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Calendar
Fri, Jan 22
TEDx Presentations, 8:25 AM, Spangenberg
Wed, Jan 27
Summer Opportunities Presentation, 7 PM, Library
Thu, Jan 28
Orchestra Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Fri, Jan 29
Jazz Guest Artist Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Wed-Fri, Feb 3-5
Alternate Schedules (see Calendar)
Thu, Feb 4
Junior Parent Network, 7:30 PM, 3370 Louis Rd
For a complete calendar of all school events, go to the Gunn Calendar. For corrections or additions to the Calendar, contact Martha Elderon.
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Gunn
The Film "Unmasked" Needs Your Vote in the Student Filmmakers Awards
Voting ends Sun, Jan 24, at 10:59 PM PST
Last weekend the community united as emails and FB posts spread like wildfire to alert people of the Student Filmmakers Award online competition. "Unmasked," a movie produced by Paly and Gunn students (DocX), rallied for the win in the semi-finals and has now advanced to the FINALS!! The DocX team is thoroughly humbled by the support they have received. Let's keep it going! Please help them in their final bid for the win by clicking the link below (or paste in your browser). Then sign in with either Facebook or Google+ and vote for "Unmasked" by Sunday, January 24, at 10:59 PM. http://studentfilmmakerawards.com/matchup/1538/
From the College & Career Center
Summer Opportunities Presentation
Wed, Jan 27, 7 PM, Gunn Library
We will have 11 booths and lots of material to hand out.
Out of State Colleges Presentation
Thu, Feb 4, 7 PM, Palo Alto High School Library
Find out how you can afford to attend and why it may be a good idea to choose one of these colleges.
Gap Year Fair
Sat, Feb 27,1-3 PM, Los Altos High
Many booths where reps can talk with you about gap options and how some of these programs have a summer opportunity for high school students too.
National College Fair
Sat, April 30, 1:30-4:30 PM, Cow Palace
Gunn Orchestra Concert
Three Gunn orchestras will be performing works by Vaughan Williams, Ravel, and Mendelssohn, and will close their sets with special pieces (a song called Fiddlerıs Fury by Alex Safford and a piece based on the famous childrenıs book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. Soprano soloist Lauren Diaz will be featured in Goodnight Moon.
Jazz Guest Artist Concert: Kristen Strom Fri, Jan 29, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg Ready for an amazing night of jazz? Come hear the Gunn and Paly High School jazz bands featuring guest artist, saxophonist Kristen Strom! Charts by composers Frank Foster, Aaron Lington, Gordon Goodwin, Bob Berg, and Kristen Strom will be played. Tickets are $5/student, $10/adults and are available at the door. Learn more about Kristen Strom by visiting her website:http://kristenstrom.com/.
Totally Gone with the Wind: The Gunn Choir/Staff Musical
Tue & Wed, Feb 9 & 10, 8 PM, Spangenberg
Join a cast of nearly 200 for the 20th annual Gunn High School Choir/Staff musical! Don't miss this unforgettable evening of rockin' music and sublime satire in this original musical of unbalanced proportions. Designed to out-produce The Producers, Totally Gone with the Wind--presented two nights only--is the story of two lovable scoundrels who set out to create a Broadway flop by turning an American literary classic into a 1970s musical disaster. All proceeds benefit the Gunn Choir Tour Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance so that all choir students can participate in the concert tour to New York City in April. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for adults, and are available online at www.gunnchoir.org or at the door. Questions? Contact Choir Board Co-Presidents Liz Matchett (lizmatchett@yahoo.com) or E.J. Hong (ej@ejhong.com).
Volunteers Needed for Juana Run
Sat, Feb 27, 8:30-11:30 AM
Please sign up to volunteer (and to run!) in the 20th Annual Juana Run (at Juana Briones School). We need lots of volunteers for course monitoring, registration, set up, finish line timing, passing out t-shirts, food table, etc. As always, proceeds will benefit Gunn Sports Boosters, Terman, Barron Park and Juana Briones Elementary. Sign up here:
The Inaugural Palo Alto Swing Dance
Sat, Mar 5, 6:30-10 PM, Lucie Stern Ballroom
For all parents, teachers, and Palo Alto community members: buy your tickets now for the inaugural Palo Alto Swing Dance, a fundraising event for the music program. Live music will be played by the Gunn High School jazz bands, and light food, non-alcoholic drinks, and free swing dance lessons will be offered throughout the evening. Tickets available now online at www.paloaltoswingdance.eventbrite.com. For more information, see our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/797783626998473/.
News from the AC: Tutors Needed!
1. If you live near Bol Park and want an after school tutoring job for a Gunn Freshman student in Biology H and Geometry A, contact Pam Steward (psteward@pausd.org) in the Academic Center. Please complete the tutor application and write "Isabelle" on the top. 2. If you have a B or D Period and can tutor Science and Math for our Focus on Success classes, apply in the Academic Center and write "FOS" on the top. Earn community service credits for your college resume! 3. Tutors needed in the Academic Center. If you can tutor any of the following subjects, please apply in the Academic Center or contact Pam Steward, psteward@pausd.org: Mondays or Wednesdays at 2:45:
CHEM H
SPANISH 2
Thursdays at 2:50:
AB CALC
CHEM H
WORLD HISTORY
Any day after school:
PHYSICS H IAC
Rainy Day School Commutes
Rainy weather drives many school commuters into cars, and this leads to severe traffic congestion at PAUSD schools. Here are strategies to beat this problem:
- Waterproof your commute with bicycling rain gear, or walk with an umbrella and stylish rain boots. (Bright colors increase visibility.)
- Ride the bus (see http://www.gunn.pausd.org/transportation for route and schedule information )
- Plan ahead. Organize a rainy day carpool, so when the clouds burst you'll be ready.
Reducing car trips by only 1-5% makes a noticeable difference in congestion. Make your rainy day school commutes safer and more efficient.
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 are 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 a nd http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pln/transit/saferoutes.asp.
IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA:
Learning Challenges Resource Fair, 1/22...read more.
Teen Heart Screening Event, 1/24...read more.
ACS Article: Understanding and Coping with Anxiety...read more.
Gunn World Language Placement Tests
Mon & Thu, Feb 1 & 4, 3 PM, Room G-5
The Gunn World Language Dept will offer its first round of placement tests on Monday, February 1, and Thursday, February 4, at 3 pm in G-5, the World Language lab. The test will be proctored by Krissy Ludemann the World Language secretary. This first round of tests is designated for heritage language speakers of our 5 languages (Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and German) and students who have been enrolled in an immersion program. Although we will accommodate walk-ins, we would prefer that students sign up in advance. Please email Krissy Ludemann, kludemann@pausd.org, to sign up for a placement time.
We will have further placement tests in May and August before school begins for all other students needing to determine proper placement. For more information, please contact Liz Matchett (lmatchett@pausd.org).
Advanced Authentic Research (AAR)
"Exploratory Experience - Advanced Authentic Research" (8429) is a new course for 2016-17. It provides opportunities for 10-12th graders to do original research in an area of their choosing. Students are paired with mentors, who facilitate students' work off-site, and are supported and guided by the AAR process-driven curriculum. The AAR program strives to ignite passion through real world, hands-on research. Commitment is ~60 hours/semester (3-4 hours/week). Can be 7th or 8th period class, and students will receive five CTE credits/semester (Pass/Fail). For more information, go to http://aar.pausd.org/. Current students' projects (STEM, English, Government, Sports, Music, Social Science, and more) are viewable at https://aar.pausd.org/projects. See flyer.
Gunn Athletics Needs Your Support! Make Your Athletic Participation Donation Today!!
The Athletic Participation Donation is the sole income of the Athletic Department and covers the expenses so our student/athletics can compete. The goal is 100% participation for all teams. Currently, the Winter team percentage is 50%....50% needed to reach our goal. You can make your donation on line at www.GunnSportsBoosters.com or by check payable to Gunn Sports Boosters. The suggested donation is $200 per athlete/per sport played but all donations are accepted and appreciated. Please include your athlete's name and sport played when donating. Questions? Contact Jill M. Spain at spainsdj@comcast.net.
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Gunn Athletics
 Gunn Wrestling hosted Fremont in its second league match on Wednesday. The Titans fell 51-27 and are now 3-2 on the season, with a team total of 51 pins. Junior Andy Maltz remained undefeated and has pinned every opponent he has faced so far....On Wednesday, Boys Soccer played Los Gatos and eventually tied 0-0 after an intense game. Senior co-captain Denis Vaschencko had 11 saves for the Titans.... Last Friday Boys Basketball played Los Gatos as well, and came out with a 57-52 victory to improve to 10-1 on the season and 3-1 in league play. Senior Alex Gil scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and senior Jonathan Davis added 16 points for the Titans....Girls Basketball took on Kennedy on MLK Day and won 42-34. Junior Archer Olson led the Titans with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals, and junior Georgia Hake had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals. The girls are now 10-5 on the season. |
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PAUSD / PTAC
NEW
What Parents and Teens Need to Know About Alcohol and Drug Use
Thu, Jan 28, 7:30-9 PM, PALY Library Conference Room
Tue, Feb. 2, 7 PM, Gunn Little Theater
Part of growing up involves testing personal and social boundaries. This typically includes trying new things, including potentially harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs. Teens may be enticed to use alcohol and drugs due to stress, peer pressure, curiosity, or trying to emulate parents or adult behavior. For this workshop, bring your teen and discover adolescent brain development and how alcohol and drugs affect the brain, the dangers of substance abuse and addiction, various drugs used by teens and their effects on the body, and what parents can do if they suspect their teen is using. This workshop will be offered in English and Spanish. Mandarin translation available. Childcare is offered for children ages 5+. For questions, Contact Joanne Michels, Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator at Gunn, (650) 354-8253, x6894, or jmichels@pausd.org. English flier | Spanish flier
Inclusion for All Students in Middle and High School in Electives and Extracurricular Activities: What does inclusion look like in middle and high school and what can be done to improve it?
Mon, Jan 25, 6:30-8:30 PM (hospitality starts at 6 PM), PAUSD Board Room, 25 Churchill, Palo Alto
Join the discussion on how to improve the inclusion of all students (including those with special needs and disabilities) in Middle and High School electives and extracurricular activities and share success stories and best practices that benefit all. Let's come together to make our PAUSD Middle and High Schools a better place for everyone. There will be a panel discussion with PAUSD teachers from Gunn, Paly, JLS, Jordan and Terman followed by a break-out in small groups where questions can be asked. Spanish translation will be available. Sponsored by Palo Alto CAC and PAUSD. Anyone is free to join in.
PAUSD Parent Information Session on IEPs & 504 Plans (Part 2) - SMART GOALS
Wed, Jan 27, 6:30-7:30 PM, SDC Room, 25 Churchill, Palo Alto
This session is the second in a series for parents whose children receive support under an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan. Presented by PAUSD staff, including Director of Special Education Chiara Perry, Director of Student Services Brenda Carrillo, and Coordinator of Student Services Lissette Moore-Guerra. The first session provided an overview of IEPs and 504s. Come learn and have questions answered. Session 2 focuses on goal setting, and working with your IEP team to set smart goals. Translation provided; please rsvp if you need a translator to paloaltocac@gmail.com. Presented by the PAUSD Special Education Department, Student Services Department, and co-sponsored by Palo Alto CAC and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs.
12th Annual Sweetheart Awards - Call for Nominations
Nominations Due Feb 10
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. Nominations are due by February 10. For more information about the awards email: sweethearts.award@gmail.com or go to the Palo Alto CAC website for ceremony details.
PTAC Honorary Service Awards
Deadline for Nominations: Feb 12, 2016
Each year the Palo Alto Council of PTAs may bestow one of several California State PTA Honorary Service Awards to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding service to children and youth in our community. The individuals or organization nominated must make far-reaching, notable contributions. The PTA Council HSA Committee selects persons or groups who have benefited children and youth on a district-wide or Palo Alto community level. If you know of someone or an organization that deserves to be honored at this level, please indicate their name so that they may be put into nomination when the committee meets to choose this year's recipients. The chosen recipients will be announced at our Honorary Service Award Breakfast April 22, 2016. Please use this Nomination Form to submit a nomination. Questions? Contact evp@paloaltopta.org.
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Community
Free Teen Heart Screening
Sun, Jan 24, 9 AM-3 PM, Sacred Heart School, 150 Valparaiso Ave, Atherton
Open to all 12-19-year-olds attending Sacred Heart, Menlo, Castilleja and Palo Alto School Districts. Screenings take less than 60 minutes (wait times may vary) and include a health history questionnaire review, an EKG test, and, if warranted, an echocardiogram. The entire process is non-invasive-no needles or xray exposure-and we ensure each teen's confidentiality, privacy and individual modesty is respected throughout all aspects of the screening. Your child must be registered in advance and bring their pre-screening packet and permission/release forms to the event. Please register and find forms here. Registration is open and is limited to 750 students.
The Palo Alto Children's Theatre presents Mo Willems' "Elephant & Piggie's We are in a Play"
Jan 28 - Feb 14
Join the Palo Alto Children's Theatre for "Elephant & Piggie's 'We are in a Play,'" based on the classic stories by Mo Willems and featuring a cast of local theatre professionals. Elephant and Piggie, with the help of the nutty backup singers The Squirrels, take the audience on a madcap musical romp about friendship. Running time: approximately 60 minutes. View full performance schedule and purchase tickets at www.cityofpaloalto.org/childrenstheatre or call (650) 463-4970.
What's Happening @ the Palo Alto Library
There are lots of activities for all ages at the Palo Alto Library. Go to the Library Calendar and click on the date for more information and to sign up. What to Expect as a College Freshman
Tue, Feb 2, 6-7 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Parenting Program: Boys & Discipline
Thu, Feb 4, 7-8:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Sat, Feb 6, 2-4 PM, Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Saturdays, Feb 6-Apr 9, 10 AM-3 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Teen Anti/Valentine's Party
Wed, Feb 10, 4 - 5:30 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Family Date Night Presents "Family Prom!"
Fri, Feb 19, 7-8:15 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Saturday Board Games
1st Saturday of the month, 10 AM-6 PM, Downtown Library, 270 Forest Ave.
Teen Writing Club
1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 4-5:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Bay Area Quiz Club
2nd Sunday of the month, 2-6 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Exploring Happiness through Meditation & Movement
2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30-6:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Graphic Novel Book Club
2nd Thursday of the month, 7-8 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Tai Chi
Every Sunday, 10-12 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Ave.
Knack-4-Knitting
Every Wednesday, 4-6 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Submit Your Art to Public Alchemy Exhibit
Artwork drop-off dates: Feb 19, 3-6 PM, and Feb 20, 11 AM-1 PM
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.
Palo Alto Philharmonic Association Orchestra Concert III
Sat, Feb 20, 8 PM, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View
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. The concert will also feature Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 1 and Symphony No. 7 by Antonin Dvorak. Tickets: General Admission $24, Seniors $20, Students $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).
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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
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