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Sunday, November 22, 2015
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Calendar
THIS WEEK
- MON & TUE, Nov 23 & 24: Auditions for musical, 3:30-7pm, M-A PAC
- WED-FRI, Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving holiday, NO SCHOOL
NEXT WEEK- MON, Nov 30: UC and CSU application deadline
- TUE, Dec 1: ELAC parent meeting, 6 pm
- THU, Dec 3: Information meeting for Ecuador and Galapagos trip, 6pm, I-5
- THU, Dec 3: Band & Orchestra Concert, 7pm, M-A PAC
- FRI, Dec 4: Choir & Guitar Concert, 7pm, M-A PAC
- SAT, Dec 5: SAT test day
- SAT, Dec 5: Canned food drive distribution, 9am, Ecumenical Hunger
UPCOMING - MON, Dec 7-FRI, Dec 11: Dead week
- TUE, Dec 8: Math contest, lunch
- TUE, Dec 8: EL Parent Celebration, 6pm, PAC Café
- FRI, Dec 11: Frazzle Friday
- SAT, Dec 12: ACT test day
- MON, Dec 14-THU, Dec 17: Finals
- FRI, Dec 18 to MON, Jan 4: Winter break, NO SCHOOL
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 From the Administration |
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It is time to brighten the holidays of families in need within the M-A community through the annual M-A Holiday Gift Drive. Last year we fulfilled the holiday wish lists of over 70 M-A families. We need your help again.
We are looking for families and groups to sponsor or adopt a needy family this season to help make their wishes come true. By participating in the M-A Holiday Gift Drive, your family, office, church, book club, sports team, scout troop, professional organization, church, and or social group can directly give to a family within our own M-A community.
As a donor, you will receive a wish list from an M-A family. The wish lists include names, ages, sizes, favorite colors and toy requests to make your shopping fun and easy. Our goal is to provide $30 gifts to family members 18 and under plus a gift card for the family. Gifts should include a toy for small children. Wrapped gifts will be dropped off at M-A on the morning of Monday, December 14, 2015.
To become a donor, sign up here. You will receive shopping tips, drop-off information and a link to your family's wish-list around the 4th of December. You can also access the link by going to mabears.org under About Us > Community Outreach.
If you find you would like to be a part of the gift drive, but do not have the time or opportunity, monetary donation of any amount are accepted and will go directly to buying gifts. Monetary donations can be dropped off at the M-A main office. Please make checks payable to Holiday Gift Drive.
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March 5 SAT Spring Review Classes
Deadline Approaching
We are continuing to accept applications for the SAT review classes for the March 5th SAT exam. The application and additional information can be found here here. Our soft deadline is November 30th, although we will continue to accept applications in December if we have room in the classes. ~Gregg Whitnah, Co-Math Department Chair |
Traveling this Spring and Summer
A few spots left.
Global Leaders has 2 remaining spots on our Spring Guatemala Journey, and 2 remaining spots on our Summer Ghana Journey. We'd love for you to join our team!
As part of a year-long service-learning program, Global Leaders offers the opportunity to travel and participate in service in Guatemala from April 2 to 10, 2016 or Ghana from June 7 to 20, 2016. These international experiences give students the chance to immerse themselves in the culture of their host country, while building elementary schools, working on reforestation projects, and volunteering time to hospitals and children's homes. In Guatemala, students will receive 15 hours of one-on-one Spanish that can jumpstart language acquisition.
If you're interested in learning more, contact Program Director Andy Stuart at astuart@seq.orgThere are also 3 remaining spots for a summer trip to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador with EF (Education First). An informational meeting for this trip only, will be Thursday, Dec 3 at 6:00 pm in Room I-5. Please RSVP to Andy Stuart, astuart@seq.org. The itinerary is jam-packed full of culturally immersive activities that showcase Ecuador's beauty and diversity. Some highlights include the Intinan Museum, where students will discover how the Incas determined the middle of the Earth. The students will then have the opportunity to pose for a photo on the equator, the namesake of Ecuador. Students will also visit five of the Galapagos Islands and participate in a volcano walk, enjoy a snorkeling activity where they'll see penguins, flamingos, sea lions, and iguanas, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. To see a more detailed description and daily breakdown of the tour, please visit http://www.eftours.com/eLiterature/DBD/M/GPI.pdf. Dates for the trip are slated from June 15 to June 27 and subject to minor date changes. |
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Holiday Closure
Please make note of the M-A Guidance Office and College and Career Center closure for the holiday break from Friday, December 18th through January 4th.
We strongly encourage students to plan accordingly in their inquiries for applications support and to take advantage of their vacation to rest, rejuvenate and spend time with their families. The M-A Guidance Office and College and Career Center closure is consistent with the typical university admissions offices' schedule. Counselors can answer questions and assist with applications upon our return on January 5th.
The Guidance Office
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From the M-A PTA |
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The MA-PTA wishes all M-A families a very
Happy Thanksgiving.
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Canned Food Drive 2015: Ready, Set, Can!
The annual canned food drive kicked off Monday, November 9. This is a chance for the M-A community to rally around the growing number of San Mateo County residents who cannot afford enough food to provide for themselves and their families. According to the Second Harvest Food Bank website, 1 in 4 people in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties are at risk for hunger. Many of them are children, and some are our neighbors, classmates, or acquaintances.
To help alleviate hunger and draw attention to the hunger problem in our midst, the Leadership class coordinates an annual, award-winning canned food drive. This year M-A is again partnering with Second Harvest to ensure that families continue to have access to food sources beyond the canned food drive. Here are ways that you can help:
- When shopping for your family, please add a few extra cans to your cart and drop them into the Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) barrels. M-A students will be handing out the list of most-needed items requested by Second Harvest.
- Consider donating online here. Your gift will be properly credited to the M-A outreach effort.
- Some students conduct food drives in their neighborhoods: encourage yours to start that tradition!
- Every student is encouraged to sign up for canning. Students do not have to be in the Leadership class to participate. Students can sign up in room B-21, or contact Mr. Amoroso at mamoroso@seq.org.
- If you would like to receive food, please leave a message on an anonymous M-A voicemail at 650-322-5311, ext. 58669.
M-A is proud to announce this year's newest partner in the fight against hunger, our neighbors at Facebook! Facebook is supplying all of the reusable grocery bags that will be used to pack up all of the food that is given away on Distribution Day at Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto on December 5.
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From the Foundation for the Future |
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M-A Students are Thankful...
For Generous Foundation Supporters!
There are 2,255 reasons to give to the
M-A Foundation for the Future NOW!
Please join with other generous families and friends
to support the great students of M-A!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Please donate online today - don't wait!
If you have already made your gift, thank you!
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M-A Music & Drama |
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Winter Musical Upcoming Auditions
Have an aspiring actor or singer in your family?
Encourage them to audition for this year's Winter Musical!
Coming this February to the M-A Drama Department:
INTO THE WOODS
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King's Festival, Little Red Riding Hood on her way to her grandmother's cottage, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the spell. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
Auditions will be held:
November 23 & 24, from 3:30 to 7:00 pm, in the PACStudents who are interested should bring a one-minute song from a musical. Questions? Come see Ms. Sundstrom in C-16 or send an email to asundstrom@seq.org.
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M-A Sports |
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Keep M-A Athletics Strong
Help us meet our goals and support our 50 athletic teams and more than 950 athletes. Visit the Athletic Boosters website to donate, purchase BearWear, or learn more.
~ Libby Tinsley and Valerie Ambwani, M-A Boosters Co-Chairs
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Hot New Nike BearWear
Order by November 27
Hello M-A!!! Show your Bear Pride in some brand new Nike BearWear! The ordering window is limited. All orders must be received by November 27 before this offer expires. Just go to http://goo.gl/Mu5rmC to access the online ordering form. These are all HOT new items, so don't hesitate to get yours ordered now! If you have questions, contact me at psnow@seq.org. Go Bears! ~Paul M. Snow, Athletic Director, Social Studies & Sports Leadership Teacher
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Boys Varsity Water Polo
On Tuesday night the team faced #1 seed Bellarmine in the CCS semi-final game. The Bears scored first and the led until the final minute of the 2nd half when Bellarmine quickly scored two goals and took a 4-6 lead. The Bears battled back, bringing the score to 7-8 at the end of the 3rd. With over 1 minute left and the score tied at 9, Bellarmine scored. M-A drove to Bellarmine's side of the pool to try to tie the game, but lost possession of the ball. M-A almost pulled off the upset, but lost 9-10. Bellarmine went on to beat St. Francis in the final 11-7. Christian Huhn had 5 goals, Alex Hakanson had 2, and Jorge Pont and Mostyn Fero each scored 1. This was the last game for 9 seniors and coaches Giovanni Napolitano and Ben Quittner. Congratulations to all and good luck!
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Girls Varsity Volleyball
CCS 2015 DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS!!!! Thanks to all of the fans who came out on Saturday night to see the Bears sweep past Carlmont and take the CCS Championship for the second year in a row. The Scots had upset #1 seed Los Altos to make it to the finals, but that's where their luck ran dry. The Bears dominated the match, overcoming their only real challenge by digging out from a 20-24 deficit in the second set and finishing 25-14, 27-25, 25-17. Leanna Collins was player of the match with 12 fireball kills, 2 digs and block. Kirby Knapp earned high all-court honors with 32 assists, 9 digs, 2 aces and an amazing solo block. Alexa Roumeliotis neutralized the Scots hitters with 23 digs, adding 3 aces and an assist. Jacqueline DiSanto tallied 17 digs and 4 kills. Eliza Grover put in 7 kills, 3 digs and a block, while Courtney Foliaki sprang high for 3.5 blocks to go with her 5 kills and 2 digs. Shauna Sabet popped up 7 digs, Lauren Heller killed 4 and dug 3, and Kiana Sales had 6 digs and a kill to help sew things up.
In the semi-finals earlier in the week, the Bears swept San Benito 25-20, 25-22, 25-7. DiSanto was unstoppable with 23 digs, 11 kills and 2 aces. Roumeliotis served two aces and led on digs with 26. Foliaki played her best game yet, killing an outrageous 90% of her hits (9 total) and leading on blocks. Collins put down 11 kills and Heller killed 8 to go with her 4 digs. Grover totaled 2 aces, 7 digs and 6 kills. Sales served an ace, and she and Sabet had 8 digs each. And people, none of it would have gone down without the 46 (that's right, FORTY-SIX) assists from Knapp, who served an oscillating ace to ice the cake.
State-level competition starts on Tuesday November 24th. Stand by for details and cross your fingers for a rowdy home court match!
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Varsity Football
The Bears fought to the very end in a close battle against the San Benito Haybalers with a final score of 21-19. Miles Conrad and Aajon Johnson split quarterback duties and threw 18 completions for a total of 256 yards. Jordan Mims led all receivers catching 8 passes for 128 yards. Marquise Reid contributed 5 catches for 69 yards, and Ben Stanley caught 4 passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. Mims also led all rushers with 34 yards and two touchdowns. M-A's defense played strong containing San Benito running backs to far less than their normal yardage. Christian Wiseman led all tacklers with 10, followed by Stavro Papadakis with 8 and Skyler Taulapapa-Lautalo with 7. Reid, Kevin Jaggers, Epeli Mataele and Bryce Rodgers each had 6 tackles. Additional defensive highlights include Rodgers sacking the quarterback and Mataele recovering two fumbles. Congratulations to the Bears on a very successful 2015 season. Best of luck to our seniors! Go Bears!
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Community |
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Successful College Applications:
Showcase Your Achievements in the Arts
Monday, December 7, 2015, 7:00 pm
Community School of Music and Arts
Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle
Mountain View, CA 94040
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. This talk will focus on highlighting the arts experience for students applying to any college, as well as those with special arts programs.
With over 20 years of professional experience in the arts, Harriet helps students identify programs and prepare materials when applying to college visual and performing arts programs. She coaches creative kids effectively communicate their individuality and navigate the college application process!
Free admission! For more information or to RSVP: arts4all.org.
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Support College Success for Local Low-Income Students
Become a mentor to a talented first-generation college student. The Peninsula College Fund, which provides four-year college scholarships, 1-1 adult mentors, college and career success training, and summer internship support to low-income, first-generation college students, is seeking volunteers to serve as mentors to college students. Mentors offer advice, support, and role modeling to a student throughout the student's college career. Prospective mentors can learn more about this life-changing experience at our website. This highly effective organization serves mid-peninsula high school students from Palo Alto to Redwood City. For questions about mentoring, contact Iris Bustos, Program Coordinator, at iris@peninsulacollegefund.org or at (650)779-5002. Make a difference today!
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Tutor Corps Grants & Awards
Make a Difference in Your Community Today!
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, 2015Awards: $250 - $750 Apply: Visit http://www.tutorcorps.com/grants
Teacher of the Year Award
Tutor Corps recognizes the finest educators in the San Francisco Bay Area with the Teacher 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, 2015Award: $1000 and award ceremony at school assembly Nominate: Visit http://www.tutorcorps.com/teacheraward/** Nominating only takes 3 minutes!
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City of Menlo Park Events
BULLY Documentary Film and Q&A
With Filmmaker Lee Hirsch
Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Come join the City of Menlo Park for the new documentary film BULLY (2012) on December 2, 2015 at 7 pm at Hillview Middle School Performing Arts Center. The film BULLY, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, brings human scale to this startling statistic by offering an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. This program will feature a screening of the documentary movie Bully and conclude with a Q&A session with award-winning author and director Lee Hirsch. For more information, please visit the event page on the Menlo Park website.
Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, December 4, 2015, 5:30 to 7:00pm
The City of Menlo Park and the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce invite you to the annual Menlo Park Holiday Tree lighting on Friday, December 4 at Fremont Park at 5:30 to 7:00pm! The festivities will include holiday treats, a family movie, and a spectacular tree lighting. And if you have been good boys and girls this year, Santa just might make a special appearance! Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 5, 2015, 7:30 to 11:30 am The City of Menlo Park Community Services Department will be hosting the annual "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 7:30 to 11:30 am at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center located at 700 Alma Street. Activities will include pancake breakfast, letter writing to Santa, holiday crafts, balloon twisting, visiting and picture taking with Santa, and a fun time with friends & family.$7 for adults (13 years old and above) and $5 for children (12 years old and under). One dollar OFF ticket price with donation of an unwrapped toy for the Fire Fighter Toy Drive.
2015 Holiday Showcase
Tuesday, December 15, 2015, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Come join the City of Menlo Park Community Services Department on December 15, 2015 from 6 to 8 pm at the M-A Performing Arts Center for 2015 Holiday Showcase! Included in our collection of class offerings you will find dance, ballet, gymnastics, fitness, music, cooking, theater, martial arts, drumming, boot camps, and a magnitude of sports for all ages, levels, and abilities. We pride ourselves on creating a community that is vibrant, diverse, and fun! Come see all that we have to offer in our fabulous collection of classes and programs where you, our talented community, enter into the spotlight. $5 for adults (13 yrs and above) and free for children (12 yrs and under). Reserve tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-holiday-showcase-tickets-18301916525.
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Oak Knoll's Barb Snow to Retire
Oak Knoll's Office Manager Barb Snow is retiring after 42 years of working in the District! Mark your calendars and join her on Monday, December 14, 2:55-4 pm on the upper playground (no rain) or in the gym (rain) to say farewell. Parents and kids will have the opportunity to sign a memory book, have a piece of cake and give Barb a hug! You can add your family's rsvp response to the evite so we have an idea of numbers at http://evite.me/mrmTvFb8aF, but please feel free to come along either way. |
"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose."
~ Woody Allen
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| De Parte del Departamento de Consejería |
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Cerrados por el receso de vacaciones
Por favor tome nota de que la Oficina de Consejería y el Centro de Carreras y Universidades estarán cerrados por el receso de vacaciones desde el viernes, 18 de diciembre, 2015 hasta el 4 de enero, 2016.
Nosotros animamos a los estudiantes para que planifiquen de acuerdo a este horario con sus preguntas referentes a las solicitudes para las universidades y que tomen ventaja de sus vacaciones para descansar, revitalizar, y compartir tiempo con sus familias. Además, el cierre de la Oficina de Consejería y el Centro de Carreras y Universidades es consistente con el horario típico de las oficinas de admisión de las universidades. Por lo tanto, los consejeros pueden contestar preguntas y ayudar con las solicitudes después de nuestro regreso el 5 de enero.
La Oficina de Consejería
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From the BearNotes Editors
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How to Submit Articles
Please keep articles short and focused. Longer TriVocis-style articles are welcome, but keep the most important info in the first paragraph. (Longer articles might show only the first paragraph in the BearNotes email and then continue on the M-A PTA website.)
- Email proofread submissions by midnight Thursday to bearnotes@mabearspta.org.
- Please do not send attachments. Send article content in the body of the email.
- Include details such as the event, date, time, location, contact info, and URL.
- Consider including a Spanish translation of your article for critical info. (Please email BearNotes if you need help with translation.)
- All submissions are subject to editing by the PTA.
For the PTA policies on BearNotes publication, please visit the M-A PTA website. M-A PTA does not endorse third-party events or submissions, nor take responsibility regarding the content of any third-party websites. |
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