November 8, 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
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Students will be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. next Monday, November 11, and Tuesday, November 12, 2013, so teachers may confer with parents. If you signed
up for a conference, your child should have given you a confirmation slip including the date/time of conference. Given the many conferences our teachers will
hold, not only on our early dismissal days, but throughout conference week, we
ask you respect your child’s teacher’s conference schedule. Parent-teacher
conferences help provide both you and your child’s teacher time to discuss your
child’s strengths, weaknesses as well as next steps. No matter your child’s age,
parent-teachers conferences are important!
All children learn in different ways. Children have their unique personalities
and own work habits. To help our students learn new knowledge and skills,
teachers need to know as much as they can about each child’s likes and dislikes.
No one knows more about your children than you. We need your help to do a
first-class job. Together, we can help our children experience continued success!
E. Frank Kaplan
Proud Principal
Parent Teacher Conference Tips
Parent-teacher conferences can seem overwhelming to some parents. Other
parents feel fine about them. Often parents go expecting the worst and are too
emotionally involved to get the best out of them. Conferences should work both
ways – the teacher sharing information with you and you sharing information
with the teacher. Here are a few suggestions for making the situation a little
less stressful:
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Try to go with an open mind. Don’t assume that you are going to hear something “negative” about your child. On the other hand, don’t be disappointed
if the teacher doesn’t see all of your child’s good points. Be on time.
Take the time beforehand to write down any and all questions you have
about the curriculum, your child’s progress, etc. It is easy to forget even a
very important question when you are nervous. Ask your child if he/she has
any concerns you should discuss with the teacher.
Don’t hesitate to ask the teacher to be more specific if you are unclear
about what he/she is telling you. “John is having trouble adjusting to school”
could mean John is quiet and shy or John is constantly picking fights – two
very different situations. Remember to raise all your child’s concerns.
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Try to separate clearly any problems into two types:
Academic: In these cases, find out exactly which academic skills your child needs to improve. Ask the
teacher specific suggestions for what you can do at home (i.e. if your child needs to work on reading,
find out if listening to him/her read aloud would be more useful than working on pre-reading skills). You
might want to make another appointment when the teacher will have more time to show you some
additional ways you can work with your child.
Behavioral: Again, find out exactly what your child is doing (crying, talking too much, daydreaming,
fighting, etc.) that is interfering with his or her progress. Don’t hesitate to give the teacher your
suggestions for handling the behavior problem. Remember, you know your child best. If there are
things going on in your child’s life which might explain some behavior, say so. You don’t have to be too
personal. Just letting a teacher know that your family is going through a divorce or a favorite pet
recently died may put your child’s behavior in better perspective for the teacher.
Talk honestly with your child about the conference. Be supportive. If academic skills need to be sharpened,
set aside time to do so. Remember that learning specific skills doesn’t happen overnight. Praise any progress and minimize criticism when working with your child at home. If you end up in a struggle every time
you try to work with your child, you need a new approach .
If behavior is the problem, ask your child what he/she thinks is happening. Children can be very insightful,
especially if the query is put in a low-key way. You can’t accompany your child to school everyday. However,
you can let your child know clearly what you expect. Sometimes a three-way conference – parent-teacherchild – may be helpful.
Fifth Graders Volunteer in the Autism Classrooms as “Best Buddies!”
The Autism and Fifth Grade teams are excited to announce the start of a “Best Buddies” program at the
Knoll. “Best Buddies” is a global volunteer movement dedicated to creating friendships and leadership opportunities for students and adults with disabilities. Every year “Best Buddies” positively impacts the lives of more
than 800,000 individuals impacted by a disability, and this year we can add the students of Strawberry Knoll
to that growing number.
Thirty-four of the Knoll’s Noble Knights have started volunteering thirty minutes of their week to working
with our students enrolled in the Autism Program. Fifth graders visit the Autism classrooms during recess and
instructional time to assist students in working on social skills and striving for academic success.
These thoughtful, caring, and persistent fifth graders are showing tremendous patience, compassion and energy in working with our students impacted by Autism. The Autism team would like the fifth grade Best Buddies
to know that their friendship and kindness are changing the lives of our students with Autism positively each
day. Thank you to the following:
Amelia O.
Gabriel M.
Jack S.
Jaida M.
Jason C.
Mason H.
Morgan B.
Corrinne T.
Luqman A.
Maria H.
Patricia R.
Sara C.
Tia C.
Aaliya M.
Angie Z.
Elissa C.
Jordan S.
Makala B.
Matt W.
Nuelle J.
Teddy
Amari R.
Gelber L.
Genesis H.
Jotrina V.
Mary J.
Roniel N.
Summayyah A.
Benita M.
Bennet M.
Jamila T.
Marvin K.
Mia A.
Samatrai P.
Keep up the service to others and hard work!
“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world” - Dr. Seuss.
Thanksgiving Well-Wishes
Thanksgiving is a special holiday for many different reasons. It is a time when I reflect not only on my individual blessings, but also upon my life- to see ALL things for which I am thankful. My reflection allows me to ponder my personal and professional life. They are indeed interwoven.
I want to thank the Strawberry Knoll staff, students, and you, our families for all you do daily to take care of
one another. I am the most fortunate principal to serve such a caring community. Your generosity and volunteerism to our children is appreciated. Your partnership with our school and productive working relationship
and friendship with me makes my job the best!
Please accept my sincerest of wishes for a happy Thanksgiving. Take time to reflect
upon your life and consider the blessings you have. If you plan to leave the metro area
for Thanksgiving, safe travels. If there’s a relationship that needs to be mended due
to a misunderstanding, take time this Thanksgiving to rebuild the broken fence. As
always, continue to create memories with your families and friends. Use the upcoming
holiday to rest, relax, and reconnect! E. Frank Kaplan, Proud Principal
CHARACTER COUNTS! in Gaithersburg
Your Involvement Makes a Difference
We invite you to join the effort to reinforce a solid moral foundation in Gaithersburg. To donate to our CHARACTER COUNTS! programs, to serve on our advisory committee and to learn more, visit
www.gaithersburgmd.gov/communityservices, call the City’s Community Services Division at 301-258-6395,
or e-mail [email protected].
The City of Gaithersburg is an official member of the National CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition.
For details on the national CHARACTER COUNTS! program visit www.charactercounts.org.
City of Gaithersburg
Mayor
Sidney A. Katz
City Council Members
Jud Ashman
Cathy C. Drzyzgula
Henry F. Marraffa, Jr.
Michael A. Sesma
Ryan Spiegel
City Manager
Tony Tomasello
Trustworthiness
• Be loyal • Don’t cheat or steal • Do the right thing
Respect
• Use good manners • Be tolerant • Be considerate
Responsibility
• Think before you act • Be accountable • Use selfcontrol
Fairness
• Play by the rules • Take turns • Share
Caring
• Be kind • Be compassionate • Help other people
Citizenship
• Help make your community better • Obey the law • Protect the environment
CHARACTER COUNTS!®
IN GAITHERSBURG SINCE 1996 l SSE
“Character is like a tree and reputation is it’s shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the
tree is the real thing.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Town Hall Meeting
Our first Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. in the gym. Join us as we recognize classes for the Red Knight, Fine Dining and
“AAMP” (Art, Music, P.E. and Media) awards. Student will
receive recognition for “Character Counts” awards. Finally,
our third, fourth and fifth grade teachers will acknowledge
students that demonstrate the academic success skill of
collaboration. We look forward to seeing our guests and
families next Monday.
Lost and Found Rack Grows
This past week’s weather reminds us about fall’s arrival. If
your child is missing a coat, jacket, gloves,
mittens, sweatshirts, etc., please check
our Lost and Found rack outside of the
Kare-A-Lot Office when you stop by for
your parent-teacher conference. All
items not claimed by Friday,
November 22, 2013 will be donated to charity.
EARLY DISMISSAL
DAYS
12:35 P.M.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Upcoming Events
November 11
9:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal Day
Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 12
12:35 p.m. Early Dismissal Day
Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 13
Silver Diner Restaurant Fundraiser
November 14
Hearing and Vision Screening—Kindergarten, and New to MCPS
November 20 10:00 – a.m.—11:30 a.m. Head Start Parent Meeting
7:00 p.m. PTA Fall Festival
November 27 12:35 p.m. Early Release Day for Students and Staff
November 28, 29
HOLIDAY – Thanksgiving
December 10
Makeup Picture Day
December 13
Makeup – Hearing and Vision Screening
December 24 – January 1 Winter Break
Congratulations to Academic Success Skill Recipients!
We look forward to honoring our first group of third, fourth, and fifth grade students for their academic success skill-collaboration, at next Monday’s Town Hall meeting. Our recognition of students selected by their
teachers takes the place of the Honor Roll. Our decision not to identify Honor Roll recipients is aligned with the
new standards based grading.
Academic success involves possessing attitudes and behaviors that enable students to reach their full potential in
academic settings. Each third, fourth and fifth grade homeroom will recognize two students that demonstrated collaboration during the first marking period.
I Collaborate
I listen without interrupting.
I tell people what I think I heard them say.
I ask other people what they think.
I work with others to accomplish a goal or task.
I know how to lead a group and be member of a group.
Collaboration is an academic success skill—Working effectively and respectfully to reach a group goal.
State of the Schools
Superintendent Joshua P. Starr will deliver his second State of the Schools address on Monday,
November 11, at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda. MCPS parents
and community members are invited to join Dr. Starr as he shares his vision for how we can prepare all students for success in their future. This free event will take place from 7:30–9:30 a.m. and will feature artwork
and performances by MCPS students. Visit the State of the Schools website at
www.mcpsstateoftheschools.org for more information and to register for the event.
El Superintendente Joshua P. Starr presentará su segundo discurso de Estado de las Escuelas el lunes, 11 de
noviembre en el Centro de Música en Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane en Bethesda. Padres de MCPS y
miembros de la comunidad están invitados a unirse al Dr. Starr mientras él comparte su visión de cómo podemos
preparar a todos los estudiantes para el éxito en su futuro. Este evento gratuito, se llevará a cabo de 7:309:30 a.m. y contará con obras de arte y actuaciones de los estudiantes de MCPS. Visite la página de internet del
Estado de las Escuelas en www.mcpsstateoftheschools.org para más información y para registrarse para el
evento.
Neighbor to Neighbor
Be a Part of the 2013-2014 Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign
MCPS would like your input on two very important topics—the MCPS operating budget and the
proposed changes to school start and end times, known as bell times. One way to participate is
through a Neighbor to Neighbor conversation. Neighbor to Neighbor provides you with all the
resources you need to host or participate in a self-guided small-group discussion on important
topics in MCPS. These discussions may be held at a PTA or other parent meeting, in a community
member’s home, or as part of a civic or community organization meeting. The Neighbor to Neighbor website includes an online toolkit that serves as a step-by-step guide and includes videos and
handouts that provide an overview of each of the topics. You can choose to host or participate in
a discussion on one of the topics, or if you want, both topics. The toolkits can be accessed at:
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org, search “Neighbor to Neighbor.”
Sea parte de la Campaña Neighbor to Neighbor 2013-2014
A MCPS le gustaría obtener su opinión sobre dos temas muy importantes-el presupuesto
operativo de MCPS y los cambios propuestos al horario de entrada y salida de la jornada escolar,
conocido como Horario de Timbres. Una forma de participar es a través de una conversación
Neighbor to Neighbor. Neighbor to Neighbor le proporciona todos los recursos que necesita para
organizar o participar en una discusión auto-guiada, en pequeños grupos, sobre temas importantes
de MCPS. Estas discusiones pueden ocurrir durante la reunión del PTA, cualquier otra reunión de
padres, en la casa de un miembro de la comunidad, o como parte de una reunión de organización
cívica o de la comunidad. La página de internet de Neighbor to Neighbor incluye un conjunto de
herramientas en línea que sirven como guía paso a paso e incluye vídeos y documentos que
proporcionan una visión general de cada uno de los temas. Usted puede optar por organizar o
participar en un debate sobre uno de los temas, o si quiere, ambos temas. Las herramientas se
pueden encontrar en: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/neighbor-to-neighbor/
Flu Clinics
Sign Up for the 2013 School-Based Flu Vaccine Clinics
Flu season is upon us. There are simple steps you and your child can take to stay healthy and help prevent the
flu. That includes getting a yearly flu vaccine. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will conduct free nasal spray flu vaccine clinics (FluMist) in November for children 18 and under
at many MCPS schools. All MCPS elementary schools will host a flu clinic on either Monday, November 11 or
Tuesday, November 12, following early dismissal of students on those days. All clinics are free, but registration
is required due to limited vaccine supplies. For more information, visit the DHHS website at
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/resident/flu.html or call 311.
Regístrese para las clínicas de la vacuna contra la gripe del 2013
La temporada de gripe ya está aquí. Hay medidas simples que usted y sus hijos pueden tomar para mantenerse
saludable y ayudar a prevenir la gripe. Esto incluye recibir la vacuna anual contra la gripe. El Departamento de
Salud y Servicios Humanos del Condado de Montgomery (DHHS) llevará a cabo clínicas gratuitas de la vacuna en
aerosol contra la gripe (FluMist), en noviembre, para los niños hasta 18 años en muchas escuelas de MCPS. Todas
las escuelas elementales de MCPS ofrecerán una clínica contra la gripe el Lunes, 11 de noviembre o el martes, 12
de noviembre después de la salida de los estudiantes en esos días. Todas las clínicas son gratuitas, pero el
registro es necesario debido a los suministros de vacunas limitadas. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio
de internet de DHHS en www.montgomerycountymd.gov / residente / flu.html o llame al 311.
Bell Times
MCPS Community Forums on Bell Times
Superintendent Joshua Starr is recommending that MCPS consider changing school starting and ending times,
also known as bell times. Dr. Starr is recommending that high schools start 50 minutes later, middle schools
start 10 minutes earlier, and that the elementary school day be
extended by 30 minutes. MCPS would like to hear from you on this proposal. The district will provide various
opportunities for members of the community to provide input, including community forums, focus groups, surveys, Neighbor-to-Neighbor discussions, and email ([email protected]). Upcoming forums are as follows:
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Monday, December 16: Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville
Monday, January 6: Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown
Monday, February 10: Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd., East, Silver Spring
Free child care (ages 4 and older) and interpretation services will be provided. For more information about the
bell times proposal and ways you can provide input, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org, search “bell times.”
Foros Comunitarios de MCPS para Discutir Cambios en el Horario de Timbres
El Superintendente Joshua Starr está recomendando que MCPS considere cambiar el horario inicio y salida de la escuela, también
conocidos como Horario de Timbres. El Dr. Starr está recomendando que las escuelas secundarias comiencen 50 minutos más
tarde , las escuelas de enseñanza media comiencen 10 minutos antes , y que la jornada escolar de la escuela elemental se extienda
30 minutos. A MCPS le gustaría saber su opinión acerca de esta propuesta. El distrito proporcionará diversas oportunidades para
que los miembros de la comunidad proporcionen sus comentarios , incluidos los foros comunitarios, grupos de enfoque, encuestas,
discusiones de Neighbor to Neighbor y correo electrónico ([email protected]) . Los próximos foros están programados
para :
- Lunes, 16 de diciembre : Richard Montgomery High School, 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville
- Lunes, 06 de enero : Seneca Valley High School , 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown
- Lunes, 10 de febrero : Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd. , East , Silver Spring
Se ofrecerán servicios gratuitos de cuidado de niños (mayores de 4 años) e interpretación. Para obtener más información acerca de
propuesta de Horario de Timbres y maneras de proporcionar su opinión, visite www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org y busque
"Horarios de Timbres"