Diamond Gems Page 1 of 20 Message from the PTA President

Diamond Gems
hImer
October, 2014
Volume 4, Issue 2
Upcoming Events:
th
th
7pm
th
October 13 9am – 12pm
Open House
th
October 16 8:30 – 9:45 am
Donuts for Dads
October
17
SCHOOL
th
–
NO
th
October
30
–
2pm
Halloween Parades and
Classroom Parties
October
31
SCHOOL
st
–
th
Diamond Gems
Diamond Elementary School 4 Marquis Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20878
October 7 – 7pm PTA
Meeting, Media Center
October
10
–
International Night
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NO
Through October 30 –
Andrea Virga Winter Coat
Drive
“Excellence Through Effort”
Message from the PTA President
Dear Diamond Families,
The school year has begun, and we are experiencing great momentum. I want to thank
everyone for your continued investment in our school. Many of us are from diverse
backgrounds and cultures, sometimes we’re wondering what is the PTA and why do we exist.
During our Back to School Night, I was able to speak with you briefly on the “Who,” “What,”
and “Why” that makes the PTA move. I’d like to add some additional words of encouragement
that will help you better understand the Parent Teacher Association which is by all intents the
grass-roots movement of education in Montgomery County; with a rich history of parents who
have sacrificed for the enhancement of education throughout our school communities.
Many of you may come from places that did not have what’s called the PTA in your native
country. Here’s what I offer everyone reading this newsletter to consider: Our federal and local
governments set minimum basic standards in education with the intent of developing future
leaders throughout our country in both government and business. Understand that those
minimums are great bench-marks; one of the things I’ve come to understand as I mature in life
is freedom, free-will, & free speech make our country/county unique, in that they are immutably
designed to empower you and I to have a stake in the building our schools and communities
beyond the bench-marked minimums. This is the PTA - it’s the committee chairs, delegates,
and your families. At Diamond we encourage this type of behavior as it will propel us through
the year and hopefully allow you to want your voice heard and continue building relationships
with our Principal and staff. So join the PTA, where every voice counts regardless of the
accent or native tongue. Please stay vigilant about the upcoming PTA calendar events.
In my closing, I want to thank the children and their parents who gave of their time to assist
with setting up the “Back-To-School-Social.” To Ms. Shinn thank you for keeping the president
hydrated, it was very necessary; Valerie Holford, for coordinating the After School Activities
tables in tandem with Kristina Wesselink and Stephanie Theeler; Shannon Phelan, as always
you keep me moving in the right direction; Chris Chimera, you are a gem and very necessary
to the cause of each and every PTA undertaking; Abbe Arnold, Karen Rogers, and the fifth
grade for setting up a table and fundraising; Liz Pilloff, for working with Spirit Wear. I’d also like
to send a special thank you to Stephanie Byrd, Mr. Rosales, and the entire maintenance staff
for the beautifully manicured lawn and fresh mulch. Mrs. Gross and Mrs. Lentz, thank you for
providing the media equipment and computers; to all the fathers Brad Ehlers, Brett Theeler,
Michael Locraft and everyone else who assisted in the setup, breakdown, and clean-up effort;
last but certainly not least, Bar-T for providing the moon bounce, popcorn, and cotton candy
KUDOS to you all!
Go Diamond Dolphins Go!
Darwin D. Johnson
PTA President, Diamond ES 2014/2015
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
Donuts for Dads Event
Fathers and Grandfathers please come join your children/grandchildren on Thursday, October 16 for
donuts, juice and coffee from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the Diamond Elementary School cafeteria. You will
then have the opportunity to join your children/grandchildren in their classroom(s) from 9:15 to 9:45
a.m. for their morning meeting with their teacher(s).
We look forward to seeing you on October 16!
If anyone would like to volunteer to help us during this event we would greatly appreciate it and really
could use your help. Please contact Allyson Levine at [email protected] or Mary Kate
Gutierrez at [email protected]. Thank you very much.
Mary Kate Gutierrez and Allyson Levine
Co-Chairs, Donuts for Dads
Diamond Gems
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Diamond Gems 2014/2015
Student Highlight of the Month Questionnaire
If you want a chance to be highlighted in the Gems, complete the form and return it to the PTA
mailbox. Please print very neatly!
Question
Answer
What is your name?
What grade are you in?
Who is your teacher?
What is your favorite book?
What is your favorite food?
Do you have a family pet? If so, what kind
and what is its name?
Do you have any brothers or sisters at
Diamond? If so, how many and what
grades are they in?
How many people do you have in your
family?
What is your favorite vacation location?
Where would you like to visit?
What is your favorite color?
What is your favorite subject in school?
What is your favorite movie?
What is your favorite hobby?
Do you play sports? If so, what?
What is your favorite sports team?
Do you play a musical instrument? If so,
what?
Where do you want to go to college?
What do you want to be when you growup?
Questions – please contact Kristin Johnston at [email protected].
Thanks for completing the form!
Diamond Gems
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Let’s get to know Diamond’s Students & Staff !
October 2014 - 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. Beth Maybach”
What grade do you teach or what position do you have? Resource
Have you ever taught another grade? If so, what? Yes, 1st grade
Where were you born? Baltimore, MD
What was the name of your Elementary School? Summit School, Winston-Salem, NC
When you were in elementary school, what was your favorite subject? Math and Science
Where did you go to college? St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA
What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite sport to watch or to play? Soccer
What was your favorite childhood book? Make Way for Ducklings
What is your favorite book? A New Earth
What is your favorite hobby? Hiking and kayaking with my husband
Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind & what is the name? Dog named Miles and 2 cats –
Ezell and Sebastian
What is your favorite food? Mashed potatoes
What is your favorite board game? The Game of Life
What is the name of your favorite restaurant? Matchbox
What is your favorite movie? The Notebook
“Caroline Rowe”
What is your name? Caroline Rowe
What grade are you in? 4th
Who is your teacher? Ms. Turner
What is your favorite book? Harry Potter
What is your favorite food? Pizza
Do you have a family pet? If so, what kind? Dog named Snickers
Do you have any brothers or sisters at Diamond? If so, how many and what grades are
they in? Yes, a brother in 1st grade
How many people are in your family? 4
What is your favorite vacation location? Florida
Where would you like to visit? Mexico
What is your favorite color? Blue
What is your favorite subject in school? Recess
What is your favorite movie? Despicable Me 2
What is your favorite hobby? Singing and playing my guitar
Do you play sports? If so, what? Softball
What is your favorite sports team ? GO NATS!
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what? Yes, guitar
Where do you want to go to college? Haven’t thought about that
What do you want to be when you grow up? International popstar sensation
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]
Attention Classroom Volunteers!
If you are interested in being a classroom volunteer, please sign
up with your child’s teacher. In addition, please email our
Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Galler - [email protected].
Diamond Gems
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Diamond Gems
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Halloween Parade and Class Parties
October 30, 2014
2:00pm
Parents are still needed to help with class Halloween Parties. If you are interested in helping to plan the parties
(Halloween and Valentine’s Day) for your child’s class and have not yet signed up to be a Room Parent or Helper, email
Eileen Heaps, Room Parent Coordinator at [email protected].
STAFF APPRECIATION
The next time you order a cup of coffee from Starbucks, consider adding a $5 gift card to your purchase. For
the month of October, the PTA Staff Appreciation will be collecting $5 gift cards. These will be used as give-aways throughout the year for our fabulous educators. Stores to consider include: Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts,
Panera, Krispy Kreme, Michaels or Target. Please send gift cards through your child’s teacher in an envelope
marked PTA STAFF APPRECIATION. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the families that donated food and time to feed the teachers
and staff during Back to School Night on September 10 & 11.
For the dinner on Wednesday, September 10, special thanks to the Butler family, the Cole family,
the Duhon family, the Fisher family, the Gormley family, the Locraft family, the Phelan family,
the Ponce family, the Rowe family, the Vasavada family, the Vuong family, the Wesselink family, and
the Zangmeister family.
For the dinner on Thursday, September 11, special thanks to the Bakri family, the Bipat family,
the Daly family, the Dyson family, the Emtiaznoori family, the Fisher family, the Gutierrez family,
the Lakhiani family, the Levine family, the Locraft family, the Ponce family, the Rowe family,
the Taggart family, and the Tang family.
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Advertise your business in the Diamond ES School Directory!!!!
We are working on the 2014-2015 school directory, and for the parents with businesses who would
like to advertise, this is for you:
There is no better way to reach the parents of Diamond Elementary students than by advertising in
our school directory. Packed with valuable data like student contact info, important school dates, and
much more, the directory is an indispensable resource and consulted regularly by Diamond
Elementary families, faculty, and staff. Support Diamond Elementary and your business at the same
time! Questions? Email [email protected] or call 240-206-6273 ext. 110.
Cultural Arts
PTA Sponsors School Assembly -- "Reading is Magic"
On Tuesday, September 30 the PTA will sponsor its first Cultural Arts assembly of the 2014-15
school year. Jay Mattioli, an innovative magician, will present “READING IS MAGIC" at two
performances for Pre-K-2nd Grade and 3rd-5th Grade. Students will be taken on a magical
journey to discover the most powerful learning tool in the world...READING!
For more information please contact PTA Cultural Arts Committee Chair, Mary Jo DiBernardo
Email at [email protected].
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9/17/2014
PTA
2014/2015 Diamond Elementary PTA Calendar
Dates and Events are subject to change.
August 2014
Day
Date
Time
Event
Thursday
Friday
21
22
7:00 PM
3 - 4 PM
Back to School Night (Parents Only) – Kindergarten, APR
Sneak Peek – Come meet your teacher and see your classroom!
Monday
Tuesday
25
26
9:15 AM
5 – 9 PM
First Day of School
Restaurant Night – Giuseppi’s Pizza in Kentlands
September 2014
Day
Date
Time
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Wednesday
Thursday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
2
5
10
11
17
23
24
All Day
7:00 PM
5-7 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
4 -9 PM
9:00 – 10:00am
1:00 PM
All Day
All Day
Thursday
Mon - Thurs
25
29 – Oct
30
Event
NO SCHOOL – Labor Day
PTA General Meeting, Media Center
Back to School Social – blacktop behind Diamond!
Back to School Night – 1st & 2nd Grades, All-Purpose Room
Back to School Night – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades, All-Purpose Room
Room Parent Meeting, Media Center
Restaurant Night – BGR – The Burger Joint - in Washingtonian Center (Rio)
Principal’s Coffee
Early Release
NO SCHOOL – Rosh Hashanah
Andrea Virga Winter Coat Drive – leave coats, hats, scarves and gloves in bin by front
office
October 2014
Day
Date
Time
Tuesday
Friday
Monday
Thursday
Friday
TBD
Thursday
7
10
13
16
17
TBD
30
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
9:00 AM–12:00N
8:30 – 9:45 AM
All Day
TBD
2:00 PM
Friday
31
All Day
Event
PTA Meeting, Media Center
6th Annual International Night!
Diamond Elementary Open House
Donuts for Dads, All-Purpose Room
NO SCHOOL, MSEA Teacher Convention
Restaurant Night – TBD
Halloween Parade & Classroom parties
(Last day of Andrea Virga Winter Coat Drive)
NO SCHOOL – Professional Day
Diamond Gems
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November 2014
Day
Date
Time
Event
Tuesday
Monday
Tuesday
Monday
TBD
Saturday
Wednesday
Thurs./Fri.
4
10
11
3 - 11
TBD
22
26
27 - 28
All Day
1:00 PM
1:00 PM
See flier
TBD
TBD
1:00 PM
All Day
NO SCHOOL,- Election Day
Early Release, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Early Release, Parent/Teacher Conferences
Scholastic Book Fair, Media Center (open during Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Restaurant Night – TBD
TURKEY TROT FUN RUN - TBD
EARLY RELEASE prior to Thanksgiving
HOLIDAY – Thanksgiving NO SCHOOL
December 2014
Day
Date
Time
Event
Tuesday
TBD
Wed - Wed.
2
TBD
24 - 31
7:00 PM
TBD
All Day
PTA General Meeting, Media Center
Restaurant Night – TBD
NO SCHOOL – Winter Break
Day
Date
Time
Event
Thur - Fri
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Friday
1-2
14
19
20
20
30
All Day
9AM – 10AM
All Day
All Day
2pm – 4pm
7:00 PM
January 2015
HOLIDAY – New Year’s Day – No School
Principal’s Coffee
HOLIDAY – Martin L. King, Jr. Day – No School
NO SCHOOL – Professional Day
Rockville Town Square – Ice Skating Fundraiser!
Family “Finn”-Go Night
February 2015
Day
Date
Time
Event
M-F
Tuesday
Friday
TBD
Monday
Friday
Friday
2 – 20
3
13
TBD
16
20
27
All Day
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
TBD
All Day
AM
1:00 PM
Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
PTA General Meeting, Media Center
Family Fun Night – Valentine’s Dance, All-Purpose Room
Restaurant Night – TBD
HOLIDAY – Presidents’ Day – NO SCHOOL
Last Day of Kids Helping Kids Food Drive
Early Release
March 2015
Day
Date
Time
Event
Friday
TBD
Friday.
6
TBD
27
7:00 PM
TBD
All Day
PTA EVENT – TBD
Restaurant Night – TBD
NO SCHOOL Professional Day
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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
Tuesday
Fridays
Tuesday
5
1&8
12
TBD
Friday
Thursday
Monday
TBD
15
21
25
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
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 9/24/2014
Go to www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/PTA for updates
PTA
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
Diamond’s Marquee
Kristin Johnston
Allison Fisher
Sarah Lang
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Directory
Cynthia Miller
Drcyn74yahoo.com
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]
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]
Giant A+ Bonus Bucks & Target—Take Charge
of Education
Giant Bulletin Board
Diamond Gems
PTA Committee
MCCPTA Delegates (2)
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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
Shannon Phelan
[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
[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 9/24/2014
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/PTA
Email [email protected] if you are interested in any of the above openings
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