Don't forget that Friday, October 3rd from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm is the Fall Parent Mixer.  Our venue this year is a wonderful, eclectic art gallery for local artists. We will also have the ever-popular live band "Close Enough" entertaining us.  Please join us at Studio 333, on 333 Caledonia Avenue in Sausalito for an evening of fun and conversation with other MVMS parents.  Please bring an appetizer and/or beverage to share.

Don't miss this evening of fun for parents. Connect with some old friends and get to know new ones.  We look forward to seeing you there! Questions - please contact Marilyn Morada-Kochhar at mmorada@comcast.net  or 412-1993.

It was great to see so many parents/guardians attending our Back to School Night a few weeks ago.  I always find it exciting and inspiring to visit the classrooms and hear our teachers share the plans and events that will take place in their classrooms over the course of the year.  It makes me wish I were returning to middle school as a student and had the opportunity to be in classes with our incredible teachers - though I do remind myself that I wouldn't want to relive adolescence again!   As we roll into October, students and teachers have settled into the routines of the year.  Each week as I walk the halls and visit classrooms, it is clear that everyone is busy working and doing great things to enrich their learning.
 
Student Leadership elections are now a thing of the past.  Congratulations went out to all the candidates and the quality campaigns they ran - no mudslinging around here.  Special Congratulations to our new Leadership Council:  Sander Lutz, President; Elliott Dorenbaum, Vice President; Mac Parker, Secretary; Lindsey Sloan, DJ; Senators - U6, Oliver Calhoun; L6 Josh Guggenheim; U7, Ben Knauer; L7, Candy Janachowski; U8, Rueben Tietz; L8, Justin Schmidt.  We look forward to a very strong Student Leadership group this year with the assistance of many students who don't hold office, but do participate in the Leadership Club.
 
The fall begins to creep its way into our lives and it's hard to believe that in a few weeks we'll be celebrating Halloween. As usual, our Leadership group will be hosting special activities during lunch and students are encouraged to wear costumes to school on Friday, October 31st (as long as they are appropriate for school - dress code still applies).   This is also a good time to remind everyone that the City of Mill Valley, in partnership with our schools and the police have ushered in a Safe and Sane Halloween policy.  The focus of Halloween should be clean and safe fun for children and not a time to go out and cause harm and damage to people or properties. I will send more on this as we get closer to Halloween.
 
Do you know what your kids are doing on your home computer? Do you know there are sometimes disciplinary and/or legal consequences for misusing or abusing the chat rooms, social networks, and YouTube?  We encourage all parents of teens who use computers to attend our Parent Ed event: Cyberbullying and Cybersafety.  Two of our own parents who represent Common Sense Media, Rebecca Randall and Audrey Shapiro,  will do a presentation that will focus on the incredible positive and negative opportunities for teens using the internet.  Please plan to join us in our multi-media room on October 14, from 7 pm - 9 pm.
 
As we do each year, Matt and I are meeting with parents of each grade level this fall by hosting Parent Chats. Sixth grade parents should receive an invitation for smaller principal chats throughout the next month or so. Seventh grade parents will have an opportunity to join Matt and me for our annual Principal Chat on October 8, at 7 pm; and eighth grade parents will have the same opportunity on October 30, at 7 pm. These are informal opportunities to meet with you and hear from you, so plan to join us if you can. 
 
Matt and I often talk about how lucky we are to have such a great teaching and support staff, incredible and talented students - who really enjoy school and want to learn, and parents who are involved and supportive of our schools.  It makes our job just that much easier!  Thanks and Happy Fall to everyone! 

The counseling department is busy meeting with new students and helping kids and their family's transition into the middle school community.  In addition to Ms. Josephson, Ms. Weiss, and Ms. Hartigan, we also have four part-time counseling interns with us this year.  Please welcome Yas Shamsian, Marjorie Swig, Natasa Civijanovicand Jennifer Hughes, who will be seeing kids individually and running some small groups. 
 
The middle school years are about your student developing not just academically but socially and emotionally as well.  One of our goals for our students is that they possess a desire to figure out who they are and what they bring to the world.  Students often will find opportunities to grow in this area by being involved with a club or activity at school. 
 
We hope you will encourage your child to make the most out of middle school and would like to highlight some of the clubs and activities going on at MVMS.  This can be a great way to try out something new or meet potential friends and peers.  If your child expresses an interest in any of these or is looking for advice for what might be a good fit, your child is welcome to come speak with their counselor about any of these activities.     
 
Leadership Programs
Student Leadership is an active way to get involved with the school community.  This year, Carolyn Hartigan and Sarah Petrini will co-lead student leadership.  Students have recently held elections but we also have a number of students who participate in Student Leadership without running (or winning) a particular office.  If your student is interested, encourage him or her to come to a meeting on Tuesdays at lunch in room 35 (upper 7th).     
 
The WEB program (Where Everyone Belongs) is an opportunity for next year's 8th grade students to help orient and transition next year's 6th graders and new-to-the-district students.  Sign-ups take place just after Spring Break for the following school year.  There is also an "A team" of 7th grade students who organize and assist the advisors, Darby Doyle, Evan Lloyd and Allison Downing.
 
Sports
In the fall the two school sports are Cross Country and Volleyball (for girls).  In the winter we offer Basketball and Wrestling and in the spring Track & Field.  If you have any questions about any of these sports, our athletic coordinator is Physical Education teacher Melissa Palmer. 
 
Sk8 Club offers students an opportunity to skate or scooter during lunch on Fridays.  Laura Weiss leads the club and students must have a signed permission slip in order to participate, complete with health insurance information.  They also must sign the agreement that they will wear skate pads, which we provide if they don't have their own.  Students are required to bring their own helmet.  We welcome new skaters and will have Proof Lab (our sponsor) come run clinics for new and experienced skaters.  Please remember that skate pads and buckled helmets are required. 
 
Clubs
On Mondays and Wednesdays at lunch, the counseling interns host a casual Game Room for students interested in playing games while they eat.  We have magic cards, battleship, Uno, Scrabble and a few other games.  Students are welcome to bring school-appropriate games to share and if families have any games they wish to donate, we would love to have them. 
 
We have a new club this year at MVMS called Peer Helpers.  The Peer Helpers will work with Randi Josephson and will go into the new SDA (Skills Development Academy) classroom, a county class for students with developmental challenges.  This club is designed for peer helpers to work with these students on feeling more connected to the school and socially integrated with the student body.  Peer Helpers is a great opportunity for our students to reach out in their community to students that they may not normally get to know.
 
Kim Tran is spearheading the Yearbook this year and has just finished accepting applications for students interested in joining.  Students will meet on Tuesdays during lunch.  Kim is looking for parents to submit digital pictures placed on CDs of our students during school activities throughout the year (e.g., chorus concerts, basketball games, etc.).  Please drop the CDs off at the front desk with "Kim Tran, Yearbook" on the cover.    
 
 MVMS has long offered Calligraphy as an elective under the direction of former MVMS teacher, Nan Black.  This club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays before school and is responsible for the calligraphy on all the graduation diplomas awarded to graduates at the end of the school year.  Karen Smith, a graphic artist, will also be involved with the club.
 
We have a career explorations program called the Brown Bag Lunch.  This program meets half a dozen times throughout the year, when we invite various career speakers to come to the Multi-Media Room during lunch.  Students are welcome to bring their lunches and questions to the presentation.  If you do something interesting as a career (or know someone who does) and you think middle school students might like to hear more about it, please contact Laura Weiss (lweiss@mvschools.org ) to volunteer to do a presentation. 
 
Rod Septka runs the Creative Writing Club.  Interested students should listen to the daily announcements for when and where this club will meet once it begins. 
 
Electives in the Arts
The music department offers a few electives that meet before school.  Mr. Carnahan has Jazz Band two mornings a week, Ms. Dong has Chamber Orchestra and Ms. Stewart has a Chamber Choir.  Please see any of the music teachers should you have any questions. 
 
The Talent Show is held in the fall and students in all three grade levels have the opportunity to audition.  In addition, eighth graders can audition as Emcees and participate in the writing of the skits.  
 

We do a musical every spring and hold auditions for students in all three grade levels.  This is a large production and is a serious time commitment for students who participate.  In addition, Stage Crew is available for those students interested in working behind the scenes.  Joan Deamer and Jessica Stewart are the leads on both the Talent Show as well as the Spring Musical.

 

Academic Electives
Speech is an academic elective that takes place in the spring.  Students work after school two days a week with a Yale School of Drama graduate to prepare for the Margie Burke Speech Tournament.  Please see Jeanne Temple in Room 32U if you have any questions. 
 
The World Affairs Council is another academic elective for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who enjoy discussing world issues. Students will read Time, Newsweek, or The Economist and check the Internet news sites to become informed about current issues in the world. In the past they have researched and presented their work on a variety of topics, three of which were: Global Famine, Child Labor Issues, and Energy and the Environment.  Students will present their research in the form of a skit twice before a panel of judges on a Saturday at San Francisco State in March.  In addition, they will take a test to check their knowledge of global issues in the form of a multiple-choice test of fifty questions. This is a two morning commitment on Mondays and Fridays from 7:45am-8:35am and will begin October 8 . There are seven members on each of the teams. This elective is in room 30L.
 
Mathletes will be led by 8th grade teachers, Evan Lloyd and Lorenz Marti.  If you have a student who is interested in competing against other schools' teams in mathematics, then they should see one of them.  Mathletes will be meeting every other Wednesday at lunch, beginning October 1st and participating in four competitions throughout the year on:  11/19/08, 1/13/09, 2/10/09 and 3/3/09.   
 
As you can see, there are a number of activities taking place at MVMS throughout the school day.  Remember, you can always check out our web site to read the daily announcements for more information when these clubs and activities begin.  Our hope is that students who participate in an activity, group, club or sport will feel more connected to the school.   
 
Please let us know if we can be of any help,
 
Laura Weiss, Randi Josephson & Carolyn Hartigan
School Counselors

 

First Prize - A Romantic Weekend in Mill Valley

Second Prize - an Apple 13" Macbook

Third Prize - an Apple iPhone
 
Look for the important fundraising envelope coming home in the "backpack"  October 5th.  It will include all the important highlights surrounding this critical campus fun-raiser - i.e. it will tell you what to do!
 
If you have any questions, you can email me at berman3@comcast.net or give me a jingle, 381.6370. 
 
Show me the money people! 

A Common Sense Media Presentation on
Cyberbuylling and Cybersafety
 
WHEN:  Tuesday, October 14 - 7:00 pm
WHERE: MVMS  Multi Media Room
WHO:  Parents of 5th to 9th grade children
WHAT:  It's 9:00 on a school night, and if your child is like most 
kids, he's on his computer or cell phone. But do you know what he's doing? The list of where he could be is practically endless, as are the activities- and they can be good, bad, or ugly.
 
Your child could be learning about different cultures and ideas,
writing fan fiction, and creating games, or she could be sending 
hurtful messages and posting embarrassing photos of classmates, or even teachers! It's another world.  Come to this presentation and learn about what your kids are doing online and how you can help them be safe, smart, and responsible.
 
The presentation will be facilitated by the Director of Outreach at
Common Sense Media, Rebecca Randall (parent to a sixth grader at MVMS) and Audrey Shapiro (Common Sense Speaker Corps member and mom of a 7th grader at MVMS)

Common Sense Media is a national, non-profit organization that gives families and educators the information and guidance they need to raise smart and safe kids a 24/7 media world. Visit them online at www.commonsensemedia.org for thousands of reviews and expert advice.
 
STRESSED OUT STUDENTS:

Family and Community Solutions

 

WHEN: Saturday, November 22 - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Author of Too Stressed To Think! And other teen self help books

Nicholas Carlise JD:

Bullies, Ice Queens, and Cyberbullying; Facilitating Inclusion and Acceptance in a Diverse Community
Director of No Bully, Attorney and psychotherapist

Kyra Bobinet MD:

Teen Speak: Communication Tools That Bridge the Gap Between Parents and Teens;

Author of the blog and practice booklet Teen Whispering

Regan McMahon MS:

Activities Gone Haywire; Parenting For Balance,

Author of Revolution in the Bleachers, Chief Book Editor for SF Chronicle

Dave Talamo MFT: 

Creating a Meaningful Life: Adolescent Development and the Discovery of Purpose
Founder of Wilderness Reflections

Questions? Call Joyce Feeney 380-9693.

Election Day is fast approaching. In Mill Valley, voters will be asked to decide on Measure A. The PTA is prohibited from telling you how to vote on Measure A, but we can tell you what it is, what it will do and why it is on the ballot. We can also encourage you to make sure you're registered vote and to cast your ballot.
 
Measure A asks voters to amend the Mill Valley School District's existing parcel tax. The district's Board of Trustees placed Measure A on the ballot to provide additional funding to help avoid budget cuts that district officials have said could result in laying off teachers, increasing class sizes and making reductions in educational programs. Measure A would increase the district's existing parcel tax by $193 a year and extend it by four years.
 
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 20. For information about registering to vote and to download a voter registration form, please visit http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/RV/Main/reg/index.cfm . If you've moved recently or changed your name, you may need to re-register. Again, check with the Registrar of Voters to confirm your registration status. Keep in mind that less than 20 percent of Mill Valley registered voters have children in the Mill Valley School District.
 
For those of you who vote by mail, absentee ballots should start arriving in your mailbox beginning Oct. 6. Make sure to complete your ballot and either return it to the Registrar of Voters, drop it in the mail or turn it in on Election Day. Remember also to sign your ballot. And for those of you who prefer to cast their ballots at the polls, please turn out on November 4.
 
To learn more about the Mill Valley School District's budget, visit http://www.mvschools.org/news/finance/default.htm.  To get more information about Measure A, visit www.KeepMVSchoolsGreat.com.

On Saturday, December 13, from 9:30 -11:00 am, students and families meet in the MVMS library to assemble individualized holiday baskets for individuals and families in need.  Some we have names and wishes for, others just gender and maybe age. The basket maker picks a name or ID tag, make a homemade card (and perhaps origami, candles, potpourri) and constructs an individualized basket from the assembled gift items. 
 
This is often the only present some of these recipients will receive in the holiday season. In the past, we have made over 430 baskets in this short period of time!
 
Please remember to start collecting items for these individuals and families in need (some suggestions):
 
- items for adults, shampoos and soaps, personal care items
- non perishable food items, grocery store gift cards
- plush toys, candles, potpourri
- jewelry, warm scarves, mittens, men's ties
- small pet necessities, gently used books, small toys and games
- join other families to make something that would be a heartfelt gift
- baskets, lots and lots of baskets, and any gift bags with handles (small and large)
- wrapping ribbons, tissue and wrapping accessories
 
Just remember that it needs to fit in a basket!

Community Service is something we can participate in year round.
There are many other community service events to come! 
In the past we have had Terwiliger Marsh Beautification, Marsh or Beach cleanup, drives for hurricane victims or other disaster, outreach to The Redwoods, the Marin AIDS Project, Ritter House, Marin Abused Women's and Children's Services, Homeward Bound, and many more.
 
Please stay tuned to the Panther Press and Pantehr Express for upcoming events and dates!
 
If you would like to be involved please contact Angela Barnett at 415.302.6152 or angela.l.barnett@gmail.com.

KIDDO! 2008 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
THANK YOU to the over 1,000 families who have already donated to the 2008 Annual Campaign. Our family participation rate is 60%, which means that almost 700 families have not yet made their Kiddo! donation for this school year (check the updated donor list on the Kiddo! website if you are not sure whether you've made your donation yet). Help us continue to preserve important programs for our students by making your donation now. The recommended donation is $750 or more per student. Contributions at all levels are appreciated and our goal is 100% family participation. Donate online at www.kiddo.org , mail your contribution to Kiddo!, 409 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley, 94941, or call the Kiddo! office at 389-7789 to arrange for an installment plan that meets your family's needs. Thank you for helping Mill Valley kids reach their full potential!
 
LAST CALL FOR GOLFERS! - KIDDO! FOURTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Get your clubs ready for Kiddo!'s Fourth Annual Golf Tournament which will be held on Friday, October 24 at the San Geronimo Golf Course.  The $300 cost per player includes:
Barbeque lunch and golf cart
Prizes and contests on all par 3s and longest drive
Prizes for overall team scores 
Dinner and Awards Banquet (which includes live music and a hosted bar) at the Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club. (Additional banquet tickets can be purchased for $125.) 
Sponsorships are available for $2,000 (which includes four players' registration & banquet) or $1,000 without golfers and party.  Please email Louis Stervinou, Tournament Chair, at lstervinou@eastdilsecured.com  for registration forms and sponsorship information.  Registration forms are also available at the school offices.  Space is limited, so sign up today!
 
SUPPORT KIDDO! - SIGN UP FOR eSCRIP
Last year Kiddo! and Mill Valley schools received over $100,000 from eScrip contributions.  This donation program costs you nothing.  If you are already signed up, you must renew your grocery loyalty cards (like Safeway) and update your credit and debit card information by October 31st in order for your purchases to continue generating rebates.  How do I do this?
Fill out the 2008 Shop-4-Kids Sign-Up & Renewal Form that was in your first day packets and is available at the front office.  Return it to the Kiddo! office or go on line at www.escrip.com  to enroll or update your information.
Our goal is 100% parent participation.  Remember that grandparents, relatives and friends can also register with eScrip. 
Please call Patty Flax at the Kiddo office 389-7789 ext 3 with any questions or to get more forms.
 
SPRING AUCTION COMMITTEE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Kiddo! is looking for volunteers to help with the Gala Auction. If you'd like to help solicit, please contact Kelly Reade and Antossa Fullerton: ksreade@comcast.net  or 307-5971.  Thank you!
 
SAVE THE DATE - MARCH 14, KIDDO! SPRING GALA AUCTION

Dear Mill Valley Middle School Parents and Guardians,

Effective October 1, 2008, the Mill Valley Community Center is adopting a new after school policy.  The new policy states that at 3:15 pm only pre-teens and teens enrolled in programs at the Community Center will be allowed on the premises. The Community Center staff and the Mill Valley Police Department will be enforcing this new after school policy beginning the first of the month. The teens that are not enrolled in programs MUST leave the premises.  This new after school policy has to be implemented due to the excessive complaints from the Community Center users regarding the teens inappropriate language and unacceptable behavior.
 
We encourage you to enroll your teen in our after school Teen Zone program or in one of the many programs we offer here at the center.  The Teen Zone program has a $10 membership fee for the entire school year.  It is a drop-in program, which provides a place for the teens to come and do homework, play videos and participate in a variety of activities. The program also provides behavior and conduct guidelines, which supports staff in monitoring and encouraging appropriate behavior while they are on the Community Center premises. Our goal is to offer a safe and enjoyable after school program for the teens in our community. For a complete listing of activities, visit our website at www.millvalleycenter.org .
 
Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (415)383-1370 ext. 109
 
Sincerely,
 
Mike Xavier
Teen Coordinator

WHERE:  MVDS Office, 411 Sycamore

WHO:  Parents

WHAT:  The Mill Valley School District provides a comprehensive program for students with learning differences.  Dr. Kerri Mills, Assistant Superintendent, will present an overview of interventions available in the District, with an emphasis on special education programs and services.  Dr. Mills will present information regarding the general process to determine eligibility for special education, and the range of program options.  Representative special education staff will describe specific programs available within the district.
 
Parent Coffee
WHEN:  Friday, October 17th 9:00 to 11:00 am
WHERE:  405 Wendy Way
WHO:  Parents
WHAT:  Parents of children with learning differences face many challenges.  These coffees provide a chance for parents to share information and support each other.  Please join us at the home of Caron Stapleton.  If you have questions, please contact Caron at 383-1192, caronstapleton@comcast.net . 
 
Play Group
Some children with learning differences have a hard time making friends.  Our play group is a great chance for them to build relationships with coaching from parents.  Thursdays, 3:00-5:00 pm, at Kay Park, weather permitting. Contact Pam Sowerby for additional details or to check weather cancellations (380-9680, psowerby@comcast.net ).
 
Shop Mill Valley Market and Support It Takes a Village!
Mill Valley Market has offered to donate a portion of its proceeds from your grocery shopping to It Takes a Village.  When you check out, give the Market the number 7093.  It couldn't be easier to support our kids!
 
Website
Please check our website out to learn how we can help you and your child.  We are at www.itavmv.org .  Information about our speaker events (including speaker notes and handouts), parent coffees, and playgroups is posted.

This Wednesday, October 8, is International Walk and Roll to School Day. MVMS Students can join 40 countries and every state in the U.S. and walk, bike, roll, or carpool to school this Wednesday morning. It's a great way to see friends, get some exercise, reduce traffic, and help the planet! For more information about Safe Routes and SchoolPool, see the Mill Valley School District website Parent Page at: http://www.mvschools.org/district/ForParentsdefault.htm