Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews

Where Learning is a Team Sport!
March 20 , 2017
Fairmeadow News
Spring Walk & Roll to School Day
Our Spring Walk & Roll to School Day is this Wednesday, March 22ndCelebrate Spring by choosing earth-friendly, fun school commutes! Walk, bike, scooter, carpool, or ride the bus to school with friends.

There is rain in the forecast but don't give up on a healthy, green commute! Consider walking -- kids love walking in the rain! On rainy days there are different things to see and explore: swollen creeks, ducks and geese feeding on worms in the puddly park fields, interesting cloud formations, and maybe even a rainbow. Have your children look around on the way to school, and they can add their favorite discovery to our "Adventures on My Way to School" board!

Turn your commute into an escapade -- encourage puddle jumping! This is California, after all. We may not have another rainy season like this for ten years!

Questions? Contact Christy Moision.


Volunteer with the Fairmeadow PTA!
Our PTA is recruiting volunteers for next year. We have opportunities to help in many ways, both big and small!  Job openings include:
  • Co-President (or Executive Vice President)
  • VP of fundraising
  • Representative to the PTA Council 
  • Membership chair
  • Walkathon co-chair
  • Family dine-out coordinator
  • Safe Routes to school co-chair
  • Art Cards coordinator
  • Room parent coordinator
  • Ice skating party co-chair
  • Book fair coordinator and many more!
Please contact Claire Kirner, Nominating Committee Chair, for more information.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Fairmeadow Spring Scholastic Book Fair will run from April 18th-21st. Volunteers are needed to set up, run the registers, help kids browsing for books, and pack up the fair. If you can help, please click here to sign up.
Questions? Contact Claire Kirner.

PAUSD News
Project Safety Net Community Forum
Wed, Mar 22, 6:30-8:30 pm, Cubberley Community Center, Auditorium, Building O, 4000 Middlefield Rd
Project Safety Net invites you to a community forum with the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health and other experts to review the final Epi-Aid report, answer questions, and learn how to get involved to support youth well-being. Onsite childcare (6 months-12 years old) and light refreshments will be provided. Simultaneous Spanish and Chinese language interpreter services may also be available. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP here.
Project Cornerstone - for Parents and Caregivers!
Join this parent/caregiver group to learn tips and tools to keep up with the fast changing growth of our children, tweens, and teens. Each week, we explore new ways to build stronger kids, stronger families, and stronger neighborhoods. Data collected from our own Santa Clara county youth shows us 8 ways to help kids succeed in school, in relationships, and in life, while supporting parents!
 
Join us as we learn the 8 Keys To Success for young people, and for their parents!
  • What are the 8 Keys To Success? What specific things can parents and caregivers say and do to help young people succeed?
  • Tools for building stronger family communication. Tips for building responsibility and trust in our family.
  • Setting and keeping safe boundaries/rules that teach. Tips for discipline that strengthens relationships.
  • What do we stand for in our family? Passing along our values like lifelong learning.
  • Skills for growing, living and connecting with others. Ways our strong family builds confident kids.
  • Taking every moment as an opportunity to build stronger relationships with youth.
Class Title: Take It Personally
Dates: *4/13, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, *5/11, 5/19 (Skip spring break week)  (*Thursday session - Please note that two of the sessions are on Thursdays while four are on Fridays due to space and continuity.)
Time: 8:30-10:00 am
Place/Host: El Carmelo Elementary School Library: 3024 Bryant St (Parents/adults from all schools welcomed)

Spanish interpretation available if needed.
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.

Community  News
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's Characters @ Play Spring Break Camp
Mon-Fri, Apr 3-7, 9 am - 3 pm, Nixon Elementary School
During this week long camp, students will:
  • Learn acting, movement, and stage craft skills in a fun, playful, and engaging way.
  • Make new friends and work together in a team.
  • Learn from professional Teaching Artists who are experienced artists and educators.
  • Create a new character to bring to life with their new theatrical skills.
  • Show off all that they have learned during a final presentation for family and friends. 
To take advantage of the Characters @ Play sibling discount when registering online, please use the following discount codes:
Two children in family: 2SBSIBS ($40 off)
Three children in family: 3SBSIBS ($80 off)

Extended Care available 8-9 am and 3-6 pm, with ONLY morning care on Friday.  Tuition: $350. Extended Care: $100. Need-based scholarships are available.

For more information on Characters @ Play Spring Break Camp, call 650.463.7146, email learn@theatreworks.org or visit TheatreWorks' website.
El Camino Youth Symphony Orchestra Spring Auditions for New Members
Palo Alto-based El Camino Youth Symphony invites musicians ages 6-18 to audition for the 2017-18 Season. Led by an internationally renowned faculty, ECYS offers six orchestras/ensembles for students at all levels of musical ability. Members are challenged with professional-level repertoire, receive support from professional coaches, and perform in concerts throughout the Bay Area. Auditions are held in March/April for the season that begins in August/September. Apply online . Call ECYS at 650-213-7111  for more information.
Tai Chi (Chinese Martial Art) Class
Saturdays, Mar 25-Jun 3, 2:15-3:15 pm (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 here  or contact  svyouth1@gmail.com.
MOAH Build Your Own Crystal Radio
Sundays, Apr 16-30, 1-3.30 pm, MOAH, 351 Homer Ave  
Join MOAH for a 3-day class and learn how to build your own crystal radio! Students (10y and above) will explore the history of radio dating back to Tesla and Marconi. Basic radio theory, modulation, headphone function, and reading radio schematics will also be taught. Cost: $75 Museum Members, $85 Non-members. Please register here.
Questions: admin@moah.org or fax 650-473-6950. We hope to see you there!
March Madness of Books
Librarians and the Teen Library Advisory Board have come up with 16 book titles all competing to be 2017's Book Champion! Play along and fill out a bracket to see which classic book wins it all for a chance to win prizes! Vote here.
Disney Movie Night: Cool Runnings
Thu, Mar 23, 7-9 pm, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd
It's Throwback Thursday, Disney style! Fans of all ages are invited to join us in the Embarcadero Room to watch a classic Disney film. There will be snacks and opportunities to win prizes! This month: 1993's Cool Runnings (rated PG).
Third Annual Cubberley Community Day
Sat Mar 25, 9 am - 1 pm, Cubberley Community Center
This free event is open to all ages. Celebrate community by planting trees with Canopy starting at 9 am. Enjoy a wide range of performances and Artist's Open Studios between 10 am and 1 pm. Kids Activities to include a bounce house, face painting, jugglers, and many fun games. Come out for a fun day of play, entertainment, and food while learning about the exciting opportunities provided by the tenants of Cubberley Community Center. For more information, visit: the website or contact Karen Pauls Co-sponsored by Canopy, Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto, and CASP.
May Fete Parade!
Deadline to sign up is April 19, Parade will be on May 6, 10:00 am
Calling all kids! It's time to sign up for the 95th Annual May Fête Children's Parade. Don't miss this time-honored Palo Alto tradition to showcase your school, neighborhood, team, youth group, or extracurricular activity. All children are welcome to walk in the parade, so if you don't have a group, come join the open categories. Dress up like your favorite hero! Build a float, march with your school band, decorate your bike, walk with your pet, or bring a flag from your favorite place. Let's enjoy the day and celebrate our heroes!  For more information, please click here.
The Wave: Palo Alto's 1967 Experiment in Fascism (Film and Discussion)
Wed, Mar 22, 7 pm, Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield
Palo Alto History Museum presents "The Lesson Plan" - a world-renown documentary never before shown in Palo Alto. It happened here - 50 years ago. New Cubberley High School teacher Ron Jones sought to teach his students how people could accept the actions of the Nazi regime during WWII by creating "The Third Wave," a series of exercises modeled on certain characteristics of the Nazi movement. The experiment was successful - too much so. Producers (and former students) Mark Hancock and Philip Neel will join their former teacher (Ron Jones) for a post-film conversation and reception following the program. Free. Space is limited. RSVP here .  Caution: some material may be unsuitable for young children. Parents, please accompany your children.
Paly Theatre and Music Programs Presents: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Click here for performance dates and times, at 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." Tickets are $15.00 adults, $10.00 students/seniors. Reserved seating here For an extra treat, join the "Be Our Guest" family benefit on 3/26, before the 2:00 show. Feast on cupcakes, tasty treats, Mrs. Potts' tea, and more while you and your family create crafts inspired by the Beast's magical castle and meet members of the cast. The fun begins at 12:30 in the Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center lobby. Tickets (including VIP seats for the show) are $25 for children and $30 for adults. 
Science Day at Museum of American Heritage
Sat, Apr 1, 1-2.30 pm, 351 Homer Ave  
This is a special family event. School-aged siblings, grade 1 and up, are welcome with parental supervision. The event will include an introduction and presentation, Q & A, and hands-on activities. MOAH will set up arrays of science gadgets and devices to let participants to try out. Children and adults will get to try out Tesla coils, van der Graff Generator, Jacob's Ladder, and electromagnet devices. Hands-on activities including static electricity, electromagnetic games and toys, theremins, and many more! For more information, click here. Admission is $10 per person . Please RSVP: admin@moah.org or 650-321-1004.
Afternoon Adventure: Airplane Olympics!
Wed, Mar 22, 3:30-4:30 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Experiment to make the best paper airplane, and then test it out to see how far and high it can fly. Grades K-5. Please register for this event online.
Steve & Kate's Camp Storytelling Lab
Wed, Mar 29, 3:30-5 pm, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Steve & Kate's Camp staff will provide all the tools you need to make your own short film. For grades K-5. Registration is required here.

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 22 Spring Walk & Roll to School Day
Apr 3-7 Spring Break - No School
Apr 18-21 Book Fair
Quick Links