| Feb. 11 |
No school - Staff development day
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Feb. 12
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No school - President's Day |
Feb. 15
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No school - President's Day |
Feb. 22
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Fairmeadow's online auction starts |
Feb. 24
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Math night! |
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(click through to the website)
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This week in the news:
- Please consider helping out with our noon hour activities -- held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. These activities are part of what makes Fairmeadow such a wonderful school for our kids. If you have time to help out, please see the information below.
- Fairmeadow's Math Night is coming up on Feb. 24 -- and we need your help to make it run smoothly. Math night is a super-fun community event and a great chance to play fun math games with your kids. See all the information below
- AND FINALLY! Our online auction is coming up very soon! This is one of our critical fundraising activities for the year. Please Click for Fairmeadow! All information you need is below.
Thanks all and have a wonderful--and short--week.
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| From the Principal's Desk |
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Dear Fairmeadow Community,
Bright yellow, green, orange, and pink note cards continue to grace the walls outside my office following Inclusive Schools Week at Fairmeadow. These lasting artifacts promote the importance of welcoming, appreciating, and supporting every learner at our school. Each card contains a phrase written by a Fairmeadow student or staff member capturing something that makes him or her different or unique. Children wrote about language, culture, abilities, interests, disabilities, background, family, and much more. These seemingly countless examples of each student's uniqueness reveal our school's broad diversity, one of Fairmeadow's greatest attributes. Please stop by and read our students' ideas; I think it will serve to deepen your appreciation for our community and our children. While you're there, be sure to check out the display cases, as February's Steps to Respect Bulletin Boards feature reflections and art created by our thoughtful third graders.
Over the next year and a half the Palo Alto Unified School District will explore, pilot, and adopt a new mathematics curriculum for implementation in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The objective of this process is to identify and implement a curriculum that aligns more closely to the California Common Core Standards, and sufficiently emphasizes the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice included within. This year, our instructional coaches and district leadership encouraged teachers to explore and sample units, lessons, and assessments from a list of 8 programs being considered for a pilot. This has proven to be a valuable exercise for participating teachers as we learn new strategies and approaches to teaching and learning within our standards. Prior to selecting a shorter list of programs to pilot in the 2016/17 school year, district leadership is looking for parent feedback. Please consider responding to the survey linked here (http://bit.ly/23ECSbh
) to provide feedback that will inform this important process. Also, mark your calendars for our next Principal's Coffee on Friday, February 26th from 8:45 to 10:00 am, which will focus on our current mathematics instructional practice, this year of curriculum exploration, and the upcoming adoption process. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions.
Do you know of any incoming Kindergarten students who will be coming to Fairmeadow for the next school year? Please spread the word about our incoming Kindergarten Visitation Day on Friday, February 19th from 8:45 to 10:00 am in the Fairmeadow MP Room. We will start at 8:45 am with a short presentation followed by classroom tours and a question and answer session. I look forward to seeing next year's Kindergarten families there!
This short week will be jam-packed with exciting learning opportunities for your children Monday through Wednesday. Our faculty will take on some learning of our own as we come together this Thursday for a Staff Development Day. Due to the Staff Development Day, Thursday February 11th is a day-off for students, and Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th are also non-instructional days in honor of Presidents' Day weekend. I hope that you enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends.
Grant Althouse
Principal
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| Fairmeadow's Online Auction |
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Get ready to start bidding! The annual Fairmeadow online auction is almost here!
Our online auction will run from
February 22 to March 6, 2016. Win some cool stuff and unique experiences while raising money for our school.
We'll have lots of awesome items for you to bid on or buy - summer camps, children's activities, home-cooked meals delivered to your door (you can't beat that!), spa gift certificates, restaurant gift certificates and so much more.
Don't forget to buy our first Fairmeadow cookbook, "Fairmeadow-licious," which is a collection of the community's favorite recipes!
Click
here to view the programs, materials, and events sponsored by the PTA.
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You can now earn money for our school by registering for camps and kids' activities through ActivityHero! Be sure to use Fairmeadow's unique link (https://camps.activityhero.com/fairmeadow/) so the money is donated to us.
Don't forget that we will also have camps and activities for you to bid on through our online auction in February. Stay tuned for more details!
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Urgently seeking volunteers for Noon Activities Tables
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Our parent-run Noon Activities Tables are critically short of volunteers. In order to maintain regular Tuesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtime activities we need your help!
What are the Noon Activities Tables?
A safe, inclusive space where children spend lunch break engaged in hands-on creative projects:
Mondays:
No volunteers yet - can you support Mondays?
Tuesdays:
Lego
(freestyle construction)
Thursdays
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Yarn Craft
(make pompoms, weave, knit / crochet)
Friday
s:
Paper / Craft
(Origami, Coloring, Tissue-paper, LEDs)
Why they matter:
Our inclusive activities are accessible to all and bring children together in a positive, shared space. Supervised activities reinforce positive behaviors and reduce the incidence of schoolyard bullying.
How can you help?
Adopt a table
Become a regular weekly helper. Pick a day that suits you and join us every week to share a fun 45 minutes with kids from Grade 1 and up.
Table Timeshare
Why not share duties with a friend? Arrange a timetable that suits you!
"I can't make that kind of commitment!"
If you can only join us once per year, you'd make a difference to a lot of wonderful kids. Contact Nadia Priestley,
nadia@stodge.org
, to access the sign-up sheets and let us know when you can help.
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Family Math Night: You Can Make it Mathtastic!
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Fairmeadow's
Family Math Night
is back by popular demand - and it's still FREE!
Our professionally hosted evening of math games, puzzles and brain-teasers is scheduled for February 24th.
We are recruiting parent volunteers to help as Station Leaders on the night.
Can you help?
When:
Wednesday, February 24th, 6 to 8pm
Where:
The MP Room
What:
We need ten to twelve volunteers to act as Station Leaders.
How:
Station Leaders will explain the rules and keep their activity table tidy.
...But why?Because it's FUN!
This is a low-stress once-a-year opportunity to be part of an awesome school community experience. We can't wait to meet you!
To volunteer / For more information,
contact:
Manali Doshi Manalid@gene.com
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Meeting the Social and Emotional Needs of High Performing Students
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Wed, Feb 10, 6 - 8 PM, 25 Churchill (District Board Room), Palo Alto
Social and emotional learning is critical to the success of youth. It a process through which youth acquire and effectively apply knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and handle emotions, set and accomplish goals, feel and demonstrate empathy for others, and develop and maintain positive relationships. This discussion will be led by nationally renowned Dr. Tracy L. Cross and will help parents deepen their understanding of: How to communicate with their youth, How to develop home environment in which youth feel genuinely supported and accepted, How to help students develop a healthy work/life balance. Light refreshments and childcare (5 yr and older) available. Sponsored by PAUSD Student Service Office.
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Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age
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The Ohlone PTA is hosting a parent education talk on Monday
February 29th.
Richard Freed, Ph.D., child and adolescent psychologist and author of Wired Child, will speak on the surprising science of raising happy and successful children in a digital age. This thought-provoking presentation will cover:
* Technology's impact on the family
* The question of whether technology is addictive
* How entertainment technologies affect kids' success
* Who better understands technology: parents or children, and
*How to help kids use technology productively
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| PTAC Honorary Service Awards |
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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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Palo Alto Council of PTAs Sports Page
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| Parents Night Out & Valentine's Day Party |
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Sat, Feb. 13, 6 - 10 PM, Lou Henry Hoover (Girl Scout) House, 1120 Hopkins Dr., Palo Alto
Hosted by Palo Alto 9th grade Girl Scout Troop 61420. We realize this is the long President's weekend but thought if you were in town, this could be a great break for the parents & kids!!
The cost is $30.00 for 1st child, $10.00 for each additional sibling (children must be 4 yrs. old and potty-trained). Pizza dinner & healthy snacks PLUS lots of fun Valentine's Day party games and activities to keep your little ones entertained!! The troop is saving for a Service trip and appreciates your support. To register, please go to http://tinyurl.com/nt284qd. For more Information, please contact Darcy Huston, Troop Leader at drhuston@aol.com.
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Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work after Children
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Tue, Feb. 23 & Mar. 1, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Based on the seminal book by John M. Gottman, PhD, this two-part workshop offers an overview of the research, principles, strategies, and skills needed by couples to strengthen their relationship and manage conflict after they become parents. Participants will be invited to engage in class discussion and participate in exercises during the class and between sessions. While this relationship enhancement class is not a substitute for couple's therapy, it builds on the strengths of each couple, as they apply the principles and move closer to having the relationship they want. With Elizabeth Eastman, LCSW, therapist. Fee: $170 per couple for two sessions. For more information and registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seven-principles-for-making-marriage-work-after-becoming-parents-2-sessions-registration-19386195633
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Gunn Music Dept's Community Swing Dance
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After having organized two wildly successful dances for high schoolers, the Gunn Music Department is hosting its first community swing dance exclusively for adults. The much awaited event is on March 5th at 6:30pm in the Lucie Stern Ballroom. All details and ticket sales information can be found using the links below. Be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance! Proceeds go to the Gunn Music Department.
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Submit Your Art to Public Alchemy Exhibit
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| 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 |
Mothers of Boys (3 - 8 years)
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Wed, Feb. 24, 7 - 9 PM, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Explore this special relationship between mothers and sons and learn what boys need from their moms. Discuss how to handle boy energy and foster long-lasting communication and closeness. Fee is $45
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Managing Anger Series (3 - 8 years)
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Thur, Feb. 11 & 25, 7 - 8:30 PM, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto 94301
They're Driving Me Crazy: Parent Anger - Session 1 - We will explore triggers to your anger, your positive and negative responses to it, and productive management techniques to help when triggers arise in the future.
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| Parents Night Out & Valentine's Day Party |
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Sat, Feb. 13, 6 - 10 PM, Lou Henry Hoover (Girl Scout) House, 1120 Hopkins Dr., Palo Alto
Hosted by Palo Alto 9th grade Girl Scout Troop 61420. We realize this is the long President's weekend but thought if you were in town, this could be a great break for the parents & kids!!
The cost is $30.00 for 1st child, $10.00 for each additional sibling (children must be 4 yrs. old and potty-trained). Pizza dinner & healthy snacks PLUS lots of fun Valentine's Day party games and activities to keep your little ones entertained!! The troop is saving for a Service trip and appreciates your support. To register, please go to http://tinyurl.com/nt284qd. For more Information, please contact Darcy Huston, Troop Leader at drhuston@aol.com.
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| Help Palo Alto Students Adopt the Growth Mindset |
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| The Heroic Imagination Project, a non-profit organization founded by Stanford Professor Philip Zimbardo, has created the learning tools and training to teach students the Growth Mindset. The Growth Mindset is based on extensive social science research and refers to positive thinking and action that combines our natural ability with genuine effort to achieve higher results. The Growth Mindset enables us to achieve our goals in a more productive, effective way with less stress. Freshmen from Palo Alto High School are raising money to license the content and obtain the training that will enable them to teach the Growth Mindset to hundreds of Palo Alto Students. Please help our students adopt the Growth Mindset. Follow the link below to watch a video about this student-led initiative and to donate. Every dollar counts for our kids. https://www.tilt.com/tilts/help-students-learn-the-growth-mindset |
| Hands-On Science Classes at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo |
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A new session of after-school science classes starts February 9th at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. K-3rd graders will explore the galaxy as "Stargazers" on Tuesday afternoons. 4th and 5th graders are invited to become "ZooKeepers" for five weeks on Thursday afternoons. We also offer daytime science classes for preschoolers, including "The Science of Toys" and "Coastal Critters". Learn more about programs at the JMZ and register for classes through the Enjoy! catalog, by visiting www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy, or by calling 650-329-2111.
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| Palo Alto's Libraries has many cures for the winter blues! |
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S.T.E.A.M. Lab Saturday
First Saturday of the Month, 2:30-3:30 PM OR 4-5 PM (two sessions), Palo Alto Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St., Palo Alto
Friday Fun
First Friday of the month, 3:30 - 5 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd. AND Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.
Drop in for board games, simple crafts, and Bingo!
Exploring Happiness through Meditation & Movement
Wed, Feb 10 & 24, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Learn mindfulness through meditation and yoga-middle and high school students are welcome to join us! We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
Knack-4-Knitting
Wed, Feb, 3, 10, 17 & 24, 4 - 6 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Share & learn knitting skills at this weekly program!
Meet Author Kathy Price
Wed, Feb 3, 3:30 - 5 PM, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St.
Kathy Price, author of The Bourbon Street Musicians, will visit the library to tell stories, play music, and make crafts.
Parenting Program: Boys & Discipline
Thu, Feb 4, 7 - 8:30 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Ave.
This month's topic teaches parents how to guide a boy's energy in a positive and productive manner. Our Parenting Programs are held the first Thursday of every month at Rinconada Libraries through May.
Tai Chi
Feb 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10 - 12 P.M, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Ave.
You will begin with simple stretching and breathing exercises to create awareness of your body movements and to calm your mind. This class is open to beginners as well as those who have previous Tai Chi experience. People of all ages are welcome.
Group meets every Sunday.
VITA: Volunteer Tax Assistance
Saturdays,, Feb 6 through Apr 9, 10 AM - 3 PM. Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Free Income Tax Preparation by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic 2015 income tax return preparation to qualified individuals who earned $54,000 or less. First come, first served. Last files accepted no later than 2PM.
Family Date Night Presents "Family Prom!"
Fri, Feb 19, 7 - 8:15 PM, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Put on your dancing shoes because we've got DJ Kevin lined up for an evening of fun. Formal attire is encouraged but not required. Register
here.
Afternoon Adventure: Superhero Training Academy
Wed, Feb 24, 3:30 - 5 PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Do you have what it takes to be a superhero? Create an alias, make a costume, and train so you're ready to fight crime! For grades K-5 only. Register
here.
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| Palo Alto Philharmonic Association Orchestra Concert III |
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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. Glover, who debuted the work in 2013.
The concert will also feature
Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 1 and
Symphony No. 7
by
Antonin Dvorak
General admission tickets are: General Admission $24, Seniors $20, and Student tickets $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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| 12th Annual Sweetheart Awards - Call for Nominations |
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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:
goo.gl/HIHtkO
Nominations are due by February 10th.
For more information about the awards email:
sweethearts.award@gmail.com
or go to the CAC website for ceremony details,
www.cacpaloalto.org
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| Birds and the Bees (3 - 10 years) |
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Wed, Feb 3, 7 - 9 PM, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301
Learn effective ways to provide your kids with age-appropriate answers to those uncomfortable questions about our bodies and sex. We will discuss when to have the talk, how to prepare for it, and why this kind of open communication is beneficial. With Torrey Freeman, MS, certified parent educator. $45
For more information or to register, click here.
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| eNews Publication Guidelines and Archive |
| For old versions of eNews, go to the eNews archive . Fairmeadow eNews Publication Guidelines:
- Fairmeadow eNews is a publication of the Fairmeadow PTA. It is sent out each Monday morning, with special editions sent out as required.
- If you want to publish an announcement relevant to Fairmeadow, send an email to fairmeadow.enews@gmail.com. Include the following information: title, date, time and location of the event, a brief description and who to contact. Information submitted by Sunday 2 pm will appear in the Monday Edition.
- Announcements relevant to other schools in the PAUSD district can be send to enews@paloaltopta.org
- Our PTA has a noncommercial policy, which states that we do not associate with any commercial activities of other organizations including, but not limited to, the promotion of their goods and services. Only information from non profit organizations will be considered for placement, if submitted to eNews.
- Announcements will generally be published in two consecutive issues. To have further announcements made after that, please submit your announcement again.
If you have any questions or suggestions, e-mail Susan Leech, Fairmeadow's eNews editor.
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