Gunn Connection 

Friday, September 25, 2015
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Gunn 2013
Calendar

Mon, Sep 28-Fri, Oct 2
Not in Our Schools (NIOS) Week
Mon, Sep 28
Welcome Back/NIOS Food Truck Court, 5:30 PM, Parking Lot
Tue, Sep 29
"Miss Representation" Screening 6 PM, Spangenberg
Wed, Sep 30
"The Mask You Live In" Screening 6 PM, Spangenberg
Gunn Band & Orchestra Boosters Meeting, 7:15 PM, Staff Lounge
Thu, Oct 1
Staff Appreciation Korean Luncheon, 12:45 PM, Staff Lounge
"Remember the Titans" Screening, 6 PM, Spangenberg
Fri, Oct 2
Sophomore Parent Network Meeting, 8:30 AM, V-13
Football vs. Los Altos, FS 4:30 PM, Var 7 PM, Football Field
Mon-Thu, Oct 5-8
Alternate Schedule (see Calendar)
Mon, Oct 5
Photo Makeups, 12:30 PM, Spangenberg Lobby
Site Council Meeting, 4 PM, Staff Lounge
Thu, Oct 8
PTSA Meeting, 8:30 AM, Staff Lounge
Prism Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Fri, Oct 9
NO SCHOOL, Staff Development Day

For a complete calendar of all school events, go to the Gunn Calendar.  For corrections or additions to the Calendar, contact Martha Elderon.

Gunn

SPECIAL EVENTS: Not In Our Schools Week (9/28-10/2)

Welcome Dinner and Kick Off of NIOS Week: Food Truck Court
Mon, Sep 28, 5:30-7:30 PM
To celebrate the start of the school year and Not in Our Schools Week, the Gunn PTSA is hosting a food truck court. Food trucks that will be there are 3 GeeksRice Rockit, Tacos de Los Altos, and Swifty Sweets. The trucks will be parked in the Gunn parking lot near Bow Gym. Students who stop by the SAC beginning on Wednesday afternoon through Friday can get a single ticket good for up to $8 off the cost of their purchase at a truck. Parents purchase their own meals. Come join the Gunn community for dinner and entertainment provided by your students. Please consider walking, bicycling or carpooling because parking will be limited. 

FREE Movie Nights at Spangenberg Theatre
Three thought-provoking and inspiring films! FREE and open to all community members, Gunn parents, students, family and friends. See flyer.
 
"Miss Representation", Tue, Sep 29, 6-8 PM
A special screening of the award-winning documentary film, Miss Representation, is a documentary film that focuses on gender stereotyping of females and the negative effects this can have on adolescents and teens.  
 
"The Mask You Live In", Wed, Sep 30, 6-8 PM
The Mask You Live In, a documentary film premiering at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, asks the important question: Is American masculinity harming our boys, young men and society at large? Compared to girls, research shows that boys in the U.S. are more likely to be diagnosed with a behavior disorder, prescribed stimulant medications (for ADD/ADHD), fail out of school, binge drink, commit a violent crime, and/or take their own lives.
 
"Remember the Titans", Thu, Oct 1, 6-8 PM
The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit. Remember the Titans explores civil topics, such as racism, discrimination and athletics. Set in a suburb of Washington, DC and based on the true story of African-American coach Herman Boone.

Get Your Class Shirts for Homecoming!
Order deadline: Mon, Sep 28
Homecoming week is coming up October 19-23. It's time to order your class shirt NOW, so it will be ready for you to support your class by wearing it on the first day of Homecoming (Mon, Oct 19). Shirts are $10 each and can be ordered with a credit card here: tinyurl.com/GunnHCshirts. DEADLINE FOR ORDERS IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. Shirts will be ready for pick-up at the SAC the week of October 12. Scholarship applications are available in the Main office.

Staff Appreciation Korean Lunch
Thu, Oct 1, 12:45-1:25 PM, Staff Lounge
If you want to come and help, contact Julia Byun at [email protected] or (650) 888-7058. This event is sponsored by the Gunn PTSA.

Join the Gunn Team at Walk to End Alzheimer's
Sat, Oct 10, Registration starts at 8 AM, Event starts at 10 AM, San Jose Arena Green
For the first time, Gunn High School will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's event. Any Gunn student and their family is welcome to join. Pre-registration is recommended; visit act.alz.org and join the team Memory for Life/Gunn High School. There will be a three hour and a one mile option. For more information, please contact Brent Han at [email protected].

Monitor for Academic Center Needed
Alternate Thursdays starting Oct 15, 12-1 PM, Gunn Academic Center
This hour between staff shifts is covered by volunteers each day. If you are interested please contact Norma Hesterman at [email protected]. This is a great opportunity to spend a little time with our delightful Gunn students. Begin October 15.

YES! Stress Reduction & Wellness Presentation
Thu, Oct 15, 7-8:30 PM, Gunn Library
Freshman and Sophomore parents: feeling overwhelmed, busy, tense? Join us for a special interactive stress reduction and wellness presentation by the YES! (Youth Empowerment Seminar) organization on Thursday, October 15, 2015, from 7-8:30 PM in the Gunn Library. This is a special preview of the 4-week YES! program your Freshman and Sophomore students will be learning through their Gunn phys ed classes. Student stress is most effectively reduced when families encourage YES! principles at home. San Francisco Bay Area YES! Director Priya Mayureshwar and Gunn parent/certified YES! instructor Anjali Vishwanath will be giving us an experience of the YES! program which has benefited more than 10,000 students in Bay Area schools. Over 7,000 students nationwide have reported an 87% "feel better rate" and an 83% improved academic focus after experiencing the YES! program. Now, it's your turn! Learn stress-busting, healthy lifestyle skills that work. Wear comfy clothes, bring a water bottle, and get ready to have fun and say YES! to stress busting. Please note: There is no fee for this seminar, but spaces are limited and registration through Eventbrite is required. Register HERE.

Scholarships for Gunn Seniors through the Gunn Foundation
Ongoing
For the 47th year in a row, the Gunn Foundation will provide need-based scholarships to deserving Gunn High School seniors. Many of the scholarship recipients are the first in their family to attend college and have overcome significant financial and personal hurdles to gain acceptance to college. Scholarship awards are unrestricted and can be used to help with the final hurdles students on a tight budget can face including tuition, fees, books, and transportation. Applications will be made available in early 2016. Last year, the Foundation awarded over $70,000 to 26 members of the Class of 2015. These scholarships are made possible through donations from YOU -- parents, teachers, administrators, alumni, and members of the community. If you would like to make a difference in a student's life, please consider donating to the Gunn Foundation at http://gunnfound.org. Every little bit helps in changing the lives of these deserving students who are part of our community!

Gunn Pedaling for Prizes
827 students bicycled to Gunn last Thursday, helping reduce school commute auto congestion and emissions and enjoying a bike ride with friends on a beautiful day! They were greeted by Pedaling for Prizes volunteers with chocolate treats and a chance to win pairs of Cinemark movie tickets or bicycle light sets. Bicycling to Gunn is fun. Go to http://www.gunn.pausd.org/transportation for walking and bicycling route maps, safety tips, carpooling and bus information. Congratulations Pedaling for Prizes winners and volunteers!  Bike commuters, look for volunteers on random mornings for your chance to win. Biking to Gunn offers sweet rewards!


IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA: Spotlight

Suicide Prevention and Grieving, SELPA 1 CAC...read more.

Movie Nights, NIOS Week...read more.


FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:

Gizdich Ranch Pie Class of 2016 Fundraiser
Now til Oct 15
Two Berries takes the lead!!! Pumpkin trails at a distant second place. Is it the antioxidants?? The deep purple?? Speak up for your favorite while supporting the Class of 2016 - purchase delicious Gizdich Ranch Pies. Traditional Apple, Dutch Apple, Two Berry, Pumpkin and Apricot. Dutch Apple and Pumpkin are vegetarian (though not vegan).  Made from local crops at Gizdich Ranch's Watsonville farm, these pies come frozen with easy baking directions. All proceeds benefit the Class of 2016 graduation activities. Eat locally! Support our seniors! Click here for more information and the order form. Sale ends October 15. Questions? Contact Christine Abraham at [email protected].

News from the AC
Parents or Students: Want community service hours for tutoring A-, B-, C-, D- and E-period math and science and E-Period-Only French and Spanish for Gunn's FOS (Focus on Success) Classes? (If you don't read "Block-Schedulese" that means, "Tutors needed between 8:30-12:40.") Contact [email protected] or visit the AC Mon-Fri, 1-5 PM, ASAP. Thank you.

Pick Up School Photo Orders at the Student Activities Center
Students who ordered school pictures from Lifetouch Studios can come to the Student Activities Center to pickup their orders. The SAC open is Monday through Friday from 8:45 AM-4 PM and the new YMCA Teen Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 PM. For questions, check https://sites.google.com/site/gunnstudentactivities or contact [email protected].

A Worthy Cause: Gunn Junior Class Fund
Hey everybody! The Gunn Junior class invites the entire Gunn community to contribute to a worthy cause: the Junior class fund. The Class of 2017 has been fundraising since their freshmen year and all of their funds go toward covering the cost and providing scholarships for events such as the Spring prom (April 16) and grad night. Junior prom will be the first opportunity for juniors to see their hard work pay off, and we would like to plan an awesome event to reward them. The Junior class will be earning most of the money through various fundraisers throughout the year, but we will also accept direct donations to our class account by either: 1) writing a check to "Gunn High School" with "Attn: Junior Class" in the memo line (drop off at Gunn main office), or 2) visiting the student activities webstore and go to Product Categories > Class Fundraisers > Donate to Junior Class; payment can be made via credit card. And for those of you who want your employer to match your donation: 1) Gunn's tax ID is 94-2168440, and 2) make sure the donation is to "Gunn High School Junior Class Fund". Thanks for all your support! Chloe Sorensen, Leland Pama and Junior Class Council

PAUSD & PTAC

Mindful Moms Group for PAUSD Moms of Teens and Preteens
Wednesdays, Sep 23-Nov 18 (no class Nov. 11), 7-9 PM, Gunn Library
All moms share a vital need for connection. Yet moms of adolescents are often so focused on their teens that they neglect their own health and wellbeing. To support our teens we must invest in our own self growth and self care. This 8-week group will empower you with evidence-based mindfulness tools to reduce stress and improve your mood so you can bring balance and stability to your home life. Andrea Castillo, PhD, has been teaching Mindfulness since 2007 and is a proud mom of a Gunn High School graduate. Cost: $299. Scholarships are available. To register please visit www.MindBodySpiritMoms.com. Preregistration is required. 
For questions please contact Jaclyn at [email protected]. Sponsored by the Gunn PTSA.

Inclusive Schools: Every Student, Every Day  
Tue, Oct 6, 6:30-8 PM, District Office, 25 Churchill Ave, Palo Alto, Board Room
Thu, Oct 8, 8:30-9:45 AM, Morning Coffee with Dr. Hehir, Rm 730, JLS Middle School, 40 E. Meadow Dr, Palo Alto
Parents, educators and staff are welcome to join a lively discussion with Dr. Tom Hehir on Tue, Oct 6 at the District Office. An advocate for children with disabilities in the education system, Dr. Hehir is the Silvana and Christopher Pasucci Professor of Practice in Learning Differences at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Hehir will join the district in partnership to review our systems of supports for all students. 

PAUSD Seeking "Coordinator for District Communications"
PAUSD is looking for experienced candidates for the "Coordinator for District Communications" position. The Coordinator is responsible for communicating key information about the district both internally and to the general public. The Coordinator is also responsible for promoting a better understanding of the school district's objectives, programs, and achievements; promoting a community climate of support for the district; and providing communication services to schools and departments. The district is looking for someone with experience in public relations, journalism, public school administration or a similar background. To see more job details and to apply online, click here.

Community

City Council Review of Charleston-Arastradero Concept Plan Lines
Sep 28
At their September 28 meeting City Council will review the proposed Concept Plan Lines for Charleston-Arastradero, leading to final design and implementation of landscaped medians, bulb-outs, and other pedestrian and bicycle improvements consistent with the existing striping, which was approved for permanent retention in 2008 and 2012. The striping trial's purpose was to test the feasibility of reducing the number of lanes in order to calm traffic and create room for continuous bike lanes and other safety improvements for all road users. The important safety improvements will come with the hardscape phase of the project. For more information, click here.

Ending Chronic Veteran Homelessness in Santa Clara County: A Community Summit
Fri, Oct 2, 1-4 PM, Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Did you know that Santa Clara County has the highest proportion of unsheltered homeless veterans in the country? The City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission invites you to an important summit on ending veteran homelessness. Joining us as the keynote speaker straight from the White House will be Colonel Nicole Malachowski, Executive Director of Joining Forces, the White House Initiative on supporting veterans and their families started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. The summit will include expert panelists on housing and healthcare and focuses on what our community can do to tackle veteran homelessness. Info and RSVP: [email protected]

Love Art and Art History?
Fri, Oct 2, 9:30-11 AM, Art Education, 25 Churchill, Palo Alto
Volunteer 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. Volunteer docent meetings/training begins Friday, October 2, 9:30-11 AM. Weekly meetings held every Friday, 9:30-11 AM at Art Education, 25 Churchill Avenue. For more information contact Art Education (650) 329-3939, or email Emily at [email protected].

Paly Theatre presents "Shrek Jr"
Fri, Oct 2, 7 PM and Sun, Oct 4, 2 PM & 7 PM, Palo Alto High School Haymarket Theatre, 50 Embarcadero Rd
Shrek is a tale full of wit, romance and the lesson that all creatures are worthy of love, big or small, chubby or wan, but most especially, the freaks. This wonderful musical is good for ages 5 to 100! Students & Children $5.00, Adults $10.00, reserved seats are available online at http://palytheatre.seatyourself.biz or at the door. Box office opens one hour prior to curtain. 

Let's Talk, Sponsored by SELPA 1 CAC
Mon, Oct 5, 7-9 PM, Orchard Community Rm, Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Let's Talk is a chance for parents 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, but participants must respect confidentiality. This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org), an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs. This event is free and registration is not required.

Parents Nursery School Fall Carnival
Sun, Oct 18, 11 AM-3 PM, 2328 Louis Rd, Palo Alto
Fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite costume! Enjoy live music, games, great food, craft store, magic shows, raffle prizes, face painting and much more. There's something for the whole family! Have fun and help support a local preschool.

Suicide Prevention and Grieving
Wed, Oct 21, 7-9 PM, Covington Elementary School, 205 Covington, Los Altos
Presented by Charlotte Ross Fisher, who was the founding CEO at the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Center of San Mateo County for over 22 years and was Executive Director of Youth Suicide National Center in Washington, DC. This event is free and registration is not required. This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC. See flyer. For more information, see www. Selpa1cac.org.

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Thank you,

Shari Arensdorf & Rita Lee

Gunn Connection Editors & Parent Volunteers