Gunn Connection - Friday, November 20, 2015

Friday, November 20th is the final day of our Double Your Donation match. Donate now, and your dollars will be doubled, up to $200,000. PiE-funded staff make a difference for Gunn students every day, providing Guidance, College and Career Counseling, our innovative STEAM electives and support for Music and Industrial Technology. Today at Gunn you can give your gift to one of the volunteers wearing a blue PiE shirt at drop off or pick up, put your donation in the box in the Gunn main office, or donate online at www.papie.org/donate. Thank you--we are grateful for your donations!

Gunn Fall Band Concert

Mon, Nov 23, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg

Featuring: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Freshman Concert Band. Highlights: Freshman Concert Band "Of Honor and Valor Eternal - A Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen" by African American Composer Ayatey Shabazz; Symphonic Band "English Folk Song Suite;" Wind Ensemble "Symphonic Dances from Fiddler on the Roof." The concert is free and open to the public!

Freshman Parent Network Meeting

Tue, Dec 1, 8:30-10 AM, location TBD

Save the date--our Freshman Parent Network will meet together on Tuesday, December 1st, from 8:30-10:00 AM. Location TBD. Come for a discussion on fostering wellness and the related topics of media management, stress reduction, and parent-child communications. We will be joined by Heidi Trilling, PTSA Health & Wellness Chair, and Barbara Best, PTSA Co-President and Junior Parent Network Coordinator.

Para la red de Padres Hispanos

Wed, Dec 2, 6:30 PM, Staff Lounge

El próximo miércoles 2 de Diciembre de 2015, a las 6:30 PM en el Staff lounge, mismo sitio de la última reunión se ha planeado la presentación de college pathways, con la coordinadora del programa dentro de la escuela Mrs. Myesha Compton, la idea principal es conocer más acerca de este programa y cómo involucrar a nuestros hijos en el mismo, como se comentó lo que busca el programa es proveer la información a los estudiantes y padres acerca de la preparacion de cursos para acceder a la universidad, como desarrollar las habilidades académicas que el estudiante requiere para acceder al college, entre muchas cosas mas. LOS ESPERAMOS!!!!!!! si tiene preguntas por favor comuniquese a nuestro correo gunnhispanicparents@gmail.com.

Gunn Junior Parent Holiday Potluck

Fri, Dec 4, 6 PM, 3785 Grove Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Here is an opportunity for Junior parents to meet and relax and share yummy delicacies over fun conversations and get to know each other better, as our kids embark on this phase in High School. PLEASE DO JOIN US EVEN IF IT IS FOR A SHORT TIME! Sign up for a dish and a drink!

When: Friday, Dec 4th, 2015

Who: Gunn Junior PARENTS ONLY - due to space restrictions in winter time we are limiting to parents only

Time: 6 PM onwards

Where: 3785 Grove Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Season of giving--Can Drive: Please bring a can or 2 to donate to a food drive. Every little bit helps! If you have any questions or suggestions please contact Ani_Gnanalingam@hotmail.com or BarbaraBest@gmail.com.

Korean Parents Network Meeting

Sat, Dec 5, 10 AM, 3723 Ortega Ct, Palo Alto

Korean Parents Network will meet on Saturday, December 5th at 10 AM. Come join us for a casual Saturday morning coffee. If you have any concerns or questions, please come and share. We will meet at 3723 Ortega Court, Palo Alto. Contact Julia Byun at juliajbyun@yahoo.com

Volunteer to Help with Juana Run

Gunn Sports Boosters is looking for volunteers who can help us with the Juana Run. If you have a student athlete, please consider getting involved. Most jobs can be done from home or on the actual day of the race, Saturday, February 27th. Please contact Carol at cjkib@sbcglobal.net.

Gunn Teacher Grants Awarded by PTSA

PTSA recently completed the Fall round of funding for Gunn Teacher Grants, approving nearly $15,000 of grants for teachers to use immediately in their classes. Thanks to Gunn parents, your generous contributions to our school allow PTSA to award the following grants:

*World Languages: Guest speaker for French Civilization and Culture; super site access codes for additional AP French enrichment; and one iPad Air and Splashtop software for mobile teaching.

*Physical Education: T-shirts for freshmen who participate in the Gunn PE Triathalon.

*Science: Materials for hands-on lab activities in Marine Biology (underwater fishing cameras for underwater robot building project, obstacle building materials for pool competition); and parking reimbursements for field trips.

*Math: Sixty TI-Nspire calculators for class use and to be available for student use outside of the classroom.

*Career Technical Education: Five video camera shoulder rigs for mobile filming.

*English and Social Studies: Funding a portion of the cost of upgrading the departments' Turnitin subscription to improve the interface with Schoology.

FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:

Winter Sports Teams: Support Gunn Athletics

Support Gunn Athletics with your Athletic Participation Donation!Gunn Winter Sports season will start soon. If your student/athlete will be playing on a Winter team, please support Gunn Athletics with your Athletic Participation Donation. The suggested donation amount is $200 (new amount set by the District) and you can donate online at www.GunnSportsBoosters.com or by check payable to Gunn Sports Boosters. The goal is 100% participation from all Winter teams so all donation amounts are accepted and appreciated. Please include your athlete's name and sport played when donating. Questions, contact Jill Spain at spainsdj@comcast.net.

IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA:

How Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Relieve Stress, by ACS...read more.

PAUSD / PTAC

Information on California Immunization Laws

This is to inform you of the new California immunization laws (SB 277),

where changes have been enacted in the California Health and Safety Code, which will become effective in 2016. The new amendments to the California Health and Safety Code will no longer permit Personal Beliefs Exemptions (PBEs) for children in childcare and public or private schools. However, California PBEs submitted before January 1, 2016 will remain valid until the student reaches the next immunization checkpoint, either Kindergarten or 7th grade. If you have a child entering Kindergarten or 7th grade in the fall, he/she will be subjected to this new immunization law. PBEs will no longer be accepted at these grade levels. Only Medical Exemption (ME) letters signed by a California licensed M.D or D.O. will be accepted. The ME letter must include all of the following information:

*Child's name and date of birth

*A statement that the physical condition or medical circumstances of the child are such that the required immunizations are not indicated

*Which vaccines are being exempted

*Whether the medical exemption is permanent or temporary

*The expiration date, if the exemption is temporary

*Doctor's signature and clinic stamp

For more information please check out: Guide to Immunizations Required For School Entry; Parent's Guide to Immunizations; and http://www.shotsforschool.org/espanol/.

Spectra Art Teacher Needed for Ohlone

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Ohlone Elementary School

Spectra Art Teacher needed for Ohlone on two days-Tuesdays and Wednesdays-in three classes each day: 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12:50-1:50 PM. All K/1 combination classes. Classified position, credential not required. Artist with teaching experience preferred. Contact PAUSD Art Coordinator, Sharon Ferguson at sferguson@pausd.org or (650) 329-3939.

Palo Alto High School Fiery Arts Winter Glass Sale

Fri, Dec 4, 3-6 PM; Sat, Dec 5, 11 AM-4 PM, Tower Building, 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto

Proceeds of the sale of unique pieces of art glass made by students benefit the Fiery Arts Program at Palo Alto High School. For more information, go to Paly Fiery Arts.

Community

Cubberley Artists Studio Holiday Open House

Sat, Nov 21, 11 AM-5 PM, Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd

The Cubberley Artists Studio Program (CASP) will open their working studios during the annual Holiday Open House event. In addition to meeting the artists and visiting their studios, visitors will have the opportunity to engage in artmaking activities and participate in hands-on workshops. This Holiday Open House will also feature guided drop-in tours and a special MakeX exhibition curated in collaboration with CASP artists.

Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra Concert II

Sat, Dec 8, 8 PM, Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto

The Palo Alto Philharmonic presents Viola Night featuring Geri Actor and Mimi Dye performing the works of Aaron Copland, Gustav Mahler and others. The pre-concert talk begins at 7:30 PM. To purchase tickets, go to http://www.paphil.org/pages/concerts/orch2.php.

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 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.

City of Palo Alto Library Events

Teen Tuesday - You Pick! Afternoon Movie and Snack

Tue, Dec 1, 4 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd

Vote on our Facebook page for the movie you want to watch! Snacks provided. Grades 6-12.

Kids and Teens Writing Contest

Tue, Dec 1, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St and Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd

Palo Alto Library will begin submissions for its Writing Contest. This year's essay prompt is "Who is your hero?" Grades 2-12. Submission deadline is January 8 by 11 PM.

Exploring Happiness through Meditation & Movement

Tue, Dec 1 and 15, 5:30-6:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd

Learn mindfulness through meditation and yoga--high school students are welcome to join us! Please note: our December 15 day may be changed to another date or location. Find out more here.

Teen Writing Club

Thur, Dec 3 & 17, 4-5:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd

Share your passion for writing with other teens. Writing prompts, activities, and light snacks provided. Grades 6 and up. Register here.

Parenting Program: Staying Connected With Your Child

Thur, Dec 3, 7-8:30 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd

This month's topic provides tips for parents to stay connected in our digital world. The Parenting Programs are held the first Thursday of every month at Mitchell Park or Rinconada Libraries.

Friday Fun

Fri, Dec 4, 3:30-5 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd, and Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St

Drop in for board games, simple crafts, and Bingo!

Saturday Board Games

Sat, Dec 5, 10 AM-6PM, Downtown Library, 270 Forest Ave

Enjoy a day of modern board-gaming in the Library! Teens and adults welcome--and bring your own snacks to keep fueled throughout the day! This monthly program is held the 1st Saturday of every month.

Bay Area Quiz Club

Sun, Dec 13, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd

Join the Bay Area Quiz Club the second Sunday of every month! Please arrive promptly at 2 PM, so that we can draw lots and form teams. Students 8th grade and up are welcome to join.

New SAT Practice Test

Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 AM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd

Students in 7th grade and up are invited to come and take the New SAT test. This is a great opportunity to see how the test works, and practice test taking skills. Registration required.

Graphic Novel Book Club

Second Thursdays, 7-8 PM. Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd

While we're on a break in December, please join the group on January 14 (Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr 14, and May 12) for a lively discussion on a graphic novel selected by the group. For adults and teens (age 16+).

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