Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
September 13, 2013
18820 Strawberry Knoll Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
E. Frank Kaplan, Principal
Rosemary Ford, Assistant Principal
Web Site Address—http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/
strawberryknolles/
Happy September!
Our first three weeks of school have been productive. Our focus remains on
teaching and learning. Teachers continue to use individual student reading and
mathematics data collected to plan for meaningful instruction and as such engage each student in his/her learning. As you may already know, all Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) fourth and fifth grade teachers are implementing Curriculum 2.0, for the first time this year. Rest assured our fourth
and fifth grade teachers participated in Curriculum 2.0 training over the summer and will throughout the year collaborate with our school’s staff development teacher and reading specialist to ensure curriculum fidelity. Our teachers
will explain how they are using Curriculum 2.0 for instructional purposes during
their “Back to School Night” presentations next Thursday, September 19, 2013
starting at 7:00 p.m.
We have included for your review, our upcoming “Back to School Night” agenda.
Please make every effort to attend. Learn more about your child’s instructional
program. See how much of the curriculum we’ve already “uncovered.” We suggest families either walk or carpool to school as parking will be at a premium
next Thursday evening.
Clearly, our students have embraced the importance of working hard and following the rules. There’s a healthy competition within our grade level teams and
among our classrooms to see which grade/class can earn the most Red Knight
cards. These esteemed cards are given to classes whose students demonstrate
stellar hallway etiquette as measured by the “Four S’s.” Students are in a
straight line, with their hands still, smiling, and silent.
We want to thank those of you that attended last Friday’s annual Fun/Run Walk
and Welcome Back Picnic. It was a pleasure to see many of our new Strawberry
Knoll families at last week’s event. Needless to say, our Noble Knights and
families enjoyed dancing to the tunes played by our disc-jockey, Mr. Lehrer,
second grade teacher, Mrs. Lehrer’s brother.
Finally, we concluded this past Wednesday’s morning announcements with a
school-wide sing along. Parents and guests joined our 560 students as classrooms throughout the Knoll sang a medley of patriotic songs. Visitors then went
on their way, and so began September 11, 2013 at our school!
E. Frank Kaplan
Proud Principal
SKES P.E. Department and P.T.A. Host Fun Run/Walk and Family Picnic
Thanks to those families that participated in last Friday’s Fun Run/Walk and Family Picnic.
One hundred-fifty student-runners ran this year’s new course consisting of 1.5 miles around
the Knoll. Over 300 runners/walkers including parents and friends participated in last Friday’s heart-healthy activity. Our event would not have been as great without the support of
SKES staff members who monitored the parking lot entry way, ensured runners ran the correct course, and timed students as they crossed the finish line. Additional gratitude is extended to our 15 teacher assistants including Gaithersburg Middle and High School students!
Last Friday’s gathering exemplifies the family atmosphere we perpetuate and reaffirms our
partnership with the school community. If you weren’t able to join us last Friday, our P.T.A.
has an array of family activities planned for the year. Indeed, “Together, Everyone Achieves
More…TEAM!”
Summer Readers Recognized
Each summer Strawberry Knoll students are encouraged to continue to read, and in true
Strawberry Knoll fashion, this summer was no different. Rather than sending home the traditional summer reading log, Mrs. Forman, reading specialist, provided students with postcards that were used for our Noble Knights to document their summer reading. When Mrs.
Forman returned to the Knoll in August, she was very pleased to see her mailbox overflowing
with postcards. She received postcards from students in each grade level, and enjoyed reading about the different reading adventures that students took over the course of the summer. Students that returned a summer reading postcard were rewarded with a gift certificate for CiCi’s Pizza. Congratulations to students who participated in the SKES Summer
Reading Program!
Standards-Based Grading Reminder
All MCPS elementary schools will gauge student learning through standards-based grading.
This means our fourth and fifth grade students will no longer receiver letters grades (A-B-CD-E) on their progress report cards. Students will instead be graded as follows:
ES- Exceptional at the grade-level standard
PMeets the grade level standard by demonstrating proficiency of the content or
processes for the measurement topic
IP
In progress toward meeting the grade level standard
MMissing data- no grade recorded
Upcoming Dates and Events
June 12
9:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting
June
13
a.m. Fifth
Grade Promotion Ceremony
The standards-based progress report card is intended9:30
to give
parents/guardians
a clear unJune
25
Report
Cards
Mailed
Home
derstanding of student-progress toward end of year grade level expectations. For additional
August 23
Open House
information go to www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/report-ca.
August 26
First Day of School for Students
September 19 7:00 p.m. Back-To School Night
Strawberry Knoll Elementary
School
Back-To-School Night
Our Mission
S.K.E.S. is a caring, thoughtful, persistent community of learners and leaders who motivate and
encourage one another to set and meet high expectations. We make a difference every day.
Our Vision
S.K.E.S. is a premier school that Strives for Knowledge, Excellence, and Success.
Welcome to Strawberry Knoll’s “Back-to-School Night.”
“Back-to-School Night” will consist of two sessions. During each session, teachers will provide an overview of their grade specific programs and curriculum. You will have an opportunity to preview instructional materials and learn about routines and expectations. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to
meet many of our teacher specialists.
At the close of our program, we invite you to sign up for your November conference. Conference
sheets will be available in the cafeteria.
Your presence at “Back-to-School Night” reaffirms the productive partnership we have with you. Our
goal remains for every child to succeed and learn to the highest degree. Together we can create a
quality education for our students!
“BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT” AGENDA
7:00 - 7:20 p.m.
P.T.A. and S.K.E.S Greetings- Gym
7:20 – 7:35 p.m.
Break
7:35 – 7:55 p.m.
Session One
Kindergarten – Classrooms
First Grade – Classrooms
Second Grade – Classrooms
7:55 – 8:00 p.m.
Break
8:00 – 8:25 p.m.
Session Two
Kindergarten – Classrooms
First Grade – Classrooms
Second Grade –Classrooms
8:25 – 8:45 p.m.
Third Grade – Classrooms
Fourth Grade - Classrooms
Fifth Grade – Media Center (first session only)
Third Grade – Classrooms
Fourth Grade - Classrooms
Fifth Grade – Classrooms
Sign-Up for November 11th and 12th Parent Teacher Conferences – Cafeteria
TARGET—Take Charge of Education
Thanks to parents, teacher and other supporters in our community, our school is benefiting from Take Charge of Education. Every
time you shop with your REDcard, Target donates up to 1% of your purchase to our school
if you designate Strawberry Knoll ES. Last
school year we received a check for $250.77.
Let’s see if this school year we can make a
bigger difference.
https://www-secure.target.com/redcard/
tcoe/home?ref=sr_shorturl_tcoe
Giant Bonus Bucks
A+ School Rewards
Want to earn money
for our school? Earn A+ School Remwards
everytine you shop with your Giant Card.
Register your BONUS CARD,
Our school’s A+ School Rewards ID code is:
00822
Former Knights Give Back to the Knoll
We are proud and most pleased to have a cadre of Gaithersburg High school seniors as interns at the Knoll. Interestingly, each intern is a Strawberry Knoll graduate and assigned to
work with one of our teachers. Our interns agree, “There’s no place like the Knoll!”
Fall Holidays and Events
September 19
September 27
October 4
October 4 – 11
October 9
October 14
October 18
October 30
October 31
November 1
November 11
November 12
November 20
November 27
November 28, 29
7:00 p.m. "Back-to-School" Night
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. PTA Movie Night
P.T.A. Book Fair – Media Center
National Walk to School Day
8:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m. Principal’s Coffee and P.T.A Meeting–
Media Center
Open House—Columbus Day
State Conference for Teachers –
No School for Staff and Students
October 29 P.T.A Fundraiser Pickup
Individual Picture Day
2:00 p.m. Halloween Parade/Parties
First Marking Period Ends
Professional Day for Teachers – No School for Students
8:45 a.m.—9:30 a.m.—P.T.A. Meeting
9:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal Day
Parent/Teacher Conferences
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal Day
Parent/Teacher Conferences
7:00 p.m. PTA Fall Festival
12:35 p.m. Early Release Day for Students and Staff
HOLIDAY – Thanksgiving
Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos Escuelas Públicas del
del Condado de Montgomery Condado de Montgomery
Servicios Escolares
Su cooperación con éste problema común de la niñez puede ayudar a evitar una grave epidemia en la escuela.
Padre de Familia:
La siguiente es una información pertinente acerca de una condición que se encuentra comúnmente en el
prekindergarten y escuela primaria. Los piojos en la cabeza, también llamados Pediculus humanus capitis, son
insectos parasitarios que se encuentran en la cabeza de las personas. Cualquier persona que está en contacto
cercano (especialmente el contacto de cabeza con cabeza) con alguien que tiene piojos está en gran riesgo.
Ocasionalmente, el piojo se puede tener cuando está en contacto cercano con ropa u objetos personales que
pertenecen a la persona que tiene piojos. Higiene o limpieza personal en la casa o en la escuela no tienen nada
que ver con tener piojos en la cabeza.
Esto es lo que usted puede hacer para prevenir los piojos.
ESTE ALERTA A LAS SEÑALES DE PIOJOS: La señal más común es una fuerte picazón en la parte de
atrás de la nuca y en la cabeza. Si usted ve a su hijo/a rascarse en ésas partes, revise la cabeza a ver si tiene
liendres pegadas al pelo. Los huevos se llaman liendres. Las diminutas liendres son blancas amarillentas
grisáceas y se parecen a la forma de una lágrima. La hembra adhiere las liendres al pelo con un pegamento
que hace casi imposible removerlas. Las peinillas, cepillos y champú ordinarios no ayudan a quitarlas.
INSPECCIÓN: Examine el pelo y cuero cabelludo de todos los miembros de la familia regularmente durante
el año. La familia incluye mamá, papá, tíos/as y niños que viven en la casa. No se preocupe por las mascotas,
a ellos no les atacan los piojos. Los piojos son pequeños insectos grisáceos sin alas. Un examen minucioso
del pelo y cuero cabelludo puede revelar a veces el piojo adulto, pero es más frecuente ver las liendres.
TRATAMIENTO: Si encuentra piojos o liendres a ½ pulgada del cuero cabelludo, o si su hijo/a ha sido
excluido/a de la escuela debido a los piojos, utilice un tratamiento especial sin receta médica llamado
pediculicida. Use pediculicida de acuerdo a las instrucciones. Luego del tratamiento y secado del cabello,
pueden removerse las liendres con el peine especial. Revise la cabeza cada 2-3 días por 2-3 semanas hasta
que esté seguro que todos los piojos y liendres que están a ½ pulgada del cuero cabelludo han
desaparecido.
LIMPIEZA DEL AMBIENTE: Revise a otros miembros de la familia por piojos o liendres y haga el
tratamiento si es necesario. Lave toda la vestimenta, toallas y ropa de cama que estuvieron con la persona
expuesta a los piojos durante 2 días antes del tratamiento. Use agua muy caliente y ponga en la secadora por
20 minutos. Los artículos que no se pueden lavar (abrigos, sombreros, bufandas, peluches) métalos en una
funda plástica herméticamente cerrada por 10 días. Remoje las peinillas y cepillos del pelo por 1 hora con
alcohol, Lysol o lávelos con agua jabonosa muy caliente. Pase la aspiradora a las alfombras, tapicería,
almohadas, colchones y asientos del carro que hayan sido expuestos a personas con piojos. No use fumigantes
porque pueden ser tóxicos si se inhalan o se absorben a través de la piel.
PREVENCION DE REINFESTACION:
Evite el contacto con otra cabeza lo que es común durante el juego en la escuela y en la casa (actividades
deportivas, parque de juegos, fiestas infantiles, campamentos). No comparta ropa, como gorros, bufandas,
abrigos, uniformes, o lazos. No comparta cepillos, peinillas, toallas. No se acueste en sofás, camas,
almohadas, alfombras, o peluches que han estado en contacto con la persona infestada. Usted debe notificar al
cuarto de enfermería si usted ha encontrado piojos en la cabeza de su hijo/a para implementar medidas
preventivas en la escuela.
Esta información se mantendrá confidencial.
Por favor póngase en contacto con la enfermera si tiene preguntas y/o necesita información adicional a
http://www.cdc.gov/incidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice.htm.
Montgomery County Department of Montgomery County
Health and Human Services Public Schools
Public Health Services School Health Services
Dear Parent:
The following is pertinent information about a condition found commonly in preschool and elementary-age children.
Head lice, also called Pediculus humanus capitis, are parasitic insects found on the heads of people. Anyone who
comes in close contact (especially head-to-head contact) with someone who has head lice is at greatest risk. Occasionally, head lice may be acquired from contact with clothing or personal items that belong to an infested person. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. Here are some ways you
can identify and/or prevent head lice.
BE ALERT FOR THE SIGNS OF HEAD LICE: Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling
feeling of something moving in the hair, itching and/or sores caused by scratching on the back of the neck and head. If
you observe your child scratching in this area, check his/her head for lice and nits attached to the hair shafts. The adult
louse is about the size of a sesame seed, has six legs, no wings, and is tan to grayish white. Lice eggs are called nits.
Nits are very small, about the size of a knot in thread, teardrop shaped, hard to see and often confused for dandruff or
hair spray droplets. The female louse attaches the nits to the hair shaft, close to the scalp with a glue-like substance
that makes the nits difficult to remove. Ordinary combing, brushing or shampooing will not remove them.
INSPECT: Examine the hair and scalp of all family members regularly throughout the year. This means all adults and
children living in the same house. Pets do not carry human lice. Close inspection of the hair and scalp will sometimes
reveal the adult lice, but you are more likely to see the nits.
TREAT: If lice or nits within ½ inch of the scalp are found, or your child has been excluded from school because of a
lice infestation, use a special over-the-counter medication, called a pediculicide, or a medication prescribed by your
health care provider. Use the medicated treatment exactly according to directions. After the treatment and the hair is
dry, the nits close to the scalp should be removed with a special nit comb. Check the hair every 2 - 3 days for 2 – 3
weeks until you are sure all lice and nits within ½ inch of the scalp are gone.
CLEAN UP THE ENVIRONMENT: Check other household members for lice and/or nits and treat if necessary.
Wash all washable clothing and bed linens worn or used by the infested person during the 2 days before treatment.
Use hot water and dry laundry using high heat for at least 20 minutes. Clothing and other items that are not washable
(coats, hats, scarves, stuffed animals) may be dry cleaned or stored in sealed plastic bags for two weeks. Soak combs
and brushes for 1 hour in rubbing alcohol, Lysol or wash with hot soap and water. Vacuum the floor and furniture. Do
not use fumigant sprays; they can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
PREVENT A REINFESTATION:
Avoid head-to-head contact which is common during play at school and at home (sports activities, on the playground,
slumber parties, at camp). Do not share clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, or hair ribbons/clips.
Do not share combs, brushes, or towels. Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have
recently been in contact with an infested person. You are encouraged to notify the health room if you have found a
head lice infestation on your child so that prevention measures can be implemented at school. This information will be
kept confidential.
Please contact your child’s School Community Health Nurse if you have any questions and/or look for additionalinformation at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice.htm.
301-840-7112 Mrs. Claudia Leas