Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
February 15, 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/
It’s Been a Busy Month!
We enjoyed seeing over 60 families at last Friday evening’s P.T.A. meeting and
Movie “Knight!” Children and adults enjoyed watching Madagascar 3. Please
join us as we thank our P.T.A. for coordinating last Friday’s event. As copresident, Mrs. Thomas mentioned, our P.T.A. supports Strawberry Knoll in
many ways, all directed to benefit our students. All students attended a Science Assembly this past Wednesday and learned the importance of being observant, asking questions, and testing their hypotheses. Wednesday’s assembly should have sparked more interest among our noble knights particularly for
those who have yet to register for our upcoming P.T.A. sponsored Science Fair
on February 21, 2013, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.
This month is Black History Month. Classroom teachers continue to spotlight
the many contributions made by African Americans, past and present. Each
morning during announcements, we feature a renowned writer. This morning
we recognized Dr. Natalie Hopkinson. Her writings have appeared in the
Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Join us for fourth grade’s annual African American Wax Museum on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, starting at 1:45 p.m. in the cafeteria. Our fourth
grade students have read biographies about individuals such as President
Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall,
Underground Railroad Conductor Harriet Tubman, and Poet Maya Angelou.
Our fourth grade students will assume the personas of the individuals mentioned along with other notable African Americans in the Knoll’s tenth annual
African American Wax Museum. We certainly hope you can join us!
We thank those of you that assisted with yesterday afternoon’s Valentine’s
Day parties. The children always enjoy receiving cards from their classmates
and look forward to eating the special treats. The classroom decorations truly
set the tone for yesterday’s festivities. Creativity abounds among our SKES
families!
Finally, please remember, school will be closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday,
February 18, 2013. Additionally, students will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. on
Friday, February 22, 2013 so teachers can plan and update data collected during this third quarter. As always, if you have any questions about your child’s
progress this marking period, feel free to contact his/her teacher. It’s hard
for us to fathom the third marking period ends on Friday, March 22, 2013!
Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Update
Our school will join other public elementary and middle schools as third through eighth grade
students take next month’s MSA. Next week our third and fourth grade students will participate in a simulation of the MSA. The benefit of engaging students in this experience is
to acquaint our third grade students with the testing format and re-familiarize our fourth
grade students with adhering to time constraints and demonstrating perseverance. This year
our fifth grade students will take the MSA-Reading online. Thus our fifth grade students
will participate in an online prototype assessment.
As you may recall, schools were previously measured according to gains made by students on the MSA. This was
known as meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP.) This year, the state will use a new accountability system, the
School Performance Index (SPI.) The SPI measures our school’s gains in three areas- Achievement, Reducing
Achievement Gaps, and Demonstration of Student Growth. It is our commitment to ensure students are college
and career ready.
Data from last year’s MSA data show a need for us to more closely examine student Achievement and Growth.
We did, however, score above mark in Reducing Achievement Gaps. There’s work for us to do, and we are ready.
If you would like to see more information about SPI and Strawberry Knoll’s performance data, go to
http://mdreportcard.org.
March 4– 5 (paper/pencil)
Grades 3 & 4
Reading
March 6-7 (paper/pencil
Grade 5
Reading
March 4-22 (on-line)
Grade 5
Reading
March 8 & 11 (paper/pencil)
March 12-13 (paper/pencil)
Grades 3 & 4
Grade 5
Math
Math
March 14—19 (paper/pencil)
MSA Reading and Math (Makeup)
April 8—26
MSA Science
Grade 5
April 15—19 (paper/pencil)
MSA Science
Grade 5
Please do not schedule vacations or doctor’s appointments. These tests are very important to your child
and the school.
REMINDER
Monday, February 18, 2013
HOLIDAY – President’s Day No school for Students and Teachers
Friday, February 22, 2013
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal
Upcoming Dates and Events
February 18
February 21
February 27
February 22
February 28
February 29
HOLIDAY – President’s Day
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. PTA Science Fair
1:45 p.m. Fourth Grade African American Wax Museum
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal
Jump Rope for Heart
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – 4th grade
2:00 – 2:50 p.m. – 3rd grade
Jump Rope for Heart
9:00 – 10: 00 a.m. – 5th grade
10:05 – 11:00 a.m. – 2nd grade
12:30 – 1:25 p.m. – Kindergarten
2:00 – 2:50 p.m. – 1st grade
Kindergarten Orientation
2013-2014
Kindergarten Orientation is in the planning stages. Please help us estimate the
number of students who will attend kindergarten at Strawberry Knoll during
the 2013-2014 school year.
According to the Maryland State Law, a child must be five years old by September 1, 2013 in order
to enter kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year. Kindergarten attendance is compulsory. Parents
who do not plan for their children to attend kindergarten at the Knoll will need to contact Mr. Kaplan
after April 29, 2013 and complete an enrollment waiver. If you have a child who will enter kindergarten this fall, please complete the form below, and return it to the school office by Friday, March
22, 2013. Also, if you have a neighbor or friend who has a child of kindergarten age for fall 2013,
please pass this information sheet to them.
Kindergarten Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, and Friday, May 3, 2013. Additional
information will be provided in upcoming newsletters. Please return the bottom portion to the
Strawberry Knoll Elementary School office by Friday, March 22, 2013.
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Strawberry Knoll Elementary School 2013-2014 Kindergarten Survey
The following child will be five years old by September 1, 2013.
Child’s Name: ___________________________ Date of Birth: __________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name: _______________________________________
Home Address: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Home Phone: __________________________________________________
In order to expedite your receiving forms for Kindergarten Orientation, can the orientation
packet be sent home with an older child in your family?
Yes _____ Name of Student: ____________________________________
No _____ Please mail the packet to my home address.
First Grade Students Celebrate 100 Days of School!
Our first grade students are 100 days smarter! To celebrate last week’s special day, first grade staff and students dressed up like they were 100 years old! Students had fun as they wrote 100 words within a extended
time limit. They were then challenged to write 100 words in only 100 seconds! Additionally, our first grade students collaborated with one another and created a class book documenting all they have learned in the past 100
days. Interestingly, our budding authors wrote from a dollar’s point of view. During math, students brought
collections of 100 things to sort and group. By the time the day was done all had enjoyed 100 ways to have fun
with the number 100!
Morning Access to the Building Update
Safety and security remain top priorities at the Knoll. As a result we
have revised how students are to enter the building. If the weather
allows us to have outdoor line-up in the morning, then our side doors
by our kindergarten wing will be open for those kindergarten students
who live behind Strawberry Knoll to enter. A staff member will be
present along with our reliable patrols. However, if the weather is
inclement, then we ask all walkers who live behind the Knoll, to walk
all the way around the building and either enter through the front
doors near Mr. Kaplan’s office, our via the front doors by our student
drop-off circle. Thanks for your help!
Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Maryland Survey
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is requesting that all Maryland school-based employees, including teachers,
administrators, and other school-based staff, complete a statewide survey about their school environment.
The 2013 Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Maryland Survey is confidential and administered
online. It will be available beginning February 1 until March 1. Schools will be receiving information on the survey and a confidential code to access it online. The TELL survey is an opportunity for educators to provide input
to the state on teaching conditions. Data from the survey will help state and district legislators as they shape
strategic planning and policy making to guide improvements for staff and students. Visit www.tellmaryland.org
for more information.
Summer Opportunities Fair Set for February 28, 2013
The MCPS Parent Academy is hosting a summer opportunities fair on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 7:00 to
8:30 p.m. at Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville. At the fair, parents
can explore a variety of summer opportunities for children in grades K-12, including summer camps, programs,
and activities. During the fair, you can talk with local and regional providers, pick up applications, and get information on financial assistance. Contact the Division of Family and Community Partnerships at 301-279-3100 for
more information or visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/.
La Feria de Oportunidades Para el Verano está Programada para el 28 de Febrero
La Academia para Padres de MCPS está organizando una feria de oportunidades para el verano el día Jueves, 28
de febrero, de 7:00 a 8:30 pm en la escuela superior Richard Montgomery, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive en
Rockville. En la feria, los padres pueden explorar una variedad de oportunidades de verano para niños en los
grados K-12, incluyendo campamentos de verano, programas y actividades. Durante la feria, se puede hablar con
los proveedores locales y regionales, recoger las solicitudes y obtener información sobre la asistencia financiera.
Para más información, comuníquese con la División de Asociaciones de familia y de la Comunidad al 301-279-3100
o visite www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/ .
The 2013–2014 School Calendar is Now Available in Multiple Languages
The Board of Education has set the school year calendar for 2013–2014. The school year will begin on Monday,
August 26, 2013, and is scheduled to end on Thursday, June 12, 2014. The calendar was developed in partnership
with the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, the school district’s three employee associations, and the Montgomery County Region of the Maryland Association of Student Councils, as well as other community members and
school system leadership. The calendar is available in six languages—Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish,
and Vietnamese—and can be downloaded at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/calendars/future/.
El Calendario Escolar 2013-2014 ya está disponible en varios idiomas
El Board of Education ha establecido el calendario escolar para el año 2013-2014. El año escolar comenzará el
Lunes, 26 de agosto del 2013, y está previsto que finalice el Jueves, 12 de junio del 2014. El calendario fue
desarrollado en colaboración con el Consejo de Asociaciones de Padres y Maestros del Condado de Montgomery,
las tres asociaciones de empleados del distrito escolar, y la Asociación del Consejo de Estudiantes de Maryland
de la Región del Condado de Montgomery, así como otros miembros de la comunidad y el liderazgo del sistema
escolar. El calendario está disponible en seis idiomas: Chino, Inglés, francés, coreano, español y vietnamita y se
puede descargar en www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/calendars/future/.
mcpssuper
mcpssuper is a television show hosted by Superintendent Joshua Starr that provides an in-depth look at the
work of MCPS to engage and educate our 149,000 students. The January/February edition features a look at
Excel Beyond the Bell, an after-school program that provides high-quality, safe, and enriching after-school opportunities for children in elementary and middle school. Excel Beyond the Bell is a partnership among MCPS, the
Montgomery County Department of Recreation, and the Montgomery County Collaboration Council. The program
can be seen on MCPS TV (Comcast Ch. 34 and Verizon Ch. 36), and online at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/
departments/superintendent/mcpssuper/.
New on the MCPS Web
2013–2014 School Calendar Available in Multiple Languages
The 2013–2014 school year calendar has been translated and is now available on the MCPS website in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/
calendars/future/ to see the calendar. A blurb that can be used in your communications with parents is provided
below.
What’s the BIG Idea?
The third episode of Superintendent Joshua Starr’s podcast, “What’s the BIG Idea?” is available on the MCPS
website and on iTunes. In this episode, Dr. Starr and his cohost, Christopher Lloyd, are joined by Michael Petrilli,
executive vice president of the Fordham Institute. The discussion focuses on a broad array of topics, including
leadership and education reform. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/superintendent/podcast/ to listen to the
episode or subscribe to the podcast via iTunes. You also can follow @wtbipodcast on Twitter to get updates
about upcoming episodes. A blurb for parents and staff is provided below.
How to Receive Emergency Information from MCPS
MCPS offers numerous ways for parents to learn about school closures, delayed openings and early dismissals due to inclement, hazardous weather including MCPS QuickNotes, Alert MCPS, Twitter, the MCPS website,
MCPS TV, and a recorded telephone information line. If you haven’t already done so, establish and discuss your
emergency plan with your child should school be dismissed early due to weather or other emergencies. Please
make sure the emergency contact information on file at your child’s school is up to date. For more information on
how to stay in touch with MCPS and to be informed in times of emergencies, visit
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency.
Cómo Recibir Información de Emergencia de MCPS MCPS ofrece numerosas formas para que los padres
aprendan sobre el cierre de escuelas, retrasos en las aperturas y salidas tempranas debido al tiempo inclemente y
riesgoso, incluyendo MCPS QuickNotes Alert, MCPS, Twitter, el sitio de internet de MCPS, TV MCPS, y una línea
de información telefónica grabada. Si aún no lo ha hecho, establezca y discuta su plan de emergencia con su hijo
en caso de que la escuela cierre temprano debido al tiempo inclemente u otras emergencias. Por favor, asegúrese
de que la información de contacto de emergencia en los archivos de la escuela de su hijo está al día. Para obtener
más información sobre la forma de mantenerse en contacto con MCPS y de ser informado en situaciones
Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Maryland Survey
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is requesting that all Maryland school-based employees, including teachers,
administrators, and other school-based staff, complete a statewide survey about their school environment.
The 2013 Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Maryland Survey is confidential and administered
online. It will be available beginning February 4 until May 27. Schools will be receiving information on the survey
and a confidential code to access it online. The TELL survey is an opportunity for educators to provide input to
the state on teaching conditions. Data from the survey will help state and district legislators as they shape strategic planning and policy making to guide improvements for staff and students. Visit www.tellmaryland.org for
more information.