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Monday, March 30
- NO SCHOOL, Staff Development
Tuesday, April 1
- Fujitsu Planetarium Field Trip (Clancy, Bouret, Tom), 9:00am-12:30pm
Friday, April 3
- Folger Stable Field Trip (Guerra), 9:30am-1:30pm
- MPAEF Online Auction open, 5:00pm
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Tuesday, April 7
- Parent Coffee Talk with Kristen Gracia, 8:15am, Gym
Thursday, April 9
- EL Picnic, 5:00pm, Gym & Library
Friday, April 10
- 5th Grade Panoramic Picture
Saturday, April 11
- MPAEF Spring Event & Auction, 7:30-11:30pm
See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events
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Dear Oak Knoll Families,
Thank you for the support, enthusiasm and confidence throughout the entire principal selection process. I am thrilled to be named the next principal of Oak Knoll School, following in the footsteps of David Ackerman!
Oak Knoll is such a special place with exceptional students, a dedicated staff, and a supportive parent community. There is no better place to be. I am truly honored and excited to continue the important academic and social-emotional work in the Menlo Park City School District.
With gratitude,
Kristen Gracia
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As we reflect on the results of our Site Council survey and continue to work to improve student safety, we have some exciting updates to share. Earlier in the month, Dr. Pat Hines from Safe Moves led an assembly for all of our students on Bike Safety. Dr. Hines reviewed the importance of wearing a helmet at all times on bikes and skateboards, and shared how they work. Click here to read the full message from Leah Kessler, Vice Principal, including important bicycle and pedestrian safety tips, a safety information booklet and Oak Knoll safe routes to school.
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STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES!
-Avoid blocking drive ways when waiting in line.
-Be patient
-Turn off your car while waiting for school to dismiss.
-Pull all the way up in line.
Thank you!
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Coffee Talk - How Do We Talk To Our Kids About Race?
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The next Parent Coffee Talk will be held on Tuesday, April 7 at 8:15am in the Gym, when Kristen Gracia will be joined by Jenny Ryan, Oak Knoll School Psychologist, and David Ackerman for a discussion on how to talk to kids about race. In anticipation of that please open this link for an article by Jenny Ryan.
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Call for Service Award Nominations
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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.
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The Oak Knoll SITE Council is comprised of teachers, parents and administrators who present a plan for school improvement to the school board each year. They monitor the effectiveness of the plan throughout the year. There are openings for two parents to serve two year terms beginning August 2015 ending July 2017. Because we have more than two parents interested in joining the SITE Council, we will have a school wide election in April. If you are interested in joining the SITE Council, please send an email to Kristen Gracia telling Principal Gracia and the school community why you want to join the SITE Council. Please provide a biography that we can distribute to parents at Oak Knoll for the election. Emails to Principal Gracia must be received by Tuesday, April 7.
Any questions about being a parent on the SITE Council? Please contact Carolyn Bowsher.
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Parent Information Evening for English Language Learners
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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
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This week Ollie Salutes the cast, crew and directors of Willy Wonka Jr.!! There were two shows for the Oak Knoll Students and two show for the general public at the Hillview PAC. All four shows were a huge success and showcased the amazing talent of our students and teachers!!! We would like to specifically recognize our staff of Bee Tee, Sarah Westfall, and Bill Hairston for their hard work and giving our students this great opportunity. We would also like to send a huge thank you to our parent volunteers! Page Curtin was the lead parent coordinator and she did an amazing job! The other two people who were instrumental to the show's success were Diana Pohlman, our parent director and Alex Hawley, our costume director. Thanks also to the many other parents who helped make the show a huge community success - Denise Henry, Melissa Engelkemier, Rhonda Bucklin, Julia Dunn, Julie Pietrantoni, Sarah Whittle, Susie Baker, Julia Appleby, Kathy Maghool and many more! The students at Hillview were also instrumental in making the show a success. Lastly, we would like to thank our kids for all their hard work and determination to put on a great show - it was amazing!!
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Thanks to all the kids and coaches who were involved with basketball this season. The 5th grade boys and girls have finished their tournaments and the Meyer/Anderson boys team won 1st place - congratulations! Players, if you did not give your jersey to your coach, please return it to the office. Coaches, please return your equipment to Julie McEvilly. Thanks for a great season!
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5th Grade May Madness Basketball Camp
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Oak Knoll 5th graders are invited to attend Hillview's May Madness Basketball Camp on Fridays during May. This camp will emphasize basketball fundamentals important for beginning and intermediate players at the middle school level. Target students are those who are seriously motivated in learning more about mastering the important foundations of solid basketball play. Friday May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 3:30-5:50pm at the Hillview gym. Cost is $160. Register at sportability.com/hillview. For more information contact Coach Bell (650 483-4049) or Coach Eaton.
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Calling All 5th Grade Parents
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If your child is going to Hillview next year and you're wondering whether you'll be able to stay connected as a volunteer, rest assured that your contributions will be just as valued at Hillview as they always have been at Oak Knoll! The Hillview PTO sponsors community building and staff appreciation events throughout the school year, thanks to a small army of enthusiastic volunteers, and there are currently openings on the Back to School Luau, Camp Hillview (perfect for incoming 6th grade parents!), Staff Appreciation, Campus Activities, Student Enrichment, and Parent Education teams. Any of these opportunities would be a great way for you to get to know the Hillview community and feel more closely connected with your child's Hillview experience. If you're interested, please contact Michelle Box or Kate Kennedy, 2015-2016 Hillview PTO Co-Presidents. Thank you!
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Newton Registration Now Open
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Registration for Newton 2015-2016 is now open! This year's registration process will be completely online.
In order to register your child, please visit www.newtoncenter.org and follow the Menlo Park Enrollment link. The Newton system will allow you to select your program, complete medical forms and waivers, make payments, and even print receipts.
Please contact Newton with any questions at: office@newtoncenter.org or at: (650) 345-4043
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Hillview Speaker Cancellation
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Final Event - CANCELLED
The final speaker in this year's Hillview Speaker Series is unfortunately double booked and unable to be here for the event on April 27. Tiffany Shlain, Filmmaker/Author was to discuss her film, "The Science of Character: Building On Our Strengths For a Happier Life." The Hillview PTO thanks all attendees who joined us throughout the series and looks forward to providing another beneficial speaker series during the 2015-16 school year.
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Are You IN Run - Business Sponsorship Opportunity
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Business Sponshorship Opportunity - Deadline April 1, 2015
Are You In - Run for Education. Sunday, May 31, 2015Interested in getting your name and product out in front of 40,000 Menlo Park and Atherton residents? The Are You In? - Run for Education is a perfect way to do it! Customizable sponsorship opportunities are still available but our deadline is approaching fast. We need to hear from you by Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Sponsorship benefits include your corporate logo on our banners over Santa Cruz and Marsh Rd, a booth at our Wellness Fair with in-person access to 3,000 attendees, branding on t-shirts, on our website, in registration emails, direct-marketing materials and much, much more! Thank you to our wonderful sponsors whose support benefits our children's education. Nelson Roberts, DeLeon Realty, Greenheart Land Company, Magnussen Toyota and Lexus, Mary Gilles Real Estate, 24 Lost Soles, Bulldog Sports, Gold Arrow Camp, Pacific Peninsula Custom Group, Principia, Dr. Scott Kaloust, DDS, MS, Stanford University Real Estate, Studio Rincon, Vivre, Z-Ultimate Karate, Fleet Feet, and AMR Ambulance Services. For more information, contact krista@glotzbach.com / 415-275-2453 Download our Sponsor Package and watch our Sponsorship video.
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This Week: Online Auction Launches 5pm Friday & Tickets for Raffle and Auction For SaleAuction catalogs came home last week. Please look for yours in your youngest child's backpack and start browsing through the amazing items on offer this year in the Online Auction (4/3-4/11) and at the April 11 Spring Event and Auction. Online Auction Starts at 5pm on Friday, April 3 The online auction includes all adult and kid events and parties, Kids In Training items, summer camps and other items for kids, and all the experiences organized by our very own district teachers. New this year, all getaways and adventures will also be offered online, as well as a selection of local goods and services. Register and start the bidding in support of our schools this Friday at 5pm by going online or by using your smart phone. Tickets for Sprint Event and Auction For SaleTickets for "A Night in Old Hollywood" Spring Event and Auction taking place 7:30-11:30pm, Saturday, April 11, at Sharon Heights Golf Club are for sale online and by smart phone. Buy your tickets now for $130 (MPCSD teachers & staff $75) before early bird pricing ends, and don't forget to book your babysitter too. Raffle Tickets For Sale On Campus Tuesday-FridayWhether or not you can attend the Spring Event and Auction, you can support the MPCSD schools by purchasing Raffle Tickets for six incredible prizes. 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" Spring Event and Auction. Winners need not be present to win. Click here for more.
- Buy your raffle tickets right in carpool at Laurel, Encinal and Oak Knoll this coming week from Tuesday through Friday.
- Buy tickets in person at the April 11th Auction event
- Out of town? Email the Raffle Tickets team to buy tickets
Watch this space next week for details about this year's Fund-a-Need and, new for this year, a Premium Raffle at the April 11 event. We appreciate your continued support of this amazing school district, and look forward to seeing you for a fun night out on April 11. Please Consider the MPAEF Endowment In Your Estate PlansIf you are doing estate planning, please consider a bequest to the MPAEF Endowment as part of your legacy. The MPAEF Endowment for Excellence in Teaching is an enduring fund intended to ensure support for MPCSD schools for generations to come. Click here to learn more about the MPAEF Endowment. Click here to learn more about MPAEF Planned Giving. Thank you for your consideration. Thank You to These New and Returning Realtor PartnersMichael Johnston, Alain Pinel RealtorsTom LeMieux, Pacific UnionKeri Nicholas, Alain Pinel RealtorsOmar Kinaan, RE/MAX Distinctive PropertiesVeronica Kogler, Coldwell BankerSteve Bulifant, Coldwell BankerStephanie Savides, Savides Real EstateAnnette Smith, Dreyfus Sotheby'sSue Crawford, Coldwell BankerColleen Foraker, Dreyfus Sotheby'sLyn Jason Cobb, Coldwell Banker
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Friends of Holbrook Palmer Park: Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4, from 10-12.
Activities include an Easter Egg hunt by age, Gerald the magician, face painting and balloons, pictures with the Easter Bunny, sweet snacks, and much more. Cost is $10 at the gate and 12 months and under are free. Holbrook Palmer Park is located at 150 Watkins Ave, Atherton. All proceeds benefit Holbrook Palmer Park through the Friends of Holbrook Palmer Park.
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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.
To read past Oak Knoll PTO newsletters, please visit our archives.
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