October 4 Parent's Association Meeting 8:30am ---- Grade 7 to Ashland ----- Grade 6 to Mount Herman October 5 Garden Sale 3:30pm October 9 6-7:30pm Dads and middle school sons bball October 10 "Our Town" tickets go on sale October 11-14 Conferences Minimum Days October 12 VIANNEY 7pm October 17 Speaker Series "Best Practices at Nation's Top High Schools" 8:30am October 18 Justin-Siena on campus 9:30am ---- Grade 3 to Discovery Center October 19 Speaker Series "Your Child's Writing Life: How To Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Skill At Every Age" 8:30am ---- Paraliturgy October 22 "Imagine: An Evening in Havana" 5pm October 27 Sonoma Academy on campus 11am
November 3 & 4 "Our Town"
November 6 6-7:30pm Dads and daughters grades 3-5 bball December 4 6-7:30pm Dads and sons grades 3-5 bball |
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Greetings!
Please read to the bottom of this email each week for important school announcements!
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8th Grade Spanish Class Visits
Migrant Farm Workers Camp Site
For the second year in a row, our 8th graders headed up to the migrant worker camps run by la Luz for a short field trip about the migrant experience. The students prepare questions in advance (in Spanish) and always come home with their eyes widened as to those working under difficult conditions right close by us.
When you drive past St. Leo's Catholic Church, if you look to the north you will see eight blue temporary trailers that La Luz provides every harvest season for Sonoma's migrant workers. There is also a mess hall, shower trailers, a laundry area and a meeting space for classes and lectures.
The 32 young men who live there pick during the early hours of the day and rest in the afternoon at camp. La Luz provides breakfast and lunch for the men, and dinner twice a week.
Many nights La Luz offers English classes for the men, and lectures on health issues, as well as some medical and dental care. Funds to operate the camps comes froma grant from the Vadasz Family Foundation. Says Maricarmen Reyes-Larios, who coordinates the camps for La Luz. "These men are a vital part of our Valley' economy, and we are happy we can provide these services for them."  |
Presentation's New Director of Finance:
Meet Larry Christensen We asked Larry to tell you a little bit about himself. Please stop by and say hello to him if you haven't yet met.
I grew up in Walnut Creek and enjoy playing football, basketball, baseball, water and snow skiing, sailing, rafting, eating and exercising...in that order. I'd love to know which gym in town is the best one to pretend to go to... I lived in Sweden for two years, went to Ygnaico Valley H/S, Brigham Young University, and also studied and worked in Washington DC for the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a CPA and tax accountant I also worked with Ernst & Young and great companies like Hasbro Toy Company, Philip Environmental Services, Napa Airport, and now with The Presentation School! Whenever I have a free minute, I can be found shooting baskets in the state-of-the-art activity center. This is a beautiful campus, and even more impressive, are the families and students that care for each other, and are great peers and examples to each other.
I married the girl next door, Diana. Di grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and is influencing our children to be diehard Steelers fans. We're parents 6 children; Michael, a sophomore at Justin Siena, says the Presentation School graduates, now at JS, are the best. Marissa is enjoying Mrs. Dusak's class, singing, dancing, and will earn her black belt in Tae Kwon Do at Christmas time. Marcus, 1st grade, learned to do a flip on the trampoline, and scored a goal in soccer last week. Our youngest, Sierra, 2, is excited about earning candy for not needing diapers anymore. Mom and dad are even more excited! (Her diapers never held "25 pounds", as the box stated anyway.) Xena, 1, enjoys using the doggie door, as it's easier to open.
Lacey and Coco the outdoor dogs, who think they're indoor dogs, have also been known to use the doggie door, but only when forced.
I am honored to be at this school and numbered with families that have implemented the highest standards in academic achievement, fine arts, and faith. These families, along with the extraordinary faculty is what makes The Presentation School the best place to receive the most well-rounded academic, social and spiritual education.
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Presentation Adds Spirit Squad
This year for the first time, Presentation will launch a Spirit Squad for grades 5-8. The squad will provide the "spirit" for the school by organizing pep rallies, creating posters and supporting our basketball teams at home games.
The squad is open to all 5th-8th graders, boys and girls, and all events will take place on campus.
The Squad will have two short seasons, one starting in October and one starting in January, coinciding with the boys and girls basketball seasons. Students may sign up for one or both.
The cost to participate is $35 for one or both seasons and covers the cost of a tee shirt and supplies. Sign up sheets will go home on Monday and can be returned to Mrs. Wallace.
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Fall Sports Well Underway With Winter Teams to Follow
Presentation's 7th and 8th grade Volleyball teams are in the middle of their season with some great wins under their belt. Pictured here are some members of the 7th grade team.
The Cross Country Team has their next meet next week. The Rock Climbing Team will begin after Thanksgiving and and the 7th and 8th grade boys Basketball team sign ups begin shortly. See elsewhere in this issue for big news about our new Spirit Squad.
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Message from Masestra Gallagher: ¡Hola a todos!
October is filled with celebration. Not just harvest and Halloween, but Día de los Muertos as well! In Spanish this month, each class, K-8, will be involved in a Día de los Muertos art project. A viewing of all of the projects will be held in the library...more details to come!
In order for all of the projects to come to completion, some of our classes need materials. Check the list below to see if you are able to supply any items for your grade. As supplies come in, please refer to my webpage under your grade for an updated list of needed materials and please bring any items to the office or the after-case room! ¡Muchas gracias!
Kinder-3rd grade: No supplies needed.
4th grade: Air drying clay 15lbs. http://www.michaels.com/Air-DryClay/kd1014,default,pd.html, Toothpicks (1-100ct box)
5th grade: No supplies needed
6th grade: Oil or chalk pastels, any brand, assorted colors
2 - 50 piece or 4 - 25 piece.
7th grade: Each student needs a large shoe box or other similar sized box. Students will be collecting their own items for the remainder of the project.
8th grade: 10-15 lbs sugar, 2 cups meringue powder (available at Nancy's Fancies or Sur la Table in Santa Rosa), 2 lbs powdered sugar, food coloring (1 package of 4 colors)
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Presentation Angels Here to Help
Presentation Angels is a community outreach program designed to help any Presentation family in need or crisis. During these situations, we often ask, what can we do to help? If you have watched a loved one, or friend in need, you have probably asked that same question. Everyone wants to help, but no one knows exactly what to do.
If your family is in a bind, or needs support due to an illness, hardship or sudden crisis, you can privately meet or call Ms. Fischman to tell her what you specifically need. She will then inform the Presentation Angels chairperson of what that parent/family needs, with their privacy respected. Chairperson will work with committee/volunteers to address and meet parent/family needs. Prayers are always included.
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Friday's Field Day Fun for All
 The 8th graders and our teachers did a terrific job organizing Friday's Field Day. The entire school, grades K-8, were divided into mixed-age teams, by color: purple. red, orange, white, yellow, blue, green and grey. The weather cooperated and students had a chance to make friends in other grades.
The stations were fun and creative and included such favorites as kite flying, tug of war, balloon toss, volleyball and more. At lunch, students had the chance to eat with their "buddy" from another grade.
The teacher vs. 8th grade volleyball game was lively and both groups played a fantastic (and very competitive) game. Although the 8th graders came out strong, the teachers had an overwhelming comeback and beat the 8th grade champions. Go Patriots!
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Imagine: Havana Live Auction Preview! Lot # 7:
 Only superheroes need bid on this one of a kind item! The ZERO-G experience is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience true weightlessness. On a specially modified Boeing 727, parabolic arcs are perfofmed to creat a weightless environment allowing you to float, flip and soar as if you were in space. Specially trained pilots perform these aerobatic manuevers which are not simulated in any way. Learn more at www.gozerog.com. |
Girls Scouts Begins This Week
After much planning and preparation, a Girl Scout troop is finally becoming a reality at The Presentation School. Our first meeting will be held at 3:30 on Monday, October 3rd in the school library. Any and all interested girls and their parents should attend. This will be the time to sign up your daughters as well as learn how you can get involved. Our troop will be a co-op troop meaning parent participation will be vital to our success. If you have little to no time in your schedule, don't worry! Parent participation is not required. There will be duties big, small and in between. For those willing and able to get involved, please read on to see how you can get started even before our first meeting.
We can take care of all membership forms at our Oct. 3 meeting. Please bring a check for $24 made payable to: GIRL SCOUTS - ($12 Girl and $12 adult membership fee - each adult present at meetings must also sign up to participate with their daughter).
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Register Now for:
Monday, October 17th: "Best Practices in Education: What We Can Learn from America's Top Schools" 8:30am - 9:45am (Library) FREE Speakers: David Ball & Raj Vinnakota   This informal talk will encompass some of the best practices employed by our nation's most successful high schools including curriculum trends, appropriate use of technology, how to recruit and nurture outstanding educators and how to foster in children a life-long love of learning. David Ball is Principal of Milton Academy, a Wall Street Journal "Global Top 25" school. Raj Vinnakota is founder and Executive Director of SEED Academy, featured in "Waiting For Superman" as an example of America's best innovative public charter schools. To register: http://practicesineducation.eventbrite.com/ * * * * * * * * * * * On Wednesday, October 19th: "How To Cultivate the Love of Writing in Our Children" from 8:30am-9:45am (Library) FREE   In her new book, "Your Child's Writing Life: How To Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Skill At Every Age," Pam Allyn offers key steps and imaginative prompts to inspire and empower children to put their thoughts and ideas on paper.
She is the author of the acclaimed and award-winning "What To Read When: The Books and Stories To Read With Your Child--And All The Best Times To Read Them". Her most recent books are "Best Books for Boys: How To Engage Boys in Reading in Ways That Will Change Their Lives" and "Your Child's Writing Life."
Register here: http://loveofwriting.eventbrite.com/
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Garden Sale Wednesday After School
There will be a sale of herbs and flowers from the Presentation school garden this Wednesday, October 5th, after school. All proceeds will benefit the continued growth and upkeep of our beautiful garden. The sale is sponsored by the Garden Innovators.
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"Our Town" Production
The play is fast approaching. Mrs. Miller is very excited about the progress of the show and how much the students are committing to their characters. As we approach the final few weeks of rehearsals cast member are practicing most weekday afternoons and will rehearse during conference week after school.
October 10th tickets will go on sale in the office.
On Saturday, Oct 29th, all parents and students are invited to come help with our workday, when we will be setting up our seating, decorating the gym and focusing the lights.
Performances will be Thursday, Nov 3, and Friday Nov 4th, cast is to arrive at 5:00, and performances will be at 7:00pm.
We will be needing parent volunteers for the following areas: assistance in coordinating and organizing props and gym set up, construction of a few set and prop pieces, hair and make-up for the performances, distributing posters, ticket sales at the door, concessions, clean-up (strike), cast party. If you are able to volunteer for any of these duties please sign-up in the office. There is also a prop wish list and volunteer sign-up sheet in the office.
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Important School Updates:
See's Candy Fundraiser Starts October 17:
Our annual See's Candy Fundraiser will begin on October 17th so begin thinking now of all the gift opportunities for their delicious candies!
Emergency Cards & Emergency Bags are Due! More than a dozen Emergency Cards have still not yet been turned in to the office. It would be so terrible if we were unable to reach you in the event of an emergency. Please stop into the office today to fill yours out. Emergency bags are also overdue at this time. We musyt have one for each student to ensure their safety and comfort in the event of a crisis.
For parents of 7th and 8th graders:
Remaining High School Visits to Presentation Campus
Justin-Siena October 18 9:30am
Sonoma Academy October 27 11:00am
Marin Academy November 1 11:00am
Credo High School November 9 9:30am
Recommended Remaining High School Shadow Days
Justin-Siena Monday, October 17 St. Vincent's Tuesday, October 25 SVHS Wednesday, November 2 Sonoma Academy Wednesday, November 16 Uniform Update: Please remember that only uniform sweaters and outerwear sold by Land's End and Classic Design may be worn at school. Just because a garment is burgundy, dark green or khaki in color, does not mean that it is approved for uniform wear. Click here for October Hot Lunch Form |
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Community News:
PARENTING CONFERENCE IN SONOMA:
Crossing Thin Ice - The Secrets of Influential Parenting (formerly called Shepherding Your Teen) is a life-transforming seminar for the parents of young people between 8 and 18 years old. Jeff Schadt, Founder and President of the Youth Transition Network, leads this conference. Jeff has done extensive research on what it takes to parent emotionally and spiritually healthy kids so parents can help them launch successfully and succeed for life on their own after high school. This conference will give parents the tools to open up communication and gain influence with their youth.
Crossing Thin Ice will be held at Hanna Boys Center, 17000 Arnold Drive, Sonoma on Friday, Nov. 4 from 6:30-9:30pm and Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9am-3pm. A box lunch is available for purchase on Saturday for $5.
Cost is $25 per person. To register, visit www.crossingthinice.com. For additional information, contact St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 707-996-6024.
Tutoring List Available at SVHS
Each fall, Sonoma Valley High School produces a list of high achieving students available for tutoring. The list includes their name, email, phone, area of specialty and year. Their typical rate is $15/hr. Copies of the list are available in the our school office now.
Cub Scouts:
We're happy to announce that Presentation School will be the new site of the regular meetings of Sonoma's Cub Scout Pack 16. Boys in grades 1-5 may join Pack 16. Members of the Pack come from Sassarini, Prestwood, St. Francis, Sonoma Charter, Presentation, and other private and homeschooled boys from the same neighborhoods. Dens of 5-6 boys meet two to four times a month and the entire pack meets once a month, on the third Tuesday of every month. Click here for more information about Cub Scouts in Sonoma.
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