Paly Link

A PTSA publication


 

Sunday, April 9, 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
 


Grad Night Package for Senior Parents PTSA
Monday Apr 10
Site Council Monthly Meeting New (Paly)
Wednesday April 12 Challenge Success Meeting (PalyNew
Thur & Wed Apr 13 /Apr 26
Dinner Out and Donate to Paly Booster New ( Paly)
Wednesday April 19  PALY Sports Booster Meeting (PalyNew
Sun. - Thurs. May 28 - Jun 1
GRAD Week Updated   (PTSA)


PTSA
PTSA Items

IMPORTANT UPDATED GRAD WEEK INFORMATION FOR SENIOR PARENTS - PLEASE READ NEW
Dear Senior Parents, 
 If you have already sent in your check and signed forms - thank you - if by chance you did not send in the 'missing' form (PAUSD Medical Authorization) - it can be found with the other forms at 
 We have received about 165 student 'forms and checks' so far - and ONLY about 65% have the completed Medical Authorization form attached (this includes those handed in separately or sent to me via email in response to our email solicitations). 
For those parents who have not completed the TWO green forms AND the Medical Authorization form and provided your check- please do so before the May 1st deadline so you don't have to pay the price increase. REMEMBER MAY 15 IS THE FINAL DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE EVENTS (PICNIC AND GRAD NIGHT PARTY)
 Copies of all documents are in the main office in case you lost your mailed packet or want to get a hardcopy of the medical authorization form. 
 Please either send your checks and documents to Judy Huang at  108 Walter Hays Drive, Palo Alto 94303 OR drop them off in the Graduation Hat in the main office. 
 If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Matterson at  clmatterson@gmail.com
 Thank you and GO PALY!!! 

Opa! GiveBack Campaign 
Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine, 140 University Avenue,  Palo Alto
Opa! Authentic Greek Cuisine in Palo Alto is proud to invite you and your family to dine at theOpa! location in downtown Palo Alto as a part of the Opa! GiveBack Campaign.  When one hears the word Opa!, it usually brings with it a sense of excitement and happiness!  When dining at Opa! Palo Alto, mention your relationship to the Palo Alto School District to your server and a percentage of your bill will be given back to the Palo Alto Council of PTAs ( http://ptac.paloaltopta.org/ ).  At the end of each month, Opa! Palo Alto will write a check to PTAC!  Dine out, and help GiveBack to the Palo Alto PTA community at the same time!

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 Items Paly
paly viking ship logo


Paly Sports Boosters Meeting New
Wednesday, April 19th at 7pm, Anderson/Look home, 1401 Parkinson Ave.
Please join us for our April meeting at the home of president, Melissa Anderson. We'll get an update from Athletic Director Kathi Bowers; recap the 5K Fun Run & Walk; and hear about plans for the golf tournament on May 26th. Hope you can join us - it's a fun way to get involved at Paly!

Challenge Success Meeting:  Wednesday, April 12 11:30 to 12:30 in the MAC Board Room New
Our Challenge Success team of students, teachers, parents, and administrators will be meeting during lunch on Wednesday, April 12.  We discuss ways we can increase student engagement and reduce student stress at Paly.  Members from the community are welcome to attend.

Dinner out and a donation to Paly Sports Boosters - how easy is that! 
Thursday, April 13, 11am - 9pm, THE COUNTER  on California Avenue.
Wednesday, April 26, 4 - 9pm, KIRKS STEAKBURGER, Town & Country.
We have 3 restaurant nights scheduled in April for you to enjoy dinner out while the restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds to Paly Sports Boosters.    Identify yourself as a Paly Sports Booster at the restaurant, they will let you know the next step.    Buy a gift card to extend the giving to Paly Sports Boosters.

Paly Sports Boosters now eligible for Amazon Smile 
Shop Amazon Smile and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will benefit Paly Athletics. Doesn't cost you anything!
Paly Sports Boosters - Tiny Prints Fundraiser for Graduation Announcements 
The Paly Sports Boosters has partnered with Tiny Prints to help with the ordering and printing of your Graduation Announcements.  Tiny Prints is a leading retailer of premium personalized photo cards and has been recognized for their high quality prints and unmatched customer service.  Each card ordered is also hand reviewed before it's printed to ensure quality and accuracy.  To start your order through Tiny Prints, please click on the link below which will lead you to our co-branded Tiny Prints Storefront.  From here, you can shop for any product on the Tiny Prints site or review a few of our favorite choices.  Paly Sports Boosters Personalized Link: https://www.tinyprints.com/storefront/palysportsboosters

Site Council Monthly meeting 
4/10/17 3:45pm - 5:30 pm in the English Writing Center (EWC).  
Everyone is welcome to attend.  PAHS' Site Council is an elected body of staff, parents and students that provides direction to and oversees the implementation of the Single Plan for Student Achievement, also referred to as the School Plan. In addition, the Site Council oversees the school budget, the school safety plan, testing results and other ongoing issues important to Palo Alto High School. The Council administers the School Improvement Program funds and provides programs responsive to the needs of the school. Meetings are open to all members of the Paly school community and are held on Mondays at 3:45 p.m. in the EWC (in the Library). 
The 2016-2017 schedule can be found at  http://www.paly.net/site-council as well as the agendas.

Foreign Exchange Opportunities for Paly Students 
Is your student interested in studying abroad?   Is your family interested in hosting a foreign exchange student?  AFS is the largest student exchange organization in the US, with 1,100 US high school students currently studying abroad, and welcoming 2,300 foreign exchange students to the US this year (39 in the Bay Area).   Currently AFS has 1 student at Paly from Finland, and 2 students (Japan and Holland) at Gunn . 
Study abroad is a great way for your student to learn a culture, language, and to mature.   Hosting a student builds bonds that can last a lifetime.
Learn more at http://www.afsusa.org 

Camp MAC!
We're excited to announce a week long summer program for students to gain an introduction of journalistic skills! The camp takes place in the Media Arts Center, a modern building designed specifically for the needs of student journalism. Through this week long program, incoming eighth and ninth graders will gain a new perspective of the media around them through workshops and interactive activities.  Additionally, campers are led by members of the many nationally recognized publications at Paly who are devoted to spreading a passion for journalism.  The unique summer program will focus on the process of interviewing, writing and editing as well as learning to use new forms of technology as journalism evolves into a digital age.  
When: July 31 - August 1
Where: Media Arts Center, Palo Alto High School


Sign up for Paly Glass Weekend Workshops 
Sat & Sun, 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, dcamner@pausd.org
College & Career Center CCC
C&CClogo.jpg 
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 expiring through April 15, 2017   
Honmyo Nguyen Family Trust Scholarship--Deadline  4/10 NEW             
ABC7 Star Scholars--Deadline  4/11 NEW        
Beta Upsilon Membership Boule Scholarship-Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity--Deadline  4/14 NEW                          
Palo Alto Firefighters Local # 1319 Scholarship Program--Deadline  4/14  NEW    
Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize Essay Contest--Deadline  4/15 NEW           
Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity--Deadline  4/15   NEW 

 Community Service


Spring President's Volunteer Service Award Submission 
You can apply for the President's Award if you have 100+ hours of community service completed in a 12 month period.  
All forms and info can be found at:   http://www.paly.net/community-service

PAUSD PAUSD


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 

Volunteer Opportunity at Local Farmers Market New
============================== ============================== =
Help connect your community with great food and farmers!
We are currently accepting High School students to help with the downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market on Saturday morning. Earn those community service hours in the company of farmers, foodies, and awesome fruits and vegetables. Learn how a farmers' market is run and help make it go!
Minimum commitment is 1.5 hours, two Saturdays per month. Shifts are  7-8:30am and  11:30am-1pm
Please contact Jennifer Dell-Ernstrom ( jdellern@gmail.com) to find out more.

Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast 
Wed, April 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 send a thank-you note with your message to  CacBusDriverAppreciation@gmail.com . 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  http://cacpaloalto.org/

Gunn High School Theatre Department's The Music Man at Paly's Performance Arts Center
Weds. April 19, 7:00 pm, Palo Alto High School's Performing Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Road
Thurs-Fri April 20-22 @7:30 pm, $10.00 Students/$15.00 General; Sat-Sun Matinees: April 22 and 23 @ 2pm
Gunn High School Theatre Department presents Meredith Wilson's  The Music Man at  Palo Alto High School's Performing Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto ! Opening Night Gala on  April 19 at 7:00 pm , all tickets $25. Other evening performances:  April 20-22  @ 7:30 pm , $10.00 Students/$15.00 General; Matinees:  April 22 and 23  @  2 pm , all tix $5. TICKETS available at  gunntheatre.org , or at the door.

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:  www.bayareaetc.org/tickets . Student and Senior tickets only $16; Adult tickets $21.
 
Family Date Night at the Library!
Fri, Apr 21, 7-8PM 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 
Mar 24 - Apr 17, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road
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.

"Another Sky" Teen Writing Club 
Thu, Apr 6 & 20, 4-5:30 PM,  Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Join us for creative writing prompts, music, and snacks. Meets the first and third Thursday every month, new members welcome! Grades 6-12.
 
Teen Movie Matinee 
Thu, Apr 13, 4-6PM Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
This movie takes us to Hawaii where we will meet Disney's newest princess! Hawaiian craft and snack provided! Registration required. Grades 6-12.  
 
Teen Poetry Night 
Fri, Apr 28 7-8:30PM Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Join the Another Sky Writing Club for an evening of poetry, art activities, and snacks. Original work encouraged to share but not necessary to enjoy the evening! Grades 6-12.

Camp RMHS Camp Counselor Applications 
Are your children 16 or older and looking for a rewarding way to spend their summer break?  If your answer is "YES," Camp RMHS invites them to apply to become a Camp RMHS counselor this summer!  Camp RMHS runs Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning June 5 through August 11, 2017.  For an application or more information, please email  kchandler@rmhstanford.org.    


High Speed Rail Authority Community Open House
Tuesday, April 11, 5 - 8pm, Success Center, 875 West Maude Ave, Unit 5, Mountain View
Learn about alternatives under consideration for the San Jose to San Francisco segments of High Speed Rail, hear an update on the environmental clearance process, and provide input on potential impacts of the project.  5:00 preview maps and materials, 6:00 formal presentation and opportunity to comment.  More info here  http://hsr.ca.gov/docs/programs/statewide_rail/proj_sections/SanFran_SanJose/SF_SJ_Open_House_Flyer_april_2017.pdf

Neighbors Abroad 2017 Summer Exchange Program
Want to travel to Mexico and become a member of a family there? Then apply to go on a summer student exchange to Palo Alto's Sister City of Oaxaca during the summer of 2017.  Students must be at least 15 years of age by June 2017 and studying Spanish at any level. For more information:  http://www.neighborsabroad.org/student-exchange  or contact Marion Mandell, Vice President for Oaxaca, at 650-493-3798 or  marionb@sonic.net  for an application

El Camino Youth Symphony Orchestra Spring Auditions for New Members 
Mar/Apr Palo Alto 
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 at  www.ECYS.org . 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:  http://www.siliconvalleyyouth.com/classes/2017/taichi.php  or Contact:  svyouth1@gmail.com   
 
MOAH Build your own crystal radio
Sundays Apr 16-30, 1-3.30PM, MOAH, 351 Homer Av., Palo Alto
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 at http://www.moah.org/pdf/MOAH_ClassREGISTRATION.pdf 
Questions:  admin@moah.org or fax 650-473-6950.  We hope to see you there!
 
Come walk and be a part of the May Fete Parade!
Deadline to sign up is April 19, 2017, Parade will be on May 6, 2017 10:00am
Calling all kids! It's time to sign up for the 95th Annual May Fête Children's.  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 visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/mayfete
 
Community Service Programs:
NEW! Service-learning online course and Summer Internship Academy for high school students. Document your project, earn the President's Award for Volunteer Service. Get Involved Palo Alto 501(3)c 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 at:  http://www.getinvolvedpa.com/organizations.html.  Need to find an opportunity that matches your student's schedule? See the calendar of current projects at http://www.getinvolvedpa.com/opportunities-calendar.html. Visit the Get Involved Palo Alto website to sign up for the class, internship program and more helpful resources: Getinvolvedpa.com

Community Service and Service-Learning for High School Students
Get Involved Palo Alto 501(3)c started in the Paly Career Center in 2008, is now an independent nonprofit and partner with Youth Service America (YSA.or). We are local high school students and community members working to connect students to their interests via meaningful community service and 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  of events. Want to  find your Sense of Purpose and earn the President's Award? Sign up for our  online class "Youth Changing the World" . Want to collaborate with others and further the mission of a local nonprofit organization? Join our   6-week Summer Internship Academy , we will craft an internship tailored to your specific interests and will work with you every step of the way.  Tuition waivers available for students with free or reduced lunch. Please email:   Getinvolvedpaloalto@gmail.com Getinvolvedpa.com

Parent Volunteers & Board Member Openings Get Involved PA
Want to make lasting change in our community? We are local high school students and community members working to connect students to their interests via meaningful community service, service-learning, internships, and career education. Get Involved Palo Alto  is a grassroots effort that began in the Paly Career Center 9 years ago, now we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to benefit Paly and Gunn students in their pursuit of meaningful community service and service-learning internships. We need concerned parents and dynamic community members who can help us by serving on our board in these capacities: 1.) Board Secretary, 2.) Marketing Director, 3.) Fundraising Chair/Co-Chair, 4.) General Volunteers for events, marketing, database and virtual office. Join a dynamic group of caring community members who collaborate for the common good! Interested? Please email former Paly Career & Community Engagement Advisor Christina Owen: Christina@getinvolvedpa.com, Executive Director GiPA. 
 
Palo Alto Art Center Summer Counselor-in-Training Application Now Available
The Counselor in Training applications for the summer of 2017 are now available. Summer Camp Counselors in Training (CIT) are volunteers (12-17 years old) who assist professional art instructors in the day-to-day running of the Children's Fine Art summer camps. The Lead Counselor in Training (LCIT) program builds on experience as an Art Center CIT and provides opportunities for volunteers to help lead the CIT training, enjoy mentorship from college Children's Fine Art (CFA) interns, manage camper recreation, and take responsibility as the LCIT for one week of camps. More information can be found at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/artcenter/getinvolved/overview/program.asp
Summer 2017 Counselor in Training Application & Information: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/56059 
Summer 2017 Lead Counselor in Training Application & Information: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/56060

Stanford University Sleep Study for Youth 18-21    
The Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University is again recruiting 18-21 year-old youth with bipolar disorder to participate in a paid research study on sleep and mood.  For more information about this study, contact  dailyrest@stanford.edu or (650) 736-2689 or go to   http://med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/research/dailyreststudy.html

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
 

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
 
 
 
 
 
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 

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