Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
May 24, 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
All is relatively quiet now that students and staff have gone home for the day.
It is during this “quiet-time” that I reflect and write. “Thank you!” is the first
thought that comes to my mind. The Strawberry Knoll staff appreciates the
many ways you acknowledged us during Staff Appreciation Week. Never underestimate how your recognition inspires this great staff. I certainly agree
with you and those who participated in this year’s school climate survey, our
staff is the best and deserving of high marks. Clearly, our SKES staff remains
committed to each student’s academic success and social emotional development.
Needless to say, this is a busy time for us as we recognize students for their
many achievements, host a variety of programs, and ensure our students are
ready for the next school year. Our fifth grade students and their families
participated in Gaithersburg Middle School’s Open House earlier this month.
They enjoyed meeting their new principal, Ms. Carol Goddard, and members of
her staff. Those fifth grade students that attended came back just in time to
then enjoy their patrol picnic. For those of you whose only or youngest child is
about to finish his/her time at the Knoll, know what a pleasure it has been to
teach your child(ren) and work with you.
Talent abounds at our school as we saw during last week’s third and fourth
grade Recorder Concert. The children always learn the value of working as a
team during performances such as last Thursday’s Recorder Concert, last
night’s Instrumental Music Concert and today’s first grade Choral Concert.
Opportunities such as these also help us promote the multiple intelligences our
students bring to school each day. The question remains, “How do we then invite students to share and demonstrate their varied learning modalities?” If
you have ever listened to morning announcements, especially on our Think and
Thank Thursdays along with Flamingo Fridays, then you already know we have a
cadre of children who speak during our morning announcements with such finesse and confidence.
Indeed this has been a year filled with success, happiness, and sadness. Our
home-school partnership remains the bond that sustains us. It is the innocence of our children, their contagious smiles and zest for learning that reminds us why we chose to serve as educators and role models. As you will read
in today’s edition of the “Knoll News,” we recognize two fabulous teachers who
truly made a difference in the lives of children they taught for a combined
total of 78 years!
Given the stormy weather much of the country has experienced and that we too prepare for, take time to review
tornado drill procedures, also included in today’s publication with your children. Do make note of remaining P.T.A.
sponsored activities and school-sponsored/grade-specific activities listed.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. The upcoming three-day weekend affords us
time to enjoy what should be a beautiful weekend. For those of you leaving the area, I wish you safe travels. If
your “summer plans” include pool-time, please keep watch over your children. Let’s all remember to wear our sunscreen and enjoy the priceless company of family and friends!
Most sincerely,
E. Frank Kaplan
Proud Principal
Staff and Students Practice Tornado Drill Procedures
Strawberry Knoll students and staff engaged in a tornado
drill this past Monday, May 20, 2013. Upon hearing the call,
“This is a severe weather shelter drill,” over our public announcement system, staff, students, and guests were directed to assemble in weather-safe areas throughout our
building. Staff and students in our portables entered the
building. Subsequently, all children assumed the weather
protection position in our designated hallways and other
safe locations. As expected, our students did a wonderful
job! For further information about Monday’s weather shelter drill and other precautionary safety drills, feel free to
contact Mrs. Ford, assistant principal.
Mrs. Parker’s Class Recognized at the
Gaithersburg Book Festival
We love to brag about our staff and students. If
Many Thanks, Fifth Grade Class of 2013!
Can you believe our fifth grade students are on their way
you attended last Saturday’s Book Festival, then
mastered the curriculum and learned the importance of
you’ll already know our Mrs. Parker and her third grade students
were recognized for being the
winning class of the Mayor’s
Book Club! Additionally, Strawberry Knoll was among 17 elementary schools that participated in last Saturday’s program.
to middle school? Clearly our leaders in the building have
showing appreciation. We thank this year’s class of 2013
for their gift of two beautiful welcome mats, one of which
will be placed outside of the Kare-A-
Lot Office, and the other to be set
near the doors leading to and from our
portable classrooms.
Happy Retirement, Mrs. O’Leary and Mrs. Riley!
It’s true. Our Mrs. O’Leary, first grade teacher and Mrs. Riley, fourth grade teacher, will retire at the end of
this year. As you will read, each of these excellent teachers has stories to tell and words of wisdom to impart
upon the Strawberry Knoll community. Happy retirement teachers extraordinaire!
Our Mrs. O’Leary is completing her 42nd year of teaching for MCPS. She started her teaching career at Luxmanor Elementary School located in Rockville, Maryland. Mrs. O’Leary came to Strawberry Knoll by way of Dr.
Wilhoyte, principal of Farmland where Mrs. O’Leary taught. Dr. Wilhoyte invited Mrs. O’Leary to take part in
opening a brand new school located in Gaithersburg. That offer was made 25 years ago and the school is our
very own Strawberry Knoll!
Mrs. O’Leary has a wealth of school-related memories. Mrs. O’Leary shares, “I remember touring the community
in the back of a pickup truck to welcome the boys and girls back in the fall. The talent shows when teachers
would make the children laugh, being a cheerleader for the staff when they played basketball against the parents, the Rainbow Song that always brings tears to your eyes, and many, many more. I’ll always remember how
the children, parents, and staff of the Knoll care about each other. We are one big, happy family. I think the
most treasured memory is how my class took care of me last year after I broke my foot. They pushed me
around the school and paid attention to my every need. I almost melted on one occasion when the children were
leaving our room and a little girl said to me, Is there anything you need before I go? The children all over the
school showed me so much compassion and love!
Mrs. O’Leary intends to substitute teach at the Knoll and help the school staff and community plan for our
school’s 25th Year Anniversary Celebration. Mrs. O’Leary just can’t leave the Knoll. Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary have
plans to renovate their house, so Mrs. O’Leary will assume the job as project manager. The O’Leary’s also plan to
visit Europe and take the time to visit friends who have moved from the metro area. Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary will
certainly spend a lot of time at their Kent Island house and go boating every chance they get. Mrs. O’Leary
promises to keep in touch with the Knoll and hopes we do the same with her.
Mrs. O’Leary advises, “Staff and parents, always keep the children close to your hearts. Look at their faces
when they are talking to you. Make them feel like they are important and you are always there for them. My
rule of thumb has always been, treat each child the way I would want my own child to be treated. There is no
replay button. To the students, treat your parents and teachers with respect, remember, they are the ones
helping you build your future. Friendship is what makes your world go round. Be kind to your friends and treasure your experiences with them. I always told my son that it is good to make new friends, but also keep the old
ones!”
Our Mrs. Riley is completing her 36th year of teaching for MCPS. She began her teaching career at Jackson
Road Elementary School in White Oak, Maryland. Mrs. Riley, also came to our school by way of her former principal at Farmland Elementary School, Dr. Wilhoyte.
Mrs. Riley takes with her a treasure of memories. She shares, “My wonderful memories of Strawberry Knoll are
numerous. I enjoyed the years my own children, Mike and Katie, attended our school. The Maryland/African
American Wax Museums, Student Council Activities, and the field trip to Annapolis where my students and I
enjoyed having our picture taken with former President Jimmy Carter are among my favorite memories.”
Mrs. Riley looks forward to spending quality time with her family and travelling as much as possible. Mrs. Riley
also writes, “Volunteering and substituting at the Knoll are also possibilities.” The greatest of listeners for
staff and students during her years at the Knoll, Mrs. Riley offers advice as follows: “Students, learn what you
can. Respect yourself and others. I wish you joy and happiness!”
Remember Mrs. O’Leary and Mrs. Riley, let’s not say, “Good-bye,” but instead finish this year with, “See you lat-
er!” You are among the best in MCPS. Always know how much the SKES staff and community love you!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are in the process of creating next year’s classroom assignments. As we plan for the coming school year we need to know if any of our students, other than fifth graders, will be leaving Strawberry Knoll. Additionally, if you have recently moved or plan to relocate out of our
attendance area we need to know.
Please complete the form below and return it to the school office by Friday, May 31, 2013.
Our Child(ren)
_______________________________
_______________________________
New Address
New School
Address of
New School
Present Grade ___
Present Grade ___
Present Grade ___
Present Grade ___
______________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Approximate Date of Move
____________________________________
Pedestrian Safety, Please!
It appears as if summer has arrived. This means many more of our students and their families
walk to and from school each day. Let’s remember to practice pedestrian safety daily. We
remain concerned some of our students have been encouraged by their parents and guardians
to cross our pick-up circle to “save time.” Thanks again for modeling pedestrian safety!
School Lunches
The year is coming to an end. Beginning June 3, 2013 we will no longer be able to loan lunch
money to students. If your child does not have lunch money they will be given a cheese sandwich.
DAR Constitution Hall Graduation Ceremonies to Stream Live
The 2013 graduation ceremonies being held at DAR Constitution Hall will stream live online for families and
friends that cannot attend the events but would still like to be a part of the celebration. To view the ceremonies
live, visit www.dar.org/conthall/watchgraduation.cfm. For a list of graduation dates and speakers, visit
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/graduation/.
Congratulations to
Mr. & Mrs. Martin on the
birth of their baby girl,
Lauren Elaine,
May 7, 2013.
Congratulations to
Mr. and Mrs. Matesa on
the birth of their baby
girl, Juliet Christine,
May 8, 2013.
Upcoming Dates and Events
May 27
June 3
June 4
June 5
June 6
June 7
June 12
June 13
Memorial Day – HOLIDAY
Field Day – Second Grade
Field Day – Third Grade
7:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
Field Day – Kindergarten (a.m.) first Grade (p.m.)
Field Day – PEP, HS, Autism
Field Day – Fourth and Fifth Grade
9:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting
9:30 a.m. Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony
New Lineup of Parent Academy Workshops
Don’t miss the spring session of the MCPS Parent Academy, which offers helpful tips and resources to
parents on a broad array of topics. Sessions this spring will cover issues such as cybersafety and social media, effective parenting skills, and preparing for postsecondary education. Visit
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/ to download the workshop schedule and
registration information.
Nueva línea de Talleres de la Academia para Padres
No te pierdas la sesión de primavera de la Academia para Padres de MCPS, que ofrece consejos y
recursos útiles a los padres en una amplia gama de temas. Las sesiones esta primavera cubrirán temas
como la seguridad cibernética y las redes sociales, las habilidades efectivas de crianza, y la
preparación para la educación post-secundaria. Visita www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/
parentacademy/ para descargar el programa de los talleres y la información para las inscripciones.
Drive for Supplies
Donate to Drive for Supplies
Encourage your children to clean out their lockers, book bags, desks, and closets and donate their usable school supplies to families in need through the annual Drive for Supplies campaign. Drive for Supplies also is an opportunity to educate students about the importance of recycling. The collected supplies are donated to MCPS schools and local and international nonprofit groups. Visit
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/sao/supplies/ for more information.
Haga Su Donación a la Campaña de Útiles Escolares
Aconseje a sus hijos que vacíen sus taquillas, sus mochilas, sus escritorios y sus armarios y que donen
sus útiles escolares en buenas condiciones para el uso de familias necesitadas, a través de la campaña
"Drive for Supplies". "Drive for Supplies" es también una oportunidad para educar a los estudiantes
acerca de la importancia del reciclaje. Los útiles recolectados son donados a escuelas de MCPS y a
grupos sin fines de lucro locales e internacionales. Para más información visite
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentaffairs/sao/supplies/.
Mcpssuper
The latest edition of Mcpssuper showcases the work being done to measure student and staff engagement in
MCPS. In the fall, thousands of students and staff members took surveys created by Gallup, and the results
are providing insight into employee and student engagement as well as student well-being—information that has
a direct impact on student achievement. During the show, Superintendent Starr and his guests discuss the survey results and how they can be used in the school improvement process. The show will be broadcast regularly on
MCPS TV and can be viewed at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/superintendent/mcpssuper/
current/.