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Weekly Post
September 9, 2013
Superintendent's Message

Dear Families, 

 

What a great, warm evening we had on Friday! My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the Welcome Back BBQ at Ormondale. It was all my twins talked about for days ahead of time and I was thrilled to finally have them with me at an event.

 

Our staff meetings last Wednesday focused on staff input into the Strategic Plan and we'll be sharing it with the Governing Board this Wednesday night (round one). The second opportunity for input with the Board will be Wednesday, October 2nd. Please check out the attachments on our district website under District Information/Governing Board.

 

Last week, I met with leaders from the Portola Valley Schools Foundation and continue to be so impressed with our parent leadership, as well as the focus on supporting the Strategic Plan. A new grant cycle just opened for staff to address innovative approaches to their instruction and resource allocation for our new plan. You'll be hearing more about the Endowment Fund in the next few weeks; thank you, in advance, for your support of our students and staff. We can't do this work without you.

 

A huge thanks to Michelle Bellomo, the PTO President at Ormondale, who hosted this year's PTO leaders at her house for the annual PTO Kickoff. I'm finally meeting the faces behind the email addresses I've been corresponding with and it's nice to hear about summer events and how the kids have transitioned into the new year.

 

I just finished up my third round of "Parent Listening Meetings" and was able to accommodate all of you who wanted to meet with me. A focus on communication is evident as we move forward. Many of you have talked to me about technology too. Did you know that almost the entire staff attended three days of personalized, differentiated technology training the week before school started? Our staff was energized to learn and plan together in age-appropriate ways to excite your students.

 

We have a traffic study that will begin in October, but I share that with you now to remind you to "Go Slow In School Areas." This includes in neighborhoods you need to travel through on your way to school in the morning. Please be respectful of all of our neighbors and drive carefully before AND after you drop off your students. Oh...and watch the red zones. I observed tickets being issued in front of Ormondale last week and we have a new Sheriff who is taking traffic enforcement very seriously.

 

Have a great week!


Lisa Marie Gonzales, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Portola Valley School District
In This Issue
Safe Routes to School
PVSF Brochure Night
Value of Nature Journaling
TB Testing
PVSF and Stephen Silver
eScrip and Amazon.com
PTO Needs Your Help
PTO Fundraiser
Kevin's Corner
Article Headline
ORM Art in Action Volunteers
CMS Principal's Message
CMS Dean Shima
CMS Thank You
ABC Language at CMS
Choice Lunch Needs Your Help
CMS: BTS Picnic
Community Section
This Week's Calendar
Ormondale * Corte Madera * District
Mon, September 9 (B) 
PVTA Meeting, 3:30pm
CMS Room 1102
Tue, September 10 (A) 
ORM Parent Volunteer Orientation 8:20am
 
PVSF Board Meeting, 7pm, Annex Building
Wed, September 11 (B) 
School Board Meeting, 7pm CMS Annex
Thurs, September 12 (A)
CMS Bike Rodeo
 
CMS Back to School Night 4/5 5-6:45pm
6/7/8 6-8pm
 
Fri, September 13 (B)
CMS Bike Rodeo

Bike/Walk to School
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
Bike Rodeo at CMS this week! Thursday and Friday during regular P.E. class.
All Corte Madera students please bring a bike, scooter or skateboard to P.E. class on either Thursday or Friday of this week, depending on your P.E. day. Don't forget your helmet and permission slip too. You must have a permission slip to participate.

Bike/Walk to School Day this week
Wednesday - Ormondale Bike/Walk Day. Treats for all participants! Thank you to all our parent volunteers and their families for helping again this year with our efforts.

Friday - Corte Madera Bike/Walk Day. Treats and spirit points for all participants! Ice cream party for the winning grade again this year. Thank you to all the eighth graders for helping again this year with Bike/Walk Days.

Traffic Safety Assembly at Ormondale
K-3 assembly hosted by Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
10:35 am in the MUR

FREE After School Bicycle Leadership and Skills Course
Open to all 6th-8th graders (younger participants are welcome at the discretion of the teaching staff)
Mondays starting September 16th at CMS, meeting at the Annex. Course will include bicycle maintenance, traffic safety, bicycle skills for road and mountain bike riding, and group rides. Information in the CMS front office or contact Kari Rust at [email protected]
Volunteer for the PVSF Brochure Night 9/19!
PVSF AC Logo Help us raise donations by volunteering at Brochure Night.  This event is a great way to make a difference in our schools while enjoying the company of other parents, friends, neighbors, and members of the community in a social setting. The event is held at Alpine Hills on Thursday, September 19th from 6:00 - 8:00pm. A light dinner and beverages will be served.  Please email Beth Gillbrand ([email protected]) or Sandi Engel  to sign up for the event or for more information.  There will also be a sign up sheet at Corte Madera's Back to School Night this Thursday. Thank you for making a difference!
The Value of Nature Journaling

On September 19th PVSD will host 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. Students will be given their own nature journal, and will be encouraged by teachers (and hopefully parents!) to continue nature journaling activities throughout the school year.

 

Why keep a natural journal? Keeping a nature journal develops fundamental science process skills, in particular observation and documentation. A journal is where scientists record and preserve what has been seen, done, and thought in the course of their work, providing reliable documentation of past events. And while we assume we are naturally good observers, learning to really see is a skill that must be practiced and coached. The value of nature journaling can be further extended by encouraging children to ask questions and create hypotheses about what they see. For example, a student might draw a picture of a leaf, and then wonder why the leaf feels fuzzy, and then hypothesize about what purpose this fuzziness serves. Teaching our students to observe keenly, document thoroughly, and hypothesize thoughtfully will hold them in good stead as they progress in their STEAM education.

 

At home, nature journaling is a great family activity and can enrich trips and experiences shared with children. More information about John Muir Laws and nature journaling can be found at  http://www.johnmuirlaws.com/. We hope to see your family on the 19th.

 

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 Aalfs at [email protected] if you'd like to help.

TB Testing
All Ormondale and Corte Madera volunteers must have a negative TB test result from within the last 4 years on file in the office.  You may bring the result from your doctor's office, or you can get tested at Ormondale, on Monday,September 30th.  Tests will be given between 7:30am and 10:00am.  Parents will need to return briefly to Ormondale, on Thursday October 3rd between 7:30am and 9:00am to have the test read.  The cost of the test is $20, check or cash.  For returning parents, you may check with the office if you are not sure if your results are current. If you have any questions, please contact Susan McLaughlin.

Please note, parents that have had the BCG vaccine should NOT have this type of TB testing done, they will test positive for tuberculosis.  BCG vaccinated parents will need to provide a note from their physician stating that they are tuberculin free before they can volunteer. 
Patronize Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry and support our schools!

The PVSF has partnered with Special Patron to the District, Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, to benefit our schools. There are two ways you can participate:

  • Make your jewelry purchases at Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry and 10% of the purchase price will be donated back to the Foundation.
  • Sell your precious metals, diamonds, colored gemstones and watches to Stephen Silver and 10% of the total sale will be donated back to the Foundation.

You private appointment will be at the Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry Salon: 2055 Woodside Road, Suite 200, Redwood City, CA 94061   650-325-9500

 

For additional information, please contact Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry at 650-325-9500 or [email protected].

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.

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

Dear Families,

 

It has been a pleasure to get to know all of the students and their families at Ormondale. I have enjoyed the stories that all have shared and look forward to learning more in the coming months.

 

Each month at Ormondale we focus on a life skill. The first month of school we are focusing on respect. Our teachers are modeling how we act respectfully, our social emotional learning program is helping to teach about respectful actions and our students are practicing being respectful in all areas of the school. I have seen students actively engaged in class in a respectful learning environment and playing respectfully in all sorts of games.      

 

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

 

The first event is on Thursday, September 19th and is called Nature Science Investigation with John 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 John Muir Laws, in the afternoon from 3:15 to 4:45.  

 

The second 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/.

 

Community Coffee

Our first community coffee is scheduled for Friday, September 20th from 8:20 to 9:20 in the courtyard. The coffee is a chance to hear about upcoming events, ask questions and connect with community members. I look forward to seeing you at one of our community coffee events.

 

Thank you to an amazing staff. The Ormondale staff has done a wonderful job getting ready for the school year.   The classes have already started to fill with examples of student work with evidence of new learning.  

 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact me at  [email protected] or 650-851-1777.

 

Sincerely,


Kevin F. Keegan     

Article Headline
Article Subheading
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Insert a "read on" link at the bottom of your article to drive traffic to your website. Links are tracked, allowing you to see which articles create the most interest for your readers.
 
Help with Art in Action for Your Child's Classroom!
Kick-off meeting is Thursday, September 12th right after drop-off in the Ormondale Art Room (room 25).
 
Do you like paint and getting messy with kids? Talking about art and hearing the unfiltered art critique that only a child can provide? It is great fun to be an Art in Action volunteer. Lessons based on an art masterpiece typically occur on a monthly basis and can be taught by a teacher and parent working together, or by one parent working with helpers (so you can easily sign-up to be a helper!). The children look at an art masterpiece, learn about the artist and how the piece was made, and then create their own masterpieces. A detailed lesson plan and an amazing website with videos and tutorials are available to assist in preparing.
 
A fun group of existing volunteers is already in place and the more the better! To get involved, or gather more information, you may contact Kim Zamboldi.

Corte Madera Home
Michael's Message

Back To School Night Is September 12

I hope the new school year has started well for each and every CMS family! We look forward to seeing everyone at our Back To School Night on Thursday, September 12. See you then!

5:00 - 6:00pm: 4th / 5th grade starting in your child's "homeroom" classroom

5:20 - 5:50pm: 8th grade parents with Ms. Shima in the MUR

6:00 - 6:45pm: All parent meeting in the MUR

6:45 - 8:15pm: 6th, 7th, 8th grade back to school night presentations

 

Field Trip Fundraising and 8th Grade Trip

Last year's 8th grade class conducted a walk-a-thon fundraiser last fall for their trip to Washington, DC. It was a highly successful event that involved the entire CMS community and generated enough money to make sure the trip was budget neutral for the district - and then some! Back in the fall, we let everyone know any money raised by this event above and beyond what was needed would go directly to future classes and their 8th grade trip (when that time comes!) on a pro-rated basis. The books for the 8th grade trip to Washington, DC closed over the summer and here is the final tally.

 

Current 5th grade class (10%) = $1,442.54

Current 6th grade class (15%) = $2,163.82

Current 7th grade class (25%) = $3,606.37

Current 8th grade class (50%) = $7,212.74

 

Truly amazing! I know this seed money will come in very handy in the future. Thank you again to the class of 2013, their parents and everyone that participated in last year's walk-a-thon!

 

On a related note, please know we will be sharing a few different proposal options for this year's 8th grade trip to the School Board on October 23. These proposal options will include Washington, DC and other, less costly, trips closer to home.

 

Bring Your Own Device

Wednesday evening, John Dean, our Director of Media and Learning, will be presenting an approach to our School Board for continuing our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Parents, students and teachers will learn more soon after the Board meeting, so stay tuned!

 

Michael Corritone

Corte Madera Principal

A Message From Dean Shima
shima

Welcome back to school all Corte Madera students and parents! It has been great connecting with the students over the last couple of weeks- at orientations, in the hallways, out on the black top- and hearing about their summer explorations and genuine excitement about returning to school. Schedules are now set and classes are finalized and the students are settling in for an exciting year!

 

I would like to briefly share with you my role as Dean of Students at CMS. I wear many hats- directing student activities, course placement, scheduling, high school transition, character education, constructive discipline- but my main responsibility is to provide support to all students academically and social/ emotionally. My goal is to help students gain awareness of their strengths and instill a positive and safe school climate that is conducive to student learning and success.

 

It is important that both students and parents connect with me if they are having concerns regarding their experience at CMS. I have an open door policy, but at times I am not in the office, so best to email or leave a voice message to schedule a time to meet.

 

CHARACTER EDUCATION AT CMS

Every month at CMS we will have a different focus as part of our Character Education Program. In 4th and 5th grade, lessons around these monthly themes are delivered to the students in their homeroom- by the classroom teachers. For middle school students, these lessons take place in their FLEX classrooms every Friday. We also have morning announcements, assemblies, and special activities that tie into these themes. This month, for September, our theme is Responsibility. All students in grades 4-8 will be talking about what it means to be a responsible individual at school, at home, and in the community. Students will be participating in our Bike Rodeo on September 12th and September 13th and learn about responsibility and safety on our roads and trails.

 

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT 9/12

At Back-to-School Night, this Thursday from 5:20-5:50 pm, I will be holding a High School Information Night for all 8th grade parents in the MUR. The process of applying to high schools- both public and private- can be an exciting and often anxiety provoking time for 8th grade students and their families. I will be providing information on the open house dates, shadow information, and application process for many of the high schools in the Bay Area. Hope to see you there!

 

POWERSCHOOL PARENT PORTAL AND THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR

All middle school families should be able to access the Powerschool Parent Portal with their login and password that has been mailed home. It is important to check Powerschool as teachers update their grades weekly. This will help you keep track of your child's progress throughout the school year. Also, all homework along with upcoming due dates of tests and projects are posted on the Academic Calendar located on the PVSD website- under Corte Madera School- For Parents. Links to these sites are on the left hand side. Please contact me if you have trouble accessing the Portal.

 

BIKE/WALK /CARPOOL TO SCHOOL DAY 9/13

At CMS, we have a Bike/ Walk/ Carpool to School Day usually one Friday every month. This Friday, 9/13 is our first Bike/Walk to school day. Students will earn

spirit points for biking, walking, carpooling or taking the bus to and from school on this day. At the end of the year, the grade level that had the greatest participation will earn an end of the year party.

 

4th/8th GRADE BUDDY ACTIVITY 9/26

All 4th graders are assigned an 8th grade Buddy at the beginning of the year. Buddies enjoy eating lunch and doing a variety of activities together every other month. The students really enjoy this connection throughout the year!

 

I look forward to working with you and your students. Please do not hesitate to email or call me with your questions or concerns. My door is always open!

 

Go Panthers!

Kristen Shima

Dean of Student

 [email protected]  

650 851-1777 x2553

Cocoa Breakfast
A big thank you to Jill Horn and Becky Hilderbrand for chairing our PV-PTO sponsored 4th and 5th grade Cocoa Breakfasts again this year.  We had out first cocoa breakfast this past Friday and  had a wonderful turnout, lots of hot cocoa and bagels!!  Thank you to the wonderful parent volunteers who helped:  Tanya Hayes, Mary Henry, Kathy Waddell, Sandra Vaughan and James Horn.
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
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 sponsored by the PV-PTO. 
 
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, inflatable obstacle courses, and music by CMS's own DJ G WAWA.  For questions or to volunteer contact [email protected].  

Community Calendar and Events
Library News 

Congratulations to the following Ormondale and Corte Madera students who finished the Summer Reading Program:

 

Ormondale Finishers:  Mackenzie B, Raphael B, Sean B, Arielle D, Connor E, James G, Alex F, Evan F, Yalee G, Alexandra H, Caleb H, Ethan H, Ishan H, Robert H, Alex K, Isabel K, Liam K, Chas M, Kian M, Jack N, James P, Jasmine P, Josephine P, Juliana P, Loli P, Ali R, Jack R, Walker R, Brooke S, Claire S, Naya S, Noah S, Ruby S, Tao S, Eva U, Lukas U, Max U, Sophia U, Patrick V, Luke Z, Nicholas Z

 

Corte Madera Finishers:  Erin D, Andy E, Catherine F, Mia G, Chloe H, Mikatrin H, Will H, Aijo I, Jimmy I, Abigail K, Dylan K, Jake K, John M, Kamran M, Roxy R, Koan S, Naren S, Alex W.

 

The Portola Valley Library is celebrating its 5th Year Anniversary!  Come and celebrate with us by joining in one or all of the following free programs:

 

The Friends of the Portola Valley Library will be hosting a Book Swap and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, September 11 from 3:30-4:30 PM. Bring a book to swap and get a treat.  This event will be held outdoors, weather permitting.  For all ages. 

 

The Lego Club will be meeting this month on Saturday, September 14 from 11 AM-12 PM.  We provide the Legos, you bring your imagination.  Duplo building blocks are now available for our youngest builders.  For ages 0-99!  Please register by calling (650.851.0560) or emailing ([email protected]) the library.  This program is generously funded by the Friends of the Portola Valley Library.

 

The Portola Valley Library presents Tricycle Music Fest for kids and families. Rock out with us on Saturday, September 14 to The Corner Laughers (http://cornerlaughers.com).  Pre-concert activites begin at 12 PM, including free giveaways.  Concert begins at 2 PM. Enter the raffle to win a free tricycle! Skip the nap, grab your boogie shoes and join us at the library!  For all ages.  This program is funded by the San Mateo County Library.

Society of Young Inklings 

Novelist's Workshop

Draft your novel in the company of friends! In this workshop, young writers will explore the finer points of story development through creative activities, facilitated critique sessions, writing time and one on one conferring with author, Naomi Kinsman.

Grades 4th-8th Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 Sept 10-Oct 29

 

Spilling Ink: Build A Story

Through Society of Young Inklings' playful blend of active improv games, writing activities and investigation of the techniques used in well-loved books, each young writer will create their own short story.

Grades 2nd-5th Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 Sept 11-Oct 30

 

Words and Pictures

Students will explore the process of putting a picture book together in the thier own style with drama. Students will improve their picture-making skills, sense of observation, sensitivity to the elements around them, and drawing ability.

Grades 4th-8th Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 Sept 10-Oct 29

 

Classes are offered at the Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory. Tuition for each class: $235. 

Register through PVTC:  http://www.pvtc-ca.org/Class_Schedule.html  
SmartFit Kids at Menlo Swim and Sport
Acclaimed for coaching excellence, Menlo Swim and Sport's SmartFit Kids is an after-school homework and tutoring program at Burgess that provides academic coaching and homework oversight for students from first to fifth grades. Open Monday - Thursday, 3:30-5:30pm. Visit our website for more details  http://www.menloswim.com/menlo/camp_menlo/smartfitkids.html 
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!

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].