Watch the student choir at Esther B. Clark School sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer".

Do you hear what I hear? Esther B. Clark School instructor Wiatt Grant has begun an impressive experience for students  - choir. Currently there are 13 all-grade students in the group. They practice every Wednesday at noon, and Choir Director Grant reports high enthusiasm. "Students come to practice each week and they're reluctant to leave when it's over. Choir gives them a chance to be creative, plus they're building skills that can go right along with them when they transition," Grant said. The eclectic musical collection ranges from holiday selections to pop, classical, rock and gospel. Members say, "Choir is really fun. I like it a lot." "It's free flowing." Watch some of the group's performance on December 4th at Menlo Circus Club for the CHC Auxiliary. Another performance is scheduled for December 19th at CHC at 10:30 AM in Room 1123A. 

For more information, contact Wiatt Grant at wgrant@chconline.org.

Clay pinch pots by SHS third graders.

Sand Hill School has extraordinary teachers and offers a personalized learning environment that brings out the best in your child. We currently have openings in grades 3 and 4. For more information about tours or admissions, contact Admissions Coordinator Brittany Walker, bwalker@sandhillschool.org or call 650.688.3605.

Annie is one of six therapy dogs helping children relax and read at CHC.

Have you noticed gentle giant Annie or laid back Tavish at CHC recently? Annie and Tavish are special working dogs with an important job to do. Dogs are a unique component of CHC's program. "Everyone just feels better when the dogs are around. It's a bit like magic," said Educational Specialist Ann Lyke. 

Dog therapy is effective for reluctant readers, settling stressful situations, relieving phobias, anxiety and depression, and for building confidence and empathy. They are good for snuggling too! Six CHC dogs make the day a little brighter for anyone they encounter: Annie the Newfoundland, Tavish and Penny the labs, Molly the golden retriever, Pono the poodle and Sara the shepherd-collie mix. Except for Ann and Tavish, all the dogs and owners are volunteers who have donated many hours to CHC. All are certified therapy dogs. 

Coming soon, dog therapy parent ed in February 2013. See more parent education classes. 

Dr. Ramsey Khasho

Castilleja School has been committed to excellence for middle and high school girls for more than 100 years. Thanks to a long-standing relationship between CHC Executive Director Rosalie Whitlock, PhD and  Castilleja School, we are happy to report the formation of a new counseling partnership between the two organizations. CHC will oversee the Castilleja counseling program through the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year, with leadership from Castilleja Head of School Nancy Kauffman and Director of The Center at CHC Dr. Ramsey, Khasho, PsyD. CHC will maintain current counseling services and work collaboratively to further develop the counseling division to meet the needs of the school. For more information, please contact Dr. Ramsey Khasho at  rkhasho@chconline.org.

What would happen if everyone just gave from the heart? Two thoughtful, young musicians and their caring families show that anyone can make a difference in the world if they have the willingness to give.

Children's Health Council recently received a donation accompanied by a handwritten note signed by two young girls, Gabbi Murray and Camille Williamson. Part of the note read, "We hope it helps the families you have." Annual Giving Manager Jen Bugnatto did a little detective work to learn more about the donors and discovered the girls hosted a violin recital at their home to raise money for a Bay Area cause they had researched on their own. They selected CHC as their recipient because of our work with children and youth. Both girls attend the Hope Technology School in Palo Alto. Jen saw this as a perfect opportunity to invite the young violinists for a musical visit. 

Gabbi (left) and Camille (right) visited CHC where they played at the Sand Hill School assembly on November 30th. The young philanthropists were accompanied by their violin teacher Adelaide Cheng and Camille's mom Monica (both featured above). From the moms: "The girls had a great time, enjoyed being part of the assembly and felt very welcomed. Thanks for contacting us and for encouraging the girls."  It doesn't get much better than that.