September 27, 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/
Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Happy Fall!
Meteorologists were correct. Autumn has arrived. This past week’s comfortable daytime and cool evening temperatures confirmed what local weather forecasters predicted. As one had mentioned, “We’re having San Diego weather!”
So, with west coast-like weather here on the east coast, our Noble Knights enjoyed a full week of outdoor recess! Recess affords our children opportunities
to engage in play and develop their social skills with peers. The value of taking
turns, following the rules, and paying attention are practiced on the playground,
an “outdoor classroom.”
We certainly thank those of you that attended last week’s “Back to School
Night.” It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces and welcome those of you
who are new to Strawberry Knoll. Our fifth grade parents learned more about
the “new” standards-based progress report their children along with elementary
students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Montgomery County Public
Schools, MCPS will receive. If you weren’t able to attend” Back to School
Night,’” please make sure to contact your child’s teacher and schedule a conference. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 11,
2013 and Tuesday, November 12, 2013. These two days will be half days for our
students. Students will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m.
Indeed, the recent change in weather brings us to the mid-point of the first
marking period. We have accomplished much these first five weeks of school.
Reflect upon the progress your children have made. They demonstrate a zest
for learning. Now would be a good time to discuss your child’s school goals with
him/her. Remember, as a winning team, it’s important we communicate with one
another.
As you already know, we work in partnership with our great P.T.A. Plans are already underway to host our fall “Book Fair” beginning next Friday, October 4,
2013. The students always enjoy visiting the “Book Fair”. Proceeds earned are
always donated back to the Knoll. Also, don’t forget, our P.T.A. will host “Movie
Night” for our families Friday, October 4, 2013 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Finally, today’s “Knoll News” spotlights our newest staff members. They are
among the best in MCPS and bring genuine passion for the roles they assume at
our school. Join me as we acknowledge them for their expertise, hard-work,
and dedication. Happy fall!
E. Frank Kaplan
Proud Principal
Strawberry Knoll Traditions
Can you believe this is Strawberry Knoll’s 25th anniversary? Among our school’s traditions, one has become popular among our students; using alliteration to name the days of the school week. During this
past week’s morning announcements class and staff names were drawn. Class and staff selected celebrated this past week as follows:
“Make a Difference Monday”
Mrs. Shafie’s first period fifth grade science students prepared to do their best in school and committed to conserving energy at home. Mrs. Munyer, Special Education Instructional Assistant, made a
difference and helped fourth grade students build their ecosystems.
“Ten-Four Eleanor Tuesday”
Mrs. Cyrus’s students reviewed their goals and decided to follow all of the classroom rules:
Listen and follow directions.
Be nice.
Raise your hand.
Be safe.
Keeping your hands to yourself.
Mrs. Harris, Instructional Data Analyst, gathered more student data to share with teachers.
“Wunderbahr, Workout, Wellness Wednesday”
Mr. Matesa enjoyed a night playing soccer to improve his cardio respiratory endurance. His third
through fifth grade students took their pulse measurements to determine which activities increased
their aerobic endurance.
“Think and Thank Thursday”
Mrs. Williams met with a fifth grade student help them solve a problem . Mrs. Williams thanked the
student for seeking her advice.
“Flamingo Friday”
Yulia in Mrs. Wiles fourth grade participate in morning announcements. She shared facts Flamingos as
follows:
 Flamingos’ feathers are initially grey or white in color.
 It takes up to three years for Flamingos ‘ feather colors to turn pink, orange or red.
 Flamingo” comes from the Spanish word “Flamenco”.
Next month’s publication will include information about another SKES tradition!
P.T.A. Meeting and Principal’s Coffee
Join us for our next P.T.A. meeting on Monday, October 14, 2013, in our Media Center beginning at
8:30 a.m. Following our brief P.T.A. meeting, Mr. Kaplan will speak to parents/guardians about the
MCPS Strategic Framework for Success, and this year’s Baldrige Guided School Improvement Plan.
Coffee will be provided. As October 14, 2013 is “Open House Day,” we look forward to seeing you!
Mr. Henry, Second Grade Teacher, was born in Johnstown Pennsylvania. He graduated from Slippery Rock
University of Pennsylvania in May, 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-6.
He realized he wanted to be a teacher when he was in second grade. His second grade teacher was
very relaxed and easy going and she always encouraged students to do their best and be grateful
for families and friends. “She was more than a teacher she was a mentor and a role model in the
community. Ever since then, I have always wanted to be that role model and encourager to others.
Mr. Henry was offered an early and open contract from MCPS this past summer. He visited many
schools across the county and took a liking to the Gaithersburg area. He applied to various schools
but when he visited Strawberry Knoll he felt at home. “It was warm and welcoming and everyone I
met was so kind and supportive. I knew it was my new home away from home.“ Mr. Henry loves snow
and water skiing. His favorite spot is the beach. He also enjoys hunting and fishing with his father
and brothers. In addition, Mr. Henry is a twin and likes working on cars and enjoys baking.
Mrs. Vijayakumari, Autism Paraeducator, was born in South India. She graduated from the University in India with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She first realized her desire to
become a teacher when her dad was a professor at the university. Her father taught Sanskrit
(oldest language in the world.) Mrs. Vijayakumari’s son has been a huge inspiration for her to work in
a school setting. Mrs. Vijayakumari has a 23 year old son who has Autism.
Mrs. Vijayakumari’s family moved to United States in 1998 when her son was eight years old. He attended school in MCPS. She is very thankful to MCPS for teaching her son some basic skills. Mrs.
Vijayakumari decided to work in MCPS in special education as her way to say ,"Thanks!" . She states,
“Every day is a new learning experience for me both in school and at home. I become a better person
with each new experience. Some days are more challenging than the other days but I believe that I
can make a difference in the lives of the students in "special education." That makes me unique.”.
Mr. Mejia, Lunch/Playground Aide was born in El Salvador. He arrived to the United States in
1992 where he attended Quince Orchard High School and graduated in 1995. He continued his education at Montgomery College, Rockville campus from 1996-1999 taking one class at the time. Mr.
Mejia intends to earn his degree. He has been a member of the Strawberry Knoll community since
2008 when his first of three current Strawberry Knoll children started school. He is very dedicated to his children's education, and always shows interest in being part of their school. “I now have
three children at the Knoll, Arianna, (4th grade), Abril , (3rd grade) and Emerson, (1st grade). I enjoy being at the school. Most children look up to a male role model and show more caution when
making a choices. That's what I enjoy seeing and being part of. Thank you for allowing me to be
part of 600+ students’ education.”
Mrs. Kotick, PEP Speech Pathologist, was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Penn
State as a proud Nittany Lion and went onto George Washington University to earn her Master’s in
Speech Language Pathology. She realized her desire to become a teacher when she had volunteered
with different organizations assisting children with special needs. Her dad suffered from a stroke
early in her college career. She explored the different types of therapies he was receiving. She decided to delve into the field of speech language pathology hoping to give every child out a
“voice.” Whether it be verbal, nonverbal, through pictures or gestures, Mrs. Kotick believes every
child deserves a chance to express him or herself in their own way. “Although I was assigned to the
position with PEP INC at the Knoll, I was very excited about having the opportunity to work here. I
have worked with a variety of PEP classes since entering MCPS and I have not yet worked in an INC
class. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally and I have
only heard great things about this school. Thank you for welcoming me into your family with open
arms.” Mrs. Kolick’s sister is also special education teacher in New York City and although she is
younger she truly looks up to her and the passion she has for her students. “I admire her creativity,
compassion, and drive. She truly makes me want to be a better person and a better speech
pathologist”. On another note, my husband and I are excited to announce that our first baby PUPPY
will be coming into our lives on the 27th! “
Ms. Jorden, Third Grade Teacher, was born in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from high
school in Richmond, Virginia and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Duke
University. Last year she finished her M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins. “I fell in
love with teaching while I homeschooled my own children for over 10 years. When I had to go back to
work, I was going to go into another field, but I decided education was my passion. I subbed for two
years and then spent the last year obtaining my MAT. The Knoll is my home and my community. My
two younger daughters graduated from the Knoll. As a parent and as a sub I was impressed by the
sense of support and community at the Knoll”
Mrs. Maguire, First Grade Teacher, was born in Hagerstown Maryland. She graduated in 2008 from
the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and then received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Towson University in May of
2013. She has always wanted to be a teacher from as early as she can remember. She used to play
school with her stuffed animals in her basement because all of her older brothers and sisters wouldn’t
think of pretending to be their little sister’s pretend students. When she was 13 Mrs. Maguire’s niece
was born and after spending so much time with her and watching her learn and grow she knew teaching
young children was what she wanted to do when she grew up. Mrs. Maguire had heard so many wonderful things about the Knoll from Mrs. Harris, SKES art teacher, during their graduate program together. “When she told me there was a first grade opening at her school for the upcoming school
year, Mrs. Harris knew I had to go for it! It also doesn’t hurt my commute went from an average of
an hour and fifteen minutes down to a mere three minutes. I think I’m unique because I come from an
extremely large blended family. I have one younger and four older brothers and two older sisters. Growing up in my household there was never a dull moment, especially when we were all together, I became very good very fast at being able to listen and pay attention to many different things
going on all at once!”
Ms. Allnutt, Music Teacher, was born in Gaithersburg, but has lived in Frederick, Maryland her
whole life. She attended Shenandoah Conservatory and earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. She knew she wanted to be a music teacher her senior year of high school when her
school asked her to be the musical director for the fall production of "Annie." Ms. Allnut always
thought she might want to be a teacher of young children because her mother and grandmother were
both pre-school teachers for many years. Ms. Allnut says, “I decided to come to the Knoll because it
seemed like such a wonderful and caring environment that already had a wonderful music program!
The only unique thing I can think of is that I love penguins and have many in my music room.”
Ms. Hendrick , Primary Autism Teacher, was born in Roanoke, Virginia, but grew up in Baltimore,
Maryland. She attended St. Paul’s School for High School, and then went on to earn her Bachelor of
Arts in Health Communications James Madison University. Ms. Hendrick is completing her Masters in
Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Hendrick realized she wanted to become a
teacher when she was a junior in college and volunteered at a local elementary school and the local
ARC for adults with special needs. She was lucky enough to come to the Knoll after feeling so welcomed by staff and students. “The community, consideration and passion that you feel coming out of
each classroom is tremendous. Something interesting about me is that she skied in Dubai, and also
completed my first triathlon this past August. “
Mrs. Dolan, Fifth Grade Teacher, was born and raised in Pearl River, New York, which is 25 miles
north of New York City. Mrs. Dolan earned her undergraduate degree from Maryland State University
at Bowie, and her Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She realized she wanted to become
a teacher when her nieces and nephews were young. She often helped them with their school work and
realized she had a knack for explaining difficult concepts in many different ways. Helping them be
successful in school became her favorite part of the day. Becoming a teacher was the obvious thing to
do. “For many years now I have heard from colleagues, throughout the county, that Strawberry Knoll
ES is a truly wonderful place to work; the staff is warm and welcoming and the community is supportive
and involved. It’s all true and I am so happy to be here!” Mrs. Dolan loves photography and garden-
ing. She and her husband have known each other since they were babies and have been married for 29
years. “We have three sons, Will 27, Tommy 24, and Doug Jr. 22 years old..”
Mrs. Amoroso, PEP Parent Education, was born in Colombia, South America and moved to the United
States when she was six years old. Mrs. Amorosa graduated from the State University of New York at
Geneseo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and from the City University of New
York Graduate Center with an Master of Arts degree in Spanish. Mrs. Amoroso decided she wanted to
be a teacher when she volunteered in the Saturday CCD program at her church when she was in high
school.
“I wanted to teach at Strawberry Knoll because I had heard it was a great place to work. Also, I knew
it would be a good school for my daughter. “Annabella, is in Mrs. Serafini’s Kindergarten class and she
loves being here at Strawberry Knoll as much as I do!”
Mrs. Thomas, First Grade Teacher, was born in Garden Grove, California and graduated from University High School in Irvine, California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education with a minor in English from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mrs. Thomas realized
she had the desire to become a teacher when she was a sophomore in high school and began working
as a mentor to younger children. She truly enjoyed it. She continued to work as a mentor throughout
high school and was involved in a mentoring program known as, PEERS AS PARTNERS while attending
college. She has been a part of the Knoll as a parent since 2006 and became PTA Co-President in
2012. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to currently be a teacher at such a wonderful school that
I truly believe in. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Knoll for many years to come. Along
with spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy singing and coaching Girls Basketball for the
City of Gaithersburg.”
Mrs. Rizza, Fourth Grade Teacher, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended North Harford
High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland. Additionally, Mrs. Rizza earned her Masters of Education in Reading degree from
Johns Hopkins University. Mrs. Rizza always knew since she was little that she wanted to become a
teacher. “I decided to come to the Knoll because of the warm and welcoming personality of the
staff here and the wonderful community. I was a gymnast and I am a huge Baltimore Ravens fan!”
Highly Gifted Center
Applications for the elementary Highly Gifted Centers (HGC) were recently mailed directly to all parents/
guardians of third grade students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). This is a reminder that if you
are interested in having your child considered for the HGC, you must complete the application and return it by
November 8, 2013 to:
HGC Application
Division of Consortia Choice and
Application Program Services
11721 Kemp Mill Road 20902
For further information, feel free to contact Mrs. Ford, Assistant Principal.
Montgomery College Youth
Programs— KIDS’ COLLEGE
Montgomery College Youth Programs—Builders
Register now for KIDS’ COLLEGE enrichment courses for students grades 1—12. Courses area offered
after school and on Saturdays on the Rockville and
Germantown Campuses. To see our full list of exciting Youth Program offerings or for more information, please visit our website at
www.montgomerycollege.edu/youth or call 240-567240-567-7917,
A Special One-Day Program at Montgomery College for
Students in grade 4—6
Futuremakers programs consist of experiential learning
activities where you take on the roles, personalities, expectations, and experiences of engineers, designers, and
fabricators. Discover the challenges of invention! Turn
problems and mistakes into creative challenges, and learn
the skills to work through them with practice, collaboration, and serious play.
of the Future featuring Futuremakers.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Saturday School Resumes Tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, 2013
Space is still available for students to participate in The George B.Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy
Saturday School. Join us tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, 2013, Gaithersburg Middle School,
at 8:30 a.m. Our very own Mrs. Murphy, third grade student teacher, will attend tomorrow’s program. She looks forward to seeing the GMS cafeteria filled with our Noble Knights and families!
Fall Holidays and Events
October 4
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. PTA Movie Night
October 4 – 11
October 9
October 14
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
October 18
October 30
October 31
November 1
November 11
November 12
November 20
November 27
November 28, 29
Book Fair is also open that night to parents while students watch the movie.
Book Fair hours are 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.