April 12, 2015
 
Join Us For Founder's Day - Save the Date

 

Founder's Day is a biennial, PTO-sponsored award ceremony honoring those who have gone above and beyond in volunteering for the Portola Valley School District.

 
Please come Thu, Apr 30 from 4:00 -6:00 pm to the Portola Valley Town Center as we honor and celebrate the following:

Lisa Bair * Cathy Carlson * Tiffany Hong * Mary Jo Kloezeman * Kristi Patterson * Sally Ann Reiss * Julie Seipp * Jocelyn Swisher * Sofie Vandeputte
   

ORM Upcoming Events

 

Wed Apr 15, 8:30 am - 2nd Grade Hall of Heroes at Ormondale

 

Thu Apr 16, 8:15 am - Kindergarten Dad's Build a Bagel Bug

 

Thu Apr 28, 8:00 am - TK, K-3 Parent Visitation

 

Thu Apr 30, 9:00 am - PTO Mtg at Ormondale

 

Thu Apr 30, 4:00 pm - Founder's Day Celebration at PVTC

 

View the full PTO calendar here.


School Registration

 

Our school registration packets went out in January with a deadline of Mon Mar 2. You can still register your child going forward, but it is important for keeping small class sizes and staffing that we get the registrations back as soon as possible. Incoming kindergartners must be the age of 5 years by Tue Sep 1, 2015 and live within the Portola Valley School District boundaries. Ormondale will be providing a Transitional Kindergarten in the 2015-2016 school year for those children with birthdays that fall between Wed Sep 2, 2015, and Wed Dec 2, 2015. Please stop by now to pick up a registration packet. 


There will be a Parent Visitation Day on Tue Apr 28, 2015 at 8:00 am for incoming TK & K-3rd. Questions? Call the Ormondale office at (650) 851-1777 ext. 2651.

   
Ormondale Students Rock!

 

Once again, the students at Ormondale are rocking it with their participation in the Bike/Walk to school days.  Many runners, bikers, walkers and even several scooters this month! Although we've had cooler mornings, students continued to express their Bike/Walk to School Day spirit with gusto; smiling all the way to the classroom.  A group of 3rd graders, that usually run to school, proudly informed us, that they race even when its not bike/walk to school day!  Such incredible dedication!
 
As always, a special thanks to Cathy Brewer, and her cheerful daughter Ellie for handing out incentives.  The help at school is always appreciated! Thank you!

Help Create Set, Prop and Costume Pieces for Willy Wonka!

 

Any students interested (whether they auditioned for the show or not) are invited to help make set, prop and costume pieces for this year's spring musical, Willy Wonka. Beginning this Wed Mar 25 through the end of April, parent volunteers will be running "Wonka's Workshop" in the Art Room after school from 12:30 - 2:30 pm on Wednesdays. 

 

See the sign up sheet for additional details and to sign your student(s) up. Registration is required to keep the number of students manageable and to plan age-appropriate projects.


 

Additional opportunities will be coming in May. Please email Karyn Bechtel if your student(s) cannot attend a Wonka Workshop but would like to be notified of other ways to lend a hand.


Corte Madera

CMS Upcoming Events

 

Thu Apr 16, 2:30 - 3:30 pm Walk-To-Washington Walkathon 

 

Thu Apr 30, 9:00 am - PTO Mtg at Ormondale

 

Thu Apr 30, 4:00 pm - Founder's Day Celebration at PVTC

 

View the full PTO calendar here. warriors2

Way To Go CMS!

 

Many CMS students kicked off their mornings this week by participating in the Bike/Walk to School Days last week!  Energy was high and laughter was abundant, as students made their way to school on skateboards, bikes and quick stepping feet!  
 
A special thanks to Kristen Shima, Juliet Green, Briggetta Brown and the CMS Student Council for their highly-valued contribution to our bike/walk to school days!  Thank you, thank you! 

Student Leadership Opportunity - Student Valet!

 

STOP, smile, wave and move forward;  CMS valet is bringing you smiles in the morning!

While dropping students off in the morning, please take an extra moment to share a smile and wave to our amazing student valets in the drop off area.  Each of these students will take turns warming your morning with big smiles, a wave and a reminder to please pull forward! 

When we provided a leadership opportunity to CMS students, several students were enthusiastic and willing to take on the challenge.  The Student Valet will be in full force April 20th, right after Spring Break! We have 6 dedicated students that applied and were accepted as Student Valets for CMS; however, we always have room for more! Our young student leaders will learn the importance of being punctual, dependable, friendly and polite.  

Such a wonderful experience for all!

If your student would like to participate as a Student Valet, one day a week, from 7:45-7:55, for the remainder of this school year, please email Christy_Pinelli@yahoo.com

We will celebrate the student leaders hard work and commitment with a pizza lunch or two!

3rd Annual Walk-To-Washington Walkathon 

 

The 3rd Annual CMS Walk-To-Washington Walkathon - This Coming Thu, Apr 16 from 2:30-3:30 pm at CMS!

Have your kids gotten their donation forms in to the CMS office yet? Do they have their walking shoes ready for CMS' biggest annual fundraiser to ensure every student has the opportunity to go to Washington DC in their eighth grade year?

 

Please note that all WTWW Sponsorship Forms and checks are due this coming Tue Apr 14 at 3:00 pm in the CMS Office.

 

THANK YOU to the 10 students who have already gotten their Sponsorship Forms in for a total of $700:

 

4 - 4th Graders - $150
1 - 5th Grader - $50
4 - 6th Graders - $300
1 - 7th Grader - $200 

 

Remember, each grade has the opportunity to win a pizza party for their entire grade if they can raise their total $ goal (# of students x $goal/student), so get those forms in!

 

WTWW Schedule on Thu Apr 16:

11:30 pm - Kick-off BBQ lunch for 6th/7th/8th graders hosted by the PTO

11:40 am - BBQ lunch for 4th/5th graders

2:30 pm - Opening Ceremonies with the National Anthem, followed by commencement of the WTWW at 2:35 pm

2:35 pm - 4th-8th graders, teachers and staff will walk a course around the CMS field

3:15 pm - Closing Ceremonies and Drawing for great prizes!

3:30 pm - Parents pick up students


 

Parents: You are welcome to oin us and your kids in the WTWW at 2:30 pm or plan to pick them up at CMS at 3:30 pm (½ hour later than normal pick-up time). at 3:30 pm

 

Questions: Please contact Lisa Bair.

PVSF
 

CHECK OUT THE PVSF AUCTION CATALOG

 








HURRY!  AUCTION TICKET PRICES UP APRIL 16TH
Tickets cost $125 and go up to $150 this Thursday, April 16th.  Purchase on or before April 15 for 2 chances to win a Deluxe room at the Rosewood Hotel!

SAFARI, BURNING MAN, DUDE RANCH, OH MY!  THE AUCTION CATALOG IS HERE!
There are so many amazing auction items in this year's Auction catalog.  You can also peruse the exciting Raffles we have such as a $10,000, Stephen Silver Jewelry Shopping Spree and Dinner, and the $3250 Wine Chest.   

WHAT?  NO PRINTED CATALOG?
This year, we're saving money and trees by no longer sending home a printed catalog.  Instead, you can view the Auction Catalog PDF on our website and print it out at home if you'd like.  The entire catalog is also available on our Ready Set Auction, Online Auction website and includes link to websites and additional pictures for many items.

RAFFLE TICKETS!
Starting today, you can also buy your raffle and drink tickets via our Online Auction website for the event.  

 
Auction Jewelry Raffle

April showers bring May flowers and lots more from 
Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry! 

Sparkle up your spring with something scintillating from Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry with 10% of proceeds from PV families (buyers and sellers of estate jewelry) to the PV Foundation. 

This year's PV Auction jewelry raffle is a $10,000 shopping spree and dinner experience generously donated by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry. The lucky winner will choose a one of a kind, custom made jewelry piece from the Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry Collection and celebrate over a 4-course gourmet dinner prepared by an executive chef while sipping perfectly paired wines personally selected from Stephen Silver's private collection. 

Raffle tickets can be purchased online beginning Sun Apr 12 on the PV Auction website.
 
Community News
 

Interested in Water Polo?

If you are interested in learning to play water polo, here is your chance to try it out! The Mid-Peninsula Water Polo Club is looking for good athletes, both girls and boys, who are interested in learning more about the sport. Men's water polo was the first team sport introduced at the modern Olympic games in 1900, and has a long history in the US and Europe. Many colleges are looking for good players. You'll get in tremendous physical shape and enjoy solid competition and friendships with your teammates.
Players should be 6th, 7th or 8th graders, strong swimmers and/or field/court players looking for another sport. Must be able to swim 200 yards minimum and be comfortable in the water.

Classes are held at the Menlo-Atherton High School pool on Sundays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm and Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:30 pm starting March 18th. We will have a spring session that runs for 8 weeks from March 22nd to May 17th.
Dates: March 22, 25, 29; April 1, 12, 15, 19, 26, 29; May 3, 6, 10, 13

Costs are $25 drop-in fee per class, or the remaining 8 sessions for $150 to cover fees for the pool and coaches. Classes taught by M-A coaches and Varsity players. All Participants must be registered with USA Water Polo. Our club designation is MidPen. 

To sign up go to: mpwaterpolo.com
Any questions, contact Chris Maxwell at (650) 302-3459 or email chrismaxwell01@yahoo.com
* Scholarships available   

Portola Valley Library - Poetry Contest

In celebration of National Poetry Month, poets of any age who live in San Mateo County are invited to submit a poem about their culture or heritage during the month of April. 

Details are included in this flyer.
Creative Art For Young Children

Sign-ups for Spring are Fri Mar 27 for PV residents and Fri Apr 10 open reg.
Summer sometime in May

SPRING 2015 @ Portola Valley Town Center

April 29-June 13
Classes for preschoolers starting at 3 yrs, K- 2nd and 3rd-5th grade
For more info go to (portolavalley.net)

Wake Up! Wake Up! whisper the fairies in Mother Nature's ear...it is
Spring and you have slept long enough. Mother Nature opened her eyes
and flowers sprang up everywhere and the world turned green.
For this session HUNDERTWASSER and PAUL KLEE will inspire the kids to
make art from their love of nature. The kids will create GIANT SPIRAL
PAINTINGS, with an added surprise, using Hundertwasser's dark bright
colors. He said the spiral was a symbol of life and nature. Then after
reading a book inspired by Klee, "The Cat and the Bird," the kids will
make MOBILES of things that fly...then SUGAR WATER CHALK, NATURE FAIRY
HUTS, CLAY TURTLES, and whatever else our imagination comes up
with...then we will end with our ever famous ART SHOW with the MAGIC
BRUSH.

SUMMER 2015 @ Portola Valley Town Center for 3rd-5th graders and adults who want to set their inner artist/child Free!
Tuesdays and Thursdays  1-4:00
$120 per person per session

=> Session #1:July 7th and 9th
We will experiment with LINE when we make COLORED WIRE SCULPTURES,
MIRROR IMAGES, BLOCK PRINTING and ETCHING. We will see how a line
changes when we use paint, pencil, chalk, ink, wet paper and Japanese
brushes. Then make a portrait of ourselves using our choice of line.

=> Session #2: Aug. 4th and 6th
In depth study of SEURAT'S painting "A SUNDAY ON LA GRANDE JATTE."
then we will  make a painting on wood of a scene we would like to stop
in time...with a shelf on the bottom filled with clay miniatures.

SUMMER 2015 @ Portola Valley Town Center for 3-8 yrs.
Monday Wednesday and Fridays!
Sign-up for any or all 3 Sessions! For more info go to (portolavalley.net)

=> Session #1: July 6-17
"ART & MAX" a funny book about 2 lizards who find out what it takes to
create a work of  Art. Art and Max's experiences will inspire the kids
as they work with STRING PAINTING, SPLATTERS, DOTS, different kinds of
LINES, PRINTING and finding out how one thing leads to another.

=> Session #2: July 20-31
Castles and Dragons, Knights and Princess's...CASTLE PUPPET THEATERS,
GLITTER PAINT, WATERCOLORS, CROWNS, STAINED GLASS WINDOWS...and FAIRY
TALES.

=> Session #3: Aug. 3-14
MUSIC and ART! The book "Jazz Fly" will inspire us to bring movement
and symbolic sound to our art. 3-D DANCING FIGURES ON A STRING, PAPER
MACHE RATTLES and COLLAGES that MOVE.

3-5yrs    Mon. and Wed. and Fri.      10-12:00    $230 per session
6-8 yrs.  Mon. and Wed. and Fri.        1-3:30    $290 per session 

Alpine Strikers Summer Camp

Alpine Strikers is pleased to announce our 5th Annual Summer Camps. Camps are one week sessions for ages 6 to 11 years old, and we have added one session for 12 to 14 year olds. Players will learn and improve upon their individual soccer skills and continue to develop their game in a fun environment. Camp and Technical Director Gino Pucillo staffs the sessions with Alpine Strikers' coaches. 

Dates 

Times

Location

Ages

Registration

6/22 thru 6/26

9am to 12pm

Field in Menlo Park

6 to 11 year olds

 click here

8/3 thru 8/7

9am to 12pm

Field in Menlo Park

6 to 11 year olds

 click here

8/3 thru 8/7

9am to 12pm

Field in Menlo Park

12 to 14 year olds

 click here

8/10 thru 8/149am to 12 pmField in Menlo Park6 to 11 year olds click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative Writing Summer Camps with Young Inklings

 

  Magic Trunk: Exploring Stories (ages 5-7)

  Invent a Story (ages 7-9)

  Novelist's Workshop (ages 9-12)

 

At Christ Church (815 Portola Rd., Portola Valley, CA)

Mon Jun 22 - Fri Jun 26 

Mon Jul 13 - Fri Jul 17

 

Each creative writing summer camp takes students through the process of creating a short story. Teachers facilitate a blend of theater games, creative activities, discussion, instruction and writing time. Instructors individualize learning experience as they confer with students during writing time. On the last day of the workshop, young writers will have the opportunity to share their masterpieces with family and friends. Learn more here. See flyer here.

 

 

Executive Function with Social Skills Bootcamp

 

Join us this Summer for a unique executive function with social skills bootcamp that follows your child from camp to school to home.

 

2 weeks - Middle School, High School & College Prep (& Social Cognition) 

We follow you from camp to school.

  • Hands on strategies integrating Executive Function (organizational skills) & Social Cognition in peer activities.
  • Teaching parents how to manage support for maximizing independence. 
  • One day review before school to jump start thinking.
  • At school, hands on implementation of strategies. 
  • Follow through at home.
  • Two therapists for 5-10 students, 30+ hours.

Weeks of: July 6-8, July 13-17, July 20-24, Aug 3-7, Aug 3-7, Aug 10-14, Aug 17-21, Aug 24-28 (near Sequoia High in Redwood City & Gunn High School in Palo Alto)

 

For flyer and details, click here.
 

ExFunctionBootCamp@gmail.com
 

EF PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
by Jenn Bulka SLP,
The Talking Playhouse, Stacey Howard,
Ed Therapist, Creative Academic Support Services

 

Journalism, Editing and Photography

Hello Parents!


Is your child interested in journalism, editing or photography? Alpine Little League seeks local students for a fun new program this season!

Student volunteers attend one Little League t-ball or baseball game per week to take notes and photographs, then write a sports review to be published in the Almanac, Palo Alto Weekly and Alpine Little League website. 

It's a great opportunity for aspiring writers & photographers to get hands-on experience and have their work published in local newspapers! Plus it counts towards community service hours.

The season begins now and ends in July. Games are held in Portola Valley, Menlo Park and Woodside. They last about 1-1.5 hours (see schedule on here www.alpinelittleleague.com). We seek 3-4 students per game to share responsibilities. 
 
Interested or have questions? Send me an email!
 
Rachel 

 

Kids Summer Dance/Yoga Camps at Studio Rincon

Dance all through summer!  


Studio Rincon Dance & Yoga Summer Camps are scheduled and ready for online sign ups for ages 3-13. Sign up here. Ten different camps to choose from, with amazingly talented and fun instructors. All Camps are offered in the afternoon, providing a healthy snack and a lot of fun. Studio Rincon is conveniently located close to home at 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas, across from the Dutch Goose.
Summer Game Programming Camps in Portola Valley

 

Programming Java with Minecraft - Level 1 - Mon, Jun 22 - Fri, Jun 26, 9a-3p
Programming Java with Minecraft - Level 2 - Mon, Jun 29 - Fri, Jul 3, 9a-3p
Programming iOS Apps with Swift - Level 1 - Mon, Jul 6   - Fri, Jul 10, 9a-3p


 

Now in their fourth season, these camps are a great way for kids (grades 5-10) to learn programming fundamentals and get up and running with some fun projects they can continue at home.  All camps are run by Jack Youstra, a CMS graduate and Woodside Priory sophomore and all-around computer nerd.


 

Programming Java with Minecraft - Perfect for kids who love Minecraft and video games. We use real programming with a real programming language - Java - on a real world server that your child will setup and configure. Level 1 offers an introduction to all aspects of programming; In Level 2, kids explore the more advanced object-oriented nature of Java and tackle more complex (and fun) plug-ins.


 

Programming iOS Apps with Swift - Apple's new Swift programming language has greatly simplified iPhone and iPad development. Your child will learn everything necessary to build and customize their first app.


 

Each camp will include:

- Setting up a programming environment on your laptop
- Using Xcode or Eclipse to create programs
- Programming & language basics
- Fun projects - a Minecraft mod or an iOS app
- Outdoor recreational time. Minecraft campers also enjoy some gaming at the end of the day

Camps are $550 each. PVSD students who register before 4/15 and use the promo code PVSD501 receive a $50 discount.

To learn more about the camps and register for one of the sessions, click one of the links below:
Programming Java with Minecraft Level 1: bit.ly/mc1pvsd
Programming Java with Minecraft Level 2: bit.ly/mc2pvsd
Programming iOS Apps with Swift Level 1: bit.ly/swpvsd2

You may also contact Jack directly at jack@youstra.com. 
Camp W: 2015 Summer Performing Arts Camp

 

Has your child ever wanted to perform on stage under the bright lights? Camp W will allow beginners and experienced performers to express themselves in a unique and creative manner through the magical lens of performing arts. Children will learn about staging, lighting, and other basic skills to display a final production. Everyday will be filled with fun, collaboration, and self-discovery!


Eligibility: 4-8th grade (BASED UPON THE 2014 - 2015 SCHOOL YEAR)

Class Location: Corte Madera School, Room 503 

Session 1: Jul 6 - Jul 16

Session 2: Jul 20 - Jul 30

Hours: 9:00 - 3:00 pm
Cost: $800.00

Discounts: Returnees will receive a 10% discount.

For more information about the camp, please contact William Frederick by email, campw.william@gmail.com or call (650) 483-8546.


 Registration begins now!

Panther's Camp

 

Panthers "All Sports" Camp is back for another exciting 2015 summer. For complete information, click here. 

2015 Panthers Camp dates: 
 

  • Session 1: June 15-18 - almost full, few spots left
  • Session 2: June 22-25 - 15 spots left
  • Session 3: June 29 - July 2
  • Session 4: July 6-9


    • To register, click here.  


    Please let me know if you have any questions (danflahavan@gmail.com). Do not hesitate to forward this information to others who may be interested in attending.  

    If your child has outgrown camp and will be entering 8th grade, they have an opportunity to build leadership skills as a Junior Counselor in Training (JCIT). To apply, click here.     Contact me if you have any questions (danflahavan@gmail.com).

    I look forward to another great summer with your kids at Panthers Camp.

    Best Regards, 

    Dan Flahavan

    Amazon and eScript Fundraiser

    Each year the PVSD PTO pays for classroom supplies for every student in the district using funds raised through the eScrip and Amazon.com programs.

    To make ensure your Amazon purchases contribute towards our schools, simply click here: Amazon.com, then bookmark the page and you use that bookmark to start your shopping trips on Amazon.com. You must enter the website through this specific link. Portola Valley School District PTO will receive a minimum of 4% of every purchase made through this method and you should see no difference in your shopping experience.

    And don't forget to sign up for eScrip! Just go to www.escrip.com and register your credit cards, Safeway Club Card and/or Bianchini's loyalty card. Please make sure to direct donations to the Portola Valley School District PTO. Or just shop at local participating merchants, like the PV Garage and ask to contribute through eScrip.