Fairmeadow eNews 10/16/17

October 16 , 2017

Fairmeadow News

Principal's Coffee

Friday, October 20, 8:45-10:00 am, MP Room

Please join Mr. Althouse for the October Principal's Coffee this Friday to learn more about our mathematics curriculum, Bridges in Mathematics, through a presentation, simulations, and sharing of resources.

Walkathon Update - New Date!

Sunday, October 29, 11am-3pm
Click here to register now!
As you know, the Walkathon was rescheduled due to poor air quality. While disappointing, this change gives you more time to peruse the Walkathon Catalog and practice your Thriller dance moves!

How can YOU support Fairmeadow as we ROCK THE WALK?

Volunteer! Please consider giving an hour of your time to help out at the event. Click here to sign up.
Sign up for a Walkathon Party! On Sunday, 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 is online.
Bring a Bake Sale Treat! Bring an item for the bake sale. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Bring Socks & Hats! Your child can earn bonus laps by wearing a hat and bringing 4+ pairs of new adult-sized socks & travel-size toiletries to be donated to LifeMoves.
Be a part of the Fairmeadow Flash Mob! Get your Thriller on - attend a Flash Mob practice (this Wednesday, 10/18 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, 10/22 at 5:00 pm in the MP Room) or learn the moves online. No dance experience necessary - let's have fun and show our school spirit on Sunday!

Staff Luncheon Hosted by 4th Grade Families

Hello 4th Grade Families!

The staff luncheon this month is on Thursday, October 26th, and is being hosted by 4th grade families. These monthly luncheons give us a chance to show our appreciation for all that the Fairmeadow staff does for our children. They allow the entire faculty and staff to come together over a meal and they really enjoy and look forward to it. This month's theme is Sandwiches.

Please consider signing up to contribute food to the luncheon. In addition, we need a few people to come to the luncheon to help with set-up and clean-up. These jobs do not take long. Click here to sign-up to contribute a dish or help out!

If you have trouble accessing the Google doc, please email Sachi Messerian with the dish you want to bring.

Is your child not in 4th grade? Click here for a list of staff luncheons scheduled for this school year.

PAUSD News

Unity Day 2017 - When We Stand Together, No One Stands Alone. Palo Alto's 5th Annual Unity Day! Wear Orange to Show Your Support!

Wednesday, October 25th, all PAUSD schools

PAUSD will celebrate Unity Day 2017 to show that our community is united against bullying, and promotes kindness towards all students. Each school will participate in its own way, so find out what your school is doing. Also, join in sending a message that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion by wearing Orange on Wednesday, October 25th!

Unity Night -- Social Emotional Learning Community Event

Wed, Oct 25, 6:30-8:00 pm, Palo Alto High School, Media Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Rd

You're invited to hear from special guest R. Keeth Matheny, a nationally recognized Social Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher, advocate, and author. He returns to lead participants through a selection of lessons from the School Connect program being piloted at Paly and Gunn. Participants will engage in activities focused on building the SEL soft skills of active listening, disagreeing without being disagreeable, and building understanding and empathy for others. Open to PAUSD families from all grades and schools, and all Palo Alto Community Members. Mandarin and Spanish interpretation will be available. Co-hosted by PAUSD, Palo Alto Council of PTAs and the Palo Alto CAC. Register here.

PiE Rally Days - Challenge Grant

Generous PiE supporters have offered a brand new Challenge Grant to PiE. Please donate or make a pledge by October 16th and we can give an additional $235,000 to PAUSD students. Every gift counts. Gifts and pledges made by October 16th will be matched by a $235,000 Rally Days Challenge Grant. This is the final Challenge Grant for the year, so please join PiE in supporting our children. If you have already given or pledged, thank you so much! If not, now is a great time to make your impact!

PTAC News

Movie & Discussion for Families. The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia

Tue, Oct 17, 6:30 - 8 pm, Palo Alto High School, Haymarket Theater, 50 Embarcadero Rd

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Join us for this new eye-opening movie: a dyslexic high schooler pursues admission to a leading college - a challenge for a child who didn't learn to read until 4th grade. Additional accounts of the dyslexic experience from children, experts, and iconic leaders at the top of their fields help us to understand that dyslexia, a persistent problem with reading, can be both a gift and an obstacle. Discussion and Q&A following the film. Students and teachers are welcome to attend. Co-sponsored by Palo Alto CAC and PTAC. For questions contact [email protected].

"The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation"

Tue, Oct 17, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, PAUSD Boardroom, 25 Churchill Ave

Join us for the screening of "The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation." Kim Kruckel, Executive Director of the Child Care Law Center based in San Francisco, and a leader in early childhood education will moderate the discussion and questions following the film. You can watch the 11 minute trailer at here. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 and the program begins at 7:00.

Community News

Start a Conversation: Learn How You Can Talk to Young People About Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

Wed, Oct 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, Aquarius Theater, Palo Alto

This is a special, for-adults-only screening of Escalation - The One Love Foundation's film that follows a young relationship from its very happy beginnings to a tragic end - followed by a discussion led by One Love CEO Katie Hood. Come learn how to talk to young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships and ways that you can bring this critical conversation to your community. RSVP here or contact Sarah Bigler for more information.

Fostering Resilience in Children and Teens and Why It Matters

Fri, Oct 20, 7:30-9:00 pm, Memorial Auditorium, 551 Serra Mall, Stanford

Raising resilient children and teens who thrive in our rapidly changing and uncertain world is no small task. What can parents do to best support mentally and physically healthy kids who are engaged in learning and have strong connections with friends, families, and their communities? It turns out, quite a lot. Join Challenge Success for an evening of education and inspiration to explore how parents can build resilience in our kids today and our adults of tomorrow. Open to the public. $10

Developmental Assets in Palo Alto: A Community Context (Project Safety Net Community Forum)

Wed, Oct 25, 3:30-5:30 pm, Rinconada Library, Embarcadero Room

Project Safety Net invites you to a community forum with Project Cornerstone and other local leaders to review Palo Alto specific results from the latest Developmental Assets Survey. Developmental Assets are the positive values, relationships, skills, and experiences that help young people thrive and become caring, responsible, successful adults. Because of its basis in youth development, resiliency, and prevention research, the Developmental Assets framework has become one of the most widely used approaches to positive youth development in the United States. Please contact [email protected] or (650) 329-2432 with questions. For more information, visit our website .

Stanford's Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research (CIBSR) Social Skills Study

CIBSR is recruiting for a Social Skills study and is looking for boys aged 8-18 with a developmental or intellectual disability to take part in a research study investigating the effect of behavioral training methods on duration of social gaze. Participation includes a visit to Stanford for 3-4 days, cognitive testing, two optional MRI scans, and social skills training with a behaviorist. For more information please click here.

Palo Alto Players present Peter Pan

Nov, 3-19, Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd

Fly along with that mischievous sprite to the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning as Palo Alto Players presents one of Broadway's most beloved family musicals, Peter Pan. Based on J.M. Barrie's classic story of the boy who refused to grow up and featuring dazzling flying effects by ZFX, Inc., Palo Alto Players' annual family offering will surely "hook" all those who truly believe. Recommended for all ages. Tickets ($25-55) can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 650-329-0891. Students/Educators enjoy $5 off regular priced tickets to any performance, except preview night. For more information, including show times, visit our website.

Community Meeting on Stanford University's General Use Permit

Thu, Oct 19, 6-8 pm, Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave

Santa Clara County has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for development proposed by Stanford University. There will be a public meeting in Palo Alto in the Palo Alto City Council Chambers to discuss the application and solicit public comment and feedback on the proposal. The community meeting will serve as an opportunity to hear about the proposed development and the process for reviewing it, including the opportunity for public engagement. It will also be a forum for the community to offer comments for consideration in the Final EIR. County Planning staff will also be on hand to describe the application, explain the process, and answer questions.

Join Little Vikes Cheer & Dance Team at Paly Football Game

Tue, Oct 17 and Thu, Oct 19, 3:45-5:15 pm; Fri, Oct 20, 5:00-8:15 pm, Palo Alto High School

Join the Paly Spirit Squad for two afternoon workshops and the Paly football game on Oct 20. Kids will cheer and perform with the Squad through halftime. One free adult entry to the game. Ages 3-14. $50 for workshops + game. Your fee is tax deductible and helps the team pay for uniforms, training and other essentials. More information here.

Shop for School Holiday Camps on ActivityHero to Raise Money for Palo Alto PTA

A reminder that PAUSD is off for Veterans Day and the full week of Thanksgiving this year. Our winter break is Dec 22 - Jan 7. High schools also have Jan 8 off. You can find holiday camps on ActivityHero and when you book online with this link, the PTA earns a % of your purchase.

Basketball Coaches Needed

The City of Palo Alto is looking for basketball coaches for the 7th and 8th grade season. Practices are Monday-Thursday, with Fridays being optional. Practices run for 90 minutes and can fall between the hours of 3:15-7:30. Games for B teams are all played in Palo Alto at our three middle schools, while the A teams play games from Palo Alto to Half Moon Bay. Pay is negotiable depending on experience, and volunteers are strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated. The City of Palo Alto is looking for coaches who can commit to their practice and game schedule, and who are dedicated to advancing these athletes' skills on and off the court. If you are or know anybody who would be interested, please email Patrick Rode to begin the hiring process.

Beat the Street for Little Feet

Sat, Oct 21, 9:30-11:30 am at Friend's Nursery School, 957 Colorado Ave

Friend's Nursery School is hosting its Second Annual Fall Fun Run Fundraiser. "Beat the Street for Little Feet" will include a fun 1 mile walk/run for the adults and a 50-yard dash for kids 8 and younger, coffee, bagels and fruit, face painting, pumpkin crafts, and music. Please sign up today and be sure to invite any friends and family who you think might enjoy this Friends community event. Pre-registration fees are $25 per adult and $15 per child; on-site fees are $30 per adult and $20 per child. All proceeds benefit the scholarship program, so that no family is turned away due to inability to pay. More info here.

"Make a Difference Day" Community Service

Sat, Oct. 21, 9:00 am - 2 pm, Gathering Point: DLA Piper LLP, 2000 University Ave

Join Youth Community Service for our annual Make a Difference Day! The day will kick off with breakfast and a guest speaker. Groups will then go out to volunteer at various service sites around the area. For more information and to register, visit youthcommunityservice.org. All Ages Welcome!

Celebration of Oneness Festival

Sat and Sun, Oct 21-22

Festival in Palo Alto the weekend of October 21-22 on the theme of the "Oneness of Humankind." Events include a Children's Festival in Mitchell Park on October 21 st from 10 am to 1 pm featuring live musical and artistic performances, storytelling and activity booths; a Performing Arts Show at Sofia University October 21 st from 7-9 pm featuring a diversity of dance and musical performance by local artists, and an art exhibition. Events are free and all are welcome.

Full list of events and details available here o r on Facebook. Email: [email protected] . Festival sponsored by the Palo Alto Baha'i Community.

Festival of Lights: A Diwali Celebration

Sun, Oct 29, 12-5 pm, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd, Embarcadero Room

Come celebrate Diwali at the Palo Alto City Library! We'll have music, dancing, henna, crafts, and lots more for the whole family to enjoy! Join us as we celebrate the cultures of our community. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. This free event features a variety of performances and activities that reflect the celebration!

Paly Cheer Fundraiser -- Order your Holiday Pies!

Fri, Oct 20 (order deadline), Tues, Nov 7 is pie pick-up at Paly 3:30-5:45 pm

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 here.

Project Cornerstone - for Parents and Caregivers!

The Palo Alto Unified School District is offering a free series of parent meetings open to all parents and caregivers. Join Project Cornerstone's engaging workshop, Take It Personally, starting Monday, October 30th from 8:05 to 9:35 am at Hoover Elementary School. You do not need to be a parent from Hoover, just an adult who cares about all kids.

Tap In Talents After School Program

Tap In Talents combines an amazing range of activities for all our students to develop. From exploratory time, to communication, learning a second language, and STEAM, our programs are both invigorating and engaging. We seek to nurture personal discovery, how to problem solve, be creative, work collaboratively with one another and communicate well, all which will prepare kids for the future.

We offer an exciting range of classes and courses to develop the WHOLE child and their unique talents, which can be taken as part of the After School Program or stand alone. We also offer exciting camps for days when our kids are out of school. Our next camp, Cooking Up Gratitude, is during Thanksgiving vacation. Click here to register.

For more information, please visit our website.

Information Nights for Parents of Rising 5th Graders

Are you wondering about the next big step in school for your child? Come learn about what to expect for the move to 6th grade! These evening events are hosted by PiE and replace their former fall middle and high school tours.

Terman: Wed, Oct 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, Cafetorium
Jordan: Wed, Oct 18, 7-9 pm, Multi-Purpose Room
JLS*: Thu, Oct 19, 7-9 pm, Cafetorium

At each school site, the Principal and other staff will provide insight on the school and what you can look forward to in this new chapter. Parents will share tips for a smooth transition. For more info, click here. Open to all current 5th grade parents. No reservations needed. Translators will be available for Spanish and Mandarin speakers. This evening is geared for adults. Childcare will not be provided.

* The JLS information night will not include specifics on the choice program, Connections. Detailed information on that program will be shared at a special Connections Information Night on Thursday, February 8, at 7:00 pm, hosted by JLS.

Special Education Administration Panel

Wed, Oct 18, 7-9 pm, Santa Rita Elementary, 200 Los Altos Ave, Los Altos

Staff from the Special Education Departments from Los Altos SD (Jennifer Keicher, Director), Mountain View Whisman SD (Gary Johnson, Director), Mountain View Los Altos High SD (Kara Oettinger, Program Specialist) and Palo Alto Unified SD (Jennifer Baker, School Psychologist) will participate in a moderated panel discussion and respond to questions about issues in special education. A great way for new families to learn more! If you have questions now to start the evening, please submit them to [email protected].

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 would like to make a submission, please contact Christy Moision , Fairmeadow's eNews editor.