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
May 11, 2012
Guests Visit the Knoll!
It was our honor to welcome guests from the United States Department of Education
and representatives from Central Office yesterday morning. The purpose for their
visit was to see how our kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers are engaging
students in their learning through Curriculum 2.0. As you may recall, Strawberry Knoll
was among a cadre of schools that first implemented the new on-line/integrated curriculum beginning with kindergarten two years ago. Since that time, our school has
remained at the forefront with embracing Curriculum 2.0 as a tool for teaching. Curriculum 2.0 enables teachers to make stronger learning connections for students as
students also develop their critical and creative thinking skills!
Several videos have already been produced featuring our teachers and students for
training purposes. Needless to say, we are proud to have helped with creating the
training videos and been selected for yesterday’s site visit. What a compliment, especially to our school during staff appreciation week!
Welcome to the Class of 2018
What does one do with over 80 soon-to-be kindergarten students and their families?
We answered that question during this past week’s Kindergarten Orientation. How
exciting it was for us to hear future noble knights exclaim, ―This is my school!‖ We
anticipate additional kindergarten registrants throughout the summer.
Homework Helps
We have reached the mid-point of the final quarter. This is the time of year our students truly demonstrate their application of skills taught and concepts learned. However, May is seemingly the month when some of our students spend less effort on homework. Homework provides needed practice and application of skills and concepts taught
in the classroom. By completing their homework, students feel the true meaning of
responsibility and accomplishment in reaching their goals. Please consider these homework hints as follows:
Check with your child daily and see if homework has been assigned.
Provide a suitable place for your child to study without distractions.
Help your child maintain a specific time each day for completing homework.
Show an interest by discussing the homework assignment with your child.
Offer help when requested.
Encourage your child to study for a test over several days.
Praise your child for completed work.
Thank you for taking the time to help your child maintain good homework habits!
Thanks P.T.A. and Strawberry Knoll Families!
This past week reminded us how fortunate we are as a staff to serve the Strawberry
Knoll community. The many surprises placed in our mailboxes, banners signed by students, and delicious treats left in the staff lounge clearly added to the spirit of staff
appreciation week. Needless to say, we are a community school. Heartfelt thanks!
Mrs. Karolick Update
Our Mrs. Karolick continues with her pulmonary therapy. We miss her as she does her beloved Knoll. If you would like to
send her a note, you may do so as follows:
Mrs. Karen Karolick
18525 Strawberry Knoll Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Ms. Ann Myers will serve as substitute attendance secretary until the end of this school year.
Certificate of Achievement and Letter of Recognition Awarded to Strawberry Knoll
May has become a banner month! We recently received a certificate from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for our
participation in the 2011-2012 Pennies for Patients Program. Our students raised $757.44! We also received a letter
from the American Heart Association for our participation in the Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart Program. As stated in
the letter, ―By holding a Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart event at Strawberry Knoll Elementary School, you have taken a
vital step in helping us reach our 2020 goal to improve cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing
deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.‖ Both certificate and letter will be displayed in our main
office to remind staff, students, parents and guests the importance of giving to others.
Our Pre-School Education Program (PEP) Selected as an Honorable Mention Winner!
Our PEP staff along with Mr. Kaplan looks forward to attending a special ceremony next Monday, May 14, 2012. The honorable mention award we are to receive will be given by the MCCPTA Special Education Sub-Committee. Contents of the congratulatory letter included, ―We deeply appreciate your contribution to the acceptance and success of students with spe-
cial needs. Our annual recognition ceremony is one important way for the special needs community to say thank you. It is
also a way to acknowledge the benefits of investing in programs for students with special needs.‖ We will gladly accept
next Monday’s award and proudly display it in the main office!
IMPORTANT DATES
May 16, 2012
May 22, 2012
May 23, 2012
May 25, 2012
May 30, 2012
May 31, 2012
June 5, 2012
June 7, 2012
June 8, 2012
June 11, 2012
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
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – 1st grade to the Recycling Center
7:30 p.m. Instrumental Music Concert
7:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
6:00 p.m. Fun Run/Walk and Softball Game
5th Grade Pool Party
6:00 p.m. GMS Promotion Ceremony
9:15 a.m. Town Hall Meeting
7:00 p.m. 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
June 12, 2012
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal Day—Last Day of School For Students
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are in the process of creating next year’s classroom assignments. As we plan for the coming school year we need to know if any of our students, other than fifth graders, will be leaving Strawberry Knoll. Additionally, if you have recently moved or plan to relocate out of our
attendance area we need to know.
Please complete the form below and return it to the school office by Thursday, May 31, 2012.
Our Child(ren)
_______________________________
_______________________________
New Address
New School
Address of
New School
Present Grade ___
Present Grade ___
Present Grade ___
Present Grade ___
______________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Approximate Date of Move
____________________________________
Student Informational Profile
We are in the process of creating next year’s class assignments. Much thought is given as we assign students. If
there is information you would like to share about your child, please complete the Student Information Profile
form. All profile forms are due to Mr. Kaplan by Tuesday, June 12, 2012.
Student Information Profile
Student’s Name _____________________________
Date __________
Current Homeroom Teacher ____________________
Grade _________
Please comment if applicable
1. Special Needs
2. Learning Environment
3. Other Issues//Concerns