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The Otter Weekly
Oak Knoll School
1895 Oak Knoll Lane
Menlo Park, California 94025
650-854-4433 March 17th, 2013
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Oak Knoll Elementary PTO Newsletter
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La Organizasión de Padres y Maestro Boletin en espanol - haga clic aqui
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Monday, March 18
- Donuts with David & Coffee with Kristen: 8:15am, Gym
- Lawrence Hall of Science: Sanchez/Fuller, 8:15am-3:00pm
- Science Imagineers, Second Challenge Kickoff Meeting: 12:15pm, Room 15
Friday, March 22
- 3rd Grade, Mountain View Performing Arts trip "Wishing Chair": 9:45am-1:45pm
- Report cards going home
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Monday - Friday, March 25-29
Monday, April 1
- NO SCHOOL - Staff Development Day
Tuesday, April 2
- Ticket sales begin for the MPAEF's "Dancing Through the Decades" auction night
- Guerra, Woodside Store Trip: 9:15am-1:00pm
Wednesday, April 3
- McColloch, History San Jose Trip: 8:45am-2:00pm
- Science Imagineers, Second Challenge Competition Date
Thursday, April 4
- Boatright, Woodside Store Trip: 9:15am-1:00pm
- Parent Orientation at Hillview (for 5th grade parents): 6:30pm, Hillview PAC
- Science Imagineers, Second Challenge Wrap-up Date
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School Office Announcements
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Donuts with Dave and Coffee With Kristen
Don't forget to join us Monday, March 18 at 8:15am in the Gym for "Donuts with David & Coffee with Kristen".
At this meeting, survey results will be shared briefly, and then Principal Ackerman and Vice Principal Gracia will discuss changes they are making and issues that have been raised based on your feedback in the survey. They will also be happy to answer any other questions you may have. In case you cannot make the meeting, the results will be available at this link.
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Site Council
The Oak Knoll Site Council meets monthly to make decisions that guide the school's improvement. Seven staff members and seven community members develop and submit to the Board of Education the Annual School Improvement Plan. The Council monitors the Plan's implementation, the expenditure of School Improvement Funds and evaluates results. In addition, the Council plays a consulting role in the expenditure of Measure B funds.
SITE Council members are elected for a 2 year term. If you are interested in joining next year's SITE Council, please contact David Ackerman at dackerman@mpcsd.org by April 4.
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Lost and Found!!!
The Oak Knoll Lost and Found is overflowing. Next week we will hang our lost items on the fence in hopes that they will find their owners. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity over Spring Break.
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Music Fusion Page Updated
The Music Fusion Page has been updated. Please check it out for new information about our Winter/Spring 2013 music news and events.
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PE Fusion Page Updated
The PE Fusion Page has been updated. Please check it out for new information about PE events and Otter Mileage.
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Afternoon Carline - What's the new process?
If you have not had a chance to get a name placard to place on the dashboard of your car, there are cards in the office. Stop by to get yours or write the LAST NAME OF THE CHILDREN WHOM YOU PICK UP IN THE CARLINE in large letters on a brightly colored sheet of paper and place it on the dashboard of your car on the far right hand side for best visibility.
There is ONE, SINGLE LINE now. Turn into the parking lot and simply follow the car in front of you, pulling as far forward along the curb as you can until you have your passengers. You will not be able to enter the carline from the outside lane! Teachers will call last names and help children into cars. Please STAY IN YOUR CAR. Please remind your children in the morning if they are to come to the carline and to do so right away when the bell rings.
PLEASE PULL ALL THE WAY FORWARD IN THE PICK-UP LANE. Do not stop earlier in line even if you see your child waiting in the pick-up area. YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED TO WALK TO YOUR CAR ONLY AFTER IT HAS STOPPED and the pick-up lane has been filled.
Children released at the 2:45 (1:15 Thursday) bell will be supervised in the bioswale area until the 2:55 (1:25 Thursday) bell so there is no need to arrive before 2:55 if any child in your carpool is released at the 2:55 bell.
Thank you for your patience as we all learn this new system. We are hopeful that this process will get everyone on their way safely and quickly.
Questions? Contact Betsy Muhlner.
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Start Your Auction Planning!
Auction Preview
Auction donations are in! Thanks very much to all who donated! We've got an impressive catalog of parties for kids and adults, unique experiences, teacher-hosted events, sports tickets, and of course, the popular getaways. Here's a sneak peek at a few of those offerings:
- Luxury Oceanfront Condo for a Week in Cabo San Lucas
- Christmas Week at Squaw Valley
And new this year we've got some phenomenal experiences with Kids In Training,
in which students shadow working professionals during their day jobs and learn what those professions are all about! A few of these offerings include:
- Sound the Alarm! -- Firefighter In Training·
- San Francisco Zookeeper in Training -- A Day Behind the Scenes at the San Francisco Zoo
- Make the Catch! -- 49ers in Training with Frank Gore
Key Dates
- Tickets go on sale April 2 at www.mpaef.org.
- Catalogs are coming home in your youngest child's backpack by April 12
- On-campus raffle ticket sales available April 15-18
- Online auction runs April 19-26
Event Details
- Saturday, April 27, Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
- 6:00 pm Cheers! Champagne and Wine Tasting
- 7:45 pm General Admission
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Calling All Interested Candidates!
Want to support our district's students, educators, and schools? Be part of the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF) to help raise funds for high-quality education and enhance our district's families' sense of community! The MPAEF is seeking candidates for its board, school affinity groups and volunteer support teams. To nominate yourself or someone you think would be a great team member, please contact MPAEF Secretary Kristin Seuell.
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Ollie was again very excited to see all the projects and presentations at the Science Fair this week. A big thank you to the PTO committee co-chairs Annette Lewis, Kate O'Connell, Radhika Anne and Suneeta Chilukuri who coordinated this wonderful event, as well as the parent volunteers who helped make the event run so smoothly. Ollie also give two big flippers up to all the young scientists who participated. Ollie wishes his brain was as big as yours!
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Hillview Fifth Grade Parents Night
April 4, 6:30 - 8:00 in the Hillview PAC
Parents of 5th graders you are invited to Hillview Fifth Grade Night on April 4. This is a great opportunity to see the new campus and learn about 6th grade. Hillview Principal, Erik Burmeister, along with members of his staff, will present the new programs designed for the incoming 6th grade class.
For more information, please contact Valerie Ambwani.
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Science Imagineers!!!
Our newest Kickoff Meeting for second and third graders happens this Wednesday, March 20 at 12:15pm.
Bring your lunch to Room 15 (Ms. Brewbaker's classroom).
- What's Happening?? An introduction to our Second Challenge. You will find out how to make a simple sailboat to race in our event. We'll also tell you the rules for the competition.
- What's the Challenge?? A SAILBOAT RACE!!!!
Competition Date: Wednesday, April 3
Wrap-up Date: Thursday, April 4
More Information can be found at this link.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!
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Call for Service Award Nominations
Every year our District is fortunate to have parents, teachers, staff, and community volunteers give generously of their time, skills, and creativity to our schools. Many programs would not exist if it was not for this formidable group of volunteers, "the Pillars of our Community." Honorary Service Awards (HSAs) as well as the School Service Awards (SSAs) recognize those individuals who have contributed in an extraordinary way to our District.
Please take a moment to nominate someone you know who goes above and beyond to make a difference in our schools. To nominate an individual, please click here to complete an online nomination form by Friday, April 5th.
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The Hillview PTO Executive Board needs YOU!!!
Interested in joining the Hillview board and making a difference? The Hillview Nominating Committee is seeking PTO members to join the 2013-2014 Executive Board. Please consider volunteering your time and talent. It's a great way to learn about Hillview, be involved in PTO decisions and add value to the school. Incoming 6th grade parents are especially encouraged to join the board. In particular, we are looking for two enthusiastic Co-Vice Presidents to lead Hillview's PTO in the coming years. If you are considering getting more involved, please contact Karen Wang!
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After School Programs (3 new classes being added)
Please check out the After School Programs page on the Oak Knoll School website for information about the Spring Program.
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Sponsor-a-Book - if you missed it at Friends & Family Day
If you or a friend or family member missed an opportunity at Family & Friends Day to purchase and sponsor-a-book for a student at Oak Knoll, we still have some books available. Please email Allison Chao if you are interested in the titles still available to purchase on behalf of your child(ren).
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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 
Thurs. March 21 Thurs. April 4 Wed. April 10 Thurs. April 18 Wed. April 24 Thurs. May 2 Wed. May 8 Thurs. May 16 Wed. May 22 Thurs. May 30 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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Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Parent's Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Explore this special relationship and learn what boys need from their moms. Discuss how to handle boy energy, and foster good communication and closeness. Fee: $35. Register here.
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013
7:00pm, Castilleja School
or
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
9:00am, The Nueva School
Common Ground Speaker Series
As one of the nation's foremost authorities on gender differences, Dr. Leonard Sax examines the role gender plays in how we learn and how we handle stress and anxiety. He clarifies the distinction between self-esteem and resilience, examines the lost virtue of humility and explains why today's social media is anything but gender neutral. Parents and educators will learn about his practical strategies for building resiliency and coping mechanisms in both children and teens. Dr. Sax's books include Why Gender Matters, Boys Adrift and Girls on the Edge. $20 fee at the door for parents; free for educators.
Thursday, March 21, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Parent's Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Children are using digital technology and accessing the internet at younger and younger ages. This training will give parents an understanding of the developmental needs of elementary school children as they relate to safe and healthy media use. You will learn how children are using digital technology, the opportunities and challenges of this technology, and its impact on children's development. You will be given tools for teaching your children to become safe, smart and responsible media users and creators. Fee: $35.
To register: http://parentsplaceonline.org/peninsula/classes/digital-elementary-school-kids-safe-smart-responsible-1-5th-grade
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Free Webinar!
Raising an Only Child
Karen Friedland-Brown, MA
Thursday, March 21, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Parents of only children often worry if their child can be happy and well-adjusted without siblings. We will discuss the many myths about only children and explore the research about only children's development. Acquire the latest strategies to foster independence in only children and help them establish positive social relationships. Free, but preregistration is required. Register here.
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"Take It Personally" Study Group
Linda Silvius, Project Cornerstone
Thursdays, April 4 - May 9,
8:45am-10:15am
TERC (Menlo Park City School District Office).
**For newcomers and those interested in training to become Cornerstone study group facilitators**
Building assets in our children might be some of the most important work we do as parents. How can we help our kids thrive? What is most important in helping my child succeed in school academically AND in life? How can I show my child I support their efforts and dreams? These questions and more will be answered in a 6-week parent study group series, Take It Personally.
Please RSVP to Pam Larkin at pdl@motionio.com. See you there!
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!
Now is the time to learn about some of the exciting camp opportunities in our community! Many new camps have added their information to our
Summer Camp Website in the last two weeks. This website will be updated as new information arrives, so check back often. (Please note that we have not evaluated this information or endorsed any of the camps, and the District is not responsible for any aspect of these camps.)
Back to top
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EVENTS
Legally Blonde: The Musical!
March 15-22 at the M-A PAC, 555 Middlefield, Atherton.
Legally Blonde: The Musical is is a singing, dancing, award-winning Broadway sensation. Tickets are $12 for Adults, $8 for Students and Seniors. Purchase tickets at the box office or online at www.thecenteratma.org. Presented by Menlo-Atherton High School Drama.
City of Menlo Park Annual Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Burgess Park, 701 Laurel Drive, Menlo Park. The Bunny visits Burgess Park with toys and candy filled eggs for girls and boys ages 8 and under. The free festivities include bounce houses, crafts, and pictures with the Bunny.
Creative Art for Young Children, Spring Session
April 10 through June 15, Portola Valley Town Center. Different classes available for ages pre-K through 8 years. Teacher: Jeannie Goldman (650) 851-1914. Open registration starts March 25.
Stanford Study Subjects Needed
We are looking for healthy participants ages 10-17 from families in which neither the child nor parents have received psychiatric diagnoses. Participants will be paid for completing oral and written questionnaires, an MRI of the brain (no radiation involved), and a blood draw. Phone: 650-725-6760, email: stanfordhealthystudy@gmail.com.
Annual Atherton Easter Egg Hunt
(10 years old and under). Saturday, March 30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Holbrook-Palmer Park, 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton. Children 10 years and under are invited to hunt for treat-filled eggs (limit 12 per child). Bring your own basket. New this year is one golden egg hidden for each age group, containing a Cheeky Monkey gift card! Event features live entertainment by Gerald the Magician, face painting by Gigi, breakfast foods, juices and specialty coffee, photos with the Easter Bunny (bring your own camera), police car and fire truck viewing. $10/person. RSVP to Veronica at vkogler@yahoo.com.
Steam Train, Dream Train Book Reading
(PreK-1st Grade). Thursday, April 18, 4 p.m. at The Reading Bug in San Carlos. Come hear Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld, the dynamic duo behind the #1 NYT Bestseller Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site as they introduce their new book. For more info, click here.
For past community news, click here
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FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Performances:
Mar 21, 22, 23, 29, 30 at 7 p.m.
Mar 23, 24, 30 at 2 p.m.
Mar 27, 28 at 4:30 p.m.
Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto. Your help is needed ushering for the run of Oliver. Stop by to sign up or contact Richard Curtis at: 463-4930 Ushers must be 8 years or older.
Join the Furry Friends Visiting Program at Lytton Gardens!
Donating just a few hours of your time with your wonderful pet can make a world of difference in the daily life of our residents. You can either visit in the rooms or take your pet to the lobby and outdoors during the warm weather. If you have questions or inquiries please contact Bethany Dinh in our volunteer dept. 617-7355 or email bdinh@lyttongardens.org.
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
The SamTrans Summer Youth Pass is back!
The Summer Youth Pass costs $40 and is good for unlimited travel for kids 17 years and younger from June 1 through August 31, a significant savings compared to purchasing a Monthly Pass for each summer month. It goes on sale May 21. Details about this year's Summer Youth Pass program are online at www.samtrans.com/syp.
Spring Break Swim Camp at Burgess
(ages 5-10). March 25-29, Professional swim instruction at Burgess Pool in a fun-filled camp format for all levels, ages 5-10. Out of the pool, campers enjoy various group games and activities. Register at www.campmenlo.com.
Menlo Tennis Academy
(ages 6-10). Menlo Swim and Sport offers a beginning program for kids age 6-10. Lessons Monday and Wednesday afternoons. www.menlotennisacademy.com.
Hoopsters Basketball
(ages 5-10). Mondays Starting in April at Arrilliga Gymnasium, with Coach Tim Bowler. An exciting and non-competitive introduction to basketball for boys and girls. Low hoops and small basketballs will be used. $185.00 for Menlo Park residents. To register, call 650-330-2221.
Atherton Mat Club
(6th through 8th Grade). Fridays, 4-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 8-10 a.m., April 5 through May 3 in the M-A HS Wrestling Room. The Menlo-Atherton High School wrestling team will introduce middle schoolers, 6th through 8th grade, to various mat exercises and activities, including wrestling, relays, mat ball, and various team challenges. For more information, contact Don LaHaye at don@matclub.org or visit our website www.matclub.org
TW PlayMakers Spring Break Camp
(K-5). Monday-Friday, March 25-29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Oak Knoll Elementary. Take center stage, learning different skills for theatre, music, and movement. There will be juggling, puppetry, singing, dancing, and acting. $275. Contact: dramaschool@theatreworks.org or 650-463-7146. Website: www.theatreworks.org/learn/youth/camps
Menlo Atherton Cooperative Nursery School Open House
Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 802 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park. Take a tour of the school and bring your kids to enjoy fun activities, games, and snacks. Now accepting applications for the 2013 - 2014 school year. Website: www.maco-op.org or call us at 650-434-COOP. We look forward to seeing you there!
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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