Paly Link

A PTSA publication


 
Sunday, February 27, 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 Info for Senior Parents PTSA
Monday 
 February 27 
Minimum Day, 7th period ends at 12:30; for details please go to  paly.net
Tuesday  Feb 28
All Class Assembly for Seniors  ( Paly )
Wednesday-
Saturday		 March 1-
March 4
Camp Unity
Thursday March 2
Stanford Parent-Teen Communication Workshop,  7:00pm, Haymarket Theatre  
( Paly)
Wednesday March 8 Wellness Center Breakfast (Paly)
Thursday March 16
College Admission Officer Panel, 7pm,  HayMarket Theater ( Paly )
Friday 
March 24
8:30am - PTSA General Association Meeting, Paly Library EWC PTSA
Saturday March 25
Paly 5K Fun Run & Walk;  8AM  registration;  9AM  race starts (Paly)
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
Nominating Committee News Update
The Paly PTSA Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the nominees for the Paly PTSA Executive Board, 2017-18.  Voting on the slate will take place at the Association meeting on March 24. Many volunteer positions are still available, please contact Colleen Nielsen at colleen@livecopper.com to volunteer.
President -- Katie Shade
Executive Vice President -- Elizabeth Olson
1st VP Parent Education Programs -- Diana Pang and Jake Wellington
2nd VP Fundraising -- Deri McCrea
3rd VP Hospitality -- Adrianne Chang and Victoria Liu
4th VP Community Programs -- Lily Yap and Yulin Lee
5th VP Communications -- Gabrielle Conway
6th VP Health & Wellness -- Sumita Vasudeva
Treasurer -- Gillian Athayde
Financial Secretary -- open
Recording Secretary -- Johanna Ehrlich
Historian -- Dawn Billman
Parliamentarian -- Heike Fischer

PTSA General Association Meeting New
Friday, March 24th in the Paly Library EWC
Please join us at the PTSA General Association Meeting.  Principal Kim Diorio will be sharing updates on the Paly facilities and general campus news.  ASB will be providing updates on the student activities.
All are welcome to attend.  Please remember to sign in at the front office and carpool/walk/ride bike if possible.

Americanized Chinese Parents of Paly New
This is a group for Americanized Chinese Parents of Paly and Jordan students who embrace both the values of American culture and Chinese culture. Parents in this group speak English in their homes and value a balance of academics, social time, and extracurriculars. To be added to our mailing list, please email your name to:  americanized.chinese.parents@gmail.com Email addresses will be verified in the school directory.

To ALL Senior Parents MUST READ!! Grad Night is coming! New
In the next week you will receive the Grad Week Package in your letterbox containing all the information about the FABULOUS events we have planned for the Seniors for Grad Week (May 28-June 1, 2017). Please review all the documents and sign as required (GREEN Docs need signatures) and send them back with your CHECK in the return envelope or DROP them off in the front office in the Graduation Hat!   All documents will also be available online to print just in case.
Please note we cannot accept late ticket requests this year so you or your student needs to get all the signed paperwork back to us by no later than MAY 15!! We don't want anyone to miss out! Scholarships available. GO PALY!!! 
Catherine Matterson 
2017 Grad Week TAZ-Chairness

PALY Sophomore parent network is pleased to announce our next interactive talk 
Friday, March 3rd 8:30 am at the Paly Library
"What you should know before your High Schooler applies for a job/internship"
by Meri Gyves from Paly Guidance. 
Mrs Gyves will cover the approach, process, how to apply, work permits and related items
For more info pls contact Reshma Singh  greshmasingh@gmail.com.

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!

College Panel; March 16, 2017 at 7pm, Haymarket Theater
Paly College and Career Center and Paly PTSA is hosting a college panel for the Paly Community.  What are colleges really looking for when they evaluate candidates for admission? Come to this informative event and find out! We have invited Admissions representatives from 6 different institutions to join our panel so that our families can learn about how admission decisions are made at different types of institutions. Topics covered will include - GPA, Standardized testing, Extracurricular activities, Recommendations, Essays, and Financial aid.
Students and parents are welcome to attend.  Tickets are limited, please register here:    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-admission-officer-panel-tickets-31503306237 
Questions?  Please contact Adrianne Shih   adrianne.shih@gmail.com, Diana Pang dianapang@yahoo.com or Jake Wellington  jwellington@stanford.edu.

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

Stanford Parent-Teen Communication Workshop New
Thurs, Mar. 2, 7:00-8:30 pm, Haymarket Theatre at Palo Alto High School
 Please join the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for a fun, interactive workshop addressing difficult, real-life scenarios faced by parents and their teenage children. A specific emphasis will be placed on challenges occurring in Asian-American households, but all parents are welcome. Mandarin, Spanish, and Korean interpretation will be provided.  Please attend without children to create a more honest and comfortable dialogue.
Free and open to all middle school and high school parents.  Registration is NOT required, however, if you can, please register at:  http://tinyurl.com/StanfordCHIPAO   
Questions or concerns? Please contact Jonathan Frecceri at  jfrecceri@pausd.org.

斯坦福家長-青少年溝通研討會
3  月 2  日星期四晚上 7:00-8:30 ，Haymarket Theatre  Palo Alto  高中
請來斯坦福精神病學與行為科學系參加一場趣味的互動研討會，共同解決家長及青少年面對的現實困境。研討會將围绕亞裔美國家庭中出現的問題展開，但也歡迎所有家長參加。將提供普通話和韓語翻譯。請不要帶孩子前來，營造更加坦誠輕鬆的對話環境。
歡迎所有初中和高中家長參加。無需登記，但如果可以，請在下面的地址登記   http://tinyurl.com/StanfordCHIPAO    
問題或意見？ 請聯絡  Jonathan Frecceri  jfrecceri@pausd.org 。
Taller Stanford sobre Comunicación de Padres-Jóvenes
Jueves 2 de marzo, 7:00-8:30 de la noche, Teatro Haymarket,  Escuela Preparatoria Palo Alto
Favor de acompañar al Departamento de Psiquiatría y Ciencias Conductuales de Stanford para un divertido e interactivo taller abordando situaciones difíciles de la vida real que se enfrentan los padres y sus hijos jóvenes. Un énfasis específico será asignado a los desafíos que ocurren en familias asiáticas-americanas, pero todos los padres son bienvenidos. Se proporcionará interpretación al mandarín y coreano. Favor de asistir sin los hijos para crear un dialogo más honesto y cómodo.
Gratuito y abierto a todos los padres de hijos en escuela secundaria y preparatoria. NO se requiere inscripción, sin embargo, si puede, favor de matricularse en:  http://tinyurl.com/StanfordCHIPAO
¿Preguntas o inquietudes? Favor de comunicarse con Jonathan Frecceri en  jfrecceri@pausd.org 

Wellness Center Breakfast New
March is the month of National School Breakfast Week, and  Paly's Wellness Center is excited to host breakfast/brunch for students on the morning of Wednesday, 3/8 .
Eating a complete breakfast is shown to be beneficial to students' health. In addition to providing important daily nutrients, eating breakfast has been shown to improve concentration and aid in maintaining a healthy weight.

The Wellness Center is asking for donations of healthy, nut-free breakfast items. If you are able and willing to donate, please fill out this short Google Form: https://tinyurl.com/palybreakfast
Breakfast will be served on 3/8 during brunch, from 9:45am-10am.
Please direct any questions or concerns to Julia Chang ( juchang@pausd.org), Wellness Outreach Worker.

PALY Annual Day of Community Service New
Wednesday, March 15th is Paly's Annual Day of Community Service.  Bring your friends along and give back to our community. Choose the site where you would like to volunteer, fill out the waivers, and come prepared for a fun and meaningful Flex Day. Since it is a Flex Day you won't have to miss school or make up homework and it's something fun you can do with your friends. Here is the student sign-up link - please only sign-up for 1 site:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b48aca92fa6ff2-service1. 
Here is the parent and staff sign-up link:  https://www.uptous.com/directSignup/LXNztppInd1890cE4eLvu6f9QwNJFgC9CFaAHrSlK80= - we can't do this without your help too. 

AP Registration has begun 
AP registration has started and runs through March 1  

All-class Assembly for Senior students New
Tues. Feb 28 during Flex period ( 1:50pm - 2:55pm), Performing Arts Center
This assembly is the first in a series of all-class assemblies we will hold over the next two months - one for each of the classes at Paly.  We request and encourage you to remind and support your students in attending what we hope will be a powerful gathering for our graduating seniors. 
These assemblies will focus on better preparing our students to live and work 
in the modern world.  Increasingly, the modern collaborative workplace demands employees and leaders able to cultivate empathy and compassion within themselves and others.  Beyond that, this year has been an unprecedented one for the nation and the world.  The rapid changes and impassioned debates we see and feel around us have sparked a mix of emotions and responses - ranging from fear and anger to enthusiasm and hope.  We are challenged more than ever to confront our own thoughts and emotions as well as those of others who may differ from us in our schools, workplace, community, and perhaps our own homes and families.  Empathy and compassion help us to understand how we and others think and feel, to recognize our common humanity, and to take constructive and courageous action in service to a common good.  
 If you have any questions about this assembly, please contact Vicki Kim at  vkim@pausd.org. 

Site Council Monthly meeting, Everyone is welcome to attend 
3:45pm - 5:30 pm in the English Writing Center (EWC). 
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.

Paly 5K Fun Run & Walk
Saturday, March 25, 2017; 8AM registration; 9AM race starts
Sign ups now open for Paly's first 5K Fun Run & Walk!  Online sign ups available or via this form. Proceeds benefit Paly Athletics. What a great way to spend a  Saturday morning! Questions?  PAHSsportsboosters@gmail.com

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.

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 Golf Classic
Friday, May 26, 2017; 1PM shotgun start
Back by popular demand! SAVE THE DATE for the Paly Golf Classic at the Golf Club at Moffett Field. Gather your foursome; sponsor a hole. You don't want to miss this fun event! Proceeds benefit Paly Athletics - specifically weights for the Weight Room in the new gym. Questions?  PAHSsportsboosters@gmail.com

Paly Speech & Debate! 
We're excited to announce the dates for the 13th annual Palo Alto Speech and Debate Camp!
Dates: Session 1: June 12-17
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 
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. 

College & Career Center CCC
C&CClogo.jpg 

Sat. March 18, Skyline College, San Bruno, 8:15am-3pm
At this conference for 6-12th grade young women, students have the opportunity to meet women who use math and science in their careers.  Over 100 women working in related fields will lead hands-on workshops that include experiments and a discussion of career options and educational requirements.  For more info and to register:  www.skylinecollege.edu/eyh

Paly Career Month 
Feb 18 - Mar 9
Paly Annual Career Month Speaker Series is happening from February 28th through March 9th! The speaker series comprises two weeks of informal events where invited professionals from a wide range of fields share stories about their current careers and about their unique and often winding paths they took to get there. Here is the schedule for the event. There is also free lunch for the first 250 students! Please let your students know about this wonderful event.

Career Month Lunchtime Speaker Series Parent Volunteers Needed
Feb 18 - Mar 9, Lunchtime
The Career Speakers Series is fast approaching. It takes place during lunch starting on  February 28th until March 9th. Parent volunteers are needed for a variety of different tasks. Please check out Paly.net to see the amazing group of speakers who will be participating in this very special event. To sign up go to: 
Any questions, please email Beth Martin,  Bmartin@pausd.org.  Thanks so much. 

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/ .

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 expiring through March 3, 2017 :
Chinese American Citizens Alliance - National Essay Contest--Deadline  2/27 NEW
NCGA Youth On Course Scholarship--Deadline  2/28  NEW
Cabrillo Civic Club - Undergraduate Scholarship--Deadline  3/1  NEW
Colleges that Change Lives (CTCL) Scholarship--Deadline  3/1  NEW
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship--Deadline  3/1  NEW
Barbara Emerich Scholarship--Deadline  3/2  NEW
Chi Am Circle - High School Scholarship--Deadline  3/3  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

Community Service and Service-Learning for High School Students
NEW! Service-learning online course and Summer Internship Academy for high school students. Sign up by 
March 1st for tuition discount. 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. Need to find an opportunity that matches your student's schedule? See the   Calendar of current projects. Visit the Get Involved Palo Alto website to sign up for the class, internship program and more helpful resources:   Getinvolvedpa.com

Community Service Online Course for High School Students 
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.
PAUSD PAUSD
Free Parent/guardian Technology Education New
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 question. Please register at:  https://goo.gl/kbqhR7

Connecting Families: Parenting in the Digital Age 
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
https://www.pausd.org/explore-pausd/events/2017/03/22/information-session/connecting-families-parenting-digital-age

How Does Sugar Affect Your Health and What You Can Do About It 
Wed, Mar 1, 6:30-8:30pm, SDC Room, District Office, 25 Churchill Ave, Palo Alto
Join us for an educational night on sugar. Learn how sugar came to be ubiquitous in everything we eat, and became a number one health issue due to its harmful effects on the human body.  As parents, you will also get some great tips on how to combat sugar in your household and diet, and reintroduce great nutrition to your kids.  Patricia Caldera, Ph.D. will be presenting on behalf of the Institute of Responsible Nutrition, an organization dedicated to changing the way food is produced and marketed and distributed and end food related illnesses and promote good health. We encourage parents to bring their children.

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 

Help Bring Back the Arts to your School! New
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, & networking! Panels on successful local arts partnerships:  how they serve students, integrate the arts, maximize existing relationships, & work with local schools & districts. Learn how to use your school district's LCAP to increase arts education. FREE.  Lunch included.  For more information: http://downloads.capta.org/arts/Arts%20Convenings2017-Northern.pdf Presented by California State PTA.   RSVP by Mon Mar 6:  arts@capta.org, or 916-440-1985 x123.

Paly Theatre And Music Programs Presents: Disney's Beauty and the Beast New
For performance dates and times: http://www.palytheatre.com/tickets/, Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center, 50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto
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 at http://www.palytheatre.com/tickets/  or at the door. Box office opens one hour prior to curtain.   
 
Community Arbor Day Festival New
Sat, Mar 11, 10 AM - 2 PM, Mitchell Park Bowl, 600 E Meadow Drive, Palo Alto
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: www.canopy.org.
 
NOTICE: Closure of East Meadow Caltrain Crossing: 3/10-3/13 and 3/17-3/20 New
Caltrain needs to perform track maintenance work over two consecutive weekends at the East Meadow Grade Crossing in Palo Alto. In order for this work to occur, Caltrain will close the grade crossing down for an approximately 56 hour window. This closure would not allow vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic to cross the tracks during this outage. Caltrain has identified the following times as to when these closures would take place.
Closure 1 - March 10, 2017 at 8:00pm until March 13, at 4:00am
Closure 2 - March 17, 2017 at 8:00pm until March 20, at 4:00am
 
Being Different Together Taking the conversation deeper New
Thu Mar 2, 7 - 9PM, Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium, 1313 Newell Rd., Palo Alto  
Please join us as we bring together a cross section of people who live, work or worship in Palo Alto to have a series of active and thought provoking conversations on building and nurturing a community that models respect for differences.  The second forum in the four-part series will focus building authentic engagement across differences. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you did not attend the first forum. Moderated by Dr. Joseph Brown, Associate Director, Diversity & First Gen Office at Stanford University and Rev. Kaloma Smith, pastor at University AME Zion Church. RSVP's required to attend  - Space is limited. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/zjp9nm3   Questions:  Contact Mary Constantino at mary.constantino@cityofpaloalto.org or 650-463-4906.  Sponsored by the City of Palo Alto.
 
Palo Alto Art Center Summer Counselor-in-Training Application Now Available New
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. 
 
Classroom Volunteers Needed Next School Year - in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park
Have you enjoyed helping in your child's classroom? Consider volunteering in a classroom in eastern Menlo Park or East Palo Alto where there are virtually no parent volunteers.  You'll help tutor kids in grades K-5 where 88% are low income and 40% are homeless. Work once a week in the same classroom for about an hour, with students on reading, writing or math. All Students Matter provides training and coordinates everything. Sign up now to start in September. For more details or to sign up, visit www.allstudentsmatter.org or contact Keri Tully at keritully@gmail.com. 
 
Mindful Moms Group for Moms of Kids with Special Needs 
Group 1: Every other Thurs (12:30-2:30pm Mar 3 thru Jun 8)
Group 2: Once a month on Sat (1:30-3:30pm Mar 18 thru Jul 15) 
St. Mark's Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto
  Join our nurturing group for moms who have kids (of all ages) with special needs, from sensory processing challenges, to dyslexia, to Asperger's or autism. Moms will gather together for 2 hours on a regular basis to support each other, learn mindfulness practices, and practice mindful yoga together. Mindfulness and yoga have been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, improve overall wellbeing, and studies show that a central factor in maternal wellness is social and emotional support - in particular, having a sense of belonging. Join our Mindful Moms group today by emailing jaclyn.k.long@gmail.com  or visit  http://www.mindbodyspiritmoms.com  to find out more.
 
Musical Group Charged Particles 
Wed, Mar 1, 3:30-4:30, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St., Palo Alto
A pplications  Due Now!  Find out how families live in other parts of the world. There is no better way to do this than by living as a member of a family in another country and then sharing your home with your "sister" or "brother" from that family when you return home. Neighbors Abroad, Palo Alto's sister city organization, has sponsored summer student exchanges since 1965. Applicants should be high school students at least 15 years old by June of 2017 who are studying Spanish at any level.   For more information contact Marion at  marionb@sonic.net ; to learn about Neighbors Abroad, visit  www.neighborsabroad.org .

Buddies4Math high school tutors wanted
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: Mar 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. 

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

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. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Grover, Pavan Bakshi, and Anh Quan Paly Link Editors
--Bala Aiyar, Paly Link List Manager and Gordon Craig, Paly Link Webmaster 
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