Strawberry Knoll Celebrates Its Silver Anniversary

     This year has been a very special year for Strawberry Knoll Elementary School. The school is celebrating its silver anniversary, and on Friday, April 25, 2014, the school was able to hold ceremony that reflected back on the last twenty-five years.

     Everyone who was a part of the Strawberry Knoll family, including current students, alumni, teachers, and parents, were all invited to the event. Most sported something red in order to show their school pride.

     The school invited past principals and students to talk about what Strawberry Knoll meant to them and also to relate one of their fondest memories from the school. There was also a slideshow titled “Through the Years,” playing during the ceremony that showed pictures from the school’s earliest days to its present day.

     Through all of the pictures and stories that were shared throughout the night, it was easy to see how much SKES had invested in their school and in their students. “We, staff, students, their families, and others who come to our school, accomplish more when our energy is focused on teaching and learning because of our nurturing school climate,” said Principal Egon Kaplan.  “There is a genuine sense of family,” he added.

     Kaplan began working with the school as an assistant principal in 1996 and remained there until 1998. Later in early 2000 he returned as interim principal, and was eventually appointed as principal in June of 2000. “I inherited a great school,” said Kaplan.

     During Kaplan’s time at SKES, he was able to enhance the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that surrounded the school. Kaplan started the Strawberry Knoll Town Hall meetings that invited parents and teachers to celebrate the achievements of the students. He also made sure that the hallways of the school were filled with students’ work. “Our students take pride in reading other students’ writing that can also include math word problems and information pertaining to social studies and science,” said Kaplan.

    The alumni who spoke at the ceremony made sure to express their appreciation of the caring, educational atmosphere of their elementary school. Former teachers also spoke during the ceremony and told stories of some of their favorite memories that SKES had provided them with. It was clear that the school had influenced many who had entered through its doors.

    Current students were also able to show their school spirit by participating in the fashion show that was held that night. The show showcased the “Knight”-wear, or spirit-wear of the school. Parents, teachers, and students all participated.

    As a final way to commemorate the school’s silver anniversary the whole audience sang the “Happy Birthday Song” and a birthday balloon was released. The PTA also presented a painting that all the students had worked on as a gift for the school. It was a tree that had dots for leaves, and each dot was painted by current students.

     The school had a lot of great memories that were shared during the ceremony, and one could see that the spirit and value of teaching had never wavered since the school’s beginning. The school’s environment was what was able to foster successful students, teachers, and administrators who gladly returned for the silver anniversary celebration. “My sincere hope is that Strawberry Knoll maintains its sense of wonder for the children,” said Kaplan.