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
June 8, 2012
Reflections
It’s hard to believe this is the final edition of the “Knoll News.” As I shared
with one of our wonderful parent volunteers earlier this week, I feel somewhat conflicted. I am proud of what we as a school-community have accomplished. Our students met and surpassed their learning goals. Equally noteworthy, students experienced the importance of giving to those in need. A
highlight for staff and students was “Think and Thank Thursdays,” when we
reflected upon our actions and acknowledged others.
Who among us will forget our most recent P.T.A. sponsored Talent Show? Our
students performed with true showmanship and genuine talent. Guests
certainly enjoyed last week’s grade level performances and evening concerts.
Next Monday, June 11, 2012 will afford us one last time to recognize our students’ academic accomplishments along with acts of citizenship at our final
Town Hall Meeting, in the gym, 9:15 a.m. Then, our fifth grade students, many
whom I knew as toddlers, will participate in their long-awaited promotion celebration also on Monday, June 11, 2012, in the gym at 7:00 p.m. Our final day
of school for students is next Tuesday, June 12, 2012 when they will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. and then…
Yes, it’s the “then” that saddens me. Even though the Knoll will serve as a
summer school site for several programs, a void will remain. Wait. Time from
school will allow our noble knights to spend more time with you. Not hearing
the familiar voices of staff means they, too, will have more moments to spend
with their families. Isn’t summer meant for folks to get away and make memories? We know the answer.
Conflict resolved! Our students will return in August, as will almost all of our
staff. The upcoming summer is only a break and not the end. All’s well. Please
remember to read with your children this summer. Engage them in meaningful
conversation. Discuss what matters. Make sure to watch the Olympics!
I’m already excited to see you, our returning families and those new to our
Strawberry Knoll family at our annual Open House on Friday, August 24, 2012
at 11:00 a.m. That would be Flamingo Friday! Happy summer!
E. Frank Kaplan
Proud Principal
Last Friday’s Weather Warranted School-wide Tornado Drill
We commend our students for their outstanding behavior during last Friday afternoon’s tornado drill. Given last
Friday afternoon’s ever deteriorating weather conditions, our fifth grade teachers were directed to leave their
portables and bring their students into the building. Soon after, all 535 students present that afternoon assumed the required tornado drill position in designated hallways. Our fabulous staff ensured students were safe
and accounted for until the tornado watch expired.
Members of our On Site Emergency Team (OST) remained in communication with Mr. Kaplan throughout last Friday’s incident and ensured students were re-united with their parents. We know our bus riders were late coming
home. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Last Friday’s drill demonstrated the importance of familiarizing students with a variety of emergency preparedness procedures.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
It is important to know the difference between tornado watches and warnings. A tornado watch means that
tornadoes are possible in the area and that you should remain alert for approaching storms. A tornado warning
means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for the area
and the sky appear threatening, move to a pre-designated place of safety.
Tornado Danger Signs
The following information regarding tornado danger signs was obtained from the FEMA website at
www.fema.gov.
Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible.


Look out forDark, often greenish sky
Wall cloud
Large hail
Loud roar, similar to a freight train
CautionSome tornadoes are clearly visible.
Some tornadoes may be obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air my become very still.
A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm.
Back-to-School Fair. Save the date! Plan to
kick off the 2012-2013 school year at the MCPS
Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 25,
from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive,
Rockville. The fair is a great way for families to
learn about school system programs and services
while enjoying entertainment, children's activities, backpack giveaways, and more. Free transportation will be provided from 12 locations
throughout the county. Visit
www.mcpsbacktoschoolfair.org over the summer
for updates.
IMPORTANT DATES
June 11, 2012
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
August 27, 2012 Students Return to School
New Ways for Spanish-Speaking Families to Connect with MCPS
Noticias de MCPS is a new TV program for the MCPS Spanish-speaking community. The
weekly update features news, information, and stories about MCPS’ great students and
staff. The show is broadcast on MCPS TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 89) and can be
viewed online at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es/news.Also be sure to follow MCPS on
Twitter in Spanish (www.twitter.com/mcpsespanol) and visit the new version of the MCPS
Spanish website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es.
In Spanish:
Nuevas Formas de Conectarse con MCPS para Familias que Hablan Español
Noticias de MCPS es un nuevo programa de televisión para la comunidad de MCPS que habla español. La actualización semanal ofrece noticias, información, e historias sobre los
excelentes maestros y estudiantes de MCPS. El programa se transmite en MCPSTV
(Comcast
34,
Verizon
36,
RCN
89)
y
se
puede
ver
en
línea
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es/news. De igual forma, asegúrese de seguir a MCPS
por Twitter en español (www.twitter.com/mcpsespanol) y visite la nueva versión de la página internet de MCPS en español www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/es.
Fifth Grade Promotion Celebration
All fifth grade families and friends
are invited to attend this year’s promotion celebration on Monday, June 11,
2012 starting at 7:00 p.m. This year’s
guest speaker will be Edinam Kumazah.
Fifth grade students are asked to dress appropriately
for the evening program and are expected to be here at
the Knoll by 6:30 p.m.
We wish to thank our many fifth grade parents that
served on this year’s Promotion Celebration Committee.
Our committee members have worked hard to make
sure this year’s event is the best.
Congratulations to
Mrs. Harris on the birth of
her new baby boy,
Maxwell Robert
born May 12, 2012.
Summer Office Hours- Our school will remain
open during the summer for business as usual.
If you wish to speak with Mr. Kaplan, please call
ahead. Additionally there will be times when
the main office staff may be out of the building.
Summer Mailing
Our Strawberry Knoll ES website will be updated throughout the summer with important upcoming dates and information. We look forward
to seeing you at our annual Sneak Peek Open
House on Friday, August 24, 2011 from
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
See You in August
This is our final edition of the “Knoll News.” If
you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and visit us.
We wish our “berry best” to our rising fifth
grade students and those families leaving the
Knoll. Keep in touch with us. We look forward
to seeing all noble knights including our new
class of kindergarten students in August.
Our first day of school is Monday, August 27, 2012.