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Calendar
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
Sat, May 7
May Fete Parade, 10 AM, Downtown Palo Alto
Mon, May 9
Site Council, 4 PM, Staff Lounge
Tue, May 10
Freshman Parent Meeting with Linda Kirsch, 7 PM, Library
Thu, May 12
PTSA Meeting, 8:30 AM, Staff Lounge
Orchestra Chamber Music Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Thu-Sat, May 12-14
One-Act Plays, 7:30 PM, Little Theatre (Info)
Fri, May 13
Freshman Parent Meeting with Linda Kirsch, 8:30 AM, Staff Lounge
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
FINAL Principal's Coffee of This School Year
Fri, May 6, 8:30 AM, Staff Lounge
All grades are invited to join Principal Denise Herrmann for the final Principal's Coffee of the year! Come hear a review of the year and what's happening over the summer to prepare for next year. Please RSVP so we have enough coffee, and remember to pick up a parking pass from the office. The online feedback form remains open for anonymous comments/questions, and Dr. Herrmann encourages parents to keep using it.
Site Council Parent Election Results and Runoff Ballot
Vote by Sun, May 8
Each year, two of the four parent representatives serving on Site Council come up for election. According to the revised Site Council bylaws, incumbent representatives can serve two consecutive terms (four years). Incumbents Stacey Ashlund and Jyoti Sahdev opted not to seek re-election. Newcomers Ani Gnanalingam, Jen Schultz, Sunita Verma, Swati Mital and Kathy Veit put their names on the ballot in March. After a careful tally, Ani Gnanalingam and Jen Schultz were elected to assume the two open seats for the next two years. The newly elected parents join Jane Dick and Liz Milner representing Gunn parents for 2015-2017. There is a runoff election between Swati Mittal and Kathy Veit for the position of Parent Alternate. The Parent Alternate serves as alternate at the meetings when a parent cannot attend. Read the Candidates' Statements here. VOTE TODAY by clicking here for the Runoff Election Ballot. ALL VOTES MUST BE IN BY SUNDAY, MAY 8.
Gunn Athletics Needs Your Support
The number of athletes that competed in Spring sports increased this year but the Athletic Participation Donations received decreased which resulted in a shortfall of funds to cover the expenses so our athletes can compete. Without your donation our Athletic Department does not have the income to cover expenses which could result in cuts to the program next season. If you have not made your donation, you can donate online at www.gunnsportsboosters.com or by check, payable to Gunn Sports Boosters. The suggested donation amount is $200 per athlete/per sport played. Please include your athlete's name and sport played when donating. Please support Gunn Athletics and your student/athlete and make your donation today! Questions contact Jill Spain at spainsdj@comcast.net.
Gunn Students Rewarded for Choosing Green Commutes on Earth Day
Gunn Pedaling for Prizes volunteers celebrated Earth Day, Friday, April 22 by greeting hundreds of Gunn student walkers, bicyclists, and VTA88 bus riders with treats and prizes (Jamba Juice gift cards were given to students who pulled red-wrapped treats from grab bags). Those intrepid green commuters deserved a reward for choosing earth-friendly commutes on a cold, wet day! The event also leveraged a VTA offer for FREE Earth Day bus rides. Thank you Gunn students for choosing green commutes. We ARE the traffic! Our choices make a difference.
FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:
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 t o 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: 
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.
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Community
Palo Alto Friends Nursery School Fiesta
Sat, Apr 30, 11 AM-2 PM
Go on over to Palo Alto Friends Nursery School for Fiesta! A fun event for the whole family! Games, prizes, silent auction, food, live music (including children's musician Andy Z), artists' booths, and more. All proceeds benefit the Friends Nursery School scholarship program. This event has been happening annually for 30 years. Don't miss it!
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.
Teen Writing Club
1st and 3rd Thurs of the month, 4-5:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
Share your passion for writing with other teens. Writing prompts, activities, and light snacks provided. For 6th-12th grade.
Free Comic Book Day
Sat, May 7, 10 AM-6 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Drop by during the Palo Alto Library's open hours and pick up your FREE comic book! One comic per child/teen, limited quantities available, first come first served. All ages.
Graphic Novel Book Club
2nd Thurs of the month, 7-8 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Join the group on May 12, for a lively discussion on The Arab of the Future by Riad Sattouf. For adults and teens (age 16+).
PACO's 50th Anniversary Gala
Sat, Jun 11, 4 PM, Spangenberg
This year the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary season by hosting a blowout gala. Tickets available here. Students receive a discounted rate, and children are free!We hope that everyone can attend (and please bring your families). Questions? Contact the PACO front office at nate@pacomusic.org or (650) 856-3848.
8th Annual Palo Alto World Music Day
Sun, Jun 19, 3-7:30 PM, University Avenue (closed to traffic)
The City of Palo Alto has declared Sunday June 19 as World Music Day. World Music Day is a free music festival that takes place in cities around the world every year around the Summer Solstice. 50 professional and amateur musical groups will perform a wide variety of musical genres: jazz, pop, rock, classical, world music, choral, etc. All performances are FREE and open to the public. This is a fun and unique family event not to be missed. The organizers are also looking for musicians and event volunteers from our community, including students from our schools. Info: www.pamusicday.org
"Breaking Down Stigma, Building Support for Youth Mental Health" - 2016 Adolescent Mental Wellness Conference Fri-Sat, Aug 5-6, South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 S. Airport Blvd, South San Francisco Bringing policymakers, educators, clinicians, family members and youth together to explore approaches for supporting the mental health needs of children, adolescents and young adults. Keynote Speaker: Darrell Steinberg (Former CA Senate Pro Tempore & Director of Policy and Advocacy, UC Davis Behavioral Health Center of Excellence) and many more. Registration opens April 25, 2016. Space is limited. Early Bird Rate until June 1st. Visit the Conference website to register.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month In California, the law prohibits: Use of handheld wireless phone while driving; Texting while driving; and any use of communications device by drivers under 18. In the first year California's "hands free" law took effect, traffic fatalities dropped 20% (700 fewer deaths) and there were 100,000 fewer collisions. Mobile device use increases the risk of crashing by 4X. More than 25% of all car crashes result from use of hand held mobile devices. The average text message takes a driver's eyes off the road long enough to drive the entire length of a football field. Safety of our school commute routes depends on each of us driving, walking, and biking safely. Please turn off your devices and share the road attentively.
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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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