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The Otter Weekly
Oak Knoll School
1895 Oak Knoll Lane
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Phone: (650) 854-4433
http://oakknoll.mpcsd.org/ May 19, 2013
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Oak Knoll School PTO Newsletter
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La Organizasión de Padres y Maestro Boletin en espanol - haga clic aqui
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Monday, May 20 - Wednesday, May 22
- School-wide Art Show, Old Multi/Playroom
Monday, May 20
- 2nd Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Tuesday, May 21
- 3rd Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 22
- PTO Board General Membership Meeting and Award Ceremony: 1:00pm, Gym
- 4th/5th Grade Spring Concert: 6:00pm, Gym
- 4th/5th Grade Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
- 3-4-5 Multi-Age Portfolio Night: 7:00pm
Thursday, May 23
- Science Imagineers Egg Drop Challenge Kick-off Meeting: Lunchtime, Room 15
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Monday, May 27
Tuesday, May 28
- 5th Grade Hillview Trip: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Wednesday, May 29
- Guerra, History San Jose Trip: 8:45am-2:00pm
- Site Council Meeting: 3:30pm, Staff Room
Friday, May 31
- 1st Grade Oakland Zoo Trip: 8:30am - 2:45pm
- 4th Grade Musical "A Village Day" and Ukelele Concert, 12:30pm, Gym
Tuesday, May 28 - Friday, May 31
- Caring & Sharing Sports Equipment Drive
Sunday, June 2
- "are you in RUN for education", 9:00am
Tuesday, June 4
- Science Olympiad: 8:15am-12:00pm, Gym
Wednesday, June 5
- Science Imagineers Egg Drop Challenge Event: Lunchtime, location TBD
Thursday, June 6
- 3rd Grade Recorder Concert, 11:30am, Gym
Friday, June 7
- Science Imagineers Egg Drop Challenge Wrap-up and Awards: Lunchtime, Room 15
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School Office Announcements
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Congratulations 2013 Oak Knoll Service Award Recipients!
These are volunteers, teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to help our school and community. We have an amazing group of people who have given so much of their time and energy to Oak Knoll, the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation and the Menlo Park City School District. Congratulations and thank you for your incredible service!
Golden Oak Awards:
Carole Towle, Juli van Tellingen
Honorary Service Awards (HSA):
Chris Atkinson, Naed de la Vega, Alison Fleming, Kate O'Connell & Monica Young
Continuing Service Award (CSA):
Betsy Muhlner
President's Award:
Allison Chao
Other Award Recipients:
Mark Baker (HSA-MPAEF), Carolyn Bowsher (CSA-MPAEF), Jody Buckley (President's Award-District Council), Aarti Chandna (HSA-MPAEF), Clint Chao (President's Award-MPAEF), Calla Griffith (HSA-MPAEF) &
Denise Henry (HSA-District Council)
School Service Awards (SSA):
Teachers and Staff:
Victor Barraza, Joyce Chan, David Chiechi, Emily Chiet, Dylan Cline & Jonathan Coldoff
Volunteers:
Hildy Agustin, Radhika Anne*, Aparna Bhardwaj, Jeff Birdwell, Monica Bosch*, Rhonda Bucklin, Cherie Campbell*, Suneeta Chilukuri, Phil Ekedahl*,
Maureen Ekedahl*, Melissa Engelkemier, Erica Galles, Kimberly Hartz-Foster, Eduardo Hernandez, Laura Huber, Jennie Lang, Joanne Lofthouse, Cara Magliaro, Sidney Marks*, Domonique Matthews, Stacey McCutcheon*, Kitty Moore, Allison Pereur, Ana Ruiz*, Tamara Russel, Mandy Safka*, Gina Skinner, Mary Speiser, Kris Swanson, Airel Tinajero, Meredith Walsey, Missy Whitenight* & Tiffany Wolf
*has a graduating 5th grader and last year at Oak Knoll
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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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Thank you to MPAEF's Business Partners!
Please support those businesses who support our schools! Thank you to these local 2012-13 business and realtors:
Business
Menlo Partners Staffing
Tiemann Investment Advisors, LLC
Northwestern Mutual
Sundance The Steakhouse
SRI International
Kennolyn Camps
Bohannon Foundation
RGM and Associates
C. Overaa & Co.
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Ollie had such an awesome time at at the Spring Fair on Friday and wanted to give two very big flippers up to Tracy Watt, Kris Swanson and Kathy Maghool for coordinating such a wonderful event. What an amazing list of activities he was able to join in with! The only thing missing was a swimming pool where Ollie could have really shown what he's made of! He would also like to thank the over 500 Oak Knoll students, family, teachers and staff who came out to join in the fun. What an awesome way to end the school week! Thank you to Joanna's Face Painting & Balloons and to Hi-Five Sports for donating their time and services to the event!
Ollie gives a huge salute to 4th Grade Junior Girl Scout Troop #61704 - Caroline Hale, Sarah Taylor, Nicole Sasagawa, Kiley Doran, Sadie Stinson, Martina Baldassi and Isabelle Thyfault. They held a bake sale last Tuesday after school and raised over $300 for the non-profit organization, HSSV (Humane Society of Silicon Valley). The HSSV is a nonprofit organization offering high quality adoptions, medical services, and educational programs. The troop has worked hard all year to raise awareness of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the benefits of the human-animal bond. Eating all those lovely cookies and cupcakes reminded Ollie he should sign up for the "are you in RUN" and get some exercise!
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The school year is quickly coming to a close, and as teachers begin to pack up their books and students start to daydream of splashing the summer away, our Choicelunch chefs are whipping out their whisks and breaking out some brand new brag-worthy recipes. That's right, we're ramping up our menu this summer to include some fabulously fun new entrée choices.
Be sure to beat the heat with our cool new Egg Salad Croissant Sandwich! Our veggie lovers will have fun crunching into our hot Veggie Egg Rolls, savoring our Sweet Corn Tamale, and slurping down a creamy cup of Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Spice things up with our better-than-ever Carnitas Burrito, or try our new Authentic Cheese Pupusa.
Still fancy your old favorites? No worries, they're not going anywhere! In fact, we just raised the "salad" bar (wink, wink), as our crisp romaine lettuce now comes from our friends at Earthbound Organic.
Which of these cool new lunch options will tickle your summer camper's fancy?
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Science Imagineers - Egg Drop Challenge
Get Ready... Get Set... It's Imagineer EGG DROP Time!
Imagineers are Oak Knoll 2nd & 3rd grade children who enjoy Science Engineering. It's an opportunity to meet together at lunchtime to experience some fun, competitive, and scientific challenges. Challenges range in variety from growing the tallest bean, to discovering the best way to turn a rubber band into a "motor" inside a tin can. To see pictures of our last two challenges, visit our webpage. Any 2nd or 3rd grade student at Oak Knoll can participate.
Egg Drop Dates to remember:
Thursday, May 23 -- The Kickoff (Rules & How To) Lunchtime - Room 15
Wednesday, June 5 -- Egg Drop Event- Lunchtime - Location to be determined
Friday, June 7 -- Egg Drop Wrap-up & Awards - Lunchtime - Room 15
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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! Starting on Monday, May 20, online orders can be made at www.shopttkits.com and enter in school account number: 81339. Paper orders to come home with your student as well. All orders due by Friday June 7, 2013.
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Soccer, Volleyball & Basketball Sports Equipment Drive - New & Gently-used
Our Caring & Sharing Committee in conjunction with the local non-profit Kids4Sports will be holding a sports equipment drive from Tues, May 28 thru Friday, May 31 for any NEW & GENTLY-USED sports equipment for soccer, volleyball & basketball equipment. Any questions, please contact Sally Osterberg.
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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 1:00pm in the Gym where the PTO General Membership will be voting on these.
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Oak Knoll Spring Concert & Other Musical Performances
The Oak Knoll Spring Concert conducted by Emily Chiet & Rachel Knight is going to be held on Wednesday, May 22 in the Gym. It will begin promptly at 6:00pm and
last approximately 45 minutes. All 4th & 5th grade band & string groups will be performing.
And Ms. Tee will be conducting the following grade-level concerts:
4th Grade Musical "A Village Day" & Ukelele Concert - Friday, May 31, 12:30pm, Gym
3rd Grade Recorder Concert - Thursday, June 6, 11:30am, Gym
The music department invites you to bring family & friends to hear the results of our wonderful young groups who have worked hard over the course of the year.
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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!
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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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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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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  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
Western Ballet Presents Two Spring Programs:
Atardecer en Sevilla on Friday, May 24, 7 p.m., and Coppelia on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, 1p.m. Both are performed at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center. General admission for all shows is $15. For more information call Western Ballet at (650) 968-4455 or visit our website at http://www.westernballet.org/documents/performances_youth.html.
Menlo Park Library Storytelling in the Park
Sunday, June 2 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Fremont Park (Corner of Santa Cruz Ave. and University in Menlo Park). Bring along a picnic if you like, and enjoy FREE Peet's hot chocolate for the kids as Storyteller John Weaver shares some fun stories in celebration of the library's 2013 Summer Reading Program!
Friends of the Menlo Park Library Book Sale
Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, June 16, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park. The sale will be located in the downstairs meeting room and outdoors in front of the library.
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
Wednesday Weed Warriors
May 29 and every Wednesday, Work alongside expert weed warriors to remove invasive plants at the Arastradero Preserve located at 1530 Arastradero Road in Palo Alto. All ages are welcome. Must RSVP here.
My New Red Shoes
This org provides new shoes and clothing to homeless and low-income children around the Bay Area to help them look and feel confident before starting a new school year. They offer Volunteer Opportunities for kids of all ages or they will help create a custom volunteer opportunity for your class or other group. Engaging kids in a service project is a great idea for an end of the year class event. Want more info? Contact Becca Moos at becca@mynewredshoes.org.
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
May 19 and June 16, 1 to 4 p.m., Arrillaga Gym, 600 Alma Street, Menlo Park. For more information, go to mapopwarner.com.
(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/.
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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