Forest Knolls Elementary School PTA

Wanted: PTA Treasurer

radams — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:00:52 +0000

Forest Knolls PTA will be in need of a Treasurer for the next school year.
If you are a detailed oriented person with some accounting experience, this could be your chance to make a lasting contribution to our school!
Your current FKES PTA Treasurer, Uli Nasshan, is happy to talk with anyone interested finding out about this position and getting to know more of the details over the next few months. This is an important position that is required for the PTA to exist and continue to help our students.

Estimated time commitment: 8 hours a month (closer to 12 hours / month in the first and third quarter of the school year)

Prepare and present monthly financial reports at all PTA Executive Board for review and approval
Provide summary of financial activities at General Membership meetings
Convene and chair FKES PTA Budget Committee
Prepare proposed budget in collaboration with President
Present the Proposed Budget to Executive Board and general PTA membership
Handle all PTA financial transactions in accordance with PTA guidelines and procedures
Ensure that bank signature cards have current authorized office holders
Secure two authorized signatures on all checks
Interface with anyone in PTA who handles money, assuring that PTA procedures are followed
Maintain all PTA financial records
Keep the Executive Board and PTA membership informed of expenditures versus budget
Forward payments (dues, insurance, assessments) to MD and MCC PTA
Responsible for tax filings (prepare taxes and provide support to accountant for annual taxes)
Work with PTA Auditor (annual)
Be familiar with and abide by current FKES PTA bylaws

Contact Bill McGrath (president@fkespta.org), John Acosta (vice.president@fkespta.org), Nate Conroy (recording.secretary@fkespta.org) or Uli Nasshan (treasurer@fkespta.org) to find out more!

FKES 2012 SILENT AUCTION ~ “ALL THAT JAZZ”

radams — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:51:17 +0000

FRIDAY, MARCH 16th, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

STAFF & FAMILY DONATIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 10th

The Silent Auction Committee is still collecting donations from FKES families and staff for this annual event and the PTA’s biggest fundraiser. The February 3rd donation submission deadline is being extended to February 10, 2012. Donation forms, as well as a handout of ideas for auction items, can be downloaded from the Silent Auction Committee page: http://fkespta.org/committees/silent-auction/.

To donate an item to the auction, or for more information on how you can help volunteer with the event, please contact Silent Auction Chair, Michelle Alonso, at auction.chair@fkespta.org. Staff donations should be directed to Joni Jacobs, Silent Auction Committee Staff Liaison, at jjacobs20901@gmail.com.

Until then, please SAVE THE DATE and plan to join us for an evening of music, food and drink as you browse and bid on a wide selection of products and services, all generously donated by local and greater Washington metro area businesses, as well as by Forest Knolls families and staff. Look for more auction information in the coming weeks!

Here’s a sneak peak at some of our donors:

American Visionary Arts Museum	Learn Now Music

Cartoon Cuts	Marrakesh Restaurant

Cheesecake Factory	Maryland Science Center

Color Me Mine	National Museum of Crime & Punishment

Fajita Coast	Olazzo Restaurant

Forest Knolls Pool	Reddemeade Equestrian Center

Go Ape! Treetop Adventure	River Riders

Gymboree Play & Music	Round House Theatre

Hyatt Summerfield Suites	Imagination Stage

*and many others….*

Michelle Alonso
Auction Chair

International Night

radams — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:05:41 +0000

On Friday, January 27, hundreds of FKES family members came out to celebrate the diverse cultural heritages of our families at International Night 2012. Families enjoyed good food from around the globe while students played an International Game Show, colored flags, and got their passports stamped by Cultural Ambassadors representing over a dozen countries.

Forest Knolls students entertained the crowd with Greek and Samba-Hip Hop dances while students in the Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools program performed a song and skit highlighting their bilingual skills. We closed out the evening with our annual Parade of Nations and a new slide show showcasing our diverse FKES families. Thanks to all the volunteers and families who helped make the event a success!

Carolyn Scalera and Mala Dutta

Co-chairs of the International Night Committee

International Night

radams — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:00:22 +0000

Come out on Fri., Jan. 27, for a great fiesta at the school. International Night starts at 6:30 p.m. We’ll have fun activities, music, food and entertainment. Check out the details here: http://fkespta.org/newsletter/2012/01/16/international-night-on-jan-27/

Mala Dutta and Carolyn Scalera

Co-chairs of the International Night Committee

Hospitality Committee Update

radams — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:00:42 +0000

This year, we have really stepped up our hospitality efforts at the PTA meetings and tried to get everyone talking — to each other at least! Icebreakers to get everyone thinking and our final post-it polls are a couple of the ways that we are trying to welcome folks to the PTA meetings, and to get voices heard.

We are also always looking for volunteers to bring a snack for all to share. Our efforts to inspire participation from all really inspired Rominna and John Deleon this fall to bring us this lovely spread. Join us next month to share your point of view and if you would care to bring a snack, please let us know.

Gretchen Vidergar
Hospitality Chair
hospitality@fkespta.org

Ways to Make Our School More Welcoming

radams — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:00:28 +0000

At the January 3 PTA meeting, information was shared on the Welcoming Community Walk Through and Focus Groups. (More information on the Welcoming Community Walk Through is here – http://fkespta.org/newsletter/2011/11/16/focus-groups-for-african-american-and-hispanic-families/).

Parents worked in groups of 3-4 on ideas to answer the questions:

1. What can we do to make Forest Knolls a more welcoming environment for all families?

2. What will you do to help?

Each group was asked to come up with at least one idea that Forest Knolls parents and staff can complete before May 1. Several parents volunteered to help with many of these but we need more help to make these happen! Email the PTA volunteer coordinator Renee Hutchins on how you can help: volunteers@fkespta.org

Parent ideas:

“Front lobby – design/add flags or other symbols of the cultures represented in the student body and post explanation”
“Parent portal, PTA kiosk or display in the lobby at the entrance”
“Parent Information Center binder or bulletin board where parents can obtain the latest info related to activities in the school”
“Send out info to parents via flier and/or at Back to School Night about the Forest Knolls elementary school listserv”
“Increase bilingual signage for directions to office”
“Provide a map in the front lobby”
“Poll stakeholders such as students, parents and staff on Halloween using an affinity diagram”
“Maybe a weekly or monthly event list or e-mail out copy of Forest Knolls Knotes or share on PTA website and list-serve”
“Please be careful emphasizing at school advertising many parents of bus kids don’t come to the school regularly”
“Creating a school discussion board where staff and parents can join but only certain people can post announcements so it is monitoring what’s posted”
“Pairing veteran parents to new Forest Knolls elementary school parents”
“Volunteer veterans can be available to answer questions or help new parents school event communication”
“Rebecca (communication coordinator) could be a liaison between school and listen also someone could put all school events on school e-mail list instead of listserv PTA calendar”
“PTA calendar needs centralized advanced notice”
“Office staff could acknowledge people who come into the office with a hello or wave if on phone”

En la reunión de la asociación de padres (PTA) del 3 de enero, información fue compartida sobre una evaluación que se llevo a cabo sobre el ambiente acogedor de la escuela Forest Knolls. La evaluación se compuso de un paseo por la escuela, “Welcoming Community Walk Through”, y unas reuniones de padres, Grupos de Enfoque. Los padres trabajaron en grupos de 3-4 para responder estas preguntas:

1. ¿Qué podemos hacer para que Forest Knolls presente un ambiente más acogedor para todas las familias?

2. ¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudar?

Cada grupo ofreció por lo menos una idea que padres y el personal de Forest Knolls puedan completar antes del 1 de mayo. ¡Varios padres se ofrecieron para ayudar con muchas de estas ideas, pero necesitamos más ayuda para que esto suceda! Por favor enviarle un correo electrónico a la coordinadora de voluntarios del PTA, Renee Hutchins, sobre cómo usted puede ayudar: volunteers@fkespta.org

Ideas ofrecida:

“A la entrada de la escuela – diseñar/añadir banderas u otros símbolos de las diferentes culturas representadas en el alumnado y proveer explicaciones”
“Un quiosco o exhibición del PTA en el vestíbulo de la entrada” – · “Una carpeta o tablón con anuncios relacionado con las actividades de la escuela”
“Enviarle información sobre el servidor de listas de correo automático de Forest Knolls a padres a través de volantes y/o en el “Back to School Night”
“Aumentar la señalización bilingüe de como llegar a la oficina de la escuela”
“Proporcionar un mapa de la escuela en el vestíbulo principal”
“Hacer una encuesta de los estudiantes, padres y personal de la escuela sobre el día de Halloween”
“Tal vez enviar una lista de eventos semanal o mensual, o por correo electrónico enviar una copia del “Forest Knolls Knotes” o compartir en el sitio web del PTA y en el servidor de listas de correo automático”
“Por favor, tenga cuidado de enfatizar publicidad de eventos solamente en la escuela la que muchos de los padres de niños que usan los autobuses no llegan a la escuela con regularidad”
“La creación de un panel de discusión donde el personal y los padres pueden unirse, pero sólo ciertas personas pueden publicar anuncios para controlar lo que se publica”
“El emparejamiento de padres veteranos de Forest Knolls con padres nuevos”
“Voluntarios veteranos pueden estar disponibles para contestar preguntas y ayudar a nuevos padres”
“Rebeca (coordinadora de comunicación) puede ser un enlace entre la escuela y el servidor de listas de correo automático de la escuela. También alguien podría poner todos los eventos escolares en una lista de correo electrónico en lugar del servidor de listas de correo automático o el calendario del PTA”
“El calendario del PTA necesita comunicación previa centralizada”
“Personal de la Oficina podría reconocer a las personas que entran en la oficina con un saludo o una onda, si están en el teléfono”

Forest Knolls ES Welcoming Environment Summary

Bill McGrath

PTA President

International Night on Jan. 27

radams — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:00:14 +0000

International Night is an annual event celebrated at Forest Knolls Elementary School and this year is no exception. Please mark your calendars for Friday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m. for an evening filled with cultural entertainment and food from around the world to sample.

We will start off the evening with a welcome from the PTA president at the door, who will be handing out PASSPORTS for each family/child. Participant families will then be whisked to a corner for their family picture in their favorite cultural attire. Guess what? This year we will use these family pictures for a projection show of “Around the World” later in the evening! Entry into the International Night arena (otherwise known as the Gym) requires a ticket: a dish to share.

Bringing a dish also enters you into a raffle that will be announced later in the evening. Dishes will be sorted according to continents in the gym on tables that will be decorated with unique items /memorabilia from around the world – again courtesy of our Forest Knolls families.

The evening will continue with music and food and drinks. While the grown-ups enjoy their exotic dinner experience, children will be entertained by two games that we are holding, both of which are joint efforts of our Forest Knolls parents. The first is a game show conducted by our very own Ms. Eileen Jackson who will challenge kids with her Around the World visual trivia. The second game is a scavenger hunt that entails finding a representative for each country who may be ANYWHERE in the crowd. A correct find and the kid gets not only a prize sticker but also finds an interesting fact about the foreign country. Get maximum stickers on your passport, show them at our booth and win another prize!

And we haven’t even gotten to the entertainment yet! Entertainment is planned in the All Purpose Room, where we have four short dance programmes from around the world. For giggles and fun, family pictures taken in the beginning of the evening will be projected on a large screen with cultural music to go along- who knows what may happen then! The evening concludes with prizes and a happy school crowd. This year’s International Night is an event NOT TO BE MISSED. Be there, and show off your zest for your country!

Mala Dutta and Carolyn Scalera

Co-chairs of the International Night Committee

international.night @ fkespta.org

Knotes Available Online

radams — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:03:57 +0000

Want to know what’s going on at school? The latest monthly newsletter, the Forest Knolls Knotes, is available online at the school website. Highlights include a picture of Mrs. Davis and Mr. Masline getting slimed by students who met the school’s Book Fair challenge of reading more than 150,000 minutes.

Check it out here:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/forestknollses/newsletter/

Rebecca Adams

Communications Chair

Science Fair Meetings on Jan. 9 and Jan. 11

radams — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:40:18 +0000

The 2012 FKES Science Fair is officially underway. There will be informational meetings for kids and parents on on Mon., Jan. 9 and Wed., Jan. 11 from 7-8 p.m. in the Media Center. (If you were at the PTA meeting, you heard different dates, but the correct days are next Monday and Wednesday). If your child is in grades 3-5 and might be interested, please try to attend one of these sessions for more information. Applications will be handed out there. The 2012 Science Fair Handbook is posted on the PTA website under the Volunteer Committees tab and application forms will be posted soon as well.

The Fair, which showcases the student’s presentations/poster displays, is part of our annual ”Family Science Night” which includes hands-on demonstrations by local scientists as well as a Mad Science Show. We encourage all families to come out and see the amazing projects our kids always come up with. The Fair will take place in the FKES gym on Friday, April 13.

We can use a few parent volunteers to help with setup and cleanup. Any science-oriented parents who might want to man a demonstration table or help with judging (if your child is not participating) are encouraged to contact the committee chair, John Lill, at science.fair@fkespta.org.

John Lill

Science Fair Coordinator

Come to the PTA Meeting on Tues., Jan. 3

radams — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:50:02 +0000

Please remember to come to the PTA meeting on Tues., Jan. 3, at 7 p.m.!

At the meeting in the Forest Knolls Elementary School media center, input from the focus groups for African American and Latino parents and the Welcoming Environment Walkthrough will be shared. These events were completed to help build on our school’s practices to include all families in community activities and student learning.

We also will talk about the 2012-13 budget and lots of upcoming events.

We look forward to seeing you there! Interpretation services will be provided.

The next PTA meeting after the one on Jan. 3 will be on Tues., Feb. 7, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the FKES Media Center.

www.fkespta.org updates:
Online DDC – Tired of paper forms? Donations can now be made using our secure online donation form at http://fkespta.org/direct-donation-campaign/

Text Alerts – The PTA is trying out text alerts for upcoming FKES events, reminders of days the school is closed, and PTA news. Send a text message “follow fkespta” to 40404. Standard text rates apply.

Principal and Assistant Principal Slimed

radams — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:56:11 +0000

We knew that Forest Knolls Elementary principal Mr. Don Masline and assistant principal Mrs. Toi Davis are willing to get their hands dirty to help students learn, but they recently took it to a new level. The principal and assistant principal told Forest Knolls students that if they read at least 150,000 minutes in a week and a half, they would agree to be slimed. That was just the motivation the kids needed. They easily surpassed that goal, reading 220,000 in the time period leading up to the school Book Fair.

Check out the priceless video evidence:

Video of School Officials Getting Slimed

Next Year’s Proposed School Budget

radams — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:33 +0000

Superintendent Joshua P. Starr released his proposal for next year’s budget last week. The $2.13 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, which starts on July 1, includes a 2 percent increase ($41.4 million) over the current budget. School officials said this is the smallest requested increase in the past 12 years.

The county executive will act on the recommendation in March.

Check out this website to see a video of Dr. Starr announcing his proposal for next year’s budget:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/budget

The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations had the following reaction:

Kristin Trible, President of the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (MCCPTA), reacted today to the proposed FY 2013 Operating Budget announced by Superintendent Joshua P. Starr: “Recognizing the continued fiscal constraints under which we are operating, Dr. Starr’s proposed budget is good for students, employees, and schools, and good for Montgomery County. The proposed budget protects the classroom from further cuts with no reductions to school-based staff.

Our parents appreciate the Superintendent’s focus on optimizing resources for community engagement, meaningful intervention for underachieving students, and professional development. As the demographics in our county continue to change, these priorities are all the more important.

This budget also contains $8.1 million in efficiencies and reductions, on top of the $430 million in reductions made since FY 2009. During this same period of time, student enrollment has increased dramatically, and the percentages of students living at, or near poverty and needing language services have surged to unprecedented levels in our county. The combination of cuts and heightened needs is not sustainable.

Our concern remains that, despite these many challenges, this budget holds the local per pupil funding level at the reduced level set by the Council earlier this year. We hope, next year, to move beyond this low watermark and see effective supports for our students fully funded.

The ultimate goal for our county is to eliminate the predictability of student outcomes by race, ethnicity or socioeconomic factors, and to provide a challenging, 21st century education to each and every child. We appreciate the Superintendent’s measured consideration of existing resources to achieve these goals. As such, MCCPTA supports this budget, and urges the County Executive and County Council to actively embrace and fully fund this budget.”

Jean Schlesinger

MCCPTA Operating Budget Chair
jeanschlesinger@verizon.net

Kristin Trible
MCCPTA President
president@mccpta.com
301-346-3463

SAVE THE DATE: International Night on Jan. 27, 2012

radams — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:00:14 +0000

Please mark your calendars for the International Night event, which is on Jan. 27, 2012, at Forest Knolls. Thanks a lot.
Mala Dutta & Carolyn Scalera

Co-chairs of the International Night Committee

Landscaping Activity Set for Dec. 10

radams — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:00:43 +0000

Forest Knolls will have one last “Second Saturday” landscaping morning before winter sets in, on Saturday, December 10, from 9 am – Noon. (Rain or snow will cancel.) We will focus on raking and preparing our plantings for winter. Please let Clare Nielsen Neal (clarenielsen@gmail.com) know if you are coming or if there are other ways you’d like to get involved. More help is always needed!

More than 30 folks came out to help with our latest planting of native trees and shrubs, held Nov. 11 and 12. A group of very enthusiastic kids from Kids After Hours were among the helpers, along with parents and kids across all grade levels. Thanks to all of you who came out to support our school’s ongoing efforts to involve kids in nature and help wildlife!

This group of 15 new plantings included summersweet and Virginia sweetspire shrubs, along with American holly and shadblow trees, and brought our school’s total of new trees and shrubs planted to nearly 80 over the past three years.

The Conservation Landscaping Committee will now move into maintenance and education mode, focusing on encouraging more use of our nature trail. We will be creating a seasonal guide and map for teachers and trail visitors that highlights trail features. Keep an eye out for these new resources.

Clare Nielsen Neal

Conservation Landscaping Committee

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT

radams — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:00:43 +0000

KIDS AFTER HOURS

and the FKES PTA

Family Fun Committee

present

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT

Friday, December 9^th

7:00pm- 9:45pm

K – 5^th grade

Parents, have a night to yourselves while your child/ren have a blast with our volunteers and the experienced staff of KAH! They will enjoy the moon- bounce, gym games, video games, face painting, prizes, popcorn and a movie. You will enjoy an evening without the kids.

$12 with pre-registration / $15 at the door (per child)

All proceeds will go to the Forest Knolls Giving Tree Fund

Donations of new toys will also be accepted.

Fifth Grade Promotion Committee Meeting

radams — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:03 +0000

Fifth grade parents, please consider attending the next meeting of the 5th Grade Promotion Committee

Thursday, December 8, 2011, 7:30pm

10703 Ordway Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901

All 5^th grade parents are encouraged to come to help plan Promotion activities, including:

Review Meeting Minutes and Action items from previous meetings
A service project
Baked Goods Fundraiser
Review Budget
New ideas for the promotion ceremony
Come and contribute your ideas, suggestions, and help!

Jillian Newby

Alison Petersen

Co-Chairs, Fifth Grade Promotion Committee

PTA Meeting Dec. 6

radams — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:00:07 +0000

Please join us for the PTA meeting on Tues., Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the school media center. We’ll be talking about how to help our kids succeed with homework. Guest speakers from kindergarten, first grade and the ESOL program will talk about how parents can help motivate their kids with effective homework strategies.

The next PTA meeting is Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the FKES Media Center.

Here are some upcoming events:
Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser – 12289 Tech Rd, Silver Spring (12/8)
Family Fun Night – Kids Night Out for Charity by KAH (12/9)
Conservation Landscaping “Second Saturdays” (12/10)
International Night (1/27)

www.fkespta.org updates:
Online DDC – Tired of paper forms? Donations can now be made using our secure online donation form at http://fkespta.org/direct-donation-campaign/

Thanks!

Rebecca Adams

Communications Chair

Foreign Languages in the Elementary Schools

radams — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:54:28 +0000

Introductory Spanish (Thursdays from 7:55am to 8:40am) has room for 2-4 more students. If your kindergartener or first grader is interested in joining the class for the second story of the year, Jan. 19 (barring any weather delays) would be the day to begin. Registration will open on Dec. 5, but there will be very limited spaces.

The two stories each year are different, and pretty independent of one another, so joining for the second story is not a problem for learning. The cost would be half of that for the full year, so $130. If the weather is perfect all year on Thursdays (knock on wood), the class will end on March 22nd.

The FLES office is also able to offer a Beginning Spanish, Part B. This is for 2nd to 5th graders. It would be on Thursday mornings, from 7:40am to 8:40am. It will have 12 sessions and cost $130.Open house for the Intermediate/Advanced FLES Spanish will be on Dec. 20th, barring any weather issues.The Chinese class I have been working on all year will be an after-school activity in the spring session, tentatively on Thursdays. It will not be an official FLES class, but offered through a private teacher. Thanks for tolerating my mistakes as I figure out the after-school system.

Kirsten Frank

FLES Coordinator
kirstenfrank25@yahoo.com

Chick-fil-A Fundraiser on Dec. 8

radams — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:11:07 +0000

Stop by the Chick-fil-A fundraiser from 5- 8 pm on Dec. 8 to support fifth grade activities. The Chick-fil-A on Tech Road will donate 20% of sales from people who present a Forest Knolls flyer that night. So please click on the link below, print out the attached flyer and bring it with you so that your meal will count!

The fundraiser is at the Chick-fil-A on Tech Road at 12289 Tech Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904.

Forest Knolls Flyer for Chick-Fil-A

Michelle Armstrong

Upcoming Curriculum 2.0 Meetings

radams — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:56:24 +0000

Curriculum 2.0 has been developed to create a more exciting learning experience for our students in Grades K-5. Built upon the existing Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) curriculum, Curriculum 2.0 blends reading/language arts and mathematics instruction with lessons in science, social studies, music, art, and physical education in a way that spurs creativity and critical thinking skills. Come learn about the new curriculum at one of the following sessions:

Thursday, December 1—7:00-8:30pm

Sligo Creek ES, 500 Schuyler Rd., Silver Spring 20910

Thursday, December 15—7:00-8:30pm

Roscoe R. Nix ES, 1100 Corliss St., Silver Spring 20903

More information is here: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/parentacademy/

To register, call (301) 279-3100.