THE CHARACTER THEME FOR JANUARY IS RESPONSIBILITY

"It's a question of discipline," the little prince told me later on.  "When you've finished washing and dressing each morning, you must tend your planet."~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, 1943, translated from French by Richard Howard 

RESPONSIBILITY 

* Persevere: keep on trying!

* Always do your best

* Use self-control

* Be self-disciplined

* Think before you act - consider the consequences

* Be accountable for your choices

COLOR: Green - as in being responsible for a garden or finances; or as in being solid and reliable like an oak.

PARKMEAD WINTER FORUM

Thank you to all of the parents that attended the Winter Forum. It was great to read and hear your thoughts on the state of Parkmead. We will post a summary of the comments and discussion from the Winter Forum on the Parkmead Website later next week. We will also be sending out a parent survey in February.

GRADE LEVEL SINGS

Our first Sing is coming-up next Thursday. Here is a list of all the Sing dates:

• 4th/5th Sing = February 6th
• 2nd/3rd Sing = March 13th
• K/1st Sing = April 10th

Please put your child's Sing on your calendar. We can't wait to see you at these special events!

KINDERGARTEN CIRCLE (AZALEA) TRAFFIC

We are having a MAJOR safety issue in the kindergarten circle. Several parents who should be dropping their children off at the Magnolia entrance are using the Kindergarten Circle. Even if you strongly disagree with our pick-up and drop-off plan please follow the rules. We need the Kindergarten Circle clear in the mornings for kindergarten drop-off only.

SUPERINTENDENT COFFEE - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6th from 9:00 to 10:00

PARKMEAD ELEMENTARY MUSIC ROOM

We are excited to host our annual Superintendent Coffee! Come join Dr. Patty Wool as she shares thoughts and answers your questions in this casual and engaging setting.

Are You In? Tonight and tomorrow evening, parent, teacher, student and community volunteers will be calling many of our families as part of the WCEF Phone Bank outreach. Please help our volunteers by  making your 2013-2014 donation today! We are $60,000 away from meeting our goal.

Thank you!

Please come and join us at Parkmead Science Night in MPR

6:30-8:30 PM Friday, January 31.

We will have hands-on-activities, displays and demonstrations on a wide range of science topics to encourage students' interest in science.   In addition to the exhibits set up by Parkmead parent volunteers, Chabot Science Center , UC Berkeley ATDP, Lindsay Wildlife Museum , Sarah Science, Las Lomas High School (WCEF), and Castro Valley SD are expected to exhibit in this event.

For more info, please visit:   http://parkmeadscience.com/

NUTRITION:

While it is recommended to get a flu shot, plenty of rest and wash

hands throughout the day to prevent illness over these winter months,

here are 3 top immunity fixes:

Add Vitamin D-800-1,000 IU daily will help immune cells make antibodies.

Add mushrooms to your meals, fresh or dried, preferably the Asian

variety, well cooked.  If texture is an issue, opt for a mixed

mushroom capsule daily.

Add probiotics!  Yogurt, kefir, saurkraut, and miso are great sources

other than supplements.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

The recent findings with working out is that it's not about duration,

but more effort.  Rather than going for an hour jog, try a 20 minute

run with intervals.  If you do weights, push for less rest between

reps.  Whatever you choose to do, you should sweat and not be able to

hold a conversation!  Follow your workout with a protein/fat combo and

rehydrate throughout the day.

GOING GREEN:

California is now officially in a drought and a 20% reduction in water

is encouraged.  If you were thinking about planting in your garden,

wait for now.  When you do plant, consider native plants and ones that

require less watering.  On average 14% of your indoor water use is

lost in leaks, so make repairs where needed and install water

efficient fixtures.  Last, adjust the settings on your washer to the

proper load size.

Time to party, the 2014 Parkmead Auction is coming March 15!  This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, the dollars raised support science, technology and other programs for all our kids. 

 We need 100% participation!

*  Donate

*  Buy tickets.  

Tickets are on sale now at www.parkmeadauction.com.  This year's event will be held at the Veteran's Building in Lafayette.

*  Purchase auction items.  

The online auction is February 10 - 23, new items will be added daily