April 25, 2015
18820 Strawberry Knoll Road
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879
E. Frank Kaplan, Principal
Elise Burgess, Principal Intern
School Number: 301-840-7112 , Fax Number: 301-840-7114
Web Site Address—http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/
strawberryknolles/
Strawberry Knoll
News
STRAWBERRY KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Strawberry Knoll Salutes Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. On!
“Thank you,” is among the first
phrases we teach our children, and an
important phrase we use into our
adulthood. It is with utmost gratitude
and pride that we recognize our Mrs.
Anderson, administrative assistant,
and Mrs. On, attendance secretary and
feature their interesting biographies
in today’s publication. Please join us as
we thank Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. On
for all they do!
Mrs. Anderson
Mrs. Anderson was born in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in Severna Park, Maryland. Mrs. Anderson’s wonderful husband, Bill, works for the Library of Congress. James, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson’s oldest, is
28 years old. He and his wife, Amanda, became parents of a baby boy, Griffon, Mr. and
Mrs. Anderson’s first grandchild, this past November. Although Griffon and his family
reside in Delaware where James teaches mathematics and Amanda is a mental-health
therapist, Mrs. Anderson engages in “Facetime,” with Griffon. The Andersons have two
daughters. Kari is 25 years old and a the third grade team leader at Greencastle Elementary School, here in Montgomery County. Jenna is 20 years old and a junior at the
University of Tennessee. Jenna is a mass communications major. Mrs. Anderson loves
spending time with her family. She also enjoys her first passion, riding horses, especially on scenic trails. Finally, Mrs. Anderson likes to read, bike, and hike.
Mrs. Anderson received her BA in Music from the University of Maryland at College
Park and then worked as a music store manager before starting a family. Mrs. Anderson
has been employed by MCPS as an administrative assistant for 27 years, 21 of which
have been at Strawberry Knoll. Mrs. Anderson has “trained” three principals, with our
Mr. Kaplan being the most memorable!
Needless to say, Mrs. Anderson’s job as administrative assistant requires numerous responsibilities. She works closely with Mr. Kaplan and Mrs. Burgess. Mrs. Anderson ensures the school runs smoothly. She communicates with the many offices in MCPS and
always makes time to keep staff, students and families informed.
Mrs. Anderson states, “I love working with the children and their parents in this community. We have such a great staff at the Knoll. We are a family!”
Mrs. On
Mrs. On was born in Hong Kong and moved to Silver Spring, Maryland with her parents
and siblings when she was nine years old. Mrs. On attended Harmony Hills Elementary
School, Parkland Junior High School, Robert E. Perry High School, and subsequently,
Wheaton High School.
Mrs. On has four children. Anthony is 18 years old and a freshman at George Mason
University. Brandon, a 17 year old junior and his sister, a Caitlin, 15 year freshman,
both attend Wheaton High School. Finally, Dana is 13 years old and attends Parkland
Middle School. Mrs. On’s children and their dog, “Charlie,” keep her busy and the family
van running!
Prior to assuming the attendance secretary’s position at the Knoll, Mrs. On was the attendance secretary at Oakland Terrace Elementary School. Mrs. On finds our school to
be a perfect fit. She loves the staff members’ generosity and caring spirit. Mrs. On
comments, “This school is the most fun. Everyone works hard and has a sense of
humor!”
April 22, 2015
Nick Matesa
Strawberry Knoll Elementary School
18820 Strawberry Knoll Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Dear Nick Matesa:
On behalf of the American Heart Association and the millions of Americans we serve, thank
you very much for your school's donation of *$9,300.95. Families and schools are critical links
in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country. By holding this event at
your school each year, you raise awareness about heart-healthy living. And you help us fund
more lifesaving scientific research and critically needed education efforts. Thank you.
Almost every family in America is touched by heart disease or stroke, and your school's contribution will significantly impact our fight against these devastating illnesses.
We hope that you, your faculty and your students found this lifesaving effort rewarding and
enjoyable. You are touching so many lives — and life is why we exist as an organization. Your
help and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to partnering again with you
next year!
Please take a minute to complete our survey and give us your input.
http://heart.org/schoolsurvey
Warm regards,
Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association
Recorder Concert-An Annual Tradition
Music filled our school’s gymnasium during Wednesday’s “Recorder Concert.” The entire staff, students, and
proud family members may have thought they were at Strathmore Hall for this, our music teacher, Mrs. Kahan’s fourth annual recorder concert. Just as we first learn how to read, and then read in order to learn, our
third grade students first learned to read music at the beginning of this school year! Then with their ability
to read notes, Mrs. Kahan presented our third grade students with songs they practiced the beginning of this
second semester in preparation for the recorder concert.
Our fourth grade performers, used the recorder playing skills they learned in third grade to expand their
skills during this school year’s second marking period. As some of you may remember, our fourth grade students played their recorders at our December “All-School Sing Along,”
and certainly demonstrated advanced playing ability at Wednesday’s concert.
Mrs. Kahan’s favorite song from this year’s concert is, “Morning.” Mrs.
Kahan appreciates the song because it is a challenging round for students to play. Mrs. Kahan shares, “The students become independent in
their playing and meet the challenge of playing different parts.” Clearly,
the harmonies students played were quite beautiful!
As one of Strawberry Knoll’s first teachers when the school opened in
1988, Mrs. Kahan provides advice.
“Keep music in our children’s lives! The possibilities are endless. Sing,
play and instrument, create music listen and dance to music!”
“SKES, You are Shining Stars!”
Our Noble Knights shined during Friday evening’s P.T.A. sponsored Talent Show. We are quite pleased to recognize our performers as follows: Emily C., Brianna C., Ashley M. Jadrienne N., Julia R., Maria W., Anais P., Brianna M., Madison H., Aiden R., Zlata T., Queenlyn T., Niharika W., Cece P., Julia r., Charlotte B., Kathy A., Ap;ril
T., Rose g., Natalie P., Hasaan N., Omar N., Julianna D., Deveen G., Natalie M., Blair W., Nicole G., Adrielle M.,
Carlina Z., Emerson M., Sara B., Gabriela B., Amiyah W., Sophia W., Wesley S., Amelia P., Tseday S., Rylie E.,
Melissa H., Aniyla L, Josselin G., Maia C., Sanyia C., Isabella V., Hailey R., Mason B., Jakhi J., Hajbari T., Malachi
M., Prinzez Z., Sofia M., Haley M., Mariah L., Barniel B., Isabella J., Andrew F., Tyrell J., Natalie W., Samantha
H., Cassie W., Claudia R., Isabel N., Yulia M., Laniyah G., Alana P., Layla P., Leul S., Ghaiya M., Kika L., Griffin M.,
Giomar G., Nicole G., Brianna J.
Are You Up to the Fifth Grade Challenge?
Our very own Kikachukwu A. Ifeanyi-Agboifo and Pedro A. Pinto,
fifth grade students joined other fifth grade students last Monday in a wonderful round of Are You Up to the Fifth Grade Challenge? Sponsored by the MCPS Educational Foundation, Kikachukwu and Pedro, along with selected fifth grade students from
other MCPS elementary schools tested local celebrity contestants. Proceeds from the last Monday’s event at the AFI Silver
Theatre and Cultural Center will support the mission of the MCPS
Educational Foundation- to provide grants, programs, and scholarships that improve educational opportunities for MCPS students.
Field Days— May 18 – 22, 2015 - MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Monday, May 18, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day – Grade 1
12:45 p.m.—2:45 p.m.—Field Day—K
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day – Grade 2
1:30 pm. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day- Grade 2
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Field day for Autism, Head Start and PEP
Thursday, May 21, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day – Grade 3
1:30 pm. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day- Grade 3
Friday, May 22, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day – Grades 4 and 5
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day- Grades 4 and 5
Congratulations, Yacine Bai!
We congratulate Yacine Bai, a graduating senior from Gaithersburg High School, and this year’s recipient of the P.T.A.
$500 scholarship. Yacine plans to attend Loyola University where she will major in biology.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
5/7
5/8
5/15
5/18
5/19
5/20
5/21
5/22
5/25
5/26
5/27
5/28
5/29
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten Orientation—No School for Kindergarten Students
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Kindergarten Orientation—No School for Kindergarten Students
SKES Patrol Picnic
Welcome Back Mrs. Kitts!
Mad Science Workshop for 4th Grade
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day Grade 1
12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day Kindergarten
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day Grade 2
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day Grade 2
Field Day – Autism, Head Start, and PEP
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. First Grade Show (K and 2nd grade invited)
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day – Grade 3
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day- Grade 3
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Field Day – Grades 4 and 5
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. - Field Day- Grades 4 and 5
Memorial Day – HOLIDAY
Field Day – Rain date – Grade 2
Field Day – Rain date – Autism, HS and PEP
Field Day Rain date – grade 3
5th Grade to Bowl America
9:30 – 2nd Grade Performance
Field Day Rain date – Grades 4 and 5
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PTA End-of-Year Dance
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 29, 2015.
Our Child(ren) _______________________________ Present Grade ___
_______________________________ ___________Present Grade ___
New Address ____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
New School ______________________________________
_______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Approximate Date of Move __________________________