Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews

Where Learning is a Team Sport!
March 6 , 2017
Fairmeadow News
Fairmeadow Online Auction
Thanks to everyone for participating in the Online Auction, and congratulations to all on a successful fundraiser! A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who donated their time to make the auction happen, and to all of the local businesses and Fairmeadow families who donated our auction prizes. Additional information about funds raised throughout the auction will be shared soon.

Collection day for auction winnings will occur on Wednesday, March 8th. Come pick up your items just outside the main office, either before school from 8:10-8:45 am or after school from 1:30-2:15 pm.

Thanks for your support of Fairmeadow!
Spring Walk & Roll to School Day
Our Spring Walk & Roll to School Day is coming up on Wednesday, March 22nd! Please join us in walking, biking, riding the bus, or carpooling instead of solo driving to school.

If you're new to walking or biking to school, check out Fairmeadow's  Walk & Roll Map for the best route (it's likely different from the route you drive) or contact our Safe Routes to School rep,  Christy Moision, who is more than happy to help you find a great route.

Find more information about Palo Alto PTA Safe Routes to School programs at  saferoutes.paloaltopta.org. The PTA thanks the City of Palo Alto and PAUSD for their support of this event.

PAUSD News
RSAC Study Session
Tue, Mar 7, 6:30 pm, District Office Board Room, 25 Churchill
The Renaming Schools Advisory Committee has completed its report and will be presenting its findings and recommendations to the school board at a Special Study Session. The Board of Education charged the RSAC with researching and reviewing the names of PAUSD schools and submitting recommendations for renaming one or more of the schools. There will be an opportunity for public comment at this meeting. The executive summary of the RSAC's final report can be found here in Englishin Mandarin, and in Spanish.
SAFE Student Panel Discusses Self-Advocacy, Learning & Attention Differences
Thu, Mar 30, 7-8:30 pm, Palo Alto High School, Haymarket Theatre
This panel will discuss the challenges they face and strengths they bring as students with learning and attention difficulties. They will explain and demonstrate strategies for self-advocacy. Questions will be posed by a facilitator and by the audience. All panelists have learning and attention difficulties and are members of SAFE, the student branch of Parents Education Network. SAFE is a student community (between the ages of 13-19) which meets monthly to organize events, coordinate their mentoring program, and prepare for presentations such as this. They strive to educate, mentor and support students, parents and teachers, and spread awareness on the importance of cognitive diversity. Recommended for middle and high school students and their parents. This event is co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, the Parents Education Network, and PAUSD. For questions contact paloaltocac@gmail.com.
Free Parent/Guardian Technology Education
Wed, Mar 22, 10-11:30 am & 7-8:30 pm, Jordan Middle School Multipurpose Room
Free parent/guardian technology education event in partnership between PAUSD and Common Sense Education. This event will cover the realities of parenting in the digital age, bigger issues and data as well as tools and resources for families. Two identical sessions are available for all PAUSD parents, however due to adult content, this is an adult only event. Babysitters and translators will be available. Contact Emily Garrison, Coordinator of Educational Technology and Libraries with questions. Please register here.

PTAC News
Advocating for Your Child: Learn How to Help Your Child Get Their Needs Met in School
Sat, Mar 25, 2-4 pm, East Palo Alto Academy High School, Multi-Purpose Room, 1050 Myrtle St, East Palo Alto
Are you concerned that your child needs more help in school? Learn how to talk to school staff about your concerns. Please join special education attorneys Tara Ford and Michelle de Blank for a workshop about your rights as parents, and learn advocacy strategies that can be effective. Participants will have opportunities to practice advocacy ideas presented and to talk with other parents. This workshop will be useful to parents of children with an IEP or 504 plan, and any parent with concerns about their child. Spanish translation will be provided. Refreshments and childcare will also be provided. Questions? Contact paloaltocac@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Palo Alto CAC for Special Education and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs.
Defendiendo a su hijo: Conozca cómo poder ayudar para que su hijo pueda cubrir sus necesidades en la escuela
Dom 25 de mar, 2 - 4 PM, Salón de Usos Múltiples de la Escuela Secundaria Academy del Este de Palo Alto, 1050 Myrtle St., East Palo Alto
¿Le preocupa que su hijo necesite mayor ayuda en la escuela? Aprenda a hablar con el personal escolar sobre sus preocupaciones.  Por favor acompañe a los abogados de educación especial Tara ford y Michelle de Blank, en un taller sobre los derechos como padres y aprendan estrategias de defensa que pueden ser efectivas.  Los participantes tendrán oportunidad para practicar las ideas de defensa que sean presentadas y podrán hablar con otros padres. Estos talleres serán útiles para padres con hijos dentro de los planes IEP o 504, y para cualquier padre que tenga alguna preocupación sobre sus hijos.  Se brindará traducción en español. Habrá refrigerio y cuidado para niños.  ¿Preguntas? Contacte  paloaltocac@gmail.comPatrocinado por Palo Alto CAC para Educación Especial  y el consejo PTA de Palo Alto.
Help Bring Back the Arts to Your School!
Fri, Mar 10, 10 am - 2 pm, San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market St, San Jose 
Come for a day of arts training, panels, table talks, and networking! Panels on successful local arts partnerships:  how they serve students, integrate the arts, maximize existing relationships, and work with local schools and districts. Learn how to use your school district's LCAP to increase arts education. FREE. Lunch included. For more information, click here. Presented by California State PTA. RSVP by Monday, March 6th: arts@capta.org, or 916-440-1985, x123.

Community  News
Courage and Compassion - Women that Inspire: Liza Lichtinger
Mon, Apr 17, 7-8:30 pm,  
Rinconada Library, 
1213 Newell Rd

Join us in diving in to the topic of authenticity and entrepreneurship. Liza Lichtinger is a research psychologist, therapist, thought leader, author and has been named one of the world's top female futurists. For more info and to secure your spot for this free event, sign up here.
Palo Alto Summer Camp Fair
Tue, Mar 14, 5-6:30 pm, Addison School Multi-Purpose Room
Discover terrific summer camps (for grades K-12) all around Palo Alto, meet camp vendors in person, and get help planning a summer your entire family will love. Free to attend. Exclusive discounts, enter to win a free week of camp, free pizza for the first 100 to arrive, hands-on activities, and giveaways and prizes. More info here.
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) Auditions
Sat, Apr 22 and Sun, Apr 23, Mitchell Park Library
Award-winning youth orchestra PACO's new member auditions will take place on April 22 and 23. Sign up here.
Trans Talk - Social and Medical Transition for Children and Youth
Thu, Mar 16, 6:30-8 pm, Medallia (AOL Building), 395 Page Mill Rd
Dr. Benjamin Huang Laniakea and Dr. Tandy Aye from Stanford Children's Health, as well as Outlet Program Director, Anthony Ross, will present information and answer questions from the community about transition based on the Gender Affirmative Model of care for transgender and non-binary youth. For parents/guardians of young children and teens, as well as Middle School/High School/College students. Spanish translation available.
How and When to Explain Your Child's Disability to Him or Her and Self-Advocacy SELPA 1 CAC Coffee Talk
Wed, Mar 15, 7-9 pm, Santa Rita Elementary School, 700 Los Altos Road, Los Altos
Do you ever wonder how and when you will explain your child's disability to them? Do you have questions surrounding emotional outcomes and how to teach them self advocacy once they become aware? Please join us and John Brentar, Executive Director at Morrissey-Compton, for a night for parents to ask questions and listen to one of this area's highly regarded psychologists in this subject.
Let's Talk Parent Support Group for Special Education
Mon, Mar 13, 10 am - 12 pm, Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Exchange ideas and resources confidentially and respectfully. All are welcome, especially parents of students with IEPs, 504s, learning differences, mental health, and emotional challenges. Hosted by SELPA1 CAC.
Parent Chat Support Group for Parents Concerned about Emotional Well-Being of Teens
Tue, Mar 14, 7-8:30 pm, Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Are you concerned about the emotional wellness of your child? Join the free "Parent Chat" group for peer to peer support, a new group hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC. Under the professional guidance of Monique Kane, LMFT, all parents are welcome to talk about their children age 14+. This program will take place the second Tuesday of each month.
Summer Of Service (SOS) - YCS
Want to make a difference in the community? Join Summer of Service and develop leadership skills, meet new friends, and have fun while helping out in the community - with Youth Community Service (YCS). Each day campers will go out in teams to local schools, senior centers, food pantries, and parks for service. At Summer of Service you will have fun while learning how to tackle community issues. We also enjoy one fun BBQ day each session and an end of camp celebration. Summer of Service has four 2-week sessions that run from June 12th through August 4th for students who will be entering 6th-8th grade in the Fall of 2017. For more information, visit the Enjoy Catalog online or contact YCS at (650) 858-8019.
Starting Strong with Kidpower Workshop for 3-5 year-olds with their adults
Sat, Mar 11 9-9:50 am, PACCC Ventura Activity Center, 3900 Ventura Ct
Through puppets and fun, interactive stories, learn how to introduce Social Safety Skills and to continue to practice them in your daily life. For Information Call (800) 467-6997 ext. 1#, email safety@kidpower.org or visit our website. Classes fill up quickly, so let us know right away if you're interested.
Kidpower 2-hour Everyday Safety Workshop for 5-8 year-olds with their adults
Sat, Mar 11, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, PACCC Ventura Activity Center, 3900 Ventura Ct
Protect your child from harm and gain valuable tools for building better relationships, with a focus on everyday safety skills. For information: Call (800) 467-6997 ext. 1# , email  safety@kidpower.org  or visit our website.  Classes fill up quickly, so let us know right away if you're interested.
Young Minds Require Creative Discipline
Thu, Mar 23, 7:30-9 pm, Cubberley Community Center Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd
Sylvia Ford, M.A., an Early Childhood Consultant in the Bay Area will speak on Young Minds Require Creative Discipline. This workshop highlights the aspects of early brain development that help us understand why young children can't always do the right thing or control their behavior. Discussion will include information that can help adults be more creative and effective with limit setting, along with strategies and techniques that can promote positive self-guided behavior in children from approximately two to five years old. This event is free and is sponsored by Friends of PreSchool Family. For more information, click here.
Paly Theatre And Music Programs Presents: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Click here for performance dates and times, Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Rd
Beauty and the Beast,  the internationally beloved, classic musical fairy-tale, hits the boards at Paly's Performing Arts Center stage. Bring your whole family and be swept away by the story of Belle, her dream of finding something more exciting than her small town life, and how it lands her captive inside the dark walls of a hideous beast's magical castle populated by living, talking knick-knacks including the beloved teapot, Mrs. Potts. Do come and "Be Our Guest." Let this potent tale of the transformative power of love touch you as it has touched countless audiences worldwide.  Tickets are $15.00 adults, $10.00 students/seniors. Reserved seating online  or at the door. Box office opens one hour prior to curtain.
Community Arbor Day Festival
Sat, Mar 11, 10 am - 2 pm, Mitchell Park Bowl, 600 E Meadow Dr
This free outdoor family festival will include roped tree climbing with The Tree Circus, live music by AndyZ and School of Rock, workshops, fine arts and crafts, art show, exploration stations, food trucks, and a variety of local partners. It's going to be a fun, family-friendly event with something for everyone! You can check out more details on Canopy's website.

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.
In This Issue
Important Dates
Mar 10 No School
Mar 17 Principal's Coffee
Mar 22 Spring Walk & Roll to School Day
Quick Links