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Monday, August 31
- Last Day to Register for Girls Volleyball
Thursday, September 3
- Back to School Night, Grades 3-5, 6:00-7:00pm
- Back to School Night, Grades K-2, 7:00-8:00pm
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Monday, September 7
Thursday, September 10
- Last day to enter for Oak Knoll Spirit Package Giveaway
Tuesday, September 15
- Parent Coffee Talk, 8:15-9:15am, Gym
- Otterwear Orders DUE
Wednesday, September 16
- New Parent Welcome Social, 6:30-8:00pm
- Picture Day
Thursday, September 17
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Message from Kristen Gracia
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Off to a great start:
What a nice first week of school! Oak Knoll feels complete with our students on campus. This year our school theme is Connected and there is already evidence that the theme is present in every classroom.
Our kindergarteners are doing great transitioning, but if yours is exhausted and hesitant about coming back, it's totally normal. The new learning, new people and new places can be overwhelming.
All 1st-5th graders had grade level assemblies this week where our counselor Nicole Scott and assistant principal Leah Kessler talked to the kids about safety, compassion, and connecting on campus.
Our World Language pilot launched this week and our 5th graders enjoyed lessons in Spanish from Seņora Cheek.
It has been a smooth and successful start to what will be a fantastic year. Special thanks to our teachers who continually create the environment for students to connect, learn and grow. We are looking forward to the joint campaign and all the amazing experiences we will be able to provide our students given the funding and volunteer support!
Our students' smiling faces and promising futures are so bright we had to get special sunglasses!
Kristen Gracia
The super proud principal of Oak Knoll School.
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We hope everyone had a great first week of school! As you continue to settle in, make sure you have checked everything off your school to-do list with the helpful links below:
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Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 3
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Back-to-School Night this year will be on Thursday, September 3 at the following times:
Grades 3 to 5, 6:00 to 7:00pm
Grades K to 2, 7:00 to 8:00pm
Please plan to attend to meet your child's teacher, learn about this upcoming year in their classroom and grade, and sign up for classroom-specific volunteer opportunities. Please go directly to your child's classroom at the specified time. Back-to-School night is for parents only - please make plans accordingly.
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Enter to Win Oak Knoll Spirit Package - Donate by September 10!
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Wouldn't your child(ren) love to spend a day as Associate Principals with Ms. Gracia and Ms. Kessler? Wouldn't you love to have a reserved VIP parking spot for the Halloween Parade? And the Clap-out? And, imagine you and your family with some new Oak Knoll dry-fit shirts? All of these can be yours if you donate to the PTO by September 10. All families that donate to the PTO by the deadline will be entered into a giveaway to win our Oak Knoll Spirit Package! Don't delay - donate online or by check at the school office.
Thank you for supporting our school!
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Protocol Updates from Oak Knoll Office
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1. With child safety of utmost importance to us, we expect each and every person entering the campus to sign in in the office and wear a name badge.
This is a MUST DO.
2. To maintain an uninterrupted learning environment, we ask your help with the following:
- Forgotten Items: any forgotten items must be dropped off at the counter in the office. The office will not be calling the classroom. Instead, teachers will send the student to collect their items when needed. Please do not take forgotten lunches, homework, instruments, etc. directly to the classroom.
- Appointments/leaving early: for any student leaving early due to an appointment, vacation, etc., the parent must notify the classroom teacher by email before school starts or give the student a written note to hand to the teacher. Please make every effort to coordinate appointments in advance. Parents should come directly to the office to sign out the student. Please note we cannot call students out of class before the parent arrives.
Again, no one should be entering campus without stopping at the office first. We appreciate your help as we make every effort to minimize interruptions in the classrooms. Thank you!
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It is GREAT to see so many families in our school community biking to school! As we all sort out our new routines and commutes for the year, please keep in mind the following reminders about riding to school.
STUDENTS & PARENTS please:
- Walk your bikes when in a crosswalk. This includes the one directly in front of the school with the crossing guard.When coming to school, walk your bike from the corner of Oak Knoll and White Oak to the bike racks.
- When leaving school, walk your bike through the crosswalk or past the bench near the bus stop.
- Remember that pedestrians have the "Right of Way." Stop and let them go first.
- Use hand signals at all intersections, even if other riders around you don't.
- Always pass on the left side (not the right) and let the person in front know that you are passing.
- Stop at stop signs. Make sure the cars see you before proceeding.
- Ride single file when the road is narrow or when riding past a parked car.
PARENTS please:
- Be a good role model and wear a bike helmet!
- Use the crosswalk in front of the school and avoid cutting across the middle of Oak Knoll Lane.
- Always ride in the direction of the traffic.
- Do not park or ride your bikes (and trailers) past the bike racks.
There will be bike safety announcements on KNOL throughout September for students. Look for the upcoming annual free Bike Inspections for student bikes in October.
Ollie looks forward to having a safe year at school!
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Parents (and other family, friends and nannies), here are some important reminders about using car line at Oak knoll.
For Morning DROP-OFF:
- Pull all the way forward - please do not stop in front of the Kindergarten fence
- Stay in your cars and let the volunteers open your door - move car seats to the passenger side of the car so your child exits curbside
- Be ready to go with backpacks on laps when your car comes to a complete stop to unload
- Do not linger in car line after your child has exited - please pull forward and exit the school parking lot so that other cars behind you can unload
For Afternoon PICK-UP:
NOTE: Last school year, we noticed cars arriving increasingly early to afternoon pick-up. This adds congestion around school and fumes from running engines. To avoid this and back-up onto Oakdell down to Lemon, please do not get in car line until 2:55pm, when the bell goes, or later.
- Pull all the way forward - please do not stop in front of the Kindergarten fence or stop when you see your child if there is space in front of you - your child can walk to the front of the line where your car is stopped. We can load more cars/students if everyone pulls forward.
- Board your cars quickly - do not linger in line chatting with parents and teachers if your car has been loaded
- Do not linger in line after your car is loaded - please pull forward and exit the school parking lot so that other cars behind you can load
Do not walk through the parking lot during morning or afternoon as it is unsafe due to the volume of cars entering & exiting the school driveways.
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Parent Coffee Talks with Principal Gracia
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Save the dates!
Parents, mark your calendar! Mrs. Gracia and other members of the Oak Knoll Staff are looking forward to holding regular informational meetings for parents on various topics of interest throughout the year. The first talk of the 2015-2016 school year will be held on Tuesday, September 15 when school Counselor Nicole Scott will join Kristen Gracia to talk about this year's theme of "Connected".
Parent Coffee Talks will be held on the following dates: 9/15, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/8. All meetings are right after drop-off in the Gym, from 8:15-9:15am.
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New Parent Welcome Social
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The MPAEF in partnership with Oak Knoll's PTO, would like to welcome all new parents and those with incoming kindergartners to a casual Welcome Social on Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-8:00pm, at a fellow Oak Knoll family's home. You will meet our principal, Kristen Gracia, our Superintendent, Maurice Ghysels, and our MPAEF and Oak Knoll PTO leaders; they'll be talking about our amazing school and our community-funded school district. Our goal is to make this a fun and educational evening for you to meet other parents and to hear about what is happening at Oak Knoll and in our District. Cheese & crackers and wine will be provided.
Parents only please. RSVP here.
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School Picture Days Coming Up
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Get those smiles ready! School Picture Days are coming up on September 16-17 (previously September 24-25, but now moved up!). Stay tuned as we approach the dates for which classes/teachers will be scheduled on which days.
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Mark your calendars for the Fall Family Picnic on Friday, October 2 from 5:00-7:00pm. We will have games, bouncy houses, karaoke, and delicious burritos catered by Mama Coco. Don't miss out on the fun! Click here for more information and to order tickets.
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Check Out the New Otterwear Colors
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 Now that your Otter is settled back into the best school on the block, it's time to check out the new selection of Otterwear and accessories. Students and parents are loving the new colors for the Oak Knoll Dry Fit Athletic T-Shirt in short and long sleeve styles. Others are choosing the bright new zip hoodies - great for bike safety - as well as the classic blues and greys. Last but not least, we have the ever popular Girls' Ollie and Girls' Fitted Heart T-shirts in fashionable new colors. See color and size samples in the office or online.
Also be sure to order the special edition Ollie Keychain Flashlight and Car Magnet to show your school spirit every day. Available while supplies last!
All orders are due by Tuesday, September 15 so don't delay! You can order online with Paypal or fill out an order form and place it, along with a check, in the Otterwear folder in the office. For all questions, please contact Jenny Buddin.
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Ollie Salutes the Kinder Welcome and New Family Social teams!
Ollie says a huge thank you to the Kinder Welcome Team of Annley Dempsey, Lauren Heysse, Mags Keane, and Stephanie Schwartz for all of their hard work in putting together the Kinder Welcome last Monday to welcome all of our incoming Kindergarteners to Oak Knoll and get them ready for their first day as Otters! And, another thank you for the Kinder Welcome goes out to Gina Skinner who recruited, organized, and oversaw all of the 5th grade ambassadors volunteering at the event.
Ollie also salutes Kelly Schmitz who organized the New Family Ice Cream Social last Monday to welcome all of our new families with children in grades 1-5 to Oak Knoll. It was another ice cream-filled event that was helpful for both new kids and parents.
And, finally, a big thank you to Victor Barraza who, not only has been helping get the school ready to open, but has been setting up for and cleaning up after all of our Back-to-School events!
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4th/5th Grade Girls Volleyball Registration - Ends Tomorrow
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LAST CHANCE to sign up for Oak Knoll 4th/5th grade Girls Fall Volleyball at TeamSnap! Registration will close Monday, August 31. The cost for the season is $80. Scholarships are available - please contact Kristen Gracia.
Parents, coaching volleyball is a wonderful volunteer opportunity! No experience is necessary, just a positive attitude and a willingness to bump, set, spike, and dig it! Please contact Allison Chao, JulieMcEvilly, Julie Gosler, or Sharon Schick if you would like to coach or if you have any questions.
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4th/5th Grade Boys Volleyball Clinics - Register Now
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There is a NEW boys-only Volleyball program starting this Fall at Arrillaga Gym sponsored by the Oak Knoll PTO and the Menlo Park & Recreation Dept. There will be a series of six (6) clinics on Wednesday evenings from September 23 through October 28 from 3:45-5:15pm for 4th & 5th grade boys. The clinics will include boys from Encinal and La Entrada in addition to any boys who want to register from other schools. In the spring, the Menlo Park Recreation Dept hopes to start a boys volleyball league similar to the Girls' league in the Fall. Hillview is also offering similar clinics with the hope of starting a boys league in the spring when the high school league plays. Registration for Oak Knoll 4th & 5th grade boys is available at TeamSnap Boys Volleyball.
Any questions, please contact the Oak Knoll Afterschool Sports Team - Allison Chao, Julie Gosler, Julie McEvilly, or Sharon Schick.
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Register for After School Programs
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Registration for Oak Knoll's After School Program is now OPEN! Classes begin the week of September 14 and continue through mid-December. We have several terrific class offerings - some great new classes to Oak Knoll this year, and some good old favorites! Please click here to be directed to the ASP webpage for a detailed list of after school classes and registration information. For questions, contact Mark Baker.
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Newton Center Registration
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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.
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MPAEF & Oak Knoll PTO: Invest in Our Schools. Together.
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The PTO and the MPAEF continue their joint efforts to make Oak Knoll the best it can be for our kids. However, we can't do it without your help. Join us as we invest in education. Together.
Together, we INSPIRE in our children a love of learning Together, we INVOLVE ourselves in their learning journey Together, we INVEST in their future
When you support the PTO, you make possible curriculum enrichment, field trips, community building events, and well-supplied classrooms possible.
When you support the MPAEF, you are putting 32 more teachers in our classrooms as well as making sure our schools are supplied with guidance and wellness counselors and credentialed specialists in science, library, physical education, technology, and the arts.
When you support the PTO at $250 per child and the MPAEF at $1500 per child, this is the real difference you make in their education:
PTO donations are due by September 30. Please make your gift or pledge to the MPAEF by November 6. For more information, you can reach out to our PTO Membership Co-Chairs (Kathy Motamedi, Tamara Russel, Tracy Watt) at ptomembership@oakknollschool.com or our MPAEF ambassador for Oak Knoll, Ashley Honerkamp.
Click here to support these organizations today. Thank you for your support!
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With every back-to-school purchase you make via MPAEF's shopping portal, you earn money for smaller classrooms, credentialed arts and science specialists, and our teachers'professional development. Simply start at Shop.MPAEF.org and then:
CLICK on your favorite merchant to activate our referral bonus. We have more than 80 great merchants including Amazon, Target, Nordstrom, and many more.
SHOP and pay for items as you normally would.
EARN up to 10% of your purchase total for our schools. It's that EASY!
We don't collect any personally identifiable information, so no new IDs or passwords to remember. Just start at Shop.MPAEF.org, click, shop, and earn for all our schools every time.
We've got scads of participating merchants, but start by getting your pens and pencils at Target, your new togs at Gap/Old Navy, and fall sports equipment at Sports Authority.
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Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed
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Want to earn free lunches? Meet fellow Oak Knoll parents? Say hello to your child at lunchtime? Hot lunch is a great place to offer your time! To offer hot lunch to our students, we rely solely on parent volunteers to serve lunches. Volunteer as frequently as you would like throughout the year, no experience necessary, no cooking, simply help distribute pre-ordered hot and cold lunches from Choicelunch and earn credits toward free lunches for your child(ren) for each shift worked. The more you volunteer, the more free lunches you get! Please contact Patti Buck or Ashley Montulli for more information.
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Kinder Yard Volunteers Needed
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Want to see your Kindergartener in action on the playground? Volunteer for playground/yard duty! We need your help with short 45 minute shifts supervising the kindergarten yard from 10:20am to 11:05am daily. If you can help out once a week or even once a month, please contact Tara Carranza for more information.
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Coffee Cart Volunteers Needed
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Coffee Cart is a fun and easy volunteer opportunity anyone can do! Sign up to drop off baked goods (homemade or store bought), a small flower arrangement or stay to help us delivery coffee to Oak Knoll's amazing teachers and support staff! There are 11 Coffee Cart days scheduled for the 2015-2016 school year - 9/9, 10/14, 10/21, 11/4, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/9, 4/21, 5/11 & 6/8 - feel free to sign up for one or more depending on your schedule. Drop off treats in the Teachers' Lounge between 7:00-7:30am the morning of, or at Julia Dunn's or Andrea Potischman's house the night before. Volunteers are also needed to stay and help us deliver coffee to teachers in the classrooms. Help us say thank you to those who do so much for our children each and every day. If interested, please contact Julia Dunn or Andrea Potischman.
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Library Volunteers Needed
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Parents, come help out in our wonderful library! Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks such as helping check books in and out, shelving books, helping students find books, pulling books on topics for teachers. Training is quick and easy. Volunteer as often as you like and you will be scheduled for the time slot corresponding to your child's library class. If you are interested, please look out for sign up sheets at the Back to School Coffee and the Back to School Night or contact Noelle Carpenter.
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Nature Zone Volunteers Needed
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Come help keep the Oak Knoll Nature Zone open! The Nature Zone is the fenced off area at the side of school (towards the back field/playground) where kids have the opportunity to explore nature and interact with trees, branches, leaves, dirt and all the "natural toys" within The Nature Zone. In order to have this resource open to our students at lunchtime, we must have parent volunteers to supervise the area. Please stop by our table at the Back-to-School Coffee to learn more about the fun! Contact Becky Bullard for more information.
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Cub Scouting
Sunday September 20 from 1:00-3:00pm
Las Lomitas, La Entrada and Oak Knoll
All interested families with boys entering grades 1 through 4 are invited to join us at Menlo Park's Pack 222 Ice Cream Social at Oak Knoll Elementary School. If you have further questions, please email Robert Freeman(a proud parent of two Cub Scouts), and you can visit the Pack 222 website.
Menlo-Atherton Girls Volleyball
The team welcomes all kids grades 3-8 to participate in the Fall 2015 community volleyball clinic. This is an all-skills clinic. The current M-A girls teams (freshman, JV and Varsity) will lead the clinic stations and work directly with clinic participants. Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to engage with positive role models and strengthen your volleyball skills! All proceeds go to support the Menlo-Atherton Girls Volleyball program.
Go to the Menlo-Atherton Volleyball website and click on camps/clinics.
SamTrans
Sam Trans will hold a public hearing and take public comment on proposed adjustments to its fare policies to go into effect January 2016 and January 2019. The last SamTrans fare increase was in 2010. The fares that customers pay cover about 18 percent of the cost to provide the ride.www.samtrans.com/notices. SamTrans Customer Service team at 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448).
2015 Menlo Movie Series
Welcome Menlo Park's newest community event for all ages. The 2015 Menlo Movie Series features FREE movies in Downtown Menlo Park on the Chestnut Paseo (Chestnut St. & Santa Cruz Ave.) each Friday night in September. Grab a chair, blanket, and some snacks to enjoy a night of watching the stars, under the stars. More information at www.menlopark.org/events and www.facebook.com/MenloParkEvents.
9/4 - Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) / Start Time: 7:45pm
9/11 - Planes Fire & Rescue (2014) / Start time: 7:30pm
9/18 - Big Hero 6 (2014) / Start Time: 7:30pm
9/25 - Cinderella (2015) / Start Time: 7:15pm
All movies are subject to change. Parental discretion advised.
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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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