Kidpower is returning to Oak Knoll! Do not miss this parent education opportunity. 

This year the theme at Oak Knoll is CONFIDENCE. Throughout the year, we have engaged in activities, assemblies, and professional development that are focused on helping us accomplish our theme goals: every student will be able to project an attitude of confidence, stand up for themselves and others, and feel confident in their own decision making. 

Kidpower is an organization that teaches adults how to make a positive and powerful impact on students and teach the necessary safety skills that contribute to a child's self-esteem and confidence. The workshop is interactive, fun, and interesting. You will leave with many parenting strategies and suggestions. 

The Oak Knoll staff will also be trained by KidPower in a special workshop designed particularly for teachers. These Kidpower workshops are provided by the PTO in collaboration with a Jeanie Ritchie Grant written by Oak Knoll staff.

Please mark your calendar and attend this important workshop at Oak Knoll.  The workshop is open to all Oak Knoll parents and caregivers. 

Save the Date - Kindergarten Orientation Meeting

Nominating Committee for the PTO Board 2014-2015 

Wizard of Oz is coming to Oak Knoll!

Counselor's Corner - January Book of the Month

Project Cornerstone's Take It Personally Class - Winter Session

Tuesday, January 7 - Tuesday, February 11

7 - 8:30 pm - Hillview Performing Arts Center

Missed the first session? Don't worry because the instructor was ill and absent. 

RSVP to Robin Soran and join this class starting Tuesday, January 14.   

Building developmental assets in our children might be some of the most important work we do as parents. How can we help our kids thrive? What is most important in helping my child succeed in school academically AND in life? How can I show my child I support their efforts and dreams? These questions and more will be answered in a six-week parent study group series facilitated by Pam Von Wiegand, founder of Project Cornerstone.

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Menlo-Atherton Parent Education Series

Award-winning Documentary Film: "In 500 Words or Less"

 Thursday, February 6, 7 - 9:00 p.m.

Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center

Going to college is a rite of passage for many American high school students, but the process can be overwhelming: college fairs, SATs, tours, applications. And then there's the personal essay. How does a seventeen year old define herself to total strangers when she's only beginning to discover who she really is? And how can he or she be expected to do it in an essay of 500 words or less?

This honest film is a "must see" for any parent or student starting or looking ahead to the college application process. "In 500 Words or Less" takes you inside the lives of four very different students as they spend their last year with their families trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be.  The documentary serves as a portrait of four of the nearly 1.5 million families who go through this process each year. While race, geography and socio-economic status affected how they got here, their stories converge as they all juggle acceptance, rejection, decision-making and letting go.

"In 500 Words or Less" is highly recommended by NACAC, the National Association for College Admission Counseling and featured at a recent national conference.

Ticket Registration: https://in500wordsorless2014ma.eventbrite.com/

Admission is FREE and M-A Parent Education Series events are sponsored by the Menlo-Atherton PTA and the Sequoia Healthcare District. A great family event!

For more information, please contact Charlene Margot, Parent Education Series Program Director (650.868.0590)  

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For a complete listing of all the parent education events in and around our community, please visit the district's ParentEd webpage.

MPAEF News 

Donate Parties, Events, and Experiences for Adults Today! 

Parties and Events for Adults - Parties bring out the kid in all of us! Organize an over the top bash or an intimate dinner to highlight cuisine.  Donate a sophisticated Parisian brunch or a healthy spa luncheon. Perhaps put together your own Film Festival along a Riveria, or spice it up with your own version of a "Breaking Bad" moment.  What ever your poison or passion, pass it on and pay it forward! Donate as a single family or make a party out of your party by donating with friends. Split the labor, split the cost, double the profit for our schools today! 

To Donate: Please contact Karen Dearing or complete our online donation form!

Need ideas for what to donate? View last year's auction catalog here.

The deadline for submitting auction items is February 14! We're also looking for families to host children's themes parties and to donate sporting event tickets and other unique experiences.

And mark your calendars for Saturday April 5, 2014 at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club for A Night in Monte Carlo!

See you in April!

Karen Dearing and Cyndy Hogan

2014 MPAEF Spring Auction Co-chairs

Please Refresh Your eScrip Registration for the 2014  

SPORTS, CLASSES, ETC.