Dear Knapp Families,

I hope this finds you well as we head into the beautiful fall season at

Knapp Elementary School. We’re coming up on the first Parent-Teacher

Conferences of the year November 4-5, 2013. Be sure to contact your

child’s teacher ASAP if you do not have a spot already booked. Call us

at 215-853-1510.

On Saturday, November 2nd, ParentCamp returns to Knapp. This is a

half day “un-conference” for parents designed to support your role as

child’s number one teacher and advocate of a great education through

a variety of sessions related to parenting, technology, social emotional

skills, communications, IEP/GIEP knowledge and more. You have the

opportunity to choose the sessions you’d like to attend. Our keynote,

Dr. Adam Berman, was the most sought after speaker at last year’s

Parentcamp, and he will be kicking us off as well as staying for an

additional small group session. Also new this year - we’re offering

babysitting services in responding to feedback of last year. You can

register for free and selected your sessions now on our Family

Engagement Wiki - knappwiki.wikispaces.com/parentcamp.

I hope to see you on November 2nd, as well as during parent-teacher

conferences. Thank you for your relentless commitment to engaging in

your child’s education here at Knapp Elementary School. As always,

please stop by, call, write, tweet or text if we can help you.

Best,

Joe Mazza

Lead Learner

From the Principal’s Desk

Inside This Issue

From the Principal’s Desk 2

Movie Night 4

Home & School Mtg. 4

Family Dance 6

Giant Bonus Card 7

Dine Out Night 8

Market Day & Bingo Night 9

Fundraising Corner 11

Environmental Club 12

Parent Camp 13

Day of Caring 14

Character Counts & New Club 15

October Calendar 16

Please join us for our monthly

Home & School Meeting on

Tuesday, Octber 22nd 2013.

We will be broadcasting LIVE from the Knapp IMC at

http://www.anymeeting.com/knappsters1

so you can sit in your living room or office and be a part of our

meeting in a virtual way.

Of course, we'd love for you to attend in person in our Knapp IMC

beginning at 7PM.

Tech Training: How to Make an eBook

Edu Voice: Mrs. Lee and the Book Bug Program

Student Voice: ESL students reading books from our library’s

collection of foreign language books

Parent Resources: [videos] Tips from authors on writing &

illustrating:

http://www.worldbookday.com/storycraft/

Home & School Meeting

It was a pleasure to meet new families that attended last month’s Home & School Meeting! The

Home & School Board would love for you to return & welcome new ideas and feedback.

Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 28-Nov. 1st

Monday, October 28th: “Put a Cap on Drugs!”

Wear a hat or cap to school.

Tuesday, October 29th: “I’m a Jean-ius, I am Drug

Free!” Wear jeans to school.

Wednesday, October 30th: “Being Drug-Free is

No Sweat!” Wear sweats to school.

Thursday, October 31st: “Orange You Glad You’re

Drug-Free” Wear orange to school.

Friday, November 1st: “Show Your School Spirit:

Be Drug-Free” Knapp Spirit Day – Wear Knapp

colors or Knapp spirit wear to school

Check-In/Breakfast: 7:30-8:30AM, Main Lobby/Gym

Keynote: Dr. Adam Berman & #ParentCamp Groundrules

8:30-9:15, Gym

Session 1: 9:20-10:00

Session 2: 10:05-10:45

Break: Networking/Refreshments

10:45-11:15, Gym

Session 3: 11:20-12:00

ParentCamp Smackdown: 12:05-12:30, Gym

#Parent Camp: Session Descriptions SESSION ONE OFFERINGS

Wonder: Learning Everywhere

Discussion Leader: Emily Kirkpatrick, Nat Center for Family Literacy

Session 1: Knapp IMC

Learning should happen everywhere. And every parent and teacher knows questions come up all the

time. Wonder is a way to unify, motivate and guide learning for children of all ages. With inquiry-

based practices, instructional staff, students and families make knowledge connections, learn, and

grow together. Learn all about Wonderopolis.org

College Planning Strategies and the Financial Aid Game

Discussion Leader: Maria Mainardi

Session 1: Room 2

Although it may seem like a long time from now, before you know it, your child will be going off to

college. It is crucial that you understand the college financial aid process now in order to put

yourself in the best position possible to increase your chances of receiving aid in the future. We will

cover all the hot topics and questions including:

● How schools are calculating your out-of-pocket costs (towards tuition)

● Different methodologies schools use to calculate aid

● Deadlines and lookback periods

● Various packaging of aid

● Difference between grants, loans and scholarships

Google Docs 101

Discussion Leader: @RobinLutcher

Session 1: Room 5

Cloud technology provides the options for staff and students to have access to their files 24/7. In

addition, cloud technologies align with the district's current document management initiative.

Learn how your students and their teachers are using cloud technology and a variety of mobile

devices to create, share and store information.

IEP 101

Discussion Leader: Angela Choi

Session 1 - Room 26

As you know, a student's Individualized Educational Program is the guideline that dictates how to

appropriately support a child in need of special education. How much do you understand about what

this document says and how it is implemented at school? This session will focus on tips and

strategies on developing your child's Individualized Educational Program into a plan that truly meets

your child's needs. What are common, but overlooked, problem areas of IEPs? What information

should be included and where? What types of supports can be included in an IEP? As a parent, what

is your role in developing an IEP? Find the answers to these questions and ask your own with a

federally-trained educational advocate from Advocacy and Consulting for Education.

What Your Kids Know That You Don't: Internet Safety For Parents

Discussion Leader: Dr Nicole Yetter (@NicoleMYetter)

Session 1: Gym

In this session, parents will:

● Understand the importance of the appropriate use of social networking sites

● Learn how to help if your child is being bullied or harassed online.

● Safety Tips

● Tools to aide their children in becoming responsible digital citizens.

Importance of Building Emotional Intelligence

Discussion Leader: Amita Sood

Session 1: Room 9

Self-esteem in your child plays a critical role in his/her success and happiness in life. It is the

foundation of a child's well-being. Parents have the greatest influence on a child's belief about

himself or herself. Letting your child know that he or she belongs, is doing well, and is contributing,

can help him or her develop healthy self-esteem. That foundation can do much to help a child deal

with difficult life issues as they are encountered in different phases of life.

Power & Potential of Community Conversations Around Education

Discussion Leaders: Kristen Fisher, NP United Way

Session 1: Room 3

Participants will engage in conversation about the strengths, needs, aspirations and challenges of

community engagement and how to develop a common vision and shared goals around education and

all students.

SESSION TWO OFFERINGS

Optimizing Communication With Your Child

Discussion Leader: Dr. Adam Berman (2013 ParentCamp Keynote)

Session 2 - IMC

The presentation is a follow-up, more in depth discussion following the morning keynote.

Dr. Adam Berman, clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist will provide a parenting

program on the most common parental perceptions related to cooperation and respect within the

family unit, and how perceptions might ultimately impact a child’s behavior. He will also discuss the

importance of both parents and children being able to express what is important to each of them so

that familial communication can be enhanced. An additional focus will be on how parents can attend

to and assess their own self-respect so that they can feel more confident as they raise their

children. Dr. Berman will provide specific examples of communication techniques that are both

helpful and a hindrance when speaking to children and adolescents.

Peril or Wonder: Children in the Digital Age

Discussion Leader: Glenn Yetter (@coachyetter)

Session 2 - Room 26

This session will look at what type of digital footprint your child is leaving, some do's and dont's on

the proper use of technology, and how you can help your child weed through the enourmous

amounts of information available to them.

What makes a real home-school partnership?

Discussion Leader: Dr. Joe Mazza (@joe_mazza)

Session 2: Gym

Principal Joe Mazza (Knapp Elementary) will share research-based core beliefs behind what makes

the home-school partnership work. Texts such as Beyond the Bakesale (Henderson & Mapp 2008) will

be used to share real examples on how educators and parents to build strong relationships that help

students reach their potential.

Little Known Secrets for Paying for College

Discussion Leader: Vincent DePietro & Brock Jolly

Session 2: Room 3

This session will provide an overview of financial aid and how to qualify for the maximum package

including the following:

● Unique strategies to pay for multiple children attending college simultaneously

● An insider’s view of the college admissions process

● How to recapture out of pocket college costs

● Avoid jeopardizing your retirement nest egg

● Strategies to attend private schools for the same out of pocket cost as in-state schools

Substance Abuse - One Father's Story

Discussion Leader: Don Koffel, Knapp Elementary Head Custodian

Session 2: Room 23

After losing his son to an overdose and attending numerous meetings with addicts across PA and TX,

Don will share warning signs and proactive measures geared toward today’s parents who want to be

“in the know.”

Meeting the Needs of Your Gifted Learner

Discussion Leader: Melissa Bilash (MomCongressPA)

Session 2: Room 25

Is your gifted student learning, growing, and being challenged on a consistent and meaningful basis? What

are steps that you can take towards developing an appropriate educational program for your gifted child?

This session will focus on what we can do to meet the needs of gifted and talented learners. Learn more

about what is in a Gifted Individualized Educational Program and how to develop a GIEP that is

meaningful and measurable. This session will also explore some outside resources for supporting the

growth and progress of gifted learners.

SESSION THREE OFFERINGS

Understanding the Social Emotional Needs of Your Gifted Child

Discussion Leaders: Diane Kortz & Lauren Shive of NPAGE

Session 3: Room 2

This discussion will give participants a chance to discuss the social and emotional needs of gifted children

and provide ideas for what they can do to support their own child. Topics may include perfectionism,

intensities, peer relationships, motivation and underachievement. Additional resources will be shared.

Planning for Your Special Needs Child or Sibling

Discussion Leader: Vincent DePietro & Bruce Sham

Session 3: Room 5

Topics of Discussion include:

● How to leave money to a child or adult sibling

● How to create a Life Care Plan

● Social Security – The basics on how to file, and what to expect

● Special Needs Trusts – Their importance, and how to create one

● Guardianship and estate planning question marks

● What programs are available for a young adult with disabilities after 18 and 21?

To Middle School and Beyond

Discussion Leader: Sean Devlin, Knapp Elementary Educator

Session 3 - Room 23

What's on the pages of your child's next chapter of education? In this session you will get a preview of

what life will be like in the next six levels of your child's academic career. We will look at courses of

study, social life, extracurricular activities, and social media. We will help you identify what your on-

going role will be, help you out with those parental "Must-Do's," and even give you some insight into

college planning. This class will involve lecture as well as group discussion and anything else Mr. D can do

to help parents embark on this journey!

Increase your APPtitude

Discussion Leader: Brett Baker, @NPSD iPad Coach @BakerBG)

Session 3: Room 3

With half a billion apps in the App Store, what are some great apps for my family and where can I

continue to find worthwhile apps to download. This will be a fast- paced session where iPads will be

available but feel free to bring your own device.

How to become the best “Connected Parent” for your child

Discussion Leaders: Gwen Pescatore, Laurie Spencer - Knapp Home & School Association (@gpescatore25

@LSpencerSLP)

Session 3: IMC

Family engagement is key to helping children be the best they can be at school. It is more than parents

serving as fundraisers; it includes supporting learning at home. In this session we will share ways you can

stay connected and help support learning from home using various websites and mobile apps.

Peaceful Bus

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On Friday, November 1st Knapp students, staff, and bus

drivers will be participating in our first Peaceful Bus

meetings of the school year. Peaceful Bus is a school

wide program designed to decrease inappropriate

behavior on the school bus. The goal of Peaceful Bus is

to create a climate of respect and cooperation amongst

peers on the bus. Please take a moment to review the

Peaceful Bus safety rules with your child.

Stay seated at all times; the driver may tell you where to sit.

Always respect others, the bus, and yourself.

Flinging things in or out of the bus is not allowed.

Eating, drinking, and smoking on the bus are not allowed.

Talk quietly; no hurtful words.

You are responsible for your actions.

We would like to thank you for your continued support

with this initiative. If you have any questions and/or

concerns, please do not hesitate to call the school at

(215) 368-2054.

Thank you,

Knapp Elementary School

Income:

• Kidstuff coupon books ($1,800)

• H&S Membership drive ($1,308.94)

• clothing drive ($207.60)

Home & School: Treasurer’s Snapshot ***All proceeds will go to the Home & School & will be used to benefit all Knapp Students***

Expenses: • Smartboard for Mr. Devlin

• New furniture for the IMC

• TIME for Kids subscription (grades

3-6)

• 9/11 Heroes assembly

• Family Dance DJ

• "Epic" outdoor movie

Food Collection for Manna on Main Street

Our November/December service project for our school

will be the collection of the following food/drink items

for Manna on Main Street:

Jelly

Canned Chicken Stock

Canned Juices

Plastic bottled juice

Cereal

Canned Fruit

There will be collection boxes located

in our school lobby. The collection will

begin on November 6th and end on

December 18th.

Thank you so much for your continued support! Mr. Calvaresi and the Knapp Student Council

Parent Tips - Book Selection

We encourage each student to borrow books that speak to her/his individual

interests, curiosities, and dreams. Free choice of reading materials is an

integral part of our program! Please help us in this task by talking to your

child about their selection choices and let us know if any issues arise. Spend

time sharing books with your child and reading to him/her too!

Ask your child about the topics that interest them

Discuss who will be reading with your child (sibling, parent,

grandparent)

Make suggestions for future topics that might interest them

Remember that there are 3 levels of reading – reading the exact text,

reading captions and using the illustrations to create the reader’s own

story

Many things influence how a child selects books.

o What their friends are reading

o Curiosity about topics they hear about from TV or older children

o A familiar book

o Illustrations

o Favorite author

o General appearance of the book

o Interesting title

Ellie Nagele This is my first year at Knapp as an assistant in the Autistic Support program. I have

been with the school district since 1998 and attended Montgomery Community

College. History was my favorite subject while in elementary and high school. I have

two children. Nate is 27 and lives with his wife in Newark, DE. My daughter Katie is 25

and works as an education coordinator at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. My

husband and I will celebrate 34 years of marriage in October and enjoy hiking and

visiting the National Parks. We were fortunate to have visited Glacier National Park in

Montana and Banff National Park in Canada with my son, his wife Danielle and her

parents this past summer. I enjoy reading, gardening, volunteering in our church

nursery, going to dinner with friends and love to be around people. Mostly, I enjoy

being with my family and feel very blessed to work with children each day!

Jessica Fluck

New 2nd grade Teacher I graduated from Millersville University in 2006 with a B.S. in

Elementary Education. Completed my ESL certification in 2008.

Graduated with a M.Ed and Reading Specialist Certification from

Cabrini College in 2012. This is my first

year at Knapp Elementary. My favorite subject is Reading and

Language Arts. I live in Perkasie with my husband and fat black

cat, Rory. In my free time I enjoy reading, swimming, exercising

and spending time with friends and family.

Teri Kratz

I have been a support staff substitute in the North Penn

School District since 2009. I have worked in a variety of

the schools, but most of my work has been in the

Educational Services Center (ESC). I was an active

volunteer at Bridle Path Elementary. My hussband,

David, is currently the president of the North Penn

Education Foundation and a member of the North Penn

Alumni Committee. My son, Justin, graduated from

North Penn in 2012 and is currently a sophomore at

Penn State Altoona. My daughter, Lauren, is in seventh

grade at Penndale Middle School. In addition to 2 cats,

we recently added a black lab puppy to our family.

Vanessa Recco I was born February 23, 1990. I graduated from Shippensburg University in May of 2012 with

certification in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. My favorite subject is math

because I’ve always loved doing math problems and solving equations. I live with my parents and

three younger brothers in Lansdale. I attended Knapp Elementary School for kindergarten through

sixth grade. Last school year I was a substitute teacher in North Penn School District and I am

currently working at Knapp as the Title 1 teacher. I’m really enjoying my time at Knapp getting to

know the students and faculty. I truly enjoy working with children. During the summer I work at a

daycare in Harleysville as the three year old teacher. I am also currently working part-time at

Applebee’s Carside To Go. I look forward to getting a classroom teacher position with North Penn

School District.

• Tasrifa Juthi for being prepared for class and doing her homework

• Albi Morshed for including all on the playground

• Elizabeth Hofmann for helping a friend

• Gianna Cimino for cleaning the lunch table

• Amerah Berry for walking her younger sister to class

• Kayla Shaw for walking her younger brother to class

• Tiffany Oponski for helping a classmate get caught up when they were absent

• Max Lanier for being incredibly focused and attentive all day

• Joseph Legreca for amazing behavior in the cafeteria

• Mahi Islam for picking up trash off the floor

• Melvin Mathew for helping clean the classroom

• Naomi Churchill for helping a new student feel comfortable and welcomed

• Victoria Miller from Mrs. Karensky’s room for always doing her best

• Hassan Soliman for being extra polite

• Gabe Marzouq for great behavior in the cafeteria

• Jose Franco for great behavior in the cafeteria

• Nisan Miah for great behavior in the cafeteria

• Elisha Wilson for great behavior in the cafeteria

• Megan McCarthy for great behavior in the cafeteria

• Anthony Granese for being respectful

• Taylor Bortnichak for being a caring friend

• Jesse Slack for being kind to a friend

• Izabella Shirley for helping friends tie their shoes

• Adam Zlam for inviting a friend to play during indoor recess

• Victoria Miller (from Mrs. Hamlet’s room) for being extra polite

• Rashad McNeill for helping to clean up after his classmates

• Owen Daknis for being extra friendly

• Maya Adams for always being prepared for class

• Darius Kirksey-Lanier for helping his teacher clean up

• Hussain Briggs for being respectful

• Tatyana Brown for helping someone pick up papers who dropped them in the hallway

• Elliot Giles for following directions

• Randelle Garcia for following directions and being on task

Great job to this week’s winners, and have keep up the awesome work!

Character Counts Winners