|
|
 
November 4, 2012
Encinal PTO / La Organizasión de Padres y Maestro
Boletin en espanol - haga clic aqui
|
|
Remember To "Fall Back" One Hour Today!
|
|
Principal's Spotlight on Learning
|
|
Students Design Robots to Assist Principal Burns!
Over the last two months, our 3rd-5th graders have been creating robots in art class. Why, you might ask? The goals for the students in this art lesson were:
- Practice empathy and get to know me, their new principal, a little better
- Work collaboratively and three-dimensionally as a preview for their use of Imagination Playground
- Use the Design Thinking process, a problem solving method - or some might say a problem finding method - that was developed at Stanford University. Stanford's Design school, aka the d.school, trains people from all fields to work collaboratively and creatively on a variety of problems. Ask your students about the steps in the design process: 1. Empathy 2. Define 3. Ideate/ Brainstorm 4. Prototype 5.Test
Encinal artists began the robot project in September by watching a video interview of me to learn more about my daily life with my two year old son, Jack. Students then brainstormed and worked either individually or in groups to build robots that would help make my life easier at home. Student grappled over the role of the robot. Should the robot take care of and play with Jack or should it do the housework so I would have more time with my son? I thought it was very perceptive of the kids to think in this way. Many groups agreed the robot should do the chores so I could have more family time.
 Here are some examples of the creative prototypes the students developed:
-Toothbrushing robots- these robots automatically brush Jack's teeth. One even is designed like dentures that you place in his mouth and it does the job for him.
-Sprinkler robot- waters lawn while playing with Jack and letting him enjoy the watering process in a safe & productive way.
-Nannybot- takes care of Jack (changes diapers, brushes teeth, gives him a bath.)
-Driver robot - takes Jack to daycare; some fly when traffic is bad.
-Emailing robot- checks your email, has TV screen to show emails and actions it has taken.
-Mr. Burns robot- sends a robot out of town to do Mr. Burns' job so she can be home with family.
-Discobot and Dog Robot - entertain Jack. The last step was to test. I brought some of the robots home and put them to the two-year old test. Jack certainly enjoyed exploring the robots! A short video of Jack playing with one of the robots was sent back to students as a closure to this project. A big thank you to Ms. Noon for introducing our students to design thinking, and for bringing the Imagination Playground to Encinal for all students!
Sincerely, Sharon Burns
|
|
|
Week at a Glance
|
|
Things to Do
Upcoming Dates
|
|
The Book Fair is Here!
Nov 2-9 in Small Multi
 It's that time of year! The Encinal PTO is hosting the annual Book Fair Friday, Nov 2nd - Friday, Nov 9th We are working with BananaSeed, Inc. again this year to offer lots of great titles in English and Spanish. Please plan on stopping by the fair and don't forget, books make great holiday gifts!
Ms. Healy is bringing all students to the fair during their regularly scheduled library time. Families are welcome to join students at the fair and browse together. Don't forget to help your teacher by shopping from their wish list boxes.
Caring & Sharing "Read At Home Project" Also, please check out the special box by the checkout, which is part of a project to start a home library for 16 Encinal students who have limited access to books of their very own at home.
All proceeds will benefit the library and literacy programs at Encinal. See you at the fair!
Book Fair Hours of Operation
Fri Nov 2: 8am-4pm
Sun Nov 4: 2pm-5pm
Mon Nov 5: 8am-4pm
Tue Nov 6: 8am-4pm
Wed Nov 7: 8am-4pm
Thu Nov 8: 8am-2:30 pm & Family Movie Night: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Fri Nov 9: 8am - 12pm
|
Family Movie Night!
Thursday November 8, 6:00-7:30pm
Put on your PJs, bring your sleeping bag and come and enjoy a free showing of "How to Train Your Dragon" in the Encinal large Multi. The Book Fair will be open late to allow you to shop before or during the movie (just bring an adult to be with your kids in the movie, please!) Popcorn and drinks will be served. Don't miss the fun!
|
Help Sell Encinal Spirit Wear During Book Fair
 Please consider volunteering 30 minutes of your time to help the Encinal Spirit Wear Team during the Book Fair on Sunday, 11/4, between 1-5pm or on Thursday, 11/8, between 4:30-8pm. Help with setting up the Spirit Wear table display, selling Spirit Wear, or help break-down the Spirit Wear table during the Book Fair.
If interested, please sign up here to choose the time slot(s) that work for you. It's really fun and it's easy to help before or after shopping! Thank you!
|
|
Make Thanksgiving Special For Another Encinal Family
Please Help Provide Funds For Groceries
 The Encinal PTO's Caring & Sharing Committee is now collecting gift cards and donations to help families in our district have happy Thanksgiving and December holidays. Over 50 families will benefit. Our goal is to provide a Thanksgiving/Holiday grocery gift card to each of our families in need. Please help make the drive a success!
Here is how you can donate:
- Put a check or cash for the Encinal PTO in an envelope marked Caring & Sharing Thanksgiving/Holiday drive in the box in the Encinal office.
- Drop off gift cards for Trader Joe's or Safeway (any amounts) in the box in the Encinal office.
- Donate online via PayPal, click here.
Stay tuned for information on our December Giving Tree program, which provides holiday gifts to Encinal families.
|
Take A Trip to Lost & Found
Items left after Nov 9 will be donated to local shelters
Ever wonder what happened to your child's jacket that's been missing for a few days? As this picture shows, there are LOTS of jackets and other items just waiting to be found in Encinal's Lost & Found.
All Lost & Found items have been laid out across tables in front of the Small Multi and on the Kinder play yard.
If items are not collected by Friday, November 9, they will be donated to local shelters. Please make a point to visit Lost & Found next time you're at school.
|
Reminder to 3rd-5th Grade Basketball Players
Mandatory Player Evaluation this week
 For those who registered to play Encinal Basketball, don't forget to attend your Manditory Player Evaluation day this week!!
|
|
Meet the Music, Art, PE & Library Teachers, Tues Nov 13, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Please join us on the evening of Tuesday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. as our Art, Library, Music and PE teachers let us "walk in the shoes of our kids." The Encinal specialist teachers have planned a fun, hands-on, interactive night that will allow parents to see what our kids experience every day here at Encinal. All Encinal parents are encouraged to come meet their children's teachers. Come see your donations at work at Encinal.
Please note this event is for adults only, so do make arrangements for your child.
Questions and to RSVP, contact Stephanie.
Q
|
|
Traffic Safety Tip #19
Please Review Student Drop-Off Procedures
An Encinal student was injured on Middlefield Road last Thursday. The student was biking down Middlefield toward Encinal Ave and a car pulled in front of him onto the shoulder. Kids in the car opened the door into his path and he crashed, suffering a neck injury. Fortunately the cyclist was not seriously hurt, but the driver of the car did not stop to help. This is very unsafe for everyone involved.
Do not drop off on Encinal or Middlefield Roads. Please use the drop-off lane on school property or park where it is legal to do so and let your students out where they are out of the path of bicycle and car traffic.
Encinal (and all schools in the district) have drop-off procedures designed to keep all students, parents and staff safe during times of high congestion. Please review them here on our website, call the school, or contact Kathy Schrenk if you have further questions.
|
Attention Bikers: Free Yellow Safety Vests Available
Pick them up in the office now while supplies last
 As Principal Burns mentioned in her safety message last week, the Police Department has donated several yellow safety vests for Encinal students who bike to and from school. It is important for all bikers to wear vests to ensure they can be seen by drivers.
There are a limited number of vests available. Please come by and pick them up from the office. They will be handed out on a first come, first served basis.
Questions? Please Contact Transportation Safety Coordinator Kathy Schrenk.
|
New Website to Connect Car/Bike/Walk-poolers
 If you've ever wanted to walk, bike or carpool to school with someone in your neighborhood, but aren't sure how to get started, we have exciting news for you! The district is working with carpooltoschool.com to provide an easy and safe way to connect with nearby familes and get to school together.
Questions? Please Contact Transportation Safety Coordinator Kathy Schrenk.
|
Volunteer Book Menders Needed
 Nothing makes us happier than to see our children's faces light up with the joy and excitement of finding and reading their favorite books. However, these beloved books do become worn and torn over time. Repairing these books allows them to continue to be enjoyed over and over.
Do you love crafts? Then, this is the job for you. Working in groups, you will repair paperback and hardback books suffering from torn pages and broken spines, corners, binding and covers. No experience is necessary. Training and supplies will be provided. Menders from all schools in the District meet and work together at Hillview. It is a great way to meet other parents while ensuring that our children will continue to enjoy their favorite books at the Encinal Library. Want to Help? Questions? Please contact Lianne Jemelian, Encinal PTO Library Coordinator. |
After-School Activities: Your Feedback Needed!
We are always working to improve the after-school activities offered at Encinal to make sure they are meeting the needs and interests of our students.
Please take 5 minutes (or less) to fill out this online survey about our after-school activities.
|
District Directories Have Arrived
Please Provide Any Updates or Corrections
 You should have received a copy of the MPCSD Directory that was sent home last week with your youngest child in the district. The data in the Directory comes from the PowerSchool Program. PowerSchool is populated with information from district registration forms filled out by parents. Parents were asked to update or verify that information over the summer through the InfoSnap website.
If the information printed in the directory is incorrect, or if you're not listed in the Directory and wish to be, please email Registar@mpcsd.org. The corrections will be made in the PowerSchool database and you will be asked to verify them next summer.
Thanks to John Kelly and Blackstone Discovery for their continued outstanding service in publishing the District Directory!
|
Girls Leadership Institute Workshop (4th & 5th Girls)
Mondays - Nov 5, 19, 26 & Dec 3 6-7:30pm @ Oak Knoll  Due to popular demand, Oak Knoll is once again hosting Girls Leadership Institute workshops this Fall and Spring. Encinal 4th & 5th grade girls and their parents are invited to attend these sessions. Register now, as spaces fill quickly! 4th and 5th grade girls and their parents can come have fun and learn important skills for managing and expressing emotions, developing healthy relationships, using conflict as an opportunity for change and being true to themselves. Who: 4th/5th Grade Girls and one parent When: November 5, 19, 26 and December 3 Time: Workshops will meet from 6-7:30pm Location: Oak Knoll School Library Cost: $195 per parent-daughter pair (financial aid is available). To register, click here. Please note: a 2nd/3rd grade program is being scheduled for the spring term.
|
|
Thank You For Supporting the One Warm Coat Drive
 The Girl Scout troops would like to thank the Encinal Community & the Encinal PTO's Caring & Sharing committee for supporting the One Warm Coat drive!
A total of 160 coats were collected. These coats will help serve Haven House & the PTO to help everyone stay warm this winter!
|
Test Your Knowledge of Menlo Park History
- What year was Menlo Park incorporated?
- How did Menlo Park get its name?
- What was the name of the first school in the Menlo Park District?
- What year was the first PTA formed?
Find out these answers and more in this wonderful summary of our community history on the District website.
|
We're Giving Thanks...For Your Support
November is the month for giving thanks. On behalf of all the children who attend our schools, thank you to the 705 families who have donated or pledged to date! This is 40% of our District families and together they have given $1.84 million to support our schools. We are also grateful for the $36,000 that has been contributed by our neighbors, friends, extended family, local businesses and realtors. All of this is a great start towards meeting the District's $4 million need.
If you are one of the 1,078 families who hasn't yet donated or pledged to the Foundation, please join us this month by giving to the Foundation. Your gift will bring us one family closer to our goal of 80% participation and one step closer to meeting this District's need. It has never been easier to support our schools:
|
Get a head start on your holiday shopping and help support our schools with a stop at the 3rd annual MPAEF Holiday Boutique, November 15 & 16. This two-day event is being held at the beautiful Allied Arts Guild at 75 Arbor Road in Menlo Park and will have gifts at every price point for everyone on your list. Choose from home and decor items, selections from unique jewelry designers, fashionable gifts and edible treats! For a complete list of vendors, please visit www.mpaef.org.
Choose from three different ways to shop 'til you drop:
- Champagne & Shopping -- Want a sneak peek at the goodies? Join us for champagne, appetizers and desserts and preview shopping on Thursday, November 15, 6:00-9:00pm. Cost is $50 per person and can be purchased at www.mpaef.org (see right side of the web page) or at the door. The first 200 people to purchase a ticket will receive a goodie bag upon arrival at the event!
- Boutique Shopping -- Take your time to cross everyone off your list! Visit our vendors for no admission charge on Friday, November 16, 8:30am-2:30pm. A coffee cart with free espresso drinks will be available for all shoppers.
- Brunch or Lunch at the Blue Garden Cafe -- Gather your friends and add some great food to your shopping experience! Seatings are available on Friday, November 16 at 9:15 am, 11:00am, or 1:00pm. Tables for 2, 4, or 6 are available on a first come, first served basis. Cost is $50/person for a two-course meal with unlimited mimosas or wine. Advanced reservations and pre-payment are required by November 8 at www.mpaef.org (see right side of the web page.)
|
|
Local Community News & Events
For complete listings click here
|
Get your tickets now for 'Twas the Night Before Christmas presented by Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance and reviewed as a "charming alternative to the Nutcracker."
Performances at Woodside Performing Arts Center on Sunday December 9th, (1:00pm and 4:00pm), Saturday December 15th, (1:00pm and 4:00pm) and Sunday December 16th, (1:00pm
Encinal dancers include: Angelina B., Cecily P., Charlotte S., Helena H., Henry S., Isabelle B., Jemma S., and Talya D.
|
Don't Forget Election Day is November 6th!
Given the upcoming election, many teachers will take the opportunity to teach their students about democracy, voting and elections. You can help enrich this classroom work by taking your child with you to your local polling place. Create a lasting, meaningful memory and take your children when you vote.
If you are interested in learning more about some of the statewide propositions that may affect our public schools, here are two nonpartisan resources that you may want to check out:
- For the KQED nonpartisan guide to Props 30-40, click here.
- For EdSource's infographic comparison of Prop 30 and 38, click here.
|
|
New Community Listings
For full listings, click here.
Community Events & Speakers
"Beauty and the Beast Jr." at Peninsula Youth Theatre, November 10-18, Mountain View Center for Performing Arts. For tickets and more information, click here.
Big Band Dance at Menlo-Atherton High School, Saturday, November 17, 7-11 pm, Ayers Gym, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. Come swing and sway to the sounds of the M-A's student music ensembles. Admission includes dance lessons and a fabulous auction. Tickets and more information available here.
Children's Holiday Tea, Sunday, December 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please join the Holbrook-Palmer Park Foundation Atherton Dames for their annual Children's Holiday Tea, where children will enjoy a visit with Santa, a holiday themed puppet show and craft activity. For more information please visit www.athertondames.org.
Shakespeare's The Tempest at Menlo-Atherton High School, October 26-November 2, M-A Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton, Friday, October 26, through Saturday, November 3. Adults $12, Students/Seniors $8.
Sports, Classes, and Other Opportunities
E-books from the Menlo Park Library, You can pick up an information sheet at the library to help you get e-books for your particular e-reader or you can try it yourself using the e-services link from the library's web page here.
Holiday Camp Menlo, Open for registration! Holiday Camp Menlo offers professional swim instruction in a fun-filled camp format for all levels, ages 5-10. Camp available Monday, November 12 (Veterans Day), December 26-28, January 2-4, and Monday, January 21 (MLK, Jr. Holiday). Register today at www.campmenlo.com
|
|
Encinal PTO Communications
|
This email and the Encinal School web site are delivered to you by the Encinal PTO Communications committee. For more information about Encinal School, please visit www.encinalschool.com.
|
Join the PTO Mailing List - Text "SUBSCRIBE" to 42828
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Need to report an absence or tardy? Click 
