January 18, 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/
Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
It’s Half-Time!
We’ve completed the first semester. With the Superbowl looming, one could say we’ve
had two awesome quarters. We’re winning! In order for us to maintain our lead throughout the coming quarters, we’ll need a good offense and a strong defense. Let’s be mindful
of penalties…we don’t want any.
As we continue into this new semester, please help the Knoll and make sure our children
are well rested, fever-free, and arrive to school on time. Teachers escort their students
from outdoor line-up and into the building at 8:40 each morning, weather permitting. Our
opening bell tones at 8:50 a.m. Hence it’s important all students are seated in their classrooms at that time. For our students’ continued safety to school, we kindly ask parents/
guardians to escort their tardy students into the building.
If you happen to have any questions about our student-arrival game plan, call us. It’s critical our students develop respect for “coming to work on time.” Remember, regardless of
the team that wins the Superbowl, all of us belong to the best, Strawberry Knoll Elementary School. Go Noble Knights!
Fifth Grade Students Selected as 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary Arts Contest Winners
Did you know two of the three contest winners for this year’s Literary Arts Contest are
from Strawberry Knoll? Among the many entrees submitted, Coronado Bolanos’s and
Grace Harvey’s were chosen. Both students will read their writings during next Tuesday
evening’s Mayor and City Council meeting. We are quite proud to include Coronado’s and
Grace’s writings in today’s publication!
M.L.K. Jr. by Coronado Bolanos
Cooperative with others
Operating a change in the U.S.A.
Making a difference in me
Peaceful protests
Against segregation
Showing us that we’re all the same
Self-control of himself
“I Have a Dream” changed me
On top of the Civil Rights movement
Non-violent man who changed everyone
My Motivation by Grace Harvey
My motivation comes from Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He has made me wonder
what I can do for the U.S. today. Today in my classroom I have classmates of many races
that include Russian, Vietnamese, Spanish, African-American and White. I am in the 5th
grade and you have taught me that I must fight for what I believe. I don’t know yet what I
can change or even if I am going to make a big change that at least affects me as a person.
I will begin to study Mohandas Gandhi so I will grow up to be a peaceful young lady.
M.L.K., Jr. YOU are the reason why I want to be a memorable hero.
Mrs. Cobbs Welcomes Students and Guests Daily
Mrs. Cobbs, grandmother of her first grade grandson, Korah, welcomes boys and girls to the Knoll each
morning. Born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn,
New York, Mrs. Cobbs has travelled throughout the
United States. Two years ago she moved from Virginia Beach to Gaithersburg where she and her
grandson now live.
Given Mrs. Cobb’s contagious smile, and love of our
school, it was quite clear she was ready to assume
the role of official Knoll-Greeter. According to Mrs.
Cobbs, “I look forward to seeing the children. They
give me strength. They have power we don’t see, but
it’s there. I will never forget this experience!”
Mrs. Cobbs offers her grandmotherly advice to students,” Be nice, hard-working, and considerate of others.”
When necessary, Mrs. Cobbs directs students and their parents to the Kare-A-Lot Office for tardy passes.
Our Mrs. Cobbs has recently decided to become a story-teller. What will be her first story? Yes, it will be
about the staff, students, and families of Strawberry Knoll!
Join Us for Our Next Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Our second Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the gym. Students
will be acknowledged for making the Honor Roll. Classes will also be recognized for the Red Knight, Fine Dining ,
and “AMP” (Art, Music, P.E.) awards. Equally important, students from each class will receive recognition for the
“Character Counts!” award. We look forward to seeing our guests and families on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.
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 21
HOLIDAY—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 22
Professional Day for Teachers
January 23
10:00—10:15 a.m. St. Judes Math-A-Thon Kickoff—Gym
January 24
GMS Counselors Register 5th Graders
January 25
10:00 a.m. Autism Parent Tour
7:00 p.m. P.T.A.“Snow Ball”Dance
January 31
Report Cards Home
February 1
NAEP Grade 4 Assessment
February 4
7:00—8:30 p.m. 5th Grade Parent Night at Gaithersburg Middle School
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Makes Mathematics Program Upgrades
Upgrades to the mathematics program in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are being made based on
the findings and recommendations in the K–12 Mathematics Work Group Report (2010) including the alignment of
the curriculum with the internationally driven Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Additional factors influencing changes to the mathematics program include—evolving definition of college/career readiness driven by
the demands of the 21st century work force; University System of Maryland’s new expectation that students
complete Algebra 2 and a “non-trivial” mathematics course in their senior year; and anticipated Partnership for
Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Algebra 2 test mandated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) scheduled to begin in the 2014–2015 school year.
We believe the deeper mathematical understanding and higher expectations of the grade-level CCSS in elementary and middle school will prepare most students for Algebra 1 in Grade 8 and college level courses in high
school. There will be many students who will need enhanced instruction; for these students, MCPS has developed additional enrichment and acceleration options to ensure that students who demonstrate understanding of
a topic will be able to deepen and extend their learning within the grade-level curriculum. For the few students
who consistently demonstrate deep understanding of all of the mathematical concepts at their grade level, they
may need to be advanced. and 5 and Algebra 1 is planned for next year.
Beginning in Grade 4, access to a compacted curriculum will be available to students who consistently demonstrate this deep understanding of grade-level content across all mathematics strands.
Some students may require more time to complete the trajectory to Algebra 1. Supports will be included
throughout the curriculum to provide options for accessing rigorous mathematics content. These supports may
include alternate activities that address different learning needs, additional instructional time when needed, or
courses designed to provide remediation and a slower pace to master the curriculum. The goal will be for all students to reach deep understanding across all mathematical topics.
MCPS began making upgrades to the 2001 mathematics program for elementary schools in 2007. The graded
program is called Curriculum 2.0 and is currently in place in kindergarten–Grade 3 in all elementary schools
throughout the district. Rollout of Grades 4 and 5 and Algebra 1 is planned for next year.
School-based staff members will require professional development opportunities to implement the CCSS, and
the Fiscal Year 2014 Superintendent’s Recommended Operating Budget includes resources and support for implementation of Curriculum 2.0.
To find more information about changes to the MCPS mathematics programs, please visit the MCPS website
at—
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/2.0/ or
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/math/.
Influenza (flu) Season
The 2013 Influenza (flu) season has arrived and Maryland, like many states, is experiencing a widespread outbreak of the virus. We are asking staff to take some simple steps to keep themselves healthy, and to help
prevent the spread of the flu and other seasonal illnesses:
Consider getting a flu vaccination. Check with a doctor about current vaccine availability. Health experts
report that a flu vaccination will become effective about two weeks after vaccination.
 When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue and throw the tissue in
the trash.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, or use alcohol-based
hand sanitizer. MCPS approved hand sanitizer dispensers are available for use at various locations through
out the school (for example, near the cafeteria or all-purpose room or near the main office).
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to minimize the chance for infection.
 Stay home from work and school if symptoms develop such as fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, head
ache and body aches.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will hold two additional flu vaccination
clinics for residents who have not yet been vaccinated. The clinics will offer free injectable (shots) vac cinations on Friday, Jan. 18 from 9 a.m.–noon at the Germantown Health Center (12900 Middlebrook Road,
Germantown) and on Tuesday, Jan. 22 from 2–5 p.m. at the Dennis Avenue Health Center (2000 Dennis Ave
nue, Silver Spring).

Vaccinations will be given by appointment only. Visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/resident/
flu.html or call 3-1-1 to make an appointment.
Additional flu prevention information can be found at the following websites:
MCPS
Centers for Disease Control
Montgomery County
Parent Academy (English and Spanish)
Winter 2013 Parent Academy
The MCPS Parent Academy is back with an exciting lineup of free workshops for parents! The 2013 winter session of the Parent Academy began on Monday, January 14, 2013. The Parent Academy helps equip parents with
the tips and tools they need to help their children succeed. All of the workshops are free and are held at
schools and locations throughout Montgomery County. Childcare and interpretation services are provided at all
classes. The schedule of workshops is available at montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/.
Sesión de Invierno de la Academia Para Padres
La Academia para Padres de MCPS regresa con un interesante grupo de talleres gratuitos para los padres! La
sesión de invierno del 2013 de la Academia para Padres comenzará el Lunes, 14 de enero. La Academia para
Padres ayuda a equipar a los padres con los consejos y herramientas que necesitan para ayudar a sus hijos a
triunfar. Todos los talleres son gratuitos y se realizan en escuelas y otros lugares de la comunidad en todo el
condado. Los servicios de guardería e interpretación de lenguajes se proporcionan en todas las clases. El
horario de los talleres está disponible en montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/.
Nominations Open for 16th Annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards (English and Spanish)
Nominations Open for 16th Annual Distinguished Service to Public Education Awards
Do you know any individuals, (including students), groups, and organizations that have made outstanding
contributions to public education in Montgomery County? If so, consider nominating them for a Distinguished
Service to Public Education Award! Now in its 16th year, the Montgomery County Board of Education
established the awards to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and
to MCPS. Nomination forms can be found at montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/awards. Completed
nomination forms must be received in the Board of Education office by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2013.
Se Abren las Nominaciones Para los Décimosextos Premios Anuales Por Servicio Ilustre a la Enseñanza
Pública
Conoces a alguien, (incluyendo estudiantes), grupos, u organizaciones que hayan hecho contribuciones
sobresalientes a la educación pública en Montgomery County? Si es así, considera su nominación al Premio Anual
Por Servicio Ilustre a la Enseñanza Pública! Ahora en su decimosexto año, estos premios establecidos por el
Board of Education del condado de Montgomery, buscan reconocer y mostrar su apreciación a contribuciones
ejemplares a la enseñanza pública y a MCPS. Los formularios de nominación pueden obtenerse en
montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/community/awards. Los formularios de nominación completados deberán ser
recibidos por la oficina de Board of Education antes de las 5:00 p.m., del día 1ro de febrero del 2013.