🐢💚 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

Dorchester County Public Schools recently hosted a beautiful gala honoring Team Member of the Year finalists from across the district—and Vienna Elementary was proudly represented! 💚🐢
We are thrilled to recognize our outstanding staff members:
🍎 Ms. Shanise Perry – 4th Grade Teacher, Teacher of the Year Finalist
📚 Mr. Shane Abbott – Reading & Math Coach, Leadership Finalist
🤝 Mrs. Connar Winn – Community School Social Worker, Community Connections Finalist (unable to attend but with us in spirit)
🌟 Mrs. Margaret Short – Behavior Specialist Assistant, Service Above Self Finalist
Alongside their incredible principal, Mrs. Susie Price, these dedicated educators truly represent the heart and spirit of Vienna Elementary.
While they may not have taken home the awards, they are absolute winners in our eyes and within our school community. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to our students shine brightly each and every day.
We are so proud of our Vienna Terrapins for making such a meaningful impact and for showing what it truly means to inspire, lead, and serve. 💫
#BelieveInUs #withJOY



Dear Vienna Elementary Families,
Our students will soon be participating in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), and we’re excited to see them shine! 🌟
Testing Schedule:
• Grade 3 ELA: April 13–17
• Grade 4 ELA: April 20–24
• Grade 5 ELA: April 27–May 1
• Grade 3 Math: May 4–8
• Grades 4 & 5 Math: May 18–22
🎯 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


We are excited to introduce Math 24 Club—a fun and engaging way for students to build their math skills while having a great time!
Through this interactive game, students will strengthen their abilities in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—all while developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and perseverance. 💡
When: Every Tuesday, April 14 – May 19
Time: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Where: Vienna Elementary School
A snack will be served each afternoon.
Participating students will need to be picked up from Vienna Elementary School at 4:45 p.m.
All interested students in grades 1 – 5 are welcome to join! This is a great opportunity for our Vienna Terrapins to challenge themselves, learn alongside peers, and maybe even enjoy some friendly competition.
Be sure to complete and return the permission slip if your child would like to participate.
Let’s make math fun and exciting—give it a try! 💚🐢

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!


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










🎉 Exciting Summer Opportunity for Our Vienna Terrapins! 🌟
Registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Career Enrichment Program (SCEP) — a FREE program for students in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties!
This hands-on program is perfect for rising 6th–9th graders and offers engaging experiences in:
✨ Animation
🎮 App Development & Gaming
♟️ Chess
🔐 Cyber Security
🚁 Drones
🎥 Media Arts & Video Design
🎨 Presentation Design
🤖 Robotics
Sessions: Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Session 1: July 6 – July 16
• Session 2: July 20 – July 30
📍 Location: North Dorchester High School
🚍 Bonus: Free bus transportation, breakfast, and lunch provided!
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore future careers while having fun and building new skills. Don’t miss out!
👉 Register today: scep.pfccoalition.org
#ViennaTerrapins #withJOY



Our PreK 3 students in Mrs. Friedel’s class had a fantastic time during center time, stepping into the role of construction workers! With hard hats and safety vests on, these young learners used their imagination to build, create, and explore. 🧱✨
From stacking blocks to designing their own structures, they are learning teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity—one “brick” at a time! 🏗️💛
A big thank you to Mrs. Friedel, our PreK 3 teacher, and Mrs. Ried and Ms. James, our instructional assistants, for supporting and encouraging our little builders every step of the way! 👏
Way to go, future builders! 👏🐢#withJOY

April Fool’s Day was so much fun at Vienna Elementary! 😄
Vienna Terrapin staff surprised our amazing principal, Mrs. Susie Price, with a giant pile of “Happy Mail,” and she was not only smiling but giggling through the morning announcements—what a joyful way to start the day!
This wonderful idea came from our very own Mrs. Margaret Diffenbach, 1st grade teacher, thank you for spreading so much happiness! And a big shoutout to Mrs. Price for being such a great sport!
Staff shared positive, encouraging words about our incredible Vienna Terrapins, filling the building with smiles and good vibes all around. It truly was an April Fool’s Day with a heartwarming, positive twist! 💚🐢 #WithJoy



On Thursday, April 2, our Vienna Terrapins had an egg-stra special time celebrating with fun activities! 🐣🌷
Students enjoyed exciting egg hunts, got creative coloring their eggs, and carefully placed them on their chairs… only to come back the next day and discover a sweet surprise—marshmallow peeps had “hatched”! 🐥💛
From adorable craft projects to lots of yummy candy, smiles were everywhere. It was a day full of fun, creativity, and springtime joy! 🌸✨#withJOY







