Paly Link

 A PTSA publication 

Sunday, December 15, 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
continuing

Sports Boosters Tree Lot (Paly)  
MondayDec. 16
Paly Robotics Booster Board Meeting, 7pm, Rm 903 (Paly)
Wednesday
Dec. 18
Finals 8:15am - 3:25pm: periods 2, 4, 7  
Thursday
Dec. 19
Finals 8:15am - 12:45pm: periods 1 & 3  
Friday
Dec. 20
Finals 8:15am - 12:45pm: periods 5 & 6 
Saturday
Dec. 21
Play in a Day, 8pm, Haymarket Theatre
Sat-Sun
12/21-1/5
Winter Break NO SCHOOL  
Sunday
Jan. 5
First Paly Link of 2014; submissions due 1/4/14 by noon 
Monday
Jan. 6
School resumes; second semester starts 
TuesdayJan. 7Financial Aid Presentation, 7pm, ERC (C&CC
ThursdayJan.14Junior Parent Network Meeting, 7-8:30pm (PTSA)  New
ThursdayJan.30Parent Ed Program, 7pm, ERC (PTSA)  New
PTSA and PTA AnnouncementsPTSA

Paly PTSA Annual Fundraising Reminder Updated

 

As of Dec 12, Paly PTSA Annual Fund for 2013-2014 has reached 75% of its $175,000

goal, up 3% since Nov 26. A big thank you to all who contributed. However, this also

means we are still short by $43,750. We need about 200 more families to contribute

$250 for each of their students, but any amount will bring us closer to the goal.

In the past, we have also received generous donations of up to $10,000.

 

Just as PiE supplements staffing needs at Paly, Paly PTSA Annual Fund pays for

equipment, material and supplies for classroom learning and various student activities

such as the Food for Thought during Finals week.

 

If you have not done so, please make your check out to Paly PTSA. You can mail it

in to Paly PTSA, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto CA 94301 or drop it off at the Paly Main

Office in the Tower Building or go online and pay via the WebStore.

 

Paly PTSA is a 501(3)c non-profit organization. Your donation is tax free where applicable. Thank you so much and have a wonderful Winter Break!

 

Louise Yeung Furutsuki VP Fundraising, Paly PTSA (email: [email protected])

Rebecca Fox President Paly PTSA ([email protected])

 

Food for Thought: Volunteers Needed for Prep Week & Finals Week  Updated

Mon-Fri, Dec 16-20, Campus & Library
Volunteers needed to distribute healthy snacks in the morning of the Finals days (Dec 18-20). Sign up at: http://tinyurl.com/kclouct. In addition, healthy and hearty snacks will be served to students who choose to take advantage of the library after hour study program (4:00pm-8:30pm). Teachers will also be available at the library during this time period! Volunteers needed to help library staff with clean up. Sign up at: http://tinyurl.com/kclouct. Sponsored by PTSA and ASB.  Questions: Mary Ellen Bena,  [email protected], Simone Klass [email protected] or Lisa Branson  [email protected].

 

Junior Parent Network Evening Meeting New

Thurs Jan. 16, 7-8:30pm

We will meet at the home of Marie Jhin (1127 Harker Avenue Palo Alto) to discuss the college admissions process. We will have Sally Doane, a college advisor, who also happens to be a PALY Junior Parent, lead our discussion that evening. Full details are posted on the Project2015 Yahoo Group. If you plan to attend on 1/16/14, please sign up via the Google doc signup sheet so we can get a headcount. Thank you. If you have any questions, please contact Jenn LeBlanc,[email protected] or Susan Gordon, [email protected]. 

 

Paly PTSA Parent Ed Upcoming programs: Please join us! New
Thurs Jan 30, 7pm, ERC, Paly Library
"High School Summer Experiences - a parent -to parent conversation." Please join us to hear from other Paly parents about summer planning in the high school years, and bring your own experiences to share as well. Also please save the date for two highly acclaimed speakers:

Tues April 8, 7pm, Haymarket Theater
Julie Metzger, R.N. and M.N. will share strategies to enable us to talk more confidently with our teens and help them make wise, healthy choices

Tues April 15, 7pm, Spangenberg Theatre @ Gunn High School
Harlan Cohen, NY Times best selling author, and nationally syndicated advice columnist, on the transition to college - a joint Paly/Gunn PTSA and C&CC event.  

We look forward to these exciting programs brought to you thanks to your generous donations to Paly PTSA. Questions, contact Jennifer Landesmann [email protected] or Louise Valente [email protected]

California Schools are in Trouble:  Sign the online PTA Petition!
CA once had top performing, top funded schools.  Now, even after Prop 30, CA ranks 49th in school funding, and our schools perform near bottom on national assessments.  CA spends $8,000 per student while top performing education states spend $16,000 - $22,000 per student.  Palo Alto only spends at the national average.  Sign the online Sixth District PTA petition to restore CA schools to excellence. To learn more about school funding, watch this PTA video and visit our Sixth District PTA Advocacy Website. Questions: Nancy Krop, [email protected].

Important Information Regarding Paly Directory

The paper copy version of the student directory is now available. Created and sponsored by the Paly PTSA, it was distributed to 9th graders in their November 21st Advisory class. There are a limited number of extra copies available in the front office for anyone who wants to receive one. Directory information is strictly for use within the Paly community. The password-protected eDirectory can be accessed from www.paly.net. Go to the parent section, instructions are included there for logging in. Any questions regarding the eDirectory should be directed to

[email protected].

Paly Items Paly
paly viking ship logo    
Paly Sports Boosters Tree Lot 
continuing; Mon-Fri 4-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm 
The Paly Sports Boosters Annual Tree Lot Fundraiser is underway in Paly's front parking lot at the corner of El Camino and Embarcadero. Across the street from Stanford Stadium and Town & Country Village. Your purchase supports Paly Athletic Teams and is tax deductible. More info:www.palytrees.com
 

Paly Robotics Boosters Board Meeting  

Mon, Dec. 16, 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, competitions, the upcoming build-season, and other matters. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Seniors/Senior Parents: Cap & Gown Order Info
 

Here are two links regarding the cap and gown order with Jostens. Please get your order in. 

1. The link to Jostens' list of students who have NOT ordered anything yet in terms of cap and gown. If your name is here, then right now you have nothing ordered for Graduation (at least as far as Jostens is concerned). http://goo.gl/s8F8xm
2. The link to order items (Jostens has updated their web sales window again):  http://goo.gl/U3B9XE

  

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].

Yearbook BABY ADS - Free Parent Workshops

Fridays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 2-6pm, Room 101
Deadline extended to January 31st to support parents who want to place a Senior Congratulatory Ad (it can be photos of current students - it does not need to be baby photos even though that's the common name). Madrono staff will host 4 free workshops for parents - please bring copies of ORIGINAL photo files (no social networking copies please) on a CD or flashdrive along with TEXT for the ad. We can scan print photos and snapshots (NO copyrighted photos or cartoons allowed). Forms and more information at [email protected]  and all AD details on Madrono webpage: www.madrono.paly.net  

 

What Do Teens Want From Their Parents? New

Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) blog provides valuable clinical information and resources on a range of adolescent issues.  ACS is a community non-profit providing counseling services at no charge to students and their families. More info: www.acs-teens.org or Debbie Landi, Paly Site Director (650) 833-4244.  Read http://acsteens.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/what-do-teens-want-from-their-parents/

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 .

 

California Cash for College workshop

Thurs Jan. 9, 6-8pm, College Track, 1877 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto

Come get help completing your FAFSA and other forms and also enter a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship; one scholarship is offered at each workshop held across the state!   For more information, contact Kristi Lozano [email protected] or 650-562-1233. Logon to www.californiacashforcollege.org for more information and to find other workshops in the bay area.


Financial Aid Presentation  

Tues Jan. 7, 7-8:30pm, ERC, Paly Library

The College and Career Center will host a Financial Aid Presentation. Deanna Fountain, from the Office of Financial Aid at Stanford University will be our guest speaker. The presentation will focus on how to complete the FAFSA and related topics. Basic familiarity with financial aid terminology (e.g. FAFSA, EFC, CalGrant) and the application process is assumed; the financial aid presentation at the College Fair was a good overview but for a brief refresher, take a look at:

http://www.paly.net/college/financial_aid.


ACE Mentor Program at Paly  

Tuesdays, starting January 7, 5pm

Students are invited to apply for the ACE Mentor Program, held at. The ACE (architects, constructors, engineers) Mentor Program is a national nonprofit whose purpose is to provide experiences, connections and scholarship opportunities for students interested in those fields. Please see the website for information and online application: www.acementor.org 

 

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.

 

Off-Campus Visits: 

Butler University   1/4/2014   San Francisco, CA  

Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through December 21, 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.   

 

NFIB Young Entrepreneurship Award - Deadline 12/18
SF Chinatown Lions Club Miss Teen Chinatown - Deadline 12/20
Odenza Marketing Group Volunteer Scholarship (Juniors & Seniors) - Deadline 12/30 New 
McDaniel College Dorsey Scholars Program - Deadline 1/2 New 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority San Jose Alumnae Chapter Scholarship - Deadline 1/9 New  
Education for All Photography Contest (Juniors & Seniors) - Deadline 1/10 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.

Community Service Scholars 
Next Deadline Fri, Mar. 7, 2014
Each year Paly 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.

Career Month Lunchtime Speaker Series - Time to Donate!

Please consider an end of year donation to support our 7th annual Career Month Lunchtime Speaker Series (paly.net/careermonth).  During the first two weeks of March, students volunteer their lunch hour to hear from experts in the workforce speaking about their career paths.  We need funding for student lunches: $25 = 5 student lunches, $100 = 10 & $500 = lunch for the entire room of students!  Make checks payable to "PAHS" and write "Career Month" in the memo section. Drop off checks in the Auditor's office or mail checks to: Beth Martin (Volunteer Coordinator), PAHS, 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA  94301. You can also make a donation with the PAHS Web Store which can be accessed through Paly.net.Contacts: Christina Owen ([email protected]) and Beth Martin ([email protected]).

PAUSDPAUSD

Get Help!  Sign Up for Health Insurance Now! New

Thu Dec 19, 2-7pm, Multipurpose Room, Jordan Middle School, 750 N. California Ave.[map]

Come learn more about your insurance options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Complete the application on the spot, with the help of a certified enrollment counselor!  FREE.  Open to everyone.

Flyers: [English] [Spanish

 

Spanish interpretation, childcare, & many enrollment counselors available to help you.

More info online from: [PAUSD] [Sixth District PTA] [State PTA] [Covered CA]

To enroll for health insurance, bring these required documents:

-  Current Income of all family members on the application (Tax Return, W2, recent pay stubs, etc.)

-     Copy of U.S. Citizenship and residency status

-     Legal resident card or Certificate of Naturalized Citizenship

-     Copy of Social Security Number and Date of Birth for each family member in the household

-    Applicant's California ID or Driver's License

Sponsors:  PAUSD, Palo Alto PTA Council, & Covered CA.

 

Obtenga ayuda! Registrarse para el Seguro de Salud Ahora!

Jueves, 19 de diciembre, 2pm to 7pm, Multipurpose Room,

Jordan Middle School, 750 N California Ave [mapa]

Venga y aprenda m�s acerca de sus opciones de seguros bajo la Ley de Asistencia Asequible (ACA).  Complete la aplicaci�n este mismo d�a con la ayuda de un consejero de afiliaci�n certificada!  GRATIS. Abierto a todo el mundo. Folletos: [Espa�ol] [Ingl�s]

Traducci�n al espa�ol, cuidado de ni�os, y muchos consejeros de inscripci�n disponibles para ayudarle.  M�s informaci�n en l�nea en: [PAUSD] [Sixth District PTA] [State PTA] [Covered CA]

Para inscribirse en el seguro de salud, favor de traer estos documentos requeridos:

-    Los ingresos actuales de todos los miembros de la familia que van a estar en la aplicaci�n (Declaraci�n de impuestos, W2, talones de pago recientes, etc)

-     Copia de la Ciudadan�a de los EE.UU. y el estado de residencia

-     Tarjeta de residente legal o Certificado de Ciudadan�a naturalizado

-     Copia del N�mero de Seguro Social y fecha de nacimiento para cada miembro de la familia en el hogar

-    Identificaci�n del Estado de California del solicitante o licencia de manejar.

Patrocinadores:  PAUSD, Palo Alto Consejo de PTA, y Covered CA.

 

PAUSD Enrollment & Registration Info New

Priority One registration is around the corner.  Important dates & resources:

  • Priority One registration for all incoming Kindergartners for the 2014-2015 school year: Tue Jan 14 - Thu Feb 13.
  • Registration & residency guidelines and requirements: http://pausd.org/parents/registration/
  • Registration forms and appointments for registration will not be accepted until Tue Jan 14.

Questions: please contact Central Attendance Office, 650-329-3707.

 
Protecting Staff and Student Privacy 
PAUSD takes every precaution to protect students' & staff's personally identifiable information from loss, unauthorized access, or theft by implementing an in depth security strategy.  PAUSD employs both a technological & collaborative approach to defending against cyber threats, & shares best practices with other school districts.  We monitor, analyze, and assess threats on a daily basis.
It has become shockingly easy to give away our own, or others', personal info, with a click of a mouse. Some key questions:
- Am I sharing private, personally identifiable data?
- What do I know about the company I'm sharing my data with?
- Is this my data to share?
These considerations apply whether a teacher is signing students up for a web service or a parent is taking pictures on campus.  We ask all staff, students, & parents to "think before they click" and obtain appropriate permission before sharing data with vendors or posting images & info to social media.
For questions, concerns, or more info about student, staff, or parent privacy, feel free to contact your school's Principal.
 Community AnnouncementsCommAnn
Does Your Teen Have Trouble Sleeping? New

The Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University is currently conducting a study to help teens go to bed earlier and wake up earlier.  The treatment involves use of a light device that is placed by the child's bedside and flashes periodically throughout the night.  We are looking for teenagers who are

enrolled full-time in 9th-12th grades; have difficulty falling asleep and waking up in the morning; are not currently taking any medications for sleep; desire to go to bed at an earlier; don't sleep only in the prone (face-down) position. If you are interest in participating please contact Dr. Kate Kaplan, Psychology Fellow or Meital Mashash, Study Coordinator [email protected] (650) 725-7767.

 

Upcoming Opportunities at Foothill College

Our fall quarter is currently ending and winter quarter is quickly approaching with classes starting January 6, 2014! Please click on the following to see our Winter Connections newsletter.

Foothill is also introducing a new Adult Learners Program, focusing on supporting adults who are trying to start or return to college to earn a degree or certificate that leads to new opportunities. For more information please click on  Adult Learners flyer or visit: http://www.foothill.edu/adultlearners/

We would also like to share upcoming programs that will be taking place summer 2014! Please click on the following links for more information.

-       Summer Bridge Math Program

-       EOPS Summer College Readiness Program

-       STEM Summer Camp (free)

Join the Children's Theatre News Team!  New
The Children's Theatre is launching a brand new quarterly newsletter, and we need your help!  Teens age 14 to 18:  Please let us know if you would like to be part of the Children's Theatre Newsletter editing and design team! Earn your community service hours while having a lot of fun, and gaining valuable hands-on publishing experience.  Email [email protected].  Please include your name, your age and grade level, and your email and phone number. We look forward to working on this exciting new project with you!
 
Seeking Healthy Twins for Research Study 
Stanford researchers are recruiting healthy same-sex twin pairs to participate in a research study comparing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to typically developing twins so we can better understand the causes of this disorder. Especially needed: typically developing twins. To be eligible for this study your twins must be a same-sex twin pair, ages 5 to 14;  in good medical health, and not have a severe neuropsychiatric disorder; willing to complete a MRI scan and behavioral testing. [Press Release]  [Frequently Asked Questions].  There is no cost to participate. Your twins will be paid up to $100. Info: (650) 723-7547.

 

The Palo Alto Police Department's Traffic Team enforcement 
The Palo Alto Police Department's Traffic Team has notified us that they will be stepping up enforcement around our schools during the fall in an effort to ensure the safest possible school commute environment for everyone.  While they will continue to cite adult drivers who commit safety violations occurring around our schools, they will be focusing their attention on safety violations by student bicyclists and pedestrians. For Info: Traffic Team at [email protected].

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Holiday Concert  
Sun Dec. 15, 3pm, Ctr. for Performing Arts, Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Rd, Atherton

Program includes Nutcracker, Messiah, and more! Celebrate the holidays with some classical music, as PACO welcomes young singers from the Cantabile Youth Choir and young dancers from the Pacific Ballet Academy. A special appearance from PACO's Preparatory Orchestra will also be featured. Music of Tchaikovsky and Handel, of course, plus holiday and pops favorites to ring in the new year. Free Admission!

 
LGBTQQ Monthly Meeting
 
Dec 17, 3:45 - 5pm, Conf Room A, PAUSD office, 25 Churchill Street, Palo Alto
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQQ) Committee represents this population within the Palo Alto Unified 
School District, and advocates for their recognition, rights and health and social-emotional well-being. We meet on a monthly basis and meetings are open to the public. 

Palo Alto Family YMCA'sDecember Holiday Party New

Sat Dec 21, 10am-noon, Palo Alto Family YMCA, 3412 Ross Rd

Come join us for this free event, with lots of activities for parents and youth.  Info: paloaltofamilyymca.orgpagemillymca.org.  Questions:  Alan Iijima, 856-9622 x4250,[email protected] The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility

 

Plant oaks and other California natives 
Dec 21 and 28, 10-1 on the  "Dish" hill
Join Magic to plant oaks and other California natives trees and understory species along a recreational route enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. If you plant with us, we ask that you commit to at least one watering session. Details: [email protected].

LIVE Sports Broadcasting Training at MC Sports in Palo Alto New

Mon Dec 30, 10am-4pm, Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road

Open to Middle School and High School students, $75.00 per student, need-based scholarships available.  You've seen the MC Sports Truck and Broadcasting Crew at Paly and Gunn games all year! Now you have a chance to learn all the elements of Sports Broadcasting at our one-day Training Session. You'll learn valuable and fun media skills using our mobile production truck. Trainees will have the option to join The MC Sports Crew covering High School sporting events in the winter and spring.  Contact Chuck Alley, [email protected]

 

Palo Alto City Library Announces 5th Annual Student Writing Contest
  
Through Jan 13, 2014
Children in grades 2-5 and teens in grades 6-12 are invited to write an essay no more than 500 words in length on the topic, "What Would You Create That Could Change Your World?"   Entries must be filed electronically at the library's website at www.cityofpaloalto.org/library 

Depression New

Wed Jan 22, 7- 9pm, Covington Elementary, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos [map]

When is moodiness a more serious problem that requires outside help? What are the signs of depression and what can be done to help? Speaker John Brentar, Ph.D., will discuss the symptoms of clinical depression, treatment options, and how you can best support your child. The hour-long presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. 

FREE and open to all. No registration required.  Sponsor: SELPA 1 CAC

 

Palo Alto Rotary Annual Speech Contest   

The first competition is Thurs, Jan. 23, 2014, 7:00 PM, Palo Alto City Council Chambers.  

Calling all Palo Alto high school students. Palo Alto Rotary Clubs invite you to participate in their annual speech contest. Top winner will earn prizes totaling $1550. Awards targeted to student education, but "no strings are attached". Speeches must be 1) original, 2) 4-5 minutes, and 3) reference at least one principle of "The Rotary 4-Way Test ". For information and to register contact Annette Glanckopf annette_G@att.net or Tom Gracon [email protected]. Sponsored by Palo Alto Rotary and University Club Rotary Clubs.

 

The Tech Challenge 2014 New

Registration open now; event will be Sat-Sun April 12-13.

Cisco presents The Tech Challenge, an annual team competition for students in grades 5-12 that reinforces the science and engineering design process. To learn more about The Tech Challenge, including team registration and volunteer opportunities, please visit The Tech Challenge website.

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 

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