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Calendar
Fri, May 6
Principal's Coffee, 8 AM, LOCATION CHANGE: Bow Gym PE Classroom
Spring Jazz Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Sat, May 7
May Fete Parade, 10 AM, Downtown Palo Alto
Big Band Meets the Big Screen Concert, 7 PM, Spangenberg
Mon, May 9
Site Council, 4 PM, Staff Lounge (see Agenda)
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
May 12-14 and May 18-21
One-Act Plays, Little Theatre (Info)
Fri, May 13
Freshman Parent Meeting with Linda Kirsch, 8:30 AM, Staff Lounge
Mon, Thu, Fri, May 16, 19, 20
Alternate Schedules (see Calendar)
Tue-Wed, May 17-18
NO SCHOOL for Freshmen, Sophomores and Seniors - Smarter Balanced Testing (Juniors only)
Tue, May 17
Band & Orchestra Boosters, 7:15 PM, Staff Lounge
Wed, May 18
Honorary Service Awards Luncheon, 12:15 PM, Bow Gym
Thu, May 19
Orchestra Concert, 7 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.
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Gunn
FINAL Principal's Coffee of This School Year
Fri, May 6, 8:30 AM
***NOTE LOCATION CHANGE: Bow Gym PE Classroom***
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 s o 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.
Big Band Meets the Big Screen
Sat, May 7, 7 PM, Spangenberg
Featuring A Touch of Brass Jazz band, this jazz concert will feature the band playing movie arrangements while movie clips play on a 30-foot screen. Kids get in free and adults are a $10 suggested donation.
CORRECTED Runoff Ballot for Site Council
Vote by Sun, May 15
**Please note: Votes prior to May 4 did not count. Please vote again if you placed your vote prior to May 4. Click here for corrected Runoff Ballot.**
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 Sunita Verma 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 and vote here: Runoff Election Ballot. ALL VOTES MUST BE IN BY SUNDAY, MAY 15.
Honorary Service Awards Luncheon
Wed, May 18, 12:15-1:45 PM, Bow Gym
Attention all volunteers (community and parents) and all Gunn staff: Let us demonstrate our gratitude to you! Join us for the annual Gunn Honorary Service Awards luncheon. All parent volunteers and staff are invited, come whenever you can and enjoy lunch on us (Gunn PTSA). We'll celebrate the year and give thanks to individuals for outstanding service. RSVP through your email invitation. If you did not get one, please RSVP directly to Barbara Best, barbarabest@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please contact Norma Hesterman, nhesterman@pausd.org.
Don't Forget: Sign Up for the Senior Picnic and Grad Night Party
This is it! Don't miss it! Last week to get your registration form in to reserve a space for the Senior Picnic and Grad Night Party, the last two amazing end-of-year events with your friends at Gunn. Get the Registration Form here, or paper Registration Forms are also available in the SAC. Please mail in your signed (by parent and student) registration form and check right away! Space is limited and not guaranteed after May 15. 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.
Wanted: Sports Boosters
Urgently needed: parents to help with Gunn Athletics Sports Boosters. We need someone that will help with the treasurers job, and president or co-president. If you are not interested in these jobs but would like to help in other ways, please let us know too. Contact Carol Kibler, Cjkib@sbcglobal.net, for more information.
Parent of Seniors: 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 two-line plaque might read: Laura Brooks '16; Softball, Tennis, or 4.0 GPA, whatever you want. Contact Pam Perez at pep@pamperez.com.
FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:
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.
IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA: 
SELPA 1 CAC: 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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Gunn Athletics
New Football Coach
 The Gunn Athletic Department would like to introduce our new football coach, Tony Kelly. Coach Kelly has coached football for eight years at the high school level and seven at the college level, including coaching positions at Santa Clara, Menlo Atherton, and Paly. He has coached Varsity and Frosh/Soph, and his positions included assistant coach, offensive coordinator, receivers coach (when the team won a state championship), and head coach. With 45 players committed to the team, Coach Kelly is looking to form a freshman team in addition to the Varsity and Frosh/Soph teams. The safety and well-being of the athlete has always been Coach Kelly's priority, and he says that "size as well as ability will be a factor in which team the athlete is placed." Spring Football begins Monday, May 16, and is a ten-day event in preparation for the Seven on Seven Tournament at Westmont High in San Jose on June 11. Fall Football practice starts on August 5. Come join football conditioning in the weight room at 3:45 PM every day except Thursday until May 16. After May 16, conditioning will be Monday through Thursday. Questions? Contact Coach Kelly at akelly@pausd.org. Football is not a cut sport; no experience is necessary! |
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PAUSD / PTAC
PAUSD Annual Strategic Plan Survey
Open through Sun, May 8
PAUSD's annual strategic plan survey will remain open through Sunday, May 8. This process is an important channel of communication between families and district leadership; it also informs Board of Education focus goals. You may participate at http://bitly.com/PAUSD2016LCAP.
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Community
PAUSD Annual Youth Art Show
Now through May 22, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Art Center is exhibiting the artwork of students K-12. Friends, family and members of the public welcome. Additional Youth Art is on display from May 2 to May 20 at the Palo Alto Unified School District Office (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-4:30 PM).
Bike Boulevard Proposals for City-Wide School Routes
Mon, May 9, 6:30 PM, Council Chambers, 1st Floor, City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto
On May 9th, the City Council will consider approval of plans for Bike and Pedestrian Improvements at various stages of design and specification for Amarillo Avenue, Bryant Street Bike Boulevard extension, East Meadow Drive, Montrose Avenue, Moreno Avenue, Louis Road, Palo Alto Avenue, and Ross Road, Maybell Avenue, Park Boulevard-Wilkie Way Bicycle Boulevard projects. See agenda here. An Executive Summary of the proposals is here, preceding a longer report that includes maps and traffic and parking study data. Comment at the City Council meeting or write to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
League of Women Voters Meetings about Pros and Cons on June 7 Spring Election Ballot
Volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto will present pros and cons for all the ballot measures on the spring election ballot in four free public meetings during May. In addition to giving the arguments for and against the ballot measures, speakers will provide information on how the primary process works in California. The program is part of the League's non-partisan Voter Education Service to the community. Times and location in Palo Alto are:
- May 16, 2 PM, Avenidas, 450 Bryant St, Garden Room
- May 17, 7 PM, Channing House, 850 Webster St
- May 21, 2 PM, Downtown Library, 270 Forest Ave
- May 24, 7 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Midtown Room
VTA Bus Changes Proposed: How You Can Support Bus Service to Gunn
Wed, May 18, 6 PM, Rinconada Library, Embarcadero Room, 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
With the goal of making VTA transit more efficient, changes are coming for VTA bus service in Palo Alto. Cuts or changes are being considered for the VTA 88 bus (which serves many Gunn HS students) and the VTA 35 bus. Share your thoughts with VTA staff on Wednesday, May 18, at Rinconada Library. We strongly encourage bus users, including Gunn students and their parents, to attend this meeting to learn more and weigh in with VTA. VTA staff will present various options and hear what community bus riders think. Learn more at www.vta.org/nextnetwork. National River Clean Up Day Sat, May 21, 9 AM-12 PM, Baylands (Matadero or Adobe Creek) The City of Palo Alto is hosting one Clean Up site (Matadero: site 16) and Acterra is hosting site 17 (Adobe) to clean up litter in the Baylands. Please go to www.cleanacreek.org to sign up and be sure to bring your waivers. Three hours of community service will be available.
CodeDay Bay Area
May 21-22, noon-noon, Galvanize San Francisco, 44 Tehama St, San Francisco
Gunn students are invited to CodeDay, a 24-hour event where students can pitch ideas, form teams, learn from interesting workshops, and build a cool app or game. This event is great for any students wishing to build something from what they've learned in class or even just wanting to get started out. Register now during the early bird period for 50% off, and use the the promo code GUNN to get an additional 5% off. No experience necessary! For more information and to register, visit codeday.org/sv or contact Justin Yang, CodeDay Bay Area Team, at justin@studentrnd.org.
WHOOOO: A Celebration of Owls Sun, May 22, Palo Alto Junior Museum, 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto Go to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo for an event in celebration of owls! Free and open to Club JMZ members only 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, and to the public 1-2 PM. Meet the JMZ's resident Western screech owls, Olive and Scooter, and see owls from the San Francisco Zoo, Wildlife Associates, and more. Club JMZ members: Join us 10:30 AM-12:30 PM for extra-special fun, including owl pellet dissection and coffee and breakfast in the zoo. Palo Alto Philharmonic Family Concert - This Means War Sun, May 22, 3 PM, Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Finals Cram Slam
Wed & Thu, May 25 & 26, 6-10 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Library has extended hours for Finals Week! Students, need a break from studying? Come to the Teen Center for snacks and games. We will also have a quiet room for those who need extra concentration at the MPCC's Adobe Rm. Therapy dogs will also be at the library to de-stress.
Post-Its for Positivity
Month of May, 10 AM-6 PM, Mitchell Park Library, Childrens Library, or Rinconada Library
Support Palo Alto students as they prepare for finals at our library! Parents, school librarians, and teachers of PAUSD, consider writing a quick note to inspire students as they study hard for big tests during Finals Week. Messages can be heartfelt, humorous, or anything in between. Fill out a post-it at Mitchell Park, Rinconada or Childrens Library. You can also submit to: paloaltoTLAB@gmail.com.
Tween & Teen Summer Programs at the Palo Alto Art Center
Unleash the creativity in your student by signing up for one of the PAAC's Teen & Tween Summer Camps. There are several camps with openings for students ages 11-18. Online Registration is open for weekly camps focusing on Printmaking, Photography, Mixed Media and Ceramics. Questions? Please contact Rebecca Passarello at rebecca.passarello@cityofpaloalto.org or (650) 617-3509.
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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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