Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
January 20, 2012
18820 Strawberry Knoll Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
E. Frank Kaplan, Principal
Rosemary Ford, Assistant Principal
Web Site Address—http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/
strawberryknolles/
Happy New Year!
The Knoll is filled once again with the familiar sight of staff, students, and parents working together. Thank goodness! The new year brings each of us the
opportunity to reflect upon the past year and set goals for the new one. For us
at the Knoll, 2011 proved to be another productive year. Our students did well
on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA.) Last year’s school climate survey
results showed a great degree of satisfaction among staff and students. Our
P.T.A. hosted a variety of family-fun nights and fundraisers throughout 2011
and welcomed 2012 with a fundraiser at Red Robin and in conjunction with our
physical education department hosted Fitness and International “Knight” here
at the Knoll.
What will 2012 bring aside from last week’s first snow of the year? We certainly hope more of you will take time and respond to next month’s school climate survey. Only a limited number of parents responded to last year’s survey.
Your input is important to us. To help with your planning for this new year,
we’ve included a listing of calendar events including P.T.A. and school sponsored
family nights, informational events, and student performances. We’ll continue
to add to our calendar listing throughout 2012!
Today marks the end of the second marking period. Now would be a good time
for you to discuss your children’s reading and math goals for the new year with
them. Equally important, encourage your children to discuss their classroom
mission statements with you. Needless to say, and with your help, our noble
knights truly understand the merits of working hard, making good choices, and
taking care of each other. Happy New Year!
Fitness and International “Knight”- Another Success
We thank those of you that took time from your busy schedules and joined us
for our first-ever Fitness and International “Knight.” Last night’s event allowed
participants to exercise their hearts and marvel at the many cultures represented among our Strawberry Knoll families. Let’s not forget, last nights’ foodit was delicious! Thanks to our Mr. Matesa, physical education teacher, and
those staff that assisted in the gym, along with Mrs. Shafie, fifth grade social
studies/science teacher, Major Rodriguez and those parents that ensured Fit-
ness and International “Knight” was yet another Strawberry Knoll success!
Gaithersburg Middle School Parent Meeting for InMark Your Calendars
coming Sixth Grade Parents
Please mark your calendars for two important Parents of all fifth grade students are invited to attests, the MSA and TN2. Third, fourth, and tend an informational meeting at Gaithersburg Middle
fifth grade students will take the MSA
School on Thursday, January 26, 2012. This is a meetMarch 12, 2012 through March 22, 2012. Se- ing you don’t want to miss. Fifth grade students will
cond grade students will take the TN2 April
bring home flyers reminding parents and guardians
16, 2012 through April 20, 2012. We kindly
about next week’s meeting.
ask that you not schedule any dental/medical
appointments/family vacations during the
Town Hall Meeting—Join Us
MSA and TN2 testing periods.
We look forward to holding our next Town hall meeting on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Students will
be recognized for various endeavors including academic excellence, Art, Music and Physical Education
Awards and Character Counts!
Love Your Heart!
Plans will soon be underway for next month’s Valentine’s Day parties scheduled for February 14th at
2:00 p.m. If you plan to send in Valentine’s Day cards and/or goodies for the festivities, please remember to have something for every child in the class. MCPS recommends that all food/candy items
NOT be homemade. Store-bought items provide teachers with a list of ingredients for students with
special dietary needs/allergies. It also ensures proper packaging and handling to avoid food-borne illness. Your cooperation is most appreciated! If your child does not celebrate the holiday, please inform your child’s teacher. Alternative activities will be planned during party time.
Professional
Day for
Teachers
IMPORTANT DATES
1/25/12
2/01/12
Monday,
January 23, 2012
No School for
Students
2/07/12
2/16/12
2/20/12
2/23/12
2/28/12
2/29/12
7:00 p.m. Cluster Concert for Instrumental Music
Students at Gaithersburg Middle School
2:00 P.M. Town Hall Meeting
Report Cards Home
7:00 p.m. P.T.A. Meeting
7:00—8:30 p.m. Math “Knight”
HOLIDAY—President’s Day
7:00—8:30 p.m. P.T.A Science Fair
Class Pictures
9:00 a.m. 4th grade Wax Museum—APR