Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews

Where Learning is a Team Sport!
October 3 , 2016
Fairmeadow News
Principal's Letter
Greetings Fairmeadow Community,
 
Last Friday at our whole school assembly, all firebirds reflected about authentic kind and thoughtful acts that friends and classmates carried out for each other in our community, and of the small acts of kindness that we can easily complete for each other daily. Our social and emotional learning curriculum, Second Steps (K-2) and Steps to Respect (3-5), help children build empathy and problem-solving skills through lessons and role-play scenarios in our classrooms, and reinforce the positive ways we interact. Discussions and modeling at home and at school about the intentional ways that we treat one another can help to deepen this learning and to strengthen our welcoming and inclusive school climate!
 
Hundreds of students raced around the Walkathon course with friends, teachers, and parents during last Sunday's Rock the Walk fall fundraising event, celebrating our community and supporting our school. Thank you to the many community members who planned, organized, and participated in this year's Walkathon, with record-breaking student and parent involvement defining this entertaining community gathering. Our Fairmeadow community grows stronger each year thanks to your participation, creative ideas, and inclusive spirit! Oh, and what a fantastic flash mob, a true Fairmeadow first!
 
This Wednesday, October 5th Fairmeadow students will join millions of children from countries around the world through participation in International Walk to School Day. Palo Alto's Walk and Roll to School Day this Wednesday encourages students to choose physically active and environmentally friendly means of travelling to and from school. Special guests at Fairmeadow Wednesday will include City Council member Liz Kniss and Palo Alto Safe Routes to School Specialist Rosie Mesterhazy, greeting children as they arrive. Whether walking, biking, scooting, skateboarding, riding a bus, or carpooling, students can show their commitment to making environmentally friendly and safe transportation choices. If you do need to ride in a car on Wednesday, consider parking a few blocks away and walking to campus to show your support. Remember, share the roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks with others, and always wear a helmet on your bicycles, scooters, skates and skateboards. Our school website includes a helpful drop down menu labeled 'Getting to School' with many important resources!
 
This Friday, Fairmeadow teachers and support staff will participate in a Staff Development Day entitled Powerful Practices 4.0 - STEAM Edition along with their elementary colleagues from all 12 PAUSD elementary schools. This conference-style professional development is a day of learning for teachers by teachers including a wide variety of teacher led sessions emphasizing Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math. Sessions are designed to deepen application of the Common Core State Standards, promote methods that build inclusive classrooms, and provide strategies to engage and inspire our students with design thinking and Next Generation Science Standards practices. The keynote speaker at this year's event is Chris Fitzgerald Walsh, experienced K-12 educator, media producer, and entrepreneur. So, while this Friday, October 7th is not a school day for students, there will still be a lot of learning happening for Fairmeadow!
 
Next Monday, October 10th, the school day will extend for our youngest learners, with kindergarten dismissal at 2:40 pm along with the primary grades on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and at 1:40 pm on Wednesdays. We look forward to spending the afternoons continuing learning with our kindergarteners.
 
Thank you for your ongoing support of teaching, learning, and community at Fairmeadow Elementary School. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Grant Althouse
Principal
Walk & Roll Day - October 5th
On Wednesday, October 5th, Fairmeadow will join millions of students around the world who choose to walk, bike, ride the bus, or carpool instead of solo driving to school to celebrate International  Walk to School Day . Arrive a little early to make sure you have time to meet our guest VIPs and enter our bike bell raffle before school starts!

If you're new to walking or biking to school, consult Fairmeadow's  Walk & Roll Map for the best route (it's likely different from the route you drive) or contact our Safe Routes to School rep,  Christy Moision, who is more than happy to help you find a great route.

Find more information about Palo Alto PTA Safe Routes to School programs at  saferoutes.paloaltopta.orgThe PTA thanks the City of Palo Alto and PAUSD for their support of this event.  
Walkathon Update!
Well, the news is out -- we made our ice cream goal. In fact, we went above and beyond in so many ways. It's confirmed:  you ROCKED the walk!
  • Our goal was to have 200 kids participate. Over 350 kids walked on Sept. 25th! All of Fairmeadow will be treated to ice cream by Mr. Althouse for your outstanding turnout.
  • Our goal was to raise $40,000 at the walkathon. The walkathon, together with the party/event sign-ups and ticket sale revenue raised over $40,000 for Fairmeadow! 
  • Wishing that you signed up for a particular party but thinking you missed your chance? Great news!  You can still sign up! There are spots available for some teacher events for kids and parties hosted by Fairmeadow parents! Contact Nirmala Patni to sign up.

Thank you to all families who helped us make this a terrific community event and a wildly successful fundraiser! For those of you who signed up for parties, you will be contacted by party hosts as the dates approach. You can pay for parties online (using the link that's been sent to you) or by check. Make your check out to Fairmeadow PTA and drop if off in the main office. THANKS!


Have you seen the Walkathon Flash Mob video? If you missed it, check it out here!
The Kids' Art Cards Due This Week!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to celebrate our children's art while raising money for our school. Items  such as picture stickers, note cards, personalized greeting cards, note pads, gift tags, and more are available for purchase and will feature your own child's artwork and signature. Proceeds are donated to our PTA.

Your order form, art card, and check should be paper-clipped together and are due to your teacher or the office by this Thursday, October 6th by 4:00 pm.  If you have questions, please contact Linda Eltherington (650-460-9431). Extra order forms and art cards are available in the office.
Zero Waste at School
Curious about the different trash cans at Fairmeadow?  Click here  to read all about Palo Alto's commitment to Zero Waste practices, and how the students at Fairmeadow are helping. If you have any questions, please contact  Robin Kozina-Carlson , Fairmeadow's Zero Waste Champion.

PAUSD  News
PiE Rally Days Challenge Grant
Join us right now and double the impact of your donation!
Pledge or donate before October 17th and your donation will be matched by our Rally Day's Challenge Grant happening now. We need the support of the whole community in order to reach our goal and help our schools and students. We know all families are different, so we have different giving options to meet the needs of every family:   You can pl edge now and pay in January 2017 or  s pread your gift over 10 months through installments. C ompany matching counts towards your gift.  Click here to learn more or donate.
School Board Candidate Forum - K-5th Grade Focus
Tues, Oct 4, 6:30-8:30 pm, Barron Park School MP Room, 800 Barron Ave, Palo Alto
All interested Palo Alto Voters and PAUSD parents are invited to come and hear from the school board candidates! Barron Park, Ohlone, and Fairmeadow PTAs are co-hosting this K-5th grade-focused forum with all candidates. If you'd like to submit a question to have the candidates respond to, email your question to  k5october4forum@gmail.com  by Oct 3. Please keep your questions related to K-5th issues. There will be separate forums for Special Ed issues on Sat Oct 1st 10a-12p (location TDB) and possibly a forum for 6-12th grade issues (Day, Time, Location TBD).
Renaming Schools Advisory Committee Community Town Hall Meeting
Oct 17 or 24, 6:30-8:30 pm, Media & Arts Center at Palo Alto High School
To rename or not to rename any of Palo Alto's schools, that is the question the Renaming Schools Advisory Committee will begin to answer during its first town hall meeting in October. Renowned historians and educators with expertise in the Eugenics era, some of whom have actively provided their expertise in renaming efforts at other schools, will discuss if there is a rationale to consider renaming PAUSD schools whose namesakes were actively involved in Eugenics. The panelists will discuss how to evaluate a person's controversial legacy in historical context, the learning opportunities this debate provides, and how renaming or not renaming might affect the school community. The town hall meeting is intended to stimulate community discussion on this important topic, and will close with a Q&A session. Everyone in the community is welcome, please invite your friends and neighbors.

PTAC News
Arts Education Volunteers Needed
The Palo Alto Council of PTA  seeks Arts Education Volunteers to support high quality arts education for all students and to share best practices and programs. Goals might include communicating about visual and performing art programs taking place at PAUSD schools and encouraging collaborative opportunities. All PTA members (both parents and teachers) are welcome to volunteer. Please contact PTAC President Audrey Gold  if interested.

Community  News
Proposed Cuts to VTA 88 and 35 Buses
Cuts or changes are being considered for the VTA 88 and 35 buses in Palo Alto. Federal funding for paratransit is tied to VTA bus lines, so paratransit could be lost too. If approved, these changes may be implemented next summer. Learn more here  nextnetwork.vta.org/ and see the concept maps  nextnetwork.vta.org/busconcepts

VTA 35 bus is an important transportation backbone for Palo Alto residents. It provides access to several community centers, libraries and schools and provides access to both Palo Alto and Mountain View downtowns.  VTA bus 88, 88L, and 88M service is critical to student transportation at Gunn High School. Not only is this service important to those who take the bus everyday or only when the weather is inclement, but the reduction of cars on Arastradero Road during school commute hours is important for a congested residential arterial route serving multiple schools and the Stanford Research Park. Over 100 students take the bus each way to Gunn High School, and that's 100 fewer cars on Arastradero Road during the morning commute.  Together these bus lines serve hundreds of affordable and senior housing units, providing service to people of all ages and abilities who cannot or who choose not to drive.

If you agree that these bus lines are important to Palo Alto residents, please click here to sign the petition.
Walk & Roll to Palo Alto Libraries
As increasing numbers of families are walking and bicycling all over town, the call for bike and pedestrian route maps has increased. Check out Palo Alto's new Walk & Roll map with suggested routes to Palo Alto's libraries from every neighborhood citywide. The libraries are popular after-school destinations and they often are the center of fun family outings. Walking and bicycling are active, healthy, fun ways to get there! See the Walk & Roll to Libraries map here.
Growing Populations, Shrinking Resources: Dynamics of a World in Crisis
Fri, Oct 7, 7:30 pm, Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto 
Documentary photographer Randy Olson has worked with National Geographic Magazine for 25 years, producing over 30 stories on issues of overpopulation, environmental degradation, resource extraction, and disappearing cultures. He will present his work, followed by an interview with moderator Kim Komenich and Q&A session with the audience. Light refreshments included.  Information and tickets here Contact:  info@paloaltophotoforum.org.
Huge Children's Used Book Sale to Benefit Palo Alto Libraries
Sat and Sun, Oct 8-9, 10 am - 4 pm,  Cubberley Community Center (FOPAL Children's Sale Room)
More than 13,000 kids' books, games, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs will be on sale at incredibly low prices at Friends of the Palo Alto Library's monthly book sale -- everything from board books and picture books to school age fiction and nonfiction titles to early teen fiction. All items are lightly used or new and are sorted by age level and subject matter. Many books in foreign languages. Over 50,000 books for adults in FOPAL's Main and Bargain rooms.
The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University Family Sundays Program
Second Sundays, beginning Oct 9, 11 am - 4 pm, Stanford campus, off Palm Drive at Museum Way
The Cantor invites families to a day of wonder and learning at the museum. This is a free, family-focused day of art talks, hands-on art making, and gallery adventures for visitors of all ages. Explore the galleries and participate in programs designed to help families look and think about art in new ways. Curiosity is encouraged. The day is designed to be flexible with no registration required, no standing in line, and no waitlists. Families can plan a unique museum experience and join the activities in which they are most interested.
5th Annual Kiwanis Angel Award Honors Agent DuJuan Green, PA Police Department 
Thu, Oct 13 5:30-7:30 pm, Palo Alto Sheraton, 625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
Kiwanis Angel Award recognizes an individual who has provided significant contributions to children and youth. Agent DuJuan Green is being honored for his exemplary work as a School Resource Office, Facilitator of the Parent Project which teaches enhanced parenting skills, and member of Project Safety Net. Program relevant for parents of students 6 grade to 12 grade. Cost $50 per person and sign up by October 6. Proceeds benefit children and youth programs. Register here Contact Gail Price.
SheHeroes Afternoon Tea with Fathers in Tech Encouraging Girls in STEM
Sun, Oct 16, 2-4:30 pm, The Fairmont (Crowne Room), San Francisco
Enjoy an afternoon tea for the whole family (all ages) and listen to tech leaders speak about the crucial role men play in supporting women and girls in STEM and other fields. Formal tea includes gourmet food and beverages. Fun activities for kids include raffle, photo booth, girl panel, temporary tattoos. More info here.
Special Olympics Soccer Competition
Mon, Oct 17, 9am - Noon, Jordan Middle School
PAUSD and Special Olympics Northern California have joined together in a new  Special Olympics Schools Partnership  program. Through sports, the program aims to provide opportunities for special education students and their peers to work together as teammates and to create inclusive opportunities in the school community. Come cheer on the students in their first event of the year. Elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the district will be participating and showing off their skills. For more information contact Angel Sheridan.
Support Gunn's Seniors and Order Your Farm Fresh Pies from Gizdich Ranch!
Now thru Oct 12
Order delicious Gizdich Ranch Pies before Oct 12 for your holiday gatherings, and help raise funds for the Class of 2017 Senior Picnic, Grad Night Celebration, and scholarships for Seniors to attend those events. The pies come frozen and are made locally at Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville. You can choose from  Apple, Two Berry (raspberry and blackberry), Pumpkin, or Apricot! Buy a pie and donate it to a special teacher or staff member! For the Gizdich Pie Order Form and more information click here Contact Cassandra Gencarella with questions.  Gunn's Class of 2017 thanks you!
Support Paly Cheer and Dance with our Holiday Pie Fundraiser
Mon, Oct. 24 (order deadline), Fri, Nov 18 Pick up your pies at Palo Alto High School in front of the Tower Bldg. from 3:30-6:30 pm
Enjoy delicious farm fresh pies while supporting Palo Alto High School's Cheer and Dance teams! Apple, Two Berry, and Pumpkin Pies are available. They are flash-frozen from Gidzich Farms in Watsonville and are simply scrumptious! Get all the details here.
Palo Alto Philharmonic Concerto Movement Competition
The Palo Alto Philharmonic is sponsoring a Concerto Movement Competition open to school-aged music students including both instrumentalists and vocalists. Each applicant should submit an unedited audio CD (5-15 minutes long) of his or her performance of a movement from a concerto or concert piece for soloist and orchestra. Applications, along with the demo CD and a non-refundable fee of $30 must be postmarked by December 31, 2016. For more information or to download an application form click here.
Bringing up Bicyclists Parent Ed
Mon, Oct 3, 7-8.30 pm, Ohlone Elementary School, MP Room, 950 Amarillo Ave.
This class is for parents of elementary aged children who want to teach their students bike safety skills. Presented by Sylvia Star-Lack, City of Palo Alto Safe Routes to School Coordinator and League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor. No children, please. For more information, click here for the flyer.
A Taste of Cantabile Youth Singers: Roots and Rhythms of Africa!
Sat, Oct 15 1-4 pm, Los Altos Hills Town Hall Council Chambers
This exciting afternoon for 3rd-5th graders investigates song, dance, folktales, and instrumental elements from the Music of West Africa. Featuring Cantabile's signature pedagogical approach of Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze methods, this workshop will include both traditional folk songs and contemporary songs from current African artists. Through vocal warm-ups, singing games, and theatrical improvisation, singers will have a blast learning how to develop and express their natural singing voice, and will walk away with a starting toolbox to continue their journey as young singers.
Cost: 45.00 for non-residents, 50.00 for residents. Questions? Email  info@cantabile.org or call 650-424-1410. 
Register Los Altos   here.
C ontact:  jchew@losaltosca.gov or 650-947-2848.
Register Los Altos Hills  here.
C ontact:  sgualtieri@losaltoshills.ca.gov   or  650-947-2518.

eNews Publication Guidelines
Previous editions of eNews can be found at the  eNews archive  page.  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 contact information. Items submitted by Sunday 2 pm will appear in the Monday Edition.
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If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact  Christy Moision, Fairmeadow's eNews editor.
In This Issue
Important Dates
Oct 5 Walk & Roll to School Day

PTA Coffee and General Meeting
Oct 7 No School - Staff Development Day
Oct 10 Extended Kindergarten Begins
Oct 18 Picture Make-up Day
Quick Links