Paly Link

A PTSA publication
 

Sunday, Aug 20, 2017
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
Monday Aug 21
Fall Sports Parent Night @ 6:30 PM in MAC 
Thursday Aug 24
Back to School Night (Parents/Guardians) 
Wednesday Aug 30 Sports Booster Fundraiser at Kirk's from 4-9 pm NEW
Thursday Sep 7
8:30-10:00 am,  Principal Coffee/First PTSA Association Meeting  Paly Campus NEW
Thursday Sep 7
Paly rm 105  First  Paly Fiery Arts Booster Meeting   NEW
Friday
Sep 15
at Paly  3-6 pm,   5th Annual Fiery Arts Fall Glass Sale  NEW
Saturday Sep 16 at Paly 11-4 pm 5th Annual Fiery Arts Fall Glass Sale NEW

                                                                        Paly PTSA PTSA
Principal Coffee & First PTSA Association Meeting  NEW
Thursday, September 7, 8:30am Will be at Paly  - exact location TBD due to construction
Please join us for the first principal coffee of the school year immediately following the PTSA Association meeting.  All welcome to attend.  We will be hearing the latest updates from Principal Kim Diorio, and have an open forum for questions.  

Teachers Latte Carts Volunteer Sign Up NEW
Bring a morning treat for your student's favorite teacher to honor in his(her) name at PTSA host Latte Cart.  Write a thank you note to brighten his(her) day.  Help Set up, clean up and even bake treats for staff to enjoy with the latte cart on September 6th between 7:30am-10:15am.  Please consider sign up -  https://www.uptous.com/directS ignup/Y1La4hEU1vTsVy8b3kvOG8NA TMkP9FV8GW3sVism19c=  
Questions? please contact Adrianne Shih  [email protected] 
Sophie Tseng  sophie @apr.com Jessie Dai  jessie1886 @yahoo.com
Paly Giving
PiE Announces Challenge Grant NEW

PiE has just launched its 2017-2018 fundraising campaign. Please join us and help make a difference in the education of all kids in our community.  PiE funds go to every Palo Alto district school and help principals staff programs that deliver a well-rounded education.  In all Palo Alto schools, PiE's funding provides enrichment and support in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), the Arts, and Wellness and Support.  PiE-funded staff make a positive impact on our kids every day.
Double your impact. Between now and September 5, gifts and pledges will be matched by a $500,000 Back-To-School Challenge Grant. Please donate today at  http://papie.org/donate/ 

Dear Paly Families:

We strive for 100% participation!
The PTSA (Parent Student Teacher Association) supports non staffing needs at Paly through a variety of programs and initiatives, including - classroom technology and materials, challenge success and sources of strength, PSATs, printing and postage for student publications, parent education, staff appreciation, freshman orientation, community service day and so much more.
Our goal is to raise over $190,000 to be spent this school year. Please consider a donation of $260 per student for 2017-2018, any amount is appreciated. No gift is too big or too small. 
You can also drop off your checks and BTS packets to the front office.  
Many companies have gift matching programs to match the donation you made to PALY PTSA this year. By simply completing a matching-gift request to your company, you may be able to double-or even triple-the impact of your donation. Any amount of contribution will help PTSA do more to enhance your child's education. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful program.
To check if your or your spouse's company offers Corporate Matching program,  click here .  Thank you for your generosity.

Palo Alto High School: (ASB, Yearbook, etc.) Please donate online by clicking here

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; Please link here: http://palyptsa.paloaltopta.org/back-to-school-packet-2017-2018-school-year/
Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your continued support!
Paly Items Paly
paly viking ship logo

Fall Sports Parent Night 
Monday, August 21, at 6:30PM in the Media Arts Center ("MAC")
Paly Athletics hosts this seasonal parent meeting and all fall season athletes are expected to have a parent or guardian in attendance. There will be a large group meeting followed by individual team meetings.  This is your chance to meet the coach and hear all about the plans for the season. Questions?  [email protected]

Sports Boosters Fundraiser at Kirk's NEW
Wednesday, August 30, 4-9 pm
Dinner and a donation:  Bring your family and friends to eat at Kirk's Wednesday, August 30, 4-9pm and they will donate a % of every receipt to Paly Sports Boosters. It is easy - just mention Paly Sports Boosters at payment time and they will take care of the rest!    Kirk's is a great supporter of Palo Alto High School Sports.  Please join us in supporting a local business while they support our student athletes!  Questions: Lisa Rimsa  [email protected]

Paly Fiery Arts Booster Meeting  NEW 
Thursday, September 7, 6-7 pm, Art room 105, near HayMarket Theatre
Join us to learn about the amazing Paly Fiery Arts Glass studio and Sculpture program. Help support the upcoming Fall Sale Sept. This is the first Booster and board meeting of the school year. Everyone is welcome.  Contact Nancy Kawakita, Booster Chair at  [email protected]  for more information or Steve Ferrera, Art Instructor  [email protected] .

5th Annual Fiery Arts Fall Glass Sale at Palo Alto High School  NEW
Friday  September 15, at Paly  3-6 pm, in between the old and new Theatres 
Saturday September 16, at Paly  11-4 pm, in between the old and new Theatres
Come see exquisite new glass designs hand-blown by instructors, alumni and students.  Over 1000 unique glass pieces - pumpkins, pears, seashells, elephants, acorns, vases and more on sale to benefit Paly's Fiery Arts program. Come learn about the craft with live glass blowing demonstrations. Fall Sale flyer.  For more information contact [email protected]https://www.facebook.com/PalyFieryArts or https://www.sites.google.com/site/palyglass/home

Fiery Arts Glass Workshops at Palo Alto High School  NEW
Sat & Sun.   Sept. 22-23, Oct. 7-8, Nov. 4-5, Dec. 2-3, Jan. 6-7, 2018
9-3 pm at Palo Alto High School's Glass Studio, 50 Embarcadero Rd  
These workshops are open to the public, students and parents.  The 2 day weekend workshop focuses on beginning glass blowing techniques. It's an incredible hands-on experience.  Repeating  students progress from their last session.  Advanced Sign up required. Class limit is 4. Teens and adults.  $425 per person. Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto High School Fiery Arts Boosters. 
Contact: David Camner, founder of Paly Glass,  [email protected]
 

Library Information NEW
The library remodel is underway with a completion date of January 2019.  Until then students can work in the Student Center and access books in an adjacent portable P3.  We'd love to have some parent volunteers help us check out books this year. Please see https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U-zPQrjB2q7ZwtYT1y2yY59VxbtZ_AlHbiPHA_gNODQ/edit?usp=sharing for more details and sign up to help if you can. 

Yearbook Senior Portraits and parent baby ads NEW
Attention Paly Senior Parents: yearbook senior portraits and parent baby ads are both due on the same day, Friday October 13. If you are planning on making an appointment with a professional photographer, it's recommended that you confirm that date as soon as possible, as their slots book quickly. While the yearbook program does not provide a list of recommended photographers, most local Palo Alto studios have extensive experience in taking beautiful senior portraits. The yearbook staff will also be able to take a yearbook-suitable portrait during fifth period or lunch this year; email us at  [email protected]  to set up an appointment. You can find details on senior portraits and baby ads on our website: https://palymadrono.com/. Please contact adviser Brian Wilson at  [email protected]  if you have any questions.

Paly Gear  
Show your school spirit! New styles and old favorites! Available online at palysportsboosters.org/paly-gear/ or in person at Paly home football games, volleyball matches & the Back-to-School dinner on August 17th. Also by appointment - [email protected]. All proceeds benefit Paly Athletics.

Paly Sports Boosters Passes
Help support a vibrant Paly athletic community by purchasing a Sports Boosters pass! Passes are good for admission for Paly regular season home games for all sports during the 2017-2018 school year. Free VIKING SQUAD t-shirt with every Student Booster Pass (while supplies last). Order online: http://palysportsboosters.org/booster-passes/ or by mail.

Vote for Paly Site Council NEW
VOTE!!!  Below is the link to the ballot for Parent  Representatives on the Site Council.  Please take a moment to cast your vote for two (2) of the four (4) candidates:  
Thanks to Jennifer Jacobs, Dipti Joshi, Unmesh Sahasrabuddhe and Lien Vu for stepping up!
College & Career CenterPaly
C&CClogo.jpg
 
V olunteering in the College & Career Center (CCC) UPDATED LOCATION
The College and Career Center is located on the 1st floor of the Tower Building.  It is staffed by more than 40 parent volunteers who serve students and support our college and career advisors by performing administrative tasks and acting as the C&CC receptionist during a weekly 2 hour shift. Opportunities to work as a substitute or on special projects may also be available. Parents who sign up and work as substitutes and/or who work on special projects, will have priority for open "regular" shifts the following school year. To keep things running smoothly and seamlessly from year to year, we rely on returning volunteers for their experience in helping the CCC run efficiently.

New shifts begin the week of August 20th. 
For more information, contact C&CC Volunteer Coordinators Dara Knoblock ([email protected]) or Parissa Mohamadi ([email protected] ). The C&CC holds an open house after each parent night in the Fall so there are other opportunities to get to know more about C&CC. There is also a wealth of information in Naviance and on www.paly.net/college
Community Paly
Project Safety Net (PSN) Collaborative Action Teams Meeting
NEW
Wed, Aug 23, 3:30-5:30 PM, Rinconada Library, Embarcadero Room, 1213 Newell Rd
Please join PSN for a presentation from PSN Partner-In-Action, Nadia Ghaffari, founder of TeenzTalk.org, a website that serves as a platform for teens all over the world to share their stories regarding mental health
 
Beginning Sanskrit Classes
NEW

St. Marks Episcopal church, 600 Colorado Ave. Palo Alto CA 94306
Samskrita Bharati Palo Alto is organizing Sanskrit Classes for children (K-3rd grade) and adults for the school year 2017-18. Beginners are welcome. Classes will begin Sunday, September 10th at 3pm. 
 
Palo Alto Chinese School is Accepting New Enrollment for 2017-2018
NEW
School year starts on Fri Aug 18, at JLS Middle School
Palo Alto Chinese School has been serving the community in Chinese language instructions for 54 years, and is still accepting new enrollment. Class meets every Friday 7-9 PM at JLS Middle School. There are two tracks. The Mandarin track is offered from Preschool to Grade 12, for students from heritage families. The Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) track is offered from intro, beginning, intermedia to advanced level for students with various exposer to Chinese language. Please join us for a school open house and classroom visit on 8/18, and 8/25.  For more info, check  http://www.paloaltochineseschool.org or email contact@ paloaltochineseschool.org.
 
Enjoy! Palo Alto Photo Contest
NEW
Now until October 31, 2017
Calling all photographers!  Submit your favorite photos to the Enjoy! Palo Alto Photo Contest that showcases all the great things that Palo Alto offers and win prizes!  The contest calls on photographers across Palo Alto to celebrate the community parks, open space, special events, public art, theatres and museums managed by our Community Service DepartmentWinners will be chosen in 11 different categories.  The City of Palo Alto Community Services Department is proud to offer programs, activities and parks to meet all the needs of your family and to sustain a positive quality of life!  More info at:  https://enjoypaloaltophotocontest.wishpond.com/home/ 
Submit your photos at: 
 
Effective Discipline with Your Strong-Willed Child (2 Sessions)
NEW
Thu, Sept 7 & Sept 14, 7 - 9 PM, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301
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.  Fee:$90 for 2 sessions Register at: 
 
13 Conversations About "13 Reasons Why"
NEW
Wed, Sept 13, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Parents Place,  200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301
 
The Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" is an unflinching look at suicide, teen cruelty, rape culture, and adolescent emotional turmoil and trauma.  Teens and tweens are entrenched in a world of social media that may give the illusion of connectivity, but can just as easily be isolating.  Although the series advocates for communication and basic human decency, it doesn't explore the role of depression and other underlying mental health concerns.  Join us for an important discussion about how to talk with your teen or tween about these topics in a way that is approachable, informed, and open. With Havi Hall.  Fee: $45   Register at:
 
Navigating Boyhood
NEW
Sat, Sep 26, 7 - 9 PM,   Parents Place,  200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301
Let's face it. Boy behavior can be challenging. In this workshop, you'll learn how to meet your son's basic internal needs so that cooperation, confidence and connection come easily in every area of his life. You'll gain practical tools for discipline that will help him cooperate before, during and after any challenge. With: Rachel Sklar, MSW. Register at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigating-boyhood-preschoolelementary-registration-35885837506
 
Love to Sing? Ragazzi Boys Chorus Auditions Now
NEW
By appointment through September; 178 Clinton St, Redwood City
Ragazzi Boys Chorus, a CBS news 'best choir of the Peninsula', will teach your boy to sing! Schedule your 7-10 year old boy for a fun group audition. He'll learn a song and have a blast; no prior experience or preparation needed to try out. Boys start slow, then grow. Ragazzi's opportunities include singing the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game, Opera roles, collaborations with Stanford's choruses and the San Francisco Symphony-and even world-wide touring. Appointments and more info:  ragazzi.org/join-us/  Watch:  www.youtube.com/user/RagazziBoys?feature=watch
 
Ragazzi Boys Chorus' Music and Movement class open
NEW
Register Now; Mondays, Sept. 18 - Dec. 4, 178 Clinton St, Redwood City
Ragazzi Boys Chorus' engaging class for active young boys is now open. It's a great option for boys not quite old enough for Ragazzi's main program. This class is tailored for boys ages 5-7 with little or no previous musical experience. A child-developmental approach fosters boys' creativity and curiosity. Students explore rhythm games, channel their energy through music learning and learn concepts they can apply in any musical setting.  $264 for 12 weeks; sibling discounts. Contact  [email protected] , 650-342-8785. Register & more info at  http://ragazzi.org/join-us/music-movement/
 
FIRST Robotics Community Team 6036 seeking new members
NEW
 
 
Team 6036, a community team for the 2017 FIRST robotics competition season is seeking new members to join the team. The team has been active for 2 years and is open to all area high schoolers interested in coding, computer design, graphic design, robotics, electronics, marketing and finance. Students will work alongside adult mentors to design, build and promote their robotic creation. For more information visit  www.peninsularobotics.org  or contact Pam Morgenfeld at  [email protected] .
 
Project Cornerstone's Middle School Faire
NEW
Thu, Aug 24, 9.30 - 11.30AM, 80 Saratoga Av., Santa Clara CA 95051
The Middle School Faire provides school teams and individuals with ideas for creating moments in time where youth feel valued, respected and known at school.  Participants can expect to take away ideas for strengthening an asset building lifestyle with students, staff, adult volunteers and families at your middle school.  We will hear from experienced panelists, then share ideas in an informal "Faire" (booths of club and activity tips). Teams of caring adults, or individuals looking for ideas to empower youth are welcome to attend! The Middle School Faire is a great opportunity to share ideas for giving youth the voice and choice they need to create safe and caring spaces at school.
Registration is now open at the following link:
http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/60b0945aba72d6-middle
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 the Thursday before the Sunday of publication. Ideally items run for 2 weeks, and no more than 3 weeks. Please do not submit items earlier than 3 weeks before the event.

To submit an item, send to [email protected]See submission instructions here. Include a header or title line, then a line listing the date, time and location of the event. Follow with a brief (2-4 sentence) description of the activity, with the most important information first. List email, contact information and web links last.  Items are published at the discretion of the editors. 

--Emanuela Todaro, Vini Jain, and Pete Cockerell Paly Link Editors
--Bala Aiyar, Paly Link List Manager and Gordon Craig, Paly Link Webmaster 
Click Here to sign up a new email address to receive the Link. Click on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link below to update an existing address.

Paly Link on the Web, Paly PTSA Web Site,
Paly Web Site, Paly Sports

Palo Alto PTA Council Web SiteParent Education Events
Community Service, Community Sports  
Join Our Mailing List