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The Otter Weekly
Oak Knoll School
1895 Oak Knoll Lane
Menlo Park, California 94025
650-854-4433 May 12, 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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- STAR Testing including make-ups
Tuesday, May 14
- Deadline to purchase Spring Fair Tickets
- 4th Grade Junior Girl Scout Bake Sale: 3:00-3:30 at the bike racks
Wednesday, May 15
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Deadline to purchase 5th Grade Graduation T-Shirts
- Kindergarten Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
- K-1-2 Multi-Age Pre-Portfolio Night Performance: 6:15pm, Gym
- K-1-2 Multi-Age Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Thursday, May 16
- 1st Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Friday, May 17
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- 2nd Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Tuesday, May 21
- 3rd Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 22
- 4th/5th Grade Pre-Portfolio Night Concert: 6:00pm, Gym
- 4th/5th Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
- 3-4-5 Multi-Age Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Monday, May 27
Tuesday, May 28
- 5th Grade Hillview Trip: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Tuesday, May 28 - Friday, May 31
- Caring and Sharing Sports Equipment Drive
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School Office Announcements
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A Special Thanks to Ms. Towle and Ms. van Tellingen
In addition to congratulating our very special teachers Carole Towle and Juli van Tellingen for their Golden Oak Awards, we would also like to recognize their outstanding service to Oak Knoll. Ms. Towle and Ms. van Tellingen will be retiring at the end of this school year and will be sorely missed as part of the Oak Knoll kindergarten team. They have taught, nurtured and loved so many of our little ones through their first years at Oak Knoll, and we wish them all the best as they begin their next adventure!
For any parents & students (past & present) who would like to celebrate their retirement, please stop by the Oak Knoll Kindergarten Yard after school on Wednesday, June 12 from 2:45-4:00pm! Please RSVP here.
Don't forget to invite your friends and neighbors who are former students of Mrs. Towle and Ms. van Tellingen by using the Evite link above. For any questions, please contact Carolyn Bowsher.
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Dressing for Success!
Please make sure your child's clothing is APPROPRIATE for school. The warm weather brings out the summer clothes, so we wanted to remind you of the basic dress code guidelines. If your child's outfit is not modest and following the guidelines below, she/he will be asked to change.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be MID-thigh.
- Tank tops and dresses should have a minimum of one inch straps.
- Shoes should be supportive and appropriate for playing and running.
Thanks for your continued support,
The Oak Knoll Staff
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Shop online and earn money for our schools!
Did you know that Amazon will contribute approximately 5% of your purchases to our schools -- if you click through the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF) website?
It is easier than ever to feel good about your online shopping! Just bookmark the MPAEF shopping zone at http://mpaef.org/how_you_can_help.ShoppingPortal.php.
Also, the next time you plan to shop at Amazon, click through the link above and Amazon will make a contribution to our schools!
For other online shopping, click through the eScrip online mall at the MPAEF shopping zone. Hundreds of online retailers (including Nordstrom, Apple, Expedia and many others) will contribute a percentage of your purchases to our schools! Continue earning free money for our schools, during the school year and throughout the summer, simply by clicking through the MPAEF shopping zone. Happy shopping!
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2013 Menlo Park City School District Service Award Winners
Please join us in congratulating our 2013 Menlo Park City School District service award winners. These are parents, teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to help our schools and district. Many school programs would not exist were it not for this talented and dedicated group of volunteers - the Pillars of Our Community.
CONGRATULATIONS to this year's winners:
District Council
Honorary Service Awards:
Denise Henry, Sarah Kirkham, Pam Larkin, Stephanie Thomases
Continuing Service Awards:
Amanda Bower, Andrea Palmer
Golden Oak Awards:
Jill Roumeliotis, Tina Bird
President's Awards:
Jody Buckley, Elizabeth Ouren
Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation
Honorary Service Awards:
Mark Baker, Aarti Chandna, Calla Griffith, Steve Shaw, Chrisie Wendin, Robyn Wheeler
Continuing Service Awards:
Carolyn Bowsher, Mari Chazen
President's Awards:
Clint Chao, Scott Hinshaw
Hillview Middle School
Honorary Service Awards:
Kathy Koenig, Donna McMaster
Continuing Service Awards:
Juliana Andersen, Mike Doroquez, Willy Haug
Golden Oak Awards:
Frances Gray, Remona Murray, Russ Peterson
President's Awards:
Pam Fernandes, Aimee Paquin
Encinal Elementary School
Honorary Service Awards:
Cristy Barnes, Tatjana Faruqi, Kate Kennedy, Jennifer Miller,
Jennifer Nelson, Kim Nguyen
Continuing Service Awards:
Maria Clemo
Golden Oak Awards:
Kathy Smithlin, Officer Bruce and Ruth Potts
President's Awards:
Katie Ferrick
Oak Knoll Elementary School
Honorary Service Awards:
Chris Atkinson, Naed de la Vega, Alison Fleming, Kate O'Connell,
Monica Young
Continuing Service Awards:
Betsy Muhlner
Golden Oak Awards:
Carole Towle, Juli van Tellingen
President's Awards:
Allison Chao
Laurel Elementary School
Honorary Service Awards:
Neddie Barnett, Rossana Buigas, Lisa Lajous, Melanie Wagner,
Tiara Wylie
Continuing Service Awards:
Traci Christie, Heather Goudey, Kristl Wong
President's Award:
Jenny Freiermuth
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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
Chris Lindsey, DDS
Peninsula Pet Hospital
DLM
Blue Sky Outdoor
Cameron L. Aboudara, DDS MS
Scott Kaoust, DDS, MS, Menlo Park Orthodontics
Ladera Oaks Swim, Tennis & Fitness Club
Nolasco Construction
Lulu Jane Photos
Fishman Vision
Sky Nails
Tavarez Orthodontics
Realtors
Judy Citron, Alain Pinel Realtors
Mary Gilles, Alain Pinel Realtors
Nikki James, Opes Advisors
Karin Riley, Coldwell Banker
Elyse Barca, Alain Pinel Realtors
Colleen Foraker, Alain Pinel Realtors
Jennifer Gonzalez La'O, Oliver Luxury Real Estate
Michael Hall, Alain Pinel Realtors
Jennifer Liske, Dreyfus Properties
Mary Jo McCarthy, Dreyfus Properties
Billy McNair, Coldwell Banker
Caroline Tonetti, Dreyfus Properties
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Ollie would like to give two huge flippers up to everyone for all their hard work on their STAR tests! The students have focused on preparing for this and the teachers and staff, and parents have really helped get them ready over the past several weeks. Some students still have more STAR testing this coming week so good luck to them!
Ollie also thanks all the moms out there for just being great! Happy Mother's Day!
Ollie also can't wait to see you all at the Spring Fair this Friday, May 17(purchase your tickets by Tuesday)! He will be running in the are you in RUN for education (formerly the "Otter Run") on Sunday, June 2 so make sure you register at areyouin.mpcsd.org.
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Proposed PTO Board Slate, PTO Budget for 2013-2014 & Bylaws Changes
The PTO Board approved the slate of executive officers for our PTO Board for 2013-2014.
The PTO Board also approved the PTO budget for 2013-2014.
We will be voting on the PTO Board slate and proposed budget for 2013-2014 in addition to some changes to our current PTO Bylaws which were all approved at our PTO Board meeting on May 8th. Click here to review the proposed bylaws changes.
Please attend the PTO General Membership Meeting on Wed, May 22nd at 1:15pm in the Gym where the PTO General Membership will be voting on these.
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Last Chance to Buy Tickets 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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4th Grade Junior Girl Scout Bake Sale - May 14
Tuesday, May 14 the 4th Grade Junior Girl Scout #61704 will have a bake sale near the bike racks after school from 3:00-3:30pm. All sales will benefit the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV). The HSSV is a nonprofit organization offering high quality adoptions, medical services, education programs and pet services to enhance the human-animal bond. The troop has worked hard all year to raise awareness of this facility and to provide shelter supplies to the animals. Please make sure to remember to bring money to school on Tuesday!
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Oak Knoll Spring Concert - May 22
The Oak Knoll Spring Concert is going to be held on Wednesday, May 22 in
the Large Multi. It will begin promptly at 6:00pm and last approximately 45
minutes. All 4th & 5th grade band and string groups will be performing. The
music department invites you to bring family and friends to hear the work
our wonderful young groups have made over the course of the year.
Along those same lines, this Wednesday, May 15, is the Hillview Spring
concert. For all 5th graders who will be going to Hillview, you are
encouraged to come and hear the middle school students. It is pretty
amazing how much the students progress in such a short time! A highlight for
the evening will be the Vivaldi Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor featuring
soloists Sophie Murff, Elley Goldberg, Aurora Vaughan and Annabel Yau.
Also performing will be the Jazz Band, 7/8 Concert Band, 6th grade
Orchestra & Concert Band. See you there!
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School Supplies for Next Year, 2013-2014
Want to avoid the last-minute rush to purchase school supplies this fall? We have the solution for you! Order school supplies through Oak Knoll PTO and you will have all you need in the fall. It's that simple! Online and paper forms coming soon! Stay tuned!
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MPAEF Parties - Spots Available
If you weren't able to attend the MPAEF auction, you can still have the opportunity to attend some of the hottest parties of the year. A full list of parties with tickets still available can be found at http://bit.ly/ainttoolate There is still time to get your party on with two events in June. Give the school year an exciting send off by revisiting your prom or experiencing a hot Havana night. Tickets are $125 each for either.
Totally 80s Prom Party
Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m.
Like....totally.... think wrist corsages and colored rose boutonnieres and walk this way for another awesome chance to go to the Prom! Join us for a little dancing in the dark, stay out past your curfew and this time, forget that tainted love...your date should be a sure thing! Fer sure, dust off your ruffles and taffeta, grab your Members Only jacket, break out those knit leg warmers, or channel any of your favorite 80s rock legends. Unleash your hidden disco moves as Michael Jackson or Madonna and rock the Kasbah with a DJ spinning your favorite 80s tunes on a 29,000 watt sound system. We'll spike the punch and keep the fun flowing with a requisite Prom photo, your favorite 80s games and of course, plenty of liquid refreshments (hello jello-shots)...
Contact Gina Skinner for details.
Old Havana Nights
Saturday, June 8 at 7 p.m.
Old Havana. Papa Hemmingway's playground with tropical breezes, flowing rum and music that makes your hips move without you even knowing. On Saturday, June 8th step out of Atherton and into this exotic past for a night of mojitos, empanadas, and samba. There will be dance exhibition for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere and lessons for those who want to experience it. Cuban food and drink for everyone in between.
Contact Jody Buckley for details.
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Attention 5th Grade Parents - Graduation Shirt Orders Due THIS WEEK - May 15
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 the 5th Grade t-shirt folder in the office by Wednesday, May 15. Questions, please contact Erica Galles or Meredith Walsey.
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3 things that you Otter know about the "are you in RUN for education!"
1. Otter Run = are you in RUN for education! The are you in RUN for education is a district-wide event that was formerly known as the Otter Run! That's right! After 18 years of success, the Principals, PTO Presidents from all 4 schools (Encinal, Hillview, Laurel, and Oak Knoll) and the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation will combine efforts to expand the Otter Run and host a larger community event, raising critical funds for all of our community-run schools. Join us on Sunday, June 2, at 9:00 am, as we take off down the streets near Oak Knoll! We will even have the 5K electronically chip-timed for all of you serious runners, and fun family festivities for all of you walkers! Register Today!
2. Same run = more fun! This year's run has attracted more attention from our local sponsors than ever before...from first-time sponsors who are excited to be a part of this first-annual run to long-time, loyal Otter Run sponsors who are thrilled to be a part of its expansion. There is also going to be a fabulous Wellness Fair after the run that will promote fun and fitness for the entire family. Be sure to check out our sponsor page and support our sponsors!
3. We've gone high-tech! This year we've gone high-tech and need you to register online! This year, early registration ends on Friday, May 17th. To ensure that we have your t-shirt size in time for race day, we need you to sign up online before May 17th! Tables will also be set up at Oak Knoll for you to register on the spot during the week of May 13th. So be sure to stop by, ask any questions that you might have and register! And, do you want your name on the first-annual t-shirt? Hurry and sign up to be a family sponsor while spots are still available!
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Hillview Summer Reading Book Fair
Attention 5th Grade Families!
The Summer Reading Book Fair is Coming to Hillview!
Its that time of year! The Hillview PTO will be hosting the annual Summer Reading Book Fair May 21 through May 23 in conjunction with Hillview's Open House. They will be working with Books, Inc. again this year to offer lots of great books from Hillview's Summer Reading Lists! This is a great opportunity for your 5th Grader to select their summer reading books and get a sneak peek at Hillview's fabulous Library and even more fabulous librarian - Ms. Piombo!
The Bookfair will be located in the Hillview library.
Book Fair Hours of Operation:
Tues May 21: 12:00 - 3:30pm
Wed May 22: 8:05am - 3:30pm
Thurs May 23: 8:05am - 2:30pm
OPEN HOUSE HOURS: Thurs May 23: 5:30 - 9:00pm
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Hillview Elective Fair for Incoming 5th Graders and Their Parents
All current 5th graders attending Hillview Middle School in the Fall, and their parents, are invited to attend an important informational evening. The Hillview Elective Fair will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30pm in the Hillview PAC.
Additional information can be found on the attached flyer.
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Hillview Softball Registration for Fall Season
Softball registration for the Hillview fall season is now open. The team is open to the first 15 girls to register and includes girls from all levels and all 3 grades. The season starts on Friday 8/23. For more information and to register, go to sportability.com/hillview, or contact Celine Sanie.
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Hillview Food-Truck Dinner - May 23
Bring your families and join the Hillview community for a fun food-truck dinner prior to Hillview Open House on Thursday, May 23 between 5:00-8:00pm. There will be fabulous food trucks assembled in the Hillview parking circle and families are welcome to eat at the Hillview lunch tables. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the 8th grade graduation fund.
The food truck attendees:
- Me So Hungry: Gourmet sliders and burgers
- Speedy Panini: Authentic Italian cuisine & paninis
- Hiyaa roll: Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese. Flavors on a roll
- MoWaffles Amore: Sweet & savory waffles
- Kara's Cupcakes: Homemade Cupcakes
- Scoops: Adventurous and delicious ice creams
Any questions, please contact Carolyn Heller
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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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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 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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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
(Laurel and Encinal only)
Cub Scouts - Spring Open House 2013
Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Laurel School Multipurpose Room. For boys entering 1st through 5th grade at Laurel or Encinal in the Fall of 2013, come by to find out what Cub Scouts is all about.
Operation KidSafe Free Child Safety Event
May 17, noon to 7 p.m., and May 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Honda Redwood City, 601 El Camino Real, Redwood City. Operation KidSafe captures your child's picture and fingerprints using a digital video capture device, digital ink-less fingerprint capture device and specialized software, and a quality 8 1/2 x 11" printout is given to the parent.
"The Anonymous People" - Exclusive West Coast Film Preview with Filmmaker Greg Williams
Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m. at the Menlo-Atherton Center for the Performing Arts. A feature documentary film about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery, and the emerging public recovery movement that will transform how alcohol and other drug problems are dealt with in our communities. Parents and students welcome. Admission is free, but RSVP is requested: http://theanonymouspeopleca.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Charlene Margot at cmargot@csmconsulting.net
The Pirates of Penzance
May 11-19 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Don't miss Peninsula Youth Theatre's production of the hilarious Gilbert and Sullivan musical, "The Pirates of Penzance." To purchase tickets to the show please visit www.pytnet.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
(Hillview Only)
Stanford Lightning Field Hockey Club Beginner's Clinic for 7th and 8th Graders
Sunday, June 2, from 1:00 to 4:00pm. at Hillview Turf Field, 1100 Elder, Menlo Park. Learn about field hockey, including fundamentals of the game, skill work (stick skills, ball handling and safety), and what field hockey has to offer. The $60 cost of the clinic will cover an equipment package (stick, shin guards, mouth guard and ball). Please email Brian at brianjsapp@gmail.com for more information.
(Hillview Only)
Menlo-Atherton High School FRESHMAN ONLY Football Team Parent and Player Information Meeting
Tuesday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. at Ayers gym. Register to play at www.menloathertonfootball.com. Contact: Steven Kryger at skryger@seq.org.
Circle of Friends Preschool
Circle of Friends Preschool offers a play-based program in Menlo Park for children 3-5 years old, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm. Contact cofpreschool@gmail.com or go to sites.google.com/site/cofpreschool/.
Ham Radio Class at the Museum of American Heritage
Saturday and Sundays, June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30 (8 Sessions), 1 to 3 p.m., at 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto. When you complete this class, you will know a little about the history of ham radio, and how to communicate with other hams all over the Bay Area using a radio relay station. To register, send email to admin@moah.org. Class Fee: $130.
Alpine Strikers Soccer - New Age Group Forming
(5 year olds) Alpine Strikers FC is forming a new 05 age group for our youngest competitive soccer players - with birth dates between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006. Check out the website www.alpinestrikers.org for details.
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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