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Diamond Gems Page 1 of 17
hImer
December, 2013
Volume 3, Issue 4 Diamond Gems Upcoming Events:
Dec 5 – 7:00 PTA General
Meeting
Dec 7- 10:00 AM Snowman
Shuffle
Dec 19 – Restaurant Night
Paisanos
Dec 23-31 No School
Winter Break
Diamond Elementary School 4 Marquis Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20878
“Excellence Through Effort”
Message from the PTA President
Dear Diamond Families,
Every month I feel there is so much to tell you about your PTA's work at Diamond. The Halloween parties, the Scholastic Book Fair and the Winter Coat Drive were all successful, and I am grateful we have so many committed parents and families in our school! I hope you enjoy all of the holidays this season brings, and I hope to see you around Diamond this winter! Shannon Phelan, [email protected] PTA President Fundraising Updates The PTA would like to thank all of the families who donated to our Green Fundraiser this fall! We were able to raise $2,846. These funds help to support the various PTA sponsored events for our Diamond community and is fun for the kids, too. It is truly amazing to see the sense of pride on our children’s faces when they participate in our events! The money supports our staff and teachers, as well as contributing to our school improvement. We just ordered the sound equipment for the school, so thank you for your support. Our next fundraising event is The 2nd Annual Snowman Shuffle. On December 7, the PTA is sponsoring a fun get-fit fundraiser where children and their families are encouraged to join our community in a fun run at the school. Again, this money will help to contribute to the various FREE events we provide to our community- and this one is fun for all! Please see the flyer for additional details- plus, the 5th grade will be selling hot chocolate and hand warmers to support their class fundraising goal. If you are a fundraising guru and wish to partake in the planning of our spring event, please reach out to me for some fun brainstorming sessions. We welcome your input as to what fundraising events you would like to see in the spring. Both ideas and participation are greatly encouraged and appreciated! Again- THANK YOU to all families who support this amazing community. Your help (monetary and voluntary) are what make myself and our PTA team proud to be part of the Diamond Community! Happy Holidays and see you at the SNOWMAN SHUFFLE!!!! Brooke Bernal VP, Fundraising and Membership Chair
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Greenfund Supporters
Acapulco Family Lang Family
Al-Saeed Family Mrs. Lange
Arnold Family Levine Family
Askari Family Li Family
Bachez Family Locraft Family
Baik Family Lubin/Heaps Family
Bakri Family Mancia Family
Mrs. Bellucci Manikoth Family
Berman Family Marfatia Family
Bernal Family Markey Family
Bernstein Family McKenna Family
Blanchard Family Megahed/Sabri Family
Bodenstein Family Mollica Family
Bouley Family Nagda Family
Bowie Family Paul Family
Brown Family Pilloff Family
Mrs. Burney Ponce Family
Butler Family Prasanna Family
Chill Family Rubman/Rager Family
Chimera Family Sanders Family
Chu Family Schwartz Family
Daly Family Mrs. Schwindaman
Datlow Family Sharma Family
De la Cruz Family Shinn Family
Duhon Family Shiu Family
Ehlers Family Singh Family
Feng Family Sogal Family
Fisher Family Stake Family
Forman Family Stan Family
Mrs. Gavalla Stan Family
Gerke Family Stein Family
Golder Family Su Family
Gollapudi Family Szego Family
Gundre Family Szucht Family
Gutierrez Family Tang Family
Hall Family Taylor Family
Hart Family Theeler Family
Mrs. Hase Tolson Family
Hollingsworth Family Van Roie Family
Hosseini Family Vesal Family
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Hugg Family Vijayan Family
Illarionov Family Vinnamuri Family
Johnston Family Vuong Family
Joseph Family Wesselink Family
Joshi Family Woodrow/Goins Family
Kelley Family Zangmeister Family
Khanna Family Zimet Family
Thank you for your support!
Cultural Arts Committee
The third graders spent the first marking period learning about democratic
principles and the role of local government. They will have an opportunity to learn
more about the roles and responsibilities of local government leaders from
Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro on December 4th. The third
grade teachers and students are looking forward to the Councilwoman’s visit. The
Cultural Arts Committee appreciates the support from the MCPS Connection
Resource Bank to coordinate the visit and would like to thank Councilwoman Navarro
for taking time from her busy schedule to speak to Diamond Elementary School’s
third graders.
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Diamond Elementary Principal, Mrs. Carol A. Lange
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
RESTAURANT NIGHT
Thursday December 19th Dine in, Take Out and Delivery!
A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT DIAMOND PTA!
TELL THEM WE SENT YOU!
The Fifth Grade will be selling hot chocolate and hand warmers at the Snowman Shuffle on Saturday, December 7th. Stop by and warm up a bit!
Attention Fifth Grade Families:
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As many of you know, the fifth grade class sells concession items at the school events during the year. All proceeds benefit the fifth grade’s end-of-year picnic. Anyone can make a donation of cash or concession items. Fifth grade families donate the concession items, set up at the event, sell and clean up afterward. For instance, the Fifth Grade will sell concessions at the following PTA sponsored events:
•January 31- Family Finn-Go Night •February 7 – Valentine’s Day Dance We are asking for donations of snacks and drinks to sell at the upcoming events. Items packaged for individual sales will be kindly accepted and can be delivered to The Kennington’s (front porch if no answer) at 3 Cullinan Drive in West Riding on or before January 18th. Take advantage of your holiday shopping trip to Costco or Sam’s and please remember to support the Fifth Grade Class of 2014!
Any of these items can be donated in individual, regular, or fun-size packaging:
•Skittles •Chips (individual bags please) •Air Heads •12- or 24 pack sodas (Coke, Diet coke, Sprite,
•Nerd Ropes orange or grape soda •Hershey Bars or other (NO NUTS!) •Other items gladly accepted •Large bulk size ring pops •Glow Sticks (necklaces)
I CAN HELP!
Event date: _______________________________________________________________________________
Your Name:_______________________________________________________________________________
E-Mail:___________________________________________________________________________________
Please return this form in an envelope to your childs teacher marked “5th Grade Picnic”
Thank you so much for contributing!
Beth Kennington (240) 994-1400 [email protected] Patty Markey (301) 910-4933 [email protected] Fifth Grade Picnic Committee Chairs
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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:
December 6th
– Diamond Wear
December 13th
– Pajama Day
December 20th
– Diamond Wear
Cultural Arts Events in November
What an exciting month of November we have had with this special event sponsored by our wonderful PTA. On Tuesday, November 19 we had an all-school assembly presenting The Native Pride Dancers who are originally from Savage, Minnesota. They are a nationally recognized group who will perform at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We were very fortunate to have them here at Diamond. The Native Dancers educated and entertained us about the meaning, beauty, and skill of the Native American dances. The Native Pride Dancers wore outfits called Regalia. The different colors and patterns in the Regalia represented different tribes. The performers provided an education to the students and staff about the meaning of each dance and the significance of the dress or regalia worn. Hand drums and rattles were used in their song and dance performances accompanied by vocalizations illustrated in shouts, single words, and multi syllables that signaled changes in the performance. The choreography of the dances began slowly with steady beats that gradually became faster and incorporated spins and turns and different step movements. Patty Markey PTA Cultural Arts Chair
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Giant A+ Bonus Bucks Program
It’s that time of year again! Giant’s A+ Bonus Bucks program will begin again in October. This
is FREE money for our school, requiring nothing of you but a few moments to designate
Diamond as your school of preference.
Please remember…
Annual Renewal is Required!!!
So, even if you chose Diamond last year, you will have to do so again to participate in the 2013-
2014 program. You can designate or renew your card at the store, online, or by returning the
slip at the bottom of this page with your student or registering online at the web address below.
*Every enrollment makes a difference - please encourage grandparents, alumni,
neighbors, & friends to take part, too!!!
Diamond’s ID: 00806
Website: www.giantfood.com/aplus
Any questions or concerns, please contact Kristin Chu at [email protected]
Thank you!!
YES, I wish to designate Diamond (School ID 00806)
in the 2012-2013 Giant A+ Bonus Bucks Program!
Name Giant Bonus Card Number*
* Please note, you must provide your actual sixteen-digit Bonus Card number, not just your phone number.
Return to school via your student. Thank you! Attn: PTA-Kristin Chu
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Target Take-Charge-of-Education
Target now offers 5% OFF ALL PURCHASES made with a Target REDcard (Target Credit Card®, Target
® Visa
® Credit
Card or Target Debit Card™
). In addition to these personal savings, you can benefit Diamond Elementary when you shop
using your REDcard.
Simply go online or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate Diamond Elementary, and the school will receive a percentage of
each REDcard purchase in the form of an annual check. We earned almost $500 last year with a total of almost
$4,500.00 for the duration of our participation in the program.
Every enrollment makes a difference! Grandparents, alumni, neighbors and friends can take part, too. Please contact
Kristin Chu at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Diamond’s ID: 58122
Website: www.target.com/tcoe
Thank you for your support!
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December 2013- We’re highlighting…
“Mrs. Jessica Taugher”
What is your name? Jessica Taugher What grade do you teach or what position do you have? 5 th Have you ever taught another grade? If so, what? 3rd and 4th Where were you born? Hamburg, PA What was the name of your Elementary School? State Street Elementary When you were in elementary school, what was your favorite subject? Reading and social studies Where did you go to college? Marywood University (undergrad) East Stroudsburg University (graduate) What is your favorite color? Pink What is your favorite sport to watch or to play? Watch: football; Play: soccer What was your favorite childhood book? Charlotte’s Web What is your favorite book? Stephanie Plum novels What is your favorite hobby? Exercising and playing with my daughter Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind & what is the name? Wonder, the dog What is your favorite food? Chipotle What is your favorite board game? Monopoly What is the name of your favorite restaurant? Chipotle What is your favorite movie? Mr. Holland’s Opus
“Megan Locraft” What is your name? Megan Locraft What grade are you in? 4th Who is your teacher? Ms. Stewart What is your favorite book? Lemonade War Series What is your favorite food? Cantaloupe and brownies Do you have a family pet? If so, what kind? 2 fish, Amber and Spyro; Hermit Crab - Bob Do you have any brothers or sisters at Diamond? If so, how many and what grades are they in? Sullivan – 1st and Colleen - Kindergarten How many people are in your family? 6 What is your favorite vacation location? Disney World Where would you like to visit? Hawaii What is your favorite color? Yellow and blue What is your favorite subject in school? Math What is your favorite movie? Epic What is your favorite hobby? Bike riding and reading Do you play sports? If so, what? Soccer, basketball, swimming and running What is your favorite sports team ? Washington Capitals and Spirit Do you play a musical instrument? If so, what? Violin Where do you want to go to college? NC State What do you want to be when you grow up? Professional soccer player
Diamond Elementary School 4 Marquis Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
PHONE: (301) 840-7177
Absences: Please call the office, 301-840-
7177, to report student absences.
WEBSITE:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/
PTA
Let’s get to know Diamond’s Staff and Students!
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Finn’s Fun Health and Fitness Facts What’s the healthiest thing to drink?
a. Water
b. Water
c. Water
d. Water
e. All the above
Obviously the answer is water.
We all know water is the healthiest thing to drink, but that doesn’t help us drink more water. Here are some
practical reasons and tips to help you understand why you should drink more water and how you can increase
your water in-take.
Every cell in your body needs water from head to toe. That is why it is so important to drink enough fluid. For
example, our brains consists of 90% of water, and if you do not supply enough water to your body, your brain
cannot function well. Signs of dehydration may be if you are feeling fatigue or a headache. Your body has
ways of letting you know you need more water.
Here are additional reason to make sure you're drinking enough water or other fluids every day (For
more information on the above reasons to drink more water visit http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-
reasons-to-drink-water):
1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids.
2. Water Can Help Control Calories.
3. Water Helps Energize Muscles.
4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good.
5. Water Helps Your Kidneys.
6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function.
Here are 5 practical tips to help you drink more: 1. Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
2. Choose beverages you enjoy; you're likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake
comes from foods.
4. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
5. Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you're watching calories, go for non-caloric
beverages or water.
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DES Scholastic Book Fair
THANK YOU! I wanted to thank everyone that helped with the Book Fair this year. It's a huge job and it takes a lot of people to make it work. Thank you so much for giving your time! Your efforts helped raise $3704.72 in cash for the PTA and $740.94 in Scholastic Dollars for our Library! Scholastic Dollars can be used to purchase items directly from Scholastic. It allows Mrs. Gross to add to our collection of books, replace well-worn favorites and purchase items like the comfy chairs and bean bags students use to settle in and read in our Media Center. Diamond students and parents raised $277.64 for All For Books. This money allowed more DES students to enjoy books from the Fair and helped purchase new books for our library. Scholastic will match this amount in books and donate them to two national non-profit organizations, Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. and Kids in Need Foundation. We also had a great turn out for our local author Marc Waldman on the evening of November 11th. Mr. Waldman gave a wonderful talk to the students and answered questions from the audience. His appearance was a great addition to our Late Night. His books Mighty Mac and Mac is Back can be found on Amazon.com. Thank you Mrs. Gross for turning over the Library for this event. I'd also like to thank Donna Lentz for all of her help as she divided her time between the Media Center and the Book Fair. Listed below are the names of all of our student and parent volunteers who helped staff this event:
Student Volunteers Josh Acapulco, Hailey Carino, Aarti Hinduja, Hadleigh Locraft, Yaminy Manikoth, Thomas Markey, Julianne Parker, Maddie Pomrink, Eddie Ponce, Miguel Rojas, Rosalino Rojas, Mathew VanBronkhorst
Parent Volunteers
Cheryl Acapulco, Abbe Arnold, Tanya Bernstein, Amy Carino, Laura Cole, Emer Daly, Michele Datlow, Katie Dyson, Allison Fisher, Ellen Fitzgerald, Amy Galler, Gee Gerke, Jennifer Gormley, Mary Kate Gutierrez, Sumitra Kasarapu, Harsharan Kaur, Nazzi Kholdebarin, Bethania Lapp, Allyson Levine, Heather Locraft, Orly Lopez, Patty Markey, Alisha Pelaez, Shannon Phelan, Marlene Ponce, Yolanda “Yita” Pupo-Ortiz, Lauren Reed, Fatma Sabre, Kanya Sanders, Sachitha Saridena, Daniela Stake, Min Su, Sandee Taggart, Stephanie Theeler, Gretchen Walters, Kristina Wesselink, Micherl Yap Shannon Glerum, Book Fair Chair
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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:
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! Beth Kennington, Yahoo Group Moderator [email protected] (240) 994-1400
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].
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