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
October 26, 2012
Keeping Track of Learning
The end of the first quarter is next Friday, November 2, 2012. As we prepare
for next month’s parent-teacher conferences, questions come to mind. How
well did your child progress with his/her learning? What are your child’s areas
of strength and needs for continued development? How can we enable your
child to continue as a competent learner and caring citizen?
Next month’s parent-teacher conferences will afford us time to share snapshots of your child’s learning, including a review of his/her “learning growth
data,” work samples, and teacher observation notes. We certainly want to
hear your thoughts about your child’s learning. What has your child told you
about school? Your honesty is important to us as we plan for the second
marking period!
Your child will bring home his/her report card on Wednesday, November 14,
2012. As you know, our first through third grade students will receive the
new standards-based report card. We encourage you to join us for a meaningful conversation about the new report card with our teaching and learning representatives, Mrs. Forman and Mrs. Schoenfelder on Wednesday, November 8,
2012. The meeting will take place in our Media Center from 8:15 a.m. until
9:00 a.m. Childcare will be provided by Kids Co., Inc., from 8:15 a.m. until 8:30
a.m.
The proficiency standards reported in first through third grade report cards
and letter grades presented in fourth and fifth grade report cards should not
be a surprise. Similar to keeping track of a team’s progress during a football
game, coaches, their players, officials, and spectators remain actively involved
in the game’s progress. Just think what would happen if none of the stakeholders were aware of how the game was proceeding, totally unaware of penalties, field goals, and touchdowns. Continue to remain apprised of your child’s
learning by reviewing his/her data notebook. We certainly value the homeschool partnership. Communicate with your child’s teacher. Ask questions.
Needless to say, effort remains essential. Commend your child for the progress made this first quarter. When used in the correct manner, the report
card can provide “our” child with the right attitude about learning at Strawberry Knoll!
E. Frank Kaplan
Proud Principal
NO SCHOOL
NOVEMBER 5 AND 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012—Professional
Day for Teachers
Tuesday, November 6, 2012—Election Day
Principal’s Coffee
9:00 a.m.—9:50 a.m.—Media Center
TOWN HALL MEETING
10:00 a.m.—November 14, 2012
Parent-Teacher
Conferences Scheduled
We will hold our annual parent-teacher conferences on Monday, November 12th, and
Tuesday, November 13th. Students will be
dismissed at 12:35 p.m. on both of these days.
Teachers sent home confirmation notices last
week. If you did not receive a confirmation
slip, please contact your child’s teacher.
EARLY DISMISSAL
MONDAY,
NOVEMBER 12 AND
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012
First State of the Schools Presentation
Save the Date! MCPS First State of the Schools Set for November 12
Superintendent Joshua P. Starr will deliver his first State of the Schools address on Monday, November 12, at
the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. MCPS parents and community members are
invited to join Dr. Starr as he shares his vision for MCPS’ future and highlights the successes of the outstanding
students and staff of Montgomery County Public Schools. This free event will take place from 7:30–9:30 a.m.
and will feature artwork and performances by MCPS students. Visit the State of the Schools website at
www.mcpsstateoftheschools.org for more information and to register for the event. Please RSVP for this exciting event by November 1st.
¡Reserve la Fecha! Evento Inaugural del Estado de las Escuelas de MCPS Programado Para el 12 de
Noviembre
El Superintendente Joshua P. Starr dará su primer discurso sobre el Estado de las Escuelas el día lunes, 12 de
noviembre, en The Music Center en Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane en Bethesda. Los padres de estudiantes
de MCPS y los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a acompañar al Dr. Starr cuando él comparta su visión
para el futuro de MCPS y destaque los éxitos alcanzados por los sobresalientes estudiantes y personal de Montgomery County Public Schools. Este evento gratuito tendrá lugar de 7:30–9:30 a.m., y se exhibirán trabajos de
arte y habrá actuaciones por parte de estudiantes de MCPS. Visite la página de internet del Estado de las Escuelas en www.mcpsstateoftheschools.org para más información y registración para el evento. Por favor RSVP para
este gran evento antes del 1º de noviembre.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Mr. and
Mrs. Larson on the birth
of their baby girl, Collins Ansleigh Larson
Born Thursday,
October 18, 2012,
2012 Annual “CHARACTER COUNTS!” Poster Contest!
Congratulations to Yulia Molina and Conner Hamilton whose artwork
was selected to be displayed at Lakeforest Mall for the 2012 Annual
“CHARACTER COUNTS!” poster contest! Hundreds of students
from seven schools in Gaithersburg participated in this poster contest, so we are very proud to have a winner (Yulia) and an honorable
mention (Conner) representing Strawberry Knoll this year! Artwork
by all the winners and honorable mentions will be on display at Lakeforest Mall until October 31. Congratulations, Yulia and Conner!
“Red Ribbon Week”
Strawberry Knoll staff and students are set to celebrate “Red Ribbon Week” starting this
Friday, October 26, 2012. The purpose of this special week is to promote positive choices
and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. In honor of Red Ribbon week the activities are planned
as follows:
Friday, October 26th- “Wear Red” Day
Students and staff wear something “red” to school in honor of Red Ribbon Week!
Monday, October 29th – “Team Up Against Drugs” Day
Students and staff wear their favorite teams’ jerseys/shirts to show, “We are teaming against bad
choices!”
Tuesday, October 30th- “Hats Off to Stay Drug Free” Day
Students and staff wear their favorite hat.
Wednesday, October 31st – “Sock It to Drugs” Day
Students and staff wear crazy and mismatched socks to show their commitment to being drug
free!
Fall Holidays and
October 31
November 2
November 5
November 6
November 8
November 12, 13
November 14
Events
2:00 p.m. Halloween Parade/Parties
First Marking Period Ends
Professional Day for Teachers – No School for Students
HOLIDAY – Election Day—No School for Staff and Students
8:15 a.m. Curriculum 2.0 Parent Informational Meeting
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal Day Parent/Teacher Conferences
9:00 a.m. Principal’s Coffee—Media Center
10:00 a.m. Town Hall Meeting
November 15
7:00 p.m. PTA Fall Festival
November 21
12:35 p.m. Early Release Day
November 22, 23 HOLIDAY – Thanksgiving
November 30
10:00 a.m. Makeup Picture Day
December 4
7:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
December 20
1:45—2:45 p.m. Instrumental Winter Music Assembly
7:30—8:30 p.m. Instrumental Winter Music Assembly
December 21
2:00 p.m. All School Sing-A-Long
December 24—31 Winter Break