energy, and get ready to cheer loud and proud as we celebrate the last pep rally of the school year!
Shoutout to our outstanding 5th grade House Leaders:
🔴 Amistad – Charles Coulbourne & Troy Chester
🟢 Isibindi – Harper Horsman & Rowen Reid
🔵 Rêveur – Mason Haugh & Marlee Rogers
Thank you for your leadership, your incredible school spirit, and the positive example you’ve set for others—you’ve made a lasting impact on our school community. You, along with the entire 5th grade class, will truly be missed! 🙌
Let’s show what it means to be #withJOY! 🎉🐢

🐎 Registration Round-Up is HERE!
Enrollment for PreK-3, PreK-4, & Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year is NOW OPEN!
🔹 PreK-3: Must be 3 by Sept 1st | Limited spots at Sandy Hill, Maple, Vienna & Hurlock | Proof of income required
🔹 PreK-4: Must be 4 by Sept 1st | Proof of income required
🔹 Kindergarten: Must be 5 by Sept 1st | Attendance is mandatory by Maryland law
📋 All enrollments require:
• Proof of age
• Proof of residency
• Proof of relationship
• Up-to-date immunizations
⏳ PreK spots are limited — don’t wait!
🔗 Find registration information and links at dcps.k12.md.us/article/2828445
#BelieveInUs


Mrs. Sherri Todd’s PreK 4 class had a deliciously fun time celebrating the beloved book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs! Our little learners were fully immersed in the story with creative, book-themed activities all around the room.
From “raining” spaghetti to enjoying pretend (and tasty!) pizza, hot dogs, donuts, and pretzels, students explored the story in the most hands-on way! 🍝✨ The classroom was filled with laughter, imagination, and lots of learning as students connected reading to real-world fun.
A special thank you to Mrs. Todd, our amazing PreK 4 teacher, for this creative and engaging idea that brought the story to life for our students! 💚🐢 #withJOY



Our Vienna Elementary School Terrapins had an amazing time celebrating their hard work and dedication! Students who met their Step Count Reading Goal and earned all A’s, B’s, and C’s for Term 3 were rewarded with a special day at the movies—and it was a hit!
With popcorn in hand and drinks ready, our Terrapins sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the show with their friends. Smiles, laughter, and a well-deserved treat made this experience extra special.
✨ And here’s a fun surprise from the day—one of our Kindergarten Terrapins lost a tooth during the movie! Talk about making the day even more memorable! 🦷😄
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Connar Winn, our Community School Social Worker, for planning and organizing this fantastic experience for our students.
We also extend our appreciation to Premier Cinemas for hosting our Terrapins and making the day so enjoyable!
We are so proud of our students for their hard work and dedication—keep it up, Terrapins! 📚✨#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




📚✏️ Grade 5 ELA MCAP Testing ✏️📚
Dear Vienna Elementary 5th Grade Families,
Our students will be participating in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), and we’re excited to see them shine! 🌟
Testing Schedule:
• Grade 5 MCAP ELA: April 27-May 1, 2026
🎯 Our goal is for all students to reach Proficient (Level 3) or Distinguished (Level 4)!
💡 These assessments help us support our students by guiding instruction, planning interventions, and strengthening our school community.
⏰ Important Reminder:
Testing begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. each day.
We ask for your support in helping your child:
✔️ Get a good night’s sleep
✔️ Arrive to school on time
✔️ Feel confident and encouraged to do their very best
Let’s cheer on our Vienna Terrapins as they show all they’ve learned! 💚🐢 #TerrapinPride



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










🌟 Good News Club Wrap-Up 🌟
The final Good News Club meeting at Vienna Elementary School will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
During one special Thursday meeting, we had the privilege of welcoming Mrs. Gracie Dao, cousin of our 5th grade teacher Mr. Sorrells, along with her husband, Bourama. As missionaries serving in Senegal, West Africa, they shared a meaningful and memorable experience with our students.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our dedicated Good News Club volunteers! 💙We are grateful for Ms. Christie and Ms. Teresa—two of the dedicated volunteers pictured here—who showed up week after week to share kindness, encouragement, and support with our students.
Your commitment truly made a lasting impact, and we appreciate all that you do!💙 #WithJOY

Today we proudly celebrate our incredible Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Katie Crucillo! 💚🐢
Her attention to detail, exceptional organization, and ability to keep everything running smoothly make a difference every single day. From supporting staff and students to keeping our office on track, Mrs. Crucillo does it all with a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed.
Thank you for being the heart of our front office and for everything you do behind the scenes to support our school community. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💐✨

🐢💚 Our Beloved Cookie the Terrapin Heads Home! 💚🐢
Our sweet Cookie—a diamondback terrapin—was officially released on Poplar Island after getting an amazing head start right here at Vienna Elementary! She received a heartfelt send-off from her Vienna 4th grade class, who cared for her every day.
Thanks to the dedication of Dr. Lucas and our 4th-grade Terrapins, Cookie thrived in her classroom home and is now ready to continue growing in her natural habitat. She was well cared for, well fed, and a joy to watch—students especially loved seeing her swim, and one even brought in a stuffed terrapin to show Cookie her love for terrapins! 🐢
After months of hands-on learning, students returned Cookie to Poplar Island for release—an unforgettable experience that truly brought science and conservation to life! 🌊
A special thank you to Dr. Lucas for his outstanding leadership of the Terp Club and to Miss Perry for her continued support of both Dr. Lucas and our students throughout this incredible experience.
Also, a sincere thank you to the Maryland Environmental Service for providing such a meaningful opportunity. We are especially grateful to Rachel Stuber, Senior Environmental Specialist with MES, who greeted us at Tilghman Island and rode the boat over with us to Poplar Island, making this an unforgettable hands-on learning experience! 💚
We also appreciate that Dr. Lucas, Miss Perry, and the fourth graders honored their colleague and teacher, Mrs. Katie Holbrook Cole, who brought this wonderful tradition to Vienna at least a decade ago. #withJOY






Vienna Elementary families, check out the full schedule of topics for each session this May! Join any night that fits your schedule and interests—each session is offered at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM (ET).
Week 1
May 4 – Bullying: Stop the Cycle
May 5 – Effects of Screen Time and Children’s Mental Health
May 6 – Your Child’s Anxiety
May 7 – How to Motivate Your Child
Week 2
May 11 – Social Media: Protecting Your Child
May 12 – De-escalating Cycles of Conflict
May 13 – Emotional Regulation: Interrupting Negative Emotions
May 14 – Understanding Video Game Addiction
Week 3
May 18 – Compassionate Parenting & Self-Compassion
May 19 – De-escalating Cycles of Conflict
May 20 – Emotional Regulation: Strategies to Replace Negative Emotions
May 21 – Mindfulness for Improved Mental Health
Week 4
May 25 – Why Our Children Self-Harm
May 26 – Understanding Eating Disorders
May 27 – Establishing Healthy Boundaries
May 28 – (Additional session—check catalog for latest updates)
👨👩👧👦 Families can attend as many sessions as they’d like, plus join special Ask a Therapist Live events!
🔗 Explore & register: parentguidance.org/mhs-catalog/
Let’s continue supporting the well-being of our students and families—together! 💚🐢
#withJOY


📚✏️ Grade 4 ELA MCAP Testing ✏️📚
Dear Vienna Elementary 4th Grade Families,
Our students will be participating in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), and we’re excited to see them shine! 🌟
Testing Schedule:
• Grade 4 ELA: April 20–24
🎯 Our goal is for all students to reach Proficient (Level 3) or Distinguished (Level 4)!
💡 These assessments help us support our students by guiding instruction, planning interventions, and strengthening our school community.
⏰ Important Reminder:
Testing begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. each day.
We ask for your support in helping your child:
✔️ Get a good night’s sleep
✔️ Arrive to school on time
✔️ Feel confident and encouraged to do their very best
Let’s cheer on our Vienna Terrapins as they show all they’ve learned! 💚🐢 #TerrapinPride



🌸 Springtime Fun in PreK 4! 🌸
Mrs. Todd’s PreK 4 class had the BEST time on their Spring Scavenger Hunt! 🌷☀️ With clipboards in hand and excitement all around, our little learners explored the outdoors searching for signs of spring.
From spotting bright sunshine and blooming flowers to working together and checking off their lists, these Vienna Terrapins were learning, laughing, and loving every minute! 💚🐢
Hands-on fun + teamwork + fresh air = the perfect spring day! 🌼✨
Thank you, Mrs. Todd, for creating such a joyful and engaging experience for our students!
#withJOY #ViennaTerrapins


✏️📚 Vienna 2nd Grade Terrapins = Future Authors in the Making! 🐢💚
Big things are happening in Mrs. Carroll’s and Mrs. Thomas’ 2nd grade classrooms! Our Vienna Terrapins are turning their ideas into AMAZING stories—complete with creative illustrations and lots of imagination.
From fun fictional adventures to meaningful nonfiction and even field trip reflections, these young writers are bringing their voices to life in the best way! ✨✍️
We LOVE seeing our students grow more confident and excited about writing each day—and they’re always ready to share their work with pride! 🌟
Shoutout to Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Thomas for inspiring and guiding our Terrapins on their journey to becoming strong, confident writers and future leaders! 💚🐢
#withJOY #ViennaTerrapins




🐎 Registration Round-Up is almost here!
Enrollment for PreK-3, PreK-4, & Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year opens April 30th! The registration link will be forthcoming.
🔹 PreK-3: Must be 3 by Sept 1st | Limited spots at Sandy Hill, Maple, Vienna & Hurlock | Proof of income required
🔹 PreK-4: Must be 4 by Sept 1st | Proof of income required
🔹 Kindergarten: Must be 5 by Sept 1st | Attendance is mandatory by Maryland law
📋 All enrollments require:
• Proof of age
• Proof of residency
• Proof of relationship
• Up-to-date immunizations
⏳ PreK spots are limited — don’t wait! Get your documents ready and register beginning April 30th!
#BelieveInUs


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










Our Vienna Elementary School 5th graders, alongside their amazing teacher, Mr. Sorrells, had an extraordinary opportunity to visit Gettysburg National Military Park and truly engage with history!
This enriching trip started with the inspiring film "A New Birth of Freedom," which provided the students with invaluable insights into the causes and effects of the Civil War. They were then captivated by the breathtaking Cyclorama—a massive panoramic painting depicting Pickett's Charge—bringing one of the most iconic moments of the Battle of Gettysburg to life!
The adventure continued as the group explored the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, where they encountered fascinating artifacts and engaging exhibits that broadened their understanding of this pivotal historical period. To make the experience even more meaningful, students participated in a hands-on lesson at the historic Slyder Farm, offering them a glimpse into civilian life during the Battle of Gettysburg.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible parents who joined us and contributed to the success of this trip—we genuinely appreciate your support! 💚
A special highlight—our entire 5th grade class received a Happy Mail note from Mr. Sorrells, congratulating them on their excellent behavior throughout the whole trip. We are so proud of our 5th grade terrapins! 👏
Mr. Sorrells and our 5th graders extend their sincere gratitude to the American Battlefield Trust and the Dorchester Education Foundation for their generous support, which made this experience possible.
Let's give a special round of applause to Mr. Sorrells for his tireless efforts in securing grants and organizing this remarkable field trip! Your passion and dedication have truly created a memorable experience for our students! 👏
#withJOY #TerrapinPride 💚🐢










As students across DCPS begin participating in the the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) and/or Advanced Placement exams this Spring, please help us support our students navigate testing season by:
📅 Helping students get to school on testing days, check out our Spring MCAP/AP Calendar here: https://bit.ly/4sdQCZU
💻 Support students in accessing practice test materials before testing here: https://support.mdassessments.com/practice-tests/
🚫 Please remember personal electronic devices are not permitted in the testing environment. This includes any device that can receive or send a message, take or send pictures, etc. including cell phones, airpods, meta glasses or cameras.
#BelieveInUs

What is it?
A FREE 8-week program at Warwick Elementary School for parents and caregivers to learn tools to strengthen family connections, support mental health, and encourage success in school. Open to all DCPS parents and caregivers.
Have you ever wondered… “Why don’t my kids listen to me?!” 🤔
Join us for a fun and helpful evening where families can learn parenting tools you can use right away while enjoying time together!
Wednesday, April 15
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 Warwick Elementary School
155 Main Street, Secretary, MD
✨ Free Entry
🍕 Pizza provided
🎟️ Raffles
👶 Free childcare available
**Any Vienna student who attends will earn 20 House points!**
This event is for families from Warwick Elementary, Vienna Elementary, Hurlock Elementary, and North Dorchester Middle School.
✅ RSVP is needed:
visit: tinyurl.com/PEP-Warwick
We hope to see our Vienna Elementary Terrapin families there! The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) is a nonprofit working to help children become confident, capable, and resilient by providing guidance and support to their parents/caregivers. | 301-929-8824 | frp@PEPparent.org

