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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. |
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Calendar
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| Sunday | Dec. 6 | Paly Choirs' Madrigal Feaste, 2 pm, Jordan MP Room (Paly)
| | Wednesday | Dec. 9 | MAC Boosters Meeting, 7pm, 368 Iris Way (Paly) | | Monday | Dec. 7 | Paly Robotics Parents and Boosters Mtg, 7;30pm, Room 903 ( Paly) New | Thursday
| Dec. 10
| Sophomore Parent Network Mtg, 8:30am, 2311 Middlefield (PTSA) New
| Thursday
| Dec. 10
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9th grade Parent Network Social, 7pm, Student Center ( PTSA) Updated | | Thursday | Dec. 10 | Come Celebrate our Great School with Treats on the Quad (PTSA) | | Friday | Dec. 11 | Presidential Service Award Ceremony, noon, Haymarket (CommSvc) New | | Wednesday | Dec. 16 | Sports Boosters Meeting, 7pm, 1401 Parkinson Ave. (Paly) New |
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PTSA and PTA Announcements
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Paly Student Directory Available New
The hardcopy of the Paly student directory has arrived. There are a limited number of them available and you can get a copy in the main office in the Tower Building. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Markevitch at pat@magic.com.
Palo Alto Council of PTAs Sports Page New
Challenge Success Team Seeks Student Input
Tues, Dec. 8 during Tutorial/Lunch
As you may know, Paly teamed up with Challenge Success ( challengesuccess.org) last year in order to examine our school culture with respect to issues like homework, student well-being, cheating, stress, and other related topics. Kim Diorio and members of the Challenge Success team will be meeting with students during tutorial and lunch on December 1 and 8
Class of 2018 (Sophomores) Parent Network Meeting New
Thurs, Dec. 10, 8:30-10am, home of Laili Javid, 2311 Middlefield Road (between N. California Ave. & Garland Dr., close to Jordan Middle School)
Jonathan Frecceri (Paly Therapist) and Josh Bloom (Paly TOSA) will speak about Paly's new Sources of Strength/Paly Wellness Initiative Program. Many parents had questions about this program at our Sept. meeting. At this Dec. 10 meeting, we'll hear more details and answer more questions. Please note that this meeting is the rescheduling of the Oct. 30 topic and speakers. Please note also that this Dec. 10 meeting is on a Thursday instead of our usual Friday. We look forward to seeing you there on Dec. 10! Questions? Contact Julia Kossack (JuliaPalyParent@gmail.com) or Julie Tomz (JulieTomz@gmail.com ).
Come Celebrate our Great School with Treats on the Quad Thurs, Dec. 10 Parents are welcome to come join the fun as we treat our teens to treats. Let's celebrate the magnificent school year we've had so far with a casual social called Treats on the Quad. Parents are welcome to attend. Better yet, sign up to bring a treat or help with a few other volunteer jobs we have available. Hope to see all of you there. Questions? Write to Cindy Roberts cinroberts@sbcglobal.net
9th Grade Parent Social Updated Thurs, Dec. 10, 7-9pm, Paly Student Center Please join us to see new and old friends and share the ups and downs of this first semester as a community. Please watch the Parent Network news for the location. We are going to be at the Paly Student Center, unless we find a host before then. Please bring something to share, a sweet or savory snack or beverage (non-alcoholic if at Paly). You can sign up here: http://bit.ly/21FA7p4. If you have questions, please email Karen Hickey at kahickey@yahoo.com
December Senior (2016) Parent Network meeting
Fri, Dec. 11, at 8:15 am, 1268 Martin Avenue
The topic: The Rules They Are a Changin': As your child slides into the final stretch of senior year, are your house rules changing? What are your curfews? Expectations re chores? Media use? Sleep? If we have time, we'll also hit on changing approaches to allowances and finances, otherwise that will be a separate session.
Food Service Open Forum New Fri, Dec. 11, 3-4pm, Board room at 25 Churchill Ave< A Food Service Open Forum will be held for students, parents and community members to come ask questions, give feedback and learn about the Student Nutrition Service Department. The 3 rd Annual Future Chef Competition is coming soon! Recipe submission cards will be available in January. The theme this year is Healthy Breakfast recipes. More info: http://ptac.paloaltopta.org
Morning Munchies: Volunteers Needed for Snack Distribution during Winter Finals New Wed, Dec. 16 9-11:30am, Th-F Dec. 17-18, 10:30am-12:15pm, Campus Are you looking for an opportunity to support our students? We need volunteers to set up and supervise the snack distribution tables around campus during Winter Finals. This is a great way to meet other parents and have some fun while boosting our students' energy during this busy week. Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/jpe9vw3 .The students really appreciate the snacks and the support from the school and the community. This program is sponsored by the PTSA and Paly. Questions? Contact Simone Klass simoneklass1@gmail.com or Lisa Branson bransonlisab@gmail.com
Latte Cart Coordinator and Volunteers Needed Jan. 20, Mar. 16, Apr. 20 The PTSA provides for a Latte Cart vendor to come to Paly each month for faculty and staff. On four more of the Latte Cart days, parents provide treats to go with the coffee. This year's remaining dates are: Nov. 18, Jan. 20, Mar. 16, and Apr. 20 (all Wednesdays). At these events, parents provide treats for the faculty and staff beginning at 7:00 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. If you would like to volunteer to bring in snacks ranging from breakfast baked goods, fruit, juice, water, etc., please email Beth Martin ( bmartin@pausd.org) to be added to the volunteer list. Your help and support for this tradition is greatly appreciated!
FIRST Robotics Community Team 6036 Forming
A new community team for the 2016 FIRST robotics competition season is forming. The team is open to all area high schoolers interested in coding, computer design, graphic design, robotics, electronics, marketing and finance. Students will work alongside adult mentors to design, build and promote their robotic creation. For more information visit
Volunteer Opportunity to Support Paly Teachers and Staff
Show gratitude to our wonderful Paly teachers and staff by offering to chair either the Staff Holiday Lunch or the Staff Appreciation Week lunch. It's a small way to say "thanks" to all those at Paly who help our kids learn and thrive. If interested, please contact Cindy Roberts cinroberts@sbcglobal.net.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed The Paly Meals on Wheels program needs more volunteers to bring emergency meals to Paly families in crisis. If you're interested in being on the Meals on Wheels' list of volunteers, please email Liz Lee, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Coordinator at liz@funghi.com. Please include your day and evening phone number(s).Are you a family in crisis and in need of help with some dinners delivered to your door? Send an email and we'll try to help. Please include any dietary restrictions. Questions? Call me at 650 843-0413. |
Paly Items
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Paly Choirs' 13th Annual Madrigal Feaste
Sun, Dec. 6, Westminster Hall (also known as Jordan MP Room)
His Majesty King Henry welcomes all ye to his palace, to join him and his third wife, Queen Jane Seymour, in the festivities of the yuletide season. When ye arrive at the palace ye may find that his young daughter, the Princess Elizabeth has disappeared! Suspects abound in Westminster Palace including the King's other daughter Princess Mary. As ye discover the truth about the disappearance of Princess Elizabeth ye may see tomfoolery, shenanigans, mischief, and the occasional anachronistic guest star (rhymes with Maylor Wift). Interspersed ye shall hear the finest choirs in all the lands, see a jester of unparalleled talent, and feast on sumptuous tea sandwiches and desserts. Huzzah!
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Paly Robotics Parents and Boosters Meeting
Mon, Dec. 7, 7:30 pm, Paly Robotics Lab (Room 903)
Parents and Robotics boosters: Come to the Boosters Board of Directors meeting to find out about and support the team. Note, Boosters Board meetings are generally on the 2nd Monday of the month, but because of the holidays and finals, the December meeting will be on first Monday of December. If you have questions email palyroboticsboosters@gmail.com.
Paly MAC Boosters Meeting Wed, Dec. 9, 7pm, Monisha Bhutani's Home, 368 Iris Way We are still looking to grow our volunteer community for MAC Boosters! Please come to our meeting/celebration to enjoy a beverage and hear about some exciting news from MAC. Whether you would like to be called on for individual projects or would like to lead a new effort or lead one of our existing fundraisers, we can use you and your valuable input. For more information about MAC Boosters, visit us at http://paly.net/boosters/media-arts-boosters.
Fiery Arts Glass Workshops at Palo Alto High School Dec. 12-13, March 19-20, April 16-17, May 21-22, June 4-5, 9-3 pm at Paly's Glass Studio Yes, we have a glass studio at Paly. These workshops are open to the public, students and parents. Here's your chance to learn to blow glass at Paly. Workshops do fill up, so, do not hesitate, sign up for a date. 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. Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto High School Fiery Arts. Workshop flyer To sign up, contact: David Camner, founder of Paly Glass, dcamner@pausd.org
Paly Sports Boosters Meeting New
Wed, Dec. 16, 7pm, Anderson/Look home, 1401 Parkinson Avenue Come to the last Paly Sports Boosters meeting of the calendar year at the home of co-president, Melissa Anderson. You'll hear about the start of the winter sports season from our Athletic Director, Kathi Bowers; a recap of our fall fundraising efforts and plans for the spring auction.
Paly Sports Boosters Olive Oil Fundraiser Through Dec. 18 The Paly Sports Booster's are pleased to announce that as part of our fundraising efforts this fall, we are pleased to bring you Cloud 9 Orchard products. Cloud 9 Orchard owner, May Chevallier and her family have been growing and producing their award winning premium olive oil on their farm in Monterey County since 2008. For a limited time only, she is offering her outstanding oil to the Paly community and will donate a percentage of her sales to help raise some money for the Paly Sports Boosters. This is your opportunity to order some award winning olive oils for yourself, or for your friends and family not to mention, they make great corporate gifts! We'll have two pick up dates, one will be prior to Thanksgiving (details to be announced) and the other date will be the weekend of our Holiday Tree Distribution, December 4th-6th. To order your olive oil, please contact May Chevallier at may@cloud9orchard.comor pick up an order form in the Paly Office.
Paly Sports Boosters - Tiny Prints Fundraiser New The Paly Sports Boosters has partnered with Tiny Prints/Shutterfly to help with the ordering and printing of your Holiday cards. Tiny Prints is a leading retailer of premium personalized holiday photo cards and has been recognized for their high quality prints and unmatched customer service. Each card ordered is also hand reviewed before it's printed to ensure quality and accuracy. To start your order through Tiny Prints, please click on the link below which will lead you to our co-branded Tiny Prints Storefront. From here, you can shop for any product on the Tiny Prints site or review a few of our favorite choices. Paly Sports Boosters Personalized Link: http://www.tinyprints.com/storefront/palysportsboosters
Paly Journalism Digital Archives Project Fundraiser New Through Dec. 31 Urgent! Please consider making a donation to this exciting effort to digitize Palo Alto history as seen through the eyes of generations of Paly students! Donate by December 31st to help us match a generous matching grant from the Brin Wojcicki Foundation of $50k. The Archives Project will cost $60k and any remaining funds will go directly to the Paly MAC Boosters to support ongoing Media Arts Center programs. For more detail, please visit https://www.generosity.com/education-fundraising/digitize-120-years-of-paly-journalism. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Rachel Kellerman at rkellerman@pausd.org. |
College & Career Center
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Keep up-to-date with Paly College and Career Center news and events by "liking" us on Facebook. 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 page.
College Rep Visits
There are no on-campus college visits scheduled until January, 2016.
OFF CAMPUS:
Butler University 1/2/16 3:00 PM San Francisco
Sonoma State University 1/16/16 Rohnert Park
National Portfolio Day 1/16/16 12:00 PM San Francisco
Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through December 5, 2015
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 for more information about scholarship resources.
University of Texas/Dallas - Eugene McDermott Scholars Program: Deadline 12/5
AIU High School Diplomats: Deadline 12/8 NEW
"I HATE College Applications" $5000 Scholarship: Deadline 12/15NEW
Flosum Scholarship: Deadline 2/15 NEW
Notre Dame De Namur University - Early Action Scholarship: Deadline 12/15NEW
Saint Mary's College - MAPS Scholarship: Deadline 12/17 NEW
NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award: Deadline 12/18 NEW
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PAUSD
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The Mindset Revolution: How to Help Children Learn and Love Math
Mon, Dec. 7, 6:45pm, MP Room Jordan Middle School, 750 N. California Ave
In this presentation Dr. Jo Boaler, Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford University and presenter at the White House on girls and STEM will share the latest brain science that sheds important new light on the best ways to learn math. She will also engage the audience through videos of students learning math in different ways and share a wealth of resources to help students on their mathematics journeys. (Target Audience: 4th to 12th Grade Parents, Teachers, Middle and High School students.) RSVP appreciated: http://goo.gl/forms/kb00AQ44fD Co-sponsored by PAUSD and Parent Advocates for Student Success, a parent network dedicated to closing the achievement gap in PAUSD.
"Surviving and Thriving during the Holiday Season and Beyond" Holiday Coffee for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities, Special Needs and other challenges New
Fri, Dec. 11, 8:30-9:45am, Lucie Stern Community Center
Parents are invited to join in this community gathering for an interactive discussion led by Shari Grande, MSW, a Clinical Social Worker, Certified Parent Coach and Special Needs Mom. Shari will focus on the extra stress that the holiday season can present for children (and their families) with challenges and provide strategies to help us survive and thrive during the holiday season and beyond.This event is open to all Palo Alto parents and caretakers. Translation provided for Spanish and Mandarin speakers. Sponsored by the PTA Council, PTA Inclusion Representatives and the Palo Alto CAC.
PAUSD Code Fest for K-12 Students, Educators & Families
Sat, Dec. 12, 1-5 pm, JLS Middle School, 480 E. Meadow
Bringing you PAUSD's Code Fest during the week of the Hour of Code. Everyone is welcome. The event will contain thirty hands-on sessions and challenges to choose from during three 50 minute sessions, ranging from computers to robots to iPads and phones. Registration & FAQ: bit.ly/PAUSDCodeFest Questions? Contact Smita Kolhatkar: skolhatkar@pausd.org
California School Parent Survey New
Available until Dec. 18
Please help our school district by participating in the California School Parent Survey. This year Palo Alto Unified School District invites ALL parents and guardians to participate in a school-specific survey, the California School Parent Survey (CSPS). Its purpose is to obtain parent perceptions of student behavior and attitudes, school programs and policies, and the overall school climate as they relate to student well-being and learning. It deals with such issues as truancy, safety, harassment, substance use, school connectedness, and learning supports. The survey is a companion to the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) for students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11, and the California School Climate Survey (CSCS) for staff. This year, PAUSD is administering all 3 surveys, student (CHKS), staff (CSCS), and parent (CSPS).
Please look for Infinite Campus reminder message this week which will include your school link and access code for participating in the parent survey.
For more information, please contact Soula Nikolakopoulos, (650) 329-3986.
Information on California Immunization Laws
This is to inform you of the new California immunization laws (SB 277),
where changes have been enacted in the California Health and Safety Code, which will become effective in 2016.
The new amendments to the California Health and Safety Code will no longer permit Personal Beliefs Exemptions (PBEs) for children in childcare and public or private schools. However, California PBEs submitted before January 1, 2016 will remain valid until the student reaches the next immunization checkpoint, either Kindergarten or 7th grade. If you have a child entering Kindergarten or 7th grade in the fall, he/she will be subjected to this new immunization law. PBE's will no longer be accepted at these grade levels.
Only Medical Exemption (ME) letters signed by a California licensed M.D or D.O. will be accepted. The ME letter must include all of the following information:
- Child's name and date of birth
- A statement that the physical condition or medical circumstances of the child are such that the required immunizations are not indicated
- Which vaccines are being exempted
- Whether the medical exemption is permanent or temporary
- The expiration date, if the exemption is temporary
- Doctor's signature and clinic stamp
For more information please check out:
Spectra Art teacher needed for Ohlone
2 days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
3 classes each day: 9-10, 10:30-11:30 and 12:50-1:50
All K/1 combination classes
Classified position, credential not required
Artist with teaching experience preferred.
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Community Service and Service-Learning 
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Fall 2015 President's Award for Volunteer Service Ceremony New
All recipients and their families, please come! Paly is the only public school around with this program. Three important steps for recipients:
- Yearbook Photo: Tues, Dec. 8, 1:50pm, Haymarket Theater
- Student awardees, please submit a simple Google slide to this link by 10:00pm Tuesday, December 8. [See letter mailed home. Make ONE slide with your name, photo/drawing of you, logo or name of organization where you volunteer(ed), and one short quote about what service has meant to you.] Slideshow will play at ceremony.
- President's Award Ceremony & Spot's Pizza lunch for recipients and their families: Paly Haymarket Theater, 12:00-12:45pm Friday, December 11.
"The List." Please check the spreadsheet to find your student's name by grade and award level. If there are any errors, please email Christina Owen a.s.a.p.: cowen@pausd.org.
Looking for ways for students to have fun, collaborate with others, work with mentors, and share passions while giving back?
Check out the resources from **Get Involved Project below (including opportunities calendar), also posted at Paly.net/service. Service-learning is supported by scholarly research as a way for students to find meaning, purpose, and Developmental Assets while navigating high school and beyond.
Know of a community benefit organization or upcoming opportunity to share?
Hundreds of nonprofits and grassroots programs have collaborated with Paly students to get involved in their interests while documenting 30,000-40,000 service-learning hours each year. Students write reflections, create programs, videos, slideshows, and service-learning magazines that inspire their collegues to make connections from classroom to community. See student-led Get Involved publications and website for list of vetted organizations by category. Email: Getinvolvedpaloalto@gmail.com.
**Get Involved Project is a social venture created with, by, and for Palo Alto students. Our work is informed and inspired by the following: Dr. William Damon/Stanford, The Path to Purpose; service-learning Common Core advocate Katherine Berger Kaye, ; Richard N. Bolles, What Color is Your Parachute; and Dr. Denise Clark Pope/Stanford, www.challengesuccess.org.
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Community
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Soccer tryouts : Stanford United 00 Black, U15 Boys GOLD
Sun, Dec. 6, 2:30-4:30pm, Cubberley Football field 2:30-4:30pm
We are looking for enthusiastic players born in 2000 and 2001 who love soccer, team spirit and competition. Our program is directed by Vava Marques, a US Professional (WPSL FC Gold Pride), US National Team, and college coach who brings 20+ years of coaching experience to our program. Vava is supported by a quality coaching staff. Our team Stanford United Fireballs has played Gold CCSL Divisions and the Norcal State Cup/gold level. For further team information please contact managers Shali ( smmiklos@yahoo.com) or Anne ( anne_rerolle@hotmail.com)
Palo Alto Art Center -- Holiday Family Day
Sun, Dec. 6, 2-4 PM, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto
Join us for hands-on artmaking projects that transform everyday objects into gifts, goodies, and décor for the whole family. Design your own wrapping paper and cards, create brooches and pins, compose wonderland scenes, and personalize garlands to display in your home. A special performance by Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra will take place from 4-4:30 p.m. Palo Alto Art Center Foundation members receive early entry to the event for a special artmaking activity from 1-2 p.m.
Successful College Applications: Showcase Your Achievements in the Arts
Mon, Dec. 7, 7pm, Community School of Music and Arts 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View
Join us for a presentation by Harriet Katz, the Creative Kid College Coach. Learn the benefits of an arts education and how to position the arts for competitive advantage when applying to college. Great for students applying to colleges with or without arts programs!
Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra Concert II
Sat, Dec. 8, 8pm, Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road
The Palo Alto Philharmonic presents Viola Night featuring Geri Actor and Mimi Dye performing the works of Aaron Copland, Gustav Mahler and others. The pre-concert talk begins at 7:30 PM. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.paphil.org/pages/concerts/orch2.php
Jordan Choirs Winter Concert - "Let It Be"
Wed, Dec. 9, 7:00 PM, MP Room, Jordan Middle School, 750 N. California Ave, Palo Alto
Please join the Jordan Choirs for its Winter Concert - "Let It Be." This will be the first big concert of the year and all of the Jordan Choirs will entertain the audience with music by Mozart, Haydn, and Faure, as well as a variety of Beatles hits from across their career. It's sure to be a fun night celebrating all of the amazing ways that music has transformed over the centuries to give us what we have and appreciate today in modern music. In addition to the formal concert, we will have an optional Audience Singalong immediately before at 6:30. Join our choirs in singing some of your favorite Beatles songs from over the years. All are welcome to join in the spirit and sing along!
Happiness Program by The Art of Living New
Dec. 9-13 (Weekdays 6pm-9:30pm, Weekend 9am-3:30pm), Gunn High School P.E. Room
This is a dynamic, interactive and fun workshop with very deep knowledge on life. The workshop is transformational that it helps you blossom to your highest potential. The centerpiece is a powerful breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya, that uses specific natural rhythms of the breath to release stress at the deepest level, and also balance and integrate mind, body and heart. Repeaters are welcome (repeater fee is $100). Register: bit.ly/DecPaloAlto
Palo Alto Library -- Graphic Novel Book Club
Second Thurs of the month, 7-8pm. Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
While we're on a break in December, please join the group on January 14 (Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr 14, and May 12) for a lively discussion on a graphic novel selected by the group. For adults and teens (age 16+).
Annual Holiday LEGO Show "Living LEGO-cy" New
Open Fri-Sun, Dec 11-Jan 17, 11am - 4pm (closed Dec 25 & Jan 1), 351 Homer Av. Palo Alto
The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) is excited to host the Annual Holiday LEGO Show, "Living LEGO-cy," brought to you by the talented Bay Area LEGO User's Group at the MOAH's Frank Livermore Learning Center. It will feature a large model train layout made entirely from LEGO, with the rest of the room filled with all types of impressive creations, from castles to spaceships to sculptures.
Admission: $3 per person, cash only please (BayLUG and MoAH members are free!).
Contact: (650) 321-1004 or mail@moah.org Note: Street parking, or take Caltrain to Palo Alto, and walk a few blocks southeast.
Ragazzi Boys Chorus Winter Recital
Sat, Dec 12; 5pm; First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto
Join us in celebrating the singers of Ragazzi Boys Chorus, from small to tall. Many of Ragazzi's groups are showcased, particularly our younger boys. Ragazzi's program of musical growth and progress is laid out, from the entry-level groups through middle school. Each group performs a set of songs, and wonderful seasonal music is presented throughout the concert. Info and Tickets http://ragazzi.org/performances/
College Funding Workshop New
Sat, Dec. 12, 2pm, Los Altos Library Program Room, 13 S. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
In this workshop, designed for parents of college-bound children, we will discuss some strategies for reducing the out of pocket (Expected Family Contribution) cost of college. We discuss solutions to help parents save ON not just FOR the cost of college. Presented by Michael Kayhan. He is graduate of Stanford University, has taught at the business school of local universities for more than 16 years, and is a registered investment advisor. Contact: michael@mahakinc.com
Palo Alto Library -- Bay Area Quiz Club
Sun, Dec. 13, Mitchell Park Library
Join the Bay Area Quiz Club the second Sunday of every month! Please arrive promptly at 2pm, so that we can draw lots and form teams. Students 8th grade and up are welcome to join.
Palo Alto Library -- Exploring Happiness through Meditation & Movement
Tues, Dec. 15, 5:30-6:30pm. Rinconada Library
Learn mindfulness through meditation and yoga-high school students are welcome to join us! Please note-our that the day may be changed to another date or location. Find out more here.
Palo Alto Library -- New SAT Practice Test
Sat, Dec .19, 10:30am, Rinconada Library
Stanford Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research
Does your child have a diagnosis of a developmental or intellectual disability and engage in frequent problem behavior, such as aggression or self-injury? A study is being conducted study to evaluate how environmental stressors affect problem behavior in males, ages 10-18. Participation includes: 2-2.5 day visit to Stanford University, comprehensive behavioral assessment, parent interview, and non-invasive physiological measures (cortisol and heart-rate). Families will receive a full behavioral report and a $100 honorarium. To determine your child's eligibility for the study, please complete a brief survey: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5vVevWksrkuM8dL
Contact: Rebecca Barnett, rbarnet2@stanford.edu, 650-724-7395
Community Service Grants
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. Past grant recipients have:
* Created an after-school soccer program for K-3 students in East Palo Alto
* Promoted musicianship at San Francisco schools lacking music programs
* Provided under-resourced families access to eye-health exams and glasses in San Rafael
Who: Students in grades 6 to 11 may apply
Deadline: EXTENDED to Monday December 7, 2015
Awards: $250 - $750
Teacher of the Year Award
Tutor Corps recognizes the finest educators in the San Francisco Bay Area with theTeacher of the Year Award ($1000).
Who to Nominate: San Francisco Bay Area Teachers
Who can Nominate: Faculty, Staff, Teachers, Parents, current and former Students, Friends
Deadline: EXTENDED to Monday December 7, 2015
Award: $1000 and award ceremony at school assembly
** Nominating only takes 3 minutes!
The 2015-2016 Children's Theatre Ten Minute Playwriting Contest
Announcing the 2015 - 2016 Children's Theatre Ten Minute Playwriting Contest. Students in grade 3 - 12 may submit original work. Submissions will be accepted through December 18, 2015. Click for more information and to download an application.
Spanish Immersion Opportunity for High School Students in Oaxaca, Mexico (Summer 2016)
Application Deadline: January 6, 2016
If living in a beautiful and historic city, improving your Spanish language skills, learning about another culture, and building new friendships is something you'd like to do, come to the family information meeting about Neighbors Abroad's student exchange. Neighbors Abroad, Palo Alto's sister city organization, has sponsored a summer student exchange with Oaxaca, Mexico, since 1965. Applicants should be high school students at least 15 years old by June of 2016 who are studying Spanish at any level. For questions and an application packet, contact Marion at marionb@sonic.net or Lynne at lynnerussell1@gmail.com (parent of a Gunn HS senior who participated in the exchange). For more information about Neighbors Abroad, visit www.neighborsabroad.org
Be Safe. Be Seen. Bike lights are required by law for riding after dusk
With shorter days, students are commuting at dusk or in the dark. Bicycle lights and reflectors are required by law at this time of day. Visibility begins to decline at dusk before the sun is completely down, so bicyclists are required to turn on their lights when light begins to fade. A handlebar headlight makes a bicycle visible to others and illuminates the road so the rider can see. Tail lights and reflectors should be mounted on something stable where they won't be obscured by bags, panniers or other gear on the bike. Lights are vastly superior to reflectors, so a red light on the rear is recommended for maximum visibility.
Family Holiday Volunteering If you're looking for a way to get your family into the holiday spirit by helping others, check out http://familyholidayhelpers.org, a non-profit web site created by a mom of two PAUSD students to help parents find volunteering opportunities during the holiday season with their children in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are a variety of local opportunities for families, such as prepping/serving food for Thanksgiving, working a shift at a food bank or holiday warehouse, or assembling a shoebox of small gifts for women in shelters. Happy volunteering!
Social Skills Treatment Study
Stanford Psychiatry
Does your son need help to improve his social skills? We are conducting a behavioral treatment study to help children with developmental disabilities learn eye contact and social skills. Participation involves: a 3-4 day visit to Stanford, cognitive testing, awake MRI scan, and intensive behavioral intervention. Inclusion criteria: male children age 8-15 years, diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability, and does not experience seizures. Families will receive a report of the cognitive testing and a $100 honorarium for their time. To determine your child's eligibility for the study, please complete a brief survey: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5AUOIKqWIJ6gN1j
Help Improve The City's Free Shuttle Service
Many PAUSD secondary school students use the City of Palo Alto Free Shuttle to commute to school. The city is considering improvements to the Shuttle service and they are seeking community input to guide their planning process. Here is the link to a one-minute survey: http://cityofpaloalto.org/shuttle Fill it out to help the city understand how they can serve students better. To learn more or to provide more input, contact the City of Palo Alto Transportation Department at shuttle@CityofPaloAlto.org or call 650-329-2442.
Adopt A Teacher Who Needs Your Support
Make a real difference for a teacher and his/her students by "adopting" a K-8 teacher in East Palo Alto or east Menlo Park for a school year. Provide the teacher with encouraging notes and/or small gifts of appreciation, school supplies and support for two class parties. Financial commitment $500-600, time commitment very flexible. It's easy and fun to adopt a teacher with friends. Learn more or sign up at http://ravenswoodef.org/adopt-a-teacher/ or by contacting Jennifer Wythes Vettel at jwvettel@yahoo.com.
Directing Change
"Directing Change" is a film contest (final deadline for film submission is Mar 1, 2016) for California high school students to help reduce mental illness stigma & support suicide prevention. Directing Change is part of Each Mind Matters, California's Mental Health Movement. Each Mind Matters serves as the megaphone to amplify the voices of all people who want to put an end to stigma related to mental health and create a community where everyone feels comfortable reaching out for the support they deserve. For more information visit: eachmindmatters.org. For information on contest rules, various deadlines and FAQs please visit http://www.directingchange.org/
Love Art and Art History?
Weekly meetings held every Friday, 9:30-11 am at Art Education, 25F Churchill AvenueVolunteer docents needed to give presentations about the lives and work of Master Artists to PAUSD elementary students. Training provided by Arts Coordinator, Sharon Ferguson. Art History background preferred but not required. Flexible hours.
For more information contact Art Education (650) 329-3939 or email Emily at emarshall@pausd.org
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University Celebrates Artists at Work
Artists at Work on view through January 18, 2016
The Cantor Arts Center presents a major new exhibition, Artists at Work, which examines how artists become inspired, how artists make objects and how place impacts artists' work. Includes works by Édouard Manet, J. M. W. Turner, Thomas Hart Benton, Sol LeWitt, Richard Serra, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and other renowned American and European artists. Also included are loaned works by contemporary artists Trevor Paglen, Garth Weiser, Hope Gangloff and Rachel Owens, among others. The Cantor Arts Center is open six days a week, Wed-Mon, 11 AM -5 PM, Thurs until 8 PM. Admission is free. The Cantor is located on the Stanford campus. Information: 650-723-4177, museum.stanford.edu.
Stanford Sleep Study Ongoing We are currently conducting a study to help teens (14-18) 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. Teens also meet for four sessions with a licensed psychologist at Stanford University to learn about sleep and strategies to improve sleep. The paid study requires completing a sleep diary daily for five weeks. Please contact the Zeitzer Laboratory at teensleep@stanford.eduor (650) 725-7767. |
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About the Paly Link
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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.
--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 |  |
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