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Tuesday, April 7
- Parent Coffee Talk with Kristen Gracia, 8:15am, Gym
- Walk to Hillview (5th Grade), 9:00-11:00am
- Hillview Parent Night, 7:00pm
Wednesday, April 8
- PTO Board Meeting
- Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm
Thursday, April 9
- MPAEF Board Meeting, 8:45-10:45am, TERC
- EL Picnic, 5:30pm, Gym & Library
Friday, April 10
- Panoramic Picture (5th Grade & All Multis), 1:00pm
Saturday, April 11
- MPAEF Spring Event & Auction, 7:30-11:30pm
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Monday, April 13
- Teacher Appreciation Week
- Marine Science Institute Field Trip (Brewbaker, Johnston), 8:45am-12:30pm
Tuesday, April 14
- District Board Meeting, 6:00pm
Wednesday, April 15
Thursday, April 16
- Bee Tee's Concert (1st Grade), 11:00am
See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events
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Message from Mrs. Gracia on Class Placement
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Spring has barely sprung and already we're planning for the fall, but thoughtful planning is one of the secrets to our success. It's hard to believe that it's time to begin our placement process for the 2015-16 school year! Our placement process begins with the classroom teachers, specialists, intervention team and administrators using our full range of expertise and intimate knowledge of our students. The entire Oak Knoll team works to create heterogeneous groups that prevent racial isolation, group to effectively provide services, balance social and academic needs, and ensure that students have a familiar face in the class. There is no reason for parents to gather information about teachers, or lose sleep over placement. This is our job, we know our students and we feel confident in our abilities.
This year we have an optional Parent Input Form, due by April 27.
To read the full message from Mrs. Gracia on class placement please click here.
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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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Musical Instruments: Please bring music instruments home or put inside classrooms to help prevent vandalism or loss.
Portfolio Night Schedule:
- K-2 Multi: May 26, 7:00pm
- Kindergarten: May 28, 7:00pm
- 1st Grade: May 20, 7:00pm
- 2nd Grade: May 21, 7:00pm
- 3rd Grade: May 27, 7:00pm
- 4th, 5th, and 3-5 Multi, June 4, 7:00pm
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Bike Safety Reminders:
MORNING:
- RIDE SINGLE FILE if possible - streets are narrow and cars cannot pass if you are riding wide into the street
- PASS ON YOUR LEFT ONLY WHEN SAFE - many kids are not looking to make sure it's safe when passing. You need to look over your left shoulder to make sure it's safe when you veer left into the street to pass
- STOP at all stop signs - especially the one at Lemon St & Oak Ave. - many bikers (parents included) are not stopping at this very busy stop sign and need to exercise proper road etiquette
- WALK YOUR BIKE in the crosswalk in front of school
AFTERNOON:
- WALK YOUR BIKE off campus to the street - many kids are riding their bikes from the bike racks off campus and there have been near-misses with bikes & students exiting school on Oak Knoll Lane
- DO NOT RIDE YOUR BIKES ON SIDEWALKS if there are people walking - pedestrians have the right of way
- RIDE TO THE LEFT of pedestrians - many bikes are weaving in & out of people on sidewalks which is dangerous
- STOP AT ALL STOP SIGNS - many kids are not stopping at the intersection of Oak Ave. & Oak Knoll Lane or Lemon St. & Oak Ave.
Please see the Oak Knoll website for more information on Bike Safety.
New Crossing Guard on Oakdell at Oak Knoll:
We are delighted to have a new crossing guard, helping to keep our walkers and bikers safe while crossing Oakdell in the morning and afternoon. Drivers, please remember to keep the crosswalk clear while waiting to turn onto Oak Knoll Lane. Bikers, please walk your bikes across the crosswalk.
Carline Reminder of the Week:
Drivers should pull as far forward in the Carline as possible. Your passengers can walk to class from any point in the Carline. Stay in the far right lane unless otherwise prompted by a Carline volunteer and follow the car in front of you as far as possible before unloading. If you notice that the car in front of you is finished unloading and is about to move, wait to unload your passengers so you can continue to move forward, filling any empty space ahead, before unloading.
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 In March we held grade level assemblies and we praised the kids for all their great work in being compassionate to those outside our school but we reminded them that you also need to be compassionate with the kid sitting next you, the kids you share the playground, and in general the people we see everyday. The April Compassion book is A Sick Day For Amos McGee. Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee's case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favor. Counselor Class Lessons for April will be on Forgiveness. Forgiveness is not that you are saying that what the other person did was okay but rather that you are not going to hold on to that hurt. It is a choice that one makes. When we forgive others the person who benefits the most is ourselves. We will also discuss forgiving ourselves for mistakes we make (self compassion).
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Community Service Project: Vases
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We need your old vases! Do you have any old vases taking up cupboard space and collecting dust? All this week (April 6-10) we will be collecting your vases for two purposes: 1. Flower Day is coming up on April 15 during Teacher Appreciation Week and we may use some of the vases in the classrooms on that day to make sure all the teachers get a flower arrangement. 2. We will be donating the vases to a program called Random Acts of Flowers. Teachers will be able to use the vases as a teaching moment about a creative way to spread kindness. Random Acts of Flowers is an existing organization that is new to our area and these vases will really help them get started. Random Acts of Flowers recycles and repurposes flowers by engaging dedicated volunteer teams to deliver beautiful bouquets and moments of kindness to individuals in healthcare facilities across the country. Thank you for your help!
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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! If you have not done so yet, please RSVP to the invitation I sent out.
Susan Hogan, EL Teacher
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Kinder Q&A and Play for Fall 2015 Incoming Kinders
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Kinder Q&A and Play for Fall 2015 Incoming Kinders on May 2, 10:30am-12:00pm
Incoming Kindergarten families (parents and children) are invited to this informal event at the Oak Knoll Kindergarten playground. Come meet other incoming Kinder parents and chat with current Oak Knoll parents and PTO Board members while your children play on the playground. Parents can also learn about and/or sign up for the Kindergarten Summer Playgroups, Kindergarten Yard Duty (Playground) volunteering, Girl Scouts, the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF), and more. We hope to see you there!
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Oak Knoll Gardening Workshop
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Gwen Solomon will host a garden workshop in collaboration with The San Mateo County Master Gardener's on May 2 from 9:00-11:00am. We'll begin the morning in the science lab with instructional time talking about easy summer crops for schools and home gardens and ways to prep garden areas and beds for summer solarizing and and cover crops. Because we are presently in the fourth year of a serious drought and water rationing on the horizon, we will address ways to optimize the little water we have. We'll then move outside to the beautiful learning garden to weed, plant, dig fava beans into the soil and set up solarizing in the beds that won't be planted this summer. Space is limited and registration is required. Please send an email to gsolomon@mpcsd.org and save your space for a fun and informative morning! Refreshments and take homes provided.
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Principal David Ackerman's Farewell Celebration & 2015 Spring Fair
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Join us on Friday, May 15 at Oak Knoll from 5:00-7:00pm to wish our beloved Principal Ackerman well on his retirement! The event will include BBQ Food by BBQ Boy, Inflatable Slides, Bungee Runs, Field Games, Karaoke and lots more!
To purchase tickets online please click here or print out this form and hand it into the office along with a check. Orders are due by Friday, May 8. Sorry, no late orders can be accepted.
We would like everyone to attend, so if you would like to request a scholarship, please email and let us know how many tickets you would like. If you have any questions, including about the school's gift, please email DavidAckermanRetirement@gmail.com.
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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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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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Come Lead the Oak Knoll Composting Efforts
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Are you passionate about composting and interested in leading the composting efforts at Oak Knoll? If so, the PTO would love to have you on our team! If you are interested, please email Stephanie Chen.
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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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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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Calling for Volunteers - Are You IN RUN for Education
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On Sunday May 31, 2015, over 3,000 Menlo Park and Atherton residents will slip on their running shoes and run/walk or cheer in support of quality education. Interested in being part of the fun but don't feel like walking or running? Why not volunteer to help on the day? There are many support roles currently open including Course Monitors, Registration, Water Station Support, Wellness Fair Support. We also have positions available to help prepare for race day. To learn more about volunteer opportunities please contact David Korn.
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News From Superintendent Ghysels
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MPCSD Students Discover and Grow their TalentsOur vision for MPCSD's performing arts program has been realized faster, better, and stronger than we expected. From Orff and Suzuki instructional methods to students dancing and singing, our students are the delight of parents, staff and community. Our students' access to the performing arts begins in Kindergarten and leads to incredible productions such as the recent sold-out performances of Willy Wonka. This production included students grades 4-8 and involved acting, singing, instrumental music, costumes, makeup, as well as stage design, lighting, and the makings of a Broadway show. What great entertainment for the entire family! Our performing arts programs would not be possible without the scores of parents, dedicated staff, and community member volunteers, along with the incredible support of the Menlo Park Atherton Education Foundation! Thank you. Governor Brown Directs First Ever Statewide Mandatory Water Reductions Following the lowest snowpack ever recorded and with no end to the drought in sight, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced on April 1 actions that will save water, increase enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, streamline the state's drought response and invest in new technologies that will make California more drought resilient. ..read more... Last year, MPCSD took measures to save water during the worsening drought to prevent wasteful water use. With the worsening historical drought we will take even more action to adhere to this new water reduction mandate. MPCSD's actions will be announced in next Sunday's newsletter, stay tuned.
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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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The Pillowcase Project
An educational program sponsored by Disney that teaches youth in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades about emergency preparedness and coping skills. The aim of this program is to help students understand the science of hazards, empower them take action by practicing how to prepare for emergencies, and encourage students to share what they have learned with family and friends in order to help create a prepared community. For more information, please call (650) 740-2454.
The 2015 Summer Youth Pass
SamTrans
On sale May 21
The pass costs only $40 and is good for unlimited travel for kids 17 years and younger from June 1 through August 31. The Summer Youth Pass allows kids and teens to be independent with safe and affordable transportation to fun summer destinations. Details about this year's Summer Youth Pass program are online at www.samtrans.com/syp. Please e-mail with questions youthpass@samtrans.com .
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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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