This week Ollie says a huge thank you to the Otterwear Co-Chair Team of Jenny Buddin, Becky Bullard, and Vickie Mrva. Thanks to their efforts, our Otters have been seen around school and around town sporting their new tie dye, dry fit, and Ollie shirts. And let's not forget about those shorts, sweatshirts, magnets, and keychains! Last week this team delivered over 900 items of Otterwear to our families. Thank you, Otterwear Team, for all of your hard work!

The Menlo Park City School District is seeking potential candidates to fill four vacant positions on the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee: a representative of the business community within the District; a representative active in a senior citizen's organization; a representative active in a bonafide taxpayers organization; a representative who is a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District; or a representative who is a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the School District and is active in a Parent-Teacher Organization or School Site Council. One position is at large. You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the School District. If you are interested, please submit a Letter of Interest as well as background information about yourself and the organization in which you are active to Ahmad S. For more information and the full ad announcement please view the MPCSD website.

Don't forget, the MPAEF Annual Parent Campaign ends on November 6! To make a pledge or to donate visit http://www.mpaef.org today.

Your support of the MPAEF ensures that our students are taught by best-in-class-teachers, including credentialed specialists in arts and science. Your children experience innovative programs and are cared for inside and out with a focus on guidance and wellness.

Here is just a taste of the what your children experience in our district when we Invest in Education...Together.

"Ms. Bennion's summer reading program motivated my sons to read every day of summer in order to write enough book reports to be invited to her party in the library at the end of the school year." -An Oak Knoll Parent

"Not only did my daughter use the skills gained in her mini-course immediately, she worked directly with teachers, parents, and staff volunteers who were passionate about sharing their expertise." -A Hillview Parent

"Monique Donecho brings each student into focus with her creative projects. She fosters in the students a feeling of 'try it, see if it works'." -A Laurel Parent

"With teachers like Ashfield and the other music specialists, the MPCSD music program gives our students a blank canvas each day to manipulate ideas and to strengthen their sense of identity." -An Encinal Parent

Read the full story on each of these MPAEF-supported specialists here. If you want to tell us what your school specialists have meant to you and your family, please email us at marketing@mpaef.org. We'd love to share your words with the specialists and with the greater MPCSD community.

Tuesday, October 27, Encinal Library

Is your daughter interested in Girl Scouts?  Come to a parent information meeting at the Encinal Elementary School Library (195 Encinal Avenue, Atherton) on Tuesday, October 27 from 6:30-7:30 pm.  Kindergarten and first grade girls can become Daisy scouts while second and third grade girls can become Brownies.  Troops will be forming at many area schools.  Parents of girls all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Amy McGaraghan or Michelle Carlson or call 1-800-447-4475 ext. 3018.

Monday-Wednesday, October 26-28, 8:15 am-3:30 pm

Join us as a facilitator for one day for this memorable workshop that helps freshmen break down barriers and create new levels of empathy and respect.  Facilitators lead students through games, activities and trust-building exercises and are guided by a professional, trained Challenge Day leader.  To volunteer, e-mail Julie Quinlan; put "Challenge Day Volunteer" in the subject line.

Saturday, October 31

The City of Menlo Park Community Services Department proudly presents the 2015 Halloween Hoopla! Come in costume and participate in the annual parade to Fremont Park starting at 11:45 am. The parade will start in the Maloney Street parking lot off Santa Cruz Avenue. After the parade, from 12:30-3:00pm, trick-or-treat in downtown Menlo Park at stores that display trick-or-treat signs on their door. Entertainment, crafts, and carnival games will also be available at Fremont Park. Don't forget to pick-up your free trick or treat bag at Fremont Park while you're there! For more information, please call 650.330.2220 or visit the website.

As one of their Eagle Scout projects, Atherton's Boy Scout Troop 206 is collecting and repairing donated bikes, and redistributing them to local community members who are unable to buy them. To donate bikes, unused helmets, bike locks, and money for repair parts, email Joe or call (650)327-6337.