Calendar

February 9:         Science Night, 6:30 PM

February 11-15:  No School

February 17:       Site Council, 3:30pm

February 17:       Restaurant Night at Su Hong, Palo Alto

February 17:       Science Fair Parent Information Mtg, 7 PM

February 24:       Family Math Night, 6:30 PM

March 2:             New Principal Selection Information Meeting with Scott Bowers, 7 PM

March 13:           Annual Palo Verde Auction

Palo Verde and PTA News

From the Desk of Lupe Garcia…

Dear Palo Verde Parents, Students, and Community,

Thank you for helping us make a smooth transition into the second half of the school year.  Your continued support and direct efforts benefit all our children. THANK YOU also to the many volunteers who actively contribute in classrooms and in other school related activities, which make Palo Verde School a vibrant place for everyone.  Let’s keep it going!

Updates and other general information:

Please note the following test dates and related information:

Testing dates: Please do not schedule appointments or trips on days when your child is to take a test. Do note the following test dates and please also check with your child’s teacher for other relevant dates:

* March 8-9 all third and fifth graders (and selected second and fourth grade classes) will take the MARS Math Test;

* May 3 – 14 all students in 2nd- 5th grades will take the STAR Test.

Please note the information on participation rate below:

* Participation rate on the STAR Test:  It is critical that at least 95% of our students take the STAR Test.  The state sanctions schools and districts that do not meet this participation rate requirement.  If you have questions, please contact me directly.

Thank you for donating to PiE: educational funding continues to go down dramatically due to economic and political reasons. Fortunately, you, the Palo Alto community, have been the absolute constant in the lives of our schools.  You have maintained a clear focus in support of education in our district. Thank you for your generous donations in support of our children’s education!

“Coins for Haiti” fundraising: our students are doing a fabulous job fundraising for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Our students raised $982.91 by the end of the first week.  Way to go Palo Verde!  We will be donating the funds to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.  It is the only charity organization that publicly states that 100% of the donations will go to relief efforts.  Apparently a private donor donated enough funds to cover the overhead administrative expenses.  Know in advance that ALL donations will go directly to those in need.  Thank you Maria Zajac for doing the research! In addition, different classrooms (or grade levels) will also be hosting different activities for additional fundraising.  Thank you for your support for those in EXTREME NEED in Haiti!

Please continue to be aware of your child’s needs and stay in touch with his/her teacher.  The second half of the year is typically more intense for children, academically and socially. Most students have major projects to complete and friendships sometimes shift, causing emotional stress. Your vigilance and support will be instrumental in providing a safety net when they need it.  Let us know if we can help.

Warmest regards,

Lupe García

Science Night at Palo Verde

Tuesday, February 9th 2010, 6:30-8:20 PM

The Lawrence Hall of Science will be transforming our multipurpose room into hands-on learning stations.  The Build It! festival brings out the engineer and architect in everyone. Participants can exercise their design, problem-solving, and spatial skills by constructing in two and three dimensions.

Volunteers needed to assist with the stations! To volunteer, please call Theivanai Palaniappan at (510) 795-9084 or theivanai.palaniappan (at) gmail dot com

Restaurant Night

Please join us at Su Hong on February 17 any time between 11 am and 9 pm for our monthly Restaurant Night!  20% of all proceeds go straight back to Palo Verde.  It’s a chance to have some fun and help the school at the same time!

Family Math Game Night

Students, parents, and siblings are all invited to join Palo Verde teachers in an evening of Math Games. Join your children as we play a variety of games from our new math program, Everyday Mathematics. You will see how games develop over the grades, and gain insight into the deeper mathematical thinking involved in some activities that may be deceivingly simple on the surface. Learn games that will help your child master the basic number facts as well as develop a solid number sense. Modifications will be shared that will help to make games appropriate and challenging for your whole family!

What?           Math Game Night for Families

When?          Wednesday, February 24th

Time?            6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Where?         Palo Verde Multipurpose Room

Who?            Palo Verde students and their families

Meeting on New Principal Selection with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Bowers

As the Palo Alto Unified School District begins the process of selecting a new Principal for Palo Verde Elementary School, we would like to hear from you.

On Tuesday, March 2nd from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Palo Verde Library, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott Bowers will hold a meeting with interested parents to gather their views on the school.

In his recent letter staff and parents, current principal, Lupe Garcia, announced that he will retire at the end of this year.  One of the first steps in the process for placing a new principal at Palo Verde is to gather your thoughts on what you value most about Palo Verde, what you see as challenges for the school over the next few years, and what leadership qualities you feel are most important for your school’s principal.

Please join Dr. Bowers at this Palo Verde parent meeting so that your views may help inform in this important staffing decision.

The Palo Verde PTA has also arranged child care with Palo Verde Kids’ Club during this meeting. More details will be available soon. Space will be limited.

Palo Verde Auction Update

Thank you to everyone who has already offered up your time and talents!  We are thrilled with the response from the Palo Verde community.

Some of us are still pondering the question: “What can I give?”

We assure you that no item is too small!

Vacation Home or Time-Share

Pie- or Bread- of the Month or any type of meal delivery

Event Tickets – sports, theatre, tee times, etc.

Baby-sitting or Dog-walking

Photography

Whether or not you can donate, we hope you will join us for a casual night of fun and fundraising March 13th at Trader Vic’s in Palo Alto!

This event is more than a party! In the face of state budget cuts and declining property tax revenue, funds raised at the auction help fill the gaps for classroom equipment and materials requested and needed by our teachers at every grade level. Your support of this important PTA event truly makes a positive difference for our children and our school.

Please email details to Rebecca Thompson: rebeccaherrema (at) hotmail dot com or complete one of the forms in the office.  You’ll need to include your name, phone number, email, item description, value, minimum bid and expiration date.  Thank you from your auction co-chairs: Sheri Tye and Jackie Cook

Save the Date!

International Fair & Food Festival – Saturday, May 15, 4 – 7 PM

Enjoy the adventure of first-hand experience of varied cultures. See the arts and crafts, hear the sounds and be entertained.Have fun with your passport! Visit and explore the countries and feel the ambiance of world travel. See the smiles on your kids’ faces as they enjoy all the fun and deepen their understanding of the cultural diversity.

Experience the cuisines around the world. This year, for the first time, families of Palo Verde will get to enjoy an International Food Festival at the International Fair.  Bring friends and family to enjoy the food festival. The proceeds from the food festival will go to PTA.

Put on that apron and whip up your most favorite dish! Culinary contributions are needed to make this event a huge success. Any cuisine around the world is welcome.

Thanks to all the volunteers who have stepped up to help with the fair. We have booth leaders for India, UK, Thailand, Netherlands, Brazil, Taiwan and Russia.

We need your help with the following:

1. Volunteers to help with booths, setup, cleanup, activities etc on the day of the fair as well as planning and preparation before the fair.
2. Booth leaders for more countries.
3. Food contributions for the Food Festival.

For more information or to volunteer contact:  Ritu Das (rituparnad (at) yahoo dot com), Dipti Joshi (dsonak (at) yahoo dot com) or Priya Junnarkar (priya dot junnarkar (at) gmail dot com)

PAUSD News

PTA Budget Survey Results

The results are in . . . over 1,400 parents and PTAers filled out the Palo Alto PTA Council’s PAUSD Budget Survey and a summary of their responses is posted here: http://paloaltopta.org.  A School Board study session discussing these and other suggestions will be held Tuesday, February 9, 12:30-2:30 PM, 25 Churchill.  It is open to the public.

California’s Race to the Top Legislation

On January 7, California enacted sweeping new education legislation, including open enrollment.  For a summary of the new laws see http://paloaltopta.org

School Board Study Session: 2010-2011 Budget Balancing Plan

Tuesday,  February 9, 12:30 PM, 25 Churchill

School Board Regular Meeting

Tuesday,  February 9, 6:30 PM, 25 Churchill

For Agendas and Materials: Click Here

http://www.pausd.org/community/board/agenda.shtml

Paly Cheer Clinic for Grades K-8

Sat./Sun. Feb. 6/7, 12-3pm; Performance Wed. Feb. 10 Join Paly Cheerleaders at a Cheer Clinic on Feb. 6 & 7.  All ages will have fun tumbling, cheerleading and dancing.  On Feb. 10, all clinic attendees will perform at halftime at the Paly basketball game.  $45, includes Tshirt.  To sign up contact Ann Carter, annescottercarter (at) aol dot com

“Heavenly Bandstand” Rocks Gunn High School

Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday February 10, 8 PM, Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of young love, lots of laughs and music at Gunn’s annual musical extravaganza, starring the Gunn High School Choirs, the JLS and Terman Middle School Choirs, and 50 of your favorite Gunn Staff.  Directed by Gunn choir director William Liberatore, script by Nancy Hersage.

Tickets: $15 adults, $10 students, www.gunnchoir.org, or in the Gunn Students Activities Center starting February 1.

JLS Connections Observation Day

Tuesday, February 16, 8:15 AM – 11:25 AM, JLS Classrooms 410, 510, 710 and 720

Current 5th grade students and their parents are welcome to observe classes on February 16 to learn more about the Connections program at JLS.  If your 5th grader is visiting, please make sure that his/her teacher is “ok” with the absence that morning.  On the morning of the visitation, check in at the JLS Office.  Please note that there will be plenty of opportunity to observe classroom activity, but that “shadowing” an individual student is not permitted and that these visitations are for the Connections’ classrooms only.

Questions: Connections’ teacher Katie Schramm, kschramm (at) pausd dot org

Monthly ADHD Parent Education and Support Group

Thursday, February 18, 7:30-9 PM, Room A, 25 Churchill. This group meets on one Thursday of each month (March 25, April 22, May 20). The group will discuss a wide range of issues and information will be provided regarding managing ADHD at home and at school.  Behavior management, getting chores and homework done,  managing school, organization, time management and study skills,  and how to get help at school through 504 Plans and IEPs.  Come get your questions answered and share your experiences with other parents.  The meetings sometimes feature guest speakers.  Led by Janet Dafoe, Ph.D., Morrissey-Compton Center.  Questions: 208-1224.

Annual CAC Sweetheart Awards

Monday, February 22, 7:30-9 PM,  Boardroom, 25 Churchill Avenue,  Palo Alto

Come help CAC honor those “Every Day Heroes” who have made a difference in the life of a special needs child. This will be a joyous, heartwarming and touching event to celebrate many deserving individuals.  Refreshments will be served.

You Made It! Jamboree

Submission deadline Sunday, February 28

Jamboree – Saturday, May 15, Palo Alto Art Center

The You Made It! Jamboree is PAUSD’s first-ever  celebration of creativity and innovation, giving PAUSD students an opportunity to show and share their  original creations with the community in a non-competitive environment, and to inspire others to pursue their own creative ideas and passions. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Council of PTAs, with support from the Palo Alto Art Center.

Info and entry forms: www.youmadeitjamboree.com

Parent Ed:  Christine Carter, Raising Happy Kids

Tuesday, March 16, 7 PM, Barron Park School

Dr. Carter’s talk addresses what science tells us about the factors that breed happiness in childhood and beyond. Dr. Carter is executive director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and a sociologist who studies the childhood roots of happiness.  For more information click here.

Dr. Ken Ginsburg:  Building Resilience in Children and Teens

Thursday, March 25, Resource fair and community social 6 PM, Presentation 6:30 PM, Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School

Using humor and real-life scenarios, Dr. Ken Ginsburg will teach you how to raise resilient children who can deal with stress in an increasingly complex world.  His unique perspective emphasizes the developmental strengths of youth, equipping participants with skills needed to better teach kids to help themselves.  Dr. Ginsburg is a nationally renowned pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.  His books include A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens and Less Stress, More Success.  Free.  Sponsors include Palo Alto PTA Council, Palo Alto School PTAs, and Los Altos-Mountain View PTA Council

City of Palo Alto News

Children’s Theatre 10-Minute Playwriting Contest

Deadline March 22

Bay Area students are invited to participate in the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre’s Second Annual 10-Minute Playwriting Contest.  All genres of plays accepted from students ages 8 through high school.  Winning plays receive a staged reading and reception at PACT.  They will be performed by members of the Teen Arts Council and directed by a professional director.  Winning authors will also receive a prize donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  Plays will be judged in three categories: Elementary (age 8-10), Jr. High (Age 11-13), and Young Adult 14-18.  Winners announced May 11.  Submit plays electronically to Childrens.Theatre (at) cityofpaloalto dot org or by snail mail to Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, ATTN: Playwriting Contest, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  Questions: 463-4930.

Community News

Palo Alto Little League Spring 2010 Registration

Palo Alto Little League has baseball leagues for Palo Alto children 5 years of age and older by April 30, 2010.  Kindergarten students: Sign-up for Tee Ball.  New and returning players can sign-up on-line now.  Info: pabaseball.org or registration (at) pabaseball dot org

Upcoming Canopy Tree Events

Saturday, February 6:

• 9 AM-Noon – Volunteer Tree Planting, Stanford. Canopy Volunteer Tree Planting at Nixon Elementary School (Phase 2)

Saturday, February 13:

• 10 AM-Noon –  Free Neighborhood Tree Walk, Palo Alto. Free Tree Walk in Old Palo Alto with leading arborist  Heather Booty
• 1 PM-4 PM – Canopy Workshop. Palo Alto. Workshop: Restoring Older Fruit Trees

Friday, March 5:

• 9 AM-3:30 PM – Canopy Workshop: Pruning and Training Young Trees for Strength, Beauty, Longevity and Appropriate Clearances: A Practical Approach for Arborists

To sign up: sharon (at) canopy dot org.  Info: www.canopy.org

Documentary:  ”Race to Nowhere”

Tuesday, Februay 23, 7 PM, Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way

“Race to Nowhere” is a  film made by a Lafayette mom as a call to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America.  The film will be followed by dialogue with the director.

Sponsored by Los Altos – Mountain View PTA Council and Mountain View High School Challenge Success.  Tickets: $12 http://racetonowherepaloalto.eventbrite.com.

Programs offered bythe Center for Sustainable Change (CSC)

For more information, please contact Center for Sustainable Change, 424-0705 x. 21, www.centerforsustainablechange.org

“Growing Mental Health in Our Families”

Friday,  February 19, 8:45-10:15 AM, Fairmeadow Elementary School Library

With Ami Chen Mills-Naim.  Sponsored by the Fairmeadow PTA.  Ms. Mills-Naim is CSC Director and author of “The Spark Inside: A Special Book for Youth.” She has worked with families and adolescents for more than 20 years, teaching the principles that govern innate resiliency-and what gets in the way. She is currently director of the National Community Resiliency Project, in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

“Growing Mental Health for Parents and Teens”

Tuesday, March 30, 6:30-8 PM, Palo Alto Family YMCA, 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto.  With Ami Chen Mills-Naim. This event is open to the general public, registration is not required.

“Spiritual Fitness”

Thursdays, April 8-May 13, 6:30-8 PM, Palo Alto Family YMCA

A six-part series. Join CSC’s Director Ami Chen Naim for a reflective dive into the 3 Principles of Mind, Consciousness & Thought and how our understanding of these principles impacts family and work life, leading to increased peace-of-mind, harmony, communication, efficiency, and well-being. Teenagers 13 and over are welcome.  Registration through the YMCA, www.paloaltofamilyymca.com, 856-9622.

Kara’s Summer Grief Camp

July 30-August 1, Applications due Monday, February 22

Kara’s annual summer grief camp, Camp Erin, is a free grief camp designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.  It is a weekend-long experience that combines traditional fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.  Applications and info: call Kara, 321-5272 or www.kara-grief.org/camperin

BandWorks Rock n’ Roll Summer Camp in Los Altos & San Carlos

For kids ages 8-18, week-long Summer Day Camps are open to young beginners through advanced, older teen players. Professional musician-instructors create a fun and supportive environment while they teach kids the skills they need to play in a rock band-and make new friends in the process.

Info: info (at) bandworks dot com, 510-843-BAND(2263) or www.BandWorks.com

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits

Sundays, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.  Info:  www.moah.org

Sibling Relationship Issues When One Sib Has Special Needs

Wednesday, March 17, 7-9 PM, Springer Elementary School, MP Room, 1120 Rose Avenue, Mountain View

All PAUSD parents warmly welcome!  This is a free program, open to any parent with an interest in supporting the emotional needs of all their children, especially when dealing with special needs within a family.

Leslie Vaasquez is the parent of two daughters, one with special health care needs.  She grew up with a brother with multiple disabilities.  Leslie, who has a Masters degree in Counseling, has served as a Parents Helping Parents support group facilitator, mentor parent, and board member for 9 years.  Her talk focuses on the sibling relationship – why it’s important to focus on siblings in a special needs family and the ways parents and others can support siblings.  She discusses the particular issues and concerns for siblings such as isolation, lack of information, loss of attention, embarrassment, guilt, and responsibility.  She also addresses strategies parents can use to deal with these issues.  Finally, she will discuss benefits of being positive and how siblings have a lot to gain by being actively involved with their special needs sibling.

The meeting is 7 to 9 PM.  Hospitality begins at 6:45pm.

This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org)  All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit.  No registration is necessary.

Palo Verde and PTA News

Calendar
February 9:         Science Night, 6:30 PM
February 11-15:   No School
February 17:       Site Council, 3:30pm
February 24:       Family Math Night, 6:30 PM
March 13:           Annual Palo Verde Auction

Play Ball! 
The registration deadline for Palo Alto Girls Softball is this Sunday, January 31. Opening day is March 13.  Leagues are 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U.  Please visit www.paloaltogirlssoftball.org for more information. 

Help Haiti Bake Sale
Wednesday, February 3 at 1:25 PM
Palo Verde’s first grade classrooms (Rooms 4, 5, and 6) will sponsor a bake sale next Wednesday to raise funds to help the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti. The bake sale will take place right after school in front of Mr. Garcia’s office. If you have any questions, please e-mail Maria Zajac at mcz_1 (at) yahoo dot com. Thank you for your support!  

A Healthy Balance
Wednesday, February 3 from 9-11 AM; Fairmeadow MP Room
Please join us for a conversation with Denise Clark-Pope and help your child be fulfilled without sacrificing achievement. Children today live in a culture that is increasingly characterized by a “more is better” and “earlier is better” mindset, both in and out of school. This fast-paced existence for kids too often places them under undue pressure and stress, which can result in burnout, disengagement, unhealthy life patterns, or debilitating health problems. Over-scheduling further infringes upon the most productive activity for children: unstructured play.

This thought-provoking program is a must for parents seeking a healthy balance between achievement and personal fulfillment for their children. In this presentation, you will explore the unique demands placed on children’s time today and examine how today’s high-pressure, fast-paced culture can have unintentional but damaging effects on children. Come discover simple ways your family can counter the fast-paced culture without sacrificing achievement and while allowing kids to be kids. Sponsored by the PTAs of  Fairmeadow, El Carmelo, Palo Verde and Walter Hays. Parking is limited; please park in Mitchell Park. For more information, contact Sigrid K Pinsky sigridkp (at) yahoo dot com.

Save The Date!
Science Night at Palo Verde
Tuesday, February 9th 2010, 6:30-8:20 PM
The Lawrence Hall of Science will be transforming our multipurpose room into hands-on learning stations.  The Build It! festival brings out the engineer and architect in everyone. Participants can exercise their design, problem-solving, and spatial skills by constructing in two and three dimensions.
Volunteers needed to assist with the stations! To volunteer, please call Theivanai Palaniappan at (510) 795-9084 or theivanai.palaniappan (at) gmail dot com

Family Math Game Night
Students, parents, and siblings are all invited to join Palo Verde teachers in an evening of Math Games. Join your children as we play a variety of games from our new math program, Everyday Mathematics. You will see how games develop over the grades, and gain insight into the deeper mathematical thinking involved in some activities that may be deceivingly simple on the surface. Learn games that will help your child master the basic number facts as well as develop a solid number sense. Modifications will be shared that will help to make games appropriate and challenging for your whole family!

What?           Math Game Night for Families
When?          Wednesday, February 24th
Time?            6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where?         Palo Verde Multipurpose Room
Who?            Palo Verde students and their families

Palo Verde Auction Update
Join us for a night of fun and fundraising March 13th at Trader Vic’s Mai Thai Lounge! The Palo Verde PTA Auction Committee is busy drumming up donations of products, services, and events from local businesses for everyone to bid on. Funds raised at the auction will help support school and PTA-sponsored events and activities for our kids.
How You Can Help: In addition to attending the event, consider contributing your time and talents toward auction items such as personal services, parties, vacation homes and more.  Everyone has something to offer.  We can help you package your skills and interests into a valuable auction item!  Hosting (or co-hosting) a party is a fun way to bring families together while raising money for the school community.  Talk to your friends!  No donation is too small. 

Below are just a few ideas to help you start.  Contact us!
-      Host a kid-themed party: Tie-dye party, fire station birthday, model airplane building, princess tea party, cupcake decorating, Star Wars theme, etc.
-      Host a party or event for adults: Retro Bingo Night, Tamale Making, Progressive Cocktail party, Tennis Mixer and BBQ, Mom’s Boot Camp, etc.
-      Offer professional services: Donate a few hours of computer tech support, handyman time, photography, landscaping, or other sought after skills.
-      Package your talents or interests: Do you enjoy baking, calligraphy, sewing, scrapbooking, winemaking, or a unique sport?  Share your talents or interests through lessons or a party or simply deliver a package to the highest bidder (e.g. Pie-of-the-month, Indian dinner for six, Cricket clinic, etc). 
-      Offer services from older siblings:  Yard work, babysitting, dog walking, etc.
-      Donate a vacation home or time share (it may be tax deductible)
-      Donate extra airline or hotel points or sporting or arts event tickets
 
Please email details to Rebecca Thompson: rebeccaherrema (at)hotmail dot com or complete one of the forms in the office.  You’ll need to include your name, phone number, email, item description, value, minimum bid and expiration date.  Thank you from your auction co-chairs: Sheri Tye and Jackie Cook

PAUSD News

Elementary and Middle School GATE Parent Presentation
Wednesday, February 3, 7-8:30 PM, Board Room, 25 Churchill
Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress by Beth Littrell.  This presentation will describe the characteristics of intensity, perfectionism and associated stress in gifted students, and give a few strategies for reflection and self-management of the difficulties that arise from these phenomena.
Beth Littrell is a BTSA Advisor and Resource Specialist for GATE in the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Questions: 329-3769, Flyer:  Click here

ArtSpeak!  “The Big Picture”
Thurs. Feb. 4, 7.30pm, PAUSD 25 Churchill.
Some challenges are so complicated, the best way to see the big picture is to actually draw a big picture.  Many corporations and global organizations use graphic facilitation to help them visualize and understand the nuances of complex issues, whether it’s developing a business strategy or finding solutions for global warming.  Ann Badillo (Paly parent) has led many graphic facilitation sessions.  She will describe how they work, who uses them, and with the help of a graphic artist, lead a session with the audience to create its own big picture.

Paly Cheer Clinic for Grades K-8
Sat./Sun. Feb. 6/7, 12-3pm; Performance Wed. Feb. 10 Join Paly Cheerleaders at a Cheer Clinic on Feb. 6 & 7.  All ages will have fun tumbling, cheerleading and dancing.  On Feb. 10, all clinic attendees will perform at halftime at the Paly basketball game.  $45, includes Tshirt.  To sign up: Ann Carter,  annscottcarter@aol.com. 

“Heavenly Bandstand” Rocks Gunn High School
Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday February 10, 8 PM, Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of young love, lots of laughs and music at Gunn’s annual musical extravaganza, starring the Gunn High School Choirs, the JLS and Terman Middle School Choirs, and 50 of your favorite Gunn Staff.  Directed by Gunn choir director William Liberatore, script by Nancy Hersage. 
Tickets: $15 adults, $10 students, www.gunnchoir.org, or in the Gunn Students Activities Center starting February 1.

Monthly ADHD Parent Education and Support Group
Thursday, February 18, 7:30-9 PM, Room A, 25 Churchill. This group meets on one Thursday of each month (March TBD, April 22, May 20). The group will discuss a wide range of issues and information will be provided regarding managing ADHD at home and at school.  Behavior management, getting chores and homework done,  managing school, organization, time management and study skills,  and how to get help at school through 504 Plans and IEPs.  Come get your questions answered and share your experiences with other parents.  The meetings sometimes feature guest speakers.  Led by Janet Dafoe, Ph.D., Morrissey-Compton Center.  Questions: 208-1224.

Annual CAC Sweetheart Awards
Monday, February 22, 7:30-9 PM,  Boardroom, 25 Churchill Avenue,  Palo Alto
Come help CAC honor those “Every Day Heroes” who have made a difference in the life of a special needs child. This will be a joyous, heartwarming and touching event to celebrate many deserving individuals.  Refreshments will be served.

You Made It! Jamboree
Submission deadline Sunday, February 28
Jamboree – Saturday, May 15, Palo Alto Art Center
The You Made It! Jamboree is PAUSD’s first-ever  celebration of creativity and innovation, giving PAUSD students an opportunity to show and share their  original creations with the community in a non-competitive environment, and to inspire others to pursue their own creative ideas and passions. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Council of PTAs, with support from the Palo Alto Art Center.
Info and entry forms: www.youmadeitjamboree.com  

City of Palo Alto News

Children’s Theatre 10-Minute Playwriting Contest
Deadline March 22
Bay Area students are invited to participate in the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre’s Second Annual 10-Minute Playwriting Contest.  All genres of plays accepted from students ages 8 through high school.  Winning plays receive a staged reading and reception at PACT.  They will be performed by members of the Teen Arts Council and directed by a professional director.  Winning authors will also receive a prize donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  Plays will be judged in three categories: Elementary (age 8-10), Jr. High (Age 11-13), and Young Adult 14-18.  Winners announced May 11.  Submit plays electronically to Childrens.Theatre (at) cityofpaloalto dot org or by snail mail to Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, ATTN: Playwriting Contest, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  Questions: 463-4930.

Community News 

Palo Alto Little League Spring 2010 Registration
Palo Alto Little League has baseball leagues for Palo Alto children 5 years of age and older by April 30, 2010.  Kindergarten students: Sign-up for Tee Ball.  New and returning players can sign-up on-line now.
Info: http://pabaseball.org, registration (at) pabaseball dot org

Music For Minors Benefit Family Concert:  Red Grammer
Sunday, January 31, 3 PM, Carrington Hall, Sequoia High School, 1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City
Award-Winning Grammy nominee Children’s Entertainer Red Grammer will perform with proceeds to benefit music education in local elementary schools.  Nearly all of his albums have received Parents’ Choice Awards.  
Tickets: $14, by calling Music For Minors, 237-9130, www.mfm.org or Artsopolis, www.artsopolis.com.  Group discounts available. 

Parent Education Event, Self Advocacy & Resiliency: “I Can!”
Thursday, February 4, 6:30-8:30 PM, Springer Multi-Purpose Room, 1120 Rose Ave, Mountain View
All PAUSD are welcome to this free event featuring Karen Grites, M.S, Center for Community Education Director, Children’s Health Council.
When learning styles are demystified and a child can articulate how he learns best, he gains a sense of power and creates the groundwork for a better self-image.  This talk will address ways your child can weather the challenges that come with each new grade or situation and create resiliency to bounce back from setbacks.  Sponsor: Los Altos Special Education PTA.
Info: Gita Gopal, gita.gopal (at) gmail dot com. 

Programs offered bythe Center for Sustainable Change (CSC)
For more information, please contact Center for Sustainable Change, 424-0705 x. 21, www.centerforsustainablechange.org
“Growing Mental Health in Our Families”
Fri. Feb. 19, 8:45-10:15am, Fairmeadow Elementary School Library
With Ami Chen Mills-Naim.  Sponsored by the Fairmeadow PTA.  Ms. Mills-Naim is CSC Director and author of “The Spark Inside: A Special Book for Youth.” She has worked with families and adolescents for more than 20 years, teaching the principles that govern innate resiliency-and what gets in the way. She is currently director of the National Community Resiliency Project, in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
“Growing Mental Health for Parents and Teens”
Tues. March 30, 6:30-8pm, Palo Alto Family YMCA, 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto,
With Ami Chen Mills-Naim. This event is open to the general public, registration is not required.
“Spiritual Fitness”
Thurs. April 8-May 13, 6:30-8pm, Palo Alto Family YMCA
A six-part series. Join CSC’s Director Ami Chen Naim for a reflective dive into the 3 Principles of Mind, Consciousness & Thought and how our understanding of these principles impacts family and work life, leading to increased peace-of-mind, harmony, communication, efficiency, and well-being. Teenagers 13 and over are welcome.  Registration through the YMCA, www.paloaltofamilyymca.com, 856-9622.
“The Element of Time in Mental Health and Healing:” When Do We Expect to “Feel Better?” And can it be Now?
Thurs. Feb. 4, CSC Offices, 744 San Antonio Road, Ste. 25, Palo Alto
With Ami Chen Mills-Naim, Sliding scale donation, $20-$45

Kara’s Summer Grief Camp
July 30-August 1, Applications due Monday, February 22
Kara’s annual summer grief camp, Camp Erin, is a free grief camp designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.  It is a weekend-long experience that combines traditional fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.  Applications and info: www.kara-grief.org/camperin or call Kara, 321-5272.

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits
Sundays, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.
Info: www.moah.org

Sibling Relationship Issues When One Sib Has Special Needs
Wed. March 17, 7-9pm, Springer Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 1120 Rose Avenue, Mountain View
Speaker Leslie Vasquez is the parent of two daughters, one with special health care needs, has a Masters degree in Counseling, and has served as a PHP support group facilitator, mentor parent, and board member.  Her talk focuses on why it’s important to focus on siblings in a special needs family and the ways parents and others can support siblings.  Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC, www.selpa1cac.org

Community Kiosk

Calendar

January 22:    No School

January 27:    Restaurant Night at California Pizza Kitchen

February 9:    Science Night, 6:30 PM

February 24:  Family Math Night, 6:30 PM

March 13:      Annual Palo Verde Auction

Palo Verde and PTA News Restaurant Night Please join us at California Pizza Kitchen on Wednesday, January 27 any time between 11 AM and 9 PM for our first Restaurant Night of 2010!  20% of all proceeds go straight back to Palo Verde.  It’s a chance to have some fun and help the school at the same time! Last Chance to Donate To PiE The deadline is January 29th! In this economy it is so important to support our schools 100% of Our Teachers at Palo Verde have donated – they believe that PiE funding is vital in our classrooms Only 42% of Palo Verde families have donated so far – last year we had 65% Drop your check off in the office or go to papie.org Parent Education – Social Cruelty 101: Tools to Help Your Child Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30 PM; Addison School MP Room Addison PTA Parent Education invites you to attend the first Parent Education event of 2010. We have invited a local expert on social cruelty/friendships/caring for others to present information and practical tools to help your child navigate through relational issues at school and beyond. Have you ever considered what the best way to empower your child is when it comes to challenging social interactions?  Have you wondered about differences boys and girls may exhibit in the ways they deal with social cruelty?   During this seminar, these and many other questions about social cruelty will be answered and solutions provided. You will also learn the importance of friendships and how to encourage their development, what to do if your child is targeted, and what a child can do as a bystander/observer of social cruelty. This is a parent-only event, and Spanish translation will also be available. If you have questions, contact Jennifer Devine jendev7 (at) yahoo dot com A Healthy Balance Wednesday, February 3 from 9-11 AM; Fairmeadow MP Room Please join us for a conversation with Denise Clark-Pope and help your child be fulfilled without sacrificing achievement. Children today live in a culture that is increasingly characterized by a “more is better” and “earlier is better” mindset, both in and out of school. This fast-paced existence for kids too often places them under undue pressure and stress, which can result in burnout, disengagement, unhealthy life patterns, or debilitating health problems. Over-scheduling further infringes upon the most productive activity for children: unstructured play. This thought-provoking program is a must for parents seeking a healthy balance between achievement and personal fulfillment for their children. In this presentation, you will explore the unique demands placed on children’s time today and examine how today’s high-pressure, fast-paced culture can have unintentional but damaging effects on children. Come discover simple ways your family can counter the fast-paced culture without sacrificing achievement and while allowing kids to be kids. Sponsored by the PTAs of  Fairmeadow, El Carmelo, Palo Verde and Walter Hays. Parking is limited; please park in Mitchell Park. For more information, contact Sigrid K Pinsky sigridkp (at) yahoo dot com. Save The Date! Science Night at Palo Verde Tuesday, February 9th 2010, 6:30-8:20 PM The Lawrence Hall of Science will be transforming our multipurpose room into hands-on learning stations.  The Build It! festival brings out the engineer and architect in everyone. Participants can exercise their design, problem-solving, and spatial skills by constructing in two and three dimensions. Volunteers needed to assist with the stations! To volunteer, please call Theivanai Palaniappan at (510) 795-9084 or theivanai.palaniappan (at) gmail dot com Family Math Game Night Students, parents, and siblings are all invited to join Palo Verde teachers in an evening of Math Games. Join your children as we play a variety of games from our new math program, Everyday Mathematics. You will see how games develop over the grades, and gain insight into the deeper mathematical thinking involved in some activities that may be deceivingly simple on the surface. Learn games that will help your child master the basic number facts as well as develop a solid number sense. Modifications will be shared that will help to make games appropriate and challenging for your whole family! What?           Math Game Night for Families When?          Wednesday, February 24th Time?            6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Where?         Palo Verde Multipurpose Room Who?            Palo Verde students and their families Palo Verde Auction Update Join us for a night of fun and fundraising March 13th at Trader Vic’s Mai Thai Lounge! The Palo Verde PTA Auction Committee is busy drumming up donations of products, services, and events from local businesses for everyone to bid on. Funds raised at the auction will help support school and PTA-sponsored events and activities for our kids. How You Can Help: In addition to attending the event, consider contributing your time and talents toward auction items such as personal services, parties, vacation homes and more.  Everyone has something to offer.  We can help you package your skills and interests into a valuable auction item!  Hosting (or co-hosting) a party is a fun way to bring families together while raising money for the school community.  Talk to your friends!  No donation is too small. Below are just a few ideas to help you start.  Contact us! Host a kid-themed party: Tie-dye party, fire station birthday, model airplane building, princess tea party, cupcake decorating, Star Wars theme, etc. Host a party or event for adults: Retro Bingo Night, Tamale Making, Progressive Cocktail party, Tennis Mixer and BBQ, Mom’s Boot Camp, etc. Offer professional services: Donate a few hours of computer tech support, handyman time, photography, landscaping, or other sought after skills. Package your talents or interests: Do you enjoy baking, calligraphy, sewing, scrapbooking, winemaking, or a unique sport?  Share your talents or interests through lessons or a party or simply deliver a package to the highest bidder (e.g. Pie-of-the-month, Indian dinner for six, Cricket clinic, etc). Offer services from older siblings:  Yard work, babysitting, dog walking, etc. Donate a vacation home or time share (it may be tax deductible) Donate extra airline or hotel points or sporting or arts event tickets Please email details to Rebecca Thompson: rebeccaherrema (at)hotmail dot com or complete one of the forms in the office.  You’ll need to include your name, phone number, email, item description, value, minimum bid and expiration date.  Thank you from your auction co-chairs: Sheri Tye and Jackie Cook

PAUSD News Fundraisers for Haiti Local organizations and schools all across PAUSD are rallying in a number of ways to support various humanitarian efforts in Haiti.  Schools with scheduled fundraisers include Duveneck, Fairmeadow, El Carmelo, Escondido, Juana Briones, Ohlone, Nixon, and Walter Hays.  After finals week, high school student groups are expected to join in the efforts.The organizations in Haiti to benefit from these fundraisers include Partners in Health, Soles4Souls: Project Haiti Relief, Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, and Operation Rainbow, and the Red Cross, in addition to local PA resident, Dr. Enoch Choi of PAMF who served those in need in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and will do the same in Haiti, reporting back to our community about Haiti, the effect of his work, and its needs going forward. Ongoing: Duveneck: Quarters for Quake Survivors drive. El Carmelo: Check and cash donations through February 12. Fairmeadow: Quarters for Quake Survivors drive through January 26 Thursday, January 21 Duveneck: Bake sale at 2:30 Escondido: Bake sale at 2:30 Ohlone: Book sale at 2:30 Saturday, January. 23 PAMP, Silicon Valley Moms Blog, Gemini Crickets, and other local supporters: Huge Bake Sale – Calling all bakers, volunteers and purveyors of baked goods.  Find out how to help at http://www.pampclub.org, bake sale 9 AM – 3 PM in front of Draeger’s Market, Menlo Park Week of January 25 Juana Briones: Bake sale, possible toy drive, Quarters for Quake Survivors drive Nixon: Haitian Relief Garage Sale January 30. Walter Hays: Children-inspired donations. Palo Verde:  Student made macrame bracelets for sale For more information on how to donate, help with any of these fundraiser activities, or jumpstart a fundraiser with your group, contact: Sara Woodham atwo-jo (at) msn dot com or sawoodham (at) gmail dot com Homework and Organizational Strategies for Children with ADHD Monday, January 25, 7:30-9 PM, Boardroom, 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto A Parent Education Seminar sponsored by Community Advisory Committee for Special Education with speaker: Dr. Betsy Corrin, Director of Child Anxiety Disorder Clinic at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford.  Dr. Corrin will present to parents strategies to improve their child’s on-task behaviors, focus, and organizational skills.  General principles for using reinforcement strategies to shape improved behavioral compliance will be discussed.  Dr. Corrin will also provide guidelines on how to interface with the school and with teachers to create an effective behavior management system. School Board Study Session Tuesday, January 26, 12:30 PM, 25 Churchill To discuss high school Single Plans for Student Achievement. School Board Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 26, 6:30 PM, 25 Churchill Agendas: http://www.pausd.org/community/board/agenda.shtml A Celebration of the Arts at PAUSD Wednesday, January 27, 7:30-9 PM, PAUSD District Office, 25 Churchill Avenue Enjoy a sampling of PAUSD’s art, music, theater and dance offerings.  Learn more about the philosophy of the art education programs at PAUSD. Talk to the professionals who bring their knowledge and talents to our youth.  Great fun for all.  Enjoy refreshments.  Families welcome.  Hosted by PTA Council’s ArtSpeak and PAUSD Art and Music Education Info: Art Education emarshall (at) pausd dot org, 329-3939 Monthly ADHD Parent Education and Support Group Next meeting, Thursday, January 28, 7:30-9 PM, Room A, 25 Churchill This group meets on one Thursday of each month (Jan. 28,  Feb. 18, March TBD, April 22, May 20).  The group will discuss a wide range of issues and information will be provided regarding managing ADHD at home and at school.  Behavior management, getting chores and homework done,  managing school, organization, time management and study skills,  and how to get help at school through 504 Plans and IEPs.  Come get your questions answered and share your experiences with other parents.  The meetings sometimes feature guest speakers.  Led by Janet Dafoe, Ph.D., Morrissey-Compton Center.  Questions: 208-1224. Elementary and Middle School GATE Parent Presentation Wednesday, February 3, 7-8:30 PM, Board Room, 25 Churchill Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress by Beth Littrell.  This presentation will describe the characteristics of intensity, perfectionism and associated stress in gifted students, and give a few strategies for reflection and self-management of the difficulties that arise from these phenomena. Beth Littrell is a BTSA Advisor and Resource Specialist for GATE in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. Questions: 329-3769, Flyer:  Click here “Heavenly Bandstand” Rocks Gunn High School Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday February 10, 8 PM, Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of young love, lots of laughs and music at Gunn’s annual musical extravaganza, starring the Gunn High School Choirs, the JLS and Terman Middle School Choirs, and 50 of your favorite Gunn Staff.  Directed by Gunn choir director William Liberatore, script by Nancy Hersage. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 students, www.gunnchoir.org, or in the Gunn Students Activities Center starting February 1. Annual CAC Sweetheart Awards Monday, February 22, 7:30-9 PM,  Boardroom, 25 Churchill Avenue,  Palo Alto Come help CAC honor those “Every Day Heroes” who have made a difference in the life of a special needs child. This will be a joyous, heartwarming and touching event to celebrate many deserving individuals.  Refreshments will be served. You Made It! Jamboree Submission deadline Sunday, February 28 Jamboree – Saturday, May 15, Palo Alto Art Center The You Made It! Jamboree is PAUSD’s first-ever  celebration of creativity and innovation, giving PAUSD students an opportunity to show and share their  original creations with the community in a non-competitive environment, and to inspire others to pursue their own creative ideas and passions. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Council of PTAs, with support from the Palo Alto Art Center. Info and entry forms: www.youmadeitjamboree.com

City of Palo Alto News Children’s Theatre 10-Minute Playwriting Contest Deadline March 22 Bay Area students are invited to participate in the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre’s Second Annual 10-Minute Playwriting Contest.  All genres of plays accepted from students ages 8 through high school.  Winning plays receive a staged reading and reception at PACT.  They will be performed by members of the Teen Arts Council and directed by a professional director.  Winning authors will also receive a prize donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  Plays will be judged in three categories: Elementary (age 8-10), Jr. High (Age 11-13), and Young Adult 14-18.  Winners announced May 11.  Submit plays electronically to Childrens.Theatre (at) cityofpaloalto dot org or by snail mail to Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, ATTN: Playwriting Contest, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  Questions: 463-4930.

Community News

Palo Alto Little League Spring 2010 Registration
Palo Alto Little League has baseball leagues for Palo Alto children 5 years of age and older by April 30, 2010.  Kindergarten students: Sign-up for Tee Ball.  New and returning players can sign-up on-line now.
Info: http://pabaseball.org, registration (at) pabaseball dot org

MOAH Workshop: Whisper In the Wind: How To Build a Crystal Radio
Sundays, January 24 – February 21, 1-3:30 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
At this Museum of American Heritage workshop, students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set according to a schematic.  tudents learn radio history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation, how headphones work, and how to read schematics.  Ages 10 and up; $65 members/$75 non-members.  Registration must be completed by January 19.
Info: www.moah.org

Music For Minors Benefit Family Concert:  Red Grammer
Sunday, January 31, 3 PM, Carrington Hall, Sequoia High School, 1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City
Award-Winning Grammy nominee Children’s Entertainer Red Grammer will perform with proceeds to benefit music education in local elementary schools.  Nearly all of his albums have received Parents’ Choice Awards.
Tickets: $14, by calling Music For Minors, 237-9130, www.mfm.org or Artsopolis, www.artsopolis.com.  Group discounts available.

Parent Education Event, Self Advocacy & Resiliency: “I Can!”
Thursday, February 4, 6:30-8:30 PM, Springer Multi-Purpose Room, 1120 Rose Ave, Mountain View
All PAUSD are welcome to this free event featuring Karen Grites, M.S, Center for Community Education Director, Children’s Health Council.
When learning styles are demystified and a child can articulate how he learns best, he gains a sense of power and creates the groundwork for a better self-image.  This talk will address ways your child can weather the challenges that come with each new grade or situation and create resiliency to bounce back from setbacks.  Sponsor: Los Altos Special Education PTA.
Info: Gita Gopal, gita.gopal (at) gmail dot com

Kara’s Summer Grief Camp
July 30-August 1, Applications due Monday, February 22
Kara’s annual summer grief camp, Camp Erin, is a free grief camp designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.  It is a weekend-long experience that combines traditional fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support, facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.  Applications and info: www.kara-grief.org/camperin or call Kara, 321-5272.

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits
Sundays, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.
Info: www.moah.org

Sibling Relationship Issues When One Sib Has Special Needs
Wed. March 17, 7-9pm, Springer Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 1120 Rose Avenue, Mountain View
Speaker Leslie Vasquez is the parent of two daughters, one with special health care needs, has a Masters degree in Counseling, and has served as a PHP support group facilitator, mentor parent, and board member.  Her talk focuses on why it’s important to focus on siblings in a special needs family and the ways parents and others can support siblings.  Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC, www.selpa1cac.org

Community Kiosk

Calendar

January 18:    No School
January 20:    Site Council Meeting, 3:30 PM
January 22:    No School
January 27:    Restaurant Night at California Pizza Kitchen
February 9:    Science Night, 6:30 PM
February 24:  Family Math Night, 6:30 PM
March 13:      Annual Palo Verde Auction

Palo Verde and PTA News

From the desk of Lupe Garcia….

Dear Palo Verde Parents, Students and Community,  

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a restful and joyous holiday break with family and friends.  The children have returned to school with renewed energy and enthusiasm for tackling the rest of the year.  Let’s work together to ensure your child does his/her best as we move ahead. 

Think safety: The weather is cold and rainy at times, complicating the transition to and from school.  Please emphasize to your child/ren the need for caution when on the way to and from school, whether on bicycle or on foot.  Do ask that they take particular care when crossing the street at intersections and when going behind parked cars.  Better to think defensively and be safe, than to be concerned about who was right, after the fact.  Also keep these tips in mind if you drop-off or pick-up your child before and after school.  Parents, as drivers, please take extra care as you drive to and from school, as well.  You are the model the children look up to and emulate.   

Do stay in touch with us.  Everyone is working diligently on behalf of the children and the community, however sometimes during the course of the day we do things with which you might not agree or perhaps which might not be clear to you.  If that is the case, please contact our office so we can speak directly.  As adults, we need to model clear communication skills for our children when there are questions or concerns.  At Palo Verde, we strongly value your input and support.  Let’s work together! 

Warmest regards,
Lupe García

Winter Lodge Party
A hundred and seventy-seven skaters and their families turned out for our annual Palo Verde Winter Lodge Skating Party on Wed. Jan 6, 2010!  Along with perfect weather, meaning it didn’t pour down rain like last year, and a crew of super volunteers,  it was a great night of skating (and slipping and sliding) for all. 

 A big THANK YOU goes out to all who helped out at the ticket, pizza/drink and bake sale tables; Sharon Wong, Alison Cormack, Gail Foelsch, Emily Jacquette, Jeannie Llewellyn, Jasmine Kuen, Tracy Stewart and Irina Smith.  
 
Thank you Tracy for all of your years volunteering at this event, single-handily managing the bake sale table. We’ll miss you next year as your last child at Palo Verde moves onto middle school.

 Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of all those volunteering. Your time is very much appreciated. Thank You to all the families who came out to support this fun event- I look forward to
seeing you again next year!

Lori Harrenstien,
Chair

Restaurant Night
Please join us at California Pizza Kitchen on Wednesday, January 27 any time between 11 AM and 9 PM for our first Restaurant Night of 2010!  20% of all proceeds go straight back to Palo Verde.  It’s a chance to have some fun and help the school at the same time! 

Parent Education – Social Cruelty 101: Tools to Help Your Child
Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30PM; Addison School MP Room   
Addison PTA Parent Education invites you to attend the first Parent Education event of 2010. We have invited a local expert on social cruelty/friendships/caring for others to present information and practical tools to help your child navigate through relational issues at school and beyond.

Have you ever considered what the best way to empower your child is when it comes to challenging social interactions?  Have you wondered about differences boys and girls may exhibit in the ways they deal with social cruelty?   During this seminar, these and many other questions about social cruelty will be answered and solutions provided. You will also learn the importance of friendships and how to encourage their development, what to do if your child is targeted, and what a child can do as a bystander/observer of social cruelty. 
This is a parent-only event, and Spanish translation will also be available. If you have questions, contact Jennifer Devine jendev7 (at) yahoo dot com

 A Healthy Balance
Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 9-11 am; Fairmeadow MP Room
Please join us for a conversation with Denise Clark-Pope and help your child be fulfilled without sacrificing achievement. Children today live in a culture that is increasingly characterized by a “more is better” and “earlier is better” mindset, both in and out of school. This fast-paced existence for kids too often places them under undue pressure and stress, which can result in burnout, disengagement, unhealthy life patterns, or debilitating health problems. Over-scheduling further infringes upon the most productive activity for children: unstructured play.

This thought-provoking program is a must for parents seeking a healthy balance between achievement and personal fulfillment for their children. In this presentation, you will explore the unique demands placed on children’s time today and examine how today’s high-pressure, fast-paced culture can have unintentional but damaging effects on children. Come discover simple ways your family can counter the fast-paced culture without sacrificing achievement and while allowing kids to be kids.

Sponsored by the PTAs of  Fairmeadow, El Carmelo, Palo Verde and Walter Hays. Parking is limited; please park in Mitchell Park. For more information, contact Sigrid K Pinsky sigridkp (at) yahoo dot com.

Save The Date!
Science Night at Palo Verde
Tuesday, February 9th 2010, 6:30-8:20 PM
The Lawrence Hall of Science will be transforming our multipurpose room into hands-on learning stations.  The Build It! festival brings out the engineer and architect in everyone. Participants can exercise their design, problem-solving, and spatial skills by constructing in two and three dimensions.

Volunteers needed to assist with the stations! To volunteer, please call Theivanai Palaniappan at (510) 795-9084 or theivanai.palaniappan (at) gmail dot com

Family Math Game Night
Students, parents, and siblings are all invited to join Palo Verde teachers in an evening of Math Games. Join your children as we play a variety of games from our new math program, Everyday Mathematics. You will see how games develop over the grades, and gain insight into the deeper mathematical thinking involved in some activities that may be deceivingly simple on the surface. Learn games that will help your child master the basic number facts as well as develop a solid number sense. Modifications will be shared that will help to make games appropriate and challenging for your whole family!

 What?           Math Game Night for Families
When?          Wednesday, February 24th
Time?            6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where?         Palo Verde Multipurpose Room
Who?            Palo Verde students and their families

Palo Verde Auction Update 
Join us for a night of fun and fundraising March 13th at Trader Vic’s Mai Thai Lounge! The Palo Verde PTA Auction Committee is busy drumming up donations of products, services, and events from local businesses for everyone to bid on. Funds raised at the auction will help support school and PTA-sponsored events and activities for our kids.
How You Can Help: In addition to attending the event, consider contributing your time and talents toward auction items such as personal services, parties, vacation homes and more.  Everyone has something to offer.  We can help you package your skills and interests into a valuable auction item!  Hosting (or co-hosting) a party is a fun way to bring families together while raising money for the school community.  Talk to your friends!  No donation is too small. 

Below are just a few ideas to help you start.  Contact us!
-      Host a kid-themed party: Tie-dye party, fire station birthday, model airplane building, princess tea party, cupcake decorating, Star Wars theme, etc.
-      Host a party or event for adults: Retro Bingo Night, Tamale Making, Progressive Cocktail party, Tennis Mixer and BBQ, Mom’s Boot Camp, etc.
-      Offer professional services: Donate a few hours of computer tech support, handyman time, photography, landscaping, or other sought after skills.
-      Package your talents or interests: Do you enjoy baking, calligraphy, sewing, scrapbooking, winemaking, or a unique sport?  Share your talents or interests through lessons or a party or simply deliver a package to the highest bidder (e.g. Pie-of-the-month, Indian dinner for six, Cricket clinic, etc). 
-      Offer services from older siblings:  Yard work, babysitting, dog walking, etc.
-      Donate a vacation home or time share (it may be tax deductible)
-      Donate extra airline or hotel points or sporting or arts event tickets
 
Please email details to Rebecca Thompson: rebeccaherrema (at)hotmail dot com or complete one of the forms in the office.  You’ll need to include your name, phone number, email, item description, value, minimum bid and expiration date.  Thank you from your auction co-chairs: Sheri Tye and Jackie Cook

PAUSD News

JLS Connections Program Informational Meeting
Wednesday, January 20, 6:30-7:30 PM, Escondido Elementary MP Room, 890 Escondido Road, Stanford
5th graders and parents of 5th graders are invited to come find out if JLS Connections is right for you.  The JLS Connections Program is open to all PAUSD 2010 incoming 6th graders.  Connections is a learning community of students, teachers, and parents where hearts and minds are inspired through challenging and innovative teaching practices, including project-based and hands-on learning, differentiated instruction, and leadership development.  Application to the program is through lottery, with applications due in the Spring.
Info: Connections website, www.jlsconnections.org.  Questions: Jen Hetterly, hetterly (at) sbcglobal dot net, or Becky Epstein, Epstein (at) meer dot net

A Celebration of the Arts at PAUSD
Wed. Jan. 27, 7:30-9pm, PAUSD District Office, 25 Churchill Ave.
Enjoy a sampling of PAUSD’s art, music, theater and dance offerings.  Learn more about the philosophy of the art education programs at PAUSD. Talk to the professionals who bring their knowledge and talents to our youth.  Great fun for all.  Enjoy refreshments.  Families welcome.  Hosted by PTA Council’s ArtSpeak and PAUSD Art and Music Education
Info: Art Education emarshall (at) pausd dot org, 329-3939

Homework and Organizational Strategies for Children with ADHD
Mon. Jan. 25, 7:30-9pm, Boardroom, 25 Churchill Ave. Palo Alto
A Parent Education Seminar sponsored by Community Advisory Committee for Special Education with speaker: Dr. Betsy Corrin, Director of Child Anxiety Disorder Clinic at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford.  Dr. Corrin will present to parents strategies to improve their child’s on-task behaviors, focus, and organizational skills.  General principles for using reinforcement strategies to shape improved behavioral compliance will be discussed.  Dr. Corrin will also provide guidelines on how to interface with the school and with teachers to create an effective behavior management system.
 
Annual CAC Sweetheart Awards
Mon. Feb. 22, 7:30-9pm,  Boardroom, 25 Churchill Ave. Palo Alto
Come help CAC honor those “Every Day Heroes” who have made a difference in the life of a special needs child. This will be a joyous, heartwarming and touching event to celebrate many deserving individuals.  Refreshments will be served.

You Made It! Jamboree
Submission deadline Sun. Feb. 28; Jamboree Sat. May 15, Palo Alto Art Center
The You Made It! Jamboree is PAUSD’s first-ever  celebration of creativity and innovation, giving PAUSD students an opportunity to show and share their  original creations with the community in a non-competitive environment, and to inspire others to pursue their own creative ideas and passions. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Council of PTAs, with support from the Palo Alto Art Center.
Info and entry forms: www.youmadeitjamboree.com

City of Palo Alto News

Children’s Theatre 10-Minute Playwriting Contest
Deadline March 22
Bay Area students are invited to participate in the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre’s Second Annual 10-Minute Playwriting Contest.  All genres of plays accepted from students ages 8 through high school.  Winning plays receive a staged reading and reception at PACT.  They will be performed by members of the Teen Arts Council and directed by a professional director.  Winning authors will also receive a prize donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  Plays will be judged in three categories: Elementary (age 8-10), Jr. High (Age 11-13), and Young Adult 14-18.  Winners announced May 11.  Submit plays electronically to Childrens.Theatre (at) cityofpaloalto dot org or by snail mail to Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, ATTN: Playwriting Contest, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  Questions: 463-4930.

Community News

Palo Alto Little League Spring 2010 Registration
Palo Alto Little League has baseball leagues for Palo Alto children 5 years of age and older by April 30, 2010.  Kindergarten students: Sign-up for Tee Ball.  New and returning players can sign-up on-line now.
Info: http://pabaseball.org, registration (at) pabaseball dot org

Living LEGO-CY at The Museum of American Heritage
December 11- January 17, 11 AM – 3:30 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
MOAH, The Bay Area LEGO® User Group (BayLUG) and Bay Area LEGO Train Club (BayLTC) are again combining forces this winter to repeat last year’s spectacular Holiday season display at MOAH.  MOAH visitors can explore a variety of LEGO creations and an operating LEGO train layout featuring a wide variety of creations by club members. Highlighting it all is Holidays in the Bay Area, a 12 by 25 foot train layout incorporating multiple trains running through city, farm, and suburban scenes.  Admission tis free for active MOAH and BayLUG members and $2 per person for all others. Info: 321-1004

Raising Well-Balanced Children in a Fast-Paced World: Parent Education Course
Wednesdays, January 20 – March 3 (no class 2/17), 7-9:30 PM, Stanford
Offered through Stanford’s Continuing Education Program Winter Quarter, this cutting-edge, in-depth parent education 6-session course was developed by Challenge Success Co-Founders Jim Lobdell and Denise Pope. Designed for parents of children ages 5-12, the course explores this central question: What is success, and how can I foster it in today’s fast-paced, performance-based culture? In a highly interactive environment, participants examine current research on childhood stressors and learn specific strategies to promote physical and mental health, engagement in school, and overall well-being for their children. Participants explore the daily challenges of finding time for play, handling homework, choosing appropriate extracurricular activities, and promoting healthier lifestyles and deeper connections for the entire family.  Taught by Jim Lobdell and Kathy Ruwe, counselor at Las Lomitas Elementary School, and guest speakers include Denise Pope and Madeline Levine, author of The Price of Privilege.  The course is a must for families seeking a healthy balance between achievement and personal fulfillment for their children. Register at http://continuingstudies.stanford.edu.

Meet Your Special Education Director
Wednesday, January 20, 9-11 AM, Covington Elementary Multipurpose Room, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos
Meet your Special Education Director and hear about existing, new, and planned programs and services in your school district:  Hilarey Davis, Director of Special Education, MVLA High School District, Steve Gingras, Director of Special Education, MVW School District, Anne LePage, Director of Pupil Services, Los Altos School District, and Carol Zepecki, Director of Pupil Services, PAUSD.  Find out how to most effectively work with your special ed team.  Find out how California budget cuts and Federal stimulus money affected programs in our schools. Moderated by Phil Shemanski, SELPA 1 CAC,   Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs. 

MOAH Workshop: Whisper In the Wind: How To Build a Crystal Radio
Sundays, January 24 – February 21, 1-3:30 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
At this Museum of American Heritage workshop, students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set according to a schematic.  tudents learn radio history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation, how headphones work, and how to read schematics.  Ages 10 and up; $65 members/$75 non-members.  Registration must be completed by January 19.
Info: www.moah.org

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits
Sundays, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.
Info: www.moah.org

Sibling Relationship Issues When One Sib Has Special Needs
Wed. March 17, 7-9pm, Springer Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 1120 Rose Avenue, Mountain View
Speaker Leslie Vasquez is the parent of two daughters, one with special health care needs, has a Masters degree in Counseling, and has served as a PHP support group facilitator, mentor parent, and board member.  Her talk focuses on why it’s important to focus on siblings in a special needs family and the ways parents and others can support siblings.  Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC, www.selpa1cac.org

Community Kiosk

Calendar

January 13:  PTA Coffee, 8:00 AM

January 18:  No School

January 20:  Site Council Meeting, 3:30 PM

January 22:  No School

January 27:  Restaurant Night at California Pizza Kitchen

February 9:  Science Night, 6:30 PM

Palo Verde and PTA News

Happy New Year Palo Verde Families!

Along with the arrival of 2010, I’m excited to unveil our new Palo Verde Elementary School PTA Newsletter now being delivered via a new email delivery system – Constant Contact. As a result, some of you may be receiving this newsletter for the first time as this new system makes it easier to add new families and deliver our newsletter to the Palo Verde community electronically. You also will notice a new look and feel, which hopefully is easier to read.

In an effort to “go green,” we are delivering our newsletter electronically every Friday. We will be delivering a printed version of our newsletter via Friday Folders only once a month.

Constant Contact is a safe, secure email delivery software provider. You can “opt-out” of receiving our newsletter at anytime. Simply follow the instructions included at the bottom of this newsletter.

Please send along any suggestions or feedback to either myself, Kim Amsbaugh, PTA President, amsbaugh (at) gmail (dot) com, or to our Newsletter Editors, Gail Foelsch and Sherry Walston Heller: paloverdevoice (at) gmail (dot) com.

Sincerely,

Kim Amsbaugh

Lost and Found

Our lost and found cart is overflowing.  Please spend a few minutes looking for your lost items.  The contents of the cart will be emptied on January 8th and all items will be donated.

Restaurant Night

Please join us at California Pizza Kitchen on Wednesday, January 27 any time between 11 AM and 9 PM for our first Restaurant Night of 2010!  20% of all proceeds go straight back to Palo Verde.  It’s a chance to have some fun and help the school at the same time!

Save The Date!

Science Night at Palo Verde

Tuesday, February 9th 2010, 6:30-8:20 PM

The Lawrence Hall of Science will be transforming our multipurpose room into hands-on learning stations.  The Build It! festival brings out the engineer and architect in everyone. Participants can exercise their design, problem-solving, and spatial skills by constructing in two and three dimensions.

Volunteers needed to assist with the stations! To volunteer, please call Theivanai Palaniappan at (510) 795-9084 or theivanai.palaniappan (at) gmail dot com

Reduce Waste and Raise Funds

Purchase a reusable lunch kit at www.citizenpip.com

Did you know that the average school-age child generates 67 lbs of lunch waste each school year?  Help us reduce waste at school by packing a waste-free lunch for your kids.  Not only is it better for the environment, but it will reduce our waste collection costs and result in substanial savings for our school.

Palo Verde School has partnered with Citizenpip, a company that sells reusable lunch kits designed to be fun and stylish for kids, and practical and convenient for parents. Everything in the kits is made from eco-friendly and lab-tested materials that are lead-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and BPA-free.  Kits include an insulated lunch bag, stainless steel water bottle, BPA-free airtight food containers, stainless steel insulated food jar, stainless steel fork and spoon, and 100% cotton napkins.  Purchase a kit, or just the items you need.

Purchase a reusable lunch kit at www.citizenpip.com. During checkout, enter school code ILOVEPALOVERDE and 15% of your purchase will be donated to Palo Verde School.  Spread the word to family and friends, Palo Verde School benefits from any purchases with the school code.

PAUSD News

PAUSD Budget Input Sought

The overall PAUSD budget for 2009/2010 is $153 million. 85% of the budget is personnel-related (i.e. salary + benefits).  Enrollment is 11,680 students.  The projected shortfall or structural deficit is forecast to be $5.7 million for school year 2201/2011, climbing to $10.2 million in 2013/2014.

Click here for an overview of the budget situation.

PAUSD is collecting input from many stakeholders including site councils, principals, staff, PTA members and others in a transparent, iterative, inclusive process. You have the opportunity to consider some options that are being looked at and give your input, or generate new ideas and submit those.  You can take this survey, designed to collect information to help inform the process. The survey is open now and closes 1/11/10.

Savings recommendations from all stakeholders can be emailed to Assistant Superintendent Scott Bowers at balancedbudget (at) @pausd dot org or, if you prefer that your suggestions be anonymous, to Palo Alto PTA Council Advocacy Chair, Lauren Janov,  janovLL (at) yahoo dot com, who will forward them to Mr. Bowers without attribution.

Spanish Immersion Information Meeting

Thursday, January 14, 7-8:15 PM, Escondido Library (in English), Aula 4 (en español), 890 Escondido Rd., Stanford

The Spanish Immersion Program is open to all families eligible for enrollment in the Palo Alto Unified School District.  Participation in the program is decided by lottery.  The information meeting is for new families interested in enrolling children in the program in the fall of 2010.  At the meeting, families will receive information about the two-way immersion model, how the program is implemented in the district, and the registration and lottery processes.  The information will be presented by members of the Escondido community, including the principal, teachers, parents and students.  All new families must attend this meeting (or watch a video of the meeting) before enrolling in the Spanish Immersion Program.

JLS Connections Program Informational Meeting

Wednesday, January 20, 6:30-7:30 PM, Escondido Elementary MP Room, 890 Escondido Road, Stanford

5th graders and parents of 5th graders are invited to come find out if JLS Connections is right for you.  The JLS Connections Program is open to all PAUSD 2010 incoming 6th graders.  Connections is a learning community of students, teachers, and parents where hearts and minds are inspired through challenging and innovative teaching practices, including project-based and hands-on learning, differentiated instruction, and leadership development.  Application to the program is through lottery, with applications due in the Spring.

Info: Connections website, www.jlsconnections.org.  Questions: Jen Hetterly, hetterly (at) sbcglobal dot net, or Becky Epstein, Epstein (at) meer dot net

City of Palo Alto News

Palo Alto City Library Announces Writing Contest For Kids

Deadline: Monday, January 11; Reception: Wednesday, January 27, 3:30 PM, Children’s Library, 1276 Harriet Street

The Palo Alto City Library announces its 2nd Annual Writing Contest for kids.  Children from grades 2-5 will write an essay no more than 500 words in length on the topic, “How do you help a friend?” Entries may be turned in to any library branch or emailed to librarychildrensservices (at) cityofpaloalto dot org.  Submissions must be received by 9 PM on Monday,  January 11.  The essays will be judged on concept and creativity. Children are eligible to win a 1st place grand prize of a $25 gift certificate to Books Inc. Bookstore. Additionally, each participant will receive a Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt gift certificate for one small yogurt with a free topping. The winners will be announced at a reception held for all writers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt and Books Inc. Bookstore.

Info:  www.cityofpaloalto.org/library, 329-2436.

Planning and Transportation Commission: Stanford/El Camino Project

Wednesday, January 13, 7 PM, Council Chambers

The Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission will consider plans to redesign the intersection of Stanford Avenue and El Camino Real.  The draft plans provide a more pedestrian and bike-friendly intersection, including bulbouts at the corners which will eliminate the right turn lanes on El Camino and on Stanford Ave.  This project is on a fast track approval process and the Commission wants to hear comments and concerns now.

To view the draft plans, click here

Comments can be sent to Planning.Commission (at) CityofPaloAlto dot org.

Info: project manager Ms. Shahla Yazdy, shahla.yazdy (at) cityofpaloalto dot org or by calling 617-3151.

Children’s Theatre 10-Minute Playwriting Contest

Deadline March 22

Bay Area students are invited to participate in the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre’s Second Annual 10-Minute Playwriting Contest.  All genres of plays accepted from students ages 8 through high school.  Winning plays receive a staged reading and reception at PACT.  They will be performed by members of the Teen Arts Council and directed by a professional director.  Winning authors will also receive a prize donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  Plays will be judged in three categories: Elementary (age 8-10), Jr. High (Age 11-13), and Young Adult 14-18.  Winners announced May 11.  Submit plays electronically to Childrens.Theatre (at) cityofpaloalto dot org or by snail mail to Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, ATTN: Playwriting Contest, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  Questions: 463-4930.

Community News

Palo Alto Little League Spring 2010 Registration

Palo Alto Little League has baseball leagues for Palo Alto children 5 years of age and older by April 30, 2010.  Kindergarten students: Sign-up for Tee Ball.  New and returning players can sign-up on-line now.

Info: http://pabaseball.org, registration (at) pabaseball dot org

Living LEGO-CY at The Museum of American Heritage

December 11- January 17, 11 AM – 3:30 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

MOAH, The Bay Area LEGO® User Group (BayLUG) and Bay Area LEGO Train Club (BayLTC) are again combining forces this winter to repeat last year’s spectacular Holiday season display at MOAH.  MOAH visitors can explore a variety of LEGO creations and an operating LEGO train layout featuring a wide variety of creations by club members. Highlighting it all is Holidays in the Bay Area, a 12 by 25 foot train layout incorporating multiple trains running through city, farm, and suburban scenes.  Admission tis free for active MOAH and BayLUG members and $2 per person for all others. Info: 321-1004

Ragazzi Boys Chorus Workshop

Saturday, January 9, 9:30 AM – 1 PM, Redwood City

The Ragazzi Boys Chorus, a nationally-recognized performing arts organization based on thePeninsula, invites boys ages 7-11 to join them for a free singing and music workshop and optional auditions on Saturday, January 9, in Redwood City. Info or to reserve a spot, please contact Ragazzi, 342-8785, info (at) ragazzi dot org or www.ragazzi.org/audition.htm

Raising Well-Balanced Children in a Fast-Paced World: Parent Education Course

Wednesdays, January 20 – March 3 (no class 2/17), 7-9:30 PM, Stanford

Offered through Stanford’s Continuing Education Program Winter Quarter, this cutting-edge, in-depth parent education 6-session course was developed by Challenge Success Co-Founders Jim Lobdell and Denise Pope. Designed for parents of children ages 5-12, the course explores this central question: What is success, and how can I foster it in today’s fast-paced, performance-based culture? In a highly interactive environment, participants examine current research on childhood stressors and learn specific strategies to promote physical and mental health, engagement in school, and overall well-being for their children. Participants explore the daily challenges of finding time for play, handling homework, choosing appropriate extracurricular activities, and promoting healthier lifestyles and deeper connections for the entire family.  Taught by Jim Lobdell and Kathy Ruwe, counselor at Las Lomitas Elementary School, and guest speakers include Denise Pope and Madeline Levine, author of The Price of Privilege.  The course is a must for families seeking a healthy balance between achievement and personal fulfillment for their children. Register at http://continuingstudies.stanford.edu.

Meet Your Special Education Director

Wednesday, January 20, 9-11 AM, Covington Elementary Multipurpose Room, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos

Meet your Special Education Director and hear about existing, new, and planned programs and services in your school district:  Hilarey Davis, Director of Special Education, MVLA High School District, Steve Gingras, Director of Special Education, MVW School District, Anne LePage, Director of Pupil Services, Los Altos School District, and Carol Zepecki, Director of Pupil Services, PAUSD.  Find out how to most effectively work with your special ed team.  Find out how California budget cuts and Federal stimulus money affected programs in our schools. Moderated by Phil Shemanski, SELPA 1 CAC,   Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs.

MOAH Workshop: Whisper In the Wind: How To Build a Crystal Radio

Sundays, January 24 – February 21, 1-3:30 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

At this Museum of American Heritage workshop, students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set according to a schematic.  tudents learn radio history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation, how headphones work, and how to read schematics.  Ages 10 and up; $65 members/$75 non-members.  Registration must be completed by January 19.

Info: www.moah.org

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits

Sundays, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.

Info: www.moah.org

Calendar:

December 19 – January 3:  Winter Break – No School
January 4:  School Reopens
January 6:  Ice Skating Party at Winter Lodge, 5:30 PM

Palo Verde and PTA Announcements:

From the desk of Principal Lupe Garcia…

It’s the time of year when we ask our students to take extra precaution as they travel to and from school and to make sure NOT to approach or get into a strangers’ car– regardless of the situation.

On Tuesday morning, a student came into our school Main Office and informed us that he felt like someone had followed him on the way to school.  In this case the student did the right things and he is safe.  However, I thought I’d share this with you to serve as a reminder for all of us to stay alert and vigilant.

Specific information: an older red Toyota (Camry or Corolla) drove behind a Palo Verde student who was on Colorado heading toward Louis Road on his way to school.  The student was riding his bike on Colorado and turned left onto Louis Rd at the intersection.  The car continued behind the student on Louis Road heading south towards Palo Verde– that is, until the student took evasive action on a side street.  The student turned right and the car followed– but the student quickly made a U-turn and returned to Louis Road and continued on to school.  The car did not pursue at that point.   We called the police from school and reported the situation.  They are following up with the investigation.

Driver: Caucasian; late 20s to early 30s– w/goatee; wore a grey beanie and blue jacket
Car:     Cherry red with scratches on the hood and on the back bumper, by the license plate
License plate: started with the number: 4

If you see this car, please do not approach it.  Just call 911 and inform the police of the car’s specific location.

Parents, please have a conversation with your child about stranger safety.  Urge him/her to:

• Be vigilant and remain aware of surroundings and the people nearby.
• Do not approach a stranger’s car
• Refuse to accept a ride or gifts from a stranger
• If your child feels threatened or scared in any way by an individual, have him/her run to where other people are and get help immediately
• Tell a trusted adult about any situation where an adult makes your child feel uncomfortable or threatened
• Contact the police (call 911), when help is needed immediately 

If you have any questions, please let me know.
–  Lupe Garcia

Reduce Waste and Raise Fund: Purchase a reusable lunch kit at www.citizenpip.com

Did you know that the average school-age child generates 67 lbs of lunch waste each school year? Help us reduce waste at school by packing a waste-free lunch for your kids.  Not only is it better for the environment, but it will reduce our waste collection costs and result in substantial savings for our school.

Help us spend less money on trash and more money on school programs! Palo Verde School has partnered with Citizenpip, a company that sells reusable lunch kits designed to be fun and stylish for kids, and practical and convenient for parents. Everything in the kits is made from eco-friendly and lab-tested materials that are lead-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and BPA-free.

Kits include an insulated lunch bag, stainless steel water bottle, BPA-free airtight food containers, stainless steel insulated food jar, stainless steel fork and spoon, and 100% cotton napkins. Purchase a kit, or just the items you need. Purchase a reusable lunch kit at www.citizenpip.com.

During checkout, enter school code ilovePALOVERDE and 15% of your purchase will be donated to Palo Verde School.  Spread the word to family and friends, Palo Verde School> benefits from any purchases with the school

Save The Date!

Palo Verde’s Annual Ice Skating Party
Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 5:30-7:30 PM, Winter Lodge Ice Rink
Sign Up forms will be sent home early December.  Volunteers needed to work the front ticket desk, pizza, and bake sale tables! To volunteer, please call Lori Harrenstien, 856-3237 or iceturtles (at) gmail dot com

Support Track Watch

One of the key short term strategies to combat deaths by suicide on the train tracks is known as “reduction of lethal means to self harm” and the experts advise that making the tracks a less attractive option will likely break the cycle.  Several deaths in one place can create a “hot spot” and reducing means to that site can break the cycle.  Counter intuitively, persons intent on suicide won’t easily just pick another location.  Deterring the suicide by reducing access to the “hot spot” can likely prevent it.   See palylink.paloaltopta.org/enews/trackwatch.pdf to learn more.

You can help by becoming a volunteer Track Watch monitor, write to hopepaloalto@gmail.com. Or you can support the effort financially by sending tax deductible donations (checks payable to the City of Palo Alto) to: Barbara Teixeira c/o Safety Net Fund, Palo Alto Police Dept.  275 Forest Ave. Palo Alto, CA  94301.  To make your tax deductible contribution online, visit http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/csd/community_and_family_resources/safetynet/p4.asp

Former Palo Verde Parent Working with Track Watch

As some of you may know, I am involved in the Palo Alto Track Watch.  After meeting with the city, Police Chief, and other people, we have managed to have lights installed at the tracks and even a paid security guard for the West Meadow site. We are still watching the Charleston site.  We are trying to raise funds to keep a security guard on the West Meadow site for as long as we need it.

We want to keep our students safe and send the message that we care, and I would like to ask all of you for your help.  The Palo Alto Track Watch Group and students will appreciate it greatly. Please see the article above for information on where to mail a donation or donate online.

Thank you very much,
Marielena Gaona-Mendoza (Palo Alto Track Watcher)
Parent of Matthew, Andrew and Michell Mendoza Former students at Palo Verde and JLS, and  Aunt/caretaker of Jasmin, Ashley and Alex Jimenez

PAUSD Announcements:

Dear Palo Verde families,

Thank you to all who supported and gave during our recent Partners in Education “Donation Days” drive. Parents at our school and across the district were incredibly generous and helped us get every dollar of our $250,000 challenge grant.

At Palo Verde, 140 families have donated to PiE’s annual campaign. We are well on our way and need just 49 more Palo Verde families to reach our school’s participation goal this year.

The strength of our schools and PiE relies on the contributions of ALL of our parents. If you have already given, a heartfelt thank you.  If you have not made your donation this year, we hope you will consider a donation today. Please visit the PiE website at www.papie.org and give what you can. Your contribution — large or small — counts!

Best,
Tania Nanevicz, Palo Verde PiE Rep
P.S. All donations are tax deductible — but must be made before Dec. 31st to qualify for 2009.
Donation Deadlines for 2009 Tax Year Benefit:
Before December 15th, 2009 you may drop off a donation at the school office
Before December 31st, 2009:  All mailed donations need to be postmarked by December 31st or any online credit card/paypal donations on www.papie.org

PAUSD Budget Input Sought
The overall PAUSD budget for 2009/2010 is $153 million. 85% of the budget is personnel-related (i.e. salary + benefits).  Enrollment is 11,680 students.  The projected shortfall or structural deficit is forecast to be $5.7 million for school year 2201/2011, climbing to $10.2 million in 2013/2014.

Click here for an overview of the budget situation.

PAUSD is collecting input from many stakeholders including site councils, principals, staff, PTA members and others in a transparent, iterative, inclusive process. You have the opportunity to consider some options that are being looked at and give your input, or generate new ideas and submit those.

You can take this survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y6L52QG, designed to collect information to help inform the process.  The survey is open now and closes 1/11/10.

Savings recommendations from all stakeholders can be emailed to Assistant Superintendent Scott Bowers at balancedbudget (at) @pausd dot org or, if you prefer that your suggestions be anonymous, to Palo Alto PTA Council Advocacy Chair, Lauren Janov,  janovLL (at) yahoo dot com, who will forward them to Mr. Bowers without attribution.

Paly Theatre Play in a Day
Saturday,  December 19, 8 P0, Haymarket Theatre, Palo Alto High
Come and see “Play in a Day,” Paly Theatre’s most popular event.  Don’t miss this wildly entertaining evening of short one acts, all written, rehearsed and performed within twenty four hours.  Doors open at 7:30; show up early for the best seats.  Tickets $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors at the door.  Flyer: palylink.paloaltopta.org/flyers/PIAD2009.jpg

For the Community Kiosk please click here.

For the Palo Alto PTA Council Web site please click here.

PAUSD Everyday Mathematics Parent Information Night
Thurs. Jan. 14, 7-9pm, Barron Park, 800 Barron Avenue, Palo Alto
“Algorithms in Everyday Mathematics (Grades 2-5)”  This session will address the research basis and philosophy for including alternative and traditional algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in the mathematics curriculum.  Discussion and presentations will include examples of the focus algorithms used in Everyday Mathematics and resources for parents to support their children at home.

Flyer:  palylink.paloaltopta.org/enews/mathnightjan14.pdf

Bluegrass Benefit Concert for Juana Briones
Sat. Feb. 20, Doors open 7:30pm, Music at 8pm, Lucie Stern Community Theatre, 1305 Middlefield, Palo Alto
Come out for a great night of music and support Briones Elementary School at the same time.  Bluegrass Concert starring Laurie Lewis (www.laurielewis.com), Tom Rozum and the California All-Stars (Palo Alto Student) Molly (www.jacktuttle.com/Molly) and Jack Tuttle (www.jacktuttle.com) open.  All profits benefit Juana Briones Elementary School PTA.
Tickets $24.50 at the door, $21.50 advance at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, 211 Lambert Ave, Palo Alto, 493-2131
Info:  schoolbenefitconcert@gmail.com

City of Palo Alto Announcements:

Palo Alto City Library Announces Writing Contest For Kids
Deadline: Monday, January 11; Reception: Wednesday, January 27, 3:30 PM, Children’s Library, 1276 Harriet Street, Palo Alto
The Palo Alto City Library announces its 2nd Annual Writing Contest for kids.  Children from grades 2-5 will write an essay no more than 500 words in length on the topic, “How do you help a friend?” Entries may be turned in to any library branch or emailed to librarychildrensservices (at) cityofpaloalto dot org.  Submissions must be received by 9 PM on Monday,  January 11.

The essays will be judged on concept and creativity. Children are eligible to win a 1st place grand prize of a $25 gift certificate to Books Inc. Bookstore.  Additionally, each participant will receive a Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt gift certificate for one small yogurt with a free topping. The winners will be announced at a reception held for all writers.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt and Books Inc. Bookstore.

Info:  www.cityofpaloalto.org/library, 329-2436.

Children’s Fine Art Classes in All Mediums for Teens, Kids and Tots
Give the gift of art.  Register someone you love in a Children’s Fine Art class provided by the Palo Alto Art Center.  CFA offers classes at the Junior Museum and Zoo, the Palo Alto Art Center, and Mitchell Park Center.  Most of the teachers are working artists; all of them are wonderful art educators.  They help children learn the skills need to bring creativity into their adult lives.  Your early registration insures you get the classes you want and helps us too.  Winter registration is underway now.  Summer Studio Camps registration lottery deadline is January 14.  Info and to register: enjoyonline.cityofpaloalto.org or 329-2366.  Email larnie.fox (at) cityofpaloalto dot org to join the CFA email list.

Community Announcements:

Living LEGO-CY at The Museum of American Heritage
December 11- January 17, 11 AM – 3:30 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
MOAH, The Bay Area LEGO® User Group (BayLUG) and Bay Area LEGO Train Club (BayLTC) are again combining forces this winter to repeat last year’s spectacular Holiday season display at MOAH.  MOAH visitors can explore a variety of LEGO creations and an operating LEGO train layout featuring a wide variety of creations by club members. Highlighting it all is Holidays in the Bay Area, a 12 by 25 foot train layout incorporating multiple trains running through city, farm, and suburban scenes.  Admission tis free for active MOAH and BayLUG members and $2 per person for all others. Info: 321-1004

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra to Perform at Dinlelspiel Auditorium
Saturday, December 19, 8 PM, Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford
Concert Features Viola virtuosa Sharon Wei, Benjamin Simon, Conductor.  Program includes Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G minor,  Max Bruch – Romanze, Benjamin Britten – Lachrymae, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 (“Little Russian”).  $15/adult, $10/senior and $5/student.  Info: 856-3848, info (at) pacomusic dot org, www.pacomusic.org

Ragazzi Boys Chorus Workshop
Saturday, January 9, 9:30 AM – 1 PM, Redwood City
The Ragazzi Boys Chorus, a nationally-recognized performing arts organization based on thePeninsula, invites boys ages 7-11 to join them for a free singing and music workshop and optional auditions on Saturday, January 9, in Redwood City. Info or to reserve a spot, please contact Ragazzi, 342-8785, info (at) ragazzi dot org or www.ragazzi.org/audition.htm

Cantabile Youth Singers January Enrollment
Demonstration Classes Mon. Jan. 11 and Thurs. Jan. 14
Cantabile Youth Singers, an organization of five choirs serving children ages 4 to 18, is opening enrollment for the spring semester.  Classes include age appropriate ear training, music theory, and vocal technique, as well as movement, performance, and fun.  Join Cantabile for a no-obligation trial of classes and build relationships, create memories, and make music.
Info: 424-1410, info@cantabile.org, or www.cantabile.org

Meet Your Special Education Director
Wednesday, January 20, 9-11 AM, Covington Elementary Multipurpose Room, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos
Meet your Special Education Director and hear about existing, new, and planned programs and services in your school district:  Hilarey Davis, Director of Special Education, MVLA High School District, Steve Gingras, Director of Special Education, MVW School District, Anne LePage, Director of Pupil Services, Los Altos School District, and Carol Zepecki, Director of Pupil Services, PAUSD.  Find out how to most effectively work with your special ed team.  Find out how California budget cuts and Federal stimulus money affected programs in our schools. Moderated by Phil Shemanski, SELPA 1 CAC,   Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs.

Math Contests for Grades 7 and Under
Tues. Feb. 9 or Thurs. Feb. 11, 7-8:15pm, Quinlan Community Center, Cupertino Rm, 10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino
Cupertino Union School District and City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Afterschool Enrichment Program Presents:  2010 Primary Math World Team Tryouts.  Tryout to join USA-Silicon Valley team to compete in an International Math Contest in Hong Kong in July 2010.  Fee: $42.
Info:  http://www.mathedge.org/2010pmwc.htm
Online Registration: http://reg4fun.cupertino.org/econnect (Activity #40523 for Tues; or Activity #40524 for Thurs).  Registration questions: Quinlan Center, (408) 777-3120.

MOAH Workshop: Whisper In the Wind: How To Build a Crystal Radio
Sunday January 24 – February 21, 1-3:30 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
At this Museum of American Heritage workshop, students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set according to a schematic.  tudents learn radio history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation, how headphones work, and how to read schematics.  Ages 10 and up; $65 members/$75 non-members.  Registration must be completed by January 19.
Info: www.moah.org

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits
Sunday, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto
This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.
Info: www.moah.org

Calendar:

December 16:  PTA Coffee, 8:15 AM

December 16:  Site Council Meeting, 3:30 PM

December 18:  Minimum Day, 1:25 PM dismissal for ALL students

December 19 – January 3:  Winter Break – No School

January 4:  School Reopens

January 6:  Ice Skating Party at Winter Lodge, 5:30 PM

Palo Verde and PTA Announcements:

Lost and Found

Our lost and found cart is overflowing.  Please spend a few minutes looking for your lost items.  The contents of the cart will be emptied on December 18th and all items will be donated.

Save The Date!

Palo Verde’s Annual Ice Skating Party
Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 5:30-7:30 PM, Winter Lodge Ice Rink

Sign Up Forms Will be sent home early December.  Volunteers needed to work the the front ticket desk,
pizza, and bake sale tables!
To volunteer, please call Lori Harrenstien, 856-3237 or iceturtles (at) gmail dot com

PAUSD Announcements:

Dear Palo Verde families,

Thank you to all who supported and gave during our recent Partners in Education “Donation Days” drive. Parents at our school and across the district were incredibly generous and helped us get every dollar of our $250,000 challenge grant.

At Palo Verde, 140 families have donated to PiE’s annual campaign. We are well on our way and need just 49 more Palo Verde families to reach our school’s participation goal this year.

The strength of our schools and PiE relies on the contributions of ALL of our parents. If you have already given, a heartfelt thank you.  If you have not made your donation this year, we hope you will consider a donation today. Please visit the PiE website at www.papie.org and give what you can. Your contribution — large or small — counts!

Best,

Tania Nanevicz, Palo Verde PiE Rep

P.S. All donations are tax deductible — but must be made before Dec. 31st to qualify for 2009.

Donation Deadlines for 2009 Tax Year Benefit:

Before December 15th, 2009 you may drop off a donation at the school office

Before December 31st, 2009:  All mailed donations need to be postmarked by December 31st or any online credit card/paypal donations on www.papie.org

PAUSD Budget Input Sought

The overall PAUSD budget for 2009/2010 is $153 million. 85% of the budget is personnel-related (i.e. salary + benefits).  Enrollment is 11,680 students.  The projected shortfall or structural deficit is forecast to be $5.7 million for school year 2201/2011, climbing to $10.2 million in 2013/2014.

Click here for an overview of the budget situation.

PAUSD is collecting input from many stakeholders including site councils, principals, staff, PTA members and others in a transparent, iterative, inclusive process. You have the opportunity to consider some options that are being looked at and give your input, or generate new ideas and submit those.

You can take this survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y6L52QG, designed to collect information to help inform the process.  The survey is open now and closes 1/11/10.

Savings recommendations from all stakeholders can be emailed to Assistant Superintendent Scott Bowers at balancedbudget (at) @pausd dot org or, if you prefer that your suggestions be anonymous, to Palo Alto PTA Council Advocacy Chair, Lauren Janov,  janovLL (at) yahoo dot com, who will forward them to Mr. Bowers without attribution.

Paly Madrigal Tea and Dinner Concerts
December 11-13, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto
Palo Alto High School Choral Dept, under the direction of Michael Najar, perform glorious music mixed with comedic entertainment in not-to-be missed Renaissance-themed afternoon tea and dinner banquets. This year’s Choir benefit includes a Silent Auction and Holiday Gift Boutique.
Doors open 3:15 PM for the Tea Friday, December 11
Doors open 5:45 PM for Dinner Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
To order ticketst:  www.palychoir.com

Paly Theatre Play in a Day

Saturday,  December 19, 8 P0, Haymarket Theatre, Palo Alto High

Come and see “Play in a Day,” Paly Theatre’s most popular event.  Don’t miss this wildly entertaining evening of short one acts, all written, rehearsed and performed within twenty four hours.  Doors open at 7:30; show up early for the best seats.  Tickets $7 Adults, $5 Students/Seniors at the door.  Flyer: palylink.paloaltopta.org/flyers/PIAD2009.jpg

For the Community Kiosk please click here.

For the Palo Alto PTA Council Web site please click here.

City of Palo Alto Announcements:

Palo Alto City Library Announces Writing Contest For Kids

Deadline: Monday, January 11; Reception: Wednesday, January 27, 3:30 PM, Children’s Library, 1276 Harriet Street, Palo Alto

The Palo Alto City Library announces its 2nd Annual Writing Contest for kids.  Children from grades 2-5 will write an essay no more than 500 words in length on the topic, “How do you help a friend?” Entries may be turned in to any library branch or emailed to librarychildrensservices (at) cityofpaloalto dot org.  Submissions must be received by 9 PM on Monday,  January 11.

The essays will be judged on concept and creativity. Children are eligible to win a 1st place grand prize of a $25 gift certificate to Books Inc. Bookstore.  Additionally, each participant will receive a Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt gift certificate for one small yogurt with a free topping. The winners will be announced at a reception held for all writers.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, Culture Organic Frozen Yogurt and Books Inc. Bookstore.

Info:  www.cityofpaloalto.org/library, 329-2436.

Children’s Fine Art Classes in All Mediums for Teens, Kids and Tots

Give the gift of art.  Register someone you love in a Children’s Fine Art class provided by the Palo Alto Art Center.  CFA offers classes at the Junior Museum and Zoo, the Palo Alto Art Center, and Mitchell Park Center.  Most of the teachers are working artists; all of them are wonderful art educators.  They help children learn the skills need to bring creativity into their adult lives.  Your early registration insures you get the classes you want and helps us too.  Winter registration is underway now.  Summer Studio Camps registration lottery deadline is January 14.  Info and to register: enjoyonline.cityofpaloalto.org or 329-2366.  Email larnie.fox (at) cityofpaloalto dot org to join the CFA email list.

Community Announcements:

Plant Oaks on the “Dish” Hill

Saturday, December 12, 10 AM – 1 PM

Since 1979 Magic, www.ecomagic.org, has worked in partnership with Stanford to regenerate native California oaks on university lands. Help plant 50 oak and other California native seedlings this Saturday.  Come dressed in work clothes and sturdy shoes.  Bring personal drinking water, work gloves, and a shovel.  Magic can provide gloves and shovels for those without.  To reserve your place on a planting crew, for details about where to meet, or for other info, please email robin (at) ecomagic dot org or call 323-7333.

Living LEGO-CY at The Museum of American Heritage

December 11- January 17, 11 AM – 3:30 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

MOAH, The Bay Area LEGO® User Group (BayLUG) and Bay Area LEGO Train Club (BayLTC) are again combining forces this winter to repeat last year’s spectacular Holiday season display at MOAH.  MOAH visitors can explore a variety of LEGO creations and an operating LEGO train layout featuring a wide variety of creations by club members. Highlighting it all is Holidays in the Bay Area, a 12 by 25 foot train layout incorporating multiple trains running through city, farm, and suburban scenes.  Admission tis free for active MOAH and BayLUG members and $2 per person for all others. Info: 321-1004

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra to Perform at Dinlelspiel Auditorium

Saturday, December 19, 8 PM, Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford

Concert Features Viola virtuosa Sharon Wei, Benjamin Simon, Conductor.  Program includes Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G minor,  Max Bruch – Romanze, Benjamin Britten – Lachrymae, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 (“Little Russian”).  $15/adult, $10/senior and $5/student.  Info: 856-3848, info (at) pacomusic dot org, www.pacomusic.org

Ragazzi Boys Chorus Workshop

Saturday, January 9, 9:30 AM – 1 PM, Redwood City

The Ragazzi Boys Chorus, a nationally-recognized performing arts organization based on thePeninsula, invites boys ages 7-11 to join them for a free singing and music workshop and optional auditions on Saturday, January 9, in Redwood City. Info or to reserve a spot, please contact Ragazzi, 342-8785, info (at) ragazzi dot org or www.ragazzi.org/audition.htm

Meet Your Special Education Director

Wednesday, January 20, 9-11 AM, Covington Elementary Multipurpose Room, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos

Meet your Special Education Director and hear about existing, new, and planned programs and services in your school district:  Hilarey Davis, Director of Special Education, MVLA High School District, Steve Gingras, Director of Special Education, MVW School District, Anne LePage, Director of Pupil Services, Los Altos School District, and Carol Zepecki, Director of Pupil Services, PAUSD.  Find out how to most effectively work with your special ed team.  Find out how California budget cuts and Federal stimulus money affected programs in our schools. Moderated by Phil Shemanski, SELPA 1 CAC,   Sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs.

MOAH Workshop: Whisper In the Wind: How To Build a Crystal Radio

Sunday January 24 – February 21, 1-3:30 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

At this Museum of American Heritage workshop, students build their own crystal radio sets, winding coils, drilling a mounting board and placing all components on it, and then wiring the set according to a schematic.  tudents learn radio history dating back to Marconi and Tesla, basic radio theory, modulation, how headphones work, and how to read schematics.  Ages 10 and up; $65 members/$75 non-members.  Registration must be completed by January 19.

Info: www.moah.org

MOAH Workshop: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits

Sunday, February 28 – March 28, 1-3 PM, MOAH 321 Homer, Palo Alto

This Museum of American Heritage course covers the basics of transistor and vacuum tube circuits.  Students learn about the invention and development of tubes and transistors, then the history, development, and uses of integrated circuits.  Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Students will also learn how to read simple schematic diagrams and build portable radios that use 2 ICs as take-home projects.  Ages 10 and up;  $75 members/$85 non-members.  Registration must be completed by February 23.

Info: www.moah.org

PiE News Update

Dear Palo Verde families,

Thank you to all who supported and gave during our recent Partners in Education “Donation Days” drive. Parents at our school and across the district were incredibly generous and helped us get every dollar of our $250,000 challenge grant.

At Palo Verde, 140 families have donated to PiE’s annual campaign. We are well on our way and need just 49 more Palo Verde families to reach our school’s participation goal this year.

The strength of our schools and PiE relies on the contributions of ALL of our parents. If you have already given, a heartfelt thank you. If you have not made your donation this year, we hope you will consider a donation today. Please visit the PiE website at www.papie.org and give what you can. Your contribution — large or small — counts!

Best,
Tania Nanevicz

p.s. All donations are tax deductible — but must be made before Dec. 31st to qualify for 2009.

Donation Deadlines for 2009 Tax Year Benefit

December 15^th, 2009: Donation drop off at school office or any credit card donations (manually filled on a form)

December 31^st, 2009:  All mailed donations (should be postmarked by Dec 31^st) or any online credit card/paypal donations on www.papie.org

The PiE office will be closed from Dec. 18, 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010. We will reopen on Jan 4^th, 2010.

Calendar:

December 18:  PTA Coffee, 8:15 AM
December 18:  Minimum Day, 1:25 Dismissal for ALL students
December 19 – January 3:  No School
January 4:  School Reopens
January 6:  Ice Skating Party at Winter Lodge, 5:30 PM

From the desk of Lupe Garcia:

Dear Palo Verde Parents and Community, 

During this time of year, family and friends typically get together and celebrate in the spirit of the season.  Most of us have much for which to be thankful and take the time and opportunity to embrace “our family” in the spirit of appreciation.  There are also some in our midst and many around the world who are struggling.  I want to encourage all of us to “reach out” and extend a helping hand wherever and whenever possible, either directly or through organizations that provide support to those in need.  In either case, please take the time to embrace and express that joy with those close to you and with others, as possible.

I also want to express my personal gratitude for your thoughtful, kind and ongoing support, all of which has directly benefited our children and our community.  Even during tough economic times you continue to rise to the challenge so that we may provide the best education possible to all our students.  This single-mindedness and dedication to our children and community is what makes Palo Verde and our district so unique.  A sincere and hearty THANK YOU on behalf of the Palo Verde parents, staff, community, and most of all—the students.  We are most grateful for your ongoing support and generosity!

The Palo Verde staff and I wish you and yours a warm, safe, and fun-filled holiday season.  We look forward to an exciting rest of the year— when we return in January 2010. 

Warmest regards,
Lupe García

Palo Verde and PTA Announcements:

Boxes of Books

When the Kepler’s book fair was over, there were 30 empty boxes, representing hundreds of books now being read by our kids, shelved in our classrooms, and wrapped to go under trees or next to menorahs. The final numbers aren’t in, but we know that we raised well over $1,000 for our library.

Thank you to: Kim Amsbaugh, for personally bringing the coffee and treats for the adults’ book talk; Irena Smith and Tracy Stewart, for handing off a great event and still helping! Laura Losier and Lupe Garcia, for reading to kids on Wednesday nightPat Hanley, our former librarian, for helping us every day

Sincere thanks to the following people who unpacked books, ran the cash registers, and repacked books: Jeanette Brosnan, Evelyn Guernsey, Lori Harrenstien, Sophia Gu, Diane Jakubowski, Padmini Krishnan, Joan Kusak, Mala Nayak, Shubha Ranga, Angie Rodriguez, Katharine Saunders, Joanna Schloss, Heather Schultz, Fidelia Wang, and Karen Wang

We had a wonderful time looking at all the books and talking with the Kepler’s staff about literature and look forward to seeing you next fall at our annual Kepler’s book fair!

– Gail Foelsch and Alison Cormack

News From the Palo Verde Library

The Kepler’s Book Fair was a great success this year thanks to the Palo Verde Community.  We raised $2,176 in store-credit for the library.  This will buy around 110 books.  I know the teachers and students will enjoy these high-interest titles.   

I would like to properly thank Gail Foelsch and Alison Cormack for all of their hard work and incredible organization to ensure everything ran smoothly.  Additionally, I would also like to thank the following people who signed up for one more shifts to help:  Mala Nayak, Diane Jakubowski , Joanna Schloss, Pat Hanley ,Tracy Stewart, Fidelia Wang, Katharine Saunders, Irena Smith, Lori Harrenstien, Sophia Gu, Alison Cormack, Kim Amsbaugh , Joan Kusak, Karen Wang, Padmini Krishnan, Jeanette Brosnan, Shubha Ranga, Heather Schultz, Angie Rodriguez and Evelyn Guernsey. Thank you for being so generous with your time. 

Thanks again for your wonderful support of literacy and the library.  It was a great event. 

– Palo Verde Librarian Laura Losier

Family Giving Tree

Once again, Palo Verde is a proud host of The Family Giving Tree.  Please visit the office and select a gift tag.  All gifts must be returned to Palo Verde by Friday, December 11, 2009.  Please do not wrap your gift, just bring it in a bag with the tag securely attached to the bag or the gift.  Also, a new tooth brush would be greatly appreciated.  This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to select a gift for a child who is less fortunate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chris in the office (856-1672).

Girls Scout Collections for Soccer Uniforms and Coats

The Daisy and Junior Girl Scout troops of Palo Verde are collecting soccer uniforms and coats as a part of their community projects. The soccer uniforms (shirts, shorts and socks ONLY, no shin guards or shoes) will be sent to our Sister City of Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Child-to-Child Health Program. The coat drive is through the One Warm Coat organization. Please donate gently used coats, sweaters, jackets. The donation will be made to “Project K.E.Y.S”, an organization in East Palo Alto that helps people get back on their feet. The collection bins are near the school office.  Please contact Evelyn Guernsey at jandeg(at)sbcglobal dot net or Dipti Joshi at dsonak(at)yahoo dot com if you have any questions.

Palo Verde Kids Club

The Palo Verde Kids’ Club is an on-site child care program provided by Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC).  The program includes snacks, quiet homework time, craft activities, games, outdoor activities and special events. There is currently space available for all five days.  Part day schedules also available. Placement is given on a first come first served basis for both permanent and drop-in care. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information:  Raqiyyah Ikram, Director or Kari Taylor, Director, (650) 852-9475 or pvkc@paccc.com

Save The Date!

Palo Verde’s Annual Ice Skating Party will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 5:30-7:30 PM, at the  Winter Lodge Ice Rink. Sign-up forms will be sent home early December.  Volunteers needed to work the front ticket desk, pizza, and bake sale tables! To volunteer, please call Lori Harrenstien, 856-3237 or iceturtles (at) gmail dot com

PAUSD Announcements:

Building Blocks to Student Success
Tuesday, December 8,  6-8 PM, Boys and Girls Club, 2031 Pulgas Ave, East Palo Alto
The Parent Network for Students of Color and Hispanic Community (PNSCHC) with PTA Council and PAUSD invite you to join other Palo Alto Unified School District parents prepared to share what is or isn’t working for your child. Use this informal session to learn great strategies for raising highly successful children.  Childcare and light dinner will be provided.  You are welcome to bring a dish to share if you like.
Venga a reunirse con otros padres del Districto Escolar de Palo Alto (PAUSD) quienes participaran en lo que esta o no esta trabajando para sus niños.  Use esta sesión informal para a prender buenas estategias para cultivar niños exitosos.  Tendremos Guarderia.  Se serbira una cena ligera, pueden traed algo de comer si desean.
Info: Hilda Espinoza, 813-9556 (Español), Kim Bomar, 323-7845 (English), http://www.bigtent.com/groups/parentnet

PTA ArtSpeak!  Workshop: Developing Confidence in Your Creative Ability Through Design Thinking
Thurs. Dec. 10, 7:15pm, Boardroom, 25 Churchill
Led by Ben Grossman-Kahn of the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, aka the d.school, this fun, hands-on workshop is back by popular demand.  Learn about the design process, create a prototype and share your solution with others at the end of the session.  This event is open to the community; adults and students.
Questions, or to be on the ArtSpeak! mailing list: artspeak (at) paloaltopta dotorg
Info:  http://artspeak.paloaltopta.org

Community Announcements:

Palo Alto Art Center Holiday Family Day
Sunday, December 6, 2-4 PM, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road
An afternoon of free art activities for families with children ages 5 and up.  Make gifts, ornaments, cards, and more!  Activities will be led by artists and volunteers from the community and will be accompanied by live Mariachi music!  This free program is made possible by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, www.paacf.org

Stanford Email Newsletter, Stanford For You
As a service to the community, Stanford recently launched a free monthly email newsletter, Stanford For You, about upcoming events on campus,  including information about concerts, sports, lectures, parenting and health resources, art exhibits and more.  All of these events are open to the public, and many of them are free.  To subscribe: http://4you.stanford.edu.  You can see the November newsletter at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs061/1102638954456/archive/1102794696379.html.

Parents Place Winter Workshops
200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Parents Place is offering workshops of interest to elementary and middle school parents in their Winter 2010 Quarter. Winter Quarter 2010 workshops include: Empowering Your Daughter to Look Confidently at Herself, Her World, Her Future (for mothers of girls in middle school), $90 for 3/sessions, Bridging the Digital Divide: A Cyberspace Workshop for Parents and Teens (ages 11 up), $35/person, $50/family of 2 or more, For Dads Only – The Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood (all ages), $35, and Setting Limits- Raising Responsible Children Through Choices and Consequences (grades 2 – 8) , $35
Info / Registration: www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org.

District PTA News

You may be aware that there is emergency legislation under consideration related to the Race-to-the-Top funds potentially available from the Federal Gov’t.  In November, the California State Senate approved a fast-track emergency education bill (SBx5 1) it hopes will help California secure part of the Federal government’s $4.35 billion Race to the Top funds. The California State Assembly is next to consider it.

As it turns out there is a provision in the bill that may be troublesome for our district and others.  There isn’t a lot of clarity around this provision yet and it is not necessary to qualify for the Race to the Top funds.  Unfortunately the vote on the bill could be as early as next week so time is short.

Please read the analysis that can be found at http://palylink.paloaltopta.org/enews/PTACRTTTsummary.pdf.  I think you will feel compelled to contact our legislators.

The PTA Council wants to be sure you’re aware of this and have time to voice your opinion.  If you have questions, please contact our Advocacy Chair, Lauren Janov at 650.326.4060 or janovll (at) yahoo dot com

Terry Godfrey, President

Palo Alto Council of PTAs

president (at) paloaltopta dot org

www.paloaltopta.org