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April 21, 2013
Encinal PTO / La Organizasión de Padres y Maestro
Boletin en espanol, haga clic
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Principal's Spotlight on Learning |
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 Dear Parents,
What an exciting week at Encinal last week! Highlights include:
- We experimented with providing equipment out on the blacktop before school. Kids handled the equipment responsibly so we're going to continue doing that during this nice weather.
- We were thoroughly entertained on Friday with over 100 fourth and fifth graders either performing, emceeing, or acting as stage crew for the annual talent show! A special thank you goes to Mr. Ashfield, Mrs. Matthos, and Mrs. Preston for the countless hours in auditioning, practicing and managing this spectacular event.
- And of course nothing can be better than SPINGO (pizza, science, and bingo!) last Friday night - Thank you PTO!
Last week we also helped some of our students navigate some tricky social situations as a number of fifth grade students had found themselves in over their heads with some Instagram account use. Fifth grade teachers spoke with their classes about potential and real issues with these accounts. All fifth graders received a letter to bring home to parents giving a little more detail about the situation and reminding all parents to continue to monitor their child's social media use. (Fifth grade parents be sure to check your child's backpack for this letter!). It's never too early to be aware that our kids are one step ahead of most of us when it comes to the latest way to communicate in the digital age.
Tomorrow will be an exciting day as well as we raffle off prizes for kids who participated in the "Be Seen Keeping it Clean" day last Friday. The live draw will be held on Monday's ENTV announcements so if your child comes home with a scooter or skateboard on Monday - yes they did win it at school!
Lastly, on May 2nd we will be kicking off our one week "Chores for Change" challenge. This will be an optional homework assignment encompassing the themes of compassion and responsibility with a real-world application: helping support people with cancer. A few months ago, one of our own 5th grade Encinal Eagles was diagnosed with lymphoma. He is undergoing treatment and thankfully has a good prognosis. His class stays in contact with him through Skype and we miss him terribly. It is in times like these that we want to give pause and find ways to remind kids that their heartfelt support and power to make a difference is crucial. You'll be receiving some additional detail about this challenge in May but do mark your calendars for the week of May 6th. Since we're not assigning homework that week due to State testing, kids will be available for setting the table, washing the car, or helping an elderly neighbor clean the porch - whatever you and your child decide upon. It is suggested that students earn between $.25 and $2.00 per chore and all the money raised that week will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of one of our 5th grade Eagles.
So, lots going on in the nest! Have a great week everyone, hope to see you at the principal's coffee on Friday, April 26th at 8:30 in the small multi.
Best,
Sharon Burns
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Week at a Glance
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Important Dates
- Apr 21 - Bike Swap at Laurel
- Apr 26 - Principal's Coffee, 8:45am
- Apr 27 - MPAEF Auction
- May 1 - Instrument Selection event for next year's 4th & 5th graders, (evening) time TBA
- May 6 - May 17 - STAR Testing
- May 23 - PTO General Meeting 8:30, Small Multi
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Bike Swap and Rodeo!  Does your child need a new bike? Trade the one he or she has outgrown for the next size up! Bring bikes that your family is done with to the Safe Routes to Schools bike swap and rodeo at Laurel School, Sunday April 21 from noon-3 p.m.
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Star Testing May 6 - May 17
Star Testing for most students takes place between May 6 and May 17. (Students who need to take the test in Spanish will be tested the week before, from April 29 - May 3.) Please take a moment to look at the detailed schedule (click here) and make note of the days your children will be tested. Please be sure they are well rested and have a good breakfast on testing days.
Please also make every effort to avoid scheduling dentist and doctor appointments during your child's Star Testing times.
Click here to view the schedule.
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Two important announcements from Choicelunch
1) Important changes to Choicelunch starting May 1st
In order to be compliant with the new federal food guidelines, we are making some important changes that your children will notice starting May 1st. Snacks Many children will continue to be able to take any snack they like. However, starting May 1st, children will be required to take a snack that has extra protein or extra grain if they order one of the following items: a) For children ordering entres high in grains (macaroni and cheese, pesto pasta, pasta marinara, spaghetti, ravioli, buttered noodles, bagel, veggie burger, rice and veggies, or potstickers), their snack must be high in protein (either string cheese or sunflower seeds.) b) For children ordering entres high in protein (BBQ chicken, herb chicken, chicken tenders, chicken strips, chicken salad, chef salad, noodle soup, meatball soup, beef chili, or shepard's pie), their snack must be high in grain (either a cookie, cheddar bunnies, bunny grahams, or toasted corn.) These children will not be able to choose an additional snack. Cookies Cookies will only be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Audit coming in May Our schools are audited once every 3-5 years, and our next audit is coming up this May. Passing this audit saves the school district $65,000 each year, so it is very important that these changes are implemented. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact parent volunteer Carolyn Bowsher at csbowsher@aol.com.
AND...
2) Happy Earth Day from Choicelunch
April 22, 2013
The celebration of Earth Day began in the United States in 1970.
How will you celebrate? Consider the following ideas taken from Eco Kids: - Schoolyard or Community Clean-Up
- Plant Native Trees and Flowers
- Make Bird Houses and Feeders
- Wear Brown or Green - Admittedly, Choicelunch is partial
How Choicelunch Celebrates Choicelunch is a Certified Green Business. From developing our own eco-conscious hot food tray for school lunch to the introduction of compostable 'baggies', we continue to push the sustainable packaging envelope. This year we partnered with a local CA company, World Centric, who makes a plant fiber tray made from annually renewable resources like sugar cane fiber, wheat straw fiber and corn. On April 22nd, celebrate this bio-based tray at lunch when we serve Chicken Taquitos!
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MPCSD is Hiring a Traffic Safety Consultant
Applications due by April 28th
 The Menlo Park School District is hiring a Traffic Safety Consultant for the 2013/2014 school year to implement efforts to improve traffic safety in all four District schools by reducing automobile traffic and increasing alternative transportation options. This position is funded by a Safe Routes to School Grant. Click here to see the full job description and details on how to apply. Deadline for applications is April 28th.
Questions? Please contact Joan von der Linden, Encinal Vice Principal
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Spring has sprung and it's time to run! June 2, 2013 at 9am
Be a part of the new district-wide Are You in RUN for education on June 2, 2013 at 9am!
After 18 years of success with the Oak Knoll Otter Run, the entire district community of Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll, and Hillview will now come together to raise crucial funds for our community-supported schools.
Register and sign up to be a family sponsor today! See the race website for more information.
(The first 40 families to sign up at the $500 sponsorship level will get their name on the race t-shirt and includes 4 free race entries!)
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Your Input Needed: Transportation Survey
Please take a few minutes to fill out a quick survey about transportation. It's similar to the transportation survey many of you filled out in September -- but with fewer questions this time! This data is extremely valuable to the district's Safe Routes to Schools program. The survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sr2sparent. Questions? Please Contact Kathy, Transportation Coordinator. Thanks in advance for your help! |
New on the Encinal Website: Suggestion Box! Do you have a question? A suggestion or a complaint? Or do you want to give a little compliment to someone that did something special for you or your child? The Encinal website (www.encinalschool.com) has a brand new Suggestion Box. You may leave your name or stay totally anonymous. Come check it out!
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Encinal Shout Outs
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 So Many People to Thank this Week!
Thank you to Michelle Daher for her great work coordinating the Be Seen Keeping it Clean event on Earth Day!
Thank you to our Spingo volunteers who helped put on a great night for our kids!
Thank you to
Mr.
Ashfield, Ms. Matthos, and Ms. Preston and all the students who participated in last week's talent show! WOW do we have some talented kids!
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MPAEF News
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Online Auction for Kids' Items
Available Now Through April 26
The Online Auction is open now and is available to everyone in our school community even if you are not able to attend the spring event on April 27. The online auction is available here and includes the following:
Teacher Events & Adventures (listed by school): Even our teachers are part of the auction action! Be your teacher's biggest fan -- help make sure all his/her items have bids!
Parties & Events for Kids: Whether with your child's specific school and grade or through a larger, inclusive event, kids' parties and events are a great way to build community and raise money for our schools at the same time!
Summer Camps: Behind on making summer plans for your kids? Missed out on their favorite camp because there was no more space? Just want to try something new? The summer camp offerings are here to help!
Browse the Catalog!
Auction items can be viewed on the website or in the catalog! Check out the fabulous donations from parties to getaways to experiences for your kid(s). Take out a highlighter, clear your schedule and start making plans! There is something for everyone in your family, whether it be a day at camp for the whole family, a gourmet meal together, new vintages for your wine cellar, trips far and wide or a trip back to the 80's! It's all here in one place -- all you need to do is decide!
There's Still Time to Buy Tickets!
Haven't bought tickets yet? No worries! Tickets are still available on the auction website through 5pm, Monday, 4/22. And if you miss out on the website ticket sales, walk-in tickets will be available at Dancing through the Decades on Saturday night!
Dancing Through the Decades Details:
Saturday, April 27, Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto
- 6:00 pm Cheers! Champagne and Wine Tasting
- 7:45 pm Dancing Through the Decades Auction
Creative festive attire. All decades welcome!
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Donate to MPAEF's Fund-a Need:
Summer School!
Each year as part of the MPAEF auction event, there is an important district-wide Fund-a-Need focus. This year, whether you are or are not attending the auction, parents are encouraged to help fund the District's summer school program, which serves 170 students in grades K through incoming 8. Many of these students are performing below their peers and additional academic instruction helps enable them to meet grade level standards--something that is beneficial for all students in classrooms next year.
According to Allison Liner, MPCSD Chief Learning Officer: "Our committed efforts to close the achievement gap will have positive benefits for classroom instruction, teacher attention, and provide an overall boost for every student in the District."
Your generous donation to the Fund-a-Need will help the District provide an enriching summer school program and fund critical bus transportation for eligible students between their neighborhoods and the school site.
Donate now, at the event check-in or throughout the auction evening.
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Parent Ed Opportunities
For a complete listing of events,
visit the district's Parent Ed webpage.
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 "Good Enough Teens: Promoting Self-Reliance" Brad Sachs, Ph.D.
Tuesday, April 23, 7:00pm, Crystal Springs Uplands School
Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 pm, Woodside Priory School
Common Ground Speaker Series
With compassion and intelligence, Brad Sachs, Ph.D. returns to our stage to explore the physical and psychological challenges of adolescence. He shares insights and practical guidance to help us enjoy, appreciate and better understand our teens. Dr. Sachs' books include The Good Enough Teen: How To Raise Adolescents with Love and Acceptance and Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult Towards Success and Self-Reliance.
On April 24, he will devote his evening talk to parents of juniors and seniors and present strategies for guiding young adults toward independence.
$20 fee; free for educators.
For more information, click here. |
Keeping Kids Safe
Whether at Home, School, Online Or in the Community, There are Things You Can Do To Protect Your Child! 
Presented by Kidpower When: Tuesday, April 30, 7:00pm 9:00pm Where: Parent's Place, 200 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto Cost: $40
For more information, click here.
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Mark Your Calendar:
"The Culture of Perfectionism"
Thursday, May 2nd, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, M-A Performing Arts Center
Speaker: Ana Homayoun, Author of The Myth of the Perfect Girl and That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week
A Collaborative Event of MPCSD and Menlo-Atherton High School
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Green Kids Conference
Saturday, June 1, 11am-3:30pm, Microsoft Silicon Valley Campus, 1065 La Avenida St., Bldg. 1, Mountain View
This is a conference for children 5 to 18 years old. Come with your family and friends, explore your passsion, and be inspired to take action! Free Admission. Register now at http://greenkidsconference.org/.
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Family Community Service Opportunities
For complete listings click here |
Click here for a list of ongoing service opportunities.
Questions? Know other service projects? Contact Kari Riedel
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Local Community News & Events
For complete listings click here
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Summer Camp Information is Here
Click here and check back often - new camps are being added every week!
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M-A Dance Team Tryouts, (8th graders) Friday, April 26, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the new dance studio at M-A across from the tennis courts. Open to all, this team is a spirit squad and performs at football and basketball games as well as at rallies. Wear clothes you're comfortable dancing in; bring water and a picture of yourself. Contact: Brooke Warren, Dance Team Captain, 650-387-0827.
8th Annual M-A High School Big Bear Run, May 5 at 9:00 a.m. This professionally-timed, fun-filled, 5K race/walk starts at M-A High School and benefits all M-A sports teams. On-line registration is available at active.com and on the M-A Boosters website www.m-aboosters.org. Additionally, new or gently used athletic shores will be collected the day of the race for donation to charities.
Your Career in Gaming, Saturday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m., Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park . Zynga Lead Game Designer and Career Advisor Brice Morrison will talk about careers in the games industry: how games are made, the jobs and people involved, and how you can learn to make your own games at home! Contact: Michelle Burnham 650-330-2530.
Sports, Classes, and Other Opportunities
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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. Just checking to see if anyone reads all the way down here. If so, click here.
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Join the PTO Mailing List - Text "SUBSCRIBE" to 42828
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