Paly Link

A PTSA publication
Sunday, September 11, 2016
tower building drawing

The Paly Link is distributed on Sundays, except during school breaks and holidays.  Changes will be highlighted as New/Updated/Corrected.  To submit an article, see Submissions Guidelines.
Calendar
 

Sept 19-30
College Visits ( C&CC)
Monday Sept 19
Club Day
Wednesday Sept 21 Paly Sports Booster Meeting Anderson/Look Home 7 p.m (Paly)
Wednesday Sept 21
MAC Booster Meeting 7pm New ( Paly)
Wednesday Sept 21 YES! (Youth Empowerment Seminar) team, 7:00 - 8:30pm, MAC  New (Paly)
Wed-Sat Sept 21-24 Camp Unity Trip
Friday Sept. 23 Junior Parent Network Mtg, 8:30am, Paly Library Conference Room (PAUSD)
Friday Sept 23
Fiery Arts Glass Sale, 3-6pm
Saturday Sept 24
Fiery Arts Glass Sale, 11-4pm
Tuesday Sept 27
Special Ed IEP Parent Meeting, 6:30 pm in the LCR  New ( Paly)
Saturday Oct. 1
Paly PAC Groundbreaking Gala Celebration, 2:30pm/7:30pm ( Paly)
Monday Oct. 10
Palo Alto College Fair - Gunn, 6:00 - 8:30pm New ( CC&C)
Thursday Oct. 13
Dig Pink Volleyball Fundraiser, Los Altos High School, 5:30/6:45pm   New ( P aly)

Oct. 15 - 22
Spirit Week, Paly Campus New ( PTSA)
Monday Oct. 24
Paly Cheer and Dance Holiday Pie Fundraiser!  New ( Paly)
Wednesday Nov. 16
Dr. Dan Siegel:How Parent Can Best Support the Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain,  7pm to 8:30pm,  Paly Performing Arts Center New
 

PTSAPTSA Items
Spirit Week on Paly Campus
October 15-22nd ; - Many shifts, many small tasks, lots of positive return for your time supporting the students with building floats.  Questions?  Please contact Susan Scheel at  susanischeel@sbcglobal.net   Sign up sheets below:
The students do all the work, we need parents to provide support (food, light supervision, and encouragement).  Witness the energy of classes working together, competing for the title of spirit champion.   Sign up here:   https://www.uptous.com/uptous.htm?_flowId=directLink-flow&communityId=5306&extraId=17519&action=opp
Are you handy with power tools, enjoy building things?  We need you at the start of the week ( October 15 and 16) Sign up here:   https://www.uptous.com/uptous.htm?_flowId=directLink-flow&communityId=5306&extraId=17519&action=opp
Chaperone the Dance:  Will not be able to have the dance without your help:  Sign up here: https://www.uptous.com/uptous.htm?_flowId=directLink-flow&communityId=5306&extraId=17518&action=opp 

Volunteers Needed to Count Bikes at Paly   New
Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 9:00 a.m.
Judd Volino, Paly's PTSA Transportation Safety Rep, requests your help in performing a count of bikes in the racks at Paly on the Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 9:00 a.m. Meet on senior deck in the quad. We need about 5 people, and if we get that many the count should take no more than 30 minutes. We'd especially love to see some fathers take this opportunity to volunteer on campus. Treats provided! Email Judd at kazalino@kazalino.com or call 301-943-1764 to sign up.

Volunteers Needed to Welcome Students to Paly on Walk & Roll Day New
Week of Oct. 3 (exact date TBD), 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
We're asking families to make a special effort to avoid solo driving the week of Oct. 3. To recognize students using those alternatives, one day that week we will hand out Hershey's Kisses to as many kids as possible coming to campus on foot, bike, bus, or carpool. We need about 14 volunteers for just 1 hour, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., to do the distribution and offer smiles to students at various entry points around campus. If you can help, please email Judd Volino with the days of that week you're available at kazalino@kazalino.com, or call 301-943-1764. Dads especially encouraged to help!

Latte Cart: Rotating schedule 
Paly Tower Building 
Help with set up, clean up, serve or bake goods.  All shifts open and we need your help.  The Paly staff look forward to this treat.  Thank you for signing up.  Please click here to sign up:

Volunteer Needed: Club Day BBQ Coordinator  
Monday, September 19,  2016,  all shifts open, Paly Quad
We need a team of fun lovin volunteers to lead the school wide Club Day BBQ.  Staff and student leaders will be part of the dynamic team, your organization and flare will make all the difference to make this event a success!  If you are interested, please contact Beth Martin at bmartin@pausd.org .  For other shifts during the event, please click here to sign up:  https://www.uptous.com/uptous.htm?_flowId=directLink-flow&communityId=5306&extraId=17463&action=opp

Save the date!  New
November 16, 2016, 7pm to 8:30pm, Paly Performing Arts Center
Offered to parents of Paly and Gunn students, sponsored by both PTSAs.  
Brainstorm:  How Parents Can Best Support the Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain 
Dr. Dan Siegel,  http://www.drdansiegel.com/ 
Stay tuned for ticketing information and more details about the event. For questions, please contact Diana Pang ( dianapang@yahoo.com ), Jake Wellington ( jwellington@stanford.edu ) and Adrianne Chang ( Adrianne.shih@gmail.com )

Donate online to support the Paly PTSA - it's easy! Your contributions support important programs that benefit students, teachers and administrators. Please help us reach our goal for this school year!
Online links as follows:
Paly PTSA:  http://palyptsa.paloaltopta.org/donations/
Palo Alto High School: (ASB, Yearbook, etc.):  
https://palywebstore.myschoolcentral.com/asbworks/(S(jqv0ghy0ikvoe4z0s05whhg1))/apps/webstore/pages/WebStore.aspx
Lost your back to school forms?  All back to school forms (and online links) are located in the Paly PTSA Back to school forms page:  http://palyptsa.paloaltopta.org/back-to-school-packets-2016-2017/
Thank you for your continued support!
Paly ItemsPaly
paly viking ship logo
Paly Sports Boosters Passes New Pricing on September 4th
New pricing in effect on September 4th.  Please visit the link for the updated flyer and order your passes online:  http://palysportsboosters.org/booster-passes/  or by mail.  Remember your support h elps ensure a vibrant Paly athletic community! Passes are good for admission for Paly regular season home games for all sports during the 2016-2017 school year. New this year: free VIKING SQUAD t-shirt with every Student Booster Pass (while supplies last).   Form

Paly Sports Boosters Meeting
Wednesday, September 21st, 7pm, Anderson/Look home, 1401 Parkinson Ave
Join us for the September Paly Sports Boosters meeting at the home of president, Melissa Anderson. We'll get an update about the fall season from Athletic Director Kathi Bowers plus hear Paly Sports Boosters' plans for the year. We're a fun group (and all the big jobs are already taken!) - please join us!

MAC Booster Meeting New
Wed, September 21st, 7 pm, Paly Media Arts Center
Please join us for our first meeting of the year!  If your student is new to Media Arts or if you have not had a chance to attend our previous meetings, PLEASE join us!  This will be a great opportunity to learn more about MAC Boosters for the upcoming school year.  For more information about MAC Boosters, visit us at 

YES! (Youth Empowerment Seminar) team   New
Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 from 7pm to 8:30pm in the Paly Media Arts Center (MAC)
Please join us for a special interactive stress reduction and wellness presentation by the YES! (Youth Empowerment Seminar) team.  The YES! team will walk through the program that is being taught this year to all Paly and Gunn Freshmen. Over 20,000 students in Bay Area Schools have taken the YES! program.  Nationally, more than 70,000 students have benefitted from the YES! program. Now, it is your turn!  Learn stress-busting, healthy lifestyle skills that work - and how you can help reinforce them at home with your kids.  Come experience why both PAUSD high schools have decided to make this program a priority.
Please Note:
There is no fee for this seminar, but spaces are limited and registration through
Eventbrite is required. Register here:  http://palyyes.eventbrite.com

Paly Glass Fall Fiery Arts Fall Sale
Fri, Sep 23, 3-6 pm and Sat, Sep 24, 11-4 pm, 50 Embarcadero Rd, near the new Performing Arts Theatre.
Come see exquisite new glass designs hand-blown by instructors, alumni and students.  Over 1000 unique glass pieces - pumpkins, pears, apples, fish, hearts, cats, seashells and more on sale to benefit the school's Fiery Arts program. Live glass blowing demonstrations. www.tinyurl.com/paloaltoglass   

Important Yearbook Dates for Seniors and Parents
Senior portrait sessions will be held on the quad on Tuesday September 27 and Thursday September 29. These sessions are free and will provide seniors with a yearbook-quality portrait to be used in the 2017 edition of Madrono. These sessions are free and don't require prior sign-up; seniors who are interested should be on the quad (wearing the clothes they want for the photo!) any time between 11:30-1:30 on either date. We'll have our yearbook photographers ready to go. Portraits are due October 13; palymadrono.com has more information. Email adviser Brian Wilson at bwilson@pausd.org with any questions.

Workshop sessions for senior parents who are turning in baby ads will be held on Thursday October 6 and Tuesday October 11, from 12:30-5:30 each day. These sessions are a great way to get your baby photos scanned, craft a message to your child, and work with one of our students on design ideas. Bring all materials with you and plan on anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on how detailed you want to get. Senior ads are due October 13; palymadrono.com has more information. Email adviser Brian Wilson at bwilson@pausd.org with any questions.

Special Ed IEP Parent Meeting   New
Tuesday, September 27th,  6:30 pm in the LCR (accessible through the library) at PALY Library
Please join us for a co-facilitated Special Ed IEP Parent Meeting with Laura Bricca, Instructional Supervisor of Special Education at PALY, and Anna Centrella Thayer, PALY parent, PTA VP of Advocacy and leader of PALY's Parent Special Education support group.  Together, we will share some tips on how to help maximize your student's success at PALY, provide time for you to connect with other parents of students with IEP's, and answer some general questions.
For further information contact Anna Centrella Thayer at agcentrella@gmail 
Public Profile 
Paly PAC Groundbreaking Gala Celebration
Sat. Oct. 1, 2:30pm & 7:30pm at Paly Performing Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto
Come celebrate Paly's new Performing Arts Center! The Groundbreaking Gala will showcase students from Paly's drama, vocal music and instrumental programs as they all perform together in this beautiful space- for the first time. Every student who is involved in Paly's performing arts program will have at least one opportunity on stage at this very special opening. In addition, there will be several guest speakers and performers, plus intermission refreshments in the soaring main lobby. The gorgeous new facility, built thanks to a bond measure endorsed by the citizens of Palo Alto, is a state-of-the-art 25,100 square foot theatre. Designed to accommodate the three performing arts groups at Paly, it will support all 450 students per year that participate in the school's performing arts programs. Tickets $25-$100 at http://www.palytheatre.com/tickets/ Any remaining tickets sold at the door one hour before curtain.

Paly Performing Arts Presents: A Gala Celebration of the Performing Arts
Saturday October 1st at 2:30 PM & 7:30pm  
Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Rd.  
Celebrate the grand opening of our new spectacular theatre as nearly 300 students from the choral, music and theatre departments take to the stage to deliver a groundbreaking evening of the performing arts. The Opening Gala includes after-show dessert and refreshments. Tickets are $25.00, $50.00, $75.00 & $100.00. R eserved seating at   http://www.palytheatre.com/tickets/   


5th Annual Dig Pink Volleyball Fundraiser   New
October 13, 2016, Los Altos High School, 5:30pm and 6:45pm
Please come out and cheer on Paly's JV and Varsity volleyball teams as they raise money for a good cause! Paly's 5th annual "Dig Pink" match vs Los Altos High School will be on Thursday, October 13, at Los Altos High School at 5:30 (JV) and 6:45 (Varsity).  Free admission. Watch the Paly  Lady Vikes and Los Altos Eagles as we DIG PINK!
If you'd like to make a donation, we really appreciate your generosity! You can donate at the match or donate online. The link to our fundraising website is  https://giving.side-out.org/campaigns/11820

Support Paly Cheer and Dance with our  Holiday  Pie Fundraiser!  New
Mon. Oct. 24 (order deadline), Fri. Nov. 18 is pie pick-up at Paly 3:30-6:30pm)
Enjoy delicious farm fresh pies  while supporting your 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 at:  http://www.palycheer.net/holiday-pies.html

Save the date!  New
November 16, 2016, 7pm to 8:30pm, Paly Performing Arts Center
Offered to parents of Paly and Gunn students, sponsored by both PTSAs.  
Brainstorm:  How Parents Can Best Support the Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain 
Dr. Dan Siegel,  http://www.drdansiegel.com/ 
Stay tuned for ticketing information and more details about the event. For questions, please contact Diana Pang ( dianapang@yahoo.com ), Jake Wellington ( jwellington@stanford.edu ) and Adrianne Chang ( Adrianne.shih@gmail.com )



College & Career Center CCC
C&CClogo.jpg
Stanford Health Care Nursing Career Night
Wed, Sept. 28 6:30 - 8:30 at Packard Children's Hospital Main Auditorium
You will have the opportunity to hear from some of the best nurses in the Bay Area speak about their careers in nursing. There will be speakers from many different areas of nursing. Come explore the different nursing career opportunities and learn how to achieve your dream of becoming a nurse. RSVP by September 20, 2016 to kmedina@stanfordmed.org

NCAA Informational Night for Prospective Collegiate Athletes   New
Wednesday 9/28 @ 7pm in the PAC.
Paly's Athletic department will host and informational evening for students and parents to learn more about collegiate athletics and the recruiting process. A representative from NCSA (National Collegiate Scouting Association) will present as well.

College Rep Visits for Seniors (and Juniors, if space is available)
Students must have their teacher's permission one day in advance if missing class. Pick up a form in the C&CC, or download it at admit-class-form-college-and-career-center . Bring the signed form the day of the visit to ensure the absence from class is cleared and marked as an activity rather than a truancy. College visits scheduled for the next two weeks are listed below. For a full list of all visits through Spring, login to Naviance using your user ID and password; click on the "Colleges" tab then click "view all upcoming college visits" within the "my colleges" section. Or, you can check the calendar on www.paly.net/college .
Due to increased student attendance and limited space in the College Center, we are no longer able to permit parents to attend college representative visits, please click to read more information about this policy.

ON-CAMPUS VISITS:

Week of Sept. 19:
Clark University 9/19 8:15 AM
Whitworth University 9/19 9:00 AM 
University of California, Santa Cruz 9/19 10:00 AM
University of Delaware 9/19 11:00 AM
University of CA, San Diego 9/19 2:40 PM 
Goucher College 9/20 8:15 AM 
Boston University 9/20 9:00 AM 
Tufts University 9/20 10:00 AM 
Sciences Po - Columbia University Dual BA Program 9/20 10:45 AM 
Amherst College 9/20 12:15 PM
Hobart and William Smith Colleges 9/20 1:00 PM 
Berklee College of Music 9/21 10:00 AM 
Rider University 9/21 10:45 AM
Scripps College 9/21 1:00 PM
Salve Regina University 9/21 2:00 PM
New York University 9/21 2:45 PM 
University of Vermont 9/22 8:15 AM 
Indiana University at Bloomington 9/22 12:15 PM
Cottey College 9/22 1:00 PM   New
Merrimack College 9/23 8:15 AM 
Tel Aviv University 9/23 1:00 PM 
Colorado College 9/23 2:00 PM 
Skidmore College 9/23 2:45 PM
 
Week of Sept. 26:  New
Reed College   9/26   8:15 AM
Middlebury College   9/26   9:15 AM
Occidental College   9/26   10:15 AM
Champlain College   9/26   11:15 AM
Johns Hopkins University   9/26   1:45 PM
Babson College   9/26   2:30 PM
Juniata College   9/27   9:00 AM
Muhlenberg College   9/27   10:00 AM
Augustana College   9/27   12:15 PM
Haverford College   9/27   1:00 PM
Colorado Mesa University   9/28   8:15 AM
University of Tennessee, Knoxville   9/28   9:00 AM
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering   9/28   10:00 AM
Emory University   9/28    12:15 PM
Colorado State University   9/28   1:00 PM 
Purdue University   9/28    2:00 PM
Elon University   9/28   2:45 PM
Georgia Institute of Technology   9/29   8:15 AM
Worcester Polytechnic Institute   9/29   9:00 AM
Dominican University of California   9/29   10:00 AM
Whittier College   9/29   10:45 AM
Linfield College   9/29   1:00 PM
Bates College   9/30   9:00 AM
Suffolk University   9/30   10:00 AM
Chaminade University of Honolulu   9/30   10:45 AM
Northeastern University   9/30   12:15 PM
University of Utah   9/30   1:00 PM
Trinity College Dublin   9/30   2:00 PM
Quest University Canada   9/30   2:45 PM 

OFF CAMPUS VISITS:
For more information and to RSVP (if required), login to Naviance and click the 'information' hyperlink.

Week of Sept. 19:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 9/18/16 2:00 PM San Jose
Washington University in St. Louis 9/18/16 2:00 PM Palo Alto
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 9/22/16 6:30 PM Menlo Park

UC Application Essay Case Study   New
September 27th, 2016, 1:50 pm during tutorial, Library Conference Room
A workshop where students will take a sneak peek inside the admissions process of the UCs by analyzing a student's application to identify which of the Personal Insight questions to answer and how.  Also helpful tips for writing your UC responses. Bring paper and pen! Space limited to 50 students; the first 50 who arrive can participate. 

2016 Palo Alto College Fair (PACF)  New
Monday, Oct 10th - 6:00 - 8:30pm, Gunn High School
Plan to attend the 2016 College Fair at Gunn High School on Monday, October 10th in the Bow and Titan Gymnasiums.  
Over 140 college & university representatives will be on hand, ready to answer your questions about their institutions. Seniors can get accurate and timely information to complete their college applications and Juniors can begin to plan for next year.   Please note these tiered entry times: 
  • 6 pm Gunn & Paly students ONLY (with ID).  
  • 6:30 pm All other high school students admitted 
  • 7 pm  Parents and the public are admitted 
Freshman & Sophomore students are recommended to attend the college fair after 7:30pm for a better experience when the fair is less crowded.

Please also join us on Oct. 10th for two additional presentations at the college fair:
  •  "The College Admission Essay" will be at 6:30pm with Felicia Fahey PhD
  • "Financial Aid" with Karen Cooper, Director of Financial Aid at Stanford University will take place at 7:00pm.
Both are open to the public.
These presentations are open to everyone.   They will take place in the Titan Gym Dance Studio.

Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through October 1, 2016  New
Levine Scholarship--University of North Carolina Charlotte: Deadline 10/1                           
University of North Carolina - Morehead-Cain Scholarship: Deadline 10/1                        
University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill - The Thomas Wolfe Scholarship Program: Deadline 10/1



PAUSD PAUSD
A Public Forum for Candidates for the PAUSD School Board
Mon, Sep 22, 7-9 pm, 25 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto
Be educated!  The Palo Alto PTA Council and League of Women Voters have organized an opportunity for you to meet the the candidates for the PAUSD Board of Education. The Board of Education is the K-12 policy-making body for academic standards, curriculum, instructional materials, assessments and accountability. Thank you to the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto for sponsoring this forum that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League and PTAC neither supports nor opposes candidates. The Candidates Forum is organized to provide equal and non-preferential opportunities for each candidate for Palo Alto Unified School Board to make short prepared statements and to answer questions written by audience members on cards provided at the event. Volunteers help make the event run smoothly.
The entire Forum will be videotaped by Midpeninsula studios and broadcast later on community TV channels. All other recordings, visual and audio, are prohibited.

Class of 2018 (Juniors) Parent Network Meeting Updated
Friday, Sept. 23, 8:30-10 am, Paly Library Conference Room (in the Library). 
Parking at Paly is still limited - we recommend walking, biking or carpooling if possible.
Our guidance counselor, Charles Taylor, will go over issues of importance to 11th graders and their families. Charles Taylor will be focusing primarily on issues regarding the remainder of our kids' time in high school. His focus is in contrast to Junior Parent Night, which focused primarily on planning for after high school. However, this is a good opportunity to ask questions you may not have gotten a chance to ask at Junior Parent Night. A representative of PiE (Partners in Education) will also speak briefly. Please note that we will begin promptly at 8:30 to accommodate Charles Taylor's schedule. We look forward to seeing you there!   Questions? Contact Julia Kossack ( JuliaPalyParent@gmail.com ) or Julie Tomz ( JulieTomz@gmail.com ).

Wellness and Support Services Parent Workshop
September 29, 2016 at the District Office, 25 Churchill Avenue, Palo Alto
Our first Wellness and Support Services parent workshop of the school year will be presented by Health Connected on September 29, 2016 at the District Office.  This workshop will help parents begin the conversation about healthy boundaries and sexual health with their teen.  Please share this information with all parents of tween and teens  Please click here  https://www.pausd.org/talking-your-adolescent-about-sexual-health for details and registration information.  A  flyer  is also attached.  For further questions, don't hesitate to contact our office.
Brenda Carrillo, Ed.D.
Director of Wellness & Support Services

NEED A SPORTS PHYSICAL?  New
Monday, October 10, 2016, Gunn High School PE Classroom, 1pm - 7pm.
PAUSD, in partnership with Stanford Children's Health Care, will be performing Pre-Participation Physical Examinations on Monday, October 10, 2016 at GUNN HIGH in the PE classroom from 1pm until 7pm. All Athletes need an up to date (within 1 year) physical in order to participate in tryouts. Winter Sports tryouts being Oct. 31st.   These physicals will cost $10 and RESERVATIONS are REQUIRED (spots are limited).  Parents must also complete the online forms before Oct 10 th .  Please click on the link to make your reservation:   http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/service/young-athletes-academy/palo-alto-unified-school-district.   In addition to having a current and valid physical, all Winter athletes need to have an account on  athleticclearance.com . This is the online version of the Athletic Packet and should be completed ASAP.  Complete instructions for creating this account can be found at  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6_WIJl62Q6FOTdoODFnN3Q1YWs/view?usp=sharing
Blank physical forms are available for download as part of the athleticclearance process.  We will also have blank forms available at GUNN on Oct. 10th.

Food Service Department Open Forums
Palo Alto USD invites parents, employees, students, and community members to a series of Food Services Department Community Open Forums held throughout the 2016-17 school year.  Please visit:  https://www.pausd.org/food-service-department-open-forum

Renaming Schools Advisory Committee (RSAC) Survey
The PAUSD School Board created a Renaming Schools Advisory Committee ( RSAC ) and charged this committee to explore and recommend processes for naming or renaming schools based on community input and feedback.  The community consists of students, parents, alumni, former parents, community members, and PAUSD teachers and staff.  With this short  survey , we would like to get your initial input concerning the criteria you consider to be most important for the naming of any district school.  Your input will help the  RSAC  understand the community's values, and alongside other data, help inform the Committee's discussions and recommendations to the Board.  The  survey  is very short and we appreciate you taking two or three minutes to give your input by completing and submitting this seven question survey . Simply click the following link to begin  https://pausd.co1.qualtrics. com/SE/?SID=SV_8JuFGmlO3CJ3Qgd   
 
PAUSD Seeks Parent Member for Board Policy Review Committee
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) invites its parents to consider joining the Board Policy Review Committee (BPRC), a committee established to assist the PAUSD Board of Education in its thinking about District policies.  The BPRC committee currently has an opening for a parent representative.  Parents interested in the school district's process of developing policies should fill out the form online (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PFqb2N2x7pwx5Lp1XVFtWHuZdKuAb4zvojnwMye-iYM/viewform?edit_requested=true) before the deadline of end of the business day on Wednesday, September 7, 2016.  For more information, go to https://www.pausd.org/explore-pausd/news/pausd-seeks-parent-member-board-policy-review-committee-bprc


Community Service and Service-Learning CommSvc 
Community Service Recognition Updated
Deadline extended: September 25th
Anyone wanting to submit Volunteer hours for community service recognition, including transcript hours and President's Award, can do so by checking Schoology.
You will fill out a google form to begin the process and all forms are now accepted online. Deadline has been extended to September 25th. For questions, contact klarson@pausd.org

Matemagos Math Tutoring in Spanish: Help Kinder & 1st Graders with Math, Gain Valuable Experience Volunteering
Tutor Orientation October 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Escondido Elementary, Room 1
1st Tutoring Session October 20 - December 1, Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30pm, at Escondido Elementary, Palo Alto
Matemagos provides a great opportunity to work with Kinder and First Grade Spanish Immersion students in math through fun and engaging games. Tutors gain valuable experience through service while using their Spanish language skills, building a relationship with the students, and giving back to the community. Contact matemagos.tutor@gmail.com for details.

The Ohlone Harvest Festival Needs Volunteers!  New
October 15, 2016 at Ohlone Elementary School, 950 Amarillo Ave
Paly students - earn community service hours by volunteering at The Ohlone Elementary School Harvest Festival! It's a fun day of games, food & music, and a fundraiser for the Ohlone Farm, our outdoor classroom. We need support from noon to 4pm on Saturday, October 15.

Duveneck Harvest Carnival Service Opportunity   New
October 15th Duveneck Elementary School, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Are you looking for a wonderful service opportunity?  Whether serving a snow cone, timing an obstacle course or running the gold fish prize table, there is fun to be had while providing a great service to our community.  It will be October 15th from noon to 3:00.  Set up and take down will be starting in the morning and lasting until later in the evening.  There is room for all to help!   Please contact 650-332-4692 for any questions!


Community  
Save the Date! Challenge Success Fall Parent Event at Stanford University
Fri. Sept 30, 7-8:30pm, Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University
Media Rules. Healthy Connections in the Digital Age. Details and tickets here.

Media Rules: Healthy Connections in the Digital Age
Fri Sep 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Memorial Aud., 551 Serra Mall, Stanford
Do you feel that media is all-consuming and rules your family life? Navigating technology can feel like uncharted and unprecedented territory for parents. How can we effectively manage media use when the rules of engagement seem to be constantly changing? Join us to explore how adults and kids can establish healthy connections and positive relationships in the digital age.
Adults $10; students free. Details & tickets: http://www.challengesuccess.org/media-rules/
More Information- Click here  

Community Service Grants
The Tutor Corps Foundation awards grants to support innovative student projects that make a sustainable impact in the community. Projects may address issues such as poverty, education, health or the environment.
Who: Students in grades 6 to 11 may apply
Deadline: October 1, 2016
Awards: $250 - $750
Tutor Corps Foundation was established by Tutor Corps, an educational services company that provides personalized, one-on-one tutoring for students. The Foundation tutors under-resourced students, offers community service scholarships and provides educational expertise to nonprofits.
Apply for a Grant today!

Sign up for Paly Glass Weekend Workshops 
Sat & Sun.  Nov. 12-13, Dec. 3-4, Jan. 7-8, Feb. 4-5, March 4-5, April 1-2, May 6-7, June 3-4  9-3 pm at Paly's Glass Studio. The workshop will focus on beginning glass blowing techniques. It's an incredible, fun, hands-on experience and it benefits the Paly Fiery Arts Program. Repeating students progress from their last session.  Advanced Sign up required. Class limit is 4. Teens and adults. $425 per person. Open to the public.
Contact: David Camner, founder of the Paly Fiery Arts,   dcamner@pausd.org

How To Get A Bike License
In Palo Alto bicycle licenses are required. Bike licenses help PAPD connect recovered stolen bikes to their owners and also can help emergency responders connect a bicyclist with family after an accident if the cyclist isn't carrying ID.  You can get a license at any Palo Alto Fire Station between 4:00-5:00 pm.  As long as they are not out on an emergency call, someone will be available to issue a license to you. 

Check Your Student's Helmet!
Bicycle helmets should be replaced every five years, even if they appear undamaged because the rigid foam in the helmet will break down with time and won't protect your head in a collision. Helmets with cracks in the outer plastic shell should be replaced, as should helmets that are too small. (The helmet should touch the top of your student's head. To find out if it touches, put your finger in an air vent at the top of the helmet.) For tips on getting the helmet adjusted properly, see our new helmet  flyer.

El Camino Youth Symphony New Member Auditions
By appointment only, throughout the month of September
The award-winning El Camino Youth Symphony is holding new member auditions for its 2016-17 program! Orchestras and Ensembles rehearse weekly in Palo Alto and perform in 3-6 concerts during the season. Bassoon, French Horn, Double Bass, Tuba, and Viola players are encouraged to audition! Visit  http://www.ecys.org/?pageAuditions for a complete list of open positions and to apply. ECYS supports school music programs! To schedule an audition or to receive more information, contact Lori Bingham at  loribingham@ecys.org.
 
Film Acting Workshop for Teen Actors
Sunday Sept. 25, Sunday Oct. 2, Sunday Oct. 9, & Sunday Oct. 16 from 1:00pm - 3pm
Held at Cubberley Community Center (Room D-1)  4000 Middlefield Road Palo Alto California 94303
The acclaimed A Theatre Near U's Fall Film Acting Workshop focuses entirely on the craft of the actor. In our course you'll learn techniques that can transform your screen performance into something special.
For more information and to register go to:  http://atheatrenearu.org/home/category/slate

Love Art and Art History?
Interested in O'Keeffe, Rivera, Thiebaud, or Jacob Lawrence?
Volunteer docents needed to give presentations about the lives and work of Master Artists to PAUSD elementary students.  Training provided by Arts Coordinator, Sharon Ferguson.  Art History background preferred but not required. Flexible hours.  Volunteer docent meetings/training at held at Art Education, 25F Churchill Ave.  For more information contact Emily at Art Education (650) 329-3939 
 
Palo Alto Library -- Knack 4 Knitting
Wednesdays, 4-6PM. Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
This a great opportunity to share your love for knitting, meet new friends and help others with their projects. Meets every Wednesday each week. Grades 9-12 and adults. Please register for this event online.
 
Palo Alto Library -- Graphic Novel Book Club
2nd Thursday of the month, 7-8:30PM, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd.
Monthly book discussion on a graphic novel selected by the group! This program is for readers age 16 and up. Sept. 8: Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? (by Roz Chast).
 

Classroom Volunteers Needed - An Hour a Week Could Change a Student's Life  
 
If you've enjoyed spending time in your child's classroom, please join other parents volunteering in east Menlo Park or East Palo Alto schools where there are virtually no parent volunteers. You'll help tutor kids in grades K-4. Over 80% of students are performing below grade level in reading and math. Work once a week in the same classroom for about an hour, building relationships with students. All Students Matter provides training and coordinates everything. We start in mid-September. You can make a real difference!  To learn more or sign up, visit  www.allstudentsmatter.org or contact Keri Tully at  keritully@gmail.com. 
 
Financial Aid for Students 
 
Have or know a college-bound student? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA will now open Oct 1, 2016 for the 2017-2018 school year for anyone seeking financial assistance.  FAFSA offers grants, work-study funds and low-interest federal student loans. The program includes information on state funds that may be available to pay for a child's higher education.   More info at  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
 

Sea Scouts Open House Cruise - Sept 24
Come cruise the San Francisco Bay with Sea Scout Ship Intrepid on our boat, the Olympic Venture. We'll meet at the Port of Redwood City, 675 Seaport Blvd, at 10AM, returning at 2PM. Lunch will be provided. The Intrepid Crew is open to young men in 8th ­to 12th grade. RSVP officers@sssintrepid.org
 

Trail Closure/Tree Removal Along San Francisquito Creek 
 
As part of the  San Francisquito Creek flood control project, the Bay/San Francisquito Creek trail that runs from Geng and Embarcadero Road to the Friendship Bridge (through the Baylands Athletic Center, along the Golf Course) will soon be closed. The flood control project is scheduled to begin September 1, but the trail may be closed as early as mid-August. On the Palo Alto side of the creek, the trail is expected to be closed for the entire two-year duration of the project. Signs are being posted along the trail in advance to warn users about the upcoming closure and tree removals that are required for the construction project
 
 

El Camino Youth Symphony Orchestra Fall Auditions 
Aug/Sept Palo Alto
 
Palo Alto-based El Camino Youth Symphony invites musicians ages 6-18 to audition for the 2016-17 season. Led by an internationally renowned faculty, ECYS offers six orchestras/ensembles for students at all levels of musical ability. Auditions are held in August and September. Apply online at www.ECYS.org. Call ECYS at 650-213-7111 for more information.
 

Puberty for Students with Challenges, SELPA1CAC Coffee Talk 
Wed, Sept 21, 7-9PM, Santa Rita Elementary, 700 Los Altos Avenue, Los Altos (new location!) 
 
Dr Jacob Towery will be discussing adolescents with challenges entering puberty, issues parents should be aware of, and common psychiatric medications and their effects on teenagers. There will be ample time for questions and answers.  For more information, see www.selpa1cac.org

Project Safety Net Meeting   New
Wed, Sept 28, 4-6PM, Rinconada Library, Embarcadero Room, 1213 Newell Rd., Palo Alto
Are you interested in reducing youth mental health stigma and supporting youth voice? Please join us at our next Project Safety Net (PSN) meeting where you will have the opportunity meet and hear from members in our community who have the same interest. At this month's meeting, PSN is honoring September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  We will be featuring a Crisis Text Line ( http://www.crisistextline.org/) that provides free crisis intervention via SMS message.  You will also hear about upcoming events and trainings.  RSVP at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-safety-net-community-collaborative-meeting-september-28-2016-tickets-26987778171
Project Safety Net ( http://www.psnpaloalto.com/) is a collaborative community network held together by a common interest of fostering youth well-being in Palo Alto. Sign-up for its newsletter  http://psnpaloalto.us10.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=ad6a7bca6265d8553ffcf6de9&id=1cba511e15
Please contact: Leena at  leena8540@gmail.com

PAUSD School Board Candidate Forum  New
Thu, Sep 22, 7-9 pm, 25 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto
Be educated!  The Palo Alto PTA Council and League of Women Voters have organized an opportunity for you to meet the the candidates for the PAUSD Board of Education. The Board of Education is the K-12 policy-making body for academic standards, curriculum, instructional materials, assessments and accountability. Thank you to the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto for sponsoring this forum that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League and PTAC neither supports nor opposes candidates. The Candidates Forum is organized to provide equal and non-preferential opportunities for each candidate for Palo Alto Unified School Board to make short prepared statements and to answer questions written by audience members on cards provided at the event. Volunteers help make the event run smoothly.
The entire Forum will be videotaped by Midpeninsula studios and broadcast later on community TV channels. All other recordings, visual and audio, are prohibited.
 
Renaming Schools Advisory Committee Community Townhill Meeting  New
Mon Sept 26, 6-8PM.  Location TBD
At the townhall meeting a brief overview of Palo Alto's history will be presented, followed by a panel discussion that will provide an overview of eugenics and its history. The panelists will discuss ways in which a community can deal with racist events in its history, addressed from the present day perspective, and in the context of our public schools.  The panel will be composed of 3-4 renown history professors and experts in eugenics, some of whom have actively provided their expertise in renaming efforts at other schools.  The townhall 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.
SAVE THE DATE: Monday 9/26 6-8pm, RSAC townhall, location and speaker details to be announced in next week's eNews.
 
PAUSD School Board Candidate Forum  New
Oct 1, 10 AM - 12 (doors open at 9:30am), Jordan Middle School (Gymnasium), 750 N. California Ave
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the candidates who are running for PAUSD School Board. This forum will focus on issues that impact outcomes for historically underrepresented families and students with special needs. Learn about candidates' priorities and ask any questions that you have.
Childcare, light refreshments and Spanish translation provided. This forum is sponsored by Parent Advocates for Student Success, the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs.
Contact paloaltocac@gmail.com with any questions.
 
Sábado 1 de octubre de 10 am a las 12 del mediodía (las puertas se abren a las 9:30 am), Jordan Middle School, 750 N. California Ave., Gimnasio
Esta es una maravillosa oportunidad para conocer a los candidatos que se postularan a la Junta Escolar PAUSD. Este foro se centrará en preguntas acerca de los resultados y el impacto para las familias históricamente subrepresentadas de estudiantes con necesidades especiales. Podra obtener información acerca de las prioridades de los candidatos y hacer cualquier pregunta que tenga. Cuidado de niños, refrescos y la traducción al español estara disponible .Este foro está patrocinado por defensores de los padres para el éxito del estudiante, el Comité Asesor de Palo Alto Comunitario para la Educación Especial, y el Consejo de Palo Alto de los ACP.

PAUSD 學校董事會候選人論壇
星期六， 10 月 1 日 上午 10 - 12  （門上午 9:30 開 ) ，約旦中學（體育館 ) ，  750 N.California Ave 。
這是一個極好的機會去了解競選 PAUSD 學校董事會的所有候選人。本次論壇重點關注事項 :  影響及代表性不足的歷史家庭和特殊需要學生的家庭。了解候選人的優先事項，並詢問了解您的任何問題。
會提供育兒，點心和西班牙語翻譯服務。本論壇由家長促進學生成功會組織，帕洛阿爾托社區諮詢委員會特殊教育和優惠貿易協定的帕洛阿爾托理事會主辦。
請聯繫 paloaltocac@gmail.com 如果有任何問題
 
PAUSD School Board Candidate Forum K-5th Grade Focus  New
October 4th 6:30-8:30pm, 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).

Puberty for Students with Challenges, SELPA1CAC Coffee Talk  New
Wed, Sept 21, 7-9PM, Santa Rita Elementary, 700 Los Altos Avenue, Los Altos (new location!) 
Dr Jacob Towery will be discussing adolescents with challenges entering puberty, issues parents should be aware of, and common psychiatric medications and their effects on teenagers. There will be ample time for questions and answers.  For more information, see www.selpa1cac.org
 
Teen Arts Council Open Mike  New
Fri Sat 23, 7 - 10PM, Mitchell Park Teen Center, 600 E. Meadow Dr. Palo Alto
  Hey friends! It's time for the first Open Mic of the year on September 23rd at 7pm at the Mitchell Park Teen Center.! If this is your first Open Mic, you can either perform or watch, both are super fun! This Open Mic will be held outdoors at Mitchell Park, so make sure to bring blankets and sweaters to stay cozy This event is open to all teens so feel free to bring friends!  For participation rules and other details visit  https://www.facebook.com/events/563819433804945/  or email  teenartscouncil@gmail.com  
 
TAKEOVER: Teen Creativity Party  New
Fri Oct 7, 6 -9PM, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd., Palo Alto
Teens, celebrate peace, love, and artmaking with a Teen Creativity Party, complete with live performances, hands-on art activities, raffle prizes and more! During the event, attendees will be able to check out our upcoming exhibition, The Butterfly Effect: Art in 1970s California, and see a new side of the Palo Alto Art Center. A valid high school ID is required to enter. For more information, contact Lauren Baines, Family, Teen and Outreach Programming Coordinator at  lauren.baines@cityofpaloalto.org . 

Cult Movie Series: Airplane 
New
Thu, Sep 22, 7-9PM.  Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd
  Join us for a classic cult movie in the beautiful Embarcadero Room at Rinconada Library the 4th Thursday of the month. Romance! Near disaster! Unlimited silliness! We will be watching the 1980 comedy Airplane! Rated PG. Snacks will be provided.  Make yourself at home.
 
Matemagos Math Tutoring in Spanish:  
Help Kinder & 1st Graders with Math, Gain Valuable Experience Volunteering  New
Tutor Orientation October 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Escondido Elementary, Room 1
1st Tutoring Session October 20 - December 1, Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30pm, at Escondido Elementary, Palo Alto
Matemagos provides a great opportunity to work with Kinder and First Grade Spanish Immersion students in math through fun and engaging games.  Tutors gain valuable experience through service while using their Spanish language skills, building a relationship with the students, and giving back to the community.  Contact  matemagos.tutor@gmail.com  for details.

DreamCatchers Volunteer Tutors Needed: Paly students or current/former parents! New
Are you looking to get involved in the community in a meaningful way?  DreamCatchers, an after-school tutoring program for low-income PAUSD middle-school students, is looking for volunteer high-school tutors (community service hours available).  We need students once a week for a two-hour session, Monday through Thursday in the late afternoon or evening. Classes are conveniently located in the Paly science building.  We are also looking for a some adult tutors to be classroom assistants  on Mondays and Tuesdays. Interested? Please contact Miguel Fittoria,  miguel@dreamcatchersyouth.org. Check out our website at  http://www.dreamcatchersyouth.org

Embarcadero Road/El Camino Real Corridor and Intersection Improvements Project Review  New
Monday, September 19, 7:40 p.m.
The Palo Alto City Council will consider two alternatives for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular improvements to Embarcadero Rd from Emerson St through the El Camino Real intersection at its meeting at city hall on Monday, Sept. 19. This item is scheduled for approximately 7:40 p.m. Interested parents and community members can learn more by reviewing documents on the project page at  http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=3404 and provide their feedback by either attending the council meeting or emailing the Council at  city.council@cityofpaloalto.org. For recent news coverage, also see  http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2016/08/13/new-bikeways-eyed-for-embarcadero-road

Railroad crossing closure planned in Palo Alto   New
Over two weekends, Caltrain to perform track maintenance work at Churchill Avenue crossing
Caltrain plans to close a Palo Alto railroad crossing over two weekends in September for track maintenance work, the transportation agency announced this week.  The railroad crossing at Churchill Avenue will be closed from Friday, Sept. 23, at 11 p.m. until Monday, Sept. 26, at 4 a.m. and again from Friday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. until Monday, Oct. 3, at 4 a.m.
The reconstruction project includes new concrete, ballast, ties and rail, as well as extended concrete panels, new pavement and striping, to provide a smoother, safer crossing for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, according to Caltrain.  The tracks will be closed to all traffic, including cars, bicycles and pedestrians.  During the closure, Caltrain officials will establish detour signs for pedestrians and motorists to help with traffic flow, according to the agency. Residents may experience construction noise during this time, Caltrain officials warned.  For more information, call 650-508-7726 or visit
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2016/09/15/railroad-crossing-closure-planned-in-palo-alto.


About the Paly Link aboutPalyLink
The Paly Link is a Paly PTSA publication, emailed on Sundays, except during school breaks and holidays. Changes will be highlighted as New/ Updated/ Corrected.

Deadline for submissions: noon on Saturday, the day before publication. Flyers must be submitted by noon on Thursday. Items run no earlier than 3 weeks before the event.

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