theotterweekly
Oak Knoll School News
March 6, 2016 
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This Week 


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 (details below)
  • MPCSD Parent Ed: Most Likely to Succeed, Screen Filming and Panel Discussion, 6:30pm, Hillview PAC
Thursday, March 10
  • Science Fair (Grades 4 & 5), 6:00-8:00pm, Gym (details below)
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

Looking Ahead  


Tuesday, March 15 
  • CuriOdyssey Field Trip (Chan, Poole, Jagelka)
Wednesday, March 16  
  • Mission San Juan Bautista Field Trip (Veneman)
  • Walt Disney Museum Field Trip (Kelley, Brewbaker), 8:45am-1:30pm
Friday, March 18
  • Mission San Juan Bautista Field Trip (Fuller)
See the Oak Knoll calendar for more important dates and events 
Carline & Parking Reminders
Dear parents, this is a plea. On a regular basis the Assistant Principal and a group of parents have to put time and thought into reminding parents of transportation safety around school. Most of you follow these rules, however for those who continue to ignore these reasonable safety and courtesy points, please take note. As always, if you have constructive suggestions on improvements, we invite you to contact the administration. :
 
With the increase in rain this season, we have also seen an increase in cars at and around Oak Knoll.  We have 738 students, and multiple modes of transportation (bus, bike, walk, ride) each day; it is important that we prioritize student and family safety regardless of which mode you choose. The parking restrictions and carline restrictions are in place to align with our Safe Routes to School Plan to accommodate our large number of bikers and walkers.

(1) The only carline at Oak Knoll is the one in our driveway. It is important that cars do not stop and wait, or drop off children, in the no parking zones because doing so obstructs our safe routes. We have seen cars dropping off and picking up in the no parking zones on Oak Knoll Lane, White Oak Drive, and Oakfield Lane - these areas are not for dropping off or picking up.

(2) Our carline is not fast. It takes time to safely unload and load the students into cars, so we ask for your patience if using our carline is the form of transportation that you choose. All parents in carline must remain in their cars, and move forward with traffic, not in front of it. If you are using our carline, you may not turn left into the school driveway while coming from Oak Avenue. The carline must be entered from Oakdell Avenue.
 
We have been and will continue to be in touch with the Menlo Park Police Department about violations around our campus that threaten student safety. For more information on the various options for getting to and from Oak Knoll, please visit our School Transportation Page.

Principal Update - Learning with Technology at Oak Knoll
Dear Parents,

As a school situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, in a district focused on what it means to be a 21st Century Learner, the role of technology is top of mind. Technology is everywhere around us, and we want our students to know how to participate responsibly in the digital world, behave safely, and think critically. Given how different the world is for our students, we are now teaching Digital Citizenship, using a program developed by Common Sense Media, to our K-5 students. We are so grateful to have Jonathan Coldoff in his new role as Technology Coach, working to support teachers and help instruct students, because it is imperative that we teach this Digital Citizenship, as well as work to find the best technological tools to not just supplement, but augment, our curriculum. (cont.)
 
Click here to read Mrs. Gracia's full monthly update, this time on Learning with Technology at Oak Knoll.
 
Friends & Family Day
Last Friday was Oak Knoll's 18th annual Friends & Family Day where we hosted over 600 guests who came to visit our Otters and see our amazing school. As always, it was a special day for our community when students got to share their campus and classroom with their special guests.

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Ollie would like to thank the Friends & Family Day Co-Chairs, Alison Matthews, Catherine Dacey, and Elizabeth Lorenz, for doing such a wonderful job organizing and running the morning so that all of our guests felt welcome and enjoyed their visit. And, they couldn't have done it without the help from the parents who volunteered that morning to set up, pick up coffee, check in guests, host the Book Cart, and much more, as well as the assistance from all of our fifth grade ambassadors. Thank you everyone for another successful Friends & Family Day! 
 
Parent Coffee Talk - Attention 5th Grade Parents
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!
 
Science Fair is This Week
Oak Knoll Otters love science! We've had a tremendous response to the Science Fair, with a 33% increase in the number of participants over last year. All in the Oak Knoll community are invited to see our students' interesting and entertaining projects, and learn some science!

Here are the dates of the Science Fair:
Wednesday, March 9: 2nd and 3rd grade
Thursday, March 10: 4th and 5th grade
Location: Oak Knoll gym

Participating students (on the day of their fair):
7:45am-8:10am: drop off / set up displays at gym
6:00pm-7:00pm: present to coaches - closed session for scientists and coaches only

Students, friends and family:
7:00pm-8:00pm: fair opens for public viewing

Parents: we need more coaches! It requires no preparation or background, and it's fun. Listen to students present their projects, ask questions, and provide constructive feedback. Please volunteer by emailing [email protected]. For more information about the Science Fair, visit the science fair website.   
 
MPCSD Parent Ed - Most Likely to Succeed Screening & Panel on Wednesday
The next MPCSD Parent Education Series event is this week! Most Likely To Succeed - Movie Screening and Panel Discussion, Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30pm, Hillview PAC.

You've heard the buzz, now come see what it's all about. Are public schools in need of a drastic overhaul? Where is MPCSD in the continuum of innovation? Join us for a screening of the acclaimed and thought-provoking documentary, Most Likely to Succeed, followed by a panel discussion of education leaders including Assistant Superintendent, Erik Burmeister, Oak Knoll School Principal, Kristen Gracia, and Curriculum and Instructional Consultant and Stanford Lecturer, Sarah Wischnia. Light refreshments provided.  Free onsite childcare available for potty-trained children. Wednesday, March 9, 6:30pm, Hillview PAC.

Check out www.mpcsdspeakerseries.com for details as well as recordings of past speaker events.

After-School Programs Registration Open
Registration is now OPEN for after-school programs at Oak Knoll this upcoming spring session! The classes will run from March 28 - June 10, 2016 (no classes on 4/1-4/8 and 5/30). These enrichment classes are wonderful opportunities for your child to try a variety of new activities and sports, or continue the current classes they have been enjoying so far. Check out the After-School Program schedule to learn more and register for classes. *New classes this spring: The After School Music Academy's ukulele (K-2) and guitar (3-5) classes; Soccer Shots (K-2); Starfire Coding (1-5)* 

Classes fill up quickly, so please register early!
 
Track Registration
Track registration has begun and is open to 4th and 5th graders. The track program will begin immediately following Spring Break on Monday, April 11, and continue through Wednesday, May 18. Track will be every Monday and Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. on the Menlo-Atherton High School Track. Participating schools include Hillview; Oak Knoll; Encinal; Laurel; Woodside Elementary; La Entrada and Corte Madera. There will be a limit of 75 participants for Hillview/Encinal/Oak Knoll/Laurel students.  Cost is $160 per student. Scholarships are available. Registration closes Friday, March 11 or until the 75 spots are filled.
Click here to register.    
 
MPCSD Wellness Fair
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.
 
Hillview's "Debate to Discover" Scrim
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. 

 
Music Man Jr. Tickets on Sale
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.
 
Battle of the Books
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 started 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
 
Seeking Volunteers for Oak Knoll PTO Positions
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.  
 
Attention Incoming Hillview Parents
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.   
 
CDE Release of Student Information
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 
 
Notice to Parents/Guardians: Vaccine Personal Beliefs Exemptions
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 SB 277, please see the Frequently Asked Questions available at www.shotsforschool.org/laws/sb277faq/.

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.
 
MPAEF News
Have you booked your sitter? The MPAEF Spring Event & Auction is coming up on Saturday, April 30.

Throw on your cowboy boots and mosey on down to the MPAEF Saloon (MacArthur Park Restaurant in Palo Alto) for some boot stompin' fun including a western themed dinner, exclusive auction offerings and more!  Tickets go on sale soon so please save the date!

MPAEF Auction Catalog Goes Digital for 2016

Thank you to everyone who made a donation for this year's Silent Auction.  We appreciate your support!

New this year: the auction catalog is going digital as we continue to try and be even more cost effective and environmentally friendly!   

Please watch for links to the digital catalog in upcoming MPAEFnewsletters and PTO newsletters as well as on www.mpaef.org. A limited number of printed catalogs will also be available in each school office. The action is coming soon with the Silent Online Auction running Thursday to Thursday, April 18-22 so mark your calendars now!

Are you interested in helping out with the Auction? Can you help sell raffle tickets, volunteer the night of or have fun ideas for decor? Please reach out to our Auction Team at [email protected].

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Invest in Education Together!
Nominate Someone for the 2016-17 MPAEF Board

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016-17 MPAEF Board. We welcome volunteers from all four schools.
 
There is a place for everyone, so whether your interests are in graphic design, event coordination, communications, campaign leadership, donor stewardship or participating as an ambassador within your school, we'd love to hear from you.
 
Please Nominate Yourself or Someone Else - email Jennifer Dahmus MPAEF Nominating Chair with your nominations by Monday, March 7.

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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!

PLATINUM
Mary and Brent Gullixson, The Gullixson Team - Realtor Partner  

GOLD 
Nathalie de Saint Andrieu - Realtor Partner
Pollock Financial
Chris Lindsey DDS

SILVER
Menlo Partners Staffing

BRONZE
Gould-Jacobson Dermatology
Pacific Peninsula Custom Group

TITANIUM
Bow Wow Meow 
 
Community Sponsored News
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.
 
Hillview Drama Presents The Music Man
Come join the Hillview players as they re-create Meredith Willson's The Music Man, a classic musical comedy with a feel-good vibe. Performances will take place at the Hillview PAC:
  • Thursday, March 17, 3:30pm: This is the student-pizza performance. Tickets are only $5 for students and include a slice of pizza.
  • Friday, March 18, 7:00pm
  • Saturday, March 19, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Click here for tickets.  
 
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, 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.
 
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

Menlo Park Library Friends Need Volunteers
Menlo Park Public Library, 800 Alma St.
We're looking for help on a regular basis (3-4 hours per week for at least 6 months) at the main library. Our volunteers turn 200,000 donated books per year into dollars that support our Library's programs and events. Our Library is a vital community resource for students, alums and parents so please consider joining our team. We offer plenty of training and support, plus flexible hours and a congenial environment. Must be eighteen or older. Call 650-330-2521 or email us for more information.
 
All Students Matter Classroom Volunteers Needed-Note Corrected Link
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.

Newsletter Details
Please submit announcements and flyers to [email protected] for Oak Knoll events. For the Community Corner, send submissions to [email protected].

The deadline for both email addresses is by noon on the Wednesday 
prior to publication dateGuidelines for submission are available online. 

To read past Oak Knoll PTO newsletters, please visit our archives.