At Friendsville Elementary, we strive to provide a safe space to foster a love of learning and community. We do so by targeting four key areas:

School Climate

• Our school motto is that Friendsville Eagles SOAR to new heights by being safe, organized achievers who are respectful and responsible. We are proud to say that any of our students can share this set of core values with you!
• All staff and students are respected and heard so that we grow together.
• The school building is kept clean and safety precautions are taken to ensure our building is the foundation of healthy learning.
• Staff creates an environment where students feel they can be resilient to problems or challenges within our walls and in any situation they encounter outside of them.
• Open communication will occur between staff, students, parents, and community members

Family and Community Involvement

• Parents/guardians and community members are our teammates and we respect, value, and seek their input.
• Staff creates an environment where parents and community members feel welcome and desire coming in to participate in a variety of activities.
• All families and community members are invested in the learning and growth of our students.
• Staff and Administration will communicate routinely through a variety of methods to keep parents/family members informed.
• Strong community ties are fostered through a variety of partnerships with organizations such as, but not limited to, the Ruth Enlow Library, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Maryland Extension Office, the Mayor and City Council, Woodmen of the World, Garrett Mentors,Friendsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department and DNR.

Academics

• Highly qualified teachers will provide differentiated instruction that is data-driven.
• Instruction will meet individual needs while challenging students so that each student reaches their full potential.
• Curriculum will be both rigorous and developmentally appropriate while incorporating hands-on learning, critical thinking strategies, collaboration, and more.
• Integrated learning activities will be included so that learning extends beyond our classrooms.
• Technology will be incorporated daily so that students develop technology skills all while learning digital citizenship.
• A variety of learning opportunities will be presented so that students may have the opportunity to show their unique, individual creativity.

Physical, Emotional, and Social Learning

• In order to create a solid foundation for learning, FV staff help promote the importance of a healthy physical, social, and emotional well-being.
• Classroom teachers incorporate movement in learning through dynamic lessons, meaningful brain breaks, and daily recess.
• Healthy choices are promoted and fostered through partnerships with the Maryland Extension office.
• We have a comprehensive school counseling program that provides brief individual and group counseling as needed, in addition to weekly classroom lessons related to social and emotional learning.
• All staff members are trained to have a trauma resilient mindset.
• Students will develop self- awareness, self-regulation strategies, social- awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making strategies through guided and meaningful Second Step Lessons.
• Students will develop social capacity through character education, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and social skills programs.
• Our Behavior Intervention Coach is available for social skills lessons and reinforcement in promoting positive, in-classroom managed behaviors.
• Staff will foster school-wide connections amongst students.
• Staff will promote a variety of effective communication strategies that will empower students to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a meaningful manner while also having empathy and appropriate responses to the communication of others through modeling and direct instruction.