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November 25-27
- NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
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Tuesday, December 1
- Giving Tuesday - MPAEF 24hr Gift Matching
Saturday, December 5
- MPAEF "Taste of the Mountains," 2:00-5:00pm, Santa Cruz Avenue
Tuesday, December 8
- Parent Coffee Talk, 8:15am
- MPCSD Board Meeting, 6:00-7:00pm
Wednesday, December 9
- PTO Board Meeting, 8:15-10:00am
Thursday, December 10
- MPAEF Board Meeting, 8:45-10:30am, TERC
- Room 6 Annual Feast, 12:00pm, Small Gym
Friday, December 11
- Spirit Day - Crazy Hair Day
- San Juan Batista Field Trip (Bartlett, Nulman, Austin), 8:15am-2:30pm
Monday, December 14
- Balclutha Field Trip (Austin), 11:30am - next day
- Barb Snow's Retirement Celebration, 2:55-4:00pm, Upper Playground
- Last Day to Order Yearbooks
Friday, December 18
- MINIMUM DAY - 11:20am dismissal
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Reminder there is no school from Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29 inclusive. Wishing Oak Knoll families a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Building A Growth Mindset Community
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 Parents, reminder that you can take your free 30 minute online mini-course, offering guidance on how to help children develop a growth mindset. Once you have completed the course, remember to pick up your car magnet so that we have an idea of parent participation.
Three simple steps:- Access the Growth Mindset Course for parents
- Complete the two sections of the course, which include watching 3 short videos
- Collect your Mindset car magnet from the Oak Knoll office.
Click here to read Kristen Gracia's note on the Growth Mindset course.
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Barb Snow's Retirement Celebration
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Our beloved Oak Knoll Office Manager, Barb Snow, is retiring after 42 years of working in the District! Mark your calendars and join her on Monday, December 14, 2:55-4:00pm on the upper playground (no rain) or in the gym (rain) to say farewell. Parents and kids will have the opportunity to sign a memory book, have a piece of cake and give Barb a hug!
You can add your family's rsvp response to the evite so we have an idea of numbers, but please feel free to come along either way.
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Extra Clothes: We need extra girls' clothes in the office - all sizes. Thank you!
Holiday Absences: Please report any upcoming absences (ie. holiday travel) to the office and obtain an Independent Study Plan. Click here to read more about the Independent Study Plan for Planned Absences.
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This week Mr. Coldoff is beginning to offer a Minecraft Lunch Club for students in grades 3-5 at Oak Knoll. This club will meet for 30 minutes during lunch recess on Monday and Friday on the weeks that Mr. Coldoff is at Oak Knoll. The club will be using a form of Minecraft called Minecraft EDU which was created to harness the incredible educational capability and potential of the immensely popular original version of Minecraft. Over 60 students have signed-up so far and he is adding names every week. Because of this amazing enthusiasm, Mr. Coldoff has divided the students into groups of 30 - the Fall group will meet now until January, then the Winter group will meet until April.
Mr. Coldoff has approached the grade 3-5 kids with this lunch club option, but if you would like to sign your child up or have any questions please contact Mr. Coldoff, or if would like to read more about the club, check out this longer report.
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Spring Musical Auditions - Sign Up Now
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 All 4th and 5th graders are invited to try out for Oak Knoll's Spring Musical, THE MUSIC MAN. Auditions will be held in Ms Tee's Music room after school on December 8 and 9 with callbacks on December 11.
The Music Man Junior is a toe-tapping crowd pleaser that the children will find loads of fun to be in. It will be cast and directed by Oak Knoll's Music Specialist, Bee Tee, and Hillview's Drama Director, Bill Hairston.
Rehearsals will begin Tuesday January 5 and will be held every Tuesday (3:00-4:30pm), Wednesday (3:00-4:30pm) and Thursday (1:30-3:00pm).
Rehearsals will run weekly (excluding February break) until the production performances at the Hillview PAC on Thursday 3/24 with a 3:30pm show, and the final show on Saturday 3/26 at 7:00pm.  Please visit Mrs. Tee's Fusion Page to sign-up for an Audition time and complete the audition form. Details on what to prepare for the audition as well as important rehearsal and parent volunteer requirements are provided. |
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Update on Embracing Our Differences Month
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Yet another great week of exploring differences, similarities and abilities for Week 3 of Embracing Our Differences Month! In their classrooms, your children learned all about the different ways we communicate. Our focus was on familiarizing the kids with speech and language disorders such as apraxia, stuttering, lisps and other common speech and language differences in a way that encouraged understanding, a positive attitude and being a patient listener. They learned that "Not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say". They also learned about communication through assistive devices and a little about sign language. Here is a video the students watched on KNOL, Beautiful by Christina Aguilera, signed in ASL.  Additionally, the 3-5 grades explored not just how we can overcome challenges that life may present us with but also how we can channel those challenges to enhance our lives and ourselves in some way. This was done through discussions around a beautiful book featuring Alan Rabinowitz, known as the Indiana Jones of conservation, who is also a stutterer. See an interview with Alan Rabinowitz. K-2 grades were also entertained and educated on speech and language differences through puppet shows and discussions in their classrooms. Each week we delivered puppet shows to 17 classes - a major undertaking - so thanks again to all the parent volunteers who helped make this and last week's puppet shows such a success! Watch a puppet show from the last few weeks. On Friday the kids attended an Assembly where students from the College of Adaptive Arts gave a joyful and fun Hip Hop performance and answered questions afterwards! It was a blast! Watch some of the performance. This week we will take a break for Thanksgiving. Next week we will wrap up the month with a look at Disability Etiquette and Person First language. 3-5 grades will explore the idea of hidden disabilities and how we all have challenges and things in our lives that may not be obvious to others but which may affect how we communicate and interact with those around us.
The purpose of the month is to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of different abilities, and most importantly to see beyond disabilities and recognize the similarities, strengths and abilities of all people. To see the ABLE in disabled, the difference NOT the deficit! We hope your kids will be bringing home information, ideas and topics for discussion from this informative and fun month! For more information or to offer support or volunteering of any type, please contact Elaine Glynn. |
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Ollie Salutes the Noteworthy Art Team
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With Thanksgiving coming up, Ollie is especially thankful for the Noteworthy Art Co-Chair team of Sora Choe, Erin Dolinko, Jackie Ward, and Tiffany Wolf. Because of this team's hard work, families who ordered Noteworthy Art cards received their pack(s) of cards customized with each of their Otters' special artwork this week. Producing these cards is a significant feat! From organizing and managing the drawings of over 740 Otters to tracking the orders from all of our families to overseeing the card production and packing process, the Co-Chairs have had their hands quite full. Thank you Noteworthy Art team!
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2015-16 Oak Knoll Yearbook Now on Sale
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The 2015-2016 Oak Knoll yearbook is now on sale through Monday, December 14, 2015. The yearbook is a great way to keep Oak Knoll memories alive for your kids, so don't delay in placing your order for this precious keepsake!
Orders are exclusively online for $25. You will also receive an email from our yearbook publishers, Jostens, with a link to purchase the yearbook. Please be sure to specify your child(ren)'s grade and teacher for each book.
Please contact Tamara Russel or Gina Skinner with questions.
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5th Grade Parents, the Yearbook staff are gathering your 5th grader's baby photo for inclusion in the yearbook. This is another long-standing Oak Knoll tradition. Please find a single, favorite photo of your child between the ages of 3-18 months - please, no photos of older babies as they get too easily recognizable. We want to ensure 100% participation with this special 5th grade tradition, so please start looking now and submit your photo asap.
You can provide a digital copy (preferred) OR a hard copy (will be returned) of the baby photo:
- Digital photos should be emailed to Andrea Potischman with the subject line "Oak Knoll -- Baby Photo [Child First and Last Name]".
- Hard copies should be clearly labeled and placed in the large manilla envelope marked "5th Grade Baby Photos" in the front office just outside Ms. Gracia's office.
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Lacrosse Winter After-School Program
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SixFifty Lacrosse is offering an action-packed class for the months of December and January only! This program will teach kids lacrosse fundamentals, focusing on age-appropriate athletic development and movement, along with plenty of game time. The co-ed K-5 class will be held over six sessions - Tuesdays (3:00-4:00PM) on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and Jan. 12, 19, and 26. All equipment will be provided. If you are interested in signing your child up for after-school lacrosse, please visit sixfiftylacrosse.com/oakknoll or email Coach Matt Bond.
Please note: the lacrosse class is in addition to all other after-school program offerings, which will run from January 11-March 25, 2016. Registration for those other classes will open in early December 2015.
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MPCSD 2015-16 Safe Routes to School Parent Survey
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For the last three years we have worked closely with the San Mateo County Office of Education to implement a Safe Routes to School Program. A main objective of this program is to promote biking and walking to and from school. In addition, we aim to alleviate traffic congestion and emissions caused by school-related travel. We are proud to share that Menlo Park City School District has some of the highest participation rates for walking and biking to school in San Mateo County.
Together with the San Mateo County Office of Education, we are striving to further alleviate traffic congestion and emissions caused by school-related travel.
We value your input and insights and would appreciate your participation in the following survey by November 30:
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MPCSD is hiring a Customer Service Receptionist
The Menlo Park City School District Office is looking for an individual with exceptional customer service skills to join our front office staff. This position's primary responsibility will be to provide assistance to visitors, parents, community members, and staff and to support the daily operations of the District Office. This position is part time, 10:00am - 2:00pm, Monday - Friday from August - June (10 months). To learn more about MPCSD's new Customer Service Receptionist position; specific duties, responsibilities, experience needed, or to apply, click here. Questions, please email the District's Human Resources Manager, Joan O'Neill. Thank you.
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Thank you for Shopping the Gift Boutique!
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the MPAEF Gift Boutique last week! Whether you were a volunteer, a shopper, a café diner, or a vendor, we thank you for helping to make this year a great success! Special thanks goes to Boutique Chair, Kendall Harris, and her fantastic team!
#GivingTuesday on December 1st - $10 Gift to Support the MPAEF Endowment!
 On the firstTuesday of December, global charities, families and businesses come together to support #GivingTuesday: a global day dedicated to giving back and encouraging charitable contributions after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Please join these efforts by making a $10 gift to the MPAEF Endowment - a permanent fund intended to support excellent MPCSD teaching in perpetuity. The Endowment grows through donations and investment gains, and the income it generates funds professional development, partnerships, and programs to foster 21st century teaching in our schools. http://www.mpaef.org/mpaef-endowment
Our goal is to raise $5000 on today's GivingTuesday which will unlock an additional $5000 of Endowment support from two generous families. So each $1 you donate during the 24-hour campaign, will be matched $1 for $1 up to $5000.
Planned gifts and contributions of all sizes are welcome to help grow the Endowment. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the MPAEF Endowment for Excellence in Teaching today. To make a donation, click http://www.mpaef.org/donate-to-endowment
Sip, Stroll and Support our Schools on December 5
Join us for the 1st annual Menlo Park "Taste of the Mountains" on Saturday, December 5,  2015 from 2:00-5:00pm! "Taste of the Mountains" showcases wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains in your favorite Downtown Menlo Park businesses.
Participating wineries include: Thomas Fogarty Winery, Woodside Vineyards, Mindego Ridge Vineyards, Portola Vineyards, House Family Vineyards, Kings Mountain Vineyards, Bargetto Winery, Big Basin Vineyards, Burrell School Vineyards, Byington Vineyard and Winery, The Mountain Winery and Russian Ridge Winery
Space is very limited...get your tickets today! Sponsored by Greenheart Land Company, 100% of proceeds will benefit the Menlo Park - Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF) to support the Menlo Park City Schools.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2015, 2:00-5:00pm
Where: Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park
Cost: Tickets $45 per person (21 and over)
Buy now! http://scmwa.com/event/taste-of-the-mountains/
Shop Online at Shop.MPAEF.org this Holiday Season and Earn Money for Our Schools!
Avoid the crowds and finish your holiday shopping online while earning money for our schools at great merchants like, Amazon, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Gap, GameStop, Lego, Best Buy, Petsmart, Expedia, Saks Fifth Avenue, ProFlowers and Many More.
Visit www.shop.mpaef.org, click on the link to your favorite merchant, pay for items as you normally would, and earn up to 10% of your purchase total for our schools! It's that easy!
**we don't collect any personally identifiable information**
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Menlo-Atherton Little League 2016 Spring Season
Registration opens November 16!
If you are a returning family please use your existing email to log in when prompted; this will save significant time when registering. M-ALL is offering seven playing divisions to players age 5 (as of 8.31.16) to 13. We are also registering YOUTH UMPIRES age 13-17 as of April 30, 2016. The M-ALL also offers a Challenger Division for special needs players age 6 to 18. For more information, visit our Registration FAQ or register through our website.
United States Youth Volleyball League
Early Registration Ends December 1
Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Ave. Palo Alto
Our goal is to provide every child between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, supervised environment. Early registration ($135) ends December 1; regular registration ends March 1 ($155). The season runs from April 12 to June 4; Tuesdays 6-7 pm; Saturdays 9-10 am.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 5, 7:30-11:30 am
Arrillaga Recreation Center, 700 Alma St.
The City of Menlo Park Community Services Department will be hosting the annual Breakfast with Santa. Activities will include a pancake breakfast, letter writing to Santa, holiday crafts, balloon twisting, visiting and picture taking with Santa, and a fun time with friends and family. $7 for adults (13 and older) and $5 for children (12 and under). $1 OFF ticket price with donation of an unwrapped toy for the Fire Fighter Toy Drive. Reservations are required and are available online starting November 1.
Menlo Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 4, 5:30-7 pm, Fremont Park
The City of Menlo Park and the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce invite you to the annual Menlo Park Holiday Tree lighting! The festivities will include holiday treats, a family movie, and a spectacular tree lighting. And if you have been good boys and girls this year, Santa just might make a special appearance!
Children's Holiday Tea
Sunday, December 6, 11 am-1 pm, Holbrook-Palmer Park
Join the Friends of Holbrook-Palmer Park for their annual Children's Holiday Tea. This festive family event is a wonderful way to start the holiday season. The magical event includes a special visit with Santa, a holiday puppet show, light bites and tasty treats, holiday crafts, and a fabulous raffle. All proceeds benefit Holbrook-Palmer Park. Click here to purchase seats.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas!
December 6, 12, 13; 1 and 4 pm, Woodside Performing Arts Center
Once again, Dancers Repertory Theatre presents 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a delightful dance/theatre event guaranteed to delight all ages. With dancing mice, prancing reindeer, and toys that come to life, this magical holiday production has become a family tradition-make it a part of yours! Click here for more information and tickets.
Come See Oak Knoll's Carolina Arizini, Isabella Arizini, Penelope Chapman, Mary Gaughan Curtin, Brigid Cutright, Sadie Evans, Talulah Evans, Melinda Matthews, Olivia Matthews, Brinley Pickett, Ella Skinner, and Elsa Sonsini.
It's a Wonderful Nutcracker!
December 12, 13, 18, 19, 20; M-A PAC
Menlowe Ballet presents its inaugural full-length story ballet, It's a Wonderful Nutcracker. Conceived by Artistic Director Michael Lowe, It's a Wonderful Nutcracker will be set to the original Tchaikovsky score and updated with inspiration from the 1940s Frank Capra film It's a Wonderful Life. Tickets are available at http://www.menloweballet.org.
Come see Oak Knoll's own Lainey Egnal, Layla Gallon, Savannah Lang, Anna Sonsini and Helena Yassa!
2015 Holiday Showcase
Tuesday, December 15, 6-8 pm, M-A PAC
Come join the City of Menlo Park Community Services Department for the 2015 Holiday Showcase! Included in our collection of class offerings you will find dance, ballet, gymnastics, fitness, music, cooking, theater, martial arts, drumming, boot camps, and a magnitude of sports for all ages, levels, and abilities. Come see all that we have to offer in our fabulous collection of classes and programs where you, our talented community, enter into the spotlight. $5 for adults (13 and older) and free for children (12 and under). Reserve tickets online.
Research Subjects Needed
Research conducted at Stanford University is using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine the effects of stress on the developing brain. A typical session lasts about 90 minutes, and includes a series of self- and parent- report questionnaires, followed by a 30-minute NIRS scan. fNIRS is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, risk-free neuroimaging technique. Each participant will be compensated $50. If you are interested, please call the lab at (650) 497-6525 or email brainstudy@stanford.edu for more information.
Traditional Holiday Christmas Party for Children
Sunday, December 13, 12:30-2:30 pm
Allied Arts Guild Sunset Room, 75 Arbor Rd.
Exciting entertainment for children ages 4-9, accompanied by an adult. Fascinating juggling act and engaging puppet show, followed by a visit from Santa and refreshments. $25 per person donation. Check out our website for details.
Samaritan House Coat Drive
If you have old coats in the closet, consider giving them to neighbors who need one. Samaritan House provides free services and supplies to the friends and neighbors in need throughout our county. Donated coats (all sizes including adult) will be delivered to Samaritan House throughout the winter. Please contact Neela Gentile to arrange a local drop off.
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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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