Diamond Gems hImer Page 1 of 14 Message from the PTA President

Diamond Gems
hImer
March, 2015
Volume 4, Issue 7
Upcoming Events:
Diamond Gems
Diamond Elementary School 4 Marquis Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20878
rd
March 3 – 7 p.m.
PTA Presentation of
Additional Design
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“Excellence Through Effort”
Message from the PTA President
th
March 6 – 7 p.m.
Family Fun Movie Night
th
March 27 – No School
Professional Day
Dear Diamond Families,
I am very happy to say that we’ve reached our fundraising goal! The Executive
Committee wants to say thank you to every Diamond Family. You are the best!
I am grateful to be your PTA President 2014/2015. I want to thank everyone for
the fundraising ideas that were presented; each and every idea was
considered by the committee.
I would like to say a special thank you to Kristina Wesselink, Stephanie
Theeler, and Shannon Phelan for diligently working to come up with ideas to
reach our goal to fund all budgeted items for this year! You Rock Ladies! I
would be remised if I didn’t acknowledge Valerie Holford, our After School
Activities Chair, for all you do I want to say thank you! You continually invest
extra time helping out the Executive Committee accomplish many ancillary
tasks.
Always remember, the PTA’s goal is to serve our Diamond families in
perfection with grace.
Upcoming Events:
March 3, (7pm) PTA Presentation of Addition Design
March 6, (7pm) Family Fun Movie Night
March 27, No School
Go Diamond Dolphins!
Darwin D. Johnson
President Diamond ES PTA 2014/15
Diamond Gems
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Diamond Elementary
Principal, Mr. Daniel Walder
Assistant Principal, Ms. Cathy Shinn
Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Dee Dee McCaffrey
Attendance Secretary, Mrs. Kim Irish
School Hours: 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
4 Marquis Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-840-7177
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/
School Colors
Blue and yellow
School Mascot
“Finn” the dolphin
Save the date!!!!
On May 1st, the PTA will host a Spring Fling Dance in
the APR
Spirit Wear Sale!!!!
We have too much inventory! The whole month of March, we will have a spirit wear $10
clearance bin. Everything will be $10! We will be selling at movie night! Can't make it to
movie night? Feel free to contact Liz Pilloff [email protected] to set up a time to look!
We have adult sizes, kid sizes, long sleeve, and short sleeves. Everything is $10!
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Let’s get to know Diamond’s Students & Staff !
March 2015 - We’re highlighting…
PTA
Diamond Elementary School
4 Marquis Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
PHONE:
(301) 840-7177
-
Absences: Please call
the office, 301-8407177, to report student
absences.
WEBSITE:
http://www.montgomerys
choolsmd.org/schools/dia
mondes/
“Mrs. Erin Turner”
What grade do you teach or what position do you have? 4th grade
Have you ever taught another grade? If so, what? No
Where were you born? Olney, Md
What was the name of your Elementary School? Clearspring Elementary School
When you were in elementary school, what was your favorite subject? Math
Where did you go to college? Towson
What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite sport to watch or to play? Softball
What was your favorite childhood book? Goosebumps
What is your favorite book? Divergent
What is your favorite hobby? Spending time with my son
Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind & what is the name? No
What is your favorite food? Pizza
What is your favorite board game? Monopoly
What is the name of your favorite restaurant? Outback
What is your favorite movie? Frozen
“Holly Brown”
What is your name? Holly Brown
What grade are you in? 2nd
Who is your teacher? Mrs. Gavalla
What is your favorite book? American Girl Doll - Isabelle
What is your favorite food? Pasta
Do you have a family pet? If so, what kind? No
Do you have any brothers or sisters at Diamond? If so, how many and what grades are
they in? Travis – 1st
How many people are in your family? 6
What is your favorite vacation location? Arizona
Where would you like to visit? Hawaii
What is your favorite color? Turquoise
What is your favorite subject in school? Reading
What is your favorite movie? Dolphin Tale 2
What is your favorite hobby? Cheerleading and swimming
Do you play sports? If so, what? Cheerleading and swimming
What is your favorite sports team? Arizona Cardinals
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what? No
Where do you want to go to college? BYU, - Hawaii
What do you want to be when you grow up? Ocean animal rescuer
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After School Programs at Diamond
Information about after school programs is on the PTA page of Diamond’s website at
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/pta/. Contact PTA After School Activities Chair Valerie Holford by
email at [email protected] and phone (301) 926-1298.
Programs starting soon:
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Girls on the Run. Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8 a.m. Physical activity based positive youth development
program for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Contact Paul Phelan by email at [email protected].
Break Dancing. Thursdays after school. www.thelabdc.com/, www.thelabdc.com/afterschool1.html,
(202) 882-5221.
Creative Kids Drama Program (acting out books). Wednesdays after school for K to 3rd grade.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-kids-at-diamond-elementary-k-3rd-tickets15423759881 or 301-879-9319.
Art with Creative Adventures. Tuesdays after school. http://artinyou.com/. Register with
[email protected]
Tiny Chefs. Mondays after school. www.tinychefs.com. Contact: [email protected] or 301-704-7461
to register.
Chess. Tuesdays, 8-9 a.m. New session begins April 14. http://www.chesscenter.net/. Print registration
form at http://www.shatranj.us/files/DiamondES.pdf. [email protected]. 301-963-9122.
Karate. Mondays after school starting late April after Tiny Chefs ends. www.kaizenkarateusa.com. For
more information or to register, call 301-938-2711 or email [email protected].
Basketball (Tuesdays) Soccer (Wednesdays) and Tennis (Fridays) with Montgomery Sports
Association (MSA). www.montgomerysports.org or 301-983-2227.
PARENTS NIGHT OFF!!!
PTA Fundraiser Gives Parents a Night Out
Spend a Friday night out while your kids get to play fun games with their friends at Diamond.
100% of the proceeds will go to the Diamond PTA.
Bar-T is generously donating the child care for the fundraiser. The event will be held in late
March at the school. $25 for the first child and $15 for siblings. PTA members get a $5 discount
per family.
Please email Valerie Holford of the PTA if you would like to be notified when registration
opens. ([email protected])
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Diamond Gems
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Diamond PTA Yahoo Group!
Get school and PTA information and news!
Join the Group by sending an e-mail message to:
[email protected]
All Parents are strongly encouraged to sign up! It’s FREE and easy and open to all Diamond
families and staff.
Be sure to include the following in your subscription e-mail:
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Your First and Last Name
The First and Last Name(s) of your student(s) and the name of their Teacher(s)
Your student’s grade level
This information is needed for the PTA to identify you as a Diamond parent or guardian in
order to grant your membership request. Group membership is also available for Diamond staff!
Elizabeth and John Voung
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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2014-2015
PTA
PTA MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM
Join the Diamond Elementary PTA TODAY Make a difference in each child’s tomorrow!
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is comprised of parents and teachers just like you, supporting
Diamond’s commitment to academic excellence for our children. We serve as advocates for the Diamond
community and provide activities and programs that enrich our children’s education.

Please complete one form per family or staff member and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher or
the PTA Mailbox. Attach your cash or check made payable to Diamond ES PTA.
Membership Amounts
Family (two adults)
Individual
Teacher/Staff
FUNDRAISER – Please contribute extra to support
our PTA Advocacy and Programs!
$30
$20
$10
$
Membership Information
Primary Member Last Name Primary Member First Name
Primary Member Email
Home Phone
Work Phone
Cell Phone
Secondary Member Last
Name
Secondary Member First Name
Secondary Member Email
Child's Last Name
Child's First Name
Teacher
1
2
3
Should you have any questions, please contact the Membership Chair:
Shannon Phelan, [email protected]
*This information is not what goes in the school directory*
Directory information comes from the MCPS database
CATCH THE WAVE! Join PTA today!
Grad
e
Diamond Gems
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PTA NEWS!!!
Membership Update
We can no longer take online memberships due to Just Between Friends shutting down. We have 320
members this year so far - if you haven't joined, it's not too late!!! Submit your form via your child's
backpack TODAY! Make your voice heard!
PTA Elections for 2015-2016
We will be electing our PTA Executive Board at the Meeting on May 5. If you are interested in joining a
committee or in being involved with the PTA next year, please contact Darwin
Johnson, [email protected]. You MUST be a member this year to vote at elections (for
President, VPs, Treasurer and Secretary), and all nominations are due by April 14 at the PTA Budget
meeting. There are so many wonderful committees that need help next year - please consider getting
involved!
Coming to Diamond!
A NEW PLAYGROUND!
A few months ago our PTA VP of Community, Stephanie Theeler, noticed that our
playground was in poor condition. The Diamond PTA decided to advocate for new
playground equipment by raising money and applying for grants. Imagine our surprise
when Mr. Walder told us that MCPS could come assess our current playground, and if
warranted, give us new equipment! Well, we are pleased to announce that in the
coming months we will have more than 80% of the old playground (mostly the metal
pieces) replaced by MCPS at NO COST to us! Our amazing Principal, Mr. Walder, and
our daring VP of Community, Stephanie Theeler, are to thank for making this happen!
Diamond Gems
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The Diamond Elementary School’s
Student Government Association
Presents
Spirit Fridays
Take the stress out of getting dressed! Just wear the following:
March 6
March 13
Diamond Wear Day
Diamond Wear Day
March 20
March 27
Diamond Wear Day
Crazy Hair Day
Staff Appreciation Committee
PTA Staff Appreciation Committee would like to express our thanks to the families that donated to the February
19th staff breakfast. Assorted muffins and juices were provided in the staff lounge for a delicious start to their
day.
"MUFFIN" to do but appreciate the fabulous staff at Diamond Elementary!
Special thanks to the Channa family, the Emtiaznoori family, the Jenkins family,
the Shiu family, the Taggart family, the Theeler family.
Thank you for your continued support during this school year!! In March, we will be arranging another staff
appreciation. Please email us at: [email protected] if you are interested in assisting.
Carmel McGuire and Kristy King
Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs
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Diamond Gems
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02/12/2015
PTA
2014/2015 Diamond Elementary PTA Calendar
Note: Dates and Events are subject to change.
February 2015
Day
Date
Time
M-F
Tuesday
Monday
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
2 – 20
3
16
20
23
24
27
28
All Day
7:00 PM
All Day
AM
5PM – 9PM
4PM – 9PM
1:00 PM
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Event
Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
PTA Meeting, The Carol Lange Media Center – College Savings Plan Special Presentation!
HOLIDAY – Presidents’ Day – NO SCHOOL
Last Day of Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
Nando’s Peri Peri- 220 Boardwalk Place, Washingtonian Rio Center
Shadowland, 624 Quince Orchard Rd.
Early Release
Curb Appeal – Painting in the school!
March 2015
Day
Date
Time
Tuesday
Friday
Wednesday
Friday.
3
6
25
27
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
5PM – 9PM
All Day
Event
PTA Presentation of Addition design, The Carol Lange Media Center
FREE Family Fun MOVIE NIGHT!
Restaurant Night – Coal Fire in the Kentlands
NO SCHOOL Professional Day
April 2015
Day
Date
Time
M-F
Tuesday
TBD
Friday
3 - 10
14
TBD
24
All Day
7:00 PM
TBD
8:15 – 8:45 AM
Day
Date
Time
Friday
Tuesday
Fridays
Tuesday
TBD
Friday
Thursday
Monday
1
5
1&8
12
TBD
15
21
25
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:15 – 8:45 AM
8:30AM - 9:45AM
TBD
8:00 – 8:45 AM
7:00 PM
All Day
Event
Spring Break – NO SCHOOL
PTA Budget Meeting, The Carol Lange Media Center
Restaurant Night – TBD
Dol”Finn” Dash Training
May 2015
Event
Family Fun Spring Fling Dance - APR
PTA General Meeting. The Carol Lange Media Center (Elections)
Dol”Finn” Dash Training
FREEE Muffins for Moms, All-Purpose Room
Restaurant Night – TBD
Dolphin Dash! – Back of school - Fields
Curriculum Night – All Grades!
HOLIDAY – Memorial Day – No School
June 2015
Day
Date
Time
Event
Wednesday
TBD
Friday
3
TBD
12
8:30am
TBD
1:00 PM
Volunteer Gathering – The Carol Lange Media Center (Breakfast Reception)
Restaurant Night – TBD
EARLY RELEASE - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Diamond Gems
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Updated 2/23/2015
2014 - 2015
PTA Executive Committee and Chairpersons
Executive Committee
President
Name
Email
Darwin Johnson
[email protected]
VP – Fundraising
Kristina Wesselink
[email protected]
VP – Community
Stephanie Theeler
[email protected]
Treasurer
Chris Chimera
[email protected]
Secretary
Shannon Phelan
[email protected]
PTA Committee
Chairperson
Email
After School Activities
Valerie Holford
[email protected]
Annual Fundraiser
Kristina Wesselink
[email protected]
Back to School Social
Abbe Arnold
[email protected]
Book Fair
Shannon Glerum
[email protected]
Box Tops & Labels for Education
Shannon McKenna
[email protected]
Cultural Arts
Mary Jo DiBernardo Emard
[email protected]
Curb Appeal
Karen Rogers
[email protected]
Diamond Gems Newsletter
Kristin Johnston
Allison Fisher
Sarah Lang
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Directory
Cynthia Miller
Kristin Johnston
Drcyn74yahoo.com
[email protected]
Dol”Finn” Dash & Training
Julie Sabag
[email protected]
Donuts for Dads
Muffins for Moms
Family Fun Finn-Go Night
Allyson Levine
Mary Kate Gutierrez
Abbe Arnold
Nazzi Kholdebarin
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Family Fun Movie Night
Sandee Taggart
[email protected]
Family Fun Valentine’s Dance
Fifth Grade Picnic
Heather Locraft
Allison Fisher
Abbe Arnold
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Foreign Language: Language Stars
Brigitte Rowe
[email protected]
Food Drive
Sarah Lang
Liz Pilloff
Kristin Chu
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Diamond’s Marquee
Giant A+ Bonus Bucks & Target—Take Charge
of Education
Giant Bulletin Board
Jennifer Gormley
[email protected]
Girls on the Run
Paul Phelan
[email protected]
Group Piano
Rocio Paul
[email protected]
International Night Chair &
Co-Chair
Nazanin Kholdebarin
Reza Emtiaznoori
[email protected]
Diamond Gems
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PTA Committee
MCCPTA Delegates (2)
Chairperson
Email
Rick Chimera
Shannon Phelan
Brooke Bernal
Shannon Phelan
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Parents’ Night Out
Heather Locraft
Katie Dyson
[email protected]
[email protected]
Northwest Cluster Rep.
Principal’s Coffee
Quince Orchard Cluster Rep.
Rick Chimera
Jaime Craig
Elizabeth Vuong
Mary Jo DiBernardo Emard
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nominating Committee Co-chairs
OPEN
Restaurant Night
Heather Locraft
Katie Dyson
[email protected]
[email protected]
Room Parent Coordinator
Eileen Heaps
[email protected]
Turkey Trot Fun Run Fundraiser
Liz Pilloff
Brigitte Rowe
[email protected]
[email protected]
Special Needs Representative
Fatma Sabri
[email protected]
Spirit Wear
Liz Pilloff
Holly Reed
[email protected]
[email protected]
Staff Appreciation Chair
& Co-Chairs
Kristy King
Carmel McGuire
[email protected]
UNICEF
Nisha Manikoth
Jaime Howenstein
[email protected]
[email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator
Amy Galler
[email protected]
Andrea Virga Winter Coat Drive
Nazzi Kholdebarin
[email protected]
Yahoo Group Moderators
Elizabeth Vuong
John Vuong
[email protected]
[email protected]
Membership
Updated 2/23/2015
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/PTA
Email [email protected] if you are interested in any of the above openings
Diamond Gems
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