Gunn Connection 

Friday, April 22, 2016
In This Issue


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Spotlight

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Parent Networks
Senior Class

Junior Class
Sophomore Class

Freshman Class

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Gunn 2013
Calendar

Fri, Apr 22
Alternate Schedule (see Calendar)
Wed, Apr 27
Community College Fair, 7 PM, Library
Thu, Apr 28
Freshman Parent Meeting with Linda Kirsch, 7 PM, Library
Panel Discussion: Parenting Teens for Success, 7 PM, Spangenberg
Fri-Sat, Apr 29-30
CMEA Band & Orchestra Festival
Fri, May 6
Principal's Coffee, 8 AM, Staff Lounge
Spring Jazz Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg

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

SV Gives--Gunn Foundation
Tue, May 3
The Gunn Foundation is excited and honored to participate in this year's SV Gives 24-hour fundraising campaign on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 to raise awareness and funds for so many wonderful causes in our Silicon Valley community! Please consider donating on the SV Gives-Gunn Foundation site. Every dollar you give will help provide the necessary funds for motivated Gunn students to enroll in their first semester classes or help out with other costs such as books or transportation. This year we gave $80,500 to 29 deserving students. With the tuition rates rising every year, need-based scholarships are key to ensuring college success for those who need it most! Please like us on our GF Facebook page. The Gunn Foundation, launched in 1968, raises funds to provide need-based scholarships to Gunn High School seniors.

DATE CHANGE: Freshman Parent Meeting with Linda Kirsch
Tue, May 10, 7 PM, Library
Fri, May 13, 8:30 AM, Staff Lounge
Freshman parents are invited to meet Linda Kirsch, who will introduce herself and Gunn's College & Career Services. Come to either presentation: Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00-8:30 PM, in the Library or Friday, May 13, at 8:30-10 AM in the Staff Lounge (hospitality begins 30 minutes prior). You may RSVP and submit questions in advance at:  http://tinyurl.com/j5wctby.

DATE CHANGE: Cap and Gown Pickup
Mon, May 16, 12:25-1:05 PM, Spangenberg Lobby
We changed the cap and gown pickup date from May 18 to May 16 (Monday), at lunch (12:25-1:05) in Spangenberg Lobby.

BEAM--Presentation of Final Projects
Thu, May 19, 5:30-8:30 PM, Mitchell Park Community Center
Please join students as they present their final projects and share what they have learned through their BEAM (Business, Entrepreneurship, and Math) experience. We will also be celebrating BEAM's transition from a club to an official course at Gunn High and introducing the executive board for next year! Refreshments will be provided. RSVP Here. For more info, click here.

Attention: Senior and Junior Parents (and others)!
Tue-Thu, May 31-Jun 2, various shifts
Now that Prom is over it is time to turn our attention to the next BIG event at Gunn High School--the Senior Picnic and Grad Night Party. Junior parents, we will most desperately need YOU June 1 (as Senior parents are occupied with the Graduation Ceremony that afternoon). We need help decorating and setting up the Gym with snacks, checking in students and chaperones for the Grad Night party. Senior Parents, Picnic bus loading and Fire Pit reception spots need to be filled. Please click on the Volunteer sign up sheet to see the jobs needed. They are fun and easy, bring a friend. Get a preview of your student's experience next year. Many parent volunteers are needed to ensure the success of the Grad Night party and Senior Picnic. Help make the Grad Night festivities a huge success by joining us on Grad Night and lending a hand! Thank You, Thank You in advance.

The Perfect Graduation Gift
Sure, your senior might be asking for a car, but save money and give them a meaningful gift that lasts by purchasing a personalized nameplate for them in the foyer of the new Titan Gym! A sample 2-line plaque might read: Laura Brooks '16; Softball, Tennis. All proceeds support Gunn Athletics. To purchase, click HERE.

IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA: Spotlight

Panel Discussion: Parenting Teens for Success (Apr 28)...read more.

SELPA1: Monthly "Let's Talk" Event (May 9)...read more.

BEAM--Presentation of Final Projects (May 19)...read more.

ACS: Wellness Focused for Teens...read more.

FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:

Join Gunn Sports Boosters
Athletics is looking for help next year!  Please consider helping the sports boosters group. Over half of the students at Gunn participate in athletics. There are many jobs that don't take much time, but we can't do all the jobs. There are several parents of seniors this year, who need someone to take over their jobs. Please contact Carol for more information at Cjkib@sbcglobal.net.

Attention Parents of Gunn Athletes
Have you made your Athletic Participation Donation? We have received 60% of the donations needed for Spring Sports....40% more is needed to cover all the expenses for our Spring athletes. The suggested donation amount is $200 per athlete/per sport played but all donation amounts are accepted and appreciated. To make your donation online go to www.gunnsportsboosters.com. To pay by check, payable to Gunn Sports Boosters, mail your donation to Gunn High School or give it to your athlete's coach. Cash donations are accepted as well. Please include your athlete's name and sport played when donating. Support Gunn Athletics and your student/athlete....make your donation today! Questions contact Jill Spain at spainsdj@comcast.net.

Gunn 2016 Community College Fair: It's Your Mission...Should Community College Be Your First Step?
Wed, Apr 27, 7 PM, Library
Meet representatives, learn about popular programs, and get current transfer information from Canada, College of San Mateo, DeAnza, Foothill, Mission, Skyline, and West Valley colleges. Whether you're looking to save $40-80,000 while you find an appropriate major, need to boost low high school grades, or simply take more time moving away from home, our local community colleges are highly rated in California. Like our other attendees, DeAnza (#1 large CC) and Foothill (#1 medium CC) offer honors college courses, close academic relationships, and excellent transfer rates. Knowing you have a quality back-up plan can relieve stress for those heading off to 4 year and summer courses can keep students on track to graduate on time. Parents are encouraged to accompany their students for support. Doors open at 7 PM. Questions? Contact College & Career counselor Linda Kirsch or parent Star Teachout.

From the College and Career Center
April 27th in the Gunn library there will be a CC panel and mini fair...all are welcome. See info above. April 30th at the Cow Palace there will be a major college fair from 1:30-4:30 PM. May 5th at Mission College there will be another college fair from 6-8 PM. Questions: Linda Kirsch, Lkirsch@pausd.org, (650) 354-8204.

Parenting Teens for Success: A Panel Discussion Moderated by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Thu, Apr 28, 7-9 PM, Spangenberg
Julie Lythcott-Haims is a NY Times Bestselling author, former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford University and a parent at Gunn High School. She has spoken at TEDx conferences, contributes to the Huffington Post, and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing from the California College of the Arts. 
 
Featured Panelists:
  • Julie Lythcott-Haims, moderator 
  • Carlos Gonzalez, Gunn HS parent 
  • Roni Habib, Founder of EQ Schools & Positive Psychology Teacher at Gunn HS 
  • Chloe Sorensen, Incoming Gunn HS ASB President 
  • Hoai-Thu Truong, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist 
Please join us for a lively discussion of the benefits of throwing out the "checklisted childhood," and teaching teens life skills and self-sufficiency. Keynote followed by Q&A. Sponsored by Gunn PTSA Parent Education Committee. To reserve a seat, register HERE. See flyer in the Gunn Connection Extra, and this announcement translated into Mandarin, Korean, and Spanish.

Attention Senior Students and Families
Have you signed up online for the Senior Picnic and Grad Night, the last two amazing end-of-year events at Gunn? Paper registration forms are available in the SAC too. Please mail in your signed (by parent and student) registration form and check right away! Space is limited and the price increases if you delay. Both events are voluntary. And remember to check the Senior Class Information tab in Student Events and Activities on the Gunn Website. It will take you to a page of important dates and descriptions of graduation information.

PAUSD / PTAC

PAUSD Student Artists Invite Community Members to Experience Rescue Animal Adoption through Fine Arts Education
Now thru Apr 29, 25 Churchill Ave
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) fine arts students and teachers invite the PAUSD community to experience "Adoptables," an innovative art exhibit designed to use the power of art to bring a unique kind of visibility to the issue of rescue animal adoption. Teachers and students from Duveneck Elementary and Gunn High teamed up with a Palo Alto photographer to bring her concept to life. The exhibit is currently on display through April 29 at the district office, which is located at 25 Churchill Avenue in Palo Alto. Community members are welcome to visit and view the display during the building's normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4:30 PM.

Community

Matadero Creek "Greenway for a Day" Event
Sat, Apr 23, 1-5 PM, Matadero Creek between Cowper and Waverley, Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto is hosting a one-day pop-up event-Matadero Creek will be opened for the community to experience a possible new off-road trail along the Creek. Bring your bike or lace up your sneakers! Tell them what you think! Contact: transportation@cityofpaloalto.org or call: (650) 329-2442 for more information. Click HERE for Map and flyer.

It Takes a Village: A Community Meeting with Expert Panelists
on Teen Anxiety, Depression and Suicide
Mon, Apr 25, 6:30 PM-8 PM, Children's Health Council, 650 Clark Way, Palo Alto
All are welcome. Moderated by Dr. Ramsey Khasho, Director of The Center at CHC, this panel will continue the conversation about teen anxiety, depression and suicide, one of the most pressing concerns in our community. Please join us and lend your voice to the discussion. RSVP HERE.

Art Center Drive Dedication, Spring Family Day
Sun, May 1, 2 PM, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
Help celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Art Center beginning May 1 at the kickoff for this milestone with the dedication of an "Art Center Drive" commemorative sign and the celebration of free Spring Family Day, both beginning at 2 PM. Palo Alto Mayor Pat Burt will be on hand for the unveiling of the new sign, and the Spring Family Day will feature spring-themed artmaking activities for the entire family. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Art Center's website.
 
Let's Talk, parent education event sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC
Mon, May 9, 7-9 PM, Orchard Community Room, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
A chance 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, participants must respect confidentiality. SELPA 1 CAC is an all-volunteer group of parents of children with special needs. All events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary. 
 
Children's Used Book Sale to Benefit Palo Alto Libraries 
Sat, May 14 & Sun, May 15, 10 AM-4 PM, Cubberley Community Center (FOPAL Children's Sale Room)
More than 13,000 kids' books, games, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs will be on sale at incredibly low prices at Friends of the Palo Alto Library's monthly book sale-everything from board books and picture books to school age fiction and nonfiction titles to early teen fiction. All items are lightly used or new and are sorted by age level and subject matter. Many books in foreign languages. Over 50,000 adult books available in FOPAL's Main and Bargain Rooms. www.fopal.org
 
PTA Hispanic Network presents Adriana Flores Ragade about Univision's Clave al Éxito/ La Red de Padres Hispanos del PTA presenta a Adriana Flores Ragade a una presentación sobre Clave al Éxito de Univision
Fri/Viernes, Apr 29, 6-7:30 PM, Walter Hays Elementary, 1525 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
This is an invitation to join the Hispanic Parent Network and strengthen the networks at each school. The conversation will be in Spanish and translated into English. Este es un llamado para que se unan a la Red de Padres Hispanos del PTA y fortalecer las redes en cada escuela. La charla será en español y traducida al inglés Please contact us at/Por favor comuniquese ptahispanos@paloaltopta.org or/o  (650) 427-0314.

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


Gunn High School PTSA | 780 Arastradero Road | Palo Alto | CA | 94306