Paly Link

A PTSA publication

Sunday, March 2, 2014

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

Thur-Sat.	Mar. 6,7,8	Paly Theatre's Pride and Prejudice, 7:30pm, Haymarket (Paly)
Monday- Friday	Mar. 3-14	Career Month Speaker Series: FREE LUNCH to first 250 participants (Paly.net/Careermonth) (C&CC) Updated
Thursday	Mar. 6	Coffee with the Principal! 8:30-9:45am, ERC (Paly) New
Thursday	Mar. 6	Media Arts Boosters Mtg, 7pm, SSRC (Paly) New
Friday	Mar. 7	Paly Service Day Planning Mtg, 3:45pm, ERC (Paly) New
Friday	Mar. 14	Sophomore Parent Network Mtg, 8:15am, 1341 Harker Ave. (PTSA) New
Saturday	Mar. 15	Robotics Boosters Board Mtg, 4pm, Room 903 (Paly) New Date
Tues-Wed.	Mar. 18-19	State Testing and Special Schedules (Paly)
Wednesday	Mar. 26	Coffee with the Principal! 7-8:30pm, ERC (Paly) New
Friday	Apr. 25	Coffee with the Principal! 8:30-9:45am, SSRC (Paly) New
Wednesday	Apr. 30	Coffee with the Principal! 7-8:30pm, ERC (Paly) New

PTSA and PTA Announcements

New PTSA Parent Group: Paly Parents in Chinese (Paly中国家长会) New

A new Paly parents group: "Paly Parents in Chinese" has been formed under the sponsorship of Paly PTSA. The Paly Parents in Chinese group has been formed to help Chinese parents to better understand parents' rights and responsibilities, to share campus information and parents' concerns for their students, to facilitate communication with the school, and to provide a social platform for Paly parents. Our ultimate goal is to have successful students every parent is proud of and a wonderful community everyone loves. Paly Parents in Chinese group welcomes parents from all ethnic backgrounds to join. Communication within the group will be conducted in both Chinese and English. So come join us by sending an email to PalyParentsinChinese@yahoo.com.

Paly中国家长会正式成立了。中国家长会旨在帮助家长了解作为家长的权力和义务，分享和交流学校信息，帮助向学校反映家长和学生关心的问题，提供家长们互通有无，增进了解的平台。中国家长会欢迎各位家长参加，不管是中国家长，美国家长，还是其他种族的家长。家长会将用中国和英文交流。想参加的家长，请送个email 给PalyParentsinChinese@yahoo.com。

PTSA Outreach and Diversity: Language-specific Parent Groups New

Paly PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) is pleased to announce our assistance in forming non-English speaking parent groups, with the main purpose of providing parents information in their own language about school news, student and parent activities, as well as PTSA events. This could be in the form of a Yahoo group in a specific language. "Paly Parents in Chinese" is the first such group being formed. If you are interested in creating a parent group for this purpose in your own language, please contact: Calvin Woon, PTSA VP Outreach & Diversity, ctw2118@gmail.com

Sophomore Parent Network News New

All meetings at 8:15 am at 1341 Harker Ave.

Friday Morning Meeting Topics for the final meetings of the year of the Paly 2016 (sophomore) Parent network.
March 14: Summer planning: enrichment programs, volunteer activities, and jobs; including how to make the most of your first visits to college campuses.

April 11: The sports recruitment process: your child doesn't have to be a top athlete to play the sports card in college admissions: we'll bring in a few parents who went through this process to share their tips. (We'll look at doing something similar next year for parents of kids who have other distinct paths in college apps, including the arts.)

May 9: End of year wrap up and family fun. We made it! (or almost). Let's talk about what went well this year and share what kinds of activities our kids might willingly do with us this summer.

To be added to the parent net email list on Yahoogroups, contact teklanee@gmail.com.

Parenting for Authentic Success - Video Available!

This 90-minute talk was sponsored by several of Palo Alto's PTAs, and can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9egUk5EhJo. Talking to a full house on January 29 in Spangenberg Theater at Gunn High School, Dr. Levine asked parents to focus on their children's success at home and in the world, beyond academics, to achieve authentic success. Author of the recent New York Times bestseller, Teach Your Children Well, Dr. Levine offered tangible tools to help kids thrive in today's competitive culture.She also shared stories based on her experience as a psychologist, educator, and mother of three sons. It's worth the time!

Summer Planning in High School

Notes from this recent even are here: Summer Planning

Are you prepared for a disaster?

Survey ends March 18, 2014

PTSA Disaster Preparedness Committee and Paly Movers and Shakers club for emergency preparedness want to make sure you and your family have an emergency plan, and are prepared for a disaster such as an earthquake. Please let us know by taking this short survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FJVZCRV

PTSA Parent Ed Event New

Mar. 20, 7-9pm, Barron Park Elementary School, MP Room (800 Barron Dr., PA)

Hospitality begins at 6:45pm

Managing Parental Stress: A Toolkit for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Speaker Marci Schwartz, PhD, LCSW, will help parents to identify sources of stress, understand their impact, and look at areas of support in order to create a plan to give them a better sense of balance. Please Note: this event is intended for an adult audience. Sponsored by the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, PAUSD. The website is: http://cacpaloalto.org/.

Planning Ahead for the College Selection Process New

Tue Mar 25, 7-9pm Mountain View High School Spartan Theatre, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View

LAMV PTAC Sponsored Event: Talk by Dr. Jerrold Shapiro about Learn how to address the emotional concerns of college bound children, What does "fit" mean in a college, and how can your child find the best fit? Get a realistic view of the college choice process. Admission is Free

PTSA Parent Ed, Save the Date for Two highly acclaimed speakers

Tuesday April 8, 7:00pm Haymarket Theater @ Paly

Julie Metzger, R.N. and M.N. Julie will share strategies to enable us to talk more confidently with our teens and help them make wise, healthy choices.

Tuesday April 15, 7:00pm, Spangenberg Theatre @ Gunn H.S.

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.

Questions, contact Jennifer Landesmann jlandesmann@gmail.com or Louise Valente moscato@pacbell.net

PTAC 2014 Honorary Service Award Nominations

It's that time of year when we have the opportunity to recognize those who have given so much in the way of community service to our youth. Please take some time to think about who you know that deserves thanks and recognition for their outstanding service to our youth. Please see the PTAC website for the nominating form at http://paloaltopta.org and/or contact Susan Usman susanlusman@gmail.com

Paly Items

Coffee with the Principal! New

Please join Principal Kim Diorio for an informal get together over coffee and snacks. No agenda, open house, all are welcome. We hope to see you on one of the following dates:

Thursday, March 6 8:30 - 9:45AM

Wednesday, March 26 7:00 - 8:30PM

Friday, April 25 8:30 - 9:45AM (SSRC this date only)

Wednesday, April 30 7:00 - 8:30PM

All coffees will be held in the ERC (English Resource Center) in the Library at Paly, except where noted. Please join us!

Pride and Prejudice Tickets on Sale

Feb. 28, Mar. 1, 6, 7, 8, 7:30 pm, Haymarket Theatre
Palo Alto High School proudly presents Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, adapted for the stage by Jon Jory. Adapted from one of the most enduring bestsellers of all time, Pride and Prejudice sparkles with the mischievous wit and timeless characters that give this romantic comedy its shine. High-spirited and heartfelt, the Paly Theatre production will delight Austen aficionados and win new fans for this story of improbable love. Reserved seating online at http://www.seatyourself.biz/palytheatre. Remaining tickets sold one hour before curtain. Adults $10, Students/Seniors $7. More info at www.palytheatre.com or palyboxoffice@gmail.com.

Media Arts Boosters Meeting New

Thurs, Mar. 6, 7pm, SSRC in the Paly Library

Come hear about our latest fundraising efforts and get an update on the Media Arts Center. Media Arts Boosters is a fun and exciting way to get involved at Paly by supporting all our student publications. Questions? Contact Debbie Crouch deborah.b.crouch@mac.com or Carol Chalmers caroltchalmers@yahoo.com.

Paly Service Day Planning Meeting New

Fri, Mar. 7, 3:45pm, ERC

The annual Paly Service Day is taking place on Thursday, April 24. Students are a big part of the planning for this amazing day of service. We also need lots of parents to volunteer. To learn more, or to help with the planning, please come to our next planning meeting on Friday, March 7 @3:45 in the ERC. All parents and students are welcome! Contact: Linda van Gelder (lindavang@sbcglobal.net), Christina Owen (cowen@pausd.org), Calisa Cole (CCole@nvidia.com).

You can also make a donation to help finance food and supplies for service day through the Paly Webstore.

ASB Election Applications New

ASB Election Applications are now available outside the SAO and online at http://goo.gl/JfWUUu. The deadline for applications is March 12. ASB: Work-Service-Fun!

Paly Robotics Boosters Board Meeting New Date

Rescheduled to Sat Mar. 15, 4pm, Paly Robotics Lab (Room 903)

All parents are welcome to attend the Robotics Boosters Board meeting. In addition to the usual items, we will be discussing the status of the Team during this competition season. If you have any question, please e-mail us at palyroboticsboosters@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Sign up for Paly Glass Weekend Workshops

Mar 8-9, Apr 12-13, May 10-11 Jun 7-8, 9-3 pm at Palo Alto High School's Glass Studio

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, dcamner@pausd.org.

Upcoming State Mandated Testing Schedule in March and April

Tues Mar. 18, Wed Mar. 19, Mon Apr. 14

On March 18 and 19 starting at 8:15 am, all Sophomores will take California High School Exit exam (CAHSEE). Juniors will take the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA's) on March 18 starting at 9:40 am, and on March 19 starting at 9:25. Freshmen and Seniors will start school at 1:20 pm on the 18th and 12:35 on the 19th. On April 14, Sophomores will take the California Standards Test (CST) science portion from 8:15 am to 10:20 am. Juniors will take CST English and Math starting at 8:15 am and ending at 3:20. Freshmen and Seniors will not have testing or classes that day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 15. For detailed information on schedule please go to Paly calendar at http://paly.net/events2. If you would like to find out more information on SBA's, please go to www.smarterbalanced.org or http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterfieldtest.asp

Prom 2014 is coming! New

Sat, Apr. 12, 8pm-12am, SF Exploratorium

This year's prom will be held at the exciting San Francisco Exploratorium on Saturday, April 12 from 8pm-12am. All information, ticket prices, forms and links are viewable at paly.net. Specifically, http://goo.gl/jn1cfP

Is Your Kid Too Mature?

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 Merrett Sheridan, Paly Site Director (650) 833-4244. Read the blog here

College and Career Center

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

Paly Career Month Speaker Series New

Mon-Fri, Mar. 3-14, Lunchtime Speaker Series, Paly library ERC & SSRC

Twenty dynamic career speakers will visit Palo Alto High School during lunchtime, two each day March 3-14. Paly parents have donated money to produce this event, with funds to feed 250 student visitors each day. Inspirational speakers have been invited from the community to share their story of how they found passion in work and life.
See inspirational speaker bio and schedule: www.paly.net/careermonth

Career Month Food Donations and Helpers Needed New

Mon-Fri, Mar 3-14 We are looking for parent volunteers to sponsor student lunches, set up and serve lunches and donate baked goods/supplies. You can volunteer to help on this sign-up sheet: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A45ABAE2EA57-career. More info: contact Paly Volunteer Coordinator Beth Martin.

Juniors: Haven't had an appointment with your College Advisor yet? New

Tues, Mar. 4, Tutorial, ERC

Have questions about the college exploration process? Drop in for a Q and A session with Ms. Cernobori next Tuesday, March 4 during Tutorial in the ERC.

Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science Conference

Register by Fri. March 7; Conference Sat. March 15, Skyline College, San Bruno, 8:15am-3pm
At this conference for 6-12th grade young women, students have the opportunity to meet women who use math and science in their careers. Over 100 women working in related fields will lead hands-on workshops that include experiments and a discussion of career options and educational requirements. Advanced registration required ($15 fee includes lunch). More info: skylinecollege.edu/eyh

Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through March 15, 2014:

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.

Asian Pacific Fund Growing Up Asian in America Contest (for all grades) - Deadline 3/5

Rensselaer Medal (for Juniors) - Deadline 3/7

University of Rochester High School Awards Program (for Juniors) - Deadline 3/7

Santa Clara County Salute to Youth Awards Program (for all grades) - Deadline 3/12 NEW

National League of American Pen Women Art, Writing & Music Scholarship - Deadline 3/14 NEW

Society of Women Engineers Santa Clara Valley Scholarship - Deadline 3/14 NEW

Off-Campus Visits: Visit Naviance for details

Education Summit 3/8/14 8:30 AM Cal State East Bay, Hayward New

Community Service

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.

Volunteer Opportunity: Become a Mentor to a Talented First-Gen College Student

Student Support College Success for Local Low-Income Students

The Peninsula College Fund, which provides college scholarships, 1-1 adult mentors, college and career success training, and summer internship support to low-income, first-generation college students is seeking volunteers to serve as mentors to college students. Mentors offer advice, support, and role modeling to a student throughout the student's college career. Prospective mentors can learn more about this life-changing experience at the PCF Mentor Web Page, http://www.peninsulacollegefund.org/mentor.html. This highly effective organization serves mid-peninsula high school students from Palo Alto to Redwood City, including Paly High School. For questions about mentoring contact Sushini Chand, Program Coordinator at volunteer@peninsulacollegefund.org, or 650-779-5002. Make a difference today!

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.

Volunteer Timers Wanted for the Rinconada Masters Swim Meet New

Sat, Mar. 15, Two shifts available: 8:30am-12:30pm or 12-4pm, Rinconada Park Swimming Pool, 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

Come and help time swimmers of all ages - from 18 to 95 - as they compete in our annual Rinconada Masters Swim Meet. No experience is necessary. Have fun meeting new people and seeing how fast adults can swim! Lunch and drinks are provided as well as credit for community service hours.

Please contact Shawn at 650.224.0494 or sassetoo@hotmail.com, if interested.

PAUSD

Community Announcements

Neighbors Abroad Summer Exchange

Travel to Palo Alto's sister city of Oaxaca, Mexico as an exchange student and live with a Mexican "brother" or "sister" while improving your Spanish fluency. Develop a deeper understanding of another culture, visit archaeological ruins and villages famous for outstanding native handcrafts. The only cost is airfare and spending money. Contact: marion@sonic.net or 650-493-3798.

Project Safety Net Seeking Program Director

Project Safety Net, a local suicide prevention and youth well-being task force, is currently recruiting a new Program Director. Seeking someone with strong experience in leading a community collaborative, experience in youth development and knowledge of suicide prevention best practices. We are open to filling this as a full time or part time position. For more info: http://tinyurl.com/mbbf8na or contact Minka van der Zwaag, Human Services Manager, at 463-4953.

High School Sailing at the Port of Redwood City

Join other kids from Paly on the Sail/Race team with the Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation as they compete in sailing regattas around the bay area. Spring practice is starting soon for all levels. Sailing is done in FJ's, 420's and Lasers. For more information visit PYSF.us or email Greta Purcell at jaws59@sbcglobal.net

Buddies4Math

Fri, 4-5pm, March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 18, 25; Castro Elementary School, MV

Teach elementary students Math through games and play! A wonderful volunteering opportunity for Middle and High School students to work closely with second and third graders on improving and building Math fluency. If you like Math and would like to make a difference in a child's life, come join us as we build confidence and interest in math. Volunteer hours count towards community service. For more information, please check out our blog. Contact Neel Guha buddies4math@gmail.com

The Tech Challenge 2014

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.

The Sound of Music

March 1-9, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

Peninsula Youth Theatre presents this family favorite March 1-9. For tickets and more information, please visit www.pytnet.org. See you at the show!

El Centre de Performing Arts de Mountain View va a estar viviendo con "The Sound of Music" cuando Peninsula Youth Theatre presenta este favorito familiar en Marzo 1-9. Para billetes y m�s informaci�n, visita www.pytnet.org. �Nos vemos!

The Museum of American Heritage Presents Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits

Sat Mar. 1, 8, 15, & 22, 1-3:30pm, 351 Homer Avenue

Introductory course covering the basics of transistor and vacuum tubes and integrated circuits. Students will discover what ICs are made of, how they work, and how they are designed and manufactured right here in Silicon Valley. Includes a class project that students can take home.$75 for Museum members; $85 for non-members. For Info:www.moah.org/calendar.html

Parenting Program: Risky Behaviors and Wise Decisions

Thurs Mar. 6 at 3:30 pm, Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd.

Helping children and teenagers make wise decisions and recognize the consequences of risky behaviors is the focus of this workshop. Presented by the Palo Alto Library. Register at: http://califa.evanced.info/paloalto/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=6680

Arbor Day Festival

Sat Mar. 8, 10:30am-1:30pm, Mitchell Park, Palo Alto

Live music by The Banana Slug String Band and The Tree Circus. Family fun, Rope tree climbing and Food trucks. Canopy plants and protects trees to create livable communities in Palo Alto and East Palo Alto. Join for the next free Canopy Tree Walk on the second Saturday of every month, 10 am to noon.

The Palo Alto Philharmonic Association's Spring Chamber Music Concert

Sat Mar. 8, 8pm, First Baptist Church, 305 North California Avenue, Palo Alto

Program consists of Richard Strauss: Metamorphosen, Zstor Piazzolla: selections from "Histoire du Tango", Sergei Rachmaninoff: Vocalise, Kurt Weill: "Threepenny Opera Suite", and Ludwig Wilhelm Maurer: Three Little Pieces for Brass Quintet. Wheelchair accessible, Tickets $20/17/10 at door or www.paphil.org

Breakfast With ACS Substance Abuse Prevention Workshop

Wed Mar. 19, 8:30-9:30am, ACS Offices, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Ste 4000

Join Director of Outpatient Counseling Services, Connie Mayer LMFT, for a workshop on substance abuse education and to discuss your concerns and questions about teen substance use. Workshops will cover Warning Signs, Education Awareness of Substance Abuse, How to Talk to Your Kids, Steps for Getting Help, Trending Substances in our Community. Parents of all teens welcome. Substance Abuse counselors will be on hand to answer questions one-on-one following the workshop. Light refreshments provided. Counseling services and substance abuse treatment available on a sliding scale. Workshops are free but space is limited. See flyer. Reservations at (650) 424-0852 ext. 200 or info@acs-teens.org. More info at http://acs-teens.org/

The Museum of American Heritage Presents Digital Logic

Apr 19 & 26, 1-4pm, 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto

An introduction to digital integrated circuit operationStudents assemble and solder a human reaction timer built from discrete digital logic devices. Basic electrical knowledge of voltage, current, and circuits is strongly suggested. $70 for Museum members; $80 for non-members.For Info: www.moah.org/calendar.html

About the Paly Link

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 palylink@paloaltopta.org. 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 Site, Parent Education Events,
Community Service, Community Sports