May 9, 2014
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/
Strawberry Knoll News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SKES Celebrates Its Silver Anniversary
By Jaylene Perez
Gaithersburg High School, Journalist Intern
This year has been a very special year for Strawberry Knoll Elementary
School. The school celebrated its silver anniversary, and on Thursday,
April 24, 2014, the school held a ceremony that reflected on “The
Knoll’s” last 25 years.
Everyone who was a part of the Strawberry Knoll family, including current students, alumni, teachers, and parents, were all invited to the
event. Most sported something red in order to show their school pride.
The school invited past principals and students to talk about what
Strawberry Knoll meant to them. Speakers shared their fondest memories from the school. There was also a slideshow titled “Through the
Years,” playing during the ceremony that showed pictures from the
school’s earliest days to its present day.
Through all of the pictures and stories that were shared throughout
the night, it was easy to see how much SKES has invested in their
school and in their students. “We, staff, students, their families, and
others who come to our school, accomplish more when our energy is focused on teaching and learning because of our nurturing school climate,”
said Principal Kaplan. “There is a genuine sense of family,” he added.
Mr. Kaplan began working with the school as an assistant principal in
1996 and remained there until 1998. Later in early 2000 he returned as
interim principal, and was eventually appointed as principal in June of
2000. “I inherited a great school,” said Mr. Kaplan.
During Mr. Kaplan’s time at SKES, he was able to enhance the welcoming
and inclusive atmosphere that thrives within the school. Mr. Kaplan
started the Strawberry Knoll Town Hall meetings that invited parents
and teachers to celebrate the achievements of the students. He also
made sure the hallways of the school were filled with student writing.
“Our students take pride in reading other students’ writing that can also include math word problems and information pertaining to social
studies and science,” said Mr. Kaplan.
The alumni who spoke at the ceremony made sure to express their appreciation for the caring, educational atmosphere of their elementary school. Former teachers and principals also spoke during the
ceremony and told stories of some of their fondest memories that SKES had provided them. It was
clear that the school had influenced many who had entered through its doors.
Current students were also able to show their school spirit by participating in the fashion show that
was held that night. The show showcased the “Knight”-wear that the school provided. Parents, teachers, and students all participated.
As a final way to commemorate the school’s silver anniversary the whole audience sang the “Happy
Birthday Song” and a birthday balloon was released. The PTA also presented a painting all the students
had helped create as a gift for the school. It was a tree that had dots for leaves, and each dot was
painted by current students.
Many great memories were shared during the ceremony, and it was clear that the spirit and value of
teaching has never wavered since the school’s beginning. The school’s environment was what fostered
success for many students and those alumni that returned for the silver anniversary celebration. “My
sincere hope is that Strawberry Knoll maintains its sense of wonder for the children,” said Mr. Kaplan.
SKES Celebrates Its Silver
Anniversary
Welcome to the Class of 2020
What does one do with over 60 soon-to-be-Kindergarten students and their families? We answered
that question during this past week’s Kindergarten Orientation. How exciting it was for us to hear
future Noble Knights exclaim, “This is my school!” We anticipate additional Kindergarten registrants
throughout the summer.
Homework Helps
We have reached the mid-point of the final quarter. This is the time of year our students truly
demonstrate their application of skills taught and concepts learned. However, May is seemingly the
month when some of our students spend less effort on homework. Homework provides needed practice and application of skills and concepts taught in the classroom. By completing their homework,
students feel the true meaning of responsibility and accomplishment in reaching their goals. Please
consider these homework hints as follows:
Check with your child daily and see if homework has been assigned.
Provide a suitable place for your child to study without distractions.
Help your child maintain a specific time each day for completing homework.
Show an interest by discussing the homework assignment with your child.
Offer help when requested.
Encourage your child to study for a test over several days.
Praise your child for completed work.
Thank you for taking the time to help your child maintain good homework habits.
Thanks P.T.A. and Strawberry Knoll Families
This past week reminded us how fortunate we are as a staff to serve the Strawberry Knoll community. The many surprises placed in our mailboxes, banners signed by students, and delicious treats left
in the staff lounge clearly added to the spirit of staff appreciation week. Needless to say, we are a
community school. Heartfelt thanks!
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 30, 2014.
Our Child(ren) _______________________________ Present Grade ___
_______________________________ ___________Present Grade ___
New Address ____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
New School ______________________________________
_______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Approximate Date of Move __________________________
Staff and Students Provide School Breakfast Feedback
Our school was among 25 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) that were included in the
Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) program that began May 1, 2014. The MMFA is supported through funds from the federal School Breakfast Program and the Maryland State Department
of Education. As anticipated, our school’s participation in the MMFA has been a positive experience
for staff and students.
We recently surveyed our fourth grade students. Survey questions included the following: What
do you think about eating breakfast in your classroom each morning? Which breakfast item is your
favorite? How has eating breakfast at school made a difference in your learning? Common responses among our students’ became quite clear.
Students surveyed enjoy eating breakfast at school. They like socializing with their classmates
while having breakfast in their classrooms. Students who used to eat breakfast in the cafeteria
seem less rushed to finish breakfast in order to then report to their classrooms. As one student
commented, “It fills everyone up and helps us all have a happy day!”
Cinnamon buns and pancakes appear to be respondents’ favorite breakfast item. Our students
would, however, appreciate having syrup for their pancakes. Given what could become a “stickysituation” for teachers and students, we will refrain from providing syrup on those days pancakes
are served.
Finally, many of our students indicated they are coming to school on time. They know that if they
arrive after 8:50 a.m., they will not receive breakfast. When it comes to learning, the survey results are mixed ranging from, “Eating breakfast at school makes no difference in my learning,” to
“Having breakfast at school helps us to wake up and be ready for class and ready to learn!”
We also asked our grade level team leaders to answer two survey questions. They were the following: “What have you done to make the breakfast program work for your classroom?” and “How has
the breakfast program impacted student behavior/learning?”
Many of our team leaders and their grade level colleagues have asked student volunteers to assist
with the daily routines involved in providing breakfast. Fewer students are coming to school tardy.
Team leader responses also show mornings are calmer. Students are intent upon eating their breakfast by 9:00 a.m. and soon after, transitioning into learning-mode. “Overall, the breakfast program
is off to a great start!”
So, let us hear your thoughts about the “new” breakfast program at the Knoll. Your feedback is
important and will be shared with, our food services manager. Please email your feedback to Mrs.
Ford, our assistant principal by the end of this month.
Upcoming Dates
May 16
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 26
May 29
June 3
June 5
June 12
June 13
June 16
Patrol Picnic
3rd Grade Field Day
9:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. 5th Grade to Bowl America
9:30 a.m.—1:45 p.m. 2nd Grade to Smithsonian
2nd Grade Field Day
Pre-K, HS, Autism Field Day
6:30—8:00 p.m. Family Field Day
4th and 5th Field Day
1st Grade Field Day—a.m.
Kindergarten Field Day—p.m.
HOLIDAY—Memorial Day
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 2nd Grade Music Program
(Grades 1 and 3 Invited)
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Instrumental Music Assembly
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Instrumental Music Concert
7:00 p.m. PTA Meeting
2:00 p.m. Poetry Party – Second Grade - Classrooms
9:30 a.m. - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony
12:35 Early Dismissal Day –
Last Day of School for Students
Professional Day for Teachers
Ms. Edinam Kumazah Reflects and Provides Advice at SKES Silver Anniversary Celebration
Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, parents, staff, students, faculty and distinguished guests. My name
is Edinam Kumazah, a proud senior at Gaithersburg High School. Thank you, Mr. Kaplan, for inviting
me to be among you all during this extraordinary celebration. It is with great pleasure, pride and humility to say I am an alumnus of this great school we all love dearly, Strawberry Knoll Elementary
School.
For the sake of those who do not know me, I started here in this great school as a fourth grader
eight years ago. I walked through the doors of Strawberry Knoll just as any other child; shy, nervous, and anxious about the first day of school. I was greeted wit a bright smile and firm handshake
by our very own proud and enthusiastic principal, Mr. Kaplan. He guided me around the school, and
showed my classroom, where I met my teacher Ms. Thomas . “Have a voondaba day!” he would say
with great pride. Mr. Kaplan’s joy and love for the school brings a unique school spirit to the faculty
who works here, as well as the parents and students.
Strawberry Knoll is such a family oriented school. It has given me a strong foundation that has prepared me for the road ahead. Strawberry Knoll disciplined us to always, “Stop, think, and make the
right choice!” The events and festivities such as Back-to-School Picnic, International Night, Fitness
Night, Walk for the Homeless, Wax Museum, Literacy Night and many, many more not only allowed
students to bond while having fun, but also reminded us all about why we love this school.
Those who make up the Strawberry Knoll family come from different cities, towns, and even countries. I came from far away, a village called Akasti in Ghana, West Africa. I have powerful memories
from my child hood. “Daddy, when are we going to go with you?” At age five, I could not understand
why my father would always come and go for years. He wiped the tears off of my face, looked me in
the eyes one more time, and uttered, “I will be back to get you,” “I promise”. It would be like that
every time he came back to Ghana where I was living.
As I grew older I learned that the reason my dad would come and go, was to sacrifice his own education, work three jobs, save money, and plan in order to bring my mom, my two sisters, and me to
America. His tireless efforts continued after we came to the United States, I would see my dad go
sleepless every night. He would wake up as early as 4:00 a.m. and he would not return until around
2:00 a.m. the next day. Many nights I sat beside my window waiting to see dad come home before it
was time for me to go to bed. Sometimes we would sit outside of Rolling Terrace Elementary School
for hours while everyone else had gone, because Dad was running late to pick us up. At times, I wondered whether the idea of having one person carry so many responsibilities was normal; but I figured
that this individual that I admire was just doing his job as a father.
When I came to America, I spoke very little English. At school, the other students were more fluent
than me. Even though I was eager to participate in class discussions, the thought of doing so was difficult for me. I was teased and laughed at because of my thick foreign accent and because I could
barely construct a simple English sentence. I felt embarrassed to raise my hand or even participate
in class, although I knew many of the answers to the teacher’s questions.
I would sit silently in the back of the class and watch. I despised coming to school; and because I was
in the ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) program, I felt as though I was below the standards for my grade level. Students, do not let negative jokes steal your joy or your dream. Strive
hard, refuse to give in, and let your light shine. I would call my grandmother every day after school
and express to her how much I disliked going. Her advice was to stay positive and reach out to others. Just when I felt that I was finally blending in, my family moved. We welcomed new additions to
our family, and relocated our family, to a home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, This is where my journey
as a Noble Knight began.
While at SKES, I participated in various school activities such as Safety Patrol, Instrumental Music
Chorus, Art Club, and Student Government. My favorite memory was being a SKES safety patrol.
Not only did being a safety patrol teach me about responsibility, but it also taught me to be accountable for the safety of myself and fellow peers. I gained respect from my teacher and from other students because I carried myself as a roll model.
None of my early stages of education could be compared to high school. High school is nothing like
what we see in movies. However, it is a place to establish oneself and begin to frame ones future.
From the onset, I had a clique of friends who valued the same things as I did. Some say high school
changes a person but from my knowledge and experience, that phrase holds no meaning unless one
stays true to him or herself. I made it my goal to ensure that I walked across the stage at Constitutional Hall in June of 2014 as a mature adult. To do so, I took mainly honors classes and advanced
placement courses to challenge myself. Being the oldest of seven children pressured and challenged
me to set a good example for my younger ones to emulate.
My father always tells me to seize every opportunity given. For four years I have been a part of the
Services of Greater Washington’s program SNEAKERS, a group that enables girls who are navigating
the challenges of high school to thrive. When I was a freshman, I also joined the Leadership Academy, a series of sessions that teaches young girls about professional image, public speaking, networking, etiquette and being a community leader. It was a privilege to interview Ms. Soledad O’Brien from
CNN and to be amongst a group of teenagers who launched a campaign called “Talk With a teen Girl
Today” . Moderated by NBC4’s Ms. Pat Lawson Muse, we led a conversation that highlighted challenges and concerns faced by teens in Montgomery County.
Community service is something I have taken pride in since I was a seventh grader at Gaithersburg
Middle School. I have earned over 398 Student Service Learning hours just by the things I do to
help my community in my spare time. While most of my peers were vacationing during the summer, I
would go to the summer school program at GMS to volunteer as a student aide, helping students with
reading, writing, and math. There is no better feeling that knowing you have made an impact on
someone’s life, changing someone’s attitude for the better because of words of encouragement.
However, I’m not perfect. I have made some negative decisions growing up as a young teenage girl.
Some of these decisions affected not only me, but hurt my parents because they love me, and hurt
my teachers because they care for me. All I am saying is any moment you step out of the door, you
are seen as a mirror or as a reflection of your parents. In spite of my downfalls, my optimistic attitude and perseverance helped my hold my head up high.
You might also not be perfect in your decision-making, but never dwell on the negative if you ever
make a wrong decision. As I graduate from Gaithersburg High School on June 6, 2014, I am proud to
say that I will be attend West Virginia University majoring in Forensic Science.
Students, by a show of hands, how many of you have big dreams for the future? Now how do you
achieve those goals? Students, you must put in the extra work. Sometimes it would take turning off
the TV for a couple hours to finish that project, or sacrificing hanging out with your peers to study
for that math or science test, and staying up late most nights to study the material. Learn to take
responsibility for your actions, Guide yourself against how to treat the cause, but not the effect.
As children, we like to procrastinate and not see the urgency of time. I challenge you to seize every
opportunity given to you and make good use of your time. Most of us would say “I can’t do it”, “it’s
hard, I quit,” or “I don't’ know how to do it”. As Nelson Mandela said ,“It always seems impossible
until it’s done.” I am not saying that reaching your goals will be easy, but with a positive attitude and
confidence, you can do it.
Parents, we need your help. Encourage your children to have faith in their ability to learn. Develop a
partnership with your children’s teachers and school staff. Support your children academically. In
other words, find out how your children are doing in school. Request special services if you think your
children may need it. Make sure that your children complete their homework. Get involved in this
school by learning what Strawberry Knoll offers. Support your children’s learning at home by monitoring your children’s TV viewing, playing video games, and Internet use. Encourage your children to
read and to use the library. Talk with your children and encourage them to be responsible and to
work independently. Most importantly, demonstrate a positive attitude about education to you children. Remember, “It takes a village to raise a child!” So therefore, reach out and make the most of
what your community of educators has to offer here at Strawberry Knoll and within the Gaithersburg
cluster.