Paly Link

A PTSA publication


 

Sunday, January 22, 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 Submission Guidelines at the end.
Calendar
 
Wednesday
25, Feb. 1, 15
Brainstorm Book Club: Continuing the Conversation about the Teenage Brain
(PTSA)  Choose Gunn or Paly campus
Wednesday Jan 25
8th Grade Parent Night (for 17-18 incoming students)
Wednesday
January 25
PTSA Meeting, Principal Coffee,9 a.m Paly Library EWC
Thursday Jan 26
Winter Rally (Alternate Schedule)
Saturday
January 28
27th Annual Black College Awareness (BCA) Fair 
10 am - 3 pm, at Stanford's Tresidder Union
Mon-Tues Jan 30-31
Counselors at JLS for rising 9th grade presentation
Wednesday Feb 1
Counselor at Terman for rising 9th grade presentation

Wednesday Feb 1
Sophomore Parent Night, 7pm, PAC ( Paly)   New
Friday
February 3
Club Day 2
Tuesday
Feb 7 American Mathematics Competition (Paly
Tues-Weds Feb 6-7 Counselors at Jordan for rising 9th grade presentation
Tues-Weds Feb 13-14 Counselors return to JLS for rising 9th grade course selection
Thursday Feb 15 Counselor returns to Terman for rising 9th grade course selection
Weds-Thurs Feb 21-22
Counselors return to Jordan for rising 9th grade course selection
Thursday March 16
College Admission Officer Panel, 7pm , HayMarket Theater - Save the Date! (Paly)
New 
Tues. - Fri. Mar. 28-31 Smarter Balanced testing for 11th graders (Schedule).  12th graders will be piloting the new State Science test called the CAST.  Details will be sent soon.
 

PTSA
PTSA Items
Brainstorm Book Club: Continuing the Conversation about the Teenage Brain
Focusing on Part 2 of the book, "The Brain", same program offered morning and evening 
Wed Jan 25,  7:00-8:30 pm, Gunn HS Library
Please come join us for a more in-depth discussion of Dr. Dan Siegel's book  Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain.  We will discuss the main ideas in the book and how to apply them to our own parenting, and try out some of Dr. Siegels "Mindsight tools".   Please join us,  whether or not you attended the first meeting!   The morning sessions will be held at Paly and led by Cari Anderson (psychologist/Paly parent), and the evening sessions will be held at Gunn led by Kirsten Daehler (educator/ Gunn parent) and Maria Daehler (child psychiatrist/Gunn parent).  You are welcome to attend either at Paly or Gunn, whichever is more convenient for you.  Free, no registration needed, come when you can!   We will have a few copies of the book for purchase ($18.50, cash or check only).    Please contact Cari Anderson,  cari@sundy.net ,  if you have any questions.
Future sessions:
Part 3:   Feb. 1  8:30-10:00 am, Paly EWC (in the library) or 7:00-8:30 pm, Gunn HS Library
Part 4:   Feb 15, 8:30-10:00 am, Paly EWC (in the library) or 7:00-8:30 pm, Gunn HS Library

Principal Coffee & General PTSA Meeting
January 25, 2017  9:00 am Paly Library EWC
Please join us for the third PTSA meeting and principal coffee of the school year.  Agenda located on uptous, under file sharing.  We will be electing the nominating committee, asking for approval of the budget revision and hearing the latest updates from Principal Kim Diorio.  There will be an open forum for questions.  All welcome to attend.

Save the Date! College Admission Officer Panel New
March 16th 7pm Haymarket Theater
The Paly CCC will be hosting a panel of colleges to give an overview of the college admissions.  More details will be posted to PTSA site, UpToUs and Eventbrite.
Any question or comment, please contact Adrianne Shih < adrianne.shih@gmail.com>, Diana Pang < dianapang@yahoo.com> or Jake Wellington

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed:  Throughout the School Year
Looking for a way to support others in an impactful, immediate and easy way?  Please consider being a Meals on Wheels Volunteer for our Paly community!  The Meals on Wheels program brings emergency meals to Paly families in crisis.  If you would like to volunteer, please sign up here: 
Meals on Wheels Sign Ups   Your kindness is greatly appreciated!  Thank you!
Are you a family in crisis and in need of help with some comforting dinners delivered to your door?   That's what the Meals on Wheels volunteers are here for! They are ready and happy to help!  Please contact Lori Merritt at  lomerritt@yahoo.com or call 650-644-6876.  Include any dietary restrictions. 
Paly ItemsPaly
paly viking ship logo


California Scholarship Fund Signup   New
Signups end January 30
Students can sign up now for the California Scholarship Foundation with last semester's grades. Students who have mostly A's and B's qualify to be members of CSF. The signup form and additional information can be found here:  http://bit.ly/Palycsfspring17

Yearbook Prices go up on Feb 15 New
The 2017 Madrono yearbook is on sale now for $75. This price is only good through  February 14, when it increases to $90. You can purchase a yearbook by going to  paly.net and clicking on 'webstore.' If you'd still like to buy a yearbook, save $15 by purchasing before 2/14.

FOOD COORDINATOR FOR THE PALY CAREER SPEAKERS SERIES DESPERATELY NEEDED!!
The Career Speakers Committee (run completely by students) is in need of an adult to help organize the lunches for the Career Speakers Series.  The Career Speakers Series is starting on February 28th and takes place every lunch period until March 9th. We need an adult to order the food and oversee the lunches (this could be 2 different people). This is a fabulous event. The students have lined up another great group of speakers from all different walks of life but they need help with this task. If you are available or would like more information please contact Beth Martin, Paly Volunteer Coordinator, at Bmartin@pausd.org. Thanks very much. 

Sophomore Parent Night  New
Weds, Feb 1, 7:00- 8:30pm, PAC
Please join us for an informational evening for the parents of Sophomores.  We will cover an assortment of topics from Student Wellness Programs, Paly's Three-Tiered Guidance Program, Academic Planning to meet Graduation and 4-yr College Eligibility Requirements to a typical Junior Schedule.
We hope to see you there! --The Paly Guidance Team

PALY MEDIA ARTS CENTER - OPEN HOUSE for Parents - Info about electives Updated
Wed, February 1,  6:30 - 8:30 pm, Paly Media Arts Center
  Please join us for the second annual Paly Media Arts Center (MAC) Open House and let students show you their work and see where all the award-winning Paly publications are created. This is a great opportunity to see students' photography exhibits, tour the MAC's video production, digital radio and TV broadcasting facility, and see students busy creating their publications, including The Campanile, which will be in full production mode, and C-mag, Verde, Viking, Mardrono and The Paly Voice, which will each be represented.  Check out the different electives your student can enjoy.
Drinks and dessert will be served.  For questions email : Kim Robins -  korobins@yahoo.com

ALT schedule for AMC testing Tuesday 2/7/17 
8:15 - 8:45 Dept. Meetings
8:50 - 9:55 Tutorial (except for Math)
10:00-11:35 2nd period
11:35 - 12:10 Lunch
12:15 - 1:45 Period 4
1:55 - 3:25 Period 6

Smarter Balanced testing for 11th graders  (Schedule
Mar. 28-Mar. 31.  12th graders will be piloting the new State Science test called the CAST.  Details will be sent soon.

Student Design Contest for Paly 5K Fun Run
Designs Due January 26
Paly Sports Boosters are looking for students to create a t-shirt design for the first annual Paly 5K Fun Run.  The Fun Run will be on Saturday, March 25, but we need to select a design long before then.  The due date for design entries is January 26.  If you are interested, send your design or any questions to  roycraig@pacbell.net.  The designs should be no larger than a 9-inch square, and should include the event name (Paly 5K Fun Run).  The maker of the winning design will get free entry into the run, a free t-shirt, and a $50 visa gift card. 

Calling all Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior Girls. Play field hockey for the Vikings! 
Half of the schools in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League have girls' field hockey teams: Cupertino High School, Homestead High School, Los Altos High School, Los Gatos High School, Lynbrook High School, Monte Vista High School, and Saratoga High School. We would like Paly to have a girls' field hockey team too. If you would like to play field hockey for Paly, sign the online petition. We can only make this happen with your support, so commit to play today by signing up here: https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/palo-alto-high-girls-field-hockey-team.html

Attention senior parents: Baby Ads
If you turned in a yearbook baby ad, you should have received a PDF proof in your email already. If you submitted a baby ad but did NOT receive a proof, please email adviser Brian Wilson at  bwilson@pausd.org. Also, if you missed the submission deadline but still want to submit an ad, we have a few slots left; please send an email if this is the case.

Paly Speech & Debate!
We're excited to announce the dates for the 13th annual Palo Alto Speech and Debate Camp!
Dates:Session 1: June 13-17
Session 2: July 31-Aug 4
Our camp centers around providing students with an introduction to speech and debate. The goal of our camp is to prepare students for competition in these activities once they go to high school. 
On top of that, speech and debate are both life skills as they teach students to express themselves and be more articulate. Second year campers have the opportunity to be placed in a more advanced classroom setting, while first year campers will be given more of an introduction to speech and debate.
Here is the link to this year's registration: Paly Speech and Debate Camp 2017
Keep in mind that we do offer need based financial aid, if you have questions about this please send us an email. 
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at palyspeechanddebatecamp@gmail.com!

Call for Mentors!  Rise Together Education (RTE) 
relies on community members to inspire, motivate, and encourage students as they navigate the college preparation process. An RTE mentor may help a high school junior or senior:
  • navigate nationalized testing (ACT or SAT)
  • edit essays
  • guide students through the application process
  • apply for scholarships
  • and other needs related to pursuing a college education
To ensure that students are able to foster strong relationships with their mentors, as well as to make sure students academic needs are met, we require all mentors to commit to at least 1-year with RTE. Of course, we'd love for mentors to follow students through the years and continue to provide support. Interested in Mentoring? Fill out this  form so we can learn more about you. 
Paly Sports Booster Passes for Winter/Spring Sports, reduced rates!
See  http://paly.net/boosters/sports-boosters for more information. Reduced Rates!  Available for purchase online. Students, $20, Single $25, Family $40; Seniors $15! Here is the new form.
College & Career Center CCC
C&CClogo.jpg 


Connecting Lives Sharing Cultures
AFS, the largest exchange program with the mission of promoting cultural understanding as a way to bring peace to the world, has an informal information event on Feb 11th.  You and your family can learn about the global programs and scholarships available to you and talk to local students who have studied abroad. Bring a friend and your questions.
Event details: February 11th at 12pm at the Redwood City Roundtable Pizza. More info and RSVP: http://evite.me/tnPhBHFNGS

Out of State Colleges Presentation - Thurs., Feb. 2nd - 7 pm Library Conference Room
Come learn more about out-of-state public colleges and universities. Especially in light of the State budget crisis and its impact on CA higher education, out-state-public colleges offer many benefits. Topics discussed will include:
- number of open spaces (compared to CSU and UC)
- more/different majors than CSUs/UCs
- weather and travel considerations
- Western Undergraduate Exchange program (participation and restrictions) and scholarships
- honors programs
Director of Admissions and Recruitment for Arizona State University, Brad Baertsch, will present.

27th Annual Black College Awareness (BCA) Fair 
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 10 am - 3 pm, at Stanford's Tresidder Union.
- Meet representatives from HBCUs
- Meet representatives from local colleges and universities
- Attend workshops on college prep, admissions, and financial aid
- Listen to panel discussions by recent college graduates on life at an HBCU
- Obtain valuable college resource and scholarship information.
Free; continental breakfast and lunch provided.  More info at  www.bcafair.org  RSVP:  register@bcafair.org 

ACE Mentor Program 
Interested in learning more about career options in the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering fields?  The ACE Mentor Program is a free after-school program where groups of high school students meet with a team of mentors (professionals from these fields) for 15 weeks.  The Spring 2017 schedule includes: t ours of local construction sites and  industry offices, p resentations about the ACE fields from guest  speakers and mentors, g roup design challenges including the CIRT  national design project. No prerequisites or special skills required.
Form more information about the ACE PEN1 p lease email to Cynthia Munoz at  cynthia@ stoeckerandnorthway. com  
If you would like to sign up for the program, you can register for this upcoming year at  http://acementor.org/ students/new-student- registration/ .

Paly Community Scholarship Program application for Seniors due Jan. 20
The sponsors of various community scholarships ask Paly's Scholarship Committee to nominate and/or select students to be considered for/receive awards. To be participate in this scholarship program, students must complete the Paly Community Scholarship Application and return it to Ms. Cernobori (hard copy) by January 20th.
Students received a copy of the program application via Schoology from their TAs but can also access the application, here:  http://paly.net/sites/default/files/PalyCommScholarApp17.pdf
A reminder that students who want to be considered for need-based scholarships in the program must provide family financial information on the last page of the application; in addition, these applicants are also required to submit a copy of the Student Aid Report (including the EFC) they receive after filing the FAFSA along with their scholarship application.  This information is kept confidential.   Samples of acceptable EFC documentation can be found here:  http://www.paly.net/sites/default/files/EFC_docs.pdf 
Please refer to my Nov. 28 email for information about applying for need-based financial aid using the FAFSA.  Be sure to check each campus website for deadlines and other forms required in addition to FAFSA, if applicable.
There are numerous other scholarship opportunities that students can pursue on their own; refer to the handout distributed Advisory or visit:  http://www.paly.net/college/scholarship_resources

Lunchtime Speaker Needed 
The Paly Career Month Lunchtime Speaker Series Team is in the process of planning the March 2017 Career Month! As always, we need speakers from various fields so if you know anyone who you think would make a good speaker please email us at  palycareermonth@gmail.com  with recommendations and their contact information. 
Additionally, an important part of the Career Month Speaker Series is the fact that we supply a free lunch to students who attend these talks. Unfortunately, this food is not free, so we need donations from parents to make this a possibility. The recommended donation is $10, but we appreciate any contribution.
Please make a donation at  https://goo.gl/sohdKj
For more info about this event, please visit  this page and click on "Career Education."

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.

Scholarships and contests/competitions expiring through February 3, 2017
Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars--Deadline 1/29 NEW                    
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations--Deadline 1/31  NEW
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative--Deadline 2/1  NEW
National Co-Op Scholarship--Deadline 2/1  NEW
Bovard Scholars---University of Southern California--Deadline 2/2 NEW            
San Jose Scottish Rite Foundation--Deadline 2/3   NEW
The Peninsula College Fund--Deadline 2/3   NEW
PAUSD PAUSD


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/jfe/form/SV_8JuFGmlO3CJ3Qgd   

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

Arts Education Volunteers Needed
The Palo Alto Council of PTA's  http://ptac.paloaltopta.org/  seeks Arts Education Volunteers to support high quality arts education for all students and to share best practices and programs.  Goals might include communicating about visual and performing art programs taking place at PAUSD schools and encouraging collaborative opportunities.  All PTA members (both parents and teachers) are welcome to volunteer.  Please contact PTAC President Audrey Gold  ( president@paloaltopta.org ) if interested.
 Community Service
Community Service Online Course for High School Students  New
Check out  Get Involved Palo Alto's new service-learning course  Youth Changing the World!   Designed for high school students and collaborating with Youth Service America curriculum, we offer this personal development course for students to complete  meaningful  service experiences on their own time. Course materials are on Schoology, and students may take up to a year to complete.  Learn the principles of Grit, Perseverance, and Growth Mindset as you develop a project with us!   Earn the President's Award for Volunteer Service  by connecting passions and interests to earn service hours and improve the local, national, and international community.  Get Involved Foundation is a 501(3)c organization that helps local students connect to their interests via service-learning, internships, and career education. Looking for an organization that matches your student's interests? Check out our vetted  lists of nonprofits by interest category . Need to find an opportunity that matches your student's schedule? See our  Calendar . Visit the Get Involved Palo Alto website for many helpful resources:  Getinvolvedpa.com  

Community Service Online Class. Earn President's Award
Looking for opportunities to match your student's interests and earn service hours with community impact? Check out Get Involved Palo Alto's free calendar, database of organizations and inspiring projects at Getinvolvedpa.com. NEW: Online Community Service Class "Youth Changing the World." Winter cohort starts Feb. 1st. Students have up to one year to complete course and earn the President's Award for Volunteer Service. Involves personal and community assessments and reflection. Create a high-quality project, learn how to use project management tools, develop an electronic portfolio, receive personalized coaching for your project and how to write about it in college essays! SIGN UP TODAY. Tuition waivers for students with free or reduced lunch. 

President's Volunteer Service Awards  (ongoing)
This year 200 students volunteered over 24,000 hours in a 12 month period. Congratulations! A big thank you to all the parents that supported the President's Award distribution. Students that haven't picked up their awards can stop by Karla Larson's office in Guidance.

Community Service and Service-Learning for High School Students
Get Involved Palo Alto is a 501(3)c organization that helps local students connect to their interests via community service, service-learning, internships, and career education. Looking for an organization that matches your student's interests? Check out our vetted  lists of nonprofits by interest category. Need to find an opportunity that matches your student's schedule? See the  Calendar of current projects. Visit the Get Involved Palo Alto website for more helpful resources:  Getinvolvedpa.com 

Looking for an opportunity to help kids in need?  Volunteer for DreamCatchers!
DreamCatchers runs an after-school enrichment program for low-income PAUSD middle school students - right here at Paly in the afternoons and evenings  Monday through Thursday.  We are looking for the following:
- One-on-One Tutors (high school students) or Classroom Assistants (like a classroom aide - we need adults as well as high school students):  contact Miguel Fittoria at  miguel@dreamcatchersyouth.org 
- Adults or experienced high schoolers interested in helping with graphic design, web design, curriculum support, or general non-profit help, please contact Barbara Klausner at  barbara@dreamcatchersyouth.org 
Thanks so much for your support!  Visit our website at  dreamcatchersyouth.org.
Community 
Buddies4Math high school tutors wanted   New
An award winning program after school program run by students, come join us to teach elementary students math through games and play! A wonderful volunteering opportunity for Paly students to take on leadership roles and work closely with second through fifth graders on improving and building math fluency. Volunteer hours can count towards both community service and Living Skills hours .
Location: Mariano Castro Elementary School (505 Escuela Ave, Mountain View, CA 94040 and Edith Landels Elementary School (115 W Dana St, Mountain View, CA 9404)
Dates:  Jan 27Feb 3 & 10Mar 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, April 7 & 21
Times: Fridays: Sessions- 4:00- 5:00 pm. and 5:00- 6:00 p.m.
If interested, please email  buddies4math@gmail.com   to sign up, or visit  buddies4math.org  for more information. 


Film Acting Workshop for Teen Actors  New
Sunday January 29Sunday February 5,  Sunday February 12, & Sunday February 26, from 1:00pm - 3pm
No class held on February 19th, Cubberley Community Center (Room D-1) 4000 Middlefield Road Palo Alto.
The acclaimed A Theatre Near U's Winter Film Acting Workshop focuses entirely on the craft of the actor. In our course you'll learn techniques that can transform your screen and theatre performances into something special. The cost of the workshop is $145.

Inclusive Resource Fair of Summer Camps, After-School Activities & Educational Resources
Thu, Feb 9th, 6:30 - 8:30pm, JLS Middle School Auditorium, 480 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto
Join us to meet 30+ providers of summer camps, after-school activities, and in-school programs who will present information about their programs and be available to talk 1:1 with parents. All providers can accommodate some students' special needs, either in an inclusive environment or a special program, and can discuss specific accommodations. Some offer on-site enrollment. Information on financial assistance available, and many providers offer fee waivers based on need.
Organized by the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, and co-sponsored by Parent Advocates for Student Success (PASS), and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs.  Childcare and snacks for kids will be provided, please RSVP for childcare to  paloaltocac@gmail.com . For more information, including the complete list of vendors as it is finalized, goto  www.cacpaloalto.org
  Feria de Recursos de Campamentos de Verano, Actividades Después de Clases y Recursos Educativos
Jueves, 9 de febrero, 6:30 - 8:30pm , En el auditorio de la Escuela Media JLS, 480 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto
Acompáñennos a conocer a más de 30 proveedores de campos de verano, de actividades para realizar después de clases y de programas dentro de la escuela quienes estarán brindando información sobre sus programas y que también estarán disponibles para hablar 1:1 con los padres. Todos son proveedores que pueden admitir a niños con algunas necesidades especiales ya sea dentro de un ambiente incluyente o dentro de un programa especial y podrán conversar sobre ajustes especiales que su hijo/a pueda necesitar. Podrán existir opciones de inscribirse en el lugar. Habra información sobre asistencia financiera y muchos proveedores ofrecen becas que se adaptan a sus necesidades.
Se contará con servicio de guardería y refrigerios para niños, por favor RSVP para el cuidado de los niños a  paloaltocac@gmail.com . Para mayor información, incluyendo la lista de proveedores cuando está esté completa, ingrese a:  www.cacpaloalto.org . Organizado por el Palo Alto Comité Asesor Comunitario para la Educación Especial y co-patrocinado por Parent Advocates for Student Success (PASS) y el Consejo de Palo Alto de PTAs.
 
Palo Alto Chinese New Year Fair
Sun, Feb 12, 2-5 pm, Mitchell Park Community Center (3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto).  
The Palo Alto Chinese Community cordially invites you to join our 2017 Chinese New Year Fair, which will feature performances of Chinese folk music, instruments and dances by local talents as well as students from Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). Many Chinese culture will be exhibited such as Chinese brush painting, Mahjong, dumpling-making, fung shui, board games and crafts. The event is free to all Palo Alto residents, and food will be sold for fund-raising to support Palo Alto schools. This event is co-sponsored by City of Palo Alto and the PTA Council, and the goal is to promote friendship among residents of different cultures and contribute to the vibrancy and health of our diverse community.  Hope to see you all there!  Questions please contact Hannah Lu  hannahlu00@gmail.com  or Sheena Chin  sheenachin@gmail.com
 
2017 Annual Sweetheart Awards - Call for Nominations
Is there a bus driver, friend, teacher, administrator, neighbor, aide, crossing guard, coach, fellow student, therapist, physician, volunteer or relative that has done something (however large or small) for your special needs child with an IEP or 504? Honor that person by nominating him or her for a Sweetheart Award. Submit nominations using this online form by February 10th:  http://tinyurl.com/ 2017Sweethearts .  The Awards Ceremony will be on Wednesday, February 22nd from 6-8pm at Nixon Elementary School. For more information or questions email:  sweethearts.a ward@gmail.com  or go to  www.cacpaloalto.org .  Co- sponsored by Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs.
     
Violin Masterclass with Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, David Kim 
Fri, Feb 3; 7pm Tateuchi Hall at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View
Free event! Distinguished musician and educator David Kim, of the Philadelphia Orchestra, will conduct a violin masterclass on Feb. 3. Mr. Kim started playing the violin at the age of three, began studies with the famed pedagogue Dorothy DeLay at the age of eight, and later received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the Juilliard School. As a highly sought-after pedagogue, Mr. Kim has presented masterclasses at schools and institutions such as Juilliard, the New World Symphony in Miami, Yale, the Korean National University of Arts, and universities and colleges across the United States.  The masterclass will feature five ECYS Senior Symphony violinists. Enjoy the FREE performance and observe a master teacher at work as he helps the students polish their pieces. For more information, call ECYS at 650-213-7111 or visit www.ecys.org . 

Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) Training New
Tues, Feb 7, 6-8pm, Mitchell Park Community Center
Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) for suicide prevention is a FREE two-hour training available to anyone 18 years of age or older. QPR training helps you learn the signs of suicide, and what to do to help prevent this most preventable of deaths. Sponsored by the City of Palo Alto and  Project Safety Net . Register via the City of Palo Alto at http://bit.ly/2j5YWIX
 
Blind Date w/a Book (Palo Alto Library Event)
Month of February, Teen Zone, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
If your blind date with a book doesn't work out, then check out a new one. No hurt feelings! Review your book date for a chance to win prizes.  
 
Anti/Valentine Party (Palo Alto Library Event)
Tue, Feb 7, 4:30 p.m.  Midtown Room, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Join us for lit up cards, button making, pencil duct tape roses, contests, and chocolate! Whether you loathe the holiday or not, there is something for you to make for everyone. Registration required. 

Sign up for Paly Glass Weekend Workshops 
Sat & Sun. 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,  

Tai Chi (Chinese martial art) Class
Sat, Jan 7-Mar 11, 2:15-3:15PM (10 classes total), Dance Studio, Gunn High School
This course is taught by a junior at Gunn High School. As a member of the US team, she won two gold medals and one silver medal at the 2nd World Taijiquan Championships in Warsaw, Poland. She will teach 24 simplified Tai Chi styles. All profits will be donated to the Ravenswood City School District, East Palo Alto. Details/Sign up: http://www.siliconvalleyyouth.com/classes/2017/taichi.php.  Contact:  svyouth1@gmail.com 
 
Tickets Now Available for Anne Lamott
Sat Mar 4, 9:30am-12:30pm, Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University, Palo Alto
Join us in conversation with award-winning author Anne Lamott.  Tickets on sale now for the 2017 Mothers Symposium, a morning retreat for mothers with children of all ages to reflect on the profound undertaking of motherhood. Special Early Bird pricing:  "Bring a Friend" and save $20 when you buy two tickets.  Co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Council of PTAs.  For tickets and information visit http://www.motherssymposium.org/
 
A Place For Your Child to Publish Their Writing! Scribere Online Literary Journal 
Is your child aged 11 to 18? Do they love to write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry? Do they want to publish their writing? Then check out http://www.scribere.org/.  Scribere is a non-profit, online literary journal for youth ages 11 to 18.  Scribere's editorial board is comprised entirely of youth who are passionate about writing.  Scribere is harnessing the power of the web to make the submission process simple, sustainable, efficient, and transparent. We are currently seeking submissions for our inaugural issue!
All Online. All Free. Our mission? To inspire youth creativity.
Check out our welcome video at http://www.scribere.org/blank
Questions? email us at  info@scribere.org .
 
Stanford Science, Technology and Medicine Summer Program for High School Students  New
June 19 - 30, 2017, Stanford University
Looking for a great summer program that provides mentorship from world-class medical faculty? The Stanford Science, Technology and Medicine Summer Program, directed by Professor Larry Chu, MD, is designed for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors, or college pre-medical students interested in careers in science, technology and medicine. Students can get certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), and pursue a capstone project in one of three academic tracks. We welcome applications from talented students of all backgrounds, and we offer a limited number of need-based scholarships. Learn more and apply now: http://med.stanford.edu/anesthesia/education/SASI.html.

Be Safe. Be Seen.  Bike lights are required by law for riding after dusk. 
With shorter days, students are bike commuting in the dark when bicycle lights and reflectors are required by law. Visibility begins to decline at dusk, so bicyclists should turn on their lights as soon as light begins to fade.  A handlebar headlight makes a bicycle visible to others and illuminates the road so the rider can see. Higher powered lights do a better job.  Tail lights and reflectors should be mounted on something stable where they won't be obscured by bags, panniers or other gear on the bike. Lights are vastly superior to reflectors, so a rear red light is recommended for maximum visibility.
Outfitting student bikes for a safe and legal ride is a smart investment (and a great holiday gift!). For information about safe school commutes, visit http://saferoutes.paloaltopta.org/index.shtml

Make a difference: Tutor Low Income East Palo Alto 5
th 
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 - 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  www.allstudentsmatter.org  or to learn more contact Keri Tully at  keritully@gmail.com .

Walk & Roll to Palo Alto Libraries  - 
NEW Suggested Walking & Bicycling Routes Map 
 
Check out City of Palo Alto 's new Walk & Roll map with suggested walking and bicycling routes to Palo Alto libraries from every neighborhood citywide.   Palo Alto libraries are popular after-school destinations and they often are the center of fun family outings. Walking and bicycling is an active, healthy, fun way to get there!  See the new Walk & Roll to Libraries brochure with map here  http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/documents/PASRTL_Map_Brochure_092116.pdf
 
 
Sleep Study for Youth 18-21    
The Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University is recruiting 18-21 year old youth to participate in a paid research study on sleep and mood.  You and your youth will receive up to $215 for completing the study. For more information about this study, please contact   dailyrest@stanford.edu   or (650) 736-2689 or go to   http://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/research/dailyreststudy.html.  
For general information about participant rights, contact 1-866-680-2906.

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.
 
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
 
 
 
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
 
 
 
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.

To submit an item, send to palylink@paloaltopta.org. 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. 

--Shuchi GroverPavan Bakshiand Anh Quan 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