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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 26, 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 27
Tuesday, May 28 - Friday, May 31
- Caring & Sharing Sports Equipment Drive
Tuesday, May 28
- Bartlett/Fox Laurel Trip: 8:45-10:45am
- 5th Grade Hillview Trip: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Mr Yob's "Rock 'n Roll Show" for Parents: 6:30pm, Gym
- Last day to register for the "are you in RUN for education!" at midnight!
Wednesday, May 29
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RUN Spirit Day - Don't forget to dress up in running-related gear, past race t-shirts or orange!
- Guerra, History San Jose Trip: 8:45am-2:00pm
- Site Council Meeting: 3:30pm, Staff Room
- Special MPCSD Board Meeting: 6:30pm, Hillview PAC
Friday, May 31
- 1st Grade Oakland Zoo Trip: 8:30am - 2:45pm
- 4th Grade Musical "A Village Day" and Ukelele Concert, 12:30pm, Gym
See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events.
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- Science Olympiad: 8:15am-12:00pm, Gym
Wednesday, June 5
- Science Imagineers Egg Drop Challenge Event: Lunchtime, location TBD
- PTO Board Meeting: 8:15am, Staff Room
Thursday, June 6
- 3rd Grade Recorder Concert, 11:30am, Gym
- Seed Sale: 12:00pm, Upper Playground
Friday, June 7
- Talent Show: 8:30-10:15am and 10:45-11:30am, Gym
- Science Imagineers Egg Drop Challenge Wrap-up and Awards: Lunchtime, Room 15
- Last day for on-line ordering of school supplies for next year 2013-14
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School Office Announcements
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Newly Elected 2013/14 PTO Board
Congratulations and thank you to our newly elected 2013/14 PTO Board.
President - Tracy Watt
Vice President - Jill Wurster
Treasurer - Regina Skinner
Financial Secretary - Cyndy Hogan
Secretary - James Cebrian
Communications Chair - Kristi Rawlinson
Auditor - Aarti Chandna
Parliamentarian - Allison Chao
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Special MPCSD Board Meeting - May 29
Please be reminded the MPCSD Board will be having a special Board meeting on Wednesday, May 29, to be held at 6:30pm in the Hillview Performing Arts Center.
Since last summer, our District has been working hard to plan for new enrollment growth. While most California public school districts are experiencing flat or declining growth, we are one of a select few high-performing districts that families are flocking to -- we have grown 40% in the past decade.
As you likely already know, the Board has decided to meet this enrollment challenge by opening a fourth elementary school on the District-owned O'Connor site.
At the May 29 special Board meeting, the Board will:
- provide a comprehensive update on the overall work that has taken place
- evaluate the cost/benefit analyses of the options for the O'Connor site
- give direction on the desired size and scope of a potential bond measure
Please refer to Superintendent Ghysels May 23 Newsletter for more information.
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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
Northwestern Mutual
Omega Teaching
DLM
Tavarez Orthodontics
RGM and Associates
C. Overaa & Co.
Realtors
Veronica Kogler, Coldwell Banker
Omar Kinaan, RE/MAX Distinctive Properties
Mary & Brent Gullixson, Alain Pinel Realtors
Ken Glidewell, Alain Pinel Realtors
Michael Johnston, Alain Pinel Realtors
Tom LeMieux, Coldwell Banker
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One of Ollie favorite things to do at school is wander around the classrooms and look at all the wonderful student work up on the walls. So these last two weeks were especially wonderful for him when everyone's art work was displayed so beautifully in the playroom for the portfolios nights. He wanted to send a big thanks to Domonique Matthews for working so tirelessly to get that display organized, and to the parents who helped her - Naed de la Vega, Betsy Mulhner, Jenny Sullivan, Allison Chao and Joanne Lofthouse. And he also wants to thank Mr. Almquist for teaching the students such amazing art skills and bringing out their individual talents. Ollie is hoping Mr A. will give him an art lesson one day after school. Although he thinks his lack of opposable thumbs may make for an interesting lesson!
Ollie thanks you, our volunteers, for all the time you spent: helping in the library, serving hot lunch, helping in the classroom, chaperoning field trips, helping with yard duty, helping in PE, bringing food & supplies for class parties, being a room parent or grade-level coordinator, chairing a PTO Committee or being a PTO Board or Site Council member, and all the other activities that make this school an exceptional place. Ollie thinks we are very lucky to have you.
Ollie had a great time at the Volunteer Luncheon last Wednesday. It was great to break bread with the teachers (or in Ollie's case, an abalone shell) and to celebrate and recognize the teachers & staff and volunteers of this amazing district & community. Special thanks to the PTO for supplying the food, drinks & dessert to the folks that helped with event -- Carolyn Bowsher, Jody Buckley, Kathy Maghool, Mary Speiser and Tracy Watt. Ollie's favorite part, though, were the wonderful centerpieces made by each classroom as a thank you to all the work their parents have done for the school.
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Oak Knoll Spirit Day for the "are you in RUN for education!"
On Wednesday, May 29 wear your craziest running gear, old Otter Run or race t-shirts, favorite sport/fitness shirt, or anything orange to show your spirit and increase awareness of the "are you in RUN for education!"
All grades are welcome to join in the fun at a lunchtime spirit rally where RUN wristbands will be distributed, Ollie the Otter will make an appearance, and a variety of games will be played with and against teachers and staff!
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- Online registration closes on Tuesday, May 28 at midnight for the Sunday, June 2 "are you in RUN for education!"
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If you and your family are still interested in running and attending the Wellness Fair, you may register in-person at Fleet Feet Sports during race packet pick-up or on the day of the race, but please note that t-shirts sizes are limited and not guaranteed on race day
- Race packet pick-up at Fleet Feet Sports on May 31 (10:00am-2:00pm) and June 1 (10:00am-2:00pm) is encouraged
- Race starts at 9:00am at Oak Knoll, with a shuttle from Hillview starting at 7:45am
Let's get ready to RUN!
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Girls' Fall Volleyball Registration is Now Open!
If your daughter is entering 4th or 5th grade for the 2013-2014 School Year, she can now sign up for Girls' Fall Volleyball! The girls will learn the basic skills of the game in a fun and encouraging environment on teams coached by parent volunteers. Practices will be held twice a week at Oak Knoll, while weekly games will be played at Arrillaga Gym in Menlo Park. Games will commence mid-September and end mid-November. And, parents, coaching volleyball is a wonderful, volunteer opportunity! No experience is necessary--just a positive attitude and a willingness to bump, set, spike, and dig it! Contact Laura Huber, Nancy Witeck, Stefano Baldassi, or Noelle Carpenter if you would like to coach or if you have any questions. Registration is now open at Sportability and will close August 29. For more info, visit Oak Knoll After School Sports.
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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. Any questions, please contact Sally Osterberg.
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Oak Knoll Musical Performances
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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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:
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, 2013-14
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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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 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
Legally Blonde Auditions for Peninsula Youth Theatre
June 1 and 2. Students ages 13-18 are invited to audition for Peninsula Youth Theatre's summer teen production, Legally Blonde. For more information and to reserve an audition time, please visit www.pytnet.org.
Estudiantes que tienen 8-13 años están invitados a audicionar 1 de junio y 2 para la producción de verano para adolescentes de Peninsula Youth Theatre, Una rubia muy legal. Para obtener más información y para reservar un horario de audición, visite www.pytnet.org.
Menlo Park Library Storytelling in the Park
Sunday, June 2 from 10:00-11:00am at Fremont Park (Corner of Santa Cruz Ave. and University in Menlo Park). Join the Menlo Park Library and Peet's Coffee and Tea for a special morning in the park in celebration of the library's 2013 Summer Reading Program! The Summer Reading Program begins June 10. Register to read books, win prizes and see excellent entertainment. Registration begins June 1 at the Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St or at www.menloparklibrary.org.
Teen Summer BBQ and Water Games - Teen Summer Reading Kickoff Party!
June 21 at 12:00pm at Burgess Park, between the tennis courts and the Little League fields. Menlo Park Library's 2013 Teen Summer Reading Program (ages 12-18) runs from June 10 to August 16. Sign up for summer reading by coming into the library or registering online. Read books, write reviews and enter weekly raffles for some awesome prizes.
Menlo Park Library Storytelling in the Park
Sunday, June 2 from 10:00-11:00am 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 10:00am to 2:00pm and Sunday, June 16, from 12:00 to 2:00pm 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
Gardening at Alemany Farm
Spring is in full effect at Alemany Farm. We've dug up our first garlic crops, the squash are bursting with fruit, and our spring onions are big and sweet. Come on out and get your hands dirty at these upcoming workdays. Monday, May 27, 12:00-5:00pm and Sunday June 2, 1:00-5:00pm. Alemany Farm is located at 700 Alemany Blvd. in San Francisco.
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
"Reading is So Delicious" Summer Reading Program
June 10 through August 17 at the Menlo Park Library. With live entertainment including animal presentations, puppetry, magic, music, storytelling, clowning & traditional Chinese lion dance, summer reading will be a celebration. Registration begins on June 1 via our website, www.menloparklibrary.org, where you can find a downloadable reading log, procedures and a calendar of events.
Stanford University Study - Typically Developing Twins Needed
Healthy same-sex twin pairs between the ages of 3 and 14 years old are needed to participate in a research study comparing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to typically developing twins. Each twin can earn $100. Contact: (650) 723-7809.
May 19 and June 16, 1:00 to 4:00pm, Arrillaga Gym, 600 Alma Street, Menlo Park. For more information, go to mapopwarner.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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