Gunn Connection 

Friday, October 9, 2015
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Senior Class

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Freshman Class
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Calendar

Fri, Oct 9
NO SCHOOL, Staff Development Day
Mon-Fri, Oct 12-16
Alternate Schedule (see Calendar)
Mon, Oct 12
Palo Alto College Fair, 6:30 PM, Palo Alto High School
Wed, Oct 14
Gunn Wind Ensemble, 7 PM, Spangenberg
Thu, Oct 15
YES! Stress Reduction Presentation, 7 PM, Library
Senior Parent Network Meeting, 7 PM, Staff Lounge
Mon-Sat, Oct 19-24
Homecoming Week (click here for a complete list of events):
- Wed & Thu: Float Stuffing, 3 PM, Track
- Thu: Night Rally, 8 PM, TItan Gym
- Fri: Football vs. Monta Vista, JV 4:30 PM, Var 7 PM, Football Field
- Sat: Homecoming Dance, 7:30 PM, Bow Gym


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

Senior Parent Network Meeting
Thu, Oct 15, 7-8:30 PM, Staff Lounge
Leighton Lang from Gunn's College and Career Center to discuss the College Financial Aid/Application process.  

Register Now for Mock SAT/ACT Tests at Gunn  
A Mock Test is a great way to get comfortable with the SAT/ACT Testing process. To register, go to http://www.gunn.pausd.org/academic-center and scroll down to the last option on left column: Mock SAT/ACT Sign Up. Mock tests and dates:
  • Mock SAT/ACT Combo on Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 9 AM to1:30 PM in the library. Result TBA.
  • Mock New SAT on Saturday, January 16, 2016, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM in the library. Result TBA.
  • Mock ACT on Saturday, February 20, 2016, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM in the library. Result will be emailed by March 5.
  • Mock NEW Redesigned SAT on Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM in the library. Result will be emailed by April 30.
Check Your Information in the Gunn PTSA Directory
Deadline: October 25 
The email address you provided when you registered with PAUSD will give you access to the Gunn PTSA eDirectory https://gunn.tangledir.com/. Refer to the October 7 email via Infinite Campus for additional login instructions. You have until October 25 to update any household data that will also go into the printed directory and ensure both versions of the directory contain the information you want included (such as nicknames, phone numbers, new addresses) or remove any information you do NOT want shared publicly. For questions, contact gunndirectory@gunnpta.org.

Creative Writing Classes Need Volunteer
Help is needed to work on the classes' online magazine. May simply post student stories. And/or also redesign the online magazine. Contact Norma Hesterman at nhesterman@pausd.org.

Try Gunn Wrestling
Interested in having your child try out a new, no-cut sport where everyone is welcome? Interested in having your child obtain personalized instruction while getting into shape with a handful of experienced, dedicated professional coaches, including a former Stanford and Olympic athlete and coach? Then please tell your children that Gunn wrestling pre-season practices are underway in the wrestling room, every weekday from 4-5:15 PM. Pre-season is a great time to figure out if this is something they would like to pursue as there is no commitment and they can drop in whenever they are able. Girls and boys are welcome.

Staff Appreciation Korean Lunch Thank You
Thank Su-Dam Korean Cuisine and Tofu House for generously donating food. Thank you to the following parents for their time, labor, and food donations: Kyungha Jeon, Jeesook Seo, Kwangmi Park, Sinwon Hwang, Myung Suk Shin, Heesun Kim, Inhye Kang, Miran Choi, Eunwha Han, Sunja Baek, Kyung Ah Yoon, Yeunjung You, Joanne Boyoon Kim, Jin Choi, Soomi Kim, Youngjoo Sung, Seyoung Song and Eunmi Choi. And thank you Jin Choi Park, Jenny Ryu, and Yunhee Ahn for setting up the room so beautifully. Finally, thank you Hanna Kang for the delicious sauce you make every year for the rice bowls. They are always a hit! Gunn PTSA Staff Appreciation lunch was possible because of all your generous contributions. Korean Parents Network will meet on October 22 at 10 AM at 495 Maureen Ave, Palo Alto. Are you new to Gunn? Come join us. Contact Julia Byun at juliajbyun@yahoo.com.


FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:

Gizdich Pie Fundraiser
Now til Oct 15
Support the Class of 2016 by purchasing delicious Gizdich Ranch Pies. The pies are made from local crops in Gizdich Ranch's own Watsonville farm kitchen and come to us frozen, complete with easy baking directions. Five varieties to choose from: Traditional Apple, Dutch Apple, Two Berry, Pumpkin and Apricot. Both the Dutch Apple and the Pumpkin pies are vegetarian (though not vegan). All proceeds benefit the Class of 2016 graduation activities. Eat locally and support our graduating seniors! Click here for more information and the order form. Sale ends October 15. Questions? Contact Christine Abraham at abraham.christine@gmail.com.

Gunn Homecoming Week is Oct 19-23
What is "Homecoming" and why is it important? Homecoming is a long-standing tradition at many American high schools and colleges. It is a celebration of the school community and is a chance for current students to develop "school spirit" and camaraderie. This year, Gunn has planned a very full week of events for Homecoming Week; see the complete list hereGunn encourages all students to participate, even if it is just cheering for their class during the  competition games, or helping to decorate their class float. For more information on Homecoming, go to "What Is Homecoming?" in the Gunn Connection Extra. GO TITANS!

Baby Ads 2016
Due Fri, Oct 30
CALLING ALL SENIORS! Tell your parents to order your baby ad now!! Pick up order forms at the SAC and email gunn.the.olympian@gmail.com with any questions!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcHl2vvtP6s
 
Athletic Participation Donation: Let's Reach Our 100% Goal!
Congratulations Gunn Dance team for being the first fall team to reach the 100% goal! We have 13 fall teams left to reach the goal. If you have made your donation, thank you!!  If not, please support Gunn Athletics and make your donation today! The Athletic Participation Donation is the sole income of the Athletic Department and covers the expenses so that our student/athletes can compete. The suggested donation amount is $175 (all donation amounts are accepted and appreciated) and you can donate on line at www.GunnSportsBoosters.com or by check payable to Gunn Sports Boosters. Questions, contact Jill Spain at spainsdj@comcast.net.


Spotlight
IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA:

What Is Homecoming?...read more.

Senior Class Fundraiser: Gizdich Ranch Pie Sale...read more.

Parent Ed Event: Suicide Prevention and Grieving...read more.
PAUSD & PTAC

College Fair at PALY
Mon, Oct 12, 6:30-8:30 PM, Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcardero Rd, Palo Alto
Due to new gym construction, the Palo Alto College fair will be hosted in two locations on campus: the library and student center, which are adjacent to each other and located off the quad. The financial aid presentation from Ron Diaz, Director of Student Awards at Stanford, will take place from 7-8 PM in the Media Arts building atrium. Meet representatives from private California colleges and universities as well as out-of-state public and private institutions. Receive general information, brochures and answers to your questions. College Fairs can be great opportunities to get more information about colleges that interest you and to discover schools you may not have considered. Please follow the this link for planning tips to help you get the most out of the college fair. For a quick preview of colleges that have signed up to participate this year: http://paly.net/list-of-collegesPre-registration is not required.  Please consider car-pooling or biking! Questions? Contact Beth Keller (beth.keller@sbcglobal.net) OR Dara Knoblock (daraknoblock@gmail.com).

Share your Passion & Expertise - Become an Advanced Authentic Research (AAR) Program Mentor to Gunn and/or Paly Student(s)
Mentor Matching Oct 1-15
People with passion can change the world for the better, please let our Titans (Gunn) & Vikings (Paly) discover their passion with you... The AAR student application deadline is fast approaching, we are looking for more mentors. If you are willing to participate as a mentor or want to learn more about the role, please email jchoe@pausd.org or visit http://aar.pausd.org/ to learn more and apply online. Your time commitment can be flexible, as the AAR program will provide students the necessary support to allow this flexible time commitment. The Advanced Authentic Research (AAR) Program is a unique opportunity for PAUSD students in grades 10-12 to do original research in an area of their choosing. These students will bring passion, curiosity, and perseverance to the program. The students will be paired with mentors/advisors who are experts in the field of the student's choosing. It is possible for more than one student to work on a given project. The mentor will support and facilitate the student's work in the mentor's lab, office, or other appropriate environment. The student's research will be supported by the process oriented curriculum developed by the AAR team. The expectation is that students will spend about 60 hours per semester (3-4 hours per week) on their project. The program is offered as a Pass/Fail option and will earn 5 credits per semester.  Learn more about the Advanced Authentic Research Program: https://www.pausd.org/programs/advanced-authentic-research-aar

East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring
East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring (EPATT), along with the Palo Alto Unified
School District, has just developed an exciting new program called PROJECT RALLY, an early literacy program which combines tennis with tutoring for kindergarten and first-grade students. PROJECT RALLY needs your help! Tutoring a student at Fairmeadow Elementary School in Palo Alto on reading and social development for just one day a week can make a big difference. No previous tutoring experience is needed. Training and materials will be provided. For information, please contact Shirley Mak at
Community

SELPA 1 CAC Mental Health Committee Teen Support Group
Thursdays, Oct 1-Dec 3, 6-7:30 PM, CHAC, 590 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View
The SELPA 1 CAC Mental Health committee is forming a new adolescent/teen support group in partnership with CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council, http://www.chacmv.org/), Mills-Peninsula Hospital of San Mateo, and several other local mental health organizations. For teens ages 14-17. Please call Elizabeth Wilson from CHAC at (650) 965-2020 for an intake interview. Intake interviews for this session will continue until October 15
  
Auditions: The Nutcracker at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre
Oct 13 & 14, 4-6 PM, Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Announcing auditions for The Nutcracker, part of the 2015-2016 Main Stage Season at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. Auditions are open to youth ages 8-High School. For more information about what to prepare, rehearsal and performance dates, as well as FAQ's, please visit: www.cityofpaloalto.org/childrenstheatre and click the AUDITIONS link. The Palo Alto Children's Theatre is a program of the City of Palo Alto's Community Services Department, Arts and Sciences Division.

The 2015 Children's Theatre Cabaret
Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM, Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Featuring Gunn Freshman, Shayan Hooshmand, as the co-emcee and one of the performers of the event, which is presented by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre in support of performing arts education programs serving more than 45,000 community members annually. Performing faculty includes professional opera singers Patricia Urbano and Ben Brady, Broadway stage veteran Tory Ross, beloved Las Vegas performer Francesca Camus, and beloved Children's Theatre actor and director Daniel Joyce. Fabulous desserts by local vendors, plus candy cocktails for the kids and sparkly beverages for the adults will be served! For more information and to purchase tickets: 2015cabaret.brownpapertickets.com.

Global Family Day at the Palo Alto Art Center
Sun, Oct 18, 2-4:30 PM, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
Celebrate our diverse community with the Art Center on Sunday, Oct. during free Global Family Day. There will be hands-on artmaking, including sugar skull decorating, Mandala-inspired bird feeders, community wish flags and Gyotaku-inspired leaf and fish prints. Festivities include live performances by Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance & Drum and Raices de Mexico, and a special project led by guests from Abilities United and Magical Bridge Playground. All activities are appropriate for ages 5 and up. For more information go to: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/artcenter/events/famdays.asp 

Safety and Emergency Awareness and Preparedness Fair
Sun, Oct 18, 2-5 PM, Addison Elementary School, 650 Addison Ave, Palo Alto
Are you prepared?  Please come to the Emergency Preparedness (ePrep) and Home Safety Fair. Find out how to prepare your family for any type of emergency. Family and pet safety, hands only CPR demo, martial arts demo, bicycle safety. Free admission and prizes. For more info, contact vxqliu@gmail.com.

Jordan Middle School Drama Presents 'A Haunting We Will Go'
Thu, Oct 22, & Fri, Oct 23, 7 PM; Sat, Oct 24, 2:30 PM; Jordan MP Room, 750 N. California St, Palo Alto
Just in time for Halloween, Jordan Middle School Drama Dept. presents "A Haunting We Will Go," a modern mystery-comedy. It promises to get you in the Halloween spirit as you join glamorous, young television producer Norma Corwin as she fulfills a childhood vow to spend a night alone in The Inn of the Three Sisters, an eerie and forbidding hotel famous for an unresolved murder, horrifying spirit manifestations and murderous intrigue. Tickets will be on sale at the door. Ticket prices are $5 for children/students and $10 for adults.

Help Create a Community Quilt
Oct 23 & 24, 2:30-4:30 PM, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
Try your hand at painting on silk with Creative Ecology artist-in-residence Linda Gass. Working with Linda and volunteers, you can contribute to a community quilt that will be included in the exhibition of work Linda is creating during the in-the-gallery phase of her residency.

How to Land an Internship
Sat, Oct 24, and Nov 7 and 14, 1-4 PM, Mitchell Park Community Center 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
IQ650 is dedicated to connecting kids to meaningful business experiences via internships. Take one or all free workshops. Topics covered: Oct. 24 Creating A Winning Resume, Nov. 7 Building a Network & Interview Skills; Nov.14 , Refining Your Interview Skills. Registration required: iq650.com/workshops/. Preference given to juniors and seniors. Email for more info: future@iq650.com.

Ragazzi Boys Chorus and American Boychoir Joint Concert
Sat, Oct. 24, 7:30 PM, Aragon High School PAC, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo
Ragazzi Boys Chorus is proud to host and share the stage with the touring American Boychoir, one of the finest boy choirs in the United States. Enjoy choral classics in the rich boychoir tradition as two arts organizations, present an evening of gorgeous sound. The Ragazzi Boys Chorus provides musical education and performance opportunities for the 200 boys and young men throughout the Bay Area who participate in this internationally recognized program. The American Boychoir performs regularly with world-class orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Tickets and info at http://ragazzi.org/performances/.

Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra Concert
Sat, Oct 24, 8 PM, Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Orchestra Concert I featuring Laura Griffiths, Principal Oboe of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. The concert features Concerto in D major for Oboe & small orchestra, by Richard Strauss, Adrienne Albert's Western Suite, and Symphony No. 3 (Rhenish) by Robert Schumann. General Admission $22, Seniors $18, and Student tickets $10. Tickets are available for online purchase until 24 hrs before the concert athttp://www.paphil.org/pages/concerts/orch1.php or at the door one half-hour before the performance

The 20th Annual Juana Run 8k/5k Run & Walk
Early online registration discount! Get $5 off any race registration with promo code EARLY2016 now until December 1. Go to www.juanarun.org and click the 'register' button. The race is Saturday February 27, 2016. You can choose from 8K run, a 5K fun run & walk (costumes encouraged!), 1-mile race, and kids races: all the races are through the streets of the Barron Park neighborhood. Pancake breakfast and cool t-shirts! Proceeds donated to Gunn High Sports Boosters, Juana Briones, Barron Park, and Terman PTAs.

Gunn Connection Publication Guidelines:

  • The Gunn Connection is published ONCE a week, every Friday. Deadline is noon the day before publication.
  • Please submit ANNOUNCEMENTS ONLY to the Gunn Connection at gunnconnection@paloaltopta.org. Only announcements specific to the Gunn community will be published. Any other announcements from outside the Gunn community must first be submitted for review to the PTA eNews (enews@paloaltopta.org), which will then distribute it to the relevant schools in the district.
  • Announcements will be limited to 100 words or less. Any lengthier or more in-depth articles or news should be submitted to the Gunn Connection Extra (GunnNews@gmail.com).
  • Announcements will be published in two consecutive issues. To have further announcements made after that, please submit your announcement again.
  • Please use the words "Gunn Connection" in the subject line. Items should include a title, the date, time and location of the event, and a brief (100 words or less) description of the activity. List email, contact information and web links at the end. Content should be in the body of your email as unformatted text. Attachments subject to approval by the editors.
  • Items are published at the discretion of the editors.

Thank you,

Shari Arensdorf & Rita Lee

Gunn Connection Editors & Parent Volunteers