Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews
Where Learning is a Team Sport!
March 19, 2018
Fairmeadow News
Important Dates:
March 21 - Spring Walk & Roll to School Day
March 22 - PTA Staff Luncheon
March 22 & 23 (8-9 am) - Bring Your Art for Art Fair
March 27 - School Site Council Meeting
March 30 - Minimum Day (1:40 Dismissal)
Principal's Message
Greetings Fairmeadow Community,

Last Friday, March 16th, the students of Rooms 2 and 7 presented the final Buddy Assembly for the school year with a lively celebration of the works of Theodore Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss. Every Friday since last December, two ‘buddy’ classes partnered together to present performance-based assemblies for excited Firebird audiences. Buddy Assemblies this school year featured poems, plays, skits, songs, and even dances designed to teach audiences about important events, influential people, changing seasons, and works of art. Through preparing and presenting these performances, our students practiced creative expression and lots of perseverance, displaying great courage to stand up in front of the school and perform. Buddy Assemblies have been an important confidence builder for our students, and a unifying experience for buddy classes and for our community as a whole. Starting after spring break, we will return outside to the blacktop for our Whole School assemblies!

This coming Wednesday, March 21st Fairmeadow will participate in our spring Walk and Roll to School Day . During Walk and Roll to School Day, children and families work to reduce pollution in our environment and lessen traffic congestion by walking, biking, scootering, carpooling, or busing to school. On Wednesday morning, parent and staff volunteers will be working with students as they arrive to school to build a ‘Greening the School Commute’ Tree, made of individual green leaf cutouts with pictures and words that show students’ favorite ways to get to school. Walk and Roll to School Day will occur this Wednesday rain or shine; thanks in advance for considering alternative methods to single family car trips. Your school principal will be in a secret costume to welcome students to school on Wednesday! 

We have a wide range of activities during the lunch period at Fairmeadow, designed to provide structured choices for children, if they prefer. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, parent volunteers lead our noon tables with activities ranging from legos to arts and crafts. On Tuesdays in Room 24, staff members run our Board Games Club. On Wednesdays, children are invited to participate in Walking Club, and in the kindergarten playground JLS Leadership class students come to run games and play with the kinders. On Fridays, parent volunteers run our Garden Club in our bountiful school garden along East Meadow. Frequently, Mrs. Lenke opens the art room for our young artists, and throughout the week, we have Noon Sports matches for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, run by teacher coaches. Please check-in with your child about what they enjoy about lunchtime, and encourage participation in one or more of these fun activities.

Spring is finally here! I’m eager to experience this time of renewal and growth with you and your children!

Warm Regards,
Grant Althouse, Principal
Spring Walk & Roll to School Day
Walk & Roll to School Day is this Wednesday, March 21st! Please join us in walking, biking, riding the bus, or carpooling instead of solo driving to school. This event is rain or shine so please consider participating no matter what the weather brings!

We will have a " Greening the School Commute " tree activity for students, and Sarah Ratliff, Neighborhood Traffic Safety Bicycle Boulevard Community Relations Manager, will be on hand to discuss the Bike Boulevard Phase I construction timeline with parents. We will also have Chantal Gaines from the City Manager's office visiting, so please come by to say hi!

If you'd like to volunteer to help on Wednesday morning, please sign up here . Questions? Contact Fairmeadow Safe Routes Champion,  Christy Moision.
Hello Kindergarten Families!
The staff luncheon this month is on Thursday, March 22nd and is being hosted by Kindergarten Families. These monthly luncheons give us a chance to show our appreciation for all that the Fairmeadow staff does for our children. It allows the entire faculty and staff (60+) to come together over a meal and they really enjoy it and look forward to it. This month’s theme is Hearty Salad Bar .

Please consider signing up to contribute food to the luncheon. In addition, we need a few people to come to the luncheon to help with setup and clean up. These jobs do not take long.

If you have trouble accessing the Google doc, please email Sachi Messerian with the dish you want to bring. If you'd like to see pictures from the previous Staff Luncheons 2016-2018, please click here .
Annual Spring Art Fair  
Calling all student artists! Join the Art Fair! Get your crayons, paints, and pencils ready and submit your artwork for the Fairmeadow Annual Spring Art Fair sponsored by the Fairmeadow PTA. This is not a competition! All you have to do to be part of the show is submit your original artwork (two piece limit). The art can be work you've done in the classroom, at home, or in an outside art class. All Fairmeadow students are encouraged to participate!

An opening night reception will be held on Wednesday, March 28th from 6-7:30 pm . All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

Guidelines for Submitting Artwork: 
  • Artwork can be of any media* (clay, paint, collage, pencil, etc.)
  • Artwork can be of any size
  • All artwork must have a label (name, grade, room number, title if any)
  • Mounting/Matting flat artwork is optional (please no glass frames)
*Fragile or breakable items will only be exhibited at the Opening Night Reception.These items can be brought to the opening night at 5:30 to be displayed.

Please mark your calendars to bring your art to school either Thursday, March 22nd or Friday, March 23rd from 8-9 a.m. in front of the MP Room . We'll see you there! If you have any questions or can help just an hour or two to collect or mount art please contact Patty Germanow
Join us for the First EVER Fairmeadow Yard Sale! 
Sat, Apr 21, 9 am - 2 pm, Front Driveway of Fairmeadow (drop off donated items by 8 am)
We need your donations! What will you bring on April 21st?
  • Toys & Games
  • Books
  • Sporting Equipment
  • Clothing (as new condition)
  • Electronics
  • Crafts & Art Supplies
  • Unique Ornaments
  • Home Office & Computers
  • Lawn Care & Garden Tools
  • Cameras & Phones
  • Etc.
If you have larger items to donate (furniture, bicycles) please contact Nicole MacLennan or Nadia Priestley to discuss. If not sold, we ask that you take them away at the end of the sale.

If you have questions or want to volunteer to help, contact Nicole or Nadia ASAP!

**All proceeds will benefit next year’s 5th grade Science Camp**
PiE Seeking Parent Input
Please check your inbox for the Partners In Education (PiE) annual parent survey! Every spring, PiE collects input from the parent community. This information, coupled with input from each principal, determines where PiE dollars are spent in our schools the following year. Please complete the brief survey to give PiE feedback and communicate what is most important to you.
Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Project - Upcoming Meetings
The long-awaited Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Project is close to construction and the City of Palo Alto is holding several meetings to inform the community about the construction schedule and answer questions.
  • Mobile Office Hours at Terman Middle School, March 20, 7:25-8:25 am
  • Mobile Office Hours at Hoover Elementary School, March 21, 7:15-8:15 am
  • Mobile Office Hours at Gunn High School, March 22, 7:40-8:40 am
  • Open House at Gunn High School (Staff Lounge), March 27, 6:30-8:00 pm
  • Open House at Hoover Elementary (MP Room), March 29, 6:30-8:00 pm
This is an important project for safe school commute routes in South Palo Alto. To see the FAQ sheet on the project, click here.
PAUSD News
Superintendent's Weekly Message
We will re-post Karen Hendricks'  Weekly Message  here each week, in case you missed it on her previous Infinite Campus email to you.
Parent Event: Digital Safety and Media Safe Kids
Wed, Mar 21, 7 pm, Palo Alto High School Haymarket Theater
Please join PAUSD in Welcoming Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Angela Alvarado for an Informative evening. Topics will include: How our kids communicate, our kids as publishers on the internet, digital reputation online, and bullying, sexting and criminal activity. There will be translation in Chinese and Spanish. Event is FREE, parents only please. For additional information, click here
Bus Driver Appreciation Breakfast  
Thursday, April 26th, 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 22nd. Sponsored by  CAC Palo Alto.
PAUSD Secondary Art Exhibition
JLS, Mar 13 - Apr 13, Mon-Fri, 8 am - 4 pm, Closed Sat-Sun, Main Hallway, District Offices, 25 Churchill Ave
This exhibition features artwork by PAUSD 6-12 Visual Art students in a variety of media, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, graphic design, sculpture, ceramics, and glass.

PTAC News
We Want YOU to be on the PTA Council Board
The PTA Council Nominating Committee is currently seeking both nominations and expressions of interest from individuals in the community who would like to learn more about becoming a member of the PTA Executive Board for the 2018/19 school year. We are looking for community members who demonstrate strong leadership skills and have a passion for improving the educational experience of all students, preferably have experience on their school PTA or site council, and are interested in stepping into a leadership role at the district level. PTA Council Officers and VPs: President, Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, VP Advocacy, VP Communications, VP Community Outreach, VP Education, VP Health & Wellness, VP Parent Education, Auditor, VP Leadership Services. To find out more contact:  PTA Council Nominating Committee Chair .

Community News
Safetyville Family Event
Join Stanford Children’s Health, Palo Alto YMCA, and the City of Palo Alto at a Safetyville Family Event on Saturday, April 7th from 2:00-4:00pm at the Palo Alto YMCA (3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto). Walk through our kid-friendly Safetyville town complete with traffic signs, buildings, and more while learning about bike and pedestrian safety. Learn to safely walk and bike through the new roundabouts on Ross Road, complete your Safetyville Passport, and have the chance to earn safety related prizes. Meet and chat with a police officer to learn about how they keep our community safe, and check out a real firetruck! This event is free to the community. Register here .
iSing Girlchoir- Now Auditioning Girls Entering Grades 1-4 for our 2018-19 Season!
iSing is a choir of over 300 girls in grades 1-12 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!
Want to Learn Alongside Your Newborn or Toddler?
Enrollment at PreSchool Family opens Mon, Mar 26
PreSchool Family provides parents of newborns to four year olds an opportunity to learn alongside their children. Adults in this unique program learn about child development, discuss parenting issues, and participate in a nurturing community dedicated to learning and growing as a family. Children learn through play-based activities designed specifically for their age. Most classes meet in the mornings, but once per week “dinner” classes are designed to provide a community for families with busy daytime schedules. Learn more about PreSchool Family for the 2018-19 school year, apply for class, or sign up for a tour on our website.
Mini Family Retreat: The Nourished Family
Sun, Mar 25, 1-4 pm, Private Residence, Los Altos Hills
In this Mini Retreat for the Whole Family, parents and kids (6-12y) will have the opportunity to be immersed in nature together as they practice yoga, meditate, walk a labyrinth with mindful awareness and have a rich discussion on whole family nutrition. Parents and children will be empowered to create their own healthy and nutrient dense snack - with a rainbow of color and nutrients, feeding their bodies with powerful, green-light foods. Cost is $60 per person; address will be shared upon registration. More information here .
Paly Robotics Summer Camp 2018  
Jul 23 – 27; Jul 30 - Aug 3
This year, Paly Robotics will be offering two different weeks of our annual summer camp for incoming middle school students (incoming 6th - 9th). We hope to spark interest and start future high school students on a path in science, technology, engineering, art or mathematics (STEAM). Campers will be able to sign up for one of four sessions per week. (Sessions: Robot Design & Hardware, Programming, Entrepreneurship & Website Design, Animation & Graphic Design.)  This camp will be hosted at Palo Alto High School. If you have any questions, please contact us. For further details and registration, click here
Rachel Simmons Speaking Engagement “Enough As She Is”  
Mon, Mar 19, 7-8:30 pm, Martin Family Hall, Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso Ave, Menlo Park
Rachel Simmons, the nationally acclaimed author of Curse of the Good Gir l and Odd Girl Out and TED Talk Resilience, is beginning her new book tour for Enough as She Is . Rachel has personally invited the families of Palo Alto schools to join her on at the Menlo School. Gloria Steinem describes Rachel this way, "... may save millions of women from the idea that 'having it all' means 'doing it all.' Women, as well as men, have the right to make choices that suit us uniquely, yet girls and women are more subject to external standards that we had nothing to do with creating. Rachel Simmons has given us the next step in our peaceful revolution: not only changing women to fit the world, but changing the world to fit women." Limited seating, names checked at door. Register here .
Free Mindful Moms Yoga Class with Krassi Harwell
Tue, Mar 27, 12-1:30 pm, 67 Encina Ave
Join our community of wise and caring moms as we navigate the rich and rewarding journey of raising kids into adults. We will practice yoga, meditate, and tap into the healing power of togetherness as we share stories, strength and support. This FREE class is for moms who have kids of all ages – particularly helpful for moms who have toddlers thru teens!  Registration is required for this free workshop as space is limited! 
Building Youth Identity Through Service – Benefiting Youth Community Service
Thu, Mar 22 11 am - 1 pm, Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room
Youth Community Service invites you to join us at our annual fundraising luncheon featuring a candid conversation, moderated by Megan Swezey-Fogarty, featuring Dr. Clayborne Carson, Director of Stanford’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute and Julie Lythcott-Haims, NY Times best-selling author and former Stanford Assoc. Vice Provost. Individual tickets and sponsorships start at $25 per person. Visit our website to reserve your seats today -- space is limited. For more info, email us .
Dementia Awareness – Making Palo Alto a Dementia Friendly Community
Wed, Mar 28, 7-9 pm, Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room
Learn how to identify, communicate effectively with, and support those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in our community. Hear how small changes in your daily life can help people with dementia remain independent and socially engaged. See featured article in Palo Alto Weekly on this subject and event. Mayor Kniss is one of the featured speakers. Register here . Contact Minka van der Zwaag (650-463-4953) for more information. This event is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, City of Palo Alto, Avenidas and Age Friendly Palo Alto and Silicon Valley.
LBGTQ+ Listening Forum
Thu, Mar 29, 7-9 pm, Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room
Members of the LGBTQ community, along with their families, friends and allies, are invited to share their needs and concerns. The County Office of LBGTQ Concerns and the HRC wants to learn what it can do to better support the LGBTQ community and establish priorities for future projects and initiatives.  Register here . Contact Minka van der Zwaag (650-463-4953) for more information. This event is co-sponsored by the County Office of LBGTQ Concerns and the City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission.
Project Safety Net (PSN) Community Meeting, Youth Intensive Outpatient Programs
Wed, Mar 28, 3:30-6 pm, RInconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd
You're invited to PSN's March Community Meeting! Please join us for a forum on Intensive Outpatient Programs for youth. By the end of the forum, participants will: Understand the role of Intensive Outpatient Programs in the continuum of youth health care services, learn about the various youth Intensive Outpatient Programs available in our region, and identify opportunities to improve youth mental health care utilization and access. Volunteer/service hours are available to students attending PSN meetings. Refreshments and light snacks provided. RSVP appreciated .
Boy Scout Troop 50 Open House
Mon, March 26, 7:30-9:00 pm, Boy Scout Fire Circle, Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd
Palo Alto Boy Scout Troop 50 is having an open house in order to give kids and their parents a chance to get to know Troop 50 to see if it is the right troop for them. For more information about Troop 50, please click here .
Inclusion and Abilities Awareness 2.0
Wed, Mar 21, 9-11 am, Los Altos School District Board Room, 201 Covington Rd, Los Altos
What does inclusion really mean, and how will it affect your child’s classroom and learning experience? How does inclusion benefit students with special needs, severe disabilities, and the entire student population? Are there situations when inclusion is not appropriate? What do Ability Awareness simulations teach well, and how can they be improved? We will talk about more about the future direction of ability awareness and neurodiversity inclusion with panelists, including staff from the Santa Clara County.  Click here for more information. A variety of fun activities are planned. More info at selpa1cac.org or email selpa1cacinfo@gmail.com .
It’s time for a Date Night! The Night of the Robots - Gunn Robotics
Fri, May 11, 5:30-8 pm, Gunn Robotics Lab, Room L-5780, Gunn High Schoo l
The award-winning Gunn Robotics Team (GRT) is proud to collaborate with BrainVyne - LEGO® Camps & Birthday Parties, to offer a fun-tastic evening for your pre-school to middle school children. Kids will build BrainVyne's highly rated LEGO® Zoom creations like chairoplane or jet-ski. They will also have a chance to play with GRT's award winning robot, which was a winner at the national Robotics Competition. Have a delightful date night while your kids enjoy pizza between building and playing with robots. A portion of the proceeds from this event will help GRT buy robotics components and supplies. Reserve a spot now !

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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.