Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews

Where Learning is a Team Sport!
November 7 , 2016
Fairmeadow News
Auditions Soon for Fairmeadow Play "Aladdin"
The award winning Palo Alto Children's Theatre (PACT) is coming back to Fairmeadow this year to produce another outreach play! This year's play is "Aladdin," the classic tale of an impoverished boy's quest to win the hand of a Princess, the beautiful daughter of the Sultan. This is a golden opportunity for our students to work with theatre professionals in the comfortable setting of their own school. All children who audition receive roles in the play. Open to all 3rd-5th graders. Audition Dates:
  • 3rd Graders: Wed, Nov 16, 1:40-3:00 pm
  • 4th-5th Graders: Thurs, November 17, 3:00-5:00 pm

Those with conflicts can come either day. Performance dates are January 26-28.

Rainy Day School Commutes
With more wet weather on the way, the Safe Routes to School team has some tips:
Be Safe on Slick Streets
Teach your child to be more cautious and alert than usual. Drivers are often frustrated because of the extra congestion that comes with rain. Also, young children should be taught that it takes vehicles longer to stop on slick streets. Learning and practicing basic rainy day street skills prepares children to navigate streets safely when they become more independent.  When you drive on rainy days, please allow extra time so you can reduce your speed to avoid slipping. All road users should be vigilant in these conditions.
Gear Up for Rain!
Gear up to enjoy a little puddle jumping on the way. Dressing in brightly colored umbrellas, boots, ponchos, and raincoats ensures children will be comfortable and safely visible. Bikes should be equipped with fenders, lights, and reflectors.
Set Up a Rainy Day Carpool
If you can't walk or bike, consider carpooling to help reduce overcrowding in the school parking lot and on surrounding streets. Make an arrangement in advance with families you see on your walking and bicycling route, and have a text group or phone tree of rainy day carpool partners ready to share a ride when the clouds burst. Planning ahead reduces rainy day auto congestion and improves safety for everyone.

PAUSD  News
Renaming Schools Advisory Committee Community Town Hall Meeting
Mon, Nov 7, 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 topic distinguished historians and ethicists with expertise in Eugenics will discuss. The panelists will share their views on how to evaluate the legacy of those Palo Alto school namesakes who were also some of California's leading Eugenicists. They will look at Eugenics in the context of its time, the lasting impact Eugenics has in the US, and what learning opportunities a school renaming would provide our public school district. The panelists are: Mary Rorty, Clinical Associate Professor at the Stanford University Medical Center and a Fellow of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Milton Reynolds, Senior Program Manager of the 'Facing History and Ourselves' non-profit organization with focus on how historical events shape today's society, and Tony Platt, Prof Emeritus of American History, Public Policy and Social Science; University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, Cal State University Sacramento, San Jose State University. The town hall will be moderated by Ken Yale, and a representative from the Palo Alto Historical Society will share relevant events from Palo Alto's and our schools' history.

PTAC  News
Make Your Voice Heard for Your Child and School
November 8 is Election Day in California and across the nation
Laws enacted by local, state, and national bodies are primary sources of public policy. Securing adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth is one of the purposes of PTA.  As a non-partisan association with a long track record of speaking up for all families and connecting families, schools and communities, PTA never comments on, endorses, or supports individual candidates for office. However, the association does take positions on issues  that impact the education, health, and well-being of California's children and families. California State PTA takes positions based on our authorities: resolutions and position statements adopted by our members. PTAs also can sponsor and hold candidate forums and share resources. Find out more about how the California State PTA takes positions . This election day the California State PTA is supporting five statewide ballot initiatives . We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to register and  vote in this election! Learn more with these resources and information: PTA support on statewide ballot initiatives.  Research your local ballot  and  polling place.
Financial & Legal Planning for Students with Challenges
Wed, Nov 16, 7-9 pm, 
Santa Rita Elementary, 700 Los Altos Rd, Los Altos
Whether your student's challenges are mild or severe, hear this expert panel describe the long-term financial planning and legal checkpoints parents may encounter. Topics will include financial planning, trusts and special needs trusts, conservatorships, SSI/SSDI benefits, and Medi-Cal benefits. Panel members includes Ken Prodger, Ann Robbeloth, Lisa C. Bryant and Sara E. Hire. For more information, go to cacpaloalto.org or contact paloaltocac@gmail.com.

The next monthly support group for parents of students with IEPs, 504s, and learning differences will meet on November 14th from 7-9 pm in the Los Altos Library. All are welcome, participants are asked to respect confidentiality.
ADHD and Barriers to Learning: How Working Memory, Processing Speed, and Executive Functioning Challenges Impact Functioning
Thu, Nov 17, 9-11:00 am, Terman Middle School Cafetorium (check-in at Front Office for a visitor badge)
Learn about how children and adolescents with ADHD often have barriers to learning that are outside the diagnostic criteria of the disorder (e.g., weaknesses in attention and impulse-control). Dr. Vivien Keil, Neuropsychologist at Children's Health Council, will describe why it is crucial to consider these areas, specifically weaknesses in working memory, processing speed, and executive functioning as these are often just as impairing, if not more impairing, than the core symptoms of ADHD, particularly as students get older and the academic demands increase dramatically in middle and high schools. Attendees will learn ways to manage these areas of weakness, with a focus on compensatory strategies that parents and teachers can use to help support their students. Presented by the Parents Education Network and co-hosted by Terman Middle School and Palo Alto CAC for Special Education. Free for PAUSD parents and staff. Spanish translation available. RSVP here or contact paloaltocac@gmail.com.
La tarea TDAH y Barreras para el aprendizaje: Como Trabaja la Memoria, la velocidad de procesamiento y el funcionamiento ejecutivo a los desafíos de Impacto
Cuándo: Jueves 17 de Noviembre 9 a 11 am
Donde: Terman Middle School, 655 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto
Vivien Keil, PhD, Neuropsicólogo Personal y Gerente de Programa Clínico en el Consejo de Salud Infantil.  Los asistentes aprenderán sobre cómo los niños y adolescentes con TDAH con frecuencia tienen barreras para el aprendizaje que están fuera de los criterios de diagnóstico de la trastorno (por ejemplo, deficiencias en la atención y control de impulsos). Es crucial considerar estas áreas, específicamente las deficiencias en la memoria de trabajo, velocidad de procesamiento, y el funcionamiento ejecutivo, ya que son a menudo y sin menoscabar, el mayor deterioro, las de los síntomas principales del TDAH, especialmente cuando los alumnos crecen y aumentan dramáticamente las exigencias académicas, como en las escuelas intermedias y secundarias. Los asistentes aprenderán la forma de gestionar estas áreas de debilidad, con un enfoque en estrategias compensatorias que los padres y los maestros pueden utilizar para ayudar a sus estudiantes. Presentado por Parents Education Network y co-organizado por Terman Middle School y Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education. Gratis para padres y personal del PAUSD. Comuníquese con paloaltocac@gmail.com o con RSVP aquí.

Community  News
Silicon Valley Boychoir Auditions
Fridays in November by Appointment, Palo Alto
Audition for the January 2017 semester and join 80 other boys across four levels. Auditions are held at the choir's rehearsal location in Palo Alto (600 Homer Ave). Open to boys ages 7 and up. High school and middle school boys with experience may audition for upper levels. SVB provides a personalized approach to teaching singing, music theory, and sight-singing, and provides flexible scheduling for busy families. In addition to their own winter and spring concerts, SVB performs for local events including performances at Stanford University, West Bay Opera, and singing the national anthem at sporting events. Email info@svboychoir.org or visit svboychoir.org.
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) Opens Its 51st Season
Nov 13, 3 pm (Debut Orchestra)
Dec 18, 3 pm Holiday Extravaganza (Senior Orchestra)
Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. 
Admission is FREE except for the Holiday Extravaganza (Adults $10, 18 & under free)  Award-winning youth orchestra PACO's Senior Orchestra will open its season with music by Handel, Britten, and more. There is something for everyone at PACO concerts from small ensemble pieces to orchestra music as these dedicated musicians present an extraordinary passion for music making! Mark your calendars for the Holiday Extravaganza with guest performers from the Pacific Ballet Academy and Cantabile Youth Singers. More info and compete line-up of concerts on the  2016-17 season brochure  or visit  pacomusic.org .
City to Host Veterans Day Recognition Event
Mon, Nov 7, 3-6:30 pm, El Palo Alto Room, Mitchell Park Community Center 
In honor of all Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members, the City is hosting a Veterans Day Recognition Event on Nov 7. There will be Veterans services and resource tables open from 3-4 pm with the recognition event beginning at 4 pm. Lieutenant General Rex C. McMillian, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, will be in attendance to share his experiences serving the nation. The public is invited to come salute our military members and Veterans are encouraged to dress in uniform.  For more information, please email Janice Svendsen or call 650-329-2105.
SafeTALK - Suicide Prevention Workshop
Mon, Nov 7, 9 am - 12 pm, Gunn High School (Library), 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto
Sponsored by PAUSD and Santa Clara County Behavioral Health, this half-day training program teaches participants to recognize and engage persons who might be having thoughts of suicide and to connect them with community resources trained in suicide intervention. Register here.
Palo Alto Philharmonic Fall Chamber Concert
Sat, Nov 12, 8 pm, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto
Featuring the works of Richard Strauss, Johannes Brahms, Arcangelo Corelli, and Morley Calvert. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.
Huge Children's Used Book Sale to Benefit Palo Alto Libraries
Sat & Sun, Nov 12 & 13, 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.
Dance Connection's 18th Annual Nutcracker Ballet
Fri, Dec 2, 7 pm & Sat, Dec 3, 4 pm, Smithwick Theater, Foothill College
Mark your calendars for Dance Connection's 18th Annual Nutcracker Ballet! An entertaining, child-friendly, and professionally executed production the whole family will enjoy! Tickets go on sale through the Dance Connection website beginning October 24th. Reserved seating. More info here.
Knitting for Charity
Wed, Nov 9, 4-6 pm, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Do you enjoy knitting and giving back to the community? The hats will be part of a holiday gift bag given to those living with mental illness in Santa Clara County, many of whom have little or no family support. Please join us to knit on November 9th, or bring in hats you've already knitted from now through November 15th. Supplies are provided! Information and registration here.
Make a difference: Tutor Low Income East Palo Alto 5th Graders in Reading or Writing (8 one-hour sessions)
If you've enjoyed helping in your own child's classroom, or just love literacy, please consider tutoring 5th graders at Brentwood School in East Palo Alto (near IKEA). It is a special project to work with low income students from February 6th to March 31st. Volunteers would work in the same classroom one day per week for an hour, either at 9:45 am (reading) or 11:40 am (writing). All Students Matter provides a brief training in January and coordinates all details. You can make a real difference! To sign up, visit allstudentsmatter.org or to learn more contact Keri Tully.
Society of Bookworms Book Club - The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
Wed, Nov 16, 4-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Discuss a great book with your friends at the library! Grades 4-6.
Friday Fun
1st Friday of Every Month, 3:30-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Drop in for board games, simple crafts, and a couple of rounds of Bingo!
Lego Friday
3rd Friday of Every Month, 3:30-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Let your imagination soar and come build with us! No registration required. For all ages.
Family Date Night - Let's Glow! A Mind Glowing 
Experience!
Fri, Nov 18, 7-8:15 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Join us for games, crafts, and glowing fun!
Afternoon Adventure: Movie Showing
Wed, Nov 23, 3:30-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Relax and enjoy a movie and snacks at the Children's Library. Grades K-5. No registration required.

Archives and Publication Guidelines
Fairmeadow eNews is a publication of the Fairmeadow PTA. Previous editions of eNews can be found at the  eNews archive  page.  Please see the PTA website for the eNews Publication Guidelines If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact  Christy Moision , Fairmeadow's eNews editor.
In This Issue
Important Dates
Nov 8 Election Day
Nov 11 Veterans Day - No School
Nov 23-27 Thanksgiving - No School
Quick Links