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
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