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Sunday, February 28
- Music Man Jr. Tickets Now on Sale
- Friends and Family Day: Grades K,1,2, 8:45am, Gym / Grades 3,4,5, 9:30am, Gym. (Details below).
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Tuesday, March 8
- Parent Coffee Talk: Hillview's Principal Mr. Haug on the Transition to Middle School, 8:15-9:15am, Gym
Wednesday, March 9
- PTO Board Meeting
- Science Fair (Grades 2 & 3), 6:00-8:00pm, Gym
Thursday, March 10
- Science Fair (Grades 4 & 5), 6:00-8:00pm, Gym
Friday, March 11
- California Theater Center Field Trip (Stella, Andolina, C.Lopez), 8:45-11:30am
Saturday, March 12
- MPCSD Wellness Fair, 9:00am-12:00pm, Hillview
Sunday, March 13
- Hillview's "Debate to Discover" Scrim, Check-in 8:30am
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On Saturday, February 13, teachers and staff from Oak Knoll presented to an audience of over a hundred educators, at the Learning and the Brain Conference in San Francisco!
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 Oak Knoll's 2nd Annual Community Service Fair was held last Monday, February 22. The kids participated in mini service fair projects and got to do things for others. It is a goal of Oak Knoll that every student participate in at least one act of service. This quote from a parent of a 1st grader sums up why we do this: "The fair was a huge hit with my daughter. She wore her sticker (she received from doing a service project) all night and then moved it onto her pjs! She felt so empowered, like she truly made a difference. Thanks!"
We would like to thank the following organizations for coming to Oak Knoll and spending an hour with us:
My New Red Shoes
Relay for Life
Humane Society of the Peninsula
There with Care
Sunday Friends
EPH Cares
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February 24 was World Read Aloud Day, a global literacy program celebrating the power of the words. Students in the Calling All Kids Leadership Group went into all the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes and read them a book.
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 As many of you already know, about 14 classrooms of 2nd - 5th graders are having their own March madness - with brackets for the most popular books in each. It's great to see how each classroom is a distinct reading community with different favorites in different classes. As kids of varying skill levels tackle books of varying complexity, feel free to read these books alongside your Otter. Check out the audiobook from the public library (on CD or e-audiobook). They can clean their room and listen to story. Everybody wins. Read the whole book, read the first few chapters of matched up books to get an idea of which they like better, but read up.
Voting starts the first week of March. Single elimination brackets. One round a week until we have a winner in each class. Part of our reading program at Oak Knoll encourages the social part of reading a great book - and this contest is a fun way to build that. Enjoy!
Can't wait to see what books win!
Jacqui Cebrian, Reading Specialist
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CDE Release of Student Information
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Dear MPCSD Parents,
As you may have heard in the news, the California Department of Education (CDE) is currently engaged in litigation regarding the disclosure of students' protected personal information and records arising from the court order in the Morgan Hill Union School District's Concerned Parents Association and the Concerned Parent Association v. California Department of Education lawsuit.
The CDE is being sued, not MPCSD. CDE, not MPCSD, is being asked to provide student identifiable information, which may include names, addresses, and mental/physical assessments of every student enrolled in any CA public school since 2008. There is litigation to block this order; however, there are no guarantees that these blocks will succeed. The only way to ensure that your child's private information will not be released is to complete THIS OBJECTION TO RELEASE form provided by the CDE and follow the directions to submit prior to April 1, 2016.
We are sorry for this inconvenience. We want you to be informed.
Thank you,
Menlo Park City School District
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Few Spots Only for Girls Leadership Institute Grade 4/5 Workshops
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Last call for Girls Leadership Institute Workshops at Oak Knoll for 4th/5th Graders. Only a handful of spots remain - don't wait to register!
The Oak Knoll PTO has arranged to bring the Girls Leadership Institute to Oak Knoll again this year, so don't miss this opportunity to register the parent-daughter workshops on emotional intelligence offered by GLI. Parents and daughters will learn about identifying healthy relationships, finding their voices, and communicating more effectively. Girls will also develop resilient responses to conflict, challenges, and mistakes. Also new this year is the second part to the 4/5th grade workshop series.
Cost: $210 for 4/5 grade workshops
Dates: Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2016, 6:00pm-7:30pm at Oak Knoll.
Please note that the Oak Knoll PTO has facilitated GLI offering these workshops at Oak Knoll following several years of positive feedback from parents, but like other After School Programs, parents will register and contract with GLI as a private vendor.
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Friday, March 4 is Oak Knoll's 18th annual Friends and Family Day. Invite a friend or family member to come to school to get a glimpse of our campus and classrooms.
- Grades K,1,2 (and K-1-2 Multi-ages) Welcome Coffee starts in the gym at 8:45am. The classroom visits will be 9:05-9:45am.
- Grades 3,4,5 (and 3-4-5 Multi-ages) Welcome Coffee starts in the gym at 9:30am. The classroom visits will be 9:50-10:30am.
You can print the following invitation to give to your friend or family member. Additional invitations are also available in the office. Click here for a Spanish version of the invitation.
If you have questions or can help volunteer for the event please contact Alison Matthews.
PLEASE NOTE PARKING: We have a limited number of special parking spaces in front of the school office reserved for individuals with limited mobility. If your friend or family member does not need assistance, please have them park on the surrounding streets and enjoy the walk to campus.
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Ollie Sunglasses are Back
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 The popular "Ollie glasses" are back! Look out for them at Friends and Family Day on Friday, March 4, where they will be sold by the event registration. So if your kids missed out during the last round of glasses, stop by and pick up a pair for $3. While stocks last. |
Hillview's principal, Mr. Haug, will be joining us at Oak Knoll for the next Parent Coffee Talk on Tuesday, March 8 at 8:15am in the Gym! Take advantage of this opportunity to hear first-hand from him as he gives insights on Hillview and the transition to middle school.
Regular informational meetings for parents on various topics of interest are held throughout the year. The final Parent Coffee Talk of this school year will be held on April 12 at 8:15am - mark your calendars and come join Mrs. Gracia and her team for some good discussions. Come connect!
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Spring into wellness with good health and attend MPCSD's first WELLNESS FAIR on Saturday, March 12 from 9:00am - 12:00pm at Hillview Middle School. This exciting event will focus on the physical wellness of our children and parents and will include vision screenings, hearing tests, CPR/AED information, blood pressure screenings and more. This event is completely free and is open to the entire community.
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Hillview's "Debate to Discover" Scrim
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Come join us for Hillview's "Debate to Discover" Scrim!
When? Sunday, March 13, 2016 Check In starts @ 8:30am & Awards start @ 5:15pm
Registration Deadline: Sunday, March 6, 2016. Participation Fee: $15 per Student
Who can register? Any 1st - 8th grader with Speech & Debate experience/understanding of Parliamentary Debate. All students will compete for 5 rounds, followed by "Best Speaker" awards and an optional "Exhibition Match" between the top teams.
New!!! Tournament of Champions (TOC) Points: 3 points per win, 1 point per loss
- 1st - 3rd graders will need 19 points to enter the TOC. You will likely need to attend 2 or more tournaments to reach 19 points.
- 4th - 8th graders will need 29 points to enter the TOC. You will likely need to attend 3 or more tournaments to reach 29 points.
Please visit the website for the full details and to register.
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Music Man Jr. Tickets Now on Sale
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 Mark your calendars! Oak Knoll's production of Music Man Jr., will be performed by 4th and 5th graders at the Hillview Performing Art Center (PAC) on two dates: Thursday, March 24 at 3:30pm and Saturday, March 26 at 7:00pm. The kids have been working hard at rehearsal and they are excited to perform for their peers, friends and family.
Tickets are $10 for everyone and available for purchase now at http://mpcsd.seatyourself.biz. Both Oak Knoll and Encinal show dates are listed so be sure to choose the correct show. Seating is general admission and tickets will be available for pickup at "Will Call" at the show.
The Hillview PAC seats 400 and 300 seats are sold online ahead of show with 100 seats available for purchase at the door.
DVD's of the show will be available for $10 each. Please email Sharon Purcell if you would like a copy.
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Outdoor Instruments Bring Music to the Playground
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 The New Year brought music to the playground at Oak Knoll School. Under a large oak tree in the upper yard one can find a collection of musical instruments designed to inspire the love of music and joyful play. Freenotes Harmony Park, the company that has designed and builds these instruments, began putting them in public places sixteen years ago. They are colorful and artfully designed. They are esthetically appealing and built of materials that can withstand the elements and years of use while never going out of tune.
Playing these instruments takes the fear out of learning music. There is no need to learn notes and anyone can walk up and begin playing sounds, rhythms and patterns that sound pleasing to the ear. There are "no wrong notes".
Please click here to read the full piece from Oak Knoll's Mrs. Tee (Music Teacher) and Mrs. Solomon (Science Teacher).
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Ollie Salutes Our Nature Zone Volunteer Coordinators
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Did you know that our Otters have a special part of the upper playground dedicated to playing in nature? We are able to offer it as a lunch recess play option thanks to the help of Nature Zone Coordinators Becky Bullard and Jenny Mosso and their team of monthly volunteers. A few times per month, these Nature Zone volunteers spend their lunch hour overseeing this natural play area and the students that are building forts and making nests inside it. The Nature Zone would not be open without their support, so thank you for making it happen!
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Seeking Volunteers for Oak Knoll PTO Positions
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We are reviewing candidates to serve on the Oak Knoll PTO Executive Board for the 2016-2017 school year. Being on the PTO Board is a great way to get involved and make a difference at Oak Knoll. The Board works closely with the school staff and administration, as well as the parent community, to create and support vital school programs and events. Positions available for nomination are Vice President, Financial Secretary, Secretary. Please email any nominations or questions to Jill Wurster by March 10.
In addition, the Oak Knoll PTO is looking to fill other key committee chair/co-chair roles for the 2016-2017 school year. Our parent volunteers organize and run our after school programs, after school sports, book fair, car line, hot lunch program, spirit-wear, weekly newsletter, family picnics, and numerous other events and programs that are invaluable to Oak Knoll. Get involved in a PTO committee and help support the education our children receive and the community spirit that defines our school. Click here to see a full list of current PTO committees and to find out more or volunteer, please email Janelle McCombs.
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Attention Incoming Hillview Parents
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Want to get involved with Hillview next year, get to know Mr. Haug and his amazing staff, and support your kid's school?
The Hillview PTO is actively looking for volunteers to serve on the PTO Board and in other key volunteer roles for the 2016-2017 school year. The Board, along with other parent volunteers, works with Hillview's administrative and teaching staff to create and support vital school programs and events. Interested in learning more? Or know of some great people who are just too shy to raise their hands? Feel free to nominate them as well! Email here to find out how you can get involved.
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Hillview Summer Drama's 4th annual Camp is offering 3 separate two-week camps this summer between June 27 and July 22-- Jungle Book for incoming 4th and 5th graders, Peter Pan and High School Musical 2 for incoming 6th graders through exiting 8th graders. Each camp is two weeks long with a performance at the end. Please go to http://www.hillviewdrama.org/ and click on the Summer Drama 2016 page for details and registration!
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Notice to Parents/Guardians: Vaccine Personal Beliefs Exemptions
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Most students will not be affected by a new California law, SB 277, effective January 1, 2016, because they have already received the required vaccinations for school. SB 277 states that exemptions based on personal beliefs, including religious beliefs, will no longer be an option for the vaccines that are currently required for school. PBEs on file for a child already attending school will remain valid until the child reaches the next immunization checkpoint at Kindergarten or 7th grade.
For more information about school immunization requirements and resources, please visit the website for the California Department of Public Health at www.shotsforschool.org, or contact your local health department or county office of education.
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 Yeehaw! Round up your friends and mosey on over to the Saloon (MacArthur Park in Palo Alto) on Saturday, April 30 for our Wild, Wild, West Auction Celebration! We'll shoot the breeze over fine grub and spirits and kick up our heels (cowboy boots, naturally) on the dance floor. It's a casual affair - jeans, boots and your favorite Western buckle or Stetson hat will work just fine. Tickets go on sale April 12 at www.mpaef.org.
How can you help? We listed some ideas below and the online donation form can be found here.
AUCTION DONATION IDEAS
- Co-Host a party - whether it's a dinner party for 10 or a backyard bash or something in between - Pick a Friday or Saturday night this coming Fall - we can help you!
- Co-Host a kids party - think of something your child(ren) likes and offer it to a group of kids in your child's grade. Kids love seeing their friends after summer break and it's a great way to get in the Back to School spirit!
- Donate your Sports, Game Tickets - Donate 2, 4 or more tickets ...Giants, Sharks, Warriors, Stanford Football, 49ers, Earthquakes... your child's soccer game or dance recital .. (ok maybe not:)
- Donate your Theater Tickets or Concert Tickets - everyone loves a great show or experience! If you are into it, chances are there's someone else who is too!
- Kids in Training - Share your day with a MPCSD student. You'll broaden their horizon and open their minds to what you love to do. Just think of the possibilities!
- Getaways and Adventures - whether it's local or somewhere exotic - getaways always sell and are a great addition to the auction unless it's a stay in your garage.
- Gift Certificates - to your favorite restaurant, service provider, clothing store, professional service... if you love it, someone else will too.
- Do you love to...bake, sew, code, photograph, sail, cycle, hike ,invest, invent, help others - donate your time, your goods, your services please!!
- Wines, Champagnes and Spirits - donate a bottle or two or an experience to go wine tasting or join a wine club or to make wine or talk about things over wine..
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to this year's Silent Auction. We appreciate your support.
To submit your donation please use this link and remember, the deadline is Tuesday, March 1! If you have any questions about the Auction Party or Donations, please reach out to our Auction Co-Chairs, Krista Rosa Brennan, Mary Grundy, Flavia Herrod and Cyndy Hogan at auction@mpaef.org.
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Announcing Oak Knoll Recipients of the Jeanie Ritchie Grant
We are pleased to announce this year's recipients of the Jeanie Ritchie Grant! The mission of this grant is to enable teachers to pursue innovative teaching programs in their classroom, grade or school and provide educational experiences that students would otherwise not be able to have. The grants are funded by the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation and are an important part of the Foundation's motto: Investing in Education. Together. Thank you to everyone who donates to MPAEF and to all of the teachers among us who go above and beyond to make our school district the very best!
This year's Oak Knoll Recipients are:
Celeste Lopez: Chickens Aren't the Only Ones Hatching Eggs in Kindergarten
Sara Bartlett: Mirror Mirror
Congratulations to this year's recipients and thank you for being amazing role models of innovation and hard work!
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Thanks to Our Realtor and Business Partners
We want to take the opportunity to shout out some appreciation to just a few of our many realtor and business partners in the community. Thank you for your support!
Gold Level
Kaloust Orthodontics
Bronze Level
Alkalign
Gold Arrow Camp
Nancy Goldcamp - Realtor Partner
Leslie Woods - Realtor Partner
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 Left Bank and LB Steak are donating all Sunday Night corkage fees during 2016 to the MPAEF!
Support our schools by bringing your own bottle of wine to enjoy with your favorite Sunday meals, such as the Prime Rib Dinner at LB Steak or 3-course Sunday Supper Prix-Fixe at Left Bank.
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 Thank you to Alkalign, MPAEF Bronze Business Partner
The first annual Alkalign for Eduction Drive was a great success! 40 schools and 300 people worked out for a great cause, and the MPAEF had the highest level of participation. Imagine what we could do next year! For more information email info@alkalignstudios.com.
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Menlo-Atherton High School Presents Into the Woods
February 26-27 and March 3-5, 7:30pm, M-A PAC
Into the Woods takes the audience on a musical adventure featuring favorite familiar characters in a lyrically rich re-telling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. Curses, quests, romance, and surprises abound in these woods. Tickets are available at the door or online. $14 for adults, $10 for students/seniors.
2016 Girl Scout Fun Run
March 13, 9:00am, Fleet Feet, 859 Santa Cruz Ave.
Fleet Feet Menlo Park presents the 2016 Girl Scout Fun Run! Please join us for a fast, flat, out-and-back fun run. FREE and EVERYONE welcome-wear green and enjoy Girl Scout cookies post-run! Sign up here.
Senior Fashion Show: "Be aM-Amazing"
March 19; 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:30pm; M-A PAC
The M-A Fashion Show is a professionally choreographed, high-energy production that stars our incredible senior class. For over 35 years, the fashion show has been an M-A tradition and the PTA's largest fundraiser, providing funding for many important student and school services. The show helps the seniors bond, celebrates their last year, and brings the community together to celebrate the spirit that is M-A. There will be three performances; buy your tickets starting March 1, and join us before the first show for a catered lunch at 11:30. Don't miss it!
Northern California Debate League Family Skating Party
March 20, 3:30-5:00pm, Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto
Whether you are a debater or non-debater, skater or non-skater, you are invited and will have a great time! Enjoy snacks and skating in a friendly atmosphere and meet other families in our community. Debate coach extraordinaire Brier Buchalter will join in the fun! Everyone in the school community is welcome. This is NOT A DROP OFF EVENT, so at least one parent/guardian needs to be present. $16/skater; $5/non-skater (includes: entry fee, snacks and skate rental for skaters). Click here for full details and to RSVP.
Summer Camps Section
Please visit MPCSD's new Summer Camp webpage for updated information about available camp programs in the community.
Summer Camp Fair
March 4, 6:00-8:00pm, Arrillaga Family Recreation Center
This family-fun event will provide parents the opportunity to learn about the various camp options this summer and give kids a chance to meet the staff. Free pizza, games, and crafts will be available for attendees while they learn about the many options and get a chance to meet the staff! Register your child for a City-run camp at the event and receive 10% off! In addition, a raffle will be held at the end of the event for summer-themed prizes and even a free week of camp!
Hillview Drama's 4th Annual Summer Camp
Hillview Drama is offering 3 separate two-week camps this summer between June 27 and July 22: Jungle Book for incoming 4th and 5th graders; and Peter Pan and High School Musical 2 for incoming 6th graders through exiting 8th graders. Each camp is two weeks long with a performance at the end. Please go to http://www.hillviewdrama.org and click on the Summer Drama 2016 page for details and registration!
Adventures in Writing Summer Camp
Help your child become a better writer! Adventures in Writing summer camp teaches students entering grades 1-5 writing skills, then gives them the opportunity to apply their new skills to the creation of their own eBook! Drawing from music, technology, art and theater, AIW Camp inspires reluctant writers and delights those that already have "the bug." Learn more by watching the video or calling 415-322-0511.
Volunteer Opportunities Section
All Students Matter Classroom Volunteers Needed
Have you enjoyed volunteering in your child's classroom? Then consider visiting a classroom in east Menlo Park or East Palo Alto where there are virtually no parent volunteers. Our All Students Matter volunteers work once a week for about an hour on reading and math skills with kids in grades K-4. Sign up now to start in September; we provide training and coordinate everything. To learn more or sign up, visit our website or contact Keri Tully.
Donate Dresses or Accessories to The Princess Project
The Key Club at Menlo-Atherton High School is sponsoring a dress and accessories drive to benefit The Princess Project. The Princess Project promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to over 1,100 area high school girls who cannot otherwise afford them. Ideal donations include formal gowns from 2010 to now, short or long, in excellent condition, and in all sizes and colors. Accessories should be stylish, clean, and in excellent condition.
Where to donate: M-A High School front office
When: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm through March 4
Contact: If you would prefer for us to pick up your donations or if you need a donation receipt, please email Sally Carlson.
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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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