theotterweekly
Oak Knoll School News
January 25, 2015 
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In This Issue
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This Week 


Monday, January 26

  • Recology Field Trip (Coldoff, Veneman), 11:45am-3:00pm

Tuesday, January 27

  • Dine Out to Support Our Schools
  • Parent Talk "Mindfulness and Parenting," 7:00-8:30pm, Library

Looking Ahead  


Monday, February 2

  • Walk Through the Revolution (Sanchez, Coldoff), Playroom

Wednesday, February 4

  • Walk Through the Revolution (Fuller, Veneman), Playroom

Thursday, February 5

  • CA Theater Field Trip (2nd Grade), 8:45-11:30am
  • Family Math Night, 5:30-7:30pm, Gym

Friday, February 6

  • Staff Appreciation Lunch

Saturday, February 7

  • Winterfest, 5:00-7:00pm, Gym

February 9 - February 13

  • Outdoor Ed (5th Grade)

See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events 

Message From Superintendent Ghysels
Dear Oak Knoll Community,

With the retirement of Principal Ackerman, the District will now engage in a process that we consistently use for selecting all principals assigned to a permanent position in the MPCSD. While Kristen Gracia is the current Interim and acting Co-Principal, it is important to go through our established process. Over the coming weeks, I will host open meetings to listen to teachers, staff, parents and community members, inviting all those interested to provide their perspectives about the leadership qualities valued in a principal. These meetings help me to learn more directly about the Oak Knoll community, and will also inform my final selection.

I invite you to attend one of the two parent input sessions on either Thursday, February 12 from 6:00-8:00pm, or on Friday, February 13 from 9:00-11:00am, both at Oak Knoll School in the gym. If for any reason you are unable to attend, please feel free to email me your thoughts at [email protected].

During these two meetings, I will also cover the timeline, review the standard components of the MPCSD selection process, and share how the process is designed to serve everyone's best interests. I look forward to seeing many of you at Oak Knoll soon.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Ghysels  
      
Staff Highlight
Leah Kessler, Vice Principal

Favorite thing about Oak Knoll: The people--this is my first year at Oak Knoll and everyone has been so incredibly welcoming. It has been a joy getting to know all of the staff, kids, and families, and I'm looking forward to continuing to get to know more people in the community as time goes on. My other favorite thing about Oak Knoll is our compassion theme this year. I love reading about the children's acts of compassion on our Compassion Tree, and overhearing kids talk about what they did as a compassionate friend out on the playground.

A passion of yours: I am passionate about Design Thinking, both at the classroom and school site level. As a teacher, it was inspirational to see my students engaging in collaborative experiences, and empathizing with their classmates, and other members of the community. I believe kids have the power to bring incredible ideas to life when given the opportunity to build and create, and design thinking supports this creative process. I'm looking forward to exploring how we can utilize Design Thinking at a site level this year as well!

A fun fact about yourself: I love to travel whenever I get the chance! My husband and I went on our Honeymoon to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand over the winter break, which were new places for both of us. We enjoy getting to experience different cultures, taste the different foods, learn about the history of different place, and take in the beautiful sites. We also really enjoy cooking, so it's always fun trying out recipes from the places we've visited when we return home.

A favorite quote: "Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching." 
      
Parent Survey
The Oak Knoll SITE Council would like your feedback in an anonymous survey that is open now and will close on Sunday, February 1.  This survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.  Please complete one survey per child. Your constructive and actionable feedback will be reviewed by Principal Ackerman and Principal Gracia.  They will share your feedback with the teachers.  A summary of results will be shared in the Otter Weekly in February. Past responses in this survey have lead to improvements and new programs being implemented at Oak Knoll.  
 
We value your input!   To complete the parent survey please click here.
      
Parent Education
Mindfulness and Parenting : Finding Grace Amidst the Chaos
Presented by Dr. Amy Saltzman
Oak Knoll Library 
January 27, 7:00-8:30pm

Mindfulness is simply paying attention to your life experience here and now with kindness and curiosity.

Join Dr. Amy Saltzman for an introductory evening to learn how you can apply Mindfulness to the complex, sometimes overwhelming responsibilities of daily life with children and experience grace amidst the chaos. Dr. Saltzman will also discuss how Mindfulness can benefit children by enhancing focus, impulse control, emotional intelligence, and compassion.

Dr. Amy Saltzman is a Menlo Park-based holistic physician, Mindfulness coach, scientist, wife, and mother. Her passion is supporting people of all ages in enhancing their well being and discovering the Still Quiet Place within. She is recognized by her peers as a visionary and pioneer in the fields of holistic medicine and Mindfulness for youth. For more information on Dr. Saltzman, including her book and two CDs, please visit http://www.stillquietplace.com/.                         
Yearbook Ordering Reopens until Friday, February 13
Oak Knoll's 2014-15 Yearbook is on sale once more for a limited 3 week period ending Friday, February 13! Yearbook orders are exclusively online for $25. Please make sure when ordering to specify your child(ren)'s grade and teacher for each book.

Remember to place your order for this precious keepsake!

Please contact Rhonda Bucklin with questions.
      
Fabric Donations Needed
Next month our students will be sewing bags for a program called My New Red Shoes but we need fabric NOW. Fabric should be 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends in solid colors or any kid or teen-friendly print. Fabric should be pre-cut to 44 x 17 and ironed. Sadly we can not accept any pieces smaller than 44 x 17. Many fabric stores have sales or take coupons so look for deals. Please keep in mind the bags are going to girls and boys so the fabric choices should be ones that all kids (even teens) might enjoy. All donations can be turned into Mrs. Scott in Rm 7. Two years ago when we did this program our students created 400 bags.  We will not be able to do that many without more fabric. Thank you for considering! 

Also, please let us know if you can spare an hour and a half at lunchtime to supervise the children while they volunteer their time, creativity and compassion. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up here
      
Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed
The Hot Lunch co-chairs would like to say a HUGE thank you to all the fabulous volunteers who have made this program run smoothly all year!  Oak Knoll wouldn't have a lunch program without you.

To successfully finish out the school year we need several more dedicated parents to volunteer their time with Hot Lunch.  In order to offer Hot Lunch to our students we rely solely on parent volunteers to serve the lunches as the program can't run without them.  It takes about 90 volunteers per month to fill the lunch calendar.  It is a fun, easy and quick way to contribute to a highly utilized program!  Remember, you will earn credits toward free lunches for your child(ren) for each shift worked.  The more you volunteer, the more free lunches you get!
 
To join the hot lunch team and contribute to a very valuable program, please email Patti Buck
      
2015-2016 PTO Board Nominating Committee
We are looking for parents from each grade level to form the Nominating Committee to slate the Oak Knoll PTO Board for 2015-2016.  The committee is chaired by the current OK PTO Parliamentarian, Tracy Watt, and will involve a few meetings starting in February.  The board slate will be submitted to the PTO Board and Membership for approval in May.  The only restriction for this committee is that they are excluded for being nominated to officer positions for the slate which they are creating.  

For a list of positions and their descriptions, please click here.  

If you are interested in joining the Nominating Committee or if you are interested in serving on the Oak Knoll PTO Board for next year (or you want to nominate someone you know!), please email Tracy Watt directly.  

"Fiesta!" - Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Please help show our love to our "Muy Especial" teachers and staff with a Valentine lunch on Friday, February 6 in the teachers lounge.

Consider signing up for an available item to bring or a shift to serve at the Teacher & Staff Luncheon. You can view the complete sign up sheet and details here.

If you have any questions contact: [email protected], [email protected].  
      
Volunteers Needed for Winterfest
Are you interested in making connections with other Oak Knoll families, within and outside our school neighborhood?  Do you want to help build our Oak Knoll Community by planning a winter carnival at Oak Knoll?  Please join us!   For more information about volunteering for Winterfest on February 7, 5:00-7:00pm, please contact Jenni Djafari.  
      
Family Math Night
Count on attending Family Math Night, Thursday, February 5 from 5:30-7:30pm in the Oak Knoll Gym. Enjoy fun and engaging activities with your children that will get them to think about and make sense of numbers.
  • Explore 8 hands-on stationsChoose from 3 activity levels at each station
  • Create projects to take home
  • Go at your own pace
  • Reinforce classroom learning

This event is great for Kindergarten through 3rd grade, but all students are welcome. No RSVP necessary, just show up. Contact Jody Buckley for more information.

      
Save The Date: Friends and Family Day
SAVE THE DATE!  Friday, March 6 is Oak Knoll's 17th annual Friends and Family Day.  Invite a friend or family member to come to school in the morning to get a glimpse of our campus and classrooms.  Times for each grade level and details will be posted soon.   
      
Oak Knoll Science Fair 2015 - Mark Your Calendar!
How many chocolate chips does it take to make a tasty cookie? Do suction cups stick equally well to different surfaces? What design of paper airplane flies the farthest?

The Oak Knoll Science Fair is a place where your child(ren) can explore real-world topics and learn the scientific method with fun experiments.

The Oak Knoll Science Fair will be held March 11 and 12, from 6:00-8:00pm (each night).

Registration will be open from February 1 through February 22. Please click here to register and for more information about the science fair.

Oak Knoll Science Fair Team
Questions? Email us at [email protected] 
      
MPAEF News
Where Will You Eat on Tuesday to Dine Out for Our Schools?

Grab your kids (or book a sitter for date night)  and head to one of these great Menlo Park restaurants to support our inaugural MPAEF Dine Out program on Tuesday, January 27.
A percentage of the proceeds from these participating restaurants Amicis East Coast Pizzeria Menlo Park,  Celia's Mexican Restaurant, Jeffrey's Hamburgers,  Mardini's and Menlo Grill Bistro & Bar will be generously given to the MPAEF to support our four schools.

More details can be found on www.mpaef.org. Bon apetit!

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MPAEF Board Nominations Open Until January 30

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015-16 MPAEF Board. We welcome volunteers from all four school communities.
 
There is a place for everyone, so whether your interests are in graphic design, event coordination, communications, campaign leadership, donor stewardship or participating as an ambassador within your school, we'd love to hear from you. Please email Miriam Huntley, MPAEF Secretary, with your nominations by Friday, January 30

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MPAEF Donor Roll Is Online Now - Please Check Your Family's Attribution

The MPAEF Donor Roll recognizes families who generously donated to the Annual Parent Campaign. The Donor Roll strives to thank every donor and family with the attribution that they prefer. Please take a look at the Donor Roll to be sure you and/or your family are named in the way that you prefer. Click here to see the Donor Roll. Click here to send your corrections to the MPAEF office.

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Spring Event & Auction: Now Is the Time to Submit Auction items
Spring Event & Auction: Saturday, April 11th
Online Auction: Friday-Thursday, April 3rd - 9th
Raffle tickets for sale: Monday-Friday, March 30th - April 3rd
Auction item submissions due: Friday, February 13th

We're looking for a few good parties
Please consider donating parties, events, or experiences for adults to the 2015 MPAEF auction. Organize an over-the-top bash or an intimate dinner. Donate a Parisian brunch or a yoga workout followed by a healthy breakfast. Love to bake and cook? Get together with your friends and donate a dozen muffins each week for a month, or deliver a themed dinner to the highest bidder's house. You could also teach a knitting class, offer French lessons, or cake decorating - whatever your passion or talent you can be sure someone else would love to learn from you!

Donate an opportunity to inspire, motivate, or entertain our kids!
Kids in Training
Let's show the kids what we do all day! Don't just bring the kids to work, put them to work. Whether you're a scientist, doctor, veterinarian, chef, artist, or public servant, open your doors and call in the class. Teach kids what makes your profession interesting by bringing a few to your office for a few hours or a whole day. Expand their horizons by showing them what you do and how you do it. Trust us, they'll love it!

Events and Experiences for Kids
Whether fitness, art, cooking, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, donate a chance for kids to take a break from school work and just be kids! Run the track with moms and dads and finish with a custom smoothie. Toss the pigskin or learn to shoot hoops with a Stanford player. Draw unicorns on sun art paper, organize a scavenger hunt, or take them browsing at the local bookstore followed by lunch. Whatever the idea, just organize it and they will come! Kids playing with kids builds lasting memories, as much for the children as for the adults!

Auction item submissions are due Friday, February 13
Questions about what or how to donate? Email Flavia Herrod.
Already organized and want to donate now? Click here for our online donation form.
To get your creative juices flowing you can view last year's auction catalog here.

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Earn Money for Our Schools When You Travel
Plan your upcoming travels at great partners like Priceline, Expedia, Avis, Marriott and many more. Just go to Shop.MPAEF.org first, click on your favorite travel merchant, book your travel and earn money for our schools. Start now!  

                  

Community Sponsored News

Menlo Park Public Library

Teen Night: Potluck & Recipe Exchange

Friday, February 6th from 6:30-8:30pm

Menlo Park Public Library

Teens (12-18) join us for a winter night filled with friends and hearty food . Show off your culinary skills by bringing a dish to share with others.  Please bring index cards with your recipe so others can reproduce your dish. Please see our Teen Library webpage for registration .

 

Teen Winter Book Club

Menlo Park Library's Book Club program for ages 12-18 is set to meet during the winter.  Meeting dates are on Saturdays, January 24th and February 28th from 3:00-4:30 PM.  To register for the book club, please send an e-mail to Sydnee Mardell .

 

Academic Writing and Reading: Persuasive

Menlo Park Recreation

January 24 - March 14(Saturdays)

07-08 yo 9:30 - 10:30 AM

09-11 yo 10:45 - 11:45 AM

Based on Common Core standards! In this brand new course, students develop their critical voice through reading and writing persuasive pieces. Students will learn how to sway an audience through implementing textual citations, revising to strengthen arguments, and communicating their main idea clearly. Course emphasizes organization, focus, evidence, word choice, style, and grammar. Detailed feedback from professionals! Find out more at www.menlopark.org/registration 

 

Math Olympiad

Menlo Park Recreation

January 23 - March 13 (Fridays)

07-08 yo 4:00 - 5:00 PM

09-11 yo 5:15 - 6:15 PM

Math Olympiad stimulates a student's love for math while introducing and sharpening analytical skills. Featuring challenging word problems from previous Math Olympiad tests, our ongoing Math Olympiad Series is designed to help students strengthen math intuition and master creative problem solving strategies. Students become proficient in problem solving techniques, discover the fun of math, and increase Math Olympiad scores. DIFFERENT TOPICS covered each quarter. Taught at age-appropriate level. Experienced instructors, small classes.

                      
Newsletter Details
Please submit announcements and flyers to [email protected] for Oak Knoll events. For the Community Corner, send submissions to [email protected].

The deadline for both email addresses is by noon on the Wednesday 
prior to publication dateGuidelines for submission are available online. 

To read past Oak Knoll PTO newsletters, please visit our archives.