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| Sunday, February 14, 2016 |
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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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Monday
| Feb. 15
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NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
| Tuesday
| Feb. 16
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Paly/Jordan Jazz Concert, 7:30pm, Haymarket Theatre ( Paly) New
| Tuesday
| Feb. 16
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Future of Humanity Seminar (for Paly students), 1:50pm, Room 219 ( Paly) | Wednesday
| Feb. 17
| Paly Sports Boosters Meeting, 7pm, 1401 Parkinson Ave. (Paly) | Friday
| Feb. 19
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| Friday
| Feb. 26
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Jr. Parent Networking Meeting, 8:30am, 114 Walter Hays New (PTSA) | Tuesday
| Mar. 1
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Mindfulness in Parenting and Education: How to Improve Performance & Innovation with the Science of Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Well Being, 7pm, Paly Haymarket Theater New (PTSA) |
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PTSA and PTA Announcements
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Mindfulness in Parenting and Education: How to Improve Performance & Innovation with the Science of Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Well Being New
Tuesday, March 1, 7-9pm, Paly Haymarket Theater
Dr. Shauna Shapiro offers scientific research and meditative practices for parents and educators interested in cultivating greater health, success and well being in their children and themselves. Drawing on current research in psychology, medicine and cognitive neuroscience, we will investigate the effects of mindfulness meditation on enhancing cognitive capacities needed for academic success as well as enhancing social and emotional intelligence, needed for success in life. The intention is to de-construct the idea that we are sacrificing performance, innovation, or academic success for social-emotional intelligence and wellness. Mindfulness actually enhances both cognitive academic capacities and social and emotional well being. The focus of the workshop will be on deepening our own personal experience of mindfulness so we can bring it more fully into our lives, as well as our children's lives. Dr. Shapiro will speak from 7-8:30pm, book signing from 8:30-9pm.
If you have questions for the presentation, please forward them to: Linda Van Gelder
Calling All Parents of 2016 Grads! Updated
The last year of High School is a very special time for our Seniors. Let's fill this year with celebrations and joyful memories. PTSA is looking for chairs to host Senior Activities for the 2016/2017 school year. These positions include: - Grad Nite (Chair and Co-chair) FILLED
- Picnic (Chair and Co-chair) FILLED
- Transportation
- Planning Committee (Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer)
Please email cynthia@thamlock.com and be part of the team that make 2016/2017 even more extraordinary for our Seniors.
Jr. Parent Networking Meeting New
Friday, Feb 26th 8:30am-9:45am 114 Walter HaysPlease join us for our Jr. Parent Networking meeting with a session on "Finding a summer job." There is the possibility that our teens could earn some $$s this summer and let's explore how that might actually happen. Representatives from the City of Palo Alto, Skyhawks sports camps and other organizations will come to discuss the process with us and their interest in potentially hiring our teens and to answer questions. Program to start at 8:45 a.m.
California State PTA 2016 Legislation Conference Mon-Tues, Mar. 14-Mar. 15, Embassy Suites Hotel in Sacramento; Whether you're experienced in speaking up for children or you are interested in learning about key issues and legislation that impacts education, children and families, the California State PTA Legislation Conference is for you. Join other PTA volunteers to:
- Be a part of the statewide effort to strengthen education, health and safety for all children by engaging in PTA's advocacy goals and legislative priorities;
- Get the latest information from legislators and key officials about the most important issues for children and families including the continuing need for adequate funding for schools, the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs), and learn what legislators see on the horizon for CA schools; and
- Visit directly with the legislators who represent your community.
Adult event registration - $210 (Registration closes March 10)
Paly PTSA General Association Meetings New
Thursday, March 24, 8:30-10:00am, Paly Library Conference Room
Thursday, April 28, 8:30-10:00am, Paly Library Conference Room
Please join us for these important meetings. We will be voting to approve the slate of officers for the 2016-2017 PTSA Executive Board. This is a great time to learn more about what is happening at Paly. Contact: Linda van Gelder ( lindavang@sbcglobal.net)
STOP! The law requires bicyclists to come to full stop at STOP signs. This is especially important in rainy weather when cars cannot stop quickly on wet streets. Bicyclists who fail to stop put themselves and others at risk. Remember to signal your intent to stop (especially if you ar e riding in a pack). Come to a full stop behind the stop line and look for a safe gap in traffic before proceeding. Share the road safely.
For more information on safe school commutes, go to
http://saferoutes.paloaltopta.org/index.shtml and http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pln/transit/saferoutes.asp
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/Jordan Jazz Concert New
Tuesday, February 16th, 7:30pm, Haymarket Theatre
Palo Alto High School and Jordan Middle School jointly present a jazz concert, featuring the Jordan Jazz Band, the Paly Jazz Ensemble, and the Paly Jazz Band. The groups are conducted by Vivian Boudreaux and Jeff Willner. Free admission.
Future of Humanity Seminar for Paly Students Tues, Feb. 16, 1:50-2:55 pm, Paly Room 219 Paly students are invited to join in a discussion of The Collapse of Western Civilization, a fictional account at what might happen if global warming is not controlled, led by Alan Walworth, a Paly parent with a Ph.D. in Philosophy from U.C. Berkeley. For additional details, please see http://future.yousa.net. Contact: Alan Walworth, alan.walworth@gmail.com.
Paly Social Justice Pathway Parent/Student Informational Meeting New
Tuesday, 2/17, 7pm, Paly's MACParents and students who are interested in learning more about the Social Justice Pathway-- Come find out more about this exciting learning opportunity. At this meeting, you'll learn more about the SJP's interdisciplinary and project-based approach to small community learning. Parents AND students welcome. Current students will share their experiences and impressions. Teachers will be on-hand to answer questions.
RSVP: http://paly.io/sjpinfo2016
Paly Sports Boosters Meeting Wed, Feb. 17, 7pm, Anderson/Look home, 1401 Parkinson Ave.
Come to the February Paly Sports Boosters meeting at the home of co-president, Melissa Anderson. We'll get an update from Athletic Director Kathi Bowers about the winter sports season and the start of spring season. We're gearing up for our annual auction scheduled for Saturday, April 30th - come hear how you and your team can help with the effort!
Highlight the Night
Fri, Feb. 26, 7-10pm, Mitchell Park Community Center
Volunteers needed to help at Highlight the Night, a dance hosted by the Paly ASB and the Gunn SEC. Volunteers are needed to help with ticket sales at the door, coat check and water. If you are available please contact Bmartin@pausd.org. Thanks so much.
Attention spring sports parents: Viking Sports Magazine
Viking Sports Magazine is creating a full-color, glossy sports program that will include schedules and Rosters of all spring sports, as well as some candid photos and stories on athletes. We would like to offer parents and local business owners the opportunity to advertise in this program. The unique aspect of this publication will be to provide a chance for parents to include a "young athlete" ad; if you have adorable photos of your child as a little leaguer, for instance, we can create an ad for you. If you are a local business owner and would like to support the Viking, that would also be much appreciated. Ad rates are as follows: Quarter-page $125 Half-page $200 Full-page $350 We intend to print 1000 copies for free distribution at spring sports events. Please contact Viking adviser Brian Wilson at bwilson@pausd.org if you are interested in advertising or if you have any questions.
Powerful New Library Research Tool OneSearch Discovery Students can find reliable books, e-books, newspaper and journal articles using the powerful new OneSearch Discovery research tool http://www.paly.net/academics/library. At home they will need their library login password available on Schoology and via My PAUSD. Rachel Kellerman, Paly Teacher Librarian
C Magazine: Subscription now open! We're C Magazine, Paly's arts and culture publication, and we'd love for you to subscribe. Get each issue delivered straight to your inbox - plus, if you'd like, exclusive playlists, updates on local art events, and select stories before the print magazine comes out!
Adolescent Counseling Services Blog - Understanding and Coping with Anxiety This article was written by Deborah Sloss, LCSW, our site supervisor at JLS Middle school. http://www.acs-teens.org/understanding-and-coping-with-anxiety/
School Commute Alert: Construction on Kingsley between Alma and Emerson 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 marina.ezrina@cityofpaloalto.org.
Paly Sports Boosters - Tiny Prints Fundraiser for Graduation Announcements
The Paly Sports Boosters has partnered with Tiny Prints to help with the ordering and printing of your Graduation Announcements. Tiny Prints is a leading retailer of premium personalized 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 Athletics - Spring Season Important Information Ongoing The first day of SPRING SPORTS tryouts for non-winter athletes is MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2016. In order to participate in sports at Paly including tryouts, a student must be medically CLEARED. This includes registering OR updating/re-enrolling in the APPRYSE system AND having on file (with the APPRYSE system) a physical that is dated after 5/15/15. Per CCS rules, physicals are only good for one year and must be up-to-date for the entire season. Please go to http://www.paly.net/athletics/athletics and use the link for registration in the upper left hand corner (with instructions!) Please do this well before Feb 1st! The Paly Athletic Dept will no longer accept paper registration or non-APPRYSE physical forms. Once you have enrolled or updated the APPRYSE system, you will be able to download the proper physical form to bring to your doctor. Thanks so much for your help with this - the spring season has the most participants and getting your athlete registered well before the deadline will be a tremendous help. Fiery Arts Glass Workshops at Palo Alto High School 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 |
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
Meetings With College And Career Advisors Juniors may now schedule individual meetings with college and career advisors. Students will be required to complete the POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING SURVEY in Naviance (click the "About Me" tab in the top navigation panel, then look under the "Surveys to Take" section in the left-hand navigation panel), print it out, and present this form to the C&CC before they can schedule their first appointment by stopping by the C&CC. If you've misplaced your Naviance login information or need your password reset, please contact Ms. Larson ( klarson@pausd.org) or drop by Guidance or the C&CC. At the College Center, students wanting to schedule 1 st (or repeat) appointments will be asked to complete an appointment request form; within 1 week, they will receive an email from Ms. Tonga ( mtonga@pausd.org) notifying them of their scheduled meeting date and time. Students should add Ms. Tonga's email address (as well as their College Advisor's) in their email contact list so Ms. Tonga's email doesn't get filtered to their email provider's SPAM folder. If students don't receive an email appointment within a week, please stop by Guidance to see Ms. Tonga. Students can meet with college advisors during their prep period, during Tutorial, or after school. - Students with last names starting with A-K will meet with Ms. Cernobori
- Students with last names L-Z will meet with Ms. Erber.
- Students interested in community college (for career/vocational training, Associates degrees, or preparation for transfer) will meet with Mrs. Laguna.
Any student-in any grade level--can drop in at brunch and/or lunch Advisory to ask advisors questions. Since the months of April and May are very busy in the C&CC, it is advisable to make an appointment in advance. During the first meeting with a college advisor, it is preferable to meet with just the student (parents might want to attend subsequent meetings).
Naviance Demonstration for Students and Parents Thurs. Feb. 25, 7pm, Library Conference Room Come learn about some of the college and career exploration preparation tools and resources in Naviance: college maps, Paly application scattergrams, resume builder, document library, scholarships, summer enrichment opportunities, and more! Students and parents welcome. Parents who have misplaced their Naviance registration codes, need their passwords reset, or wish to link multiple student accounts, please send an email to Karla Larson ( klarson@pausd.org) referencing Naviance in the subject line and provide: - Parent(s) Full Name(s) - Full Names and Year in School of *all* Paly students (even grads from 2007-2015 if you used Naviance with them) - Description of the request.
Foothill Middle College: Sophomores Thursday, Feb. 25, lunch, 11:30am-12:15pm, LCR Representatives from Foothill's Middle College program will be in the LCR to meet with interested Sophomores. You'll learn more about the program and the application process. Parents are welcome too. If you have further questions concerning the application process, please contact Middle College at (650) 949-7168. All high school counselors have brochures and application materials can be downloaded from: http://www.mvla.net/District/Department/149-Alternative-Programs/2732-Untitled.html
Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science Conference Sat, March 12, 8:15am-3pm, Skyline College, San Bruno 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. For more info and to register: www.skylinecollege.edu/eyh
College Rep VisitsThere are no college visits on camps until March: ON CAMPUS: Dartmouth College 3/17/16 11:30am OFF CAMPUS: None scheduled
Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through February 25, 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.
Asian Pacific Community Fund - Chen Foundation Scholarship: Deadline 2/15
Asian Pacific Community Fund - Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund: Deadline 2/15
Palo Alto Rotary Club - Vocational Scholarships: Deadline 2/15
SCAD Distinguished Scholars Award: Deadline 2/15
Young Visionary Contest: Deadline 2/15
Japanese American Citizens League - San Jose Chapter: Deadline 2/16
Students Rising Above: Deadline 2/18
Asian Pacific Fund Numerous Scholarships: Deadline 2/19
Kaiser Permanente Asian Association (KPAA) Scholarship Program: Deadline 2/22 New Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship: Deadline 2/22 New
Bay Area Mobility Management Scholarship: Deadline 2/24 New
Silicon Valley Community Foundation common Scholarships: Deadline 2/25 New
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PAUSD
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Special Board Meeting: Budget Study Session Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, 8:30-10:30am
Parent-Child Communication Workshop New Mon, Mar 14, 7 - 8:30 PM, Paly Haymarket Theater, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto Mon, Mar 21, 7 - 8:30 PM, JLS Middle School Cafetorium, 480 E Meadow Drive, Palo Alto The workshop will begin with scripted vignettes about teen stressors. Moderators will guide discussion to provide parents with different strategies, skills and advice for communicating and connecting with their child. Mandarin translation provided. Sponsors: Stanford Department of Behavioral Sciences and PAUSD. Questions: Harrison123@stanford.edu
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Community Service and Service-Learning
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LEAD Summer Community Service Internship: Deadline Extended to Feb. 17th New
The Leader for Education, Advocacy, & Democracy (LEAD) Program is a summer youth-leadership program that empowers 9th-12th grade students to become champions for their communities and voices of their generation through a series of trainings on community organizing, professional preparedness, and leadership responsibilities. LEAD offers students a rewarding experience in summer internships at government elected offices or advocacy-based offices to gain hands-on professional experiences.
LEAD program application fee ($250) and program fee ($750) contributes to the funding of program materials and field trips. Please note, that there is a financial aid scholarship for qualified applicants. Visit our website for a detailed program timeline. Applications are due onFebruary 17, 2015.
Holocaust Center: Day of Learning, March 20, San Francisco Free Event!
REGISTER NOW Students (grades 8 - 12) and educators from all public and private schools throughout California are invited to gain a deeper understanding about the Holocaust and patterns of genocide in order to inspire moral courage and social responsibility in the future.This year's Day of Learning will focus on children who became refugees as a result of the Holocaust and how their experiences are echoed by millions of children around the world today. Attendees will also see a live theatrical performance of The Pianist of Willesden Lane, from acclaimed concert pianist and author Mona Golabek, which tells the true story of her mother as a young refugee during World War II. Register here by March 11th. The Day of Learning is a free program and lunch is provided.
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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2016 Summer High School Internship with Magical Bridge FoundationDesigned to be "magical" in every way, the Magical Bridge Foundation's high school internship program captures the essence of Silicon Valley with a 5 week rotation through our various business and community assignments. 10 community-minded teens will be selected to work with industry experts on projects involving public and media relations, digital and social media, content and video creation, nonprofit development, fundraising, sales, marketing and advocacy.
Interns must be available to work from June 20, 2016 until July 22, 2016 onsite at Magical Bridge Foundation (located in North Palo Alto), Monday through Friday, 1pm to 5pm. Who may apply? Current high school 10th ,11th and 12th graders. DreamCatchers - Looking for Adult Volunteers
Want to help close the achievement gap? DreamCatchers runs a free after-school tutoring program for low-income PAUSD middle school students, pairing them with volunteers. We are looking for adult volunteers for hands-on tutoring and back office support (data, communications, handbooks). A few hours a week, work with Excel, Word, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, or tutor a student. Contact Barbara Sih Klausner Barbara@dreamcatchersyouth.org. www.dreamcatchersyouth.org.
Camp MAC (journalism summer camp) registration is now open! Don't miss out on an opportunity to experience Palo Alto High School's state-of-the-art Media Arts Center facilities this summer by participating in Camp MAC! Led by students of Paly's nationally recognized journalism program, Camp MAC introduces journalism to rising eighth and ninth grade students. Campers will learn 21st century literacy skills while building friendships across schools. Camp MAC is running a one-week session the week of Aug. 1-5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds support Paly's Media Arts Boosters Program. For registration, prices, and more information, visit http://paly.io/campmac or contact palyjournalismcamp@gmail.com
Mid pen Media Center's - MC Sports Summer Broadcasting Camp Calling all Bay Area students who love sports, sports broadcasting or TV production! Students are invited to join us for a week-long Sports Broadcasting Camp. The Media Center's 5thannual MC Sports Broadcasting Summer Camp will be held in Palo Alto California at the Midpen Media Center. Students will have the opportunity to learn everything about Live Sports Broadcasting. No one offers such hands-on TV media broadcasting training and experience with access to professional equipment. Students learn valuable broadcasting skills from industry professionals, using our mobile TV production truck. Everyone will learn all crew positions; Directing, Graphics, Audio, Playback, Camera and on air Announcing. At the end of the week-long training the student crew will shoot a live local sporting event, which will be shown on local TV. And the fun doesn't stop there! All MC Sports Broadcasting Workshop graduates will be invited to join the MC Sports Crew to cover local high school sporting events during the school year. Games are broadcast "Live" on TV and simultaneously streamed on our website. MC Sports crew members receive valuable Community Service hours, a free meal and real-time hands-on "Live" sports broadcasting experience. Camp cost is $560 per student
2016 Palo Alto Speech and Debate Camp Week 1: June 13-17, Week 2: July 25-29, Paly Discover the wonders of public speaking! Conquer your fears once and for all! Learn to think on your feet! Registration for the Palo Alto Speech and Debate Camp is now open! For our eleventh year, we expect the best camp we have ever had, and we are expanding our program to fit this goal. We now offer not only Public Speaking and Debate programs, but also Impromptu Speech and Advanced LD Debate for returning students. The Palo Alto Speech and Debate Camp is the only summer camp in the San Francisco Bay Area that provides rising 6th through 10th graders with the best public speaking learning experience year after year. If you want to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to acquire valuable life skills, register today! More Info: http://palyspeechanddebatecamp.weebly.com/Contact: palyspeechanddebate@gmail.com
Blind Date with a Book! Month of February. Mitchell Park Library Go on a blind date with a specially wrapped book in the Teen Zone during the whole month of February. Checkout a book, take it home, read it, and rate your blind date for a chance to win a prize. If you don't like what you chose, just checkout another one. No hurt feelings!
New Teen Program at Palo Alto Art Center New
Begins Thursday, February 18 and runs through mid-April
COMPOSE YOURSELF is a new teen initiative structured in modules that offer participants access to a range of workshops around a central theme or concept over a two month period. The first Compose Yourself module, Shape Your Story, focuses on visual storytelling and provides workshops in photography, book-making, graphic novels and more. The module is comprised of seven artmaking workshops Thursday evenings at the Art Center, a weekend fieldtrip, an artist statement workshop, and an opportunity to display work at a public reception at the Art Center. Students can enroll in the entire module or pick and choose the workshops that interest them! For more information and to register, please visit
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/artcenter/classes/teens/classes_n_workshops.asp
Palo Alto Library -- Tai Chi Sun, Feb. 14, 21 & 28, 10am-12pm, Rinconada Library You will begin with simple stretching and breathing exercises to create awareness of your body movements and to calm your mind. This class is open to beginners as well as those who have previous Tai Chi experience. People of all ages are welcome. Group meets every Sunday.
Palo Alto Library -- Knack-4-Knitting Wed, Feb. 17 & 24, 4-6 pm, Mitchell Park Library Share & learn knitting skills at this weekly program!
Palo Alto Library -- Exploring Happiness through Meditation & Movement Wed, Feb. 24, 5:30-6:30pm, Rinconada Library Learn mindfulness through meditation and yoga-middle and high school students are welcome to join us! We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
Palo Alto Library -- Teen Writing Club
Thur, Feb. 18, 4-5:30pm, Rinconada Library
Share your passion for writing with other teens -for middle and high school students! Writing prompts, activities, and light snacks provided.
Palo Alto Library -- Family Date Night Presents "Family Prom!" Fri, Feb. 19, 7-8:15pm, Rinconada Library Put on your dancing shoes because we've got DJ Kevin lined up for an evening of fun. Formal attire is encouraged but not required. Register here. Youth Community Service Annual Luncheon -- Celebrating 25 Years of Changing Lives Through Service Fri, Feb. 19, 11:30am-1pm, Mitchell Park Community Center All community members are invited to attend this year's annual luncheon sponsored by Youth Community Service. To honor the 25th anniversary of YCS in the community, YCS will be featuring a number of our visionary founders, YCS alumni, and current participants as speakers. There is no cost to attend. For more information, and to RSVP online, go to Upcoming Events - Annual YCS Luncheon - Youth Community ServicePalo Alto Philharmonic Association Orchestra Concert III Sat, Feb. 20, 8pm, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Come join the Palo Alto Philharmonic for a night of classics, both old and new. Pianist Daniel Glover will perform Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, written by their own composer-in-residence, Lee Actor. Glover, who debuted the work in 2013. The concert will also feature Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 1 and Symphony No. 7 by Antonin Dvorak General admission tickets are: General Admission $24, Seniors $20, and Student tickets $12. Tickets are available in advance from www.paphil.org or at the door one half-hour before the performance. This concert venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information, please contact Geri Actor ( geri.actor@comcast.net)
Palo Alto Chinese New Year Fair New
Sun, Feb. 21, 2 - 5 PM, . Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
This festive event will showcase Chinese art, culture and foods through performances and exhibition booths, including Chinese music and dance, brush painting, calligraphy, dumpling making and more. Organized by the Palo Alto Neighborhood WeChat group and the Palo Alto Chinese Parents' Club, the event aims to facilitate communication and friendship among Palo Alto residents. Free admission. Food tasting tickets sold at the door
Attend the High School Research Symposium at Stanford New
Feb 21, 2016, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Li Ka Shing Center (291 Campus Drive on Stanford Campus)
Come learn about what research other high school students have conducted. We have presenters from 9 schools across the Bay and presentations ranging from the areas of psychology and literature to computer science, math and life sciences. The symposium will also feature a panel discussion with professors and scientists to share their experiences in conducting research and mentoring interns. There are limited spaces for high school students and their parents to attend and will be on a first come first serve basis. Sign up at www.hssymposium.org and email us at bahssymposium@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Parent Chat: Peer to Peer Support Tue, Feb 23, (and every 2nd and 4th Tue), 7-8:30p,, Los Altos Library Orchard Room, 13 S. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos Are you concerned about the emotional wellness of your child? Join Parent Chat: Peer to Peer Support hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC. All parents welcome to talk about children 14+. Professional guidance by Monique Kane LMFT. Questions: Contact Donna Soo (650)-823-0997 or Trudy Palmer (650)-208-9116 12th Annual Sweetheart Awards Wed, Feb. 24, 6-8pm, Nixon Elementary School Theater Is there a bus driver, friend, teacher, administrator, neighbor, aide, crossing guard, fellow student, therapist, physician, volunteer or relative that has done something (however large or small) for your special needs child? Honor that person by nominating him or her for a Sweetheart Award. Submit nominations using this online form. Deadline for nominations extended to February 17. For more information about the awards email: sweethearts.award@gmail.com or go to www.cacpaloalto.org for ceremony details. Sponsored by the Palo Alto Committee of SELPA 1(CAC) and the Palo Alto PTA Council.
Media Moms & Digital Dads, Screens & Children-Separating the Facts from Fear New
Wed, Feb. 24, 7:30 PM, OFJCC, 1921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
This program provides an overview of the digital media landscape in which our kids live, learn and play. We'll discuss media usage, social science research, opportunities and challenges presented by digital media, and how parents can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with their kids. Dr. Yalda T. Uhls will offer expert advice on how parents can guide their kids to make responsible, respectful and safe media choices. Tickets: https://paloaltojcc.org/Events/media-moms-digital-dads-screens-childrenseparating-the-facts-from-fear
Adolescent Eating Disorder Seminar at Packard Children's Hospital Stanford Thurs, Feb. 25, 7-8:30pm, Auditorium 1st Floor Please join us for an informative lecture by the Comprehensive Eating Disorder Program specialists at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford on "Bulimia and Binge Eating in Teens: What We Know and What to Do". Free! Please RSVP at www.classes.stanfordchildrens.org or call Felice Stonestrom at 650-724-4601 for more information. Leap Year Mini-Golf Party Sat, Feb. 27, 7-10pm, Rinconada Library The library will transform into a mini-golf course! DJ Kevin will be playing music, and lots of snacks will be provided to keep that energy up! Grades 8-12 invited to this free event. Register at http://tinyurl.com/hxzkc2g Submit Your Art to Public Alchemy Exhibit The Cubberley Artist Studio Program invites artists to submit work for their inaugural 2016 no-fee entry, open exhibition, Public Alchemy. This open-ended theme is intended to encourage and draw upon a broad range of community perspectives, aesthetic responses, and media. Cubberley Community Center exists to support and cultivate a diverse range of community interests and groups. Public Alchemy seeks to build upon this foundation and make space for artistic exchange and dialogue within and between our neighboring communities. This exhibition is non-juried, and all forms and media are encouraged and will be exhibited, as space allows. Exhibition dates are Feb. 27-March 12. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/50493 Teen Arts Council Luminescense Film Festiva
Submissions due: Mar. 2, 2016; Festival: Apr. 22, 2016, Location TBD This teen-run film festival promotes the art of filmmaking and the fun of doing so! Join them as they watch a variety of films made by teen filmmakers locally and around the country! Luminescence Film Festival is a Teen Arts Council event to emphasize the brilliance, excitement, and fun of the art of film making. Participants in Luminescence Film Festival, must be between 12 and 24. All genres of film are accepted. Maximum run time of film is 15 minutes. To submit a film, send a link of the video either from Youtube or Vimeo . If the video is accepted, it must also be submitted through a mailed flash drive, downloadable link, or any other hard copy version of the film. To get more information about Luminescence or just have general questions, contact Zack Gibson at zack@grant-gould.com.
Raising Resilient Children Presentation Mon, Mar. 14, 7:30-9:30pm, Cubberley Community Center Theater Dr. Robert Brooks of Harvard Medical School will describe (a) why some children from birth have an easier time developing a positive self-image and resilience than others, (b) the importance of identifying and reinforcing each child's "islands of competence," and (c) specific strategies for nurturing self-discipline, problem-solving skills, responsibility, caring, hope, and resilience in our children. Presented by Friends of PreSchool Family. Register for your free tickets at: http://drrobertbrooks.eventbrite.comThe Palo Alto Swing Dance- a Gunn HS Music Fundraiser Sat, Mar. 5, 6:30-10pm, Lucie Stern Ballroom, 1305 Middlefield Rd You are all invited to join the fun at the Inaugural Palo Alto Swing Dance, a fundraiser for the Gunn High School Music Department. Swing dance group lessons will be provided along with live music performed by the Gunn Jazz Bands throughout the evening. Each ticket includes swing dance lessons, light food, and non alcoholic drinks throughout the event. Multiple ticket options are available. Tickets & information can be found at www.paloaltoswingdance.eventbrite.com or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/797783626998473
Paly Robotics Summer Camp 2016 (for middle school students, incoming 6th - incoming 9th) New
July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5, The Paly Robotics Lab (Room 903 at Palo Alto High School)
Do you want your child to experience what it is like to design and build robots? Or how about learning how to program and create 3D animations? What about creating a business plan and promoting it with a website? This year, Paly Robotics will be hosting our annual summer camp for incoming middle school students (incoming 6th - 9th). There are three sessions to choose from - Robot Design and Hardware; Programming and 3D Animation; and Entrepreneurship and Website Design. For more information about our camp and the different sessions, visit palyrobotics.com/summercamp.
Donations for Costaņo Elementary's Library in East Palo Alto
Help to sponsor the refurbishment of the school library at Costaņo Elementary in East Palo Alto! This project is organized by the library at Jordan Middle School, in partnership with Access Books Bay Area, a new non-profit started by Jordan librarian Amanda Marchand. In order to complete the library refurbishment, Access Books needs to raise $20,000! So far, they have raised a little over $6,000. You can help them to reach their goal by donating at http://www.store.accessbooks.net/collections/access-books-bay-area, and you can double your impact through your employer's matching donation program. All funds will be used to purchase new hardcover books for the Costaņo school library, paint and supplies to repaint the walls, and new colorful furniture to make the library an inviting and comfortable place for children to spend time and explore new worlds. For more information, please visit http://www.accessbooks.net, or email amarchand@pausd.org.
Pediatric Weight Control Program When kids and families need more support to maintain a healthy weight, joining a program can be a life-changing step. The Stanford Children's Pediatric Weight Control Program is a six-month program to help kids aged 8 to 15 and their families develop life-long healthy habits. The program is now enrolling for January, with scholarships available for those who qualify. No referrals necessary, just call (650) 725-4424. Flier (English) http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/content-public/pdf/ppwcp-flyer.pdf
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. Contact: Rebecca Barnett, rbarnet2@stanford.edu, 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. 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. Contact: Rebecca Barnett, BCBA rbarnet2@stanford.edu, 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 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 |
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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,
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