Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews

Where Learning is a Team Sport!
April 10 , 2017
Fairmeadow News
Principal's Message
Greetings Fairmeadow Community,

Welcome back to Fairmeadow after our spring break from school! April and May will be incredibly exciting months for parents, teachers, and children alike, as our students increase confidence by practicing and applying all the skills they have developed this year. With eight weeks remaining in the 2016/17 school year, this spring promises to be a remarkable time of learning, growth, and joy for our children.

 At Fairmeadow, we emphasize academic, social, and emotional learning, and we also strive to highlight healthy living habits. This week we participate in Sun Smart Week by reinforcing basic habits of sun-safe living with our children. Did you know that on average 40-60% of sun exposure a person will experience occurs before the age of 20, and that over-exposure to the sun and frequent sun burns can cause skin cancer? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it is also the most preventable. This week we encourage children to practice sun safe behaviors like avoiding over-exposure to the sun, covering up with sun screen and a hat when outside in the sun, seeking shade regularly during periods of extended outdoor play, and being aware of the sun's varying intensity each day. Special activities this week will include sun-smart games during PE class, lunchtime activities with sun-smart themes, an assembly presentation, and daily UV rating display by the office. Thank you for reinforcing the sun-safety message at home and for encouraging your child to bring and wear a hat this spring and summer.

Fairmeadow 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will start to take our state standardized assessments this month , with 4th and 5th graders starting this week. Our testing schedule is posted on the Fairmeadow website and linked here . Please be sure to ask your child's teacher if you have any questions, and ensure that your child gets plenty of rest in the evenings prior to testing days. If you would like more information about the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System or your student's participation, including information on score reports and how to take practice tests, please visit the Parent/Student tab of the California Department of Education's (CDE) CAASPP web page  and PAUSD's Assessment web page .

Starting this Friday morning, we leave the MP Room behind and head back out on the blacktop for our bi-monthly whole school assemblies. These important school gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity for our entire school to come together for helpful announcements, engaging presentations, and for community building activities. This Friday is our first outdoor assembly of the spring, and it is also a Fairmeadow School Spirit Day! Whether your child chooses to wear a favorite item of Fairmeadow spirit wear, or any other item of clothing featuring our school color, red, participating on Friday will be a fun way to show each other how much we care about our school.

Please mark your calendars for two special community events at our school this spring, International Night and our Whole School Learning Celebration. On the evening of Friday, April 21st from 5:30-7:30 pm, Fairmeadow students and families are invited to campus to enjoy cuisine and performances from countries and cultures represented by our students at our annual International Night. Come to learn unique, interesting, and tasty facts about the countries and cultures represented at our school. A few weeks later on Tuesday, May 9th please join us for Fairmeadow's Whole School Learning Celebration, a celebration and showcase of the student learning and growth achieved during this school year in your child's classrooms. The event begins with a community assembly at 6:45 pm on the blacktop, followed by a tour of your child's classroom provided by your child. Come early to enjoy the Fairmeadow Science Fair starting at 6 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the many inspired questions of inquiry asked and answered by our Fairmeadow scientists. Please plan on joining us for this important community gathering on May 9th!

The Mathematics Pilot Curriculum Open House for Parents will be this Thursday, April 13th from 3-5 pm at the PAUSD school district office. Please visit the Open House website for more information and to register to attend.

Let's enjoy this special season of celebration, renewal, and growth. I look forward to seeing you at Fairmeadow soon.

Grant Althouse
Principal
Science Fair
The annual Fairmeadow Science Fair is coming Tuesday, May 9th. Join in the fun! Click here for the entry form.
Sun Smart Week
April 10th - 14th  is S un  S mart W eek at Fairmeadow. The aim of the week is to encourage kids to protect their skin when outside either by wearing a hat, their own sunscreen, or seeking shade. If you'd like your child to participate in Sun Smart week, please make sure they have a sun hat in their bag. We'll be giving out prizes for sun smart hat wearers!

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and yet it's the most preventable. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lives. The main reason people get skin cancer is that they were exposed to too much sun on their skin, especially when they were young.   

We'll display the UV level each day outside the office, and you can check it online here.
Fairmeadow Spirit Day - Show Your Fairmeadow Spirit!
On Friday, April 14th, wear your Spirit Wear (or red) and and show your school spirit! Need new Spirit Wear? Order hereParents, would you like to show your spirit, too? Great news -- we have adult sizes available!


Slate for Next Year's PTA Board
The Fairmeadow PTA Nominating Committee has presented the following slate for next year's board. The election will take place May 3rd. If interested in any of the open positions (as well as other PTA volunteer jobs), p lease contact Claire Kirner , Nominating Committee Chair.

President Tiffany Aubin
EVP/Co-President
OPEN
Secretary Denise Johnsen
Treasurer Laura Yu
Financial Secretary Li Dao
Auditor Karrie Chen
Historian
OPEN
VP Programs Josette Domokos
VP Fundraising
OPEN
Technology Chair
OPEN
Parent Ed Chair Tracy Ballard
PTAC Rep Kristen Podulka
PiE Rep
OPEN

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.

PTAC News
Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast
Wed, Apr 27, 8 am 
Each year, the Palo Alto CAC honors the bus drivers who play a vital role in transporting students to and from school. We will serve breakfast to the bus drivers at their office. If you want to show your support for the dedication and kindness demonstrated daily by your child's bus driver, please email a a thank you note with your message If you would like to donate a breakfast item or gift card/money, please let us know as well. Please send your messages by Sunday, April 23rd. Sponsored by  CAC Palo Alto.

Community  News
Gunn High School Theatre Presents The Music Man
Apr 19, 7 pm; Apr 20-22, 7:30 pm; Apr 22-23, 2 pm, Paly Performing Arts
Meredith Willson's classic musical follows Harold Hill, a con man with a heart of gold, who poses as an inspiring musical professional. What's his line? He'll lead a Boy's Band, meant to keep the youth out of trouble. He tries his luck in River City, Iowa, circa 1912, and eventually wins over the cold-shouldered citizens. The Music Man was the sensation of Broadway when it opened in 1957 and went on to win five Tony Awards. People are highly encouraged to carpool or bike to the show. Tickets hereClick here for directions and transportation information.
Narnia: The Musical is Coming to a Stage Near You!
Apr 20-30; Cañada College Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City
Come experience the enchanted world of Narnia presented by Bay Area Educational Theater Company. As siblings travel through a magical wardrobe, they encounter mythical creatures, battle good vs. evil, and learn lessons of courage, unselfishness, and wisdom Tickets here. Student and Senior tickets only $16; Adult tickets $21.
Family Date Night at the Library!
Fri, Apr 21, 7-8 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Join us for our annual May Fete float making party! This year's theme is all about heroes and we need help building a parade float worthy of representing your favorite Children's library. Registration required for each family member.  All ages welcome.
Youth Speaks Out Art Exhibition
Now thru Apr 17, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd
The Youth Speaks Out exhibition, in the Children's Wing of the Palo Alto Art Center, features written, visual and performance art by more than 200 Palo Alto teens who use art to address the question, "What's it like to be me?" The exhibition is free and may be viewed during the Art Center's regular business hours.
Afternoon Adventures: Fingerprints & Forensics
Wed, Apr 26, 3:30-5 pm, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Kids in grade K-5 are invited to become honorary detectives as they learn about the science of forensics, including how to lift fingerprints from a crime scene. Registration is required.
iSing Girlchoir of Silicon Valley
The iSing Girlchoir of Silicon Valley is now enrolling girls in 1st-4th grade for the 2017-2018 season. iSing is a choir of over 300 girls in grades 1st-12th based in Palo Alto. If you love to sing, iSing is the perfect place for you to discover and develop your passion for music! Our mission is to provide young women with an exemplary choral music education that will foster artistry, leadership, and community in a creative and supportive environment led by nationally acclaimed teachers. To sign up for an audition, visit our website  and click on the "join" tab. We look forward to singing with you soon!
Learn About All Students Matter
Wed, Apr 19, 11 am, email for venue (in Palo Alto)
Learn about All Students Matter from current parent volunteers who work in the classrooms of K-5th  grade students. You can make a true difference in the life of students in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park by volunteering for an hour a week in the same classroom to tutor students in reading, writing, or math. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to Jeanette Kennedy .
Sponsorship Director for Juana Run
The Juana Run is looking for a Sponsorship Director. The Juana Run is the 5k/8k Race that runs through Barron Park Neighborhood in February. The proceeds usually benefit Gunn Sports Boosters, Terman PTA, and Juana Briones PTA. We are looking for a new sponsorship director, and if you join our team, up to 30% of the JR proceeds will go to your school or PTA! Time commitment is about 20 hrs between August and February, and day of race help. Please email  heypalermo@aol.com if interested.
Distinguished Lecture Series: Courtney Martin "The New Better Off"
Fri, May 12, 10-11 am, Li Ka Shing Conference Center, Paul Berg Hall, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford
Courtney Martin is an author, entrepreneur, and weekly columnist for On Being. Her latest book, The New Better Off, explores how people are re-defining the American dream (think more fulfillment, community, and fun, less debt, status, and stuff). The lecture is free and open to the public. More information here.
Children's Classes at the Palo Alto Art Center
Unleash the creativity in your child by signing up for one of our children's classes. We offer classes in ceramics, painting, and sculpture on Monday - Saturday. Classes are held at the Art Center (1313 Newell Road) and the Mitchell Park Community Center (3700 Middlefield Road). Registration is open now. All of our art classes are listed on our website Questions? Please email Rebecca Passarello  or call  650-617-3509.
BEAM Program Survey on Summer Camps
Gunn students who are part of the BEAM (Business, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics) Program are currently reaching out to the parents of elementary school students for their business research project. The  group is working on a project that focuses on summer camps for elementary school students, and is currently gathering data about the different summer programs offered in the area. They would greatly appreciate it if you would take five minutes to complete the survey on your child's summer activities.
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!
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.

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
Apr 10-14 Sun Smart Week
Apr 14 Spirit Day
Apr 18-21 Book Fair
Apr 21 International Night
Quick Links