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The Otter Weekly
Oak Knoll School
1895 Oak Knoll Lane
Menlo Park, California 94025
650-854-4433 April 21st, 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, April 22 - Friday April 26
- ERB Testing: Grades 3, 4 and 5
Monday, April 22
- Earth Day!!
- 5th Grade Fitness Test: 8:00am-12:00pm, Gym
- McColloch, Woodside Store Trip: 9:15am-1:00pm
Wednesday, April 24
- Boatright, History San Jose Trip: 8:45am-2:00pm
- 3-4-5 Multi-Age performance "Let George Do It": 7:00pm, Gym
Thursday, April 25
- Yob, Woodside Store Trip: 9:15am-1:00pm
- All Kindergarten Trip - "Rumpelstiltskin": 8:30-11:30am, Community Center Theater, Sunnyvale
- MPAEF Auction "Dancing Through the Decades": Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
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Monday, April 29 - Sunday, May 5
- 1st Grade Musical Performance for Parents: 9:00am, Gym
- Quarre, Encinal Trip: 9:00-11:30am
- All 2nd Grade Trip - "The Emperor and The Nightingale": Community Center Theater, Sunnyvale
- ChoiceLunch changes
- 2nd Grade Musical Performance for Parents: 8:30am, Gym
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Spirit Day "Career Day/Business Day"
- All 2nd Grade, Theaterworks "Playing with Poetry"
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School Office Announcements
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Bike Safety - Please Read!!!!
NO cars should stop along Oak Knoll Lane to drop-off or pick-up children near the crosswalk - Please keep ALL students safe!
Please remember that the section of Oak Knoll Lane between Oak Avenue and White Oak is a NO STOPPING and NO PARKING area both in the morning and the afternoon. It is very dangerous to stop and let your children out or pick them up in this area. Children who ride their bikes and walk to school should not have to dodge car doors being opened directly in their path or cars pulling into the lane in which they should have safe passage. We have had several very close calls with children on bicycles nearly missing car doors opening suddenly right in front of them in the past couple of days. Use the carline. Park in designated areas.
REMINDERS: (Bike to school to celebrate Earth Day!!)
Wear a properly fitted bike helmet.
Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Pedestrians have right-of-way over bicycles.
Use proper hand signals when turning left and right and stopping.
Bikers should ride on the right-hand side of the road in the same direction as traffic.
Check the "Getting to and From School Safely" page for more information. Would you like to help with our safety efforts? Contact Betsy Muhlner.
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Online Auction for Kids' Items -- Available Now Through
April 26
The Online Auction is open now and is available to everyone in our school community even if you are not able to attend the spring event on April 27. The online auction is available here and includes the following:
Teacher Events & Adventures (listed by school): Even our teachers are part of the auction action! Be your teacher's biggest fan -- help make sure all his/her items have bids!
Parties & Events for Kids: Whether with your child's specific school and grade or through a larger, inclusive event, kids' parties and events are a great way to build community and raise money for our schools at the same time!
Summer Camps: Behind on making summer plans for your kids? Missed out on their favorite camp because there was no more space? Just want to try something new? The summer camp offerings are here to help!
Browse the Catalog!
Auction items can be viewed on the website or in the catalog! Check out the fabulous donations from parties to getaways to experiences for your kid(s). Take out a highlighter, clear your schedule and start making plans! There is something for everyone in your family, whether it be a day at camp for the whole family, a gourmet meal together, new vintages for your wine cellar, trips far and wide or a trip back to the 80's! It's all here in one place -- all you need to do is decide!
There's Still Time to Buy Tickets!
Haven't bought tickets yet? No worries! Tickets are still available on the auction website through Monday, April 22. And if you miss out on the website ticket sales, walk-in tickets will be available at Dancing through the Decades on Saturday night!
Dancing Through the Decades Details:
Saturday, April 27, Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
- 6:00 pm Cheers! Champagne and Wine Tasting
- 7:45 pm Dancing Through the Decades Auction
Creative festive attire. All decades welcome!
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Donate to MPAEF's Fund-a-Need: Summer School!
Each year as part of the MPAEF auction event, there is an important district-wide Fund-a-Need focus. This year, whether you are or are not attending the auction, parents are encouraged to help fund the District's summer school program, which serves 170 students in grades K through incoming 8. Many of these students are performing below their peers and additional academic instruction helps enable them to meet grade level standards--something that is beneficial for all students in classrooms next year.
According to Allison Liner, MPCSD Chief Learning Officer: "Our committed efforts to close the achievement gap will have positive benefits for classroom instruction, teacher attention, and provide an overall boost for every student in the District."
Your generous donation to the Fund-a-Need will help the District provide an enriching summer school program and fund critical bus transportation for eligible students between their neighborhoods and the school site. Donate now, at the event check-in or throughout the auction evening.
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Ollie gives two big flippers up to Noelle Carpenter and Domonique Matthews for coordinating Flower Day this week, and to all those room volunteers who came out to help create all the beautiful flower arrangements. Ollie loved the smell of the flowers and thought the school looked beautiful this week. And a special thank you to all the students who brought in flowers to make those beautiful vases and bouquets.
Ollie also would like to thank all those parents and caregivers who brought in treats, covered teachers' yard duty's and provided other help to teachers and staff this week. Ollie saw some big smiles on faces this week :-)
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How will you celebrate Earth Day?
The celebration of Earth Day began in the United States in 1970.
How will you celebrate?
Consider the following ideas taken from Eco Kids:
- Schoolyard or Community Clean-Up
- Plant Native Trees and Flowers
- Make Bird Houses and Feeders
- Wear Brown or Green - Admittedly, Choicelunch is partial
How Choicelunch Celebrates:
Choicelunch is a Certified Green Business. From developing our own eco-conscious hot food tray for school lunch to the introduction of compostable 'baggies', we continue to push the sustainable packaging envelope. This year we partnered with a local CA company, World Centric, who makes a plant fiber tray made from annually renewable resources like sugar cane fiber, wheat straw fiber and corn. On April 22, celebrate this bio-based tray at lunch when we serve Chicken Taquitos!
REMINDER:
"Reusable Bags" will be required at all Menlo Park stores starting on Earth Day, April 22nd. Bring your reusable bags with you when you shop!
For a listing of local Earth Day activities and events in the Bay Area, click on the links below:
Happy Earth Day!!
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Untrash Hero Food Waste Challenge
Each child at Oak Knoll will be given a compostable bag to bring home and collect their food waste on Earth Day: Monday, April 22. The bag will be accompanied by a list of what can be included and a box to check if you fill your bag. PLEASE DISPOSE OF THE FOOD WASTE IN YOUR GREEN COMPOST BIN and please send the sheet back with your child by Thursday, April 25. Classes with 100% participation will receive recognition by the school.
FACT: >1/3 of residential garbage is food waste and can be "recycled" in your food waste bin. Did you know you can put ice cream containers, fruit pits and tea bags in your Recology Compost Green can? For a complete list of items, click here: Rethink Waste.
Class results will be reported on KNOL on Friday, April 26
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CHANGES TO CHOICELUNCH - starting May 1
Our schools will be audited by the federal government in May. We must be compliant with the new federal food guidelines. Because of this your children will notice a few changes starting May 1.
Snacks: Most children will continue to be able to take any snack they like. However, starting May 1st, children will be required to take a snack that has extra protein or extra grain if you order one of the following items.
- For children ordering entrees high in grains (macaroni and cheese, pesto pasta, pasta marinara, spaghetti, ravioli, buttered noodles, bagel, veggie burger, rice and veggies, or potstickers), their snack must be high in protein (either string cheese or sunflower seeds.)
- For children ordering entrees high in protein (BBQ chicken, herb chicken, chicken tenders, chicken strips, chicken salad, chef salad, noodle soup, meatball soup, beef chili, or shepard's pie), their snack must be high in grain (either a cookie, cheddar bunnies, bunny grahams, or toasted corn.)
These children will not be able to choose an additional snack.
Cookies: Cookies will only be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Our schools are audited once every 3-5 years. We know the audit will happen in May. This is not the fault of your school volunteers or ChoiceLunch. Passing this audit saves the school district $65,000 each year. Thank you for your cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact parent volunteer, Carolyn Bowsher.
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Traffic Safety Consultant
As part of the District's efforts to reduce automobile traffic and increase alternative options and the need to increase traffic safety, the District has been awarded a Safe Routes to School Grant from San Mateo County for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
The District is looking for a Traffic Safety Consultant to support the District in the implementation of this grant. To find out more information about this job, visit the MPCSD website.
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Attention 5th Grade Parents - Graduation Shirt Orders Due May 15th
The Graduating Class of 2013 will wear a cool Ollie-the-Otter t-shirt on the last day of school for the "Clap Out." On the back of the shirt will be a list of the 1st names of the graduating students. Download the order form now. Forms can be placed in a folder in the office labeled "5th Grade t-shirt order forms" or given to your 5th grade classroom teacher by Wednesday, May 15. Questions, please contact Erica Galles or Meredith Walsey.
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Transportation Survey
Help students get to school more safely by filling out this brief survey about transportation. This is a follow up to the transportation survey many of you filled out in September -- but with fewer questions! This data is extremely valuable to the district's Safe Routes to Schools program.
For more information, please contact Kathy Schrenk, Traffic Safety Coordinator.
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Science Olympiad - Volunteers Needed
Attention all science minded parents - the Science Olympiad Committee is looking for eager 4th and 5th grade parents to volunteer for this fast paced, thrilling day of science games and fun. The Science Olympiad will be held Tuesday, June 4 and we have two volunteer slots available: 7:50-10:00 and 9:50-12:00. No science experience necessary. We've been told this is one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities out there so sign up now. Dads are encouraged to sign up too!
Please email Cara Magliaro if you can help out.
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are you in RUN for education!
Spring has sprung, and it's time to RUN!
After 18 years of success with the Oak Knoll Otter Run, the entire District community of Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll and Hillview will now come together to raise crucial funds for our community-supported schools.
Register and sign up to be a family sponsor today! (First 40 families to sign up at the $500 sponsorship level will get their name on the race t-shirt and includes 4 free race entries!)
Register today!
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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. 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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Common Ground Speaker Series
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
7:00pm, Crystal Springs Uplands School
or
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
7:00pm, Woodside Priory School
With compassion and intelligence, Brad Sachs, Ph.D. returns to our stage to explore the physical and psychological challenges of adolescence. He shares insights and practical guidance to help us enjoy, appreciate and better understand our teens. Dr. Sachs' books include The Good Enough Teen: How To Raise Adolescents with Love and Acceptance and Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult Towards Success and Self-Reliance. On April 24, he will devote his evening talk to parents of juniors and seniors and present strategies for guiding young adults toward independence.
$20 fee; free for educators.
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Upcoming Events
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
7:00pm-8:30pm
M-A Performing Arts Center
A Collaborative Event of MPCSD and Menlo-Atherton High School. To register, click here.
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.)
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EVENTS
M-A Dance Team Tryouts
(8th graders)
Friday, April 26, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the new dance studio at M-A across from the tennis courts. Open to all, this team is a spirit squad and performs at football and basketball games as well as at rallies. Wear clothes you're comfortable dancing in; bring water and a picture of yourself. Contact: Brooke Warren, Dance Team Captain, 650-387-0827.
May 5 at 9:00 a.m. This professionally-timed, fun-filled, 5K race/walk starts at M-A High School and benefits all M-A sports teams. On-line registration is available at active.com and on the M-A Boosters website www.m-aboosters.org. Additionally, new or gently used athletic shores will be collected the day of the race for donation to charities.
Your Career in Gaming
Saturday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m., Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park . Zynga Lead Game Designer and Career Advisor Brice Morrison will talk about careers in the games industry: how games are made, the jobs and people involved, and how you can learn to make your own games at home! Contact: Michelle Burnham 650-330-2530.
Green Kids Conference
Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Microsoft Silicon Valley Campus, 1065 La Avenida St, Building 1, Mountain View. This is a conference for children 5 to 18 years old. Come with your family and friends, explore your passsion, and be inspired to take action! Free Admission. Register now at http://greenkidsconference.org/.
For more information on events listed above or events listed in prior newsletters, visit the District's Community Links page.
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FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
For more information on the volunteer opportunities above or volunteer opportunities listed in prior newsletters, visit the District's Community Links page. |
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SPORTS, CLASSES, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Music & Movement, Ragazzi's NEW Early Learners Class, Spring Session
For boys 5 through 7 years old. Meets in central Redwood City on Tuesday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information, call 650-342-8785 or email ragazzi@ragazzi.org.
Junior Oaks Basketball Academy Spring Clinic Series
(Grades K-8)
Saturdays and Sundays, April 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Haynes-Prim Pavilion at Menlo College. A Spring clinic series that helps boys and girls grades K-8 learn the fundamental skills of basketball including shooting, ball handling and defense. For more information, see the Menlo College Basketball Clinic Website.
Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto
Start in September, one hour per week. Assist teachers with tutoring and individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's classroom. Visit www.allstudentsmatter.org or contact Carolyn Blatman at CBlatman@aol.com.
For more information on the sports/classes listed above or sports/classes listed in prior newsletters, visit the District's Community Links page.
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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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