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Principal's Message
Greetings Fairmeadow Community,
What a joy it is to see all of our young readers at Fairmeadow developing their reading life and reading habits here at school. Teachers across our school create print-rich classroom environments full of reading opportunities to pique student interest and maximize engagement. Purposeful and joyful reading occurs through reading workshop instruction, independent reading, and read aloud in each and every classroom, at every grade level.
We are a true community of readers!
At our Whole School Assembly last Friday, two fifth grade students and I shared some of our favorite books, and the reasons for appreciating the authors' craft and the stories. Liam shared a section from Tuck Everlasting, a passage that emphasized unique traits of the fictional family from the book, and the mystery and potential downsides of everlasting life. Liam was clearly intrigued by the fantasy alive in the text, a genre he particularly enjoys. Jessica spoke about a book she read called Ratfink, with a wide variety of characters with very different traits. She described kind characters, silly characters, mean characters, and more, and she explained that she loved reading books that she could relate to, comparing characters in the text to characters she knows in her own life. These brave fifth graders spoke eloquently and passionately about their joy of reading in front of a captive audience of 500 firebird students.
Whether your child is a voracious independent reader or is just beginning to learn letter sounds, every student continues along their reading journey with their teachers as a guide, and every child deserves the joy created within the pages of a book. The reading life that we model as adults can have profound effects on our children; I hope that you also find joy in books, and that you share that joy with your child.
Our fantastic fall fundraiser, the Fairmeadow Walkathon, is less than a week away! On Sunday, September 25th from 11 am to 3 pm please plan to join us at Fairmeadow for this exciting, family-friendly event for all Fairmeadow Firebirds! The Walkathon will include food trucks, face paint, games, a photo booth, bike repair, a silent auction, and a super-fun walking course! Please support our school and plan to attend with your child(ren), your family, and your friends! For more information or to sign up to participate, please
click here. Be sure to practice sun safe behaviors at the Walkathon this year. Remember our Fairmeadow ABCs of sun safety: Avoid the sun by seeking shade, use sun Block on exposed skin, and Cover up with a hat! Students wearing hats at the Walkathon will earn extra bonus laps on their lap cards! Please join us with your family and friends!
Current 4th and 5th grade families, you should have received your student's score report from the 2015/16 Smarter Balanced Assessment/CAASPP last week. If you would like to learn more about the information captured on the score report, please join Palo Verde, El Carmelo, Hoover, and Fairmeadow families for a Parent Education Event entitled,
Understanding Your Child's CAASPP Scores. This event will take place on Tuesday, September 20th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the El Carmelo MP Room, and will feature PAUSD Director of Research and Evaluation, Chris Kolar.
In order to keep the learning environment at Fairmeadow safe and sanitary,
please do not bring dogs on campus between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm during school days (registered service dogs allowed). This has been a long-time policy at Fairmeadow, and an important rule to follow to keep our school safe and welcoming for all students. If you walk your dog to school with your child in the morning, please leash your dog off school grounds as you walk your child to the classrooms. Thank you for your cooperation, and please let me know if you have any questions.
I look forward to seeing you at the Walkathon on Sunday to celebrate our school, our community, and our children. Thank you for your continued support, and for sharing your children with us everyday!
Grant Althouse
Principal
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Get your walking shoes ready, Firebirds!
Sunday, September 25, 11am-3pm
Our Walkathon is a fun, family event to raise money for a good cause: our school! Our goal is to have as many kids participate as possible. Everyone who attends gets a t-shirt. Everyone who walks earns prizes.
Everyone who participates will have a great time!
There will be a snow cone stand, face painting, tattoos, a bake sale, food trucks, bike tune-up/repair,
and so much more!
- Want to earn bonus laps? Wear a hat (be SunSmart!) or donate socks (bring 4 or more new pairs of women's and/or men's socks size 10 and up) for the PA Opportunity Center.
- Have you heard? If 200 kids come and walk, Mr. Althouse will buy ice cream for the entire school!
- Don't forget! During the Walkathon, all parents can sign up for or bid on faculty events for kids and parties hosted by Fairmeadow parents. The catalog of faculty events and parties will be in this week's Friday folder. Check it out!
- Want to help with the Walkathon? Click here to sign up. There are many different fun tasks to choose from!
- Love to bake? Bring an item for the bake sale. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
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Girl Scouts Informational Meeting
Tuesday, Sept 20, 7 pm, Fairmeadow Room 2
Did you know that Palo Alto is the very first Girl Scout location on the West Coast? Get to know what Girl Scouting is all about, why over 1,100 Girls in Palo Alto are already members, and how you can participate. Interested? Attend the Informational Meeting. Go to girlscoutsofpaloalto.org and click "JOIN US." Click here for event flyer. For information about the new First Grade Girl Scout Troop at Fairmeadow, click here.
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Does Your Bike Need a Repair?
You're in luck! Bay Area Bike Mobile will be at th
e Walkathon on September 25th! They will prov
ide
free bike repairs to the first 20 sign-ups! So, bring your bike, sign up the morning of the Walkathon, and get back on the road!
This is perfect timing as we get ready for three great biking events coming up in October:
If you have any questions about these events or Bay Area Bike Mobile, please contact Fairmeadow's Safe Routes to School Rep, Christy Moision.
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No Cash Policy in the School Office
PAUSD has recently established a 'no cash' policy for all monetary transactions in school offices. This includes payments to the PTA, deposits into student lunch accounts, or similar transactions. Please plan to bring a check when paying for items at school, or plan to deposit money through safe means online. Thank you for your help!
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"Zumba Class" Last Weekend of Rehearsals!
There's still time to join in on the fun! "Zumba class" is our code word for a dance routine that will be performed in a massive, surprise, 2-minute community flash mob at the Walkathon on Sunday, September 25.
Stun the kids, get in a workout, and get to know Fairmeadow parents and teachers!
Two Rehearsals/Socials* left (in the MP Room):
- Friday, Sept 23, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, Sept 24, 10:00 am
Sunday, Sept 25 "The Big Day" -- no rehearsal but save this date (time TBD, maybe ~12:30 pm).
*Come learn the routine and stay for snacks and drinks! Wear comfy (or workout) clothes.
Can't make class but want to join in? Learn the routine from this follow-along video and join us for the Walkathon! Represent your child's grade/s!
Can't make The Big Day but want some fun? Just come for class anyway! No sign-up needed.
More info here.
Watch the "trailer" here. Send questions to
schoolzumba@gmail.com
.
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Art Card Fundraiser
The Kids' Art Card Fundraiser is here again! Join us as we celebrate our children's art while raising money for our school. Items such as picture stickers, note cards, note pads, gift tags, and more are available for purchase and will feature your child's artwork and signature. Proceeds are donated to the Fairmeadow PTA.
Art Cards have already been distributed to every class. Watch for Order Forms and your child's Art Card to come home in the next week or so.
If you have questions, please contact
Linda Eltherington
. Extra Art Cards are available in the office.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Please submit a packet containing your Order Form, Art Card(s), and Check to your teacher or the office by Thursday, October 6th.
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PAUSD School Board Candidate Forum
Thu, Sept 22, 7-9 pm, 25 Churchill Avenue, 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.
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Renaming Schools Advisory Committee Community Town Hall Meeting
Mon, Sept 26, 6-8 pm, Location TBD
At the town hall 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 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. The location of this event will be announced in next week's eNews.
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PAUSD School Board Candidate Forum
Sat, Oct 1, 10 am - 12 pm (doors open at 9:30 am), Jordan Middle School (Gymnasium), 750 N. California Ave., Palo Alto
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。
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PAUSD 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).
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PreSchool Family 70th Anniversary Celebration
Sun, Sept 25, 3-5 pm, Greendell School, 4120 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
PreSchool Family is turning 70. Celebrate with classroom visits, alumni class photos, and refreshments. Alumni and Current Families welcome. Hosted by Friends of PreSchool Family. For more information, visit
psf.pausd.org
.
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Project Safety Net Meeting
Wed, Sept 28, 4-6 pm, 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
that provides free crisis intervention via SMS message. You will also hear about upcoming events and trainings. RSVP at
goo.gl/gUZS4B.
Project Safety Net is a collaborative community network held together by a common interest of fostering youth well-being in Palo Alto. Sign-up for its newsletter here.
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Media Rules: Healthy Connections in the Digital Age
Fri, Sep 30, 7-8:30 pm, 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 and tickets at
challengesuccess.org/media-rules/.
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Paly PAC Groundbreaking Gala Celebration
Sat, Oct 1, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm, Palo Alto High School 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 who participate in the school's performing arts programs. Tickets $25-$100 at
palytheatre.com/tickets. A
ny remaining tickets will be sold at the door one hour before curtain.
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Free Community Day at Gamble Garden
Sun, Oct 2, 10 am - 2 pm, 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Gamble Garden celebrates our community with a FREE fun filled all ages day. The day's festivities include fun children's activities, a gorgeous plant sale, horticultural resources, educational displays, garden demonstrations, food, entertainment, and of course ... digging for worms! This is an opportunity for the community to spend some time at Gamble Garden, meet neighbors, and enjoy some activities and hospitality. Please register at
gamblegarden.org/event/community-day-oct.
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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.
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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 at 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.
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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 Officer, 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.
Registration at
KiwanisAngelAward.org.
Contact:
Gail Price.
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El Camino Youth Symphony Orchestra Fall Auditions
Aug/Sept, Palo Alto
The El Camino Youth Symphony is inviting young, motivated musicians with at least one year of private lessons to audition for our preparatory orchestras! ECYS offers after-school music programs for all levels of ability, from our Chamber Players Orchestra for students just beginning their musical journey to the Senior Symphony, where players challenge themselves with professional-level repertoire. The orchestra program begins in the fall and runs through the spring, and groups meet weekly for rehearsal. Contact
Lori Bingham to learn about setting up an audition. Visit ecys.org for more information.
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Fiery Arts Glass Weekend Workshops
Sat & Sun, Nov 12-13, Dec 3-4, 2016, Jan 7-8, Feb 4-5, March 4-5, April 1-2, May 6-7, June 3-4 2017
9-3 pm, Palo Alto High School's Glass Studio, 50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto
Palo Alto High School has a glass studio and there are 2-day weekend workshops open to the public, teen students, and parents. Here's your chance to learn to blow glass at Paly. Workshops do fill up, so do not hesitate, sign up for a date. The workshop will focus on beginning glass blowing techniques. It's an incredible, fun, hands-on experience. Repeating students progress from their last session. Advanced sign up required. Class limit is 4, cost $425 per person. Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto High School sculpture classes. To sign up, contact David Camner, founder of Paly Glass.
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Effective and Joyful Discipline With Your Strong-Willed Child (7 - 11 years old)
Tues, Sept 20, 7-9 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Strong-willed children want to cooperate, yet they need to be approached differently than easygoing children. Rather than ending up in power struggles, break this cycle and learn how to win cooperation effectively. You can bring out the best in yourself and your children. With Cynthia Klein, BA
.
$45; $30 additional parenting partner. Register here
: goo.gl/n0BLdx.
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What is Sensory Motor Development? An Introduction to Occupational Therapy (all ages)
Tues, Sept 27; 7-9 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Occupational therapy (OT) can help kids with various needs improve their cognitive, physical, sensory, and motor skills and increase their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Come meet our occupational therapist and learn how OT can help your child's development. We will discuss: What is occupational therapy? What is sensory processing disorder? What does a motor skill delay look like? How can occupational therapy help my child? With Lisa Matudio, MS, OTR/L. $45; $30 additional parenting partner. Register here: goo.gl/ODIfpG.
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Juggling Two: Your New Baby and Older Sibling (2nd trimester-newborns)
Thu, Sept 29, 7-9 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Growing your family can be a big adjustment. Discuss the emotions and preparations needed for juggling the individual needs of two children. Learn strategies for before, during, and after the new baby comes home. Anticipate older child behaviors and nurture a healthy sibling relationship right from the start. With Heidi Emberling, MA, parent educator. $45; $30 additional parenting partner. Register here: goo.gl/ltQC9w.
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Society of Bookworms Book Club - Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs
Wed, Sep 21, 4-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St., Palo Alto
Discuss a great book with your friends at the library! Grades 4-6.
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Bringing up Bicyclists Parent Ed
Mon, Oct 3, 7-8:30 pm, Ohlone Elementary School, MP Room, 950 Amarillo Ave., Palo Alto
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, see the flyer at the following link:
tinyurl.com/OhloneBUB2016
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eNews Publication Guidelines
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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.
- Announcements relevant to other schools in the PAUSD district can be sent 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 submissions from nonprofit organizations will be considered for placement in the 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, please contact Christy Moision, Fairmeadow's eNews editor, at fairmeadow.enews@gmail.com.
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