Now that the days are short, it is important for cyclists to have lights. Even if you can see, it doesn't mean you can be seen. The late afternoon/early evening hours are particularly dangerous, so please outfit your bike with a front headlight and a back red light. Stay safe!

We will re-post Karen Hendricks' Weekly Message here  each week, in case you missed it on her previous Infinite Campus email to you.

Fri, Dec 15, 8:30-10 am, Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd

Parenting a child with special needs has unique challenges, so taking good care of yourself is important. Join us for a healthy and tasty breakfast buffet, wellness-related raffle prizes, and a presentation by Assistant Superintendent Lana Conaway. She will speak about equity, access, wellness, and safety for all students, especially those receiving Special Education services. Ms. Conaway is one of PAUSD's new leaders and oversees Special Education, Counseling, Health, and Wellness in her role as Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Initiatives and Operations. Childcare will not be provided, but children are welcome. Spanish language translation will be available. Hosted by the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs. For questions contact  paloaltocac@gmail.com.

Tue, Nov 14, 6:30-8:30 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave

During this workshop, we will address strategies to help your child cope and manage his or her feelings and identify and discuss common anxiety triggers, such as school situations, social dynamics, sleep, and separation issues. With Mimi Ezray, LCSW, MPH. $45. Register here.

Researchers at Stanford University are looking for girls ages 8-12 with learning and/or behavior challenges to participate in a study exploring brain development in relation to behavior, cognition, and mood in girls. Participation involves a comprehensive cognitive and behavioral evaluation and MRI/NIRS scan (safe, non-invasive, no x-rays/radiation). Results of the evaluation are available to all participants and there is a $100 honorarium for participation. For more information, email or call 650-724-2951.

Wed, Nov 15, 4-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St

Join us in a discussion of the award-winning  Everything on a Waffle  by Polly Horvath. A limited number of copies are available for pick-up at Children's Library. Registration required. Grades 4-6 only.

Dec 8-10 & 15-17, Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center

Blended with the storyline of the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life," Menlowe Ballet's production is set in the 1940s and boasts all the magical trimmings of a traditional Nutcracker. This production stresses the importance of physical presence in the lives of those who mean something to us. This season we also added a storyline illustrating how the power of connection and generosity can overcome greed and divisiveness. This is a holiday production that you and your family will want to see! Information on show times and tickets are available on our website. 

Sun, Dec 3 & 10, 1 & 4 pm; Sat Dec 9, 3 pm, Woodside Performing Arts Center

Dancers Repertory Theatre presents 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a delightful dance-theatre event that will enchant audiences of all ages. Based on the Clement C. Moore poem, the show includes Santa and his magical sleigh, prancing reindeer, dancing mice, twirling toys and a cast of over 80 children and adults. For Tickets and more information, please visit our website or Facebook page.

Nov, 3-19, Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd

Fly along with that mischievous sprite to the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning as Palo Alto Players presents one of Broadway's most beloved family musicals, Peter Pan. Based on J.M. Barrie's classic story of the boy who refused to grow up and featuring dazzling flying effects by ZFX, Inc., Palo Alto Players' annual family offering will surely "hook" all those who truly believe. Recommended for all ages. Tickets ($25-55) can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 650-329-0891. Students/Educators enjoy $5 off regular priced tickets to any performance, except preview night. For more information, including show times, visit our website.

Submission Deadline: Fri, Dec 22

The Children's Theatre is pleased to announce the 2017-18 Play  Palooza Ten Minute Playwriting contest . Play Palooza gives young writers an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents. Students can submit original work in three categories: Elementary School (3rd-5th grade), Middle School (6th-8th grade), and High School (9th-12th grade). Winning plays receive a staged reading at the Children's Theatre, and winning playwrights receive prizes donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. To submit work, visit the website or contact  Christopher Lucian.

Mon, Feb 5, 7 pm, JLS Cafetorium

Attention 5th grade parents who attended the JLS-PiE Rising Information Meeting on October 19th. At that meeting, we informed you about our Connections informational night. There has been a date change. The Connections parent night will be held on Monday, February 5th at 7 pm in the Cafetorium.