Paly Link

 A PTSA publication 

Sunday, November 10, 2013
tower building drawing

The Paly Link is distributed on Sundays, except during school breaks and holidays.  Changes will be highlighted as New/Updated/Corrected.  To submit an article, see Submissions Guidelines.
Calendar
Monday
Nov. 11
Veteran's Day Holiday - No School New
TuesdayNov. 12UC/CSU Application Help/Workshop, 1:50pm, CL2, (C&CC)
Wednesday
Nov. 13
PAUSD Board Policy Review Mtg., 1pm, 25 Churchill (PAUSD)  New
Thursday
Nov. 14
Sophomore Parent Network Mtg., evening, Paly (PTSANew
Deadline
Nov. 15
PiE Double Your Donation Campaign. www.papie.org/donate
Friday
Nov. 15
Junior Parent Network Mtg., 8:30am, Anderson home (PTSA)  New
Friday
Nov. 15
Sophomore Parent Network Mtg., morning, 1341 Harker Ave, (PTSA) New
ThursdayNov. 14
PTSA General Meeting - Safe Routes to School, 7-9pm, ERC (PTSA
Monday
Nov. 15
Robotics Boosters Mtg., 7pm, room 903 (Paly)  New
Tuesday
Nov. 19
PAUSD Board Special Mtg., 8:30am, 25 Churchill (PAUSD ) New
TuesdayNov. 19Common Application Workshop, 1:50pm, CL2, (C&CC)
Thursday
Nov. 21
Paly PTSA Executive Board Mtg, 8:30am, ERC New
Friday
Nov. 22
9th Annual Turkey Feast, Quad. (PTSADonations Needed Now
Friday
Nov. 29
Sports Boosters Tree Lot Opens (Paly)  New
Fri-Sat
Dec 6-7
Fiery Arts Winter Sale, see Paly section for times, rm 105  New
Monday
Dec. 9
Paly Site Council Mtg., 3:45pm, ERC, New
PTSA and PTA AnnouncementsPTSA
PiE News: Double Your Donation. Double Your Impact!
Through November 15
Double the impact of your school donation during Palo Alto Partners In Education (PiE) Donation Days and make a difference for all our kids. Your donation to PiE can be matched-dollar for dollar-up to $225,000 total, thanks to the "Donation Days Challenge" offered by generous PiE supporters. Donate at www.papie.org/donate or leave your donation form in the PiE box in your school office.
Thank you for helping our kids and our schools through PiE!

Sophomore Parent Network  New 
Thurs. Nov 14 evening, at Paly; Fri. Nov 15, morning, 1341 Harker Ave.
The group will discuss testing, grades, exams: including how to support your child through finals and beyond. Future meetings will typically be held the second Thurs/Fri of each month. To join the Paly 2016 parent network email list (for information about upcoming events and notes from meetings), email Carina Rossner or Tekla Nee.

Junior Parent Network  New  
Fri. Nov 15, 8:30-9:45am, home of Cari Anderson, 575 Kellogg Ave, Palo Alto Mark your calendar and come and join the network group discussion. Group contacts are Ann Doerr and Marianne Friis.

Turkey Feast - Donations Still Needed! 
Friday, November 22, morning food drop-off; event during lunchtime
Pie, turkey and cash donations needed for this student & staff favorite extended lunchtime event which benefits the Ecumenical Hunger Program and the Opportunity Center. We need pies of all varieties, roasted turkeys, and/or cash donations. Please delivery all food to the Student Center the morning of November 22.
Want to donate a pie? Contact Nancy Scola, [email protected].
Want to roast a turkey? Contact Kathleen Hughes, [email protected].
Interested in making a cash donation? Contact Melissa Anderson, [email protected]

 

Paly PTSA General Meeting/Safe Routes to School Program

Thurs Nov 14, 7:00-9:00pm, Paly Library ERC

(rescheduled from Nov. 7) 

Join us for a presentation by the City of Palo Alto's Safe Routes to School Program.  We will hear about the Draft Paly Walk and Roll map of preferred bicycling and walking routes to Paly, and we'll review a map of  improvements to be recommended to the City and to Paly. This is a great chance to voice your input about the safety of our students traveling to school so please join us for a informative discussion.  For more information on Safe Routes to School, visit http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pln/transit/saferoutes/default.asp 

 

School Funding Legislative Roundtable  

Santa Clara County Office of Education, Oak Grove Room, 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose

November 14, 7-8:30 p.m. FREE 

California remains bottom ranked in school funding and performance. No great economy ever grew by dis-investing in education. What are our legislators' ideas on how we can return California from "worst to first" in education funding and performance? Come meet and talk directly with your California representatives and members of Congress representing districts throughout Santa Clara County. Please forward school funding questions you would like addressed by our representatives to [email protected].

 

Parent Arts Network presents Fall Arts Education Symposium  New

Wed Nov 20, 6:30-8:30 pm, Santa Clara County Office of Education, 1290 Ridder Park Dr, San Jos�
Topics covered: new Common Core Standards and the Arts; funding for the Arts; free & low-cost arts programs for schools; resources for students & parents. Dinner provided.  Register for FREE.
More info: www.artspiration.sccoe.org/parent-arts-network. Info & carpools:  Erwin Morton, [email protected], 650-224-0425.  

Paly Items Paly
paly viking ship logo    
PALY Robotics Boosters Board Meeting  New
Mon, Nov. 18, 7-9 pm, Paly Robotics Lab (Room 903)

All parents are welcome to attend our Robotics Boosters Board meeting where we will discuss our activities, including fund-raising, budget, funds allocation, as well as team 8 activities and other matters. If you have any questions, please e-mail [email protected].

Paly Sports Boosters Tree Lot
 
Opening Thanksgiving Weekend, 11/29
Purchase your beautiful Noble Fir tree from the Paly Sports Boosters Tree Lot this year and a portion of the sale will go towards the team/sport of your choice. 
Want to volunteer for the tree lot? Earn community service hours? Earn money for your team? Contact Cindy Pappas at [email protected]
 to schedule your volunteer shifts.

Glass Gifts at the Paly Fiery Arts Winter Sale  New 
Fri. Dec 6, 3:30-6:30 pm; Sat. Dec 7, 1-6 pm; Art room 105, near Haymarket Theatre
Paly-designed glass reindeer from the north, candycanes, glowing orbs, acorns, apples and more. Why? They make exquisite gifts for everyone and benefit the Arts.  Free demonstrations, hot apple cider and cookies too.  See flyer.  Like us on Facebook, Contact: [email protected] or Nancy Kawakita, [email protected] 

Sign up for Paly Glass Weekend Workshops  
Jan 4-5, Feb 8-9, Mar 8-9, Apr 12-13, May 10-11 Jun 7-8.   
9-3 pm at Palo Alto High School's Glass Studio, 50 Embarcadero Rd.   
Come learn the magic of the age-old art of glassmaking.  The 2-day weekend workshop will focus on beginning glass blowing techniques. It's an incredible, fun, hands-on experience.  Repeating  students progress from their last session.  Advanced Sign up required. Class limit is 4. Teens and adults. $375 per person. Open to the public. Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto High School Fiery Arts Program.   These are priceless experiences and make great gifts  See flyer. Contact: David Camner, founder of the Paly Fiery Arts, [email protected].
College and Career CenterCandCC
C&CClogo.jpg
Keep up-to-date with Paly College and Career Center news and events by "liking" our Facebook page. The C&CC holds an open-house after each parent night in the Fall. There is also a wealth of information in Naviance and on the C&CC webpage .
 
CSU/UC Application Help/Workshop 
Tues., Nov. 12, 1:50pm (Tutorial), CL2
Work on your applications at school and get help, if needed.  If you can't attend the workshop, review these tips:
Tips for Applying to CSU Online

US Army Reps at Paly  New
Wed. Nov 13, lunchtime, Paly quad
Representatives from each branch of the military are available to visit with Paly students at lunchtime once each semester. The US Army has scholarships, career, and educational programs. Students are invited to stop by the Army table in the quad for information.
 
Common Application Workshop 
Tues. Nov. 19, 1:50 pm (Tutorial), CL2
Get help with a hands-on workshop!  Beyond inviting and assigning Recommenders (covered in the Nov. 5 workshop), how to best use the Additional Information section, tips for completing the Activities section, and more.  If you can't attend the workshop, review these:
 
High School Summer Opportunity Representative

Wed. Nov 13, Lunch 11:35, Student Activities Center

National Geographic Student Expeditions offers a wide array of summer programs for high school students both in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on Photography, Wildlife & Conservation, Archaeology & Ancient Culture, Filmmaking, Creative Writing, and Climate & Geology.  These programs are in partnership with Putney Student Travel which also offers summer opportunities abroad with Community Service, Language Learning, Cultural Exploration, and Global Awareness in Action programs in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa; and Excel Pre-College Enrichment programs in Europe and at Amherst College.  More information can be found at www.goputney.com and  www.ngstudentexpeditions.com.  A representative will be in front of the Student Activities Center on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at lunch.

 

Black College Awareness Workshop   

Sat. Nov. 16

The Rho Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will sponsor a special Black College Awareness Workshop for Northern California College bound seniors! This event is FREE and open to the public. The workshop has two sessions: Applying for College, presented by Antoinette Battiste (Educational Pathways with Antoinette Battiste) and Paying for College, presented by Dan Evertsz (College Money Pro). Speakers will discuss the transition from high school to college, focusing on college admissions and financial aid processes. Register at http://bcafairorg.ipage.com/webpage/students.html  

 

Girls in Business Mentor Panel  New

Thurs. Nov 21, 1:50-3:25pm, ERC (English Resource Center, in Library)
This is a student-led, interactive workshop designed for students interested in starting, owning, and/or operating a business. Come and share ideas and get inspiration from a speaker mentor. Andrea Lo, founder of Piggybackr.com, will speak to Paly students about being a female business innovator in Silicon Valley. Andrea will give a short presentation followed by Q & A session. Snacks served. Sponsored by Paly Career Center.  All grades welcome, freshmen and juniors may stop by after Advisory.  

 

College Essay Writing Appointments

Through December 6 

Please go to http://mysignup.com/palyessay to schedule an appointment.  Come prepared with your prompts and/or drafts to get the most out of your session.

 

College Rep Visits:  Students must have their teacher's permission one day in advance if missing class. Pick up a form in the C&CC, or download it.  Bring the signed form the day of the visit to ensure the absence from class is not marked as a truancy.  College visits scheduled for the next two weeks are listed below.  For a full list of all visits through Spring, login to Naviance using your user ID and password, or login as a Guest with no password.  Click on the "Colleges" tab then click "view all upcoming college visits".  New: Parents wishing to attend college rep visits must read and complete this form and bring it to the visit.

 

On-Campus Visits:

State Univ. of New York, Albany  11/14/13  12:15 PM     
Lawrence University  11/15/13  8:15 AM
Monmouth University   11/19/13  8:15 AM  New 
Hofstra University   11/19/13  10:00 AM

 

Off-Campus Visits:

Mount Holyoke College   11/11/13  Mountain View, CA
Macalester College (interviews) 11/16 -17/13  So. San Francisco, CA  New
Bentley University   11/20/13   4:30 PM   San Jose, CA

  

Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through November 23, 2013:   

Paly deadlines may be 2-4 weeks prior to public scholarship deadlines to allow for Paly TA and Guidance lead times. To learn about scholarships listed below and others login to Naviance using your user ID and password or login as a Guest with no password.  Click the "Colleges" tab, scroll to the  "scholarships and money" section, then click on the "scholarship list" link.  Click here for more information about scholarship resources.   

 

Intel Science Talent Search 2014 - Deadline 11/13 

 

Emory University Emory Scholars Program - Deadline 11/15 
Emory University Goizueta Scholars Program - Deadline 11/15

Seattle University The Sullivan Leadership Award - Deadline 11/15  

California Scholarship Federation Miss Teenage CA Scholarship Pageant - Deadline 11/19 New
Community ServiceCommSvc
For more Upcoming Community Service Opportunities, see the Big Blue Bulletin Board in the Tower Building. See the robust Calendar of events to match your community service interests.
For current Get Involved announcements, and a robust calendar and database of opportunities by category please visit Paly.net/Service.

Be a Mock Trial Juror  New
Sat or Sun., Nov. 16 or 17, 11:45am-5:30pm, Palo Alto Courthouse, 270 Grant Avenue Palo Alto
Volunteer to be a mock trial juror at the Palo Alto Courthouse! Stanford Law School's Trial Advocacy course culminates in realistic, student-led mock trials. Law students will simulate a civil or criminal trial. Expect to hear opening statements, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, objections, and closing arguments. As a juror, you will deliberate with your fellow jurors and render a verdict in the case. If you know of anyone else (groups or individuals) who may be interested, pass this information along. Both parents and students are welcome to participate. Contact Sara Abarbanel [email protected], (650) 724-9581.

Community Service Grants  New
Deadline: December 1, 2013
The Tutor Corps Foundation awards grants to support innovative student projects that make a sustainable impact in the community. Projects may address issues such as poverty, education, health or the environment. Students in grades 6 to 11 may apply for awards between $250 - $750.
Apply at http://www.tutorcorps.com/grants.html

Community Service Scholars  New 
Next Deadline Fri. Mar. 7, 2014
Each year Pay students contribute more than 40,000 hours of meaningful service to the  community? If your student is a Paly SENIOR who recently submitted hours for transcript recognition, you can check the service record at Paly.net/Service (Click on "Information.") If your student is in ANY GRADE and applied for the President's Award for Volunteer Service this semester, please check the record at Paly.net/Service. President's Award service scholars will also receive an email and a letter in the mail to invite them to the December ceremony.

Reading Volunteers Needed for East Palo Alto 3rd Graders - 1 Hour per Week  
All Students Matter needs parent volunteers for a structured reading program called Reading Scholars at Brentwood Academy in East Palo Alto (behind Home Depot). Volunteers help 3rd graders who are reading below grade level. For one hour a week you will meet with the same child and read books together. We will provide the training, supplies and coordinate the time. You'll see specific changes in your student's reading over time and enjoy getting to know an enthusiastic and motivated student. Have questions or want to sign up?  Contact Carolyn Blatman at [email protected]. Learn more at www.allstudentsmatter.org.
PAUSDPAUSD
Project Safety Net Seeks Program Director  
Project Safety Net (PSN), a local community collaborative focused on suicide prevention and youth well-being, is seeking a full time Program Director. The position is to lead in effecting positive relationships and communications among PSN partners and other participating organizations and individuals, youth organizations, and within the City and PAUSD to realize the mission of Project Safety Net.  Among the keys skills sought include very strong communication and facilitation skills and the ability to lead a broad based community collaborative. See job description here.

The Board Policy Review Committee Meeting  New
Wed Nov. 13, at 1pm,  25 Churchill Avenue Palo Alto
This committee, which includes two board members, meets to review new mandates, policies derived from State of California legislation, and other policy needs for the district.  This committee has no power to adopt policies.  Any  policies recommended for adoption are brought to the full Board of Education. Materials:  http://pausd.org/community/board/agenda.shtml
 
Special meeting of the Board of Education  New
Tue Nov. 19, at 8:30am,  25 Churchill Avenue Palo Alto
This special meeting of the Board of Education is being held to review the Elementary Single Plans for Student Achievements.  Approval is considered at a subsequent meeting of the Board.
Materials:  http://pausd.org/community/board/agenda.shtml

Announcement for iConnect Families

Hourly Appointments on: Sat. Nov 16, 10am-2pm, PAUSD District Office, 25 Churchill Ave.

Computers, like people, need checkups now and then. The district's Technology  Department would like families who have borrowed a district computer that is 3 years or older to bring it in for a check up and have software updates installed. The computer will work better and may run faster after the update. The work will be done while you wait and should only take about 45 minutes to an hour. This will take place:

  

To schedule your appointment, you may either call 650 833-4288 or go online:  

1)   Click on this link- iConnect Appointment. Or copy and paste this url in your browser: https://www.securedata-trans7.com/ap/paloaltounifiedschooldistrict1/index.php?page=10

2) On left side, under "Select Service" click on the down arrow and select "iConnect Maintenance (60 min.)" Calendars will show up.

3)   Find November 16 in blue. Click on it. Find a time slot and click in it.

4)    In the next screen, click on "new user" if you have never used this Appointment Scheduler system before. You will then create an account. Write down and save your log in and password for future use.

5)    If you have used this system before, you will need to log in with a password.

6)    To complete the appointment process, you will need to hit the button at the bottom, Finalize Appointment.

  

On Nov. 16, while you are waiting for work to be done on the computer, we will have teachers available to show you resources that you and your students can use. We can also answer questions about computer use.  

 

High School Student Created CPR/AED Video
Help empower knowledge to SAVE A LIFE! Racing Hearts, a partner of the Palo Alto School District and the City of Palo Alto encourages families to know CPR/AED.  Did you know that life saving heart defibrillators are coming to all Palo Alto schools by the end of this year? Please check out the video here!
 Community AnnouncementsCommAnn
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Concert  New
Sun, Nov. 10, 3 pm, Cubberley Theatre @ Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Free Admission. Sinfonia Orchestra, Benjamin Simon, conductor

Singing Palo Alto Utilities Pirates  New
Treasure-burying pirates, egg-burying penguins, contractors and good fairies (aka Palo Alto Utilities employees) sing a rousing rendition of their message about calling 811 before you dig!  Every 3 minutes, another major pipeline in the US is hit because people failed to call the free 811.  Kids, parents, dogs...everyone who digs will dig this short video reminder: https://vimeo.com/78299578 

makeX: A Mobile Makerspace for Teens
 New
Every Sat 2-5pm & every Fri 4-7pm, City Hall Lobby, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto 
Have you ever had a dream for a product, craft, or machine, and wondered how you might bring it to life? makeX supplies you with the tools and equipment to build, design, tinker, and play with any idea. Participation is FREE! Details & reserve equipment:  http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/lib/teens/makex.asp

Our Distracted Mind: Brain, Memory and Multi-tasking  New
Wed Nov 13, 7-9pm, Los Altos High School Eagle Theater, 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos
Dr. Adam Gazzaley will explain: Attention, distraction, and the myth of multi-tasking.  Brain limitations such as processing speed and attentional limitations. The impact that multi-tasking has on our safety, memory, education, careers and personal lives.  This is part of the Mountain View Los Altos Schools Parent Education Speaker Series.  Info: http://www.lamvptac.org/2013/08/28/our-distracted-mind-brain-memory-and-multi-tasking/

Teen Depression Webinar
Wed. Nov. 13, 1-2pm, online at www.familyaware.org/trainings
Families for Depression Awareness, a national nonprofit organization, is hosting a free, one-hour Teen Depression Webinar on Wednesday November 13 at 4 PM Eastern Time. Designed for an audience of teachers, youth workers, and caring adults, the webinar talks about how to distinguish typical adolescent behavior from symptoms of depression, how to reach a teen in need, and what to do if help is refused. After filling out an online evaluation, participants will receive a free set of Bipolar and Depression Wellness Guides for Teens and their Parents. Register for this free webinar at www.familyaware.org/trainings!

Palo Alto Community Child Care's 10th Annual Dine for Kids Event 

Thu, Nov. 14 at over 35 local restaurants in Palo Alto Community.

Join Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC) in support of quality childcare for low-income families by contributing a portion of their proceeds from that day's sales.  Full details on the restaurants and any required flyers can be found at http://www.paccc.org/dine_for_kids. PACCC runs the Dine for Kids Online Auction with lots of fun goodies for everyone in your family from Nov 7-21, http://www.biddingforgood.com/paccc.

 

JLS Stage Production presents "The Hobbit" 

Thurs-Fri, Nov. 14-15, 7pm JLS Cafetorium 480 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Come see an adventure play based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel is a suspenseful, fast-moving journey through the sometimes dark, sometimes charming, always compelling world of Middle Earth...and there's a dragon!  Tickets go on sale @JLS on Nov 4. Adult: $5 Children: $3 (grades 8 or younger).

 

Be a Mock Trial Juror  
Sat or Sun., Nov. 16 or 17, 11:45am-5:30pm, Palo Alto Courthouse, 270 Grant Avenue Palo Alto
Volunteer to be a mock trial juror at the Palo Alto Courthouse! Stanford Law School's Trial Advocacy course culminates in realistic, student-led mock trials. Law students will simulate a civil or criminal trial. Expect to hear opening statements, direct and cross examinations of witnesses, objections, and closing arguments. As a juror, you will deliberate with your fellow jurors and render a verdict in the case. If you know of anyone else (groups or individuals) who may be interested, pass this information along. Both parents and students are welcome to participate. Contact: Sara Abarbanel [email protected], (650) 724-9581

Aurora Light Show and Unveiling Event at City Hall Plaza  New 
Sat Nov 16, 5pm, King Plaza City Hall, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto
This free, family-friendly event is the culmination of a two-year effort by PA school children to install Aurora, a life-size tree sculpture with thousands of LED lights. The event begins with leaf-making at 3pm and the lighting ceremony begins at 5pm.  Volunteer: [email protected].  Info: http://kck.st/19uf3Hv
 
Palo Alto Art Center: Cubberley Artists Studios Community Meeting  New 
Tue. Nov 19, 7-8:30 pm, Lucie Stern Community Center, Ballroom, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Re-envisioning the Artist Studio Program at Cubberley Community Center. The Art Center invites you to participate in a community meeting and artist survey about the Artist Studio Program at Cubberley Community Center. Questions/RSVP:  Alyssa Erickson [email protected]
About the Paly LinkaboutPalyLink

The Paly Link is a Paly PTSA publication, emailed on Sundays, except during school breaks and holidays. Changes will be highlighted as New/Updated/Corrected.

 

Deadline for submittals: noon on Saturday, the day before publication. Flyers must be submitted by noon on Thursday. Items run no earlier than 3 weeks before the event.

To submit an item, send to [email protected]See submission instructions here. Include a header or title line, then a line listing the date, time and location of the event. Follow with a brief (2-4 sentence) description of the activity, with the most important information first.  List email, contact information and web links last.  Items are published at the discretion of the editors. 

--Stefanie Wilen, Shuchi Grover, and Carlene Kemmerer, Paly Link Editors
--Bala Aiyar, Paly Link List Manager and Gordon Craig, Paly Link Webmaster 

Click Here to sign up a new email address to receive the Link. Click on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link below to update an existing address.

Paly Link on the Web, Paly PTSA Web Site,
Paly Web Site, Paly Sports,

Palo Alto PTA Council Web SiteParent Education Events,
Community Service, Community Sports  
Join Our Mailing List