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  Encinal School Newsletter
May 6, 2012
Encinal PTO/La Organizasión de Padres y Maestros
Boletin en espanol - haga clic aqui
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Things To Do
- Gather overdue Encinal Library book to return tomorrow click
- Vote in the Encinal Site Council run-off election by Tues. click
- Walk, bike or scooter to school on Thursday click
- Make plans to avoid driving to Open House & Art Festival on May 17 and consider picnic/food truck dinner on campus click
- Consider volunteering with the Encinal PTO next year as a committee chair and/or HRP click here
- Grab used cracker or cereal boxes & drop at Art Room click
Dates to Note
This Week 5/6-5/13 Mon Deadline to return books to the Encinal Library click here Tue Voting in Site Council run-off election closes 5pm click Thu Walk, Bike or Scooter to School Day click here
Next Week 5/15 4th/5th Grade Advisory Walk-Through, 12:30-3:00pm click 5/15 Incoming Kinder Parent Orientation at Encinal, 7pm 5/16 Flower Day at Encinal click here 5/17 Deadline to order Ducky's Car Wash discount cards click 5/17 Encinal Open House & Art Festival & Picnic/Food Truck click Later May 5/21 Staff Appreciation Lunch 5/22 Encinal Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, 9:30-11:00am click 5/23 Encinal School Concert: 4th/5th instrument students, 7pm 5/24 District Honorary Service Awards at Laurel School, 4-6pm 5/25 Field Day - sessions for each grade 5/28 Memorial Day holiday - no school 5/30 Surf's Up! 5th Grade End of Year Celebration click here June 6/1 Last day of school: Clap Out and 5th Grade Concert click 6/1 Fifth Grade Bash to benefit MPAEF, Masonic Lodge click Next Fall 8/28 Hillview Grand Opening Celebration, all welcome, 10am 8/31 Hillview Arena Check-In for middle school students click 9/4 First day of school for 2012-2013, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012 |
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Thank You for Supporting Our Schools
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Thank You! We Raised $367,000 for Our Schools!
Once again, the Laurel, Encinal, Hillview, and Oak Knoll school community delivers! Thanks to the generous support and hard work of parents, teachers, volunteers, staff, students, and local businesses, our spring auction was a resounding success.
Together, the on-campus raffle ticket sales, online auction, silent auction, and Black & White Dinner brought in net revenue of $367,000 -- an MPAEF record! We're especially pleased to announce that our Fund-a-Need drive raised more than $64,000 for Jeanie Ritchie Teaching Innovation Grants!
Congratulations to our lucky raffle winners:
- Ultimate Sports Ticket Package, Monica Grahm
- m&m bling Diamond and Topaz Necklace, Jennifer Santoro
- Rosewood Spa Escape, Stephanie Woodworth
- Stanford Football Jersey Autographed by a Trio of All-Americans, Sean Gavin
- iPad, Cory Vanderwouw
A special thank you to all of our donors, as well as the 550 guests who attended the Black & White and Spring All Over party. We look forward to seeing you all next year!
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Looking at May - Our Last Month of School
 Does it seem like there is more going on in May at school than in past years? You're right! Due to the compressed school year, our last day of school is two weeks earlier that usual on June 1. That means all of Encinal's end-of-year activities and events are compressed into the month of May. So hang on to your hat and keep reading the newsletter for details on all the fun things that are happening! We hope you enjoy this last month of school and the events that are planned at Encinal. Summer will be here in the blink of an eye! Questions? Email ptopresident@encinalschool.com. |
Return All Encinal School Library Books Tomorrow, May 7th
From Encinal Librarian Denise Healy
 All library books are due Monday, May 7th. Please help us get all the books back so we can conduct an inventory and pack up the library in preparation for remodeling the library this summer. It is going to be fabulous to return to a beautiful and well stocked library in September. A lot of work will be required and it starts with you turning in the books. Students must return their library books in order to receive their report card. Thank you for your assistance.
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Run-Off Election for Site Council
The Encinal Site Council recently held an election to fill four open seats. While three of the four positions were filled, a run-off election will occur to fill the fourth seat because the results were too close to call. Please click here to vote for one (1) candidate on the run-off election ballot. All parents of Encinal students are entitled to vote. The Site Council meets monthly to make decisions that guide the school's improvement and monitor its performance. The Council is composed of seven staff members and seven parent representatives who develop an annual improvement plan that is reviewed by the School Board. The Council monitors the plan's implementation, the expenditure of School Improvement Funds and evaluates results. The candidate with the most votes will serve as a member of the Site Council for two years. |
Walk, Bike, Scooter or Skip to School on Thursday, May 10th
 Encinal is having another Walk/Bike to School Day this Thursday, May 10th. There will be hand-outs and greeters to make the event fun, and of course everyone walking, biking, scootering or car pooling can enter Go-Eco Raffle.
May 10 is the official Bike to Work Day for the Silicon  Valley Bicycle Coalition. Click here for more. The weather should be lovely, so we hope you will join us and walk, bike, scooter (or skip) to school. Questions? Email bikepedsafety@encinalschool.com |
4th/5th Grade Advisory Walk-Through Tuesday, May 15th
 The Advisory Walk-Through is open to all parents on Tuesday, May 15th, from 12:30-3:00pm. Come check out what the 4th and 5th grade students did in their Advisories this year.
Questions? Email 4th Grade Teacher Maggie Sanchez. |
Send a Flower to School on Wednesday, May 16th
 Flower Day is an Encinal tradition to show appreciation to teachers and staff. This year's Flower Day will be Wednesday, May 16. We ask every student to bring a flower to class that day. No need to buy a special arrangements. Just send one bloom or a pair to school with your child. Something form your own yard is wonderful.
Classroom volunteers will assemble the flowers into bouquets for their teacher, aides and staff. Our teachers and staff love the bouquets! Questions? Email volunteercoordinator@encinalschool.com. |
Open House, Art Festival & Community Dinner, Thu. May 17th
Annual Open House - times vary by grade  The Encinal staff and teachers invite all parents to Encinal's annual Open House and Art Festival. Open House is a chance for parents to visit student classrooms to see a portfolio of their child's work from this year. The hours for Open House on May 17th will be:
- Kinder, 1st & 2nd classrooms open 5:30-6:30pm
- 3rd, 4th & 5th grade classrooms open 7:00-8:00pm
Art Festival - 5:30-8:00pm  Another delightful part of Open House is the Encinal Art Festival, happening 5:30-8:00pm in the large multi. Please visit to see selected art pieces from all of our students.
Picnic & Food Trucks - 5pm-8pm  This year we are adding a new community-building opportunity to Open House: having dinner together on campus. If you would like to join the fun, plan to bring a picnic dinner or give yourself a break from cooking and simply buy dinner from a selection of food trucks the PTO has invited to sell dinner and dessert on the black top. Their will be a yummy selection of food including some child friendly options. Some trucks can take credit cards and some only accept cash. The vendors have generously offers to donate part of their proceeds to Encinal PTO. Getting to Open House & Parking
 Skip the Drive - If it is possible for your family to bike, walk, scooter, or carpool with another family, please consider it. The parking at Encinal will be tight at Open House. There are some families that will have to drive, it would be helpful to leave the limited parking available for them.
 Park at M-A - Another option for parking is a short way down Middlefield Road. Menlo Atherton High School has kindly offered to let Encinal families park in their lot at the corner of Oak Grove and Middlefield for Open House. It is a short 1/2 mile walk and there is a nice walking path the whole way.
Park selectively - Also, please watch for "No Parking" zones on neighborhood streets because the police might issue tickets.
Questions? Email ptovicepresident@encinalschool.com. |
Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, Tuesday, May 22, 9:30-11am
 Whether you have volunteered once this year or once a day, we want to celebrate you! Every minute you devoted to Encinal made a difference. We want to show you our appreciation by inviting you to our annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on campus.
Come enjoy a delicious buffet of breakfast goodies provided by our fabulous teachers as well as signature coffee drinks from our very own coffee cart. Please plan to come to celebrate all of our Encinal volunteers! We will be honoring our volunteer service award winners as well. They will be announced soon!
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Help Stephanie Noon's Art Classes: Donate Thin Cardboard
Art Teacher Stephanie Noon asked the PTO to let parents know she is in urgent need of thin cardboard for an art project the students are working on right now. Please drop off thin cardboard such as cracker boxes and cereal boxes outside the art room (Room 11) in the drop-off container. |
Buy Ducky's Car Wash Gift Cards by May 17 - Support PTO
 It's time to stock up on Ducky's Car Wash Splash Cards to use this summer to clean out from the beach, camping, road trips, etc. Order a $20 Splash Card by May 17th and you receive two car washes worth a total value of $38.99 plus over $100 in savings including:
- $50 off a full detail
- $10 off an express detail
- $5 off your next car wash
- 20% off any gift shop purchase
- One free month of unlimited washes with purchase of one paid month
Order by May 17th. Encinal School receives $7 for each card ordered. There are 2 easy ways to order: - Order online - click here
- Print and return the order form to school with a check made out to Encinal PTO - click here
Splash Cards will be delivered via green homework folders by Tuesday, May 29. Thank you! |
May Life Skill: Respect
from School Counselor Nicole Scott
 Book: "Seeds of Change" by Jen Cullerton Johnson
"Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace" brings to life the empowering story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize. In this story we are learning about the respect of our environment. Explore with your kids other ways we show respect to other people or for property etc. Respecting our world is not just one person's job or a job for adults is all of our jobs. When I walk through the lunch area I ask students to pick up the garbage around them and students sometimes respond "But it's not mine!" Still, it shouldn't matter because we all want to keep the lunch area clean. That is showing respect for school. Remind your kids of the story from October, "The Golden Rule." This story was about respecting others and treating them in a way you would like others to treat you. Ask your child what respect looks like at home, in the classroom, on the playground and with friends. |
Summer Playgroups for Incoming Kindergarteners
 A few informal, casual play groups will gather throughout the summer for any interested families of incoming kindergartners. To sign up, you can join the Google group set up by the organizers -- you must have a Google account to join but you can set one up if you don't have one. Click here and select "Apply for membership" to be added to the group. It's a great opportunity to help families and students get to know one another before school starts in September.
Questions? Email Encinal parent & playgroup organizer Ninette Wong. |
Summary of Fifth Grade Events May 30th Through June 1st
There are three key events in the last week of 5th grade: May 30: "Surf's Up" 5th grade celebration during school hours at Flood Park. June 1st: Last day of school 5th grade concert & all-school "Clap Out". Dismissal at 11:20am for all students. 5th Grade Celebration Party to Benefit MPAEF at Menlo Park Masonic Lodge, 7-9pm. Tickets $50. Scholarships available. ___________________________ Surf's Up! Class of 2012 Graduation Celebration Wednesday, May 30th, 10am - 2pm, Flood Park 
An enthusiastic team of 5th grade parents is planning this fun celebration at Flood Park. 5th graders and classroom chaperones will board buses at Encinal school and head to Flood Park for a BBQ picnic, water play, fun activities, crafts, classroom competitions and more. They will return to school in time for their regular 3pm dismissal. This fun grade level party is sponsored by the PTO and will be in lieu of individual class parties. - How to participate: Sign and return your updated permission form to your teacher. There is no fee.
- What to bring: Look for email coming from your HRP with details.
- Volunteer: Parents who would like to chaperone or volunteer with an activity, please email Robbie Baxter or call her at 321-1199.
___________________________ Concert and "Clap Out" Last day of school, Friday, June 1st, 10am-11:20am, on campus  Parents and families of 5th graders are invited to come on the last day of school for two events that will take place from 10am-11:20am. We will have a "Clap Out" where each 5th grade class will run through a line of parents that are clapping and congratulating our graduates. There will also be a special concert given by our 5th graders in the large multi. Please stay tuned for further communications about these events. All students are dismissed at 11:20am on the last day of school. Questions? Email Vice Principal Joan von der Linden.
___________________________ 5th Grade Graduation Bash Benefiting the MPAEF Friday, June 1st, 7-9pm, Menlo Park Masonic Lodge  Another team of enthusiastic parents is organizing a fun evening party for 5th grade students featuring an awesome deejay, light show, games, live entertainment, snacks and drinks, and a fun photo booth. If your student would like to attend, the cost is $50 per student. All proceeds go to MPAEF and will be part of the annual grant to the Menlo Park City School District to help fund specialist teachers in art, music, PE, library and science across the district.
- When and where: June 1st, 7pm - 9pm, Menlo Park Masonic Lodge, 651 Roble Avenue, behind Cook's Seafood.
- How to participate: Please complete the form that was sent home and return it to the Encinal office by May 10 with a check for $50 made out to 'MPAEF' or email Carol Kelly.
- There is financial assistance for anyone who needs it. Contact your classroom teacher or email Joan von der Linden (326-5164).
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Fifth Graders: Hillview Book Fair Is May 8-10th, 8am-4pm
 Mark your calendars for the annual Hillview Book Fair, which will be held from Tuesday, May 8, through Thursday, May 10, in the Hillview library. Operated in partnership with Books, Inc., it provides a great opportunity to get summer reading books for Hillview, M-A and other area schools. We will be open from 8am to 4pm each day, and we will also be open during Hillview Open House on Thursday evening. See you at the Fair! |
Fifth Graders: Hillview Arena Check-In Is Friday, August 31st
Incoming Hillview students must attend Hillview Arena Check-In on Friday, August 31st in the (new!) Hillview Theater. Keep an eye out for important District communication in August with details about District forms and online enrollment. Arena Check-in is mandatory: students turn in District forms, pick up their class schedule for the year and get their student portrait taken. For more information click here.
Parent Volunteers Requested
Questions? Please email Mary Murphy, Josie Gomez & Meagan Carabetta.
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Congratulations to Our Talented 4th and 5th Graders
"Great Job!" The Encinal PTO would like to congratulate all the talented and brave 4th and 5th grade students who displayed their skills, humor, and talent at the Encinal Talent Show last Friday. You are amazing and inspiring! |
Thank You Kepler's and Parents
 Thank you to Kepler's Bookstore in Menlo Park of their generous donation of $1100 to Encinal PTO. Thank you to all of our Encinal families for mentioning Encinal School at the register when you shop at Kepler's all during this year. We greatly appreciate Kepler's support of Encinal School. Kepler's generously donates 10% of purchases made online through their community partner page or in their store. Please consider shopping locally at Kepler's when purchasing your summer reading books and remember to mention Encinal at the register. Thanks! |
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The PTO is looking for Volunteers!
 Volunteer for PTO Leadership roles next year. These are the critical areas to fill before this school year ends: - Newsletter Editors
- After School Activities Coordinators
- Encinal Express Post Office Co-Chair
- Kids Art Chair or Co-Chairs
- Cultural Arts Day Chair or Co-Chairs
- After School Athletic Team Coordinators
To read more about these or other committees that interest you, please click here. If you can volunteer with any of the committees, please email Katie Ferrick.
2012-13 PTO Executive Board & Committee Chair Positions
We still have some excellent committee chair positions and two openings on next year's PTO Executive Board for willing and energetic volunteers! Click here for more info. |
Head Room Parents for Next Year - Consider the Role
 The PTO is looking for Head Room Parents for next year. Head Room Parents help organize classroom volunteers and volunteers for some other roles such as art or library; plan classroom parties; assist with Flower Day and Card Day; and generally help the teacher where needed.
We are starting to plan, so please let us know if you are interested by contacting the PTO HRP Coordinators. There will training for HRPs in September, so please watch this space for dates and times. Thank you!
Questions? Email the PTO HRP Coordinator.
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Community News & Events
For complete listing click here
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New Community Listings
Want to see all listings, not just what's new? Click here.
 Summer Camp Information for District FamiliesClick here to get a valuable summary of summer camp information. Check back often - we add camps every week.
EVENTS FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
Palo Alto Children's Theater production of "Pinkalicious," May 9-19, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Join us for this colorful musical adventure based on the popular children's book, Pinkalicious by Elizabeth Kahn and Victoria Kahn.
Peninsula Youth Theatre presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," May 12-20 at the Mountain View Center for Performing Arts.
Kepler's Story Time, Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, Sunday, May 13, 11:00 a.m., 1100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
Be the Change Youth Benefit Concert for Free the Children, Sunday, May 20, 7-8:30 p.m. Cultural Art Hall, Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Youth dancers, bands, vocalists, classical musicians and volunteers from local schools, for building a school in Sierra Leone with Free the Children. Suggested donation $10.
Peninsula School Spring Fair, Sunday, May 6, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Peninsula School, 920 Peninsula Way, Menlo Park. Delicious ethnic foods, games, and live music.
CAMPS
Summer Camp Page
Please visit the MPCSD/PTO Summer Camps Page to see listings for camps. All information is provided by the camps for your convenience, and organized by type of camp. New camps are added every week! (Note: We have not evaluated this information or endorsed any of the camps, and the district is not responsible for any aspect of your experience with these camps.)
Camp Catalog Website - Sign Up for Camp. Search 100's of camp brochures and schedules, then can save your camps to a calendar and share it with friends to coordinate schedules. Win a free week of camp in our sweepstakes (ends April 30). SPORTS, CLASSES & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES (next year's sixth and seventh graders) Menlo Circus Club Sixth and Seventh Grade Ballroom Dance Class Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m. or 7:15 to 8:15, September 19, 2012, through March 6, 2013, Menlo Circus Club, Atherton. $280 for the series of 10 Wednesday classes. Non-members welcome. (Ages 3 through Adult) Captivating Dance by Nona, Free Dance Classes for 2 Weeks, June 18-29, 1923 Menalto Avenue, Menlo Park |
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Encinal PTO Communications
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This email and the Encinal School web site are delivered to you by the Encinal PTO Communications committee. For more information about Encinal School, please visit www.encinalschool.com.
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| 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 |
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 |
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