theotterweekly
Oak Knoll School News
March 15, 2015 
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This Week 


Tuesday, March 17

  • Oak Knoll Parent Book Club series begins, 9:00-10:00am

Wednesday, March 18  

  • ELAC Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm, District Office

Friday, March 20  

  • Playing With Poetry Performance (Chan, Poole, Jagelka), 2:00pm, Gym 

Looking Ahead  


Monday, March 23 

  • Stanford Memorial Auditorium Field Trip (Guerra, Yob, McColloch, Bartlett), 9:15am-2:30pm

Tuesday, March 24  

  • Flint Center Field Trip (1st Grade), 9:00am-12:00pm
  • 49er Museum Field Trip (2nd Grade), 8:30am-2:40pm
  • Parent Coffee Talk, 7:00pm, Gym

Wednesday, March 25 

  • De Anza Planetarium Field Trip (3rd Grade), 9:15am-12:30pm
  • Levi Stadium Field Trip (5th Grade), 8:30am-2:30pm
  • Walt Disney Museum Field Trip (Kelley), 8:45am-1:00pm
  • Smarter Balanced Parent Information Meeting, 6:45-8:00pm, Encinal Large Multi

Thursday, March 26

  • Willy Wonka Jr. Field Trip, 9:15am & 11:00am

Friday, March 27

  • Walt Disney Museum Field Trip (Brewbaker), 8:45am-1:00pm

See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events 

Placement Information
As spring approaches, many parents have questions regarding class placement for next year. Please hold tight, it is still early. Communication will be coming out during early April. Please hold off from meeting with your classroom teacher about this. There will be chances, in the near future, to provide input.

Parent Coffee Talks
If you were unable to make the morning coffee talk with Mrs. Gracia and Mrs. Kessler last week, the same topic will be covered at an evening meeting on March 24, at 7:00pm in the Oak Knoll gym. They will review parents' feedback from the recent Site Council Survey and share some upcoming school developments, including a preview of a World Language program.

Mark your calendars with further upcoming Parent Coffee Talk dates: April 7 at 8:15am, and May 12 at 8:15am, in the Gym.  
      
Successful Coin Collection for the Humane Society
As part of Oak Knoll's theme of compassion and as a class community service project, the students of both Multi-age K-1-2 classes (Mitchell, Lavezzo, Boatright, Chen, Poole, Jagelka) organized a coin collection initiative across the whole school, raising a final total of over $3,500 for the Peninsula Humane Society! Thank you to all those who contributed to these fantastic efforts!
      
Ollie Salutes
Ollie would like to salute Annette Lewis and her team of Chili-Hong Lin, Lynn Auslander and Jenn Yonemitsu for a successful and educational Science Fair! Oak Knoll had a huge number of kids participate this year - 180 kids worked hard to analyze data make some  amazing creations! Thanks again to Annette, Chiou-Hong, Lynn and Jenn!!!

Thanks also to Mayumi Maeda and Marisol Tiznado for help setting up on Tuesday. Thank you also to the amazing 25 volunteers who showed up every night to help judge and photograph.
      
Counselor's Corner
As part of this year's theme of Compassion and specific topic of Generosity, Oak Knoll students gathered at a Community Service Assembly and Service Fair on Friday, March 13. We kicked off the day with an Assembly with Free the Children, an international charity started by Craig Kielburger in 1995 when he was 12, which educates, engages and empowers youth to become active local and global citizens. They told their story of how the organization got started and how many kids are working with them to make the world a better place, inspiring students that no matter what age you are, YOU can make a difference.

After the Assemblies, students went to a Service Fair where they heard about some other non-profits and did some hands-on projects such as making a hummingbird feeder, a luminary bag, a card to go with flowers. Click here to read about and contribute to the efforts of the wonderful organizations the kids got to meet during the Service Fair - including Oak Knoll students Jack and Sophia Preston's Clean Water for Africa Fundraiser.
      
After School Programs

Registration for the Oak Knoll After School Program SPRING SESSION is now OPEN!
Spring Session classes begin the week of March 23 and continue through June 5.  We have several terrific class offerings including some great classes new to Oak Knoll this year, and some good old favorites! New to Oak Knoll this session are two Computer Coding classes, a class on 'Mindfulness' instructed by Dr. Amy Saltzman, and The Green Room Theater & Dance. Returning to Oak Knoll after a brief haitus, we have Hi-Five Sports and TGA Golf. Please click here to be directed to the ASP webpage for a complete list of after school classes and registration information. For questions, please contact Mark Baker.    

 

Sign up for SPRING Yoga Classes with stretch.play.yoga!
Offered for 1st-5th graders, stretch.play.yoga offers fun and engaging classes exploring yoga poses, cooperative games, and breathing exercises. Lessons in self-expression, body-awareness, social skills, mindfulness and relaxation techniques are also incorporated. Non-competitive and fun, these classes help kids build and develop strength, flexibility, concentration and confidence. Classes for 1st-5th grade are on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00 PM at Oak Knoll, from March 24-June 2. Space is still available, register at www.stretchplayyoga.com or contact [email protected].

      
Track & Field for 4-5 Graders
Oak Knoll and Encinal 4th and 5th graders are invited to participate in Hillview's Track and Field season. Registration is open until early March or when capacity is reached. The program will begin on April 13 and conclude on May 27 and takes place primarily at the M-A high school track from 6:00-7:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.  There is no program during Spring Break. Contact Harry Bell with questions 650-483-4049. 
      
Oak Knoll Parent Book Club
Do you want to connect with other parents, do you want to share ideas. Come to the Oak Knoll Parents Book Club. Over 5 weeks we will be reading the Book Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps For More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents by Dr. Christine Carter  We will be meeting on Tuesday from 9:00-10:00am, starting March 17 - April 14.  Please email [email protected] for more information.

If you purchase your book at Keplers tell them you are in the MPCSD Parent book club and you will get 15% off. 
      
Willy Wonka Jr.
Mark your calendars! Oak Knoll's production of Willy Wonka Jr., will be performed by 4th and 5th graders at the Hillview Performing Art Center (PAC), on two dates: Thursday, March 26 at 3:30pm and Saturday, March 28 at 7:00pm. The kids have been hard at work rehearsing for the show and they are excited to perform for their peers, friends and family.  

Tickets are $10 for everyone and available for purchase now at http://mpcsd.seatyourself.biz. Both Oak Knoll and Encinal show dates are listed so be sure to choose the correct show. As part of your purchase, you will be able to select your own seat assignment(s). Tickets will be available for pickup at "Will Call" at the show.  

The Hillview PAC seats 400 and last year we had two sold out shows! 300 seats are sold online ahead of show with 100 seats available for purchase at the door.  

DVD's of the show will be available for $10 each. Please email Denise Henry if you would like a copy.   
      
Parent Information Evening for English Language Learners
Parents of English Language Learners, please come to this Oak Knoll EL Special Event on Thursday, April 9!
  • 5:30-6:00pm: Parents come to the library for teacher presentations on how to support English Language learners. Teachers are welcome to attend. Child care for your child and his or her siblings will be provided by Newton after-school care.
  • 6:00-7:00pm: A catered dinner will be provided for all. The kids can participate in games and/or art projects.

I hope you can attend. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all of us to get together! Please RSVP to the invitation I sent out by Thursday, April 2.

Susan Hogan, EL Teacher

      
Call for Service Award Nominations
Tell Us About an Exceptional Volunteer!
 
Every year our District is fortunate to have parents, teachers, staff and community volunteers give generously of their time, skills and creativity to our schools. Many programs would not exist if it was not for this formidable group of volunteers, "the Pillars of our Community." Honorary Service Awards (HSAs) as well as the School Service Awards (SSAs) recognize those individuals who have contributed in an extraordinary way to our District.
 
Please take a moment to nominate someone you know who goes above and beyond to make a difference in our schools. To nominate an individual, please complete an online nomination form by Friday, April 3
      
Are You IN Run Volunteer Opportunities
Have you been looking to get involved and love to be a part of a fun team?  We have 2 open coordinator roles on the RUN team this year.  We'd love to have you come on board!  Below are the 2 roles and some details about what is involved.  If you have any questions, feel free to email the co-chair at [email protected].  

Volunteer Coordinator - OPEN

This person will be the point person for all the amazing volunteers leading up to and at the event.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Leading the volunteer registration sign up through our online portal.
  • Help with recruiting volunteers to ensure the athletes and sponsors have a great time.
  • Be the point of contact for volunteer coordination leading up to and at the event. 
  • Lead volunteer coordination on the day of the event (May 31). 
  • Ensure all locations are covered and volunteers are properly trained to their specific "station".
Commitment Scope
  • One meeting per month December-March with the planning team
  • Two meetings per month April-May
  • Must be able to work the event on May 31 from 6am-12pm
Race Course Coordinator - OPEN

This person will be a marksman for details, loves dotting the i's and crossing t's to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible come game day.  

Key responsibilities include:  
  • Ensuring the race course is properly marked and working across the RUN team to ensure logistic needs are met (water stops, volunteer needs, marketing needs, etc)  
  • Work with city officials and the rest of the team to ensure the course is safe as well as fun for the runners.
Commitment Scope
  • One meeting per month December-March with the planning team
  • Two meetings per month April-May
  • Must be able to work the event on May 31 from 6am-12pm 
District News

Event Announcement: District English Learner Advisory Council

March 18, 2015, 5:30-7:00pm

Location: TERC A & B, 181 Encinal Ave, Atherton, CA

 

Would you like some simple tips on how to boost your child's critical thinking skills? Help them solve their own problems with just a bit of guidance? Then you won't want to miss our next DELAC Event on Wednesday March 18 from 5:30-7 PM at the district office. Janada Clark M.A., local parent educator and parent coach will be teaching a powerful tool:  How to Guide Your Child to Solve Problems from the Love & Logic parenting program. Visit www.janadaclark.com for more information on parenting resources.

 

Event Announcement: Smarter Balanced Parent Information Meeting

Date: March 25, 2015, 6:45-8:00pm

Location: Encinal Large Multi, 195 Encinal Ave, Atherton, CA

 

Educational Services leaders, Alicia Bowman, Jennifer Kollmann and Ginny Maiwald will be conducting a session that will include information about teaching and learning updates related to the Common Core and the upcoming assessment for grades 3-8. We will also be talking about health and wellness tips for supporting and preparing your child for testing and how our current instructional program design prepares students for assessment. 

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. We look forward to sharing this important and timely information with our families. 

 

Event Announcement: Tinsley Program Welcome Meeting

Date: Monday, March 16, 2015 4:00-5:30 pm

Location: Belle Haven Child Development Center, 410 Ivy Dr. Menlo Park

 

Each year, we warmly welcome families accepted to the Tinsley program who have been assigned to the Menlo Park City School District. We share information about our district and schools, the educational opportunities in MPCSD and the various ways for families to be involved. This year this informal event will be held at the Belle Haven Child Development Center.

 

General Information: Discover the Parent Pages

 

If you would like updated information on Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Student Wellness, please go to our "Parent Pages," located on our district website: www.mpcsd.org. (You can find the link to "Parent Pages" in the drop down list under the parents tab). The Parent Pages are space on our website dedicated to keeping parents up to date on the Educational Initiatives happening in our district.

      
MPAEF News
MPAEF "A Night in Old Hollywood" Event Preview & Sponsorship Opportunities
MPAEF Spring Auction, Saturday, April 11, 7:30-11:30pm, Sharon Heights Golf Club
Raffle tickets on sale March 30 to April 9
Online Auction April 3 to April 11

A Night in Old Hollywood is just around the corner! Stay tuned for the auction catalog, which is coming soon. We are still seeking donations of fine wines and unique bottles of tequila (yes, you heard us right!). Should you wish to contribute a bottle or two please email us.

Here's a sneak preview of a few more fabulous auction items we have in store for you:

** Driving in Style: Cruise around town in a 2015 Maserati Ghibli for an entire weekend
** Moms' Day Out at Santana Row: Take a limo to Santana Row for champagne, lunch, and a personal shopping experience. Grab your seven best friends and get ready to bid.
** Get Ready to Party: The Bollywood party is back. And don't miss out on Menlo Park's own Saturday Night Live extravaganza.
** Tech Perfection: Apple Employee in Training for kids
** And who can pass up Firefighter in Training for kids?

Finally, please consider underwriting our event. Underwriting support helps defray event costs, allowing money raised at the auction to go directly to our schools. As an underwriter, you will be recognized on our Hollywood Wall of Fame. We thank you in advance for your kind and generous support. Underwriting levels are as follows:
  • Producer $5,000 (Two tickets to the Auction, four teacher tickets, 20 Raffle Tickets)
  • Director $2,500 (Two tickets to the Auction, three teacher tickets, 12 Raffle Tickets)
  • Super Star $1,500 (Two tickets to the Auction, two teacher tickets, 5 Raffle Tickets)  
  • Star $1,000 (Two tickets to the Auction, one teacher ticket, 5 Raffle Tickets) 
  • Diva $500 (Two tickets to the Auction)
Individual auction tickets are $130, Raffle tickets are $10 each, 12 for $100, or 20 for $150.

Please make your sponsorship donation online by clicking here and in the notes column indicate "2015 Spring Auction". If you have questions, please email Event Co-Chair Cyndy Hogan.  All underwriters will appear on the event night Hollywood Wall of Fame."

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MPAEF Raffle Tickets On Sale March 30 to April 4 On Campus

We'll always have Paris! Or a fabulous m&m bling necklace, a night at the Rosewood, Soul Cycle classes in some Lululemon, An American Girl Doll, a GoPro or a Stanford Football home game!  

Glam it up or get your game on, the choice is yours for how you want to support the MPAEF "An Evening in Old Hollywood" Auction event. Buy your raffle tickets to play in the game of treasures. Six incredible prizes just for the raffle alone. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 30 just until Friday, April 4. You can buy your tickets right in carpool at Laurel, Encinal and Oak Knoll. You can buy your tickets at all the Willy Wonka performances too. Buy one ticket for $10 or 12 tickets for $100 or 20 tickets for $150. Raffle drawing will be on April 11 at the MPAEF "An Evening in Old Hollywood" Auction event. Must be present to win! Here's lookin' at you, kid!

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Thank You to These New and Returning Realtor Partners

Mary Gullixson and Brent Gullixson - Alain Pinel Realtors
DeLeon Team, DeLeon Realty
Michael Johnston, Alain Pinel Realtors
Nathalie de Saint Andrieu, Pacific Union
Tom LeMieux, Pacific Union
Veronica Kogler, Coldwell Banker
Judy Citron, Alain Pinel Realtors
Leslie Woods, Sereno Group Real Estate
Colleen Foraker, Dreyfus Sotheby's
Lyn Jason Cobb, Coldwell Banker 

                  

Community Sponsored News
M-AKING FASHION H15TORY

Saturday, March 21 

MA Performing Arts Center.

Menlo-Atherton High School's annual fashion show is a 35-year tradition at M-A and the PTA's largest fundraiser, providing funds for many of the important student and school services at M-A. There will be three performances: 1 p.m. (preceded by a catered luncheon), 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.  Please purchase tickets here.  If you have time to help out, go to SignUpGenius. 

 

Menlo-Atherton Dance Team Show and Fundraiser

Date: Saturday, April 4th

Time: 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)

Place: M-A Performing Arts Center

Price: $12 adults/$7 students

Purchase tickets directly from Dance Team members, or contact Linda Garrett . Tickets may be available at the door, but often sell out before the show. Checks can be made payable to "M-A Dance Team," and cash will also be accepted.

 

Movies at the M-A PAC

Experience three nights of movies at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center!

March 30th - UP (2009)

March 31st - Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

April 1st - Mary Poppins (1964)

Doors open nightly at 5:30pm, movies start promptly at 6pm. $3.00 General Admission. Dressing in character is encouraged. Purchase tickets in advance at  www.menlopark.eventbrite.com.

                   
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.