Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
January 7, 2013
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/
Reflections from Mr. Kaplan
Anniversaries allow us to reflect upon personal growth
and professional aspirations.
Oftentimes, the two become
one as we ponder where we
were and recall those who
were present during special
times. I am sure our fifth
grade parents remember
their children’s first day of
school, as can those fine
staff that began their teaching career at the Knoll. This past Saturday was a special day for me as I celebrated my 36 year anniversary as an educator. Although a principal in title, I
remain a “teacher on special assignment!”
My first day as a sixth grade teacher at the American School in Tegucigalpa,
Honduras on January 5, 1977 was an exciting moment for me. Little did I
know I would later have the awesome opportunity to work in the “berry-best”
elementary school, first as your assistant principal and subsequently as your
principal.
Time passes quickly, particularly as we reach that point in life when nearing 60
does not seem that old. To my wonderful staff, precious students, and caring
SKES parents, thank for making my job as “teacher on special assignment,”
the best I have had these 36 years. Happy 2013!
Outdoor Recess Resumes
Our noble knights were quite pleased to have outdoor recess this past week.
Please continue to make sure the children are dressed appropriately to enjoy
the fresh outdoor weather. We always consider wind chill factor when determining whether or not students will have outdoor morning line-up and midday
recess. If the temperature including wind chill factor is below 32 degrees
Fahrenheit, students will remain indoors. Given this month’s extended forecast, it appears our children will enjoy many more days of outdoor recess!
Attention Fifth Grade Parents
Gaithersburg Middle School will host its annual meeting for fifth grade parents on Monday, February 4, 2013, in
the school’s cafeteria, starting at 7:00 p.m. Join fellow fifth grade parents from Strawberry Knoll along with
those parents from Gaithersburg and Laytonsville Elementary Schools. Learn about the sixth grade registration process and course offerings. Meet Ms. Goddard, principal and her administrative team, along with other
staff members. Additional information about this important meeting will go home with our fifth grade students!
Park Police to Enforce Speed Limit Along Strawberry Knoll Road
We recently received notification from the Maryland National Capital Park Police regarding their enforcement
of the 25 mph speed limit along Strawberry Knoll Road. Patrolling of cars along Strawberry Knoll Road will occur for a 30-day period sometime this month. The primary goal is to ensure drivers respect the posted speed
limit, and as such ensure pedestrian safety. We certainly thank the police for their help.
New Babies Join the Strawberry Knoll Family!
We are pleased to announce the births of three new babies! Asher Williams was born to Mrs.
Williams, guidance counselor and her husband on November 26, 2012. Lilah Wiles was born to
Mrs. Wiles, third grade teacher and her husband on December 28, 2012. Our first baby of
the new year was born to Mrs. Marzano, first grade teacher and her husband on January 2,
2013. Babies and families are doing well!
Students Perform at Cluster Concerts
The Gaithersburg Cluster has had a long-standing tradition of hosting its annual cluster concerts featuring the
talents of its elementary, middle, and high school students at Gaithersburg High School each year. However,
with the building of the new Gaithersburg High School, this year’s cluster concerts will be held at Watkins Mill
High School. All Strawberry Knoll families are invited to attend this week’s concerts as
follows:
Orchestra Concert- Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Band Concert- Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Performing musicians need to arrive at Watkins Mill High School at 6:00 p.m. and are
reminded to bring their instruments with them. Performance attire is requested of our
musicians. Both concerts will be held in the auditorium.
HOLIDAY
Monday, January 21, 2013
No School for
Students and Staff
No School
for Students
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Professional Day for Teachers
Upcoming Dates and Events
January 9
7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. PTA International Night
January 15
9:00 a.m. Highly Gifted Testing—Third Grade—Media Center
10:50 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Head Start to Imagination Stage
January 21
HOLIDAY—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 22
Professional Day for Teachers
January 31
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