Paly Link

A PTSA publication

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Sunday, January 3, 2016
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
Jan. 5
!st Day of Second Semester, T Schedule
Wednesday
Jan. 6
Paly PAC Boosters Meeting, 7pm, Holly Ward's Home, 1830 Fulton  (Paly) 
Thursday
Jan. 7
Senior Parent Network Mtg., 7pm (PTSANew
Monday
Jan. 11
Paly Robotics Parents & Boosters Meeting, 7:30pm, Paly Robotics Lab
(Room 903)  (PalyNew
Thursday
Jan. 14
Financial Aid Presentation at Paly, 7pm, LCR (C&CC
FridayJan. 29
Paly Community Scholarships Application Deadline (C&CC)
PTSA and PTA AnnouncementsPTSA
Check out the Paly PTSA website
Paly Student Directory Available
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 [email protected].

January Senior Parent Network Meeting   New
Thurs, Jan 7, 7-8:30 pm, Location TBD, but likely somewhere at Paly.
The topic: College Student Panel. We will have a group of current college students (home on break) to field your questions about the college experience. Our panelists, freshmen through juniors, are attending a variety of schools, near and far. This should be a very interesting evening

Help for Families in Case of El Ni�o Evacuation/Flooding
The San Francis Quito Creek Joint Powers Authority recommends that families, including pets living in flood zones arrange to stay with other households in the event of evacuation or flooding during this El Ni�o winter. Super tides at the Baylands could make flooding worse/more likely. During the Super Bowl hotels and motels are expected to be full and therefore not an option for evacuees.
 
Are their any Paly families willing and able to take in another Paly family, possibly including pets for a few days in the event of such an emergency? Are their any Paly families who have reason to fear their homes may be evacuated or flooded and need alternate shelter until their homes are inhabitable?
 
If so, please email Liz Lee at [email protected] and I'll match families up. For families needing to arrange shelter, please include how many people are in your family and what pets you have. Better to have a plan and not need it than to need it and not have a plan. If you have any questions, call Liz Lee at 843-0413. Thanks!
 
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 [email protected]. 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 ItemsPaly
paly viking ship logo


School Commute Alert: Construction on Kingsley between Alma and Emerson Starts January 4, 2016
Beginning January 4, 2016, (the day before Paly is back in session) the City of Palo Alto Utilities Engineering Division will replace and upgrade the water utility distribution system on Kingsley between Alma and Emerson. See map on the second page here. Work will occur between the hours of 9am and 4pm for approximately one month. Construction will start on the south side of Embarcadero at Kingsley and Alma and will move to the north side of Embarcadero at Kingsley and Emerson. During construction, the affected blocks will be closed to vehicular traffic and detours will be posted. While the sidewalks will remain open, students who usually bike on the sidewalks on Embarcadero between 9am and 4pm are encouraged to avoid the Embarcadero Road underpass and use the Homer Avenue Tunnel or Churchill Road instead. See Paly's Walk and Roll Map for alternate routes. Questions about this project can be directed to Construction Engineer Marina Ezrina at 650-566-4519 or [email protected].

Paly PAC Boosters Meeting 
Wed, Jan. 6, 7pm,  Holly Ward's Home, 1830 Fulton St.
The newly formed Paly Performing Arts Boosters is holding a meeting to recruit new volunteers to help plan for the transisition to the new Performing Arts Center. Our fundraising plans are well underway and we need to start planning events to celebrate the Haymarket and the opening of the new PAC. You can also "buy a seat" to support the new PAC. Get more information at www.palypab.com and rsvp to the meeting at [email protected].

Paly Robotics Parents and Boosters Meeting  New
Mon, Jan. 11, 7:30pm, 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.  If you have questions email palyroboticsboosters@gmail.com.

Fiery Arts Glass Workshops at Palo Alto High School 
March 19-20April 16-17May 21-22June 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, [email protected]

College & Career Center CCC
 
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.

Financial Aid Presentation at Paly
Thurs, Jan. 14, 7-8:30pm, Library Conference Room (LCR) in the library
The College and Career Center will host a Financial Aid Workshop on Thursday, January 14, 2015 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Library Conference Room (LCR) in the library. This year, Karen Cooper, Director of Financial Aid office at Stanford University will be our guest speaker. 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 FAFSA overview but for a refresher, take a look at: http://www.paly.net/college/financial_aid to be prepared.

National Portfolio Day
 
Sat, Jan 16: California College of the Arts, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
This is an opportunity for those who wish to pursue an education in the visual and related arts to meet with representatives from colleges accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Representatives will be available to review your artwork, discuss their programs and answer questions about professional careers in art. For a list of participating colleges:  http://www.portfolioday.net/2015-16-schedule/event/83  For more info, see: http://www.portfolioday.net/portfolio-day-faqs

Financial Aid Workshop
Tues, Jan. 26, 7pm, Menlo Atherton High School (555 Middlefield Road in Atherton) 
The State sponsors California Cash for College workshops in January and February where you ll not only get help completing your FAFSA, CA Dream Act and other forms, but students can also enter a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. One scholarship is offered at each workshop held across the state!
Menlo Atherton High School (555 Middlefield Road in Atherton) is hosting a California Cash for College workshop Tuesday, January 26 at 7 pm. 
Logon to https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ca--palo-alto/ccfc2016/  for more information and to find other workshops in the bay area.

Summer Opportunities Education Evening 
 
Wed. Jan. 27, 7 pm, Gunn High's Library  

Gap Year Fair  
Sat. Feb. 27, 12 pm - 3:00 pm. at Los Altos High School.

Paly Community Scholarship Program application for Seniors due Jan. 29
The sponsors of various community scholarships ask Paly's Scholarship Committee to nominate and/or select students to be considered for/receive awards. To be participate in this scholarship program, students must complete the Paly Community Scholarship Application and return it to Ms. Cernobori (hard copy) by January 29th.
Please read this letter for more information about the program. Students received a copy of the program application via Schoology from their TAs but can also access the application here.
A reminder that students who want to be considered for need-based scholarships in the program must provide family financial information on the last page of the application; in addition, these applicants are also required to submit a copy of the Student Aid Report (including the EFC) they receive after filing the FAFSA along with their scholarship application.  This information is kept confidential.   Samples of acceptable EFC documentation can be found here.
Please refer to Ms. Cernobori's Nov. 20 email for information about applying for need-based financial aid using the FAFSA.  Be sure to check each campus website for deadlines and other forms required in addition to FAFSA, if applicable.
There are numerous other scholarship opportunities that students can pursue on their own; refer to the handout distributed Advisory or visit: http://www.paly.net/college/scholarship_resources

College Rep Visits
On Campus:
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 January 15, 2016
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.

The Bronfman Fellowships: Deadline 1/6 New
GE - Reagan Foundation Scholarship: Deadline 1/7 New   
University of Michigan - Geisinger Scholarship: Deadline 1/14 New
Girls Impact the World Film Festival Scholarship Competition: Deadline    1/15 New
Ithaca College - Park Scholar awards: Deadline 1/15  New   
Skidmore College - Filene Music Scholarship For Non-Majors: Deadline 1/15 New
Skidmore College- Math/Science Scholarships: Deadline 1/15 New
Southern Methodist University - Hunt Leadership Scholars Program: Deadline    1/15 New
University of Dayton - Leadership in Service Scholarship: Deadline 1/15 New  
University of Redlands - Richard and Virginia Hunsaker Scholarship: Deadline1/15 New
PAUSD
Free Heart Screening 
Thurs, Jan. 24, 9am-3pm, Sacred Heard School
All 12-19 year old students have been invited to participate in a free heart screening. These screenings will be conducted by the Via Heart Project whose goal it is to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in children with a previously unrecognized heart condition.
If you are interested in having your student screened at this event, you must register in advance
 because the number of students who can be screened is limited to 750.  
Please register and find forms here 
 
New Law (SB277) Affecting Immunizations Beginning January 2016
Governor Brown signed Senate Bill (SB) 277 on June 30, 2015. Starting in 2016, SB 277: 
  • Will no longer permit immunization exemptions based on personal beliefs for children in child care and public and private schools;
  • Will permit personal belief exemptions filed at a school or child care facility before January 1, 2016 to remain valid until a pupil reaches kindergarten or 7th grade;
  • Will remove immunization requirements for:
    • Students in home-based private schools
    • Students enrolled in an independent study program who do not receive classroom-based instruction
    • Access to special education and related services specified in an individualized education program
Medical Exemptions
Only a medical exemption can be accepted and this has to be signed exclusively by a California licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) A parent or guardian must submit a written statement from a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) which states:
  • That the physical condition or medical circumstances of the child are such that the required immunization(s) is not indicated.
  • Which vaccines are being exempted.
  • Whether the medical exemption is permanent or temporary.
  • The expiration date, if the exemption is temporary.
  • Student name and date of birth.
  • Physician signature and clinic stamp.
Once this expiration date has occurred, the child may continue in attendance only after the school or child-care center receives documentation of the immunizations now due. These above laws will apply to any student entering Kindergarten or 7th Grade in the fall of 2016.  http://www.shotsforschool.org/ 
Community Service and Service-LearningCommSvc 
Get Involved Palo Alto has their second round of internships ready for you!
Deadline: Jan. 10
For this round, Get Involved will be offering internships that involve Project Management, Environmental Education/Outreach, Data Analysis, and Energy Conservation. If any of these topics interest you, please check out the website:  http://www.getinvolvedpa.com/winter-2015-16-current.htmlAll the information to apply is on the website, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email internships@getinvolved.com or speak with Ms. Christina Owen in the Career Center. We hope to see your application soon!

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. 
 
Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram
Questions? Email [email protected]
 
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: [email protected]
 
**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
Community 

ACE Mentor Program
Jan 5, 5-7pm, Y2E2 Building, Rm 270, Stanford University
Interested in learning more about career options in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering fields?  The ACE Mentor Program is a free after-school program where groups of high school students meet with a team of mentors (professionals from these fields) for 15 weeks.  No prerequisites or special skills required.
The Peninsula Team will be starting their weekly sessions on January 5, 2016, from 5pm-7pm.  Location: Stanford University, Y2E2 Building, Room 270.  Register online at www.acementor.org. RSVP or send questions to cynthia@stoeckerandnorthway.com

Palo Alto Adult School Winter Quarter New ESL Student Testing Dates & Information
Wed, Jan. 6, 6:30-9:30pm Paly, Room 218
Testing for EVENING classes 
Wed, Jan. 6 & Fri, Jan. 8, 9am-Greendell Campus 4120 Middlefield Road, Room P 2, 3
Testing for DAY classes 
New students must take a placement test to enroll in our free English classes.  Unfortunately there is no childcare.  Please call(650) 329-3752 to make an appointment to take a placement test.  Choose one of the testing dates listed in this section.  Testing and classes are free.

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 [email protected] or Lynne at [email protected] (parent of a Gunn HS senior who participated in the exchange). For more information about Neighbors Abroad, visit www.neighborsabroad.org

Soccer tryouts : Stanford United 00 Black, U15 Boys GOLD  New
Sun, Jan. 10, 2:30-4pm, Cubberley Football Field 
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 ([email protected]) or Anne ([email protected])

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+).

SELPA 1 CAC Programs
These parent education events are sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs.  All of their events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit.  No registration is necessary. 
Let's Talk
Mon, Jan. 11, 7-9pm, Orchard Community Room, Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Rd
A chance to ask questions and share ideas, resources, and support with other parents of students with IEPs, 504s, learning differences, mental health challenges, etc.
All are welcome, participants must respect confidentiality.

Emotional Regulation
Wed, Jan 20, 7-9 PM, Covington Elementary School Multi, 25 Covington, Los Altos
Do you experience intense emotions or have children with behavior issues and wish you could cope better?  Dr. Yael Enav will present evidence based strategies to help parents regulate both their emotions as well as their children's.

Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Family Day of Service Co-sponsored by Youth Community Service (YCS) and the City of Palo Alto
Mon, Jan. 18, 11am-2pm, Mitchell Park Community Center
Join YCS and its partners in celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his teachings on community and service. This annual event includes speakers, local performing groups, activity tables, a children's reading corner and art projects, face painting, and information about local service opportunities. Food trucks will be present as well as local vendors selling crafts, clothing, and jewelry.  Student volunteer opportunities are also available.  This is a rain or shine event. For more information visit www.youthcommunityservice.org or call 650-858-8019. 
 
PAUSD Video Operator Needed
All School Board Meetings, Board room at PAUSD
 Do you have a keen interest in the proceedings of the Palo Alto Unified School District Board meetings AND have a talent for video production?  Midpen Media Center, the Palo Alto-based non-profit public access cable TV station, is looking for individuals to serve as part-time PAUSD Video Operators. http://midpenmedia.org/about-us/jobs/

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 surveyContact: Rebecca Barnett, [email protected], 650-724-7395

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.
Outfitting student bikes for a safe (and legal) ride is a smart investment. For safe school commute information, visit saferoutes.paloaltopta.org/index.shtml 

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 surveyContact: Rebecca Barnett, BCBA [email protected], 650-724-7395.
 
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
 
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 [email protected]

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 �douard 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.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 [email protected]or (650) 725-7767.
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. 

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