|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 8
- Team Yob Show, 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 6:00pm, Gym
- Johnston Yoga Show, 10:35-11:30am, Playroom
- 5th Grade Field Day, 8:45am-12:30pm, Burgess Park
- Rooms 1/2/3 Field Day, 1:45-2:55pm
Tuesday, June 9
- Free Textbook Giveaway, 9:00am-12:00pm (open to public, help yourself to these old but useful textbooks!)
- Woodside Store Field Trip (Yob), 9:15am-1:15pm
- 2nd Grade Field Day, 10:35am-12:00pm
- 3rd Grade Field Day, 1:00-2:30pm
- Kindergarten Field Day, 1:30-2:30pm
Wednesday, June 10
- 5th Grade Performance, 10:00am, Gym
- 5th Grade Clap Out, 11:00am, Gym
- Last Day of School - MINIMUM DAY - 11:20am Dismissal
Friday, June 12
- Hillview Campus Tour for Incoming 6th Graders, meet 10:00am at Front Office
Saturday, June 13
- Incoming Kinder Playdate, 10:30am-12:00pm, Kinder Playground
|
Thursday, August 20
- Class Lists Posted, 3:00pm, Office
Monday, August 24
- Kindergarten Welcome, 9:00-11:00am (please check class lists for specific times)
- New Family Ice Cream Social, 1:30-3:00pm
Tuesday, August 25
- First Day of School
- Back to School Coffee, 8:15am, Gym
Thursday, September 3
- Back to School Night, 6:00-8:00pm
See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events
|
|
Wishing all Oak Knoll students, parents and teachers a wonderful summer! The Otter Weekly will be back on Sunday, August 23.
|
|
David Ackerman's Group Gift
|
If you would like to wish our beloved Principal, David Ackerman, happy travels in his retirement, please click here. You can write a personal message to David which will be included when his gift is presented. We are trying to fund a nice trip from the parents of Oak Knoll School.
|
Lost & Found: Please remember to check Lost & Found before the end of the year! Unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
School Supplies: All school and classroom supplies for the upcoming school year (2015-16) will be provided by the Menlo Park City School District. There is no need for parents to purchase any school supplies for their students prior to the start of school.
|
Tomorrow, Monday, June 8, the 2014-2015 Yearbooks will be given to 5th graders at their field day and provided to teachers for all others who ordered one. Please note that some teachers will then give out the books to kids that day, others may wait until the next day.
For those of you who did not order a yearbook, but would like one, we will have a small number for sale by the office at 8:15am right after drop-off on Tuesday, June 9. The books will be $25 each and available on a first come, first serve basis.
For any questions, please contact a member of the yearbook team: Rhonda Bucklin, Sherrie Feinstein, Tamara Russel, Gina Skinner.
|
|
2015-2016 Re-Enrollment for Grades K-7
|
All returning students are required to complete the District's Online Re-Enrollment process for the upcoming school year. Parents of current students in grades K-7 should receive an instruction email from reenrollment@mpcsd.org with the subject MPCSD Re-Enrollment for 2015-2016. If you have more than one student, you will receive one for each student. The process includes required annual legal notifications as well as verification of critical information about your child that is used in emergencies and major disasters. It is very important that you complete this process no later than June 30, 2015.
If you have not received your Re-Enrollment email by Tuesday, June 9 (don't forget to check your spam folders), please contact our registrar at registrar@mpcsd.org.
|
|
2015-2016 Class Placements
|
Classes will be balanced and lists will be posted outside the office on Thursday, August 20 by 3:00pm. We have looked at our numbers and will NOT need to have a lottery for students placing into multi-age programs. We were able to accommodate all parents program choices.
|
|
Are You In RUN for Education
|
 Congratulations to our 1,400 runners and walkers in last Sunday's Are You In Run for Education, presented by Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors. Your support, along with our fabulous business and family sponsors, raised over $100,000 for our school district! Oak Knoll teacher, Michelle Tom secured both Fastest Overall Female and Menlo Park's Fastest Teacher with a time of 20:40.4 minutes. Kevin Chaves achieved Fastest Overall Male (while pushing a stroller!) with a time of 16:48.5 minutes. Race results are posted at areyouin.mpcsd.org! To view and download race day photos, generously donated by Douglas Fairbairn Photography, click here and enter password: in4ed2015  Thank you to our 80 volunteers who helped on the day of the Run to manage this great community event. We literally couldn't have done it without your help. A special shout-out to the following people who have worked tirelessly over the last few months to organize the run: the wonderful leads, Tara Moeller, Krista Glotzbach, Angela Hayward, Danielle Hayes and their great team, Ben Ewers, David Korn, Tara Carranza, Joanne Lofthouse, Amy Redell, Amy Coolican, Amy Courson, Beth Chopra, Brandy Spier, Calla Griffith, Denise Henry, Domonique Matthews, Jennifer Bartle, Jill Leonard, Julie Nelson, Kim Hinshaw, Krista Skehan, Kristi Cannon, Shelley Winters, and Tracy Watt. A big thank you to our in-kind and prize sponsors that made the Wellness Fair and award ceremony so much fun! Kennolyn Camps, Misfit Wearables, Smith Sunglasses, CamelBak, GoldieBlox, Cheeky Monkey Toys, and Fleet Feet Sports. Thank you again for your incredible support of the 2015 Are You In RUN for Education. See you next year!
|
|
Ollie Salutes - Field Day Organizers
|
Huge thanks to our Room Parent Co-Chairs, Janelle McCombs, Amy Thornborrow, Janell Sanford, and all the Grade Level Coordinators and Grade Level Liaisons: Chantal Ferrini, Lisa Reeves, Stephanie Chen, Andrea Potischman, Kelly Schmitz, Jennifer Gafke, Kelly Brennan, Christie Connaghan, Gina Skinner, Alison Matthews, Page Curtin, Cyndy Hogan, Karen Dearing, Stefanie Lamb, Veneta Kanelakos, Sara Maas. These parents, along with the teachers from each grade level, have coordinated and planned the Field Day celebrations for our kids. Also, thank you to Victor and especially to Dr. Westfall, for organizing and managing the equipment requests from each grade! So much planning goes into Field Day, from games, to music, supplies, equipment, scheduling, and communication, and we are grateful to all of the parent volunteers who are running the games for our kids at each of the field days. What a great way to end this school year and kick off the start of summer!
|
|
Thank You Parent Volunteers
|
As we close out the school year, we would like to say a big thank you to all the parent volunteers who have given their time, lent their skills and brought their enthusiasm helping out at Oak Knoll. It truly is one of the things which make the school and community special.
To the 2014-2015 PTO committee leads, the PTO board, the Site Council members, the Room Parents, and the many other parents who have helped out at the school this year - thank you!
|
|
Sign Up to Be a Room Parent Next Year
|
Don't miss out on being a room parent next year! Sign up now for one of the most rewarding volunteer roles at Oak Knoll. Room parents play a critical role at Oak Knoll, coordinating parties, field trips, and in-class volunteering for the teachers. There are typically 4 room parents per classroom (or 3 in each multi-age homeroom). Sign-ups will remain open throughout the summer until August 20, but we encourage you to sign up as early as possible! Once signed up, you will be contacted on Sunday, August 23, to confirm your placement as a room parent. Please remember that all current room parents must also sign up again for next year, including the looping 4th/5th grade classes. Any questions, feel free to contact Janell Sanford.
Julie Pietrantoni, Amy Thornborrow, and Janell Sanford
2015-16 Room Parent Program Co-Chairs
|
Incoming Kinder Parents, mark your calendars! Please come join other incoming Kinder families at Oak Knoll for our informal Summer Play Dates. These are great chances for your child to meet other incoming Kinders and get to know the Kinder playground and for parents to meet and chat with other incoming Kinder parents. Come to one, or come to all, it's up to you!
Dates: June 13, July 11, Aug 1
Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Place: Oak Knoll Kinder Playground
If you would like to sign up for the Summer Kinder Contact List to be reminded about the Summer Play Dates and other informal summer-only Kinder activities, sign up here. Please note that this list is not required, is opt-in, and is an informal group. If you signed up at the Kinder Q&A and Play, there is no need to sign up again. For questions, please contact Amy Redell.
|
|
Oak Knoll Boys (NEW) and Girls Volleyball Registration
|
If your son or daughter is entering 4th or 5th grade for the 2015-2016 School Year, he or she can now sign up for Boys or Girls Fall Volleyball! Each team will learn the basic skills of the game in a fun and encouraging environment on teams coached by parent volunteers. Practices will be held twice a week at Oak Knoll, while weekly games will be played at Arrillaga Gym in Menlo Park. Games will commence mid-September and end mid-November. Registration began on Monday, June 1, at TeamSnap. The cost for the season is $80. Scholarships are available.
|
|
Newton Center Registration
|
Newton Center is a non-profit organization and provides the Menlo Park Community with on-campus Academic After School Care. Our program focuses on assisting children complete their homework. We also provide a supplemental curriculum that strengthens understanding of in class subjects and offer a variety of fun and educational activities for children to participate in throughout the week.
Please view this flyer about our program. For more information or to register for 2015-16, please visit www.newtoncenter.org.
|
|
Optional Summer Math Practice Provided by MPCSD
|
This year in MPCSD, we piloted TenMarks, a Common Core designed on-line Math program in various classrooms across different grade levels throughout the District. Given the positive feedback we have received and our impressive student data results, we have decided to implement TenMarks next year in every 3rd-5th grade classroom. Research shows that most children lose 2-3 months of math learning over the summer. We're delighted to inform you about a free program this summer offered by TenMarks, an Amazon Company that will provide your child with access to a powerful, personalized summer math program designed to help them reverse summer learning loss. Click here to find out about how the TenMarks Summer program works ( Spanish version here).
|
This school year, I sent home lots of books with lots of kids as we build their love of reading. If you have books on your shelf belonging to me, can you please send them back to school with your child this week? If your child is still reading the book, just have them stop by room 4 and let me know. I'm happy to let them finish it.
The message I have shared with kids for summer is to have a variety, pick stuff they like, and make a plan about what they want to read to ensure they get more reading done. Also, I've told them to add two books to their plan that someone will read aloud to them. Read alouds are such a great way to build vocabulary, story knowledge, fluency, and joy of reading. Just because your kids can read for themselves doesn't mean they can't benefit from you reading to them.
Happy summer reading, everyone!
|
Ms. Bennion loves to celebrate your summer reading! Get started NOW! Find the perfect book and other great recommendations for all reading levels in the attached link. Follow the directions for your grade level and join the library reading celebrations next year! *If you are GOING INTO third grade in the Fall, you should use the 3-5 forms. Everyone who participates gets a prize. These summer reading forms can be downloaded here. HAPPY SUMMER READING!
|
Hillview TourFor all incoming sixth-graders to Hillview Middle School on Friday, June 12, the Hillview Service Club will be hosting a tour of campus. Tour will start at 10:00am at the front office. Plan on spending 60 to 90 minutes with some of your new school mates! All incoming sixth-graders to Hillview are welcome. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hillview Jazz ProgramHere is information regarding the Hillview Jazz Program. If you are interested in playing Jazz at Hillview next year, please take a minute to download the cover letter and check out your instrument part! This isn't just for those in the strings or band program; if you play guitar, keyboards, bass, drum set and/or sing, YOU are also welcome to join! Please download the Cover Letter and the parts that fit your instrument (you can figure this our by reading the Cover Letter). If you have any questions, please don not hesitate to contact Richard Vaughan. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Hillview News Co-EditorIf you'll have a 6th grader at Hillview next year and would like to get involved and be in the know about all the events happening on campus, here's the perfect opportunity! The Hillview PTO is looking for an enthusiastic, organized volunteer to be Co-Editor of the school newsletter, working with an experienced Editor and seasoned Communications Chair. You won't need to attend meetings or write copy, but will instead work at your own schedule to compile and edit content provided by community members, PTO, and Hillview staff. Best of all, you'll divide the job with your Co-Editor, so you'll essentially have half the year off! If you're interested, please email Michelle Box or Kate Kennedy. Thank you!
|
Is there an App for that?
The shop.mpaef team is looking for someone to help create an app for the shop.mpaef.org portal. Interested? Please contact mpaef@mpaef.org attn: Desiree Vogt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for Gifts for Teachers, Dads or Grads?
Find gift cards & gifts from your favorite stores at Shop.MPAEF.org.
It's easy to earn money for our schools when you use our referral links to shop.
- Just click on a merchant's link (with over a hundred merchants like Target and Amazon, it's easy to find something for everyone)
- Shop and pay for items as you normally would. Find great gifts like Visa, iTunes, Amazon & Starbucks gift cards.
- Our schools earn up to 10% of your purchase total. Help support quality education in our district every time you shop.
Happy Shopping!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help Chair the 6th Annual MPAEF Boutique!
The MPAEF is seeking creative, organized and fun-loving school district parents to plan fun and fashionable events!
We are looking for one, two or three people to help chair the 2015 MPAEF Boutique (November 12 and 13 at Allied Arts). As a co-chair, you will help secure vendors, coordinate logistics and oversee the Boutique team (already largely in place). This is a great opportunity to get to know and work with parents from all MPCSD schools! Solid plans in place from last year OR bring your own flair. Interested? Contact Julia Molise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Recognition for Our Diamond Level ($10,000) Partner - Mary and Brent Gullixson
The Gullixson Team has sold over $3.5 billion dollars in residential real estate on the San Francisco Peninsula over the past 25 years. In both 2014 and 2013 their sales volume was over $331,000,000 - in 2013 they were ranked the #6 team in the nation in the Wall Street Journal report of the Top 100 Residential Real Estate Professionals; in 2012, their sales volume exceeded $268,000,000 and they were ranked the #4 team in the nation. They are the go to team when it comes to selling and buying luxury homes and estates on the Peninsula.
Their reputation for impeccable service and a flair for matching clients with the perfect properties goes hand in hand with their vast market knowledge, sharp negotiating skills and cutting edge marketing which has lead to their unmatched sales volume.
Mary and Brent showcase their listings on their website at www.gullixson.com, and utilize an extensive network of local and global contacts to market their clients' properties.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU TO OUR NEW AND RETURNING BUSINESS PARTNERS!
Please support those businesses who support our schools!
Bohannan Foundation
Chris E. Lindsey, D.D.S.
Scott Kaloust, DDS, MS, Menlo Park Orthodontics
Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors
Roebbelen Contracting, Inc.
Deems Lewis McKinley
Hessler Plastic Surgery
Menlo Partners Staffing
RGM and Associates
Sundance The Steakhouse
Tavarez Orthodontics
Bow Wow Meow
College Counseling Associates
European Styling Parlour
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
