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/
Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
April 27, 2012
Strawberry Knoll Salutes Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Karolick!
“Thank you,” is among the first phrases we teach our children, and
an important phrase we use into our adulthood. It is with utmost
gratitude and pride that we recognize our Mrs. Anderson, administrative assistant, and Mrs. Karolick, attendance secretary and feature their interesting biographies in today’s publication. Please join
us as we thank Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Karolick for all they do!
Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Anderson was born in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in Severna Park, Maryland.
Mrs. Anderson’s wonderful husband, Bill, works for the Library of Congress. James, Mr.
and Mrs. Anderson’s oldest is 25 years old and works as a high school substitute teacher.
James is pursuing a teaching position as a permanent math teacher. The Andersons have
two daughters. Kari is 22 years old and excited about graduating from the University
of Maryland in Baltimore County with a mathematics degree and teaching certificate.
Kari recently interviewed with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for a teaching
position. Jenna is 17 years old and will graduate from Magruder High School. Jenna will
attend the University of Tennessee beginning in August. Mrs. Anderson loves spending
time with her family. She also enjoys her first passion, riding horses, especially on scenic trails. Finally, Mrs. Anderson likes to read, bike, and run.
Mrs. Anderson received her BA in Music from the University of Maryland at College Park
and then worked as a music store manager before starting a family. Mrs. Anderson has
been employed by MCPS as an administrative assistant for 24 years, 18 of which have
been at Strawberry Knoll. Mrs. Anderson loves her job and does not intend to leave the
Knoll.
Needless to say, Mrs. Anderson’s job as administrative assistant requires numerous responsibilities. She works closely with Mr. Kaplan and Mrs. Ford. Mrs. Anderson ensures
the school runs smoothly. She communicates with the many offices in MCPS and always
makes time to keep staff, students and families informed.
Mrs. Anderson states, “I love working with the children and their parents in this commu-
nity. We have such a great staff at the Knoll. We are a family!”
Mrs. Karolick
Mrs. Karolick was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania and moved to Kenmore, New York
when she was two years old. Mrs. Karolick lived in Kenmore for 20 years until she married her high school sweet-heart. As newly-weds, Mr. and Mrs. Karolick settled in Maryland and eventually moved to Gaithersburg. The Karolicks have three children. Ronald is
the oldest and named after his father. Even though Ron is 34 years old, the family still
calls him, “Little Ron.” Andrew, Mr. and Mrs. Karolick’s second son, is 32 years old. Both
sons are taller than their parents and younger sister, Denise. Denise has been visiting
the Knoll since she was five and is now 29 years old. The Karolicks are blessed with two
beautiful grandchildren. Aiden is three and his younger sister, Addison one year old.
The Karolicks are fortunate to have two special daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Brandi.
The Karolicks enjoy spending time at their cabin in Friendsville, Maryland with their good
friends from Buffalo, New York. Occasionally, they get together with their Buffalo
friends (whom they’ve known for 44 years) in Buffalo, New York.
Mrs. Karolick has been at Strawberry Knoll since it opened in 1988. Mrs. Karolick first began as one of the school’s playground assistants and then assumed a para-educator position. Mrs. Karolick took on the role as attendance secretary in
1996. Although a long time, 24 years have passed quickly for Mrs. Karolick.
As some of you may know, Mrs. Karolick was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005. She will forever remember the outpouring
of kindness bestowed upon her and her family from Strawberry Knoll’s staff and families. Mrs. Karolick will never forget the
many flowers, cards, balloons, and meals the school community provided throughout Mrs. Karolick’s recovery. Mrs. Karolick
attests, “It was the outreach from staff and the community that made me get stronger!”
Mrs. Karolick describes the school staff as one BIG family. She states, “We have shared good times and bad times, hugs,
and laughs. We all keep coming back to the best place to work in Montgomery County. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else
except Strawberry Knoll!”
Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart, A Huge Success!
We extend our thanks to those parents and students that volunteered,
assisted, and participated in this month’s Jump Rope for Heart and
Hoops for Heart fundraiser. Donations received went directly to the
American Heart Association. This year’s event was a huge success!
Strawberry Knoll’s student participation increased from 265 participants last year to 355 competitors this year. This increase in student
participation also yielded more donations totaling $5,137.42! Two of our
students raised over $300 each!
Feasibility Study Update
We were pleased to see a good number of Strawberry Knoll parents at our final feasibility study
meeting. Representatives from Delmar Architects and MCPS Construction presented the initial plan and location for the proposed Kindergarten, Head Start, Pre-Kindergarten addition. We
have included for your review the proposed addition’s floor and site plans. Please note, the
A highlight of this annual event is a chance for our top 10 fundraisers to
participate in the Knoll’s “Pie in the Face” contest. Yes, our entire student body will have the chance to see our top 10 students toss pies at
willing staff members. Mark your calendars for June 7, 2012!
All participants in this month’s fundraiser will receive individual prizes
either later this month or early next month. Needless to say, our school
will participate in Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart next year.
schedule for the new addition has not been determined. Once set, it will take approximately 18
months for further design and another 18
months for construction. Once the project has
been approved, a new series of meetings with
staff and community will be held. The feasibility
study will be completed this fall.
We intend to have even more participants and raise more donations. Mr.
Matesa, Mr. Palmer, and Mrs. Ludwig, our physical education teachers
remind our students to enjoy the outdoors and engage in heart-healthy
activities!
Kindergarten Orientation
No School for Kindergarten
Students
Thursday and Friday,
May 10, and 11, 2012
IMPORTANT DATES
May 1, 2012
May 2, 2012
May 7—11, 2012
May 8, 2012
May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
May 10, 11, 2012
May 11, 2012
May 16, 2012
May 22, 2012
May 23, 2012
May 25, 2012
May 30, 2012
May 31, 2012
7:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
3:10—4:00 p.m. Talent Show Rehearsal—Gym
Teacher Appreciation Week
9:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m. Third Grade Classes Philbin and Wiles
to Brookside Nature Center
9:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m. Third Grade Classes Parker and Litton
to Brookside Nature Center
3:10—4:00 p.m. Talent Show Rehearsal—Gym
Kindergarten Orientation—No School for Kindergarten Students Only
7:00—8:30 p.m. Talent Show—Gym
Patrol Picnic
K-1 Field Day—a.m.
Grades 2-3 Field Day
Grades 4-5 Field Day
7:00—8:00 p.m. Chorus Performance
7:30—8:30 p.m. Instrumental Music Parent Assembly