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  Encinal School Newsletter
February 5, 2012
Encinal PTO/La Organizasión de Padres y Maestros
Boletin en espanol - haga clic aqui
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Things To Do
- Donate any amount to MPAEF and help reach 70% of families donating to MPAEF to earn bonus of $50k click here
- Register eligible kids for Kinder or Spanish Immersion click here
- Check the Lost and Found for missing items click here
- Consider volunteering to coach Girls on the Run click here
- Complete short survey for CAD Planning Cttee click here
- Attend Parent Input sessions with Supt. Ghysels for search for next Encinal Principal click here
- Remind your child to wear pink (or red) for our 2nd annual "Pink Day" on Feb. 14 to surprise Spencer West when he speaks at Encinal again on "Appreciating Our Differences Day" click here
- Help your kid's finish their Valentine's cards early so you can attend Spencer West's parent event on Mon, Feb. 13, 7pm. You won't want to miss his amazing, inspiring presentation click here
Dates to Note
This Week 2/5-2/11
Mon Outdoor Ed. Prog. gr. 5 parent mtg Library 6:30pm click
Tue Parent Input for Enc. Principal search 7pm Library click
Wed Parent Input for Enc. Principal search 8:30am TERC click
Beyond
2/13 Parent Event with Spencer West for Appreciating Our
Differences, 7pm, large multi
2/14 Appreciating Our Differences 2nd annual "Pink Day" --
students to wear pink to school & Spencer West
assembly
2/15 Deadline for MPAEF Board member submissions
2/16 Parent Input for Hillview Principal search, 9am & 7pm,
Hillview Library
2/17,20 Presidents Day holiday, no school
2/22 Box Tops for Education due
2/22-23 Pizza My Heart nights - have a break from cooking
Calendar Get the dates for the rest of school year click here
Ways to Support Encinal School
- Participate in MPAEF Foundation 500 drive and $50K challenge grant by Feb 15 click here
- Drop off Box Tops For Education by Feb 22 click here
- Donate tickets for local teams and sporting events. Mark your calendars for MPAEF's annual auction and party click here
Report an Absent or Tardy Student click here
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Encinal Principal Search Parent & Community Input Sessions
Please join Superintendent Ghysels to provide your input on the qualities and qualifications that you would like to see in Encinal's next principal.
- February 8 at 7:00pm in the Encinal Library
- February 9 at 8:30am in the Teacher Education Resource Center
For more information about the search for a new Encinal Principal and Allison's Liner's July transition to Chief Learning Officer for the MPCSD, please click here to read Superintendent Ghysel's Letter to Parents and click here to read Principal Liner's Letter to Parents.
Superintendent Ghysels will also have a meeting to hear parent input regarding the search for the new principal at Hillview on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 9am and 7pm in the Hillview library.
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Appreciating Our Differences: Spencer West on "Redefining Your Possible"
 We are excited to announce the return of keynote speaker Spencer West to our District. Spencer West speaks candidly about the struggles he overcame after losing his legs at the age of five, and how he never lost the hope or courage he needed to overcome personal obstacles. Filled with both humor and humility, his thought-provoking message inspires people to find opportunity in every challenge.
He comes this year with a new and incredible message for our students: Redefine Your Possible. By using his life story and his commitment to making a difference, he will be sharing information about his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro this summer as proof that we are in charge of redefining our own possible.
Pink Day Feb. 14
Remind your students to wear pink (or red) for Pink Day 2012 on Feb. 14th. We will be surprising Spencer at his speech with a sea of pink in the audience, showing him how much impact his message had on students and staff last year.
 Parent's Mark Your Calendar - You won't want to miss this Parent Ed Event, Feb. 13th at 7pm
Parents, please join us on Monday night, February 13th at 7PM in the large Multi to hear Spencer and his message for yourselves. Adults only, please. RSVP to rsvpforspencer@gmail.com. He will be sharing his message with our children the morning of February 14th. This is a great opportunity for parents to hear Spencer's message, facilitating your family discussions when the kids come home on the 14th. For more info on Spencer, please click here.
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Box Tops Collections Underway - Deadline Feb. 22
 Hear Ye, Hear Ye Encinal Community!Our next collection date for Box Tops for this school year will be February 22, 2012. Please start cleaning your junk drawers for the box tops you have misplaced. Each and every one counts and adds up to hundreds of dollars for our school.
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Pizza My Heart Nights Feb. 22-23
 Want a break from cooking? Go out. Take out. Get delivery. Whichever one you choose, Pizza My Heart in Palo Alto will donate 30% of the proceeds to Encinal. So why not treat everyone in the family to a tasty dinner between 4pm to close on Wednesday, February 22nd or Thursday, February 23rd? Simply mention Encinal when you place your order and enjoy. Thanks so much for all you do to support our school (you know, like splurging for that extra large). Visit Pizza My Heart at 220 University Ave in PA or call them at 327-9400 for that take out or delivery. |
Foundation 500 Challenge: $50k bonus for 70% Participation
$50,000 bonus for our schools! $50,000! That's the amount one generous District family has pledged to give the Foundation if we're able to achieve 70% donor participation of all the families in our district.
As of Friday, we're down to 220 families left to give . Every donation of any amount counts and moves us toward that 70% goal. Let's take advantage of this $50,000 opportunity! Donate any amount at all and every bit is greatly appreciated.
And don't forget-the Foundation 500 Challenge is still in action to match your contribution dollar for dollar. If did not donate in the 2010-2011 school year, the grant will match your entire donation. If you'd like to increase your donation over what you gave in 2010-2011, the grant will match the amount of the increase. Now is the perfect time to donate. To donate any amount, please click here. Thank you.
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MPAEF Thanks 2012 Gold Realtor Sponsors
 The MPAEF would like to thank these realtors for their outstanding generosity as 2012 Gold Realtor Sponsors who gave $3K and above once again this year:
Doug Gonzalez, Coldwell Banker
Omar Kinaan, RE/MAX Distinctive Properties
Veronica Kogler, Coldwell Banker
If you would like to learn more about our Realtor Program, please contact Executive Director Lynne Van Tilburg at lynnev@mpaef.org. |
MPAEF Annual Auction and Party on April 21
Calling All Sports Fans: Save Us a Seat!
Donate Tickets for Local Teams & Sporting Events
Whether it's the 49ers, Giants, Sharks, or another local favorite, we want to be on your team! Please let us know if you have access to box seats or a block of six or more tickets that you'd be willing to donate for the auction.
We're also interested in tickets to specialty sporting events, such as high-end golf tournaments, tennis matches, or NASCAR races, especially when they include admission to the corporate hospitality tent. A little closer to home, consider donating rounds of golf at a local club or sport memorabilia like signed jerseys from well-known players.
To Donate Sporting Event Tickets or Memorabilia: Please contact Clint Chao (clint@formative.com). The deadline for submitting auction items is March 1.
Event Details: Saturday, April 21, Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto. Ticket information coming soon!
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5 Question Survey about Cultural Arts Day 2012
 To help make Cultural Arts Day the best day possible, please take a moment (and invite your kids over to the computer as well!) to respond to a short survey. Click here.
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Lost Items Magically Appear, And Soon they Will Be Given Away
The Lost and Found is tucked away in the 4th/5th grade area on a ground floor corridor wall across from the new Multipurpose Room. There is a row of hooks holding lots of unclaimed items which will be donated to a worthy cause soon. Please check to see if your student's backpack, lunch box or sweater is among the lost items there.
We have had reports that Alan Sheppard's Six Iron was spotted in the Encinal Lost and Found. Perhaps your child's socks are there, too.
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February Life Skill Theme: Self-Discipline
by Nicole Scott, Encinal School Counselor
In September, several parents from Oak Knoll and Encinal joined me in reading the book, Raising Happiness: Ten Simple Steps for more Joyful Kids and Happier Parents by Dr. Christine Carter.
One of the 10 steps is Teaching Self-Discipline. Below are just some of the ideas that Dr. Carter shares in her book.
Dr. Carter says that playing games that teach self-regulation, such as Simon Says and Freeze Dance, are helpful because kids have to think in order not to do something, thereby practicing self control. In addition, allow kids ample time for free play. During free play kids build their imagination which helps develop executive function, an important cognitive skill related to self-regulation. Martial arts, dance, music and storytelling require kids to hold information in their mind and recall it later, so this also helps to build self-discipline and sustained attention.
Other ways to encourage Self-Discipline:
Encourage self-talk. Self-talk helps kids to guide their own behavior rather than relying on parents and teachers to guide them.
Teach kids to distract themselves. This will help to lengthen the time they can wait for things.
Reduce stress. Stress has a negative effect on the kids and makes them more impulsive.
Turn off the TV, video games, and computer. Dr. Carter says that it costs kids the opportunity to learn self-regulation.
This is just a brief glimps of the chapter on Self-Discipline, and there are 9 other steps. For more ideas, I encourage you to read Dr. Carter's book Raising Happiness. Back to Top
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2012-13 Kindergarten Registration During February
 Registration for next year's Kindergarten, new Transitional Kindergarten, and Spanish Immersion program starts on Feb. 1. Please refer to the district website for important instructions, tour information and parent meetings. Click here for more information. |
Outdoor Education Parents Meeting: Tuesday at 6:30 pm
 The Outdoor Education Parent Information Meeting for 5th Grade Parents will take place Monday, February 6th, 6:30 - 7:15 pm in the Encinal School Library.
All 5th grade parents are invited to attend this Outdoor Education information meeting. Please come and meet Mark Nolan, Director of San Mateo County Outdoor Education, who will share information about the program, describe the weekly schedule for students, and answer any questions you may have.
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Hillview PTO Committee Chair Search Underway
 Hillview is beginning to recruit for committee chairs for the 2012/13 school year. This is a great way for 5th grade parents to get involved and become familiar with your student's new school. To learn more about the committees, click here. If you are interested in serving as a committee chair next year, please contact Pam Fernandes ( pam_ann_fernandes@yahoo.com). Thanks for your support. |
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Recognizing the People Who Make Encinal Excellent
 Congratulations to Najwa M. in Ms. Meister's 5th grade, who took First Place in the Dr. Frank S. Greene 10th Annual Science Fair on January 28! Najwa competed against 90 other students from Santa Clara, Alameda, and San Mateo counties. Her winning project was "Najwa's Cool Crazy Crystal Creations."
Najwa & her family thank Principal Allison Liner, Nicole Scott, and Tracy Hill who introduced Najwa to Science Day, Science camp, and to the Greene Scholars program -- exciting programs which invite young African American scholars to the world of Science and Math. For more information about the Greene Scholars Program and the Annual Science Fair, click here. Keep up the great work, Najwa!
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Thanks for a Wonderful Day - Cultural Arts Day 2012
 | | Spirit of Uganda performing at Encinal |
Thank you all for your participation and support of our adventure to East Africa! This day would not have been possible without support from over 200 parent volunteers, teachers, and staff; and financial assistance from the Encinal PTO and an MPAEF Jeanie Ritchie grant. Wow! What a tremendous effort.
--Photos of the Day: If you weren't able to attend, or want to relive the experience, don't miss this terrific album (courtesy of photographers Evonne Dunne and Gina Hart). Click here.
--See the Dancing: To see a short video clip of the amazing dance/musical troop, Spirit of Uganda, please click here. If your children are interested in keeping in contact with the group, their blog updates with news about their national tour ( click here); and there are CDs and apparel for sale ( click here).
 | | Omega Okello at Encinal |
--Hear the Music: To listen to some of the music from the day, Omega Okello, our Ugandan singer, performs those songs on her website. Click here to listen. --Teachers: Thank you for all your help. Want more CAD activities? Bonus activities and the complete curriculum are here. If you want to do some of the craft activities, the office has extra supplies from the day.
-- Thank You: This was a tremendous team effort. Encinal School would like to thank the following people for their help in planning this day: Ed Vail - the Cultural Arts Day Chair; and the following people for their help in planning this day: Tami Chamness, Hillary Easom, Kalule Francis, Gina Hart, Whitney Hoermann, Joan Lambert, Lydia Lee, Elizabeth Ouren, Will Ouren, Julie Pecson, Derek Pecson, Erin Reyes, and Ed Vail. And thank you to Susannah Hill & Andrew Pattarelli and Adam Craig for helping with breakfast for the performers; and to Marc Drucker and the Ix-Sui family for grilling plantains. Thank you to Elena Stallings for checking in volunteers all day (even though her kids are all in Hillview now!). Thank you to all the HRPs for scheduling the wonderful volunteers to lead each class. Thank you to Stephanie Noon and the 4th and 5th graders for making colorful paper necklaces for all the students. Thank you to Pam Garcia, Kat Wright, John Ashfield, Kathy Smithlin, and the district tech team for their assistance. Thank you to the CAD teacher sponsors Susan Preston, Maggie Sanchez, Lori Sullivan, and Denise Healy.
-- Lunch thank you: Big thanks to Tatjana Faruqi and Amy Nelson of the Encinal Staff Appreciation committee for a wonderful and delicious lunch. Thank you also to the following people who donated items toward the Cultural Arts Day lunch: Kelly Martin, Katie Ferrick, Elizabeth Ouren, Prascilla Crook, Susannah Hill, Lauren Calhoon, Robin Soran, Sue Olson, Sheila Jimenez, Julia Molise, Amy Heinz, Erin Reyes, Meital Amzallag and Michelle Sutton. The dancers, volunteers and staff really enjoyed the lunch.
Also a big thanks to Courtyard by Marriott in Palo Alto/Los Altos for providing free lodging for the dancers while they were here; Starbucks on Santa Cruz Avenue for providing that critical infusion of coffee; and Home Depot for donating supplies.
-- Give your feedback: Please take a moment to complete this short survey about CAD and give your input. Parents, staff, and students are all encouraged to complete the survey. Thank you for your feedback. Click here
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Volunteer Opportunities - You Make A Difference!
Click here to see an overview of ways to volunteer |
Girls on the Run Coaches - No Running Experience Needed
 The Encinal After School Activities coordinator is searching for parent volunteers to coach Encinal's chapter of Girls on the Run. This Bay Area organization provides an innovative running program for girls ages 8 to 13 that uses experiential learning to teach specific well-defined social and personal skills. You do not need to be a runner to be a successful coach for Girls on the Run. You will serve as a role model for girls by showing up prepared and on time, listening attentively, having a positive demeanor and outlook and by leading a healthy lifestyle! You will encourage the girls and coach them on proper stretching, explore emotional issues faced by girls their age, and discuss the importance of nutrition and physical activity. Don't worry, this will all be covered in coach training. To learn more and to apply, click here. Back to Top |
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Community News & Events
For complete listing click here
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New Community Listings
Want to see everything, not just what's new? Click here.
 Events for Students and Families
U-Me Loves My New Red Shoes Fundraising Event, Tuesday, February 7, 2 to 5 pm, 3355 Edison Way, Menlo Park. Cookie and card decorating, games, treats, and raising money for a wonderful cause. $25 per family.
(Early Grades) Kepler's Colorful Story Time, Sunday, February 12, 11:30 a.m., 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman and The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle. (Grades 6-12) "Expanding your Horizons in Math and Science" Conference for 6th through 12th Grade Young Women, Saturday, March 17, 8:15 to 3:00 p.m., at Skyline College in San Bruno
For Parents
Speaker: "Standing Tall - My Journey" with Spencer West, Monday, February 13, 7 p.m. in the large Encinal Multi.
Sports, Classes, Volunteer Opportunities for Students & Families
Classroom and Tutoring Volunteers Needed in Ravenswood District. Students and adults can volunteer in a specific classroom weekly or bi-monthly, or tutor children after school.
Kids' Ceramics Class, Tuesdays, February 7 through 20, 3:30-5pm, Little House, 800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park. 4 sessions/$50. (K-12) Jeff Arons' 2012 Spring Tennis Clinics at Sacred Heart Schools, Beginning February 24th (Ages 6-14) Studio Rincon Yoga Classes, New Friday Classes, 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas #2, Menlo Park
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Encinal PTO Communications
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Join the PTO Mailing List - Text "SUBSCRIBE" to 42828
Make sure to receive Principal's Posts, Midweek Updates and weekly newsletters by joining the Encinal PTO Mailing List. Click here or text "SUBSCRIBE" to 42828. Back to Top |
| Encinal Newsletter Submissions - Deadline Tuesday noon
 Email articles for the Encinal newsletter to newsletter@encinalschool.com Email community announcements to communitynews@mpcsd.org Back to Top |
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