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The Otter Weekly
Oak Knoll School
1895 Oak Knoll Lane
Menlo Park, California 94025
650-854-4433 February 10th, 2013
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Oak Knoll Elementary PTO Newsletter
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Monday, February 11 - Thursday, February 14
- Caring and Sharing: Diaper Drive
Monday, February 11
- 5th Grade "Walk Through the Revolution": Fuller 8:30-11:15am, Coldoff 12:00-2:30pm; Small Multi
Tuesday, February 12
- MPAEF Board meeting: 8:45-10:45am, TERC
- Newsletter Submission Deadline: Noon (temporary change for the February break)
Wednesday, February 13
- District Meeting with Superintendent Maurice Ghysels: 8:15am, Library
- PTO Board Meeting: 9:15am, Library
Thursday, February 14
- Spirit Day: Theme "We Love Sports"; Rally in Gym at 8:10
Friday, February 15
- NO SCHOOL - February Break
- Extended deadline for ordering Yearbook
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Monday, February 18
- NO SCHOOL - February Break
Wednesday, February 20
- Site Council Meeting: 3:30pm
- "Be a Student" Night: 7:00 - 8:15pm
Wednesday, February 27
- K-2 Multi-Age Walt Disney Museum: Chan/Poole, 9:15am - 1:00pm
Friday, March 1
- K-2 Multi-Age Walt Disney Museum: Jagelka, 9:15am - 1:00pm
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School Office Announcements
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Important Decision on Increasing Enrollment -- The District Wants Your Input
Our community continues to experience increased student enrollment, and the District is now in the process of identifying options to ensure that we have enough classrooms to meet our enrollment projections for the next 10 years.
The District invites parents to learn more, and give input on potential options:
- How could we accommodate additional students on existing campuses (e.g. add more classrooms, increase class sizes)?
- Should we use the District-owned O'Connor site, currently rented to the German American International School, to add more capacity? If so, what are the options and how would they affect the enrollment, attendance boundaries and grade level configurations of our existing schools?
- Are there other solutions that should be considered?
Please come engage with Superintendent Maurice Ghysels, Board members and District staff at one of the following community meetings:
Tuesday, February 12: District Office, Board Room, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 13: Oak Knoll, Library, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Tuesday, February 19: Encinal, Multi-Use Room, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
If you are unable to attend one of these meetings, please feel free to email your thoughts to our Superintendent Maurice Ghysels or MPCSD's Board .
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Kindergarten Registration Information
Registration for Kindergarten, Spanish Immersion, and Transitional Kindergarten
During the month of February, parents can enroll their children for next Fall for Kindergarten, Spanish Immersion, and Transitional Kindergarten. Click here for an overview and further links to details.
Kindergarten Registration:
A child is eligible for kindergarten in 2013-14 if his or her fifth birthday falls on or before October 1. Priority Registration is from February 1 - 28, 2013. A link to the online registration site will be posted on Feb. 1 on the district website, click here.
Spanish Immersion Parent Information Meeting:
Come learn about the program by attending one of the mandatory parent information meeting on either Wednesday, February 6, from 8:45 am to 9:45 am or Tuesday, February 26, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the District Office, Board Room (next to Encinal School), 181 Encinal Ave., Atherton. Acceptance into the Immersion program will be determined by lottery.
Transitional Kindergarten Parent Information Session
Come learn about the program by attending the parent information meeting on March 14, 2013 from 4pm to 5pm at the TERC (next to District Office), at 181 Encinal Ave., Atherton. A child is eligible for the transitional kindergarten program if his or her fifth birthday is: 2013-14 school year - October 2 through December 2.
Questions: If you are not sure of the school in your attendance area or you have further questions, please contact the District Registrar or call 650-321-7140, Ext. 5600.
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The MPAEF Participation Challenge is ON at Oak Knoll!
Did you know that the MPAEF funds 31 educators at our schools -- that's 1 in 6 teachers?
That's why it's crucial we all do our part and meet the Participation Challenge, unlocking the $50,000 bonus for our schools!
We're at 54% right now, with 458 families to go!
Donate, pledge now and give later, or set up monthly installments at www.mpaef.org by February 28.
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KICKSTART THIS SPRING'S AUCTION OFFERINGS BY DONATING
AN OPPORTUNITY TO INSPIRE, MOTIVATE OR ENTERTAIN OUR KIDS!
K.I.T. - Kids In Training: Let's show the kids what we do all day! Don't just bring them to work, put them to work. Designers, technologists, scientists, medics, doctors, chefs, artists, entertainers, public service individuals, open your doors and call in the class. Teach kids what makes your profession interesting. Give them a hands-on experience or demonstrate how you run your business. Make the experience personal by bringing in a select number of kids (One? Two? More?) for the amount of time you feel works for the kids to see or to experience your work. Open their futures by showing them what happens after 8:00 am in your world!
Events & Experiences for Kids: Whether it's fitness, art, cooking, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, donate a chance for kids to break from reading, writing, and arithmetic to play and just be kids! Run the track with moms or dads and finish with a custom smoothie! Toss the pigskin with a Stanford player or a Harbaugh brother! Draw unicorns on sun art paper, sip lemonade, and then go to a local framing store to preserve their creations! Whatever the idea, just bring them together! Kids playing with kids builds memories that last forever. You plan it and they will come!
To Donate: Please contact Karen Dearing. The deadline for submitting auction items is March 1. We're also looking for families to host parties and events for adults, provide destinations, adventures, and getaways for adults and families, donate sought after sporting event tickets and experiences, exceptional bottles of wine, and other unique experiences.
Mark your calendar for MPAEF's Dancing through the Decades, April 27 at the Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto!
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THANK YOU TO OUR NEW BUSINESS AND REALTOR PARTNERS!
Please support those businesses and realtors who support our schools! Thank you to these new 2012-13 business and realtor sponsors:
Business Partners
Chris Lindsey, DDS
Cameron L. Aboudara, DDS, MS
Scott Kaloust, DDS, MS, Menlo Park Orthodontics
Habibi's Salon
Gould-Jacobson Dermatology
Realtors
Mary & Brent Gullixson, Alain Pinel Realtors
Ken Glidewell, Alain Pinel Realtors
Nikki James, Opes Advisors
Nancy Goldcamp, Coldwell Banker
Lyn Jason Cobb, Coldwell Banker
Michael Johnston, Alain Pinel Realtors
Click here to become a Business or Realtor partner!
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Save the Date - "Be a Student Night"
Join fellow parents for Oak Knoll's first "Be A Student" night on Thursday, February 21, at 7:00-8:15 pm. You will have the opportunity to participate in some of the same activities that your children do on a weekly basis. This special night is an opportunity for Oak Knoll's wonderful Specialist Teachers to showcase the work they do with our children. Join Bee Tee, Emily Chiet and Rachel Knight for music, Sarah Westfall for physical education, Jane Bennion for library time, and Jayd Almquist for art.
An e-mail invitation and further details will be coming soon. Mark your calendars so that you don't miss out!
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Ollie thanks Math Night committee chair Jody Buckley for organizing the first Oak Knoll Math Night. It was a huge success! Many families attended and played lots of fun math games together. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with this wonderful event!
Ollie also gives two big flippers up to Janet Falkner, Courtney Gillette and Carolyn Bowsher for organizing this year's Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon. The event was a big success and a great way to thank our wonderful teachers and staff for their amazing efforts throughout the year. And a big thanks also to all the volunteers who provided the food, helped with set-up and decorations, served at the luncheon, or cleaned up afterwards. The teachers and staff had a wonderful lunch and dined in style!
Ollie wishes a Happy Valentine's Day to all of these wonderful volunteers who made these events last week so successful.
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Spirit Day!
"We Love Sports" Spirit Day Thursday, February 14. Students should come to school dressed in their favorite sports attire. As part of our Spirit Day we will be having a rally. Students should report to class so roll can be taken and then all classes will come to the Gym for a Rally and to watch KNOL live.
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Otter Weekly - Temporary Submission Deadline Change
Due to the February Break coming up next weekend, the dates for the next newsletter have changed.
Please note the deadline for submissions for the next newsletter is noon on Tuesday, February 12.
The next newsletter will be sent out on Monday, February 18.
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Valentine's Week Diaper Drive!!
The PTO Caring and Sharing Committee and Oak Knoll Girl Scout troops are holding a diaper drive during morning drop-off this week. Share some Valentine love with babies in need by bringing in unopened packages of diapers! Only unopened packages please. Diapers will be donated to Baby Basics of the Peninsula (www.babybasicsca.org), a nonprofit diaper distribution program serving families in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park. Baby Basics' families especially need the larger diaper sizes, but all donations will be very gratefully accepted. For more details, contact Kim Crockett (baby.basics@yahoo.com).
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Yearbook Deadline Extended
The deadline for ordering Oak Knoll's 2012-2013 Yearbook has been extended to Friday, February 15. Please order online only. If ordering more than one book, specify which grade and teacher for each book to streamline delivery. Books are $20 each and a great way to keep Oak Knoll memories alive for your kids. Please contact Rhonda Bucklin if ordering online is not an option. Our goal is no checks for the yearbook this year!
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Friends and Family Day
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, March 8 is Oak Knoll's 15th annual Friends and Family Day. Invite a special friend or family member to come to school to get a glimpse of our campus and classrooms. Fifth-graders can sign up to be ambassadors. For more information contact Alison Matthews.
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Seeking Nominations for Next Year's PTO Executive Board
We're looking for Oak Knoll Executive PTO Board candidates for the 2013-2014 school year. Being on the PTO Board is a great way to get involved at Oak Knoll. The Board works closely with the school staff and administration, as well as the parent community, to create and support vital school programs and events. Positions available for nomination are Vice President (who will become President in 2014-15, Secretary, Financial Secretary (who will become Treasurer in 2014-15), Auditor and Communications Chair. Please email nominations and any questions to Jody Buckley by Thursday, February 14.
For more detailed information about next year's PTO Executive Board positions please click here.
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Oak Knoll Science Fair 2013 - Register Now!
How many chocolate chips does it take to make a tasty cookie? How many Mentos make the biggest volcanic eruptions? What color candle burns the fastest?
The Oak Knoll Science Fair is a place where your child(ren) can explore real-world topics and learn the Scientific Method with fun experiments.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR - The Oak Knoll Science Fair will be held March 13 and 14, 2013, 6:00pm-8:00pm (each night)
REGISTRATION is open from February 1 - February 22. Please go to
No late registrations will be accepted.
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PTO Volunteer Opportunities
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Wild Zone Open Dates
Thanks to the several volunteers who came forward, the Wild Zone (WZ) is now open. The WZ open days will alternate between Wednesdays & Thursdays throughout the school year. The space is limited to 30 students at a time for safety reasons and can only open if two adult volunteers are present. Please tell your child to look for an "open sign" which will be placed near the WZ entrance. If we get additional volunteers, we may try to open the WZ more frequently. To volunteer, please contact Andrea Potischman.
Wild Zone Open Days 
Wed. Feb. 13 Thurs. April 4
Thurs. Feb 21 Wed. April 10
Wed. Feb 27 Thurs. April 18 Thurs. May 16
Thurs. March 7 Wed. April 24 Wed. May 22
Wed. March 13 Thurs. May 2 Thurs. May 30
Thurs. March 21 Wed. May 8 Wed. June 5
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Otter Mileage Club
We need parent volunteers before school (7:55-8:10am) and during lunch recess (12:00-1:00pm) to help with the "Otter Mileage Club." We have a ticket system and kids choose to run and walk and need their ticket punched as each lap is completed. Tickets are turned in daily and kids are recognized on KNOL.
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MPCSD ParentEd Conference 2013
"Classrooms of the Future: How Our Schools are Changing Now"
Sunday, March 3, 2013
2:00pm-5:00pm, Hillview Middle School
The Menlo Park City School District strives to be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in education, and we know that we cannot do that simply in the staffroom and classroom. We need to involve our entire community, and there's so much to talk about with parents at this time of great change. Nationally, the Common Core State Standards are elevating learning goals and raising the cognitive demand for how our students will engage in learning. Locally, our core values are driving goals in writing, mathematics, technology, and social-emotional learning. Join us to learn more about these exciting developments and what they will mean for your kids!
2pm Check-in
2:30pm-5pm Conference
Concurrent Children's Program
Parents have an opportunity to select from a menu of workshops and attend two sessions following a keynote address:
- Mathematics and the Common Core: What's Ahead and How You Can Support Your Child
- Writing and the Common Core: Supporting Students as Capable, Confident Writers
- Design Thinking and Innovation: Problem Solving to Build Powerful Thinking Skills
- Technology in the Classroom: Engaging and Empowering Students in the Learning Process
- Project Cornerstone: Building Developmental Assets to Keep Our Kids Strong
- Creativity and Innovation in MPCSD: A Roundtable Discussion with Maurice Ghysels, Superintendent and Allison Liner, Chief Learning Officer
For more information on the workshops being offered, and free childcare, click here.
To register for the conference, click here.
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For a complete listing of all parent education events in and around our community, please visit the district's ParendEd webpage.
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SUMMER CAMPS ARE HERE!
Visit our Summer Camp Website to see information submitted by area camps. This page will be updated as new information arrives, so check back often.
Back to top
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EVENTS
Hillview Middle School Presents HONK!
February 28 at 3:30 p.m. , March 1 at 7 p.m , and March 2 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Hillview Middle School PAC, 1100 Elder Ave, Menlo Park. If you've ever felt like everyone else says "quack" and you say "honk," come on down to the "barnyard" on stage for the Hillview Middle School (HMS) production of "HONK!" This full-scale production features a cast of young middle schoolers, most of who are Encinal and Oak Knoll alumni, and is accompanied by a live orchestra manned by our very own HMS band.
Tickets are available on www.hillviewdrama.org/honk.html
"Brooklyn Castle" Movie Showing
Thursday, February 28 at the Landmark Aquarius Theatre in Palo Alto. Brooklyn Castle tells the stories of five members of the chess team at a below-the-poverty-line inner city junior high school that has won more national championships than any other in the country. Tickets are $10 each.
Purchase your tickets using this link: www.tugg.com/events/2780
Peninsula Youth Theatre Presents, "Fiddler on the Roof"
March 2-10, 2013 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. This musical masterpiece features beloved songs like "Tradition", "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Matchmaker". Tickets and more information can be found at www.pytnet.org.
University of California Admissions: A Talk for Parents of Middle School Students,
(Middle School Parents)
Tuesday, March 5, noon-1:00 p.m. Stern Ballroom, Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. The middle school years are the ideal time to plan your child's high school coursework to give them an admissions advantage. Please RSVP by February 28 to Charleen Floyd at (530) 754-8961 or floyd@caes.ucdavis.edu.
U-Me's Love Party
(Ages 2-7)
February 14, 3 to 5 p.m. at U-Me, 3355 Edison Way, Menlo Park. Art, music, and games for ages 2-7. $20 + $10/ additional sibling (free for members).
More information: www.u-meplace.com/events.
For past community news, click here
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FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Saturday, February 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2566 Leghorn Street, Mountain View. The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition helps needy families and individuals through our Bicycle Exchange which repairs used bicycles and donates them to our partner community service organizations. Our warehouse and workshop is fully outfitted with storage, repair stands and tools. The Bicycle Exchange meets on selected Saturdays throughout the year to receive, repair, and distribute its inventory of donated bicycles. New volunteers learn bicycle repair skills by assisting a team of more experienced volunteers. Come on out to our next workday! No matter your level of bike mechanic experience, you can help. You'll gain new skills and help children and families in need. No need to RSVP, just join us in the morning.
Saturday, February 23, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 701 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto. Join us for the next monthly community garden work day. Our garden grows premium quality organic produce for local community organizations that provide meals and snacks to homeless and low-income families.
Bake a Dessert for kids at Ronald McDonald House
An easy way for your family or a group of families to help create a home-away-from home for families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Click here for more details on this and other "off-site" opportunities to support the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, or contact Monica Makela at monica@ronaldhouse.net.
For more information on the events above or events listed in prior newsletters, visit the District's Community Links page. |
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SPORTS, CLASSES, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Stanford Girls Water Polo Club FREE Clinic
(Grades 3-6)
Saturday, February 23, Roble Gym pool at Stanford. For those looking to join our club team or try water polo for the first time. 3rd - 6th graders are from 9:30-11:00 a.m., 7th - 8th graders are from 11:30-1:00 p.m.
Teen Paper Snowflake Contest
(Grades 6-12)
Menlo Park Library welcomes submissions for its Teen Paper Snowflake Contest. The contest is open to residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara County in grades 6-12. Entries must be received by March 8. The winner will be announced March 19 and will be awarded a $25 Visa gift card. Download the flyer for more information.
AMA Girls Softball Registration
(Ages 5-12)
Now open and seeking players ages 5-12, as well as their parent volunteers.
Website: www.eteamz.com/amasoftball/
Footsteps Preschool Parent Orientation, Saturday, March 16, from 10:00-11:30 a.m., 490 Willow Road, Menlo Park. Observations are Monday-Thursday March 18-21 (parents only please). Registration Day is Friday March 22 at 7:30 a.m. For more information and to get on our mailing/waitlist, please visit our website at footstepspreschool.com or call us at (650) 324-FOOT.
Alpine West Menlo Little League is hiring student umpires for the upcoming baseball season, minimum age: 12. Experienced baseball players preferred. Season runs March - June. If interested, please email Anna Plume at AlpineMinorsUmpsch@gmail.com.
Digital Logic Workshop at the Museum of American Heritage
(Ages 10 and up)
Sundays, March 17 and 24 (2 sessions), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto. An introduction to digital integrated circuit operation. Students assemble and solder a human reaction timer built from discrete digital logic devices. Basic electrical knowledge of voltage, current, and circuits is suggested. Fee: $70 members/$80 non-members. To register, go to http://moah.org/education and click registration.
Build a Shortwave Radio at the Museum of American Heritage
(Ages 10 and up)
Saturdays, April 13, 20, 27, and May 11 (4 sessions), 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto. In this class, students learn about the basic physics of radio wave generation, propagation, and reception. As a class project, students make their own short wave radio receiver. Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members. To register, go to http://moah.org/education and click registration.
Winter and Spring Camp Menlo
(Ages 5-10)
Friday, February 15, February 18-22, March 25-29, and April 1-5 at Burgess Pool. Professional swim instruction in a fun-filled camp format for all levels, ages 5-10. Register today at www.campmenlo.com.
Alpine Strikers Youth Soccer Programs for Ages 3-7. Alpine Strikers FC offers three fun programs for your youngest soccer players in the family. Go to www.alpinestrikers.org to find out more!
For past community news, click here
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Please submit announcements and flyers to newsletter@oakknollschool.com for Oak Knoll events. For the Community Corner, send submissions to communitynews@mpcsd.org.
The deadline for both email addresses is by noon on the Wednesday prior to publication date. Guidelines for submission are available online.
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