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Calendar
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)
Mon, May 16
Spring Sports Awards Ceremony, 7:30 PM, Bow Gym
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
Fri, May 20
Band Pops Concert and Senior Awards, 7 PM, Spangenberg
Sun, May 22
Junior Parent Network Family Social, 5:30 PM, El Palo Alto Rm, Mitchell Pk
Mon, May 23
Senior Awards Night, 6:30 PM, Spangenberg
Tue, May 24
Percussion Ensemble Concert, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Thu, May 26
Choir 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.
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Gunn
Spring Sports Awards Ceremony
Mon, May 16, 7:30 PM, Bow Gym
Come out and celebrate our spring athletes at the Sports Awards Ceremony, Monday, May 16th in Bow Gym at 7:30 PM! Our athletes have worked very hard this season along with their teammates and it shows! We have had an incredible season of success so come out to show your appreciation for our dedicated Titan athletes! Refreshments will be served after the ceremony so families and students have an opportunity to congratulate the athletes in person. If you have any questions, contact Cassandra Gencarella (Sports Awards/Boosters Liaison) at mginx@sbcglobal.net.
VTA Bus Changes Proposed--How You Can Support Bus Service to Gunn
Wed, May 18, 6 PM, Rinconada Library, Embarcadero Rm, 1213 Newell Rd
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, 6 PM at Rinconada Library (1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto), Embarcadero Room. We strongly encourage bus users, including Gunn students and their parents, to attend this meeting to learn more and weigh in with VTA.
VTA is in the initial stages of considering various options for changing service. VTA staff will present various options and hear what community bus riders think. What do you think VTA should know about bus service in Palo Alto before the agency develops a draft network plan? Learn more here. Upcoming Gunn Music Concerts! Don't miss this last opportunity of the year to hear the CMEA Unanimous Superior Gunn music groups! All concerts are free and open to the public with donations accepted at the door. Orchestra Concert Thu, May 19, 7 PM (special time), Spangenberg The orchestra will honor the Gunn Orchestra Seniors. The orchestra will perform works from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Silva and finish with an arrangement of "The Force Awakens" by John Williams. Please join us in our final concert that honors our senior members.
Senior Band Pops Concert Honoring Graduating Seniors
Fri, May 20, 7 PM (special time), Spangenberg
Come hear the final concert of the year for the Unanimous Superior Rated Gunn Bands! We will be honoring 38 amazing band seniors! The "Pops" concert will feature music from Broadway (Wicked & Lion King) and pop/rock legends Prince & Chicago (recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), and movies (The Incredibles and the music of John Williams).
Gunn Percussion Ensemble
Tue, May 24, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Trash cans, marimbas, and woodblocks, oh my! Come hear the Gunn Percussion Ensemble perform works by Bach, Mozart, Crockerell, and more. It's time to show you how musical our car parts and kitchen supplies can be!
Senior Jazz Concert
Fri, May 27, 7:30 PM, Spangenberg
Come hear the final concert of the year for the award winning jazz bands! We will be honoring and featuring our nine amazing jazz seniors! The concert will feature music selected, rehearsed, and performed by the following outstanding seniors: Nikhil Ghosh, Anthony Su, Ajay Raj, Zach Steuer, Micah Roschelle, Robin Peter, Arnav Joshi, Miya Miller.
Senior Picnic and Grad Night Party-Don't miss the bus!
Deadline: Fri, May 20
Procrastinators-you are in luck! Registration deadline for the Senior Picnic and Grad Night Party, the last two amazing end-of-year events at Gunn, has been extended to Friday, May 20th. Click on the Registration Forms link for more information. Paper Registration Forms are also available in the SAC. Please mail in your signed (by parent and student) registration form and check right away! You may also drop off the form at the SAC desk by Friday. 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.
Junior Families Final Social Event of the Year!
Sun, May 22, 5:30-8:30 PM, Mitchell Park Community Center
All-School BBQ Fri, May 27, 10 AM-2 PM, Staff Lounge and Quad
PTSA and PAUSD Food Services are hosting a school-wide BBQ for all Gunn students and staff on May 27. We need parents between 10 AM and 2 PM to help set up, prep food, grill, serve, and clean up for our BBQ. Please sign up here. Contact Keri Wagner with questions: keriwagner@gmail.com.
Calling All Gunn Parents-Stay Connected by Volunteering Did you know that over 500 parents and community members volunteer at Gunn every year? There are three great reasons to be one of them: 1) Studies show that students are more engaged with their school when their parents are active participants at the school; 2) parents experience greater satisfaction and connection with their school when they participate in on-campus events; and 3) it is fun! There are opportunities to work in Gunn classes, service departments, and with the PTSA. We are eager to fill the following positions for next year: - Inclusion rep - Student appreciation events - Homecoming BBQ helpers - Staff appreciation events - Turkey Feast helpers - International Potluck helpers - Forms sorting - Data entry Click here to see a list of opportunities and check all that interest you. We will contact you to help you decide if you'd like to join us! Questions? Contact the Gunn PTSA co-presidents: Barbara Best ( barbarabest@gmail.com) or Keri Wagner ( keriwagner@gmail.com).
Parents of Gunn Athletes: Support Gunn Athletics-Make Your Athletic Participation Donation Today!
It's not too late to make your Athletic Participation Donation!! If you have a student/athlete that participated in a Fall, Winter or Spring sport and have not made your donation, Gunn Athletics needs your support. This year 1,048 student/athletes participated in a sport, but only 745 have made the donation. Our goal is 100% participation from all sports teams, and currently our overall percentage is 71%. The suggested donation amount is $200 per athlete/per sport played. You can make your donation online at www.gunnsportsboosters.com or by check payable to Gunn Sports Boosters. Please include your athlete's name and sport played when donating. Questions, contact Jill Spain at spainsdj@comcast.net.
IN THE GUNN CONNECTION EXTRA: 
Gunn-Paly Advanced Authentic Research (AAR) Program Showcase...read more.
FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE:
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.
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.
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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
Project Safety Net Community Collaborative Meeting
Wed, May 25, 4-6 PM, Lucie Stern Center Community Ballroom,1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Please RSVP via Eventbrite. Are you interested in reducing youth mental health stigma and supporting youth voice? Please join us at our next Project Safety Net Community Collaborative (PSN) meeting. At this month's meeting, PSN is celebrating May is Mental Health Matters Month with a lime green ribbon activity. We will be featuring two presentations: Bryant Street Garage Fund, and Vic and Mary Ojakian will talk about their suicide prevention activities. Project Safety Net is a collaborative community network working together in the interest of fostering youth well-being in Palo Alto. Newsletter sign-up here.
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Community
Silicon Valley Boychoir Auditions
Thu-Fri, May 19-20, by appointment, Palo Alto
Auditions for the 2016-2017 season are held at the choir's rehearsal location near downtown Palo Alto (600 Homer Ave). Open to 2nd-5th grade boys in the fall. High school and middle school boys with experience may audition for upper levels. SVB provides a personalized approach to teaching singing, music theory, and sight-singing, and provides flexible scheduling for busy families. In addition to their own winter and spring concerts, SVB has performed for local events including performances with West Bay Opera, Schola Cantorum of Mountain View, and singing the national anthem at sporting events. Email info@svboychoir.org or visit http://svboychoir.org.
Girl Scout Annual Garage and Bake Sale
Sat, May 21, 8:30 AM-1 PM, 3476 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Hosted by Gunn 9th grade GS Troop 61420 who are saving for a 2017 Service Trip. Lots of yummy treats and great bargains! Please contact drhuston@aol.com with any questions or donations.
CodeDay Bay Area
May 21, 12 PM-May 22, 12 PM, Galvanize, 44 Tehama St, San Francisco
Palo Alto high school and middle school 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 PAUSD to get an additional 5% off. No experience necessary! For more information and to register, visit codeday.org/sv or contact justin@studentrnd.org.
Buoyancy 2016--Free Teen Festival
Sun, Jun 5, 4:30-8:30 PM, Mitchell Park, 600 East Meadow Dr, Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto Community Services Department announces the first annual Buoyancy Festival, a free event for teens. The event will feature live teen bands with headliner band Pacific Drive, art and wellness tents, live mural painting, carnival rides and a big ball inflatable. Plus the first 500 teens to enter will receive a free meal voucher. Show high school ID for entry.
Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Opportunity for Teens
Jun 6-Jul 8 (1st session) or Jul 11-Aug 12 (2nd session)
Do you have a teen looking to do something amazing this summer? Ronald McDonald House is currently recruiting volunteer counselors for Camp Ronald McDonald, a 10-week summer program where children of all ages can be themselves and have fun! Camp Ronald McDonald is free for patients and siblings staying at the House or Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Most camp activities take place at the House where campers will participate in activities such as cooking, outdoor play, science projects, gardening, and more. Lunch and snacks are provided daily. Once a week, campers take a chaperoned trip to a local activity or attraction. Volunteers must be 16 or older and able to commit to at least two days per week (Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday), for a minimum of one session. The first session is June 6th through July 8th, and the second session starts July 11th and goes through August 12th. Learn more!
SAT Practice Test
Sat, Jun 11, 12-4:30 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Students in grades 7 and up are invited to take a practice SAT test at the library. SAT review session is on June 26.
Teen Summer Camps and Drop-In Sessions at the Palo Alto Art Center
Unleash the creativity in your student by coming to a teen drop-in session or signing up for one of our Teen Summer Camps: Printmaking Intensive (June 13-17), Altered Ceramics (June 27-July 8) and more! Weekly drop-in sessions for Ceramics, Jewelry and Printmaking. Register online now for a camp. Please contact Rebecca Passarello, rebecca.passarello@cityofpaloalto.org, or (650) 617-3509 for the Teen Drop-In Schedule or with any other questions.
DesignFarm Summer Camp
Jun 13-24 and Jul 11-22, Palo Alto High School
Calling all rising 8th to 12th graders. Do you want to solve real world problems and possibly create the next .... ? Join us for a fun-filled two weeks of learning and doing. Get inspired with the support of community mentors, experts and master design thinkers. No design experience is necessary. Just bring your creativity, your sense of fun and your desire to solve problems that are important to you and your community. Visit the events page at www.thedfarm.org for more information and registration.
Looking for an internship opportunity connected to your interests?
Get Involved Palo Alto connects students with month-long service-learning internships in June! Schedules are flexible. Tell us about your interests and skills when you sign up, then we'll match you with a local nonprofit organization or city agency. Earn community service hours and the President's Award while doing something you enjoy. Lead, collaborate, share your interests and talents to create impact in the community. Open to all current high school students, check it out and sign up at Getinvolvedpa.com. Tuition waivers available for students with free and reduced lunch. Questions? Email internships@getinvolvedpa.com.
NanoCoders Summer Programming Camps for 8-14 year olds
Gunn student Naveen Ram is offering summer programming camps in Scratch and Python. In this unique programming camp, kids learn programming in a fun and interesting way from high school students. In its third year, camps were recognized by the MIT Scratch Foundation and more recently by India West. NanoCoders campers learn coding and computer programming concepts with Scratch or Python and build games. Testimonials, videos, dates and location information on the NanoCoders website. Register online.
Help Kids in Grades K-4 with Reading or Math-You Could Change a Life
Please join other parents volunteering with All Students Matter in grades K-4 in east Menlo Park and East Palo Alto schools. You'll work in the same classroom once a week, building a relationship with the teacher and students, and be able to see the progress achieved. The students are always eager to work with you and you'll have real impact in a community where over 80% of students are performing below grade level in reading and math. Sign up now to start in September-we provide training and coordinate everything. To learn more or to sign up, please visit our web site at www.allstudentsmatter.org, or contact Keri Tully at keritully@gmail.com.
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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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