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November 11, 2012
Encinal PTO / La Organizasión de Padres y Maestro
Boletin en espanol - haga clic aqui
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Principal's Spotlight on Learning
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Dear Encinal Families,
 I wanted to highlight two wonderful examples of students engaging in authentic writing this week.
First, at the classroom level, some of our fourth graders developed a way that students could honor their peer's writing based on mini lessons they learned in class. Students created awards such as the "Epic Ender", "Daring Descriptor", "Dialogue King", "Leader of Leads", "Master of Detail", "Queen of Humor", and "Vocab Victor" to name a few. After a peer review process, students presented each other with one of the writing awards. Students felt that their writing was honored and enjoyed receiving feedback from their peers.  At the school level, the Eagle Express Post Office officially opened for business last week! Eagle Express is our student-run campus post office and strongly supports our continuing efforts to increase student writing in an authentic way. The 2nd and 3rd grade students scheduled to work in Eagle Express this year were required to complete an application, test, and job interview, before they were assigned to a postal staff position. Jobs in the Eagle Express post office mimic a traditional post office: Post Master, Facer, Canceller, Nixie, Sorter, and Letter Carriers. Students learn the individual parts of a system and how those parts, when put together, make a whole system. This past Monday the Menlo Park Post Master was present at our "Swearing In Ceremony" for the 2012/2013 postal staff. As part of the official opening of the Eagle Express, we started our annual "Launch Letter" event this week. Each student in the school has been assigned to write to another, randomly selected Encinal Student. The teachers help support this process in class to make sure that all the letters are completed. Our first delivery will be made on Friday and EVERY student in the school should receive a letter. Most launch letters are written between students that do not know each other. It's a great way to reach across grade levels and help build community here at Encinal. Family and friends outside of Encinal can also use the Eagle Express. Consider sending your child a birthday card or just a greeting to let them know you are thinking of them. The students LOVE to receive mail. For directions on how to use Eagle Express and a list of Classroom Addresses, go to the Post Office page on the Encinal website.
I hope that you will be able to attend our first annual "Be A Student For The Night" this Tuesday November 13th where you will get to experience what your kids do each week in Music, Art, PE, & Library. This "Specialists Night" will be a fun and meaningful way for parents to learn more about the wonderful programs that are supported by your donations to the MPAEF.
Sincerely,
Ms. Burns
sburns@mpcsd.org
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Week at a Glance
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Things to Do
Upcoming Dates
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Meet the Music, Art, PE & Library Teachers,
Tues Nov 13, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Parents, please join Mr. Ashfield, Mrs. Noon, Ms. Healy, Mrs. Bergeron, and Ms. M, our Art, Library, Music and PE teachers, on the evening of Tuesday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. to "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.
Please note this event is for adults only, so do make arrangements for your child.
Questions and to RSVP, contact Stephanie.
Q
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Make Thanksgiving Special For Another Encinal Family
Please Donate Funds For Groceries before November 16th
 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!
Our goal is to collect half of all donations by
Friday, November 16th for the Thanksgiving Drive!
Here is how you can donate:
- Donate online via PayPal, click here.
- 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.
Stay tuned for information on our December Giving Tree program, which provides holiday gifts to Encinal families.
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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.
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Register Now for Winter After-School Activities
After-School Activities for the Winter (January - March) are now open  for registration. Click here to see the upcoming schedule. We have several new vendors and offerings for the new session, including:
- Legos
- Young Rembrandts Art
- Hope Theater
- Dance Expressions
- Speech and Debate
- Yogi Birds
Get more info on scholarship opportunities here.
We Want Your Feedback on After-School Activities
Did your kids participate in After-School Activities this Fall? Please fill out this online survey to give us your feedback so we can continue to improve our programs.
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Visit the Problem of the Trimester Gallery Walk
Monday, November 19 in the Small Multi
 Every trimester all Encinal students participate in Problem of the Trimester, a tiered problem solving experience prepared by the Silicon Valley Mathematics Initiative (SVMI). All students work on solving the same math problem. Each grade works on solving it at their own level, and classmates work together to brainstorm answers. To learn more about this initiative, click here.
The students have created posters to describe how they solved the math problems which will be on display in the Small Multi at the Problem of the Trimester Gallery Walk. Students will visit the Gallery with their classes on Monday, November 19th. Parents are invited to visit with your students during their scheduled time.
The schedule for class visits on Monday the 19th are:
8:20: Mattos and Booth 10:40: Bienaime and McCann
8:30: Callahan and Ward 10:50: Preston and Strohmaier
8:40: Vargas and Ybarrola 11:00: Camper and Best
8:50: Clemo, Meister, & Hatfield 11:10: Walton and Nelson
9:00: Sanchez and Rocha 11:20: Merk
9:10: Jonas and Leff 11:30: Naishtut and Campbell
10:00: Barrera and Mathia 11:40: Collier and Mathias
10:20: Hendrickson 11:50: Napolitani
10:30: Hatfield and Bulkin 12:00: Mar and Chin
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Do You Love Books?
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.
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. |
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Order Your 2013 Encinal Yearbooks Now
2013 Yearbook sales are underway. Order your yearbook now to ensure you have all the memories of the school year!
 Yearbooks cost $25 and scholarships are available. Please see Pam in the office.
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Join the Parent Book Club Reading of Mindset
Please RSVP to attend
Hav e you heard that praise can actually be bad for your kids? Come and learn why and more with Jenny Ryan, MPCSD School Psychologist, and Nicole Scott, MPCSD School Counselor, as we read and discuss
the book Mindset by Carol Dweck (available at Kepler's). This is a book club with 6 meetings. All meetings will take Place at Kepler's Book Store from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday December 5th, Wednesday December 12th, Thursday December 20th. In January, Thursday the 10th, Wednesday the 16th, and Thursday the 24th. Space is limited to 20 people so please email Nicole at nscott@mpcsd.org to RSVP. |
Hooray For Book Fair Volunteers!
 Thank you to the PTO Book Fair co-chairs Lynn Cox and Mary Sapountzis who made this year's event a huge success. Also thank you to Traci Christie who helped on numerous days and doesn't have a child at Encinal this year. We also want to recognize Encinal Librarian Denise Healy who brought every class through the Book Fair. And Thank You to all the families who shopped at the Book Fair and bought books for their teacher's classroom. You made it a great success! A big round of applause goes to:
- Set-up Crew: the co-charis, plus Traci Christie, Edith Besze, Elizabeth Ouren, Felicia Shermis, Jennifer Durden, Katalin Bacsa, Kelly Perri, Maile Creamer, Twyla Cantrell, and Wendy Shindler.
- Book Fair Volunteers: the co-chairs, plus Traci Christie, Rachel Matta, Elizabeth Shane, Martha McCaine, Twyla Cantrell, Katalin Bacsa, Maile Creamer, Kristi Waldron, Edith Besze, Michelle Sutton, Lianne Jemelian, Brenda Kinaan, Chris Scofield, and Karin Heck.
- Take-Down Crew: the co-chairs plus Traci Christie, Jennifer Durden, Katie Ferrick, Maile Creamer, Michelle Sutton, and Neddie Barnett.
Caring & Sharing: Read At Home Project - Thank You! _______________________________________________
A huge THANK YOU for the community support given to the book project for Encinal kids with limited books of their very own at home. The Book Fair Committee reports that 18 complete sets of books from the Caring & Sharing box were generously bought and donated - exceeding our goal of 16 sets! THANK YOU!
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Thank You Family Fun Night Volunteers!
 A huge thank you to Jenn Miller for organizing a super fun family movie night. It was great to see so many Encinal families in PJs and sleeping bags enjoying their time together.
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Walk/Bike/Carpool to School October Raffle Winners
 Congratulations to our Encinal Go Eco October raffle winners: Bella Shermis, Olivia Dutta, Katie Masetti, and Kai Schmidt!
Students can enter a raffle ticket once per day outside the office when they walk, bike, take the bus or carpool to school with one or more children outside of their household. A drawing is held once every month for cool prizes!
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JOIN US FOR THE 3rd ANNUAL MPAEF HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE! November 15th & 16th
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 2-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 all of your favorite boutique vendors, including:
Home and Decor -Bespoke Home, Cover Story, Toss Designs
Holiday Sparkle-Heart on the Wrist, Janet Falkner Designs, m&m bling
For the Fashionista -Bubble, Kicks, Romi Designs
Gather your friends and join us for one or both days:
Champagne & Shopping - Want a sneak peek at the goodies? Join us for appetizers, desserts and champagne for preview shopping on Thursday, November 15, 6:00-9:00pm. Cost is $50 per person and can be purchased at www.mpaef.org or at the door.
In a hurry to shop? Avoid the line by purchasing online to guarantee express entry into the event. The first 200 people to purchase a ticket will receive a goodie bag upon arrival! Tickets are also available at the door the night of the event.
Boutique Shopping - Take your time to cross everyone off your list! Visit our vendors at no admission charge on Friday, November 16, 8:30am-2:30pm. A coffee cart with free espresso drinks will be available for all shoppers.
Reservations for our first Holiday Boutique Brunch & Lunch have been extended. Book online by Monday, November 12 at 9:00am.
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 9:15am, 11:00am or 1:00pm. Tables for 2, 4, or 6 are available on a first come, first served basis. Have a different size party or want to purchase a single ticket? Contact Jenny Sullivan at jensul@comcast.net for seating arrangements. Cost is $50/person for a 2-course meal with unlimited mimosas or wine. Advanced reservations and pre-payment are required at www.mpaef.org.
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Our Thanks to You for Giving Us a Great Head Start!
Wow! We wanted to share that 41% of our families have gotten us 47% of the way to meeting the District's $4 million need. That's a great start to our campaign and one for which our entire community is THANKFUL.
And, to all of our families who have not yet donated or pledged, did you know that:
- Less than 20% of your property taxes go to our schools?
- Six years ago our District received $2.9 million from the State of California, but this year the District expects to receive only $616,458?
- The Foundation grant is more than five times the amount our District receives from the State?
- One out of every six teachers is funded by the Foundation grant?
During this month of giving, please take a few moments to make a gift that will materially impact your child's educational experience. Your gift matters!
Donate Now
Pledge Now to Give Later
Set Up A Monthly Payment Plan
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Local Community News & Events
For complete listings click here
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New Community Listings
For full listings, click here.
Community Events & Speakers "The Ghost Train" from the Hillview Drama Department, November 15-17, Hillview Middle School PAC, 1100 Elder, Menlo Park. General/Adult $10.00 and Student/Child $8.00. Advance online ticket purchase is recommended: www.hillviewdrama.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, as available. "The Nutcracker" - Western Ballet Company Dress Rehearsal, Friday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m., Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma, Menlo Park. The Western Ballet Company will perform a dress rehearsal of their stage production that is absolutely FREE for everyone. Friends of the Menlo Park Library Mini Book Sale, Sunday, December 2, 12 to 4 p.m., Downstairs Meeting Room, Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park. Beautiful gift quality books for the entire family will be featured. All proceeds benefit the Menlo Park Library and the Belle Haven Library.
"Twas the Night Before Christmas" p resented by Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance. Performances at Woodside Performing Arts Center at 1pm and 4pm on Sunday December 9th, Saturday December 15th, and Sunday December 16th. Tickets available at www.twasthenight.org or by calling 650-323-5292. Come support Encinal dancers including: Angelina B., Cecily P., Charlotte S., Helena H., Henry S., Isabelle B., Jemma S., and Talya D.
"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.
Sports, Classes, and Other Opportunities
FREE Kuk Sool Won Family Safety Workshop, Saturday, November 17, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Arrillaga Family Rec Center at Burgess Park in the Oak Room. Safety topics include fire, earthquake, poisons, bike, skateboard, car, stranger, and internet. Call 650-787-2226 to reserve space.
Newton Center Day Camp for Grades K-7, December 26-28, and January 2-4, 8 am to 6 pm, Menlo Park First Baptist Church, 1100 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park. Join us at Newton Center for fun and games, arts and crafts, science and sports, music and laughs. For information or to enroll your child, please download this form.
Ragazzi SingFest, Saturday, January 19, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Redwood City just west of El Camino and Broadway. Ragazzi, celebrating its 25th Anniversary, will host our annual SingFest 2013, a free half-day music camp for boys ages 7 to 10. Call 650-342-8785 to reserve a space for your boy.
Palo Alto Soccer Club 2013 Team Formation, Late November - Early December Palo Alto Soccer Club is a competitive soccer club with 40 teams ranging in age from U8 to U18. Teams participate in both the CCSL (CYSA) and Norcal Premier leagues. Download flyer here.
Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto. We are looking for parents interested in volunteering one hour per week to help teachers with tutoring in a K-4 classroom in the Ravenswood District. Assist teachers with tutoring and individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's classroom. To sign up or ask questions, contact Sharon Purcell or Carolyn Blatman.
Stanford University Autism Spectrum Disorder Study - Subjects Needed. We are recruiting children with ASD and typically developing children (ie. children without a diagnosis of ADD, ADHD, Asperger's, ASD, or any other psychiatric illness) between the ages of 8 and 21. US Citizens only.
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
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Encinal PTO Communications
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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.
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Join the PTO Mailing List - Text "SUBSCRIBE" to 42828
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