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The Otter Weekly
Oak Knoll School
1895 Oak Knoll Lane
Menlo Park, California 94025
650-854-4433 April 28, 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 29 - Sunday, May 5
- 1st Grade Musical Performance for Parents: 8:30-9:00am, Gym
- 1st Grade Musical Performance for K, 2 and Multi-Age: 9:20-9:50am, Gym
- Quarre, Encinal Trip: 9:00-11:30am
- All 2nd Grade Trip - "The Emperor and The Nightingale": 8:45-11:15am, Community Center Theater, Sunnyvale
- ChoiceLunch changes
- 2nd Grade (Rooms 13, 15, 16 only) Musical Performance for Parents: 8:30-9:00am, Gym
- 2nd Grade (Rooms 13, 15, 16 only) Musical Performance/Assembly for grades 3/4/5: 9:20-9:50am, Gym
- Spirit Day "Career Day/Business Day"
- All 2nd Grade, Theaterworks "Playing with Poetry": 9:00am, Gym
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- All 4th Grade, Roaring Camp Trip: 7:00am-4:00pm (Please note the early start time and late end time!!)
- PTO Board Meeting: 8:15am, Staff Room
- MPAEF Board Meeting: 8:45-10:45am, TERC
Friday, May 10 - Thursday, May 18
- Playroom closed for Art Show and Portfolio Nights
- Spring Fair: 5:00-7:00pm, Upper Playground
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School Office Announcements
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Car Line Safety - Please Read!!!!
Reminder - Use caution when driving through the school parking lot during school hours. Please drive at a safe speed for the children and parents.
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Bike Safety
NO cars should stop along Oak Knoll Lane to drop-off or pick-up children near the crosswalk and do not block the crosswalk on Oak Ave to drop-off or pick-up your children. 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:
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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THANKS TO OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY!
You did it! You made the MPAEF Auction, Raffle and Spring Event a huge success!
Thank you for donating amazing parties, events, items, and experiences to the auctions! Thank you for being out there in front of the schools selling and buying raffle tickets. Thank you for participating in the online auction. Thank you for toasting 30 years of MPAEF with us at Cheers! Champagne and Wine Tasting. Thank you for Dancing through the Decades with us on Saturday night! Thank you for donating so generously to the Fund-a-Need in support of the MPCSD Summer School Programs. Thank you to all those in the community who have volunteered time, resources, or energy to make the Spring Auction and Event such a huge success! Thank you for being part of the MPAEF spirit and for supporting our schools. Thank you for being IN!
For 30 years, the MPAEF has provided the Menlo Park City School District with an annual grant, which becomes part of the District operating budget. This year, the grant makes up more than 10% of the District's budget. For 30 years, the Foundation has relied on our community of parents, teachers, local businesses, and neighbors to raise these crucial funds. Thank you for 30 years of financial and volunteer support from families like you. Once again, the success of our fundraising events -- and the quality education we can provide to all students -- is because of YOU!
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Thank
you to MPAEF's Business and Realtor Partners!
Please support those businesses and realtors who support our schools! Thank you to these local 2012-13 business and realtors:
Business
Menlo Partners Staffing
Paul Gerber, DDS
Riviera Partners
European Styling Parlour
Habibi's Salon
Gould Jacobson Dermatology
Kennolyn Camps
Bohannon Foundation
DLM
Tavarez Orthodontics
Realtors
Penelope Huang, RE/MAX Distinctive Properties
Carol MacCorkle, Coldwell Banker Previews
Annette Smith, Dreyfus Properties
Debbie & Manny Ojeda, Intero Real Estate Services
Stephanie Savides, Savides Real Estate
Leslie Woods, Sereno Group Real Estate
Nancy Goldcamp, Coldwell Banker
Lyn Jason Cobb, Coldwell Banker
Tom LeMieux, Coldwell Banker
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Ollie had a great time at the auction last night in addition to bidding on all those great online items last week! He gives two huge flippers up to Karen Dearing, and Cyndy Hogan who co-chaired the auction and to Calla Griffith, MPAEF Events Chair! HUGE thanks to the "village" of volunteers who helped with these events and helped make them such a huge success!
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Screen Free Week - THIS WEEK!
On April 29-May 5, people around the country (and world!) will turn OFF TV, video and mobile games, and other screens they use for entertainment, and turn ON the world around them! Think, read, play, daydream, explore nature, enjoy family and friends--do all this and so much more when you spend 7 days unplugged.
For more information, go to
http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/screenfreeweek.
For those of you with Facebook accounts, you can find daily ideas of non-screen activities to do with your child at: facebook.com/screenfreeweek. Or if you have questions feel free to contact Erika Drazan (who will hopefully manage to have screen-free kids for an entire week).
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It's time for the Spring Fair!!!
Come join us for delicious gourmet hot dogs by Top Dog and yummy desserts.
Activities will include: racing, spider wall climbing, karaoke, sports games by High Five Sports and face painting by Joanna Sachs.
Date and Time: Friday, May 17, 5-7pm
Location: Oak Knoll's Upper Playground
Price: $9 per person
Buy your tickets here.
*****Tickets MUST be purchased in advance by Tuesday, May 14th*****
If you can volunteer at the event, please click here to sign up via jooners.
We want all Oak Knoll families that are interested to join us!
If you would like to sponsor someone:
-Please use the website link above or pick up a flyer from the office
If you need a scholarship to attend the fair:
-Please complete a flyer from the office or contact Kristen Gracia.
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Don't be left behind! Follow these 5 simple steps to get ready to RUN!
Step 1: Register today to be part of the first annual, district-wide
"are you in RUN for education!". This first-ever, district-wide event will be a 1.5K
walk/fun run and a competitive, chip-timed 5K on Sunday, June 2, at Oak Knoll School starting at 9:00 a.m. This year's event will include Encinal, Hillview, Laurel, and Oak Knoll and help to raise crucial funds for our community-supported schools. After the event, there will be a Wellness Fair to promote health with fitness sponsors, along with local business support, providing fun for the entire family!
Step 2: Shop and gear up at Fleet Feet Sports of Menlo Park on Saturday, May 11, when 5% of their gross sales will benefit the Menlo Park City School District!
Step 3: Sign up to volunteer! There are plenty of opportunities to help out before, during and after the race. Please contact one of Oak Knoll's ambassadors, Gina Skinner, with any questions.
Step 4: Support our sponsors! This event would not be possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors.
Step 5: Sign up to be a FAMILY Sponsor! The 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!!
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Sign Up to be a Room Parent Now!
Looking for a great way to get connected and know what's going on in your child's class? Want to work with other parents and your child's teacher to ensure that your child's class has a great year? The Room Parent Program wants you! The Room Parent role is fun, it's divided among 4 Room Parents per classroom, and it doesn't require lots of on-campus time - so, even if you have little ones still at home or you work full-time, this is a great opportunity for you to get involved.
Click here to sign up now!
For more information, click here.
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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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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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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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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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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. 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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During this workshop, learn how to practice with your child important, age appropriate "People-Safety Skills" to help them follow "stranger safety" rules, be and act aware and confident, set clear boundaries, deal with other kids bullying behaviors and much more.
Cost: $40
To register, click here.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
7:00pm-8:30pm
M-A Performing Arts Center
Presented by CAMPUS (Consortium of Atherton and Menlo Park United Schools)
Ana Homayoun has become a nationally recognized innovator of motivational organization and time-management strategies for junior high and high school students. In her new book, Ana sheds light on the challenges facing our teens today in light of today's ever-increasing mix of technology, socialization, and learning. In our achievement-based culture, many of our teens are doing remarkably well, excelling in honors classes and sports and attending top colleges in ever greater numbers-but beneath the surface, many are stressed-out, overwhelmed, and burnt-out as they strive to achieve an unobtainable sense of "perfection."
Kepler's Books, a Community Partner of CAMPUS, will offer copies of The Myth of the Perfect Girl at the event. Sign up now - tickets will go quickly!
To register, 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!
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
Kite Day
Saturday, May 4, 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Bedwell-Bayfront Park located on Marsh Road at Bayfront Expressway. For $6 you will receive a kite, hotdog, drink and chips or an apple. All ages are welcome.
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.
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
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
Saturday, May 4, 8:30-11:30am, Help spruce up the Historic Orchard in the Guadalupe River Park, 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. To sign up or find out more, click here.
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
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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