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Weekly Post
September 3, 2013
Superintendent's Message

Dear Families, 

 

One great week down, many more to go. What a treat it was to be in every classroom the first couple of days of school, visiting with students and supporting out staff. I take this role very seriously and our teachers have been so inviting and welcoming, and our staff expects to see me frequently. Thank you for attending the Ormondale Back to School Night, for those of you with elementary students, and I look forward to meeting others of you at the Corte Madera Night in a couple of weeks.

 

Here in PVSD, our teachers have started to implement the new Common Core State Standards, with a focus on critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. We started this switch from the old California standards during the last school year, in order to ensure our students were prepared for the 2013/14 school year's new standards and then the new Smarter Balanced Assessment that will be used the 2014/15 school year in California and many other states. Did you know? Our teachers spent a week of learning in June.

 

Across the nation and in Portola Valley, we are developing many ways to measure these skills. Multiple measures are used to understand student learning levels and engagement. The California Standards Test (CST) is one metric to measure student performance. Unfortunately, the CST does not measure the shift we are making toward the new Common Core, which is a major focus in PVSD and a notable component of our new Strategic Plan. We will expect that students demonstrate more of the thinking, communicating, and world connections, building their resiliency to take risks and learn from them, while learning to better collaborate with others.

 

In an effort to better communicate and share in decision-making, we are sharing the "how" of the new strategic plan, please feel free to tap into one of our presentations or sharing events: the School Board Meeting on September 11th, the School Board Meeting on October 2nd, and the PTO Meeting. We'll be sharing here in the Weekly Post, a district email alert, and hope to have a couple more opportunities for feedback. Please note that this plan was collaboratively designed through a year-long process. We have some flexibility with goals and timelines in certain areas, but the specific guiding principles have been adopted.

 

I would also like to share that we are currently in a search for a new Chief Business Officer (CBO). For the last 16 months or so, PVSD has been blessed with the leadership of Sandra Lepley, who has served in an Interim role. She will be greatly missed, as the stability and trust she has brought back to PVSD is beyond quantifiable. We are confident that the teachers, classified leaders, administrators, board members, and parents who have helped us narrow down desired leadership characteristics and who will serve on the panel to select the new CBO will identify a qualified leader to help us move forward.


Lisa Marie Gonzales, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Portola Valley School District
In This Issue
Safe Routes to School
Family Workshop on Nature Journaling
eScrip and Amazon.com
PTO Needs Your Help
PTO Fundraiser
Kevin's Corner
ORM: BTS Picnic
CMS Principal's Message
ABC Language at CMS
Cameron J. Finalist in Broadcom Masters Competition
After-School Sports at CMS
Choice Lunch Needs Your Help
CMS: BTS Picnic
Community Section
This Week's Calendar
Ormondale * Corte Madera * District
Mon, September 2
Labor Day: No School
Tue, September 3 (B) 
ORM K Parent Recess Orientation, 9:30 am
 
Joint Priorities Meeting
CMS, Room 102, 5:30 pm
Wed, September 4 (A) 
PTO Leadership Breakfast 8:30 am
 
School Board Special Session
CMS, Room 102, 3 pm
Thurs, August 5 (B) 
Fri, September 6 (A)
CMS 4/5 Cocoa Breakfast
7:30 am

ORM Back-to-School BBQ
5 pm
Weekly Post Reminders: 
To submit an article to the Weekly Post, please send it to [email protected].  Deadline is Thursday at noon.  See the PVSD website for more information

Safe Routes to School Announcements
Promoting less traffic, lower emissions, active and healthier kids, 
and school spirit


UPCOMING EVENTS
  • Ormondale Bike/Walk to School -- Wednesday, September 11
  • Corte Madera Bike/Walk to School -- Friday, September 13
  • ORM All-School Traffic & Bicycle Safety Assembly -- Wednesday, September 11
  • Corte Madera All-School Two-Day Bike Rodeo (all classes will rotate through the Bike Rodeo during their regular PE class time) -- Thursday, September 12-Friday, September 13
  • Third Grade Bike Rodeo @ Ormondale -- Tuesday, September 24
If you are interested in volunteering for Ormondale Bike/Walk to School events along with your child(ren), or if you are able to help with the Third Grade Bike Rodeo, please contact Kari Rust, [email protected]. Thank you!

NEW BICYCLE LEADERSHIP AND SKILLS COURSE
This is a unique opportunity for middle school students to be part of a club of youth cyclists, to develop advanced bicycle skills, and to become bicycle ambassadors here in Portola Valley. Students will learn road and mountain bike riding skills and safe riding habits from certified League of American Bicyclists instructors. Also offered as part of the course will be bicycle maintenance, mapping out safe routes, nutrition, and specific drills and games.

Course Details
Six week course available to all 6th-8th graders (limited to 20 students)
Mondays 3:05-4:30 pm
September 16-October 28
Corte Madera School
Offered free of charge

Sign up through: http://www.smcoe.k12.cq.us/sr2s, or sign up at the Corte Madera School Office.

NEW BIKE RACKS COMING!
Thanks to the continued funding from San Mateo County Office of Education, both schools will have new bike racks arriving in September. Look for expanded bicycle parking on both sides of the school at Corte Madera, and watch for the new bike rack for parents at Ormondale. And for the first time ever... skateboard racks will be arriving at Corte Madera too!
Save the Date for a Family Workshop on Nature Journaling

with John Muir Laws

 

PVSD and the Innovations in Education Group are pleased to announce our first event of the school year on September 19th.  PVSD will be hosting John Muir Laws, an artist, naturalist, author, educator and leading proponent of nature journaling for a day of scientific observation and investigation of our local flora and fauna.  Students at both Corte Madera and Ormondale will participate in nature journaling activities during their school day.  Parents will then have the opportunity to join John and their children at 3:30 on September 19th at Ormondale for a family workshop on nature journaling. 

For any parents looking to get more involved, teachers will need classroom helpers during the school day on September 19th to help students with their nature journaling activities.  Parent volunteers will need to attend a teacher and volunteer training session with John on Wednesday, September 18th from 1-2:30 at Ormondale, or from 2:25 - 3:15 at Corte Madera.  
Please contact Sally Aalf at [email protected] if you'd like to help. 
eScrip and Amazon.com Shopping Program
Each year the Portola Valley Schools Foundation pays for classroom supplies for every student in the district using funds raised through the eScrip and Amazon.com programs.  All you need to do to help is to go to www.escrip.com and register your credit cards and Safeway Club Card (if you have one).  Please make sure to direct donations to the Portola Valley Schools Foundation.  
 
Your direct purchases at Amazon.com also support our programs, teachers, and children.  You simply go through the  pvschoolsfoundation.org link to Amazon, sign in with your own account, and shop!  Portola Valley Schools Foundation will receive a minimum of 4% of every purchase made through this method and, aside from the extra click, you should see no difference in your shopping experience.
PTO Needs Your Help
We have a few PTO Leadership Positions for the 2013-2014 school year in which we are seeking additional parent help. Please see the description below and let us know if you are interested.

 

Student Directory Assistant:  No meeting attendance required.  This is a two year position.  This position is responsible for partnering with the current Directory lead to import student contact information, acquire advertising for the Directory and coordinate distribution of Directories when they come in; will train to take over the Directory lead role the following year. The majority of the work is done in late August and September.

CMS Cultural Arts Coordinator: Propose cultural events to the PTO and the Dean of Student Life and Student Activities, which provide student enrichment. Submit events to the Weekly Post.

CMS Staff Appreciation Week Coordinator: This position is responsible for coordinating with Head Room Parents to plan and recruit volunteers for a wonderful week of events to honor our teachers and staff March 16 - 21, 2014.

 

If any of these positions interest you or if you have any questions, please contact Sharon Shaffer at [email protected]  or Heather Asborno at [email protected]
Shop at Village Stationers
SUPPORT AND HELP OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS
 
Shop at Village Stationers and they will give $$$ back to the Portola Valley-PTO!!
 
Village Stationers will give back 10% of total purchases (not including sales tax) made between August 1st-September 30th.
 
When paying, just mention you are from (or supporting) Ormondale and/or Corte Madera Schools.
 
Store Locations:
719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park
310 South California Ave., Palo Alto
220 Main Street, Los Altos
 
Some PTO sponsored activities include:  Cultural Art Assemblies, Back to School Picnics, Sports Fairs, Cocoa Breakfasts, BBQ Lunches, TB Tests, Years of Service Regonition, Founder's Day, Emergency Preparedness, Back to School Packets, Turkey Trot and Family Bingo Night.

Ormondale Home
Kevin's Corner: Ormondale Principal's Message

Dear Families,

 

Thank you for your efforts to support a wonderful start to the school year.  It is great to have our students back on campus.  The class communities are set up, new learning has started, friendships are being developed, recess games are getting organized and there are lots of smiles and laughter!

 

We appreciate everyone's effort to create a safe drop off and pick up routine at Ormondale School.  Please remember to use the colored name cards for each car you drive for the pickup time.  This will help to create a smooth and safe dismissal.

 

At Back-to-School Night you had the opportunity to visit your child's class and learn about the class, the curriculum and the rituals and routines that will lead to a successful year.  I hope that you were able to sign up for a few volunteer events. Our students and your kids love to see their parents at school.  If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher and they will get back to you.

 

We have a couple of very exciting events in the coming weeks.  We hope that you can join us for all events.  

 

The first event is our PTO-sponsored Back-to-School BBQ on Friday, September 6th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  BBQ is provided by PTO.  Bring your own blanket, drinks and a side dish to share.  Please join us for a fun family night.  

 

The second event is on Thursday, September 19th and is called Nature Science Investigation with Jack Muir Laws.  The students, staff and volunteers will participate in nature journaling activities during the school day, followed by a free nature journaling family event, led by Jack Muir Laws, in the afternoon from 3:15 to 4:45. Watch for more information coming home soon.    

 

The third event is on Friday, September 20th from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and is our Telescope Celebration.  Come see our newly installed telescope and find out what it can do! The Portola Valley School District and the Cork Institute of Technology invite you to a community reception at Ormondale School.   You can find more information at https://ormtelescope.eventbrite.com/.

 

We have a number of people to thank for their extra work getting our school ready for a successful start.  I will start with a BIG Thank You to Michelle Bellomo for working with all our parents to organize our PTO and the special events for the year.  

 

Back to School Packets - Thank you to Ericka Garcia, Sharon Shaffer, Karyn Bechtel, Susan McLaughlin, Denise Schectman, Eveylyn Barajas-Luis and Michelle Bellomo.

 

Welcome Coffee - Thank you to Carolina Reyes and Jed Pitera

 

New Family Welcome -  Thank you to Jill Horn and Lauren Benz

 

Kindergarten Welcome and Breakfast - Thank you to Simone LaValle, Susan McLaughlin, Jenni Farrell, Wendy McAdam, Becky Long, and a special thank you to Kate Hamel and her family for the extra work with all of the organizing, setup and treats.  

 

We have had a great start to the year!  If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact me at [email protected] or 650-851-1777.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kevin F. Keegan     

Ormondale Back-to-School Picnic this FRIDAY!

Friday, September 6th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Ormondale field and black top.

 

Join us to catch up with old friends and make a few new ones.  Main course of BBQ chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs will be provided by the PTO.  Please bring

1) a side dish to share (to feed 6 people) OR ready-to-eat fruit like sliced watermelon or berries (to feed 6 people)

2) non-alcoholic drinks for your family

3) a blanket or chairs for picnicking.

 

NOTE:  No alcohol is allowed on school property. Also, Ormondale has a Healthy Foods policy so please do not bring sugary treats for sharing (see www.pvsd.net for more details).

 

Questions or wanting to help -- Contact Caroline Krauskopf at [email protected] or Brook Coffee at [email protected].


Corte Madera Home
Michael's Message: CMS Principal's Message 
We're Off To a Great Start!
Our Panthers have had a fantastic start to the school year. Their faces are bright, eyes are wide and minds are already working hard. Thank you to all students, staff and parents for a great opening of the school year!


Middle School (Gr. 6th-8th) Language Arts Supplemental Materials Selection
Supplemental curriculum materials are subject to review and comment from the parent
community following a recommendation for their use by teachers, CMS administration
and the superintendent. The selection below will be available for review in the
CMS library from Tuesday, September 30 - October 3, 2013. Any feedback from the
parent community can be shared with Mr. Corritone through October 3.

Wild Boy, The Real Life of the Savage of Aveyron by Mary Losure, was published in 2013 and received considerable good press. Several students read this book for extra-credit at the end of the 2012-13 school year and liked it very much. It is the "novelistic" non-fiction story of 12-year boy who was found in the forest outside of a French village in the late 1700s and the attempts to civilize him. 

This book can make a significant contribution to our curriculum. Students will read and discuss this book under the ELA/SS theme of society and culture. They will present their own viewpoints on how people in our society are formed and what we do with people who do not fit in. This book supports the common core standards because it contributes to the balance of fiction and non-fiction reading. In addition, its reading level is accessible to all readers."

Visitors
We are so fortunate to have great volunteer support at CMS and being a small school community, we have many, many familiar faces on campus before, during and after school hours. We do, though, need to make sure all visitors check in the front office when coming onto campus during the school day. Please do not go straight to a
student's classroom or locker to deliver lunches, books, binders, etc. Thank you for helping us to make sure we put student safety first and do not disrupt our teacher's instruction and student learning.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Thank you to everyone for driving safely and with courtesy in our driveway/parking lot and in the surrounding community as we have begun our school year. Please remember: 

  1. Drivers need to stay in a single file line and pull completely forward to the next car in front of them before letting students out of the car. 
  2. No passing. Please be patient and stay in line without attempting to pass the car in front of you. It is okay to pass buses when they are parked and loading/unloading students.
  3. Drop-off and pick-up students at the curb only. No drop-offs or pick-ups allowed in the parking areas or on Indian Crossing.
  4. Park your car in a visitor's stall if you will need extra time to load or unload students and their belongings.
  5. Keep all crosswalks clear for pedestrians and staff supervisors.
  6. Use you directional light when pulling into the driveway from Indian Crossing. This greatly helps students using the crosswalk and cars exiting the driveway.
  7. No texting or using cell phones at any time.

Also, please know there is no stopping in the "no stopping" zones at the corner of Alpine and Corte Madera.

Thank you for following these important procedures. Doing so increases efficiency during drop-off and pick-up and ensures the safety for our students, staff and parents.                       

 

Michael Corritone

Corte Madera Principal

ABC Language at CMS 
Dear Parents of 4th and 5th Graders,
 
ABC Languages will be available again this year to provide Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese language program for grades 4 & 5. ABC Languages is a fee-based, outside vendor that provides language enrichment under a facilities use agreement with the District. Their staff are fingerprinted and cleared to work with students. Here is more information on content and how to sign your child up.
 
CONTENT: The languages will be taught through games, play, music and interactive conversation. The textbook and workbook will provide a springboard for interaction with the teacher adding fun interactive content to make the language come alive and promote fun while learning.
 
SCHEDULE:  Wednesdays 12:50-2:10pm at Corte Madera
 
START/END DATES:  September 18th until January 15, 2014
 
GRADES/LEVELS: Total Beginner for grades 4 & 5, Level II for 5th graders who took the same language last school year, or 4th graders with a background in the language
 
TUITION:  $375 + $45 materials fee; total fee of $420
 
HOW TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD:  Click on this link below and fill in your and your child's information: 
 
If you prefer to enroll over the phone, you may reach ABC Languages at 650-204-7908.
 
Interested in learning more about ABC Languages? Check out their website here: www.abclanguagesf.com.
 
John Dean
Director of Learning and Media
Portola Valley School District
7th Grader Cameron J. Finalist in Broadcom Masters Competition

Please join me in congratulating CMS 7th grader Cameron J.! 

 
Cameron's sixth grade science fair project, We're Jammin': Using the Jamming Principle to Construct a Universal Gripper, was recently selected as a finalist in the BROADCOM MASTERS COMPETITION, the nation's premier science, technology, engineering and math competition for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders across the country.
 
Cameron joins an elite group of 30 U.S. middle schoolers awarded an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC next month to compete for awards, and celebrate innovation, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our nation's capital. In addition to experiencing historical sites and organizations that celebrate STEM, the finalists will have the opportunity to visit the U.S. Capitol to meet their elected officials. 
 
"We are inspired by these amazing young top scientists from around the United States," said Rick Bates, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Society for Science & the Public. "We join with our partners at the Broadcom Foundation in rewarding their accomplishments and recognizing their potential". 
 
It is truly an honor for our district to be represented in this prestigious competition. 
 
Suzanne (Chandler) Burrows
CMS 6th Grade Science Teacher
After-School Sports Volleyball and Cross Country at CMS
Registration is due by Friday, Sept. 6th

Volleyball is open to all 4th-8th grade girls.  Cross Country is open to all 5th-8th grade boys and girls.  
 
Cross Country will begin on Monday, September 9th.  Practice and meets will occur on Mon, Wed and Fri.  Mon and Fri practice will be 3:15-4:30.  Practice on Wednesdays will be 2:30-3:45.  Most of the meets will be on Wednesdays, but 2 are scheduled for Mondays.  The meets will take the place of practice on those days. The link to online registration can be found under the Athletics Tab of Ms. Cox's website, or directly by clicking here
 
Volleyball will begin the week of Sept 9th.  Practices will be at Corte Madera and games will be played at the Arrillaga gym in Menlo Park. 
Game days (game times vary and will start between 3:45 and 6:00)
4th/5th-Thursday
6th-Tuesday
7th-Monday
 
Practice days and times:
4/5-Tuesday 3:15-4:30
6th-Friday 3:15-5:00
7th-Wedensday and Thursday 4:30-6:00
 
The link to online registration can be found under the Athletics Tab of Ms. Cox's website, or directly by clicking here.
 
Please contact Kate Cox at [email protected] with any questions. 
Go Panthers!  

Kate Cox  
Athletic Director/Physical Education Teacher
Choice Lunch Needs Your Help at Corte Madera School 
Currently, we do not have enough parents at Corte Madera to staff Choice Lunch this year though, and are asking for your help.  Will you please consider serving lunch one day a week, or every other week (i.e., twice a month).  It only requires about 40 minutes of your time, and in exchange you will receive credit in your Chioce Lunch account for a lunch as well as having the opportunity to be on campus and see your child at lunch time.
 
We are fortunate to again have the Choice Lunch program available for our children. This program allows your child to have a nutritious, balanced hot or cold lunch, which they order on-line with you. Choice Lunch can also provide a make-up lunch for your child, in case they forget theirs at home.
 
If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Leslie or Tanya and let them know.
 
With Thanks,
 
Tanya Hayes and Leslie Kriese Lee
Tanya: 415.420.2815 -- [email protected]
Leslie: 650.530.2372 -- [email protected]
CMS Back-to-School Picnic
Don't miss CMS's Back to School Family Picnic on Friday, September 20th from 5:30 pm-7 pm
 
Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. Amigos Grill will provide burritos.  Our kids will enjoy field games organized by the 8th grade leadership class and music by CMS's own DJ G WAWA.  For questions or to volunteer contact [email protected].  

Community Calendar and Events
Coach Tim's Basketball at Ormondale

Your child will not want to miss this fun class. An exciting and non-competitive introduction to basketball for boys and girls. Young hoopsters will learn the fundamental skills of dribbling, passing and shooting, as well as basic rules, while having a great time. Join High School basketball coach, Tim Bowler, in this dynamic basketball session which will maximize players' abilities.

 
For more information, contact Coach Bowler (650-996-3308) or [email protected].
Redwood National Junior Basketball (NJB) Sign-Ups Are Open

Sign up your son or daughter now!

 

NJB Winter Basketball registration is now open at www.redwoodnjb.org. The Redwood Chapter is starting its 11th season.  We're proud of the positive growth of thousands of kids in our program, and of our NJB alumni continuing to play recreational and competitive basketball.   Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids from 1st through 8th grades.  Come join us this year for a great basketball experience.   

 

We offer a rookie league (D4) for grades 1-2 with the ability to form your own team. There are no boundary restrictions for D4/rookie league.  For grades 3-8 we offer 3 leagues D3 (grades 3-4), D2 (grades 5-6), and D1 (grades 7-8).  D1-D3 utilizes a draft to ensure equality of teams and players must reside in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, or East Palo Alto.  All teams are parent coached and the league provides pre-season coaching clinics.  All Divisions (D1-D4) will play a 9 game schedule plus play-offs.  The season runs from November through February.  Many kids play NJB as well as school ball; it is definitely possible for those who enjoy basketball.  For more details, see the website www.redwoodnjb.org.

 

If you have further questions, please email [email protected].

Alpine Strikers FC - Pre-Competitive Soccer Programs

Alpine Strikers FC is a competitive soccer club based in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside - devoted to player development of the community's future soccer players! The fall season has started and there is still room in the pre-competitive programs for preschoolers and kindergarteners. If your child is excited about soccer and wants to develop soccer fundamentals in a fun-filled environment, please visit www.alpinestrikers.org to register or find out more. 

Great Soccer Starts Here!

Sign-up NOW for Soccer FUN.

Register your Kindergartner now for soccer with AYSO Region 25

 

Kinder league begins the week of September 2nd.  
Boys are Wed 3:30-4:30 at Ormondale  
Girls are Thurs 3:30-4:30 at Ormondale  
Registration is online only at http://www.ayso25.org/
Fee: $135

This year K-league is a soccer academy of small group 3v3 play (age U6) with parent coaches learning to run practice under direction of UK International coaches. K-league is a great way for young kids to make friends and learn a team sport.  
For more information, please go to the website or contact MJ Lee at 
Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots�, a popular enrichment nationwide (at many schools on the peninsula), is back to serve Ormondale Elementary this year.

 

Soccer Shots� is an acclaimed national non-competitive soccer program for children. Through teaching the beautiful game, we aim to develop character, motor skills and teamwork. Our team believes children are invaluable and our goal is simple: to leave a lasting, positive impact on every child we serve. They were awarded '#1 in Children's Fitness' by Entrepreneur Magazine for the second year in a row!

See the Fall Season info below:

Who:      All children K-3rd Grade are welcome to enroll
Where:   On-site -- at Ormondale Elementary (no equipment or cleats needed)
When:    Wednesdays, 12:10 - 12:45pm -- Sept 4 - Nov 20
Cost:      $192 for 12 week fun Fall Season (includes Soccer Shots dry fit jersey & team photo)
How:        Register ONLINE: bayarea.soccershots.org

Contact: [email protected] / 650.260.GOAL 
Creative Art for Young Children

Fall 2013 @ Portola Valley Town Center
Sept.18-Dec. 7th
(no classes Nov.26-30th)

As our seasonal clock ushers in fall...we see little squirrels with bushy tails scurry about collecting acorns for their winter stash. But some...as in the book "Those Darn Squirrels!" steal birdseed from bird feeders. All inspiration for the first of our art projects...drawing furry squirrels, painting acorn loaded oak trees and sculpting clay
bird feeders. Then onto the Art of the Americas, Mola's and Frida Kahlo with paper mache animals and sand painting. What else is in store for us we will just have to wait and see, but we will finish with our ever popular Art Show and the Magic brush.

WED.      1-3:00        3-5 yrs.          $380
THURS.   10-11:30     3-5 yrs.          $330
THURS.   3:30-5:30    K-2nd grade    $380
FRI.       1-3:00         PreK- K          $380
FRI.       3:30-5:30    3rd-5th grade  $380
SAT.      10-12:00     4-8 yrs.          $380
SAT.      1-3:00        4-8 yrs.          $380

Teacher: Jeannie Goldman (650) 851-1914
To register:  contact Portola Valley Town Hall (650) 851-1700...Julia (ext. 200)
reg. forms available @ their office, 765 Portola Rd. or reg. online
(portolavalley.net)

Sign-ups start:  Aug 12th for P.V. Residents...Aug. 26 open reg.  

Cooking Fun for Middle School Students

Sign up now for Fall 2013 Cooking Fun for Middle School Students

@ Portola Valley Town Center Kitchen
  
Class: Cooking Fun: Family Favorites
Have fun cooking with other students. Learn basic cooking skills and kitchen safety tips. We'll begin with family favorite breakfasts and lunches, then move on to dinner and party foods. 
See link below for full class description/recipes names.
  
Note: Corte Madera students can catch the SamTrans bus that runs from Corte Madera to the PV Town Hall after school is dismissed. Please check the SamTrans website for further information about the schedule, fares and discounted tokens.
  
Dates/Times: Mondays 3:30-5:00pm, September 16 - November 25th. (No class Nov. 11). 
Grades: 4th - 8th
Instructor: Linda Ross (650) 996-1311
  
To register: Contact the Portola Valley Town Hall (650) 851-1700, Julia (ext.200), or register online here. Full class details listed at this link.
Brownie Girl Scouts for Ormondale Third Grade Girls

Attention Families of Ormondale Third Grade Girls:

Is your daughter interested in being a Brownie Girl Scout?  Our third grade Brownie troop is planning a terrific year and is open to all third grade girls.  Girl Scouts is all about fun, friendship, personal responsibility, community service, leadership skills, outdoor skills, and achieving goals.  We meet once a month on Wednesday afternoons at Ormondale from 12:05-2:00.  

 

For more information, contact one of the troop leaders, Tricia Suvari at [email protected] or 650-619-7972 or Kristi Travers at [email protected] or 650-465-2579 or come to our first meeting September 11 in Room 7.  We hope to see you there!

Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto

Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto - An Hour a Week Could Change a Student's Life

We are looking for parents willing to volunteer in a K-4 classroom this school year.  Assist teachers with tutoring and individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's classroom, but these classes have no parents helping...no PTA. The schools are located in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park.  It's one hour per week with training starting September 6th. Our organization coordinates everything. To learn more about us, visit www.allstudentsmatter.org.  Have questions or want to sign up?  Contact Carolyn Blatman at [email protected].  
Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory (PVTC)

Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory (PVTC) offers imaginative, challenging THEATRE CLASSES this fall!

 

PVTC's classes are open to students of all skill level, novice to experienced in Pre-K through high school. In addition to teaching acting skills, these classes build self-confidence and encourage collaboration with peers. Each week, students learn about theatre through well-loved theatre games and creative acting exercises. Students also rehearse a short play that is performed at the end of our 8-week session for family and friends. One of the highlights of the performance, in addition to the fact that all students get lines, is using simple costumes, props, & lighting, and performing the play on a real stage.  Our fall theme is "Folktales, Myths, and Legends," so all of our short plays will center on classic stories of adventure and heroism. Thursday classes begin Sept. 5. All other classes begin the week of Sept. 9. Register online at www.pvtc-ca.org . Questions? Email [email protected] 
Dance Expressions 
Come join us for dance at Dance Expressions in Menlo Park! Our brand new dance year starts September 3 with many great classes. Start the year off right and join in on the fun! For a complete schedule, please visit www.danceexpressions5678.com . For more information and placement, please contact Maryanne at [email protected].  
Windmill Preschool 
Windmill School in Portola Valley has a few spaces available in their Pre-K program for children eligible for Kindergarten in the fall of 2013.   Children who are age eligible for 2013-14 Kindergarten, but prefer a preschool program for another year due to summer/ fall birthday may also attend our Pre K program.  The class meets Monday through Thursday from 1-4pm with a 1:8 ratio.  

 

Windmill School is a play-based school designed to focus on children's interest through open - ended exploration. Our classroom opens to a large private playground giving the children access to indoor/outdoor play depending on their preferences. Children are active participants in problem solving and conflict resolution fostering the self - regulation and executive function they need in Kindergarten.

 

If you are interested please contact our director Thankamma Poulose at 650-851-0771 ext. 2#. For additional information please visit www.windmillschool.com.

Wonders Around the World-After-School Science and Nature 
Wonders Around the World

AFTER-SCHOOL SCIENCE AND NATURE

AT THE PORTOLA VALLEY TOWN CENTER


Wonders of nature abound from warm sandy beaches to the frozen poles, and this class will be going around the world to make their discoveries. Using lots of hands-on activities and outdoor explorations, children will learn about rainforests and deserts, oceans and creeks, volcanoes and glaciers, and more.

 

Yvonne Tryce will be the instructor for this enrichment opportunity for kindergarten through third grade children. The fee will be $200 for the entire 8-week session. Fees include both materials and snacks and are due upon registration to reserve a space in the class. You may sign up now at the Town Center offices or on-line at the Town website www.portolavalley.net. If you have questions, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

 

Wednesdays 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13