Diamond Gems Page 1 of 15 Message from the PTA President

Diamond Gems
hImer
Diamond Gems
February, 2015
Volume 4, Issue 6
Upcoming Events:
nd
rd
February 3 – 7 p.m.
PTA Meeting
th
February 13 – 7 p.m.
Family Fun Night
th
February 16
No School, Presidents Day
rd
February 23 – 5 – 9 p.m.
Restaurant Night
th
Diamond Elementary School 4 Marquis Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20878
“Excellence Through Effort”
th
February 2 – 20
Kids Helping Kids
Food Drive
February 27 1 p.m.
Early Release
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Message from the PTA President
Dear Diamond Families:
As we reflect upon the significant events in our country’s history such as the birth and legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther King, as well as February being a month dedicated to the celebration of African
American History, let us remember the many sacrifices that were made to help form a stronger union
and build a more prosperous country. The central theme of the Civil Rights was the pursuit of equality
through unity and non-violence. Together, within the tenacious spirits of a consortium of people
crossing racial lines, our country was able to achieve and begin to live the dream, as stated in one of
many Dr. King notable quotes, "the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to
think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education." Diamond ES is a
place where we as parents and our children pursue success across a broad spectrum of disciplines;
sharing in the well-being and beautification of our facilities, and caring about the well-being of our
many different families, students, and staff. Ultimately, maintaining an environment that fosters the
building of good character. Let us remember the sacrifices and continuing efforts of so many and yet
continue to work for the cause of justice and equality.
Upcoming Events:

We will have a college savings plan presentation during our February PTA meeting. There is a
Sign-Up Genius (www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084eaba82fa2f49-diamond), but please come
even you haven’t signed up as we don't want to waste any of the plan administrator’s time.
I would like Diamond to have a strong showing of parents.

Also February 28, 2015 Karen Rogers our Chair of Curb Appeal, will be offering another
volunteer opportunity for many of you to Galvanize and help with some internal
beautification of the school. I look forward to painting with you and your children.
We had an awesome experience dedicating the Carol Lange Media Center! For those of you who didn't
know Mrs. Lange she was, "a consummate professional demure yet austere in her approach, a warm
spirited and focused leader. Always up to the task, and provided a collegial atmosphere for her
students, staff, parents, and the PTA.” She set the legacy we continue to uphold today.
In closing, be tenacious, be critical, be temperate, be truthful, self-evaluate, be fruitful, and most
of all, remember whatever your life’s work is, do it well. “A person should do their job so well that
the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” (MLK) “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain
unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” (Declaration of
Independence)
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 in lieu of our Valentines Day dance
Diamond Gems
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February Restaurant Night
Monday, February 23rd, 5-9 pm
Nando’s Peri Peri
Washingtonian Center - RIO
224 Boardwalk Place
Gaithersburg
240-408-7146
* MUST BRING THIS FLYER **
Diamond will earn 40% with flyer!!
Diamond Gems
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Let’s get to know Diamond’s Students & Staff !
February, 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/
“Ms. Vonda Walker”
What grade do you teach or what position do you have? Building Services
Have you ever taught another grade? If so, what? No
Where were you born? Washington, D.C.
What was the name of your Elementary School? Parkview Elementary School
When you were in elementary school, what was your favorite subject? Math
Where did you go to college? Montgomery College
What is your favorite color? Lavender
What is your favorite sport to watch or to play? Football
What was your favorite childhood book? Nancy Drew mysteries
What is your favorite book? The Bible
What is your favorite hobby? Arts and crafts
Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind & what is the name? No
What is your favorite food? Crabs
What is your favorite board game? Monopoly
What is the name of your favorite restaurant? Phillips
What is your favorite movie? Transformers
“Maddie Ann Lubin”
What is your name? Maddie Ann Lubin
What grade are you in? 3rd
Who is your teacher? Mrs. Ryan
What is your favorite book? Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, The case of the Missing Mummy
What is your favorite food? Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
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? No
How many people are in your family? 4
What is your favorite vacation location? Connecticut and Toronto
Where would you like to visit? Hawaii, Brazil, and California
What is your favorite color? Sky blue
What is your favorite subject in school? Math
What is your favorite movie? Maleficent
What is your favorite hobby? Gymnastics
Do you play sports? If so, what? Swimming and break dancing
What is your favorite sports team? Redskins
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what? Piano
Where do you want to go to college? University of Rochester or Penn State
What do you want to be when you grow up? 3rd grade teacher
Diamond Gems
MONDAYS
.Schedule
TUESDAYS
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of After School Programs at Diamond
Before School: Before School:
None
Chess (Jan-June)
Spanish 3rd-5th
After School:
(Feb-May)
Minecraft
Girls on the Run
(Jan-Feb)
(March-May)
Cooking
(March to
After School:
mid-April)
Basketball (JanKarate
June)
(Late AprilArt (March-May)
June)
WEDNESDAYS
THURSDAYS
FRIDAYS
Before School:
Mandarin
Chinese
(K-2nd Grade)
Before School:
Spanish K-2nd
Before School:
Girls on the
Run (MarchMay)
After School:
Soccer (Jan-June)
Drama (FebApril)
After School:
Break Dancing
(Jan-June)
French 3rd to 5th
(Feb-June)
After School:
Mad Science
(Jan- March)
A document detailing the programs is on the PTA page of Diamond’s website
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/pta/ or contact PTA After School Activities Chair Valerie Holford
for more information ([email protected] and 301-926-1298). Registration information:
Programs starting in late January or February:
Mad Science’s Sensational Science: Starting January 30 on Fridays from 3:45-4:45 p.m. Online registration:
https://register.madscience.org/dc/afterschoolregister.aspx. More info:
www.Dcmadscience.org, [email protected], 301-593-4777.
Language Stars: Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and French classes. Register at www.languagestarsatschool.com or call
866-557-8277. Discounts for siblings and parent volunteers.
Creative Kids Drama Program (acting out books). Wednesdays. More information at
http://www.lbkcompany.com/after-school-creative-kids.htm or 301-879-9319.
Basketball (Tuesdays) and Soccer (Wednesdays) with Montgomery Sports Association (MSA). New sessions start in
February and the programs run continuously throughout the school year. www.montgomerysports.org or 301-983-2227.
Break Dancing. New session starts late February and program runs continuously. Thursdays. www.thelabdc.com/,
www.thelabdc.com/afterschool1.html, (202) 882-5221.
Programs starting in March or April:
Girls on the Run. Begins in March on Tuesdays & Fridays at 8 AM. Physical activity based positive youth development
program for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Contact Paul Phelan [email protected].
Art with Creative Adventures. Tuesdays. http://artinyou.com/. Register with [email protected]
Tiny Chefs. Mondays. 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 starting late April after Tiny Chefs ends. www.kaizenkarateusa.com. For more information or to
register, call 301-938-2711 or email [email protected].
Diamond Gems
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Cultural Arts
Step Afrika - February 11th at 9:45 AM & 10:55 AM
We are very excited to let you know that Step Afrika is coming to Diamond Elementary on Wednesday,
February 11th! They will have two interactive 50-minute performances that will highlight the rhythm,
physicality, and history of stepping, and culminate in a group activity to get students on their feet.
The program highlights the ties between stepping and academic achievement. It introduces the concepts of
teamwork, discipline, and commitment. Performers incorporate world traditions, demonstrated through the
lively South African gumboot dance. Students enjoy learning basic step choreography and discover how dance
brings people and cultures together.
The Diamond Elementary School’s
Student Government Association
Presents
Spirit Fridays
Take the stress out of getting dressed! Just wear the following:
February 6
February 13
February 20
February 27
Beach Day
Diamond Wear Day
Number Day
Diamond Wear Day
Show your school spirit by participating in these awesome ideas!
Diamond Gems
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Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
The “Kids Helping Kids,” food drive will be held from February 2 to February 20. We are hoping
to have yet another successful collection this year. As in the past, our food drive items will
supply Gaithersburg HELP, our local food pantry.
Gaithersburg HELP provides services to our community’s residents in need. During 2014,
Gaithersburg Help distributed 3,837 packages containing a 3-5 day supply of food to families
facing challenges. They also provided monetary assistance for 789 essential medications,
and 1,091 infant diaper and formula packages.
The food items that the food pantry needs the most include:
Peanut Butter
Canned Tuna or Chicken
Boxed Rice Mixes
Canned Spaghetti Sauce with Meat
Jam or Jelly
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit in Its Own Juice
Instant Potatoes
Pastas
Canned Soups
(Of course they will accept any donations but they did request that all of the food is nonperishable and non-expired. Also, they do not need Ramen noodles or industrial size foods.)
Food drives like ours here at Diamond Elementary contribute significantly to the food pantry’s
ability to help such a large number of families. Our food drive is an excellent opportunity for
the Diamond Elementary students to lend a hand to families with children who need
assistance. Many thanks for your participation in this worthy school project.
Curb Appeal is Moving Inside!
Diamond Elementary School PTA Curb Appeal is moving inside to spruce up the inside of our school. Come out on
Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and help paint. Experience is not required, but would be
appreciated. Supplies will be provided, so you only need to wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint
on. Come for some or all of the time. This is a great opportunity to earn SSL hours.
Contact Karen Rogers at [email protected] for additional information and/or to let us know you will be
coming.
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:



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]
Diamond Gems
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Diamond Gems
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Diamond Gems
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1/17/2015
PTA
2014/2015 Diamond Elementary PTA Calendar
Note: Dates and Events are subject to change.
February 2015
Day
Date
Time
Event
M-F
Tuesday
TBD
Monday
Friday
Friday
2 – 20
3
TBD
16
20
27
All Day
7:00 PM
TBD
All Day
AM
1:00 PM
Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
PTA Meeting, Media Center – College Savings Plan Special Presentation!
Restaurant Night – TBD
HOLIDAY – Presidents’ Day – NO SCHOOL
Last Day of Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
Early Release
Day
Date
Time
Event
Tuesday
Friday
TBD
Friday.
3
6
TBD
27
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
TBD
All Day
PTA Presentation of Addition design
Family Fun MOVIE NIGHT!
Restaurant Night – TBD
NO SCHOOL Professional Day
March 2015
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, Media Center
Restaurant Night – TBD
Dol”Finn” Dash Training
May 2015
Event
Family Fun Spring Fling Dance - APR
PTA General Meeting. Media Center (Elections)
Dol”Finn” Dash Training
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 – Media Center (Breakfast Reception Wednesday)
Restaurant Night – TBD
EARLY RELEASE - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Updated 1/25/2015
Diamond Gems
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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 1/25/2015
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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Diamond Gems
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