Feb. 22
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Online auction begins |
Feb. 24
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Math night! |
Feb. 26
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Principal's Coffee |
| Mar 2 |
Read Across America |
Mar 6
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Online auction ends
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| Mar 11 |
No school - local holiday |
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(click through to the website)
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This week in the news:
- Tickets go on sale this Tuesday, Feb. 23 for Fairmeadow's production of Annie. Showtimes below. Tix available here.
- Fairmeadow's mathemagical math night is this Wednesday, Feb. 24 -- get ready for a super fun evening of puzzles and games. To celebrate, it's a No Homework Night for all Fairmeadow students!
- Math instructional strategies are the topic of the day for this week's Principal's coffee, on Friday from 8:45 - 10:00 am in the MP room. Don't miss it!
- Don't forget to submit your box tops to the office by this Friday, Feb. 26.
Thanks all and have a wonderful week.
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| From the Principal's Desk |
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Dear Fairmeadow Community,
This Friday, February 26th marks the end of the 2nd trimester, and with the final one-third of the school year on the horizon, there is a lot to look forward to at Fairmeadow! Some of the most important weeks of the school year await us, as students are poised for continued learning, growth, and engagement at school.
Please join us for a fun, educational, and stimulating Fairmeadow tradition this Wednesday evening, February 24th as we host Family Math Game Night! Join our community for a festive evening of math games, puzzles, and challenges that are sure to engage and challenge mathematicians of all levels. This hands-on, self-paced exploration into the fun and curiosity of mathematics will offer activities and challenges for all ages, abilities, and interests. Play challenging games and puzzles related to logic, strategy, patterns, spatial skills, number sense, geometry, topology, pre-algebra and more! The Family Math Game Night runs from 6-8 pm this Wednesday in the Fairmeadow MP Room. To encourage participation across the K-5 continuum teachers will make this Wednesday, February 24th a
No Homework Night for students. Please plan to join us for all or some of this engaging event!
The discussion of mathematics continues this Friday, February 26th at February's Principal's Coffee from 8:45-10:00 am in the Fairmeadow MP Room. Our mathematics Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Joe Young, will co-present with me about instructional strategies that emphasize the Standards for Mathematical Practice, as well as differentiation in the instruction of mathematics K-5. To conclude the presentation we will outline the PAUSD mathematics curriculum exploration and piloting process in anticipation of a new curriculum adoption for the 2017/18 school year. So, please warm up on Wednesday evening at our Family Math Night, then join us for a lively discussion of mathematics instruction at Friday morning's Principal's Coffee. I look forward to seeing many of you there!
This Monday, February 22nd marks the start of the Fairmeadow Online Auction, which runs through March 6th. The Online Auction gives the entire Fairmeadow community the chance to bid on unique experiences and exciting items while raising money to support Fairmeadow. Donations to the PTA through the online auction support many important functions of our school including Noon Sports, Walking Club, Noontime Activities, Steps to Respect/Second Step curriculum, increased student supervision, technology purchases, and much more! Auction items include summer camps, children's activities, home-cooked meals delivered to your door, spa gift certificates, restaurant gift certificates, and the first ever Fairmeadow cookbook, Fairmeadow-licious! Please visit the Fairmeadow PTA website for more information. You can navigate directly to the Fairmeadow Online Auction website at
http://fairmeadow.schoolauction.net/2016auction/homepages/show.
Read Across America Day is on Wednesday, March 2nd, and Fairmeadow teachers and students will be celebrating in a variety of ways to acknowledge the wonder of reading. Every year across the country, readers of all ages celebrate the legacy of the great Dr. Seuss by participating in Read Across America Day on this legendary author's birthday. Be sure the emphasize the magic, mystery, power, and joy of reading next Wednesday in honor of Read Across America Day!
Next week over 80 Fairmeadow Firebirds will wow audiences with our rendition of the classic musical, Annie. The cast will host a special sneak peek dress rehearsal performance on Friday, March 4th at 3:30 pm, which is free for students, teachers and staff. Parents can purchase sneak peek performance tickets for $10. The cast will perform the show on Saturday, March 5th and Sunday, March 6th at 1 pm in the MP Room. Starting on February 23rd at 10 am tickets will be available at http://tinyurl.com/AnnieFairmeadow. You can purchase adult tickets for $15 and children tickets for $11.
I look forward to seeing you at Fairmeadow for one of these exciting events soon!
Grant Althouse
Principal
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Whose art is on the cover of "Fairmeadow-licious"?
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Thank you to all the Firebird artists who submitted designs to the "Fairmeadow-licious" cookbook cover design contest and thank you to everyone who submitted a recipe (we have over 100!). We have selected front and back cover designs as well as artwork for the inside covers and the section and recipe pages!
Please come by the auction tables tomorrow morning for coffee and treats and to see the artwork that was selected for the book. We will have mockups of the cookbook on display at both entrances as well as a showcase of all the beautiful artwork that was submitted. Please keep in mind that this is NOT the final version of the cookbook, so not all the artwork that we're going to use has been included yet. Also, please know that it was very difficult to choose since all the designs were AWESOME!
As a reminder, the cookbook will be sold through the online auction, which opens TODAY. All proceeds will be used by the PTA to pay for
programs, materials and community events at Fairmeadow.
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| Fairmeadow's Online Auction |
Get ready to click, bid, and win!
Fairmeadow's ONLINE AUCTION
BEGINS TODAY (
Monday, February 22
) at
9am
and ENDS
Sunday, March 6 at 10 pm
.
Tell your friends and family so they can check it out!
Don't forget: 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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| Fairmeadow Presents: ANNIE! |
Our students have been working hard getting ready for the performance of Annie. Come support your fellow classmates. Tickets are limited so purchase them early. You will not want to miss the show!
Saturday, March 5th @ 1pm
Sunday, March 6th @1pm
(Tickets are $15 for adults and $11 for kids)
SPECIAL SNEAK PEEK ON FRIDAY MARCH 4th AT 3:30PM.
Fairmeadow students, teachers & staff are invited to come watch the last dress rehearsal before the big show.
FOR FREE!
(Parents can buy a sneak peek ticket for $10)
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Family Math Games Night: This Wednesday, February 24th!
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Join us for a festive evening of math games that are sure to inspire even the most math-reluctant. This is a hands-on, self-paced exploration into the fun of mathematics, with activities for all ages, abilities and interests.
Play challenging games and puzzles related to logic, strategy, patterns, spatial skills, number sense, geometry, topology, pre-algebra and more. You'll see a few favorites from previous years, and some new games, too!
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: The MP Room
This event is free, and there is no need to RSVP
Plus, there's still time to volunteer as Station Leaders (it's fun!)
For more information contact:
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Noon LEGO Club: Regular help needed!
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Can you help make Lego Club happen every Tuesday lunch break?
Our Kids Love Lego!
Our most accessible and popular Noon Activity is in danger of cancellation! Can you spare 45 minutes every Tuesday, or alternate Tuesdays to keep this popular activity running?
"Maybe... What would I have to do?"
Hosting Lego Club is easy: The activity runs during the 45 minute lunch break. Tables and Lego are set for you at 12pm - spread it out, or let the kids dip into the boxes, then stand back and watch them build. When the bells goes we clear the Lego back into its boxes, and the kids head back to class. Now, simply walk away - your work is done! Leave the boxes and tables for the custodian to put away.
"Well, but every week? That's a big commitment..."
You can share duties between two or more parents. Attend every week, or alternate weeks. We can arrange a schedule to suit you! And when your personal timetable changes, we'll find someone else to take your place. No pressure.
"
I want to know more!"
That's great! Contact Nadia Priestley with your questions:
nadia@stodge.org
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Box Tops Deadline Coming Up
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Do you have Box Tops at home that you've been meaning to bring in? Now is the time! You can help the Fairmeadow PTA raise money by collecting Box Tops for Education coupons found on various products.
Please bring your Box Tops to the Main Office by
Friday, February 26, and put in the "Box Tops" drawer in the cabinet under the staff mailboxes. Please check coupon expiration date and cut/tear out coupons from packaging such that the expiration date is visible. Any Box Tops received after
Feb. 26 will be submitted at the next submission date in fall 2016.
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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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Palo Alto Council of PTAs Sports Page
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Parent-Child Communication Workshop
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Mon, Mar 14, 7 - 8:30 PM, Paly Haymarket Theater, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto
Mon, Mar 21, 7 - 8:30 PM, JLS Middle School Cafetorium, 480 E Meadow Drive, Palo Alto
The workshop will begin with scripted vignettes about teen stressors. Moderators will guide discussion to provide parents with different strategies, skills and advice for communicating and connecting with their child. Mandarin translation provided. Sponsors: Stanford Department of Behavioral Sciences and PAUSD.
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| Classroom Volunteers Needed - An Hour a Week Could Change a Student's Life |
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Have you enjoyed volunteering in your child's classroom? Then consider visiting a classroom in east Menlo Park or East Palo Alto. Our All Students Matter volunteers work once a week for about an hour on reading and math skills with kids in grades K-4. Sign up now to start in September. Training will be provided. To learn more or sign up, visit
www.allstudentsmatter.org
or contact Keri Tully at
keritully@gmail.com
.
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| Project Cornerstone Annual Campaign |
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Project Cornerstone recently launched its annual giving campaign. By March 2
,
they need our help to raise $1 per child to reach 80,000 youth across Silicon Valley. The funds raised will go directly to sustain and expand the ABC and Los Dichos programs; empower youth through the Expect Respect program; and train school and nonprofit staff to build assets with youth. Your gift is 100% tax deductible and goes directly to Project Cornerstone.
Project Cornerstone is an initiative of the YMCA of Silicon Valley. Be sure to designate Project Cornerstone as your "branch."
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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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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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| Media Moms & Digital Dads, Screens & Children-Separating the Facts from Fear |
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Wed, Feb. 24, 7:30 PM, OFJCC, 1921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto
This program
provides an overview of the digital media landscape in which our kids live, learn and play. We'll discuss media usage, social science research, opportunities and challenges presented by digital media, and how parents can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with their kids. Dr. Yalda T. Uhls will offer expert advice on how parents can guide their kids to make responsible, respectful and safe media choices.
Tickets: https://paloaltojcc.org/Events/media-moms-digital-dads-screens-childrenseparating-the-facts-from-fear
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The Paly Cheerleaders and Dancers are hosting a cheer, stunt and dance clinic for local Middle, Elementary and Pre-School boys and girls Aug 1-
5, 2016
. Half day and longer day age-appropriate programs available. This camp takes place at Palo Alto High School. Please visit
palycheer.net
for more information. This camp is a fundraiser for the Paly Spirit Squads. If you have any questions contact Hilary McDaniel, Spirit Squad Program Director at
hmcdaniel@pausd.org
.
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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 |
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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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