Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews
Where Learning is a Team Sport!
April 16, 2018
Fairmeadow News
Important Dates:
April 16-20 - Book Fair with Books Inc.
April 18 - Open Meeting with Assistant Superintendent re new Principal
April 20 - Kinder 12 pm Release
April 21 - Fairmeadow Yard Sale
April 27 - International Night
Proposed Slate for 2018-19 Fairmeadow PTA Executive Board
We still have some Board positions open, as well as many volunteer opportunities, including eNews editor. Please contact any members of the Nominating Committee if you are interested in getting involved in the 2018-19 school year: Claire Kirner (Nominating Committee Chair), Karrie Chen , Kristen Podulka , Nadia Priestley , Vik Kuttappan , or Marie-Anne Fogel .

Position - 2018-19 Candidate for Slate
President - Nadia Priestley
Secretary - Anjali Joshi
Treasurer - Li Diao
Financial Secretary - Joyce Farnsworth
Auditor - Laura Yu
Historian -
VP Programs - Tracy Ballard
Parliamentarian (appointed) -
Chair Parent Ed - Kristen Podulka
PTAC Rep -
Fairmeadow International Night
Friday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 pm
Ask anyone who has been before, and they'll tell you that the annual Fairmeadow International Night is one of the most enjoyable community events on the Fairmeadow calendar. On this night we get together to share our cultural backgrounds and traditions through music, food, and fun activities. Last year we had more than 20 different countries represented, all enjoying hanging out with other Fairmeadow families!

Have you signed up yet? Help us ensure a great night by registering your involvement:
  • Host a table for your country of origin
  • Help set up or clean up
  • Come in native attire and join the Parade of Nations
  • Perform a song, dance, or other cultural tradition

This event is made possible thanks to the PTA and the efforts of so many volunteers. Don't miss it; we look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Email Tina Lim .
Spring Book Fair
We are having our Spring book fair April 16th - April 20th with Books Inc. We will need your help with set up and break down, and of course during the week of the fair. We are hoping to get at least 5 people who are willing to come and learn from Books Inc. for the position of cash register. The training will take place on Friday, April 13th during set up time 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. The time commitment is about an hour either in the morning or after school. We will need about 6 people to help set up and break down. We could really use your help to make this a successful book fair. Please sign up here . If you have questions, contact Karrie Chen or Nirmala Patni
Fairmeadow Yard Sale: April 21st
100% of proceeds go to our school! Donate your...
  • Toys & Games
  • Books
  • Sporting Equipment
  • Clothing (as new condition)
  • Electronics
  • Art & Craft Supplies
  • Unique Ornaments
  • Home Office & Computers
  • Lawn Care & Garden Tools
  • Cameras & Phones
  • Vintage Gaming
  • Collectables
Deliver neatly boxed or bagged donations to Nadia’s garage: 137 Hemlock Ct, where we will store them until April 21st. Leave items at the doorstep, or call ahead to arrange delivery. 

This year we are raising funds for the Santa Cruz Outdoor Science School field trip, to benefit next year’s fifth grade. It is an expensive trip, but an awesome, unforgettable adventure. We hope that by subsidizing ticket costs all students will be able to attend, and that this trip will be available to future fifth graders too. 

Instead of asking for cash donations, we are asking for your unwanted items! Anything that does not get sold will be taken to Goodwill to benefit the community. Need help? Questions about the Yard Sale? Contact Nadia ( 650 665 3066) or Nicole.
Fairmeadow Science Fair
This year's Science Fair is May 8th . The fair is a lot of fun and this year participants will get to attend a special fun assembly later in the week. Click here for instructions and entry form, which you can fill out and return it to Mrs. Hornbostel or your teacher.
Discovery Day
Friday, May 18th is Discovery Day! This is a parent led, PTA sponsored, biannual Fairmeadow tradition that brings together our talents, hobbies, and passions to share with kids. In order to make Discovery Day happen, we need at least 45 "stations" so that we can provide spots for all of Fairmeadow's 500 kids. Parents, teachers, and volunteers lead or volunteer to help with the events. Activities run from 9-10 am and 10:30-11:30 am.
 
What activities we have to offer the kids is up to you!!  Please sign up by April 30th  either online or fill out the slip from your Friday Folder and return it to the PTA drawer in the office. See the examples of activities tab on the online sign up sheet or make up something new! If necessary, the PTA is able to reimburse up to $50 for the cost of materials. 

Parents of 4th and 5th graders: given that this is a biannual traditional, this year's Discovery Day is your last chance to sign up! Please consider giving some time to make this day special for our students.

Questions? Talk with Karrie Chen, Nadia Priestley or Sachi Messerian, or email the team at fairmeadow.discoveryday@gmail.com .
Calling for PiE Reps! The More the Merrier! We Need YOU!
PiE makes an impact across Fairmeadow for EVERY student. PiE funds classroom aides, art, science lab, music, counseling and more!

We want you to join our team! PiE Rep Teams at Fairmeadow: 
  • Are a knowledgeable resource for info about PiE for the school community
  • Coordinate and meet PiE reps from other PAUSD schools
  • Support Back-to-School and Rally Days events and organize information as appropriate 
  • Meet with the principal to coordinate PiE's involvement with BTS nights, Rally Days and other campus events
Being a PiE rep is great way to meet other parents at Fairmeadow and around the district. It's also a great way to volunteer to help your school - with just a small amount of your time. 

The bigger the team, the better (and more fun) it is! Whether you can do a lot or a little, every set of hands will help. Email Heather Gaillard (mom of 4th grader and 1st grader) to learn more.
Sun Smart and Protecting Kids' Skin: Parent Talk by PAMF Dermatologist Dr. Amy Adams
Join PAMF Dermatologist and parent Dr. Amy Adams on Tuesday, April 24th at 6:30 in the Fairmeadow MP room for a brief informative talk on sun safety. With warm sunny days just around the corner, kids will be spending more time outside. This means more exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which increase the risk of skin cancer. It’s time to get prepared! Amy’s talk will cover:
  • why kids’ skin needs protection from the sun
  • why sun protection isn't only for people with pale skin
  • how to get adequate vitamin D
  • how to choose a sunscreen for your family
  • how to recognize skin cancer  
Please RSVP here . For any questions, please contact Belinda Ryan.

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.
Proxima junta del Latino Parent Network, Ohlone Elementary School co-patrocinado por PAUSD y el concilio del PTA  
Martes, Abril 17, 6-7:30 pm, Ohlone Elementary School, 950 Amarillo Ave
El Latino Parent Network se enfoca en incrementar el número de estudiantes hispanos que están completamente preparados para entrar a la universidad o carrera a la hora en la que se graduen.
Conozca al coordinador de equidad del distrito, Keith Wheeler, quien aboga por aumentar el acceso y el éxito de nuestros niños. La presentación y la discusión se llevarán a cabo en español con traducción en inglés disponible. Cuidado de niños y pizza.

Latino Parent Network meeting at Ohlone Elementary School co-sponsored by PAUSD and PTA Council
Tue, Apr 17, 6-7:30 pm, Ohlone Elementary School, 950 Amarillo Ave
The Latino Parent Network aims to increase success for Hispanic students and ensure that 100% are college and career ready by the time they graduate. Meet the district’s Equity Coordinator, Keith Wheeler, who is advocating to increase access and success for our children. The presentation and discussion will be conducted in Spanish with English-translation available. Childcare and dinner provided.
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 .

PTAC News
LEGOLAND
Enjoy a day at LEGOLAND on us!  PTA Family Field Trip: Visit LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium for only $55 per adult or child. That’s half off the regular price! Must be reserved and pre-paid by phone. Call (760) 438-5346 and have your school name ready (minimum purchase 6 tickets). PTA Kids Go Free (Online): Visit LEGOLAND.com/ptadiscount  to purchase one full paid adult admission to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium and receive one free child admission. Enter discount code 15031. PTA Kids Go Free (Flier): Visit LEGOLAND.com/ptaflyer to print your own flier and bring it to a LEGOLAND California ticket booth to receive one free child with one full paid adult admission to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Summer Camps Held at PAUSD Sites
Looking for a summer camp in your neighborhood or at one of our Palo Alto Unified school sites? Now you can find it at the PTAC website . Camp providers listed on this page host activities/summer camps at PAUSD schools and pay rental fees to our district. These rental fees help to defray the cost of running our schools while providing local opportunities for our kids. PTA Council does not endorse one camp over another. This service is offered to give parents an easy way to find out what is being offered and where. Please contact the PTAC Webmaster to recommend updates to this information. There is no charge to providers to be listed.

Community News
I am an Artist and a Mom Exhibition
Sat, Apr 21, 2-6 pm, Mitchell Park Community Center, El Palo Alto Room
I am an Artist and a Mom Exhibition is a free event open to the public. This exhibition aims to shine a light on our community of women and demonstrate their strong will and passion through artwork created by artist moms. In this exhibition, 35 artist moms will present 83 pieces of beautiful artwork. Please feel free to bring your children and friends. For further information or questions, please email info@simplestepscc.org .
Palo Alto Friends Nursery School's Annual Fiesta Carnival Fundraiser and Silent Auction
Sat, Apr 21 11 am - 2 pm at Friend's Nursery School, 957 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto
The Fiesta Carnival and Silent Auction will have games, crafts, face painting, food, balloon animals, music, silent auction, bake sale, prizes, and special interactive performances from the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. Admission is free, but please bring money for the bake sale, silent auction, food, and games. It is a fun-filled day for the whole family. All proceeds go to our scholarship fund to help provide quality preschool for all children.
Navigating Boyhood (Preschool/Elementary)
Tue, Apr 17, 7-9 pm, Parent’s Place, 200 Channing Ave
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to meet your son's basic internal needs so that cooperation, confidence, and connection come easily in every area of his life. You'll gain practical tools for discipline that will help him cooperate before, during, and after any challenge. With Rachel Sklar, MSW. Fee: $45. Register here .
Raising a Highly Sensitive Child (Preschool/ Elementary)
Thu, Apr 26, 6:30-8:30 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave
Highly sensitive children can be challenging to guide. Learn techniques to support your child’s intense reactions to the environment and strategies for teaching coping skills. With Lori Longo, MA. Fee: $45. Register here .
Take It Personally: Project Cornerstone's Engaging Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
Wed, Apr 11, 18 & 25, May 2 & 9, Jordan Middle School, MP Room, 750 N California Ave
A strong family is the best predictor of children's success. Join us to discover tools for strengthening your relationship with your children in this 5-week workshop. Each week we will discuss and practice ways to show caring, giving support, setting boundaries, and building strong relationships that help youth succeed in school and life! You do not need to be a parent from Jordan, just an adult who cares about helping kids thrive. Language translation available upon request. Workshop paid for by PAUSD / suggested donation for workbook & materials: $20.00.  Sign up here today  . Questions? Contact  Mary Crum .
Volunteers Needed!
Host families needed for exchange students in the Bay Area. Currently, FLAG, a U.S.-based nonprofit international exchange organization with more than a 25 year history, is seeking host families in the Bay Area. Please contact Janine at 408-505-2353 for more information or visit the website .
Palo Alto World Music Day 2018 10th Anniversary Save the Date, Musicians and Volunteers Wanted    
Sun, Jun 17, 3-7:30 pm, University Avenue from Webster-High St (closed to traffic and open for pedestrians)
The City of Palo Alto has declared Sunday, June 17th as World Music Day! World Music Day is a fun, free and unique music festival that takes place in cities around the world every year close to the Summer Solstice. Now, for the tenth year in Palo Alto, 50 professional and amateur musical groups will perform a wide variety of musical genres: jazz, pop, rock, classical, world music, choral, dances and more! All performances are FREE and open to the public. For more information please visit  pamusicday.org or e-mail info@pamusicday.org . Click here to volunteer . World Music Day is presented by the Stanford Federal Credit Union and organized by the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation. Event sponsors include: the City of Palo Alto, the Palo Alto Weekly, Palo Alto Online, the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, the Palo Alto Downtown Business and Professional Association, Live SV, and News for Chinese.
Project Safety Net (PSN) Community Meeting: Innovating Approaches to Youth Well-Being
Wed, Apr 25, 3:30-5:30 pm, Rinconada Library, Embarcadero Room, 1213 Newell Rd
Please join PSN for an informative Partner-In-Action presentation by Mary Hofstedt, Community Engagement Director of Challenge Success. Ms. Hofstedt's presentation is entitled: Why Challenge Success? Changing the Conversation to Support Student Well-Being and Engagement. She will provide an overview of how Challenge Success works with schools, families, and communities to support change toward greater well-being. Ms. Hofstedt will also share national research findings about student engagement and lack of balance. As always, volunteer/service hours are available to students attending PSN meetings.  RSVP here .
Family Fun Day – FREE Preschool/Elementary Event @ Parents Place
Sun, Apr 29, 11 am - 2:30 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave
Celebrate families and young children at Parents Place Family Fun Day! Bounce in our toddler fun zone, rock out to live music, sample a tasty treat, and play at one of the many children’s activity tables, sponsored by our community partners. Meet parenting experts and pop into a 20-minute mini-workshops on everything from mindfulness to toileting tips, while your children enjoy our playroom. FREE for kids of all ages (and their grown-ups too!). Register here .
LGBTQ+ Community Survey
In order to better gage the experiences and needs of the LBGTQ+ community, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) of the City of Palo Alto has created a survey. Friends, family members, and allies are also welcome to complete the survey. The HRC wants to learn what it can do to better support the LGBTQ+ community in Palo Alto and establish priorities for future projects and initiatives. Take the survey online here . The deadline to respond is June 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Minka van der Zwaag , Human Services Manage (650-463-4953).
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) Auditions for New Members
Sun, Apr 29, Mitchell Park Community Center  
PACO invites young string musicians (elementary through high school age) to audition for the 2018-19 season. For more information and to schedule an audition please click here . Email info@pacomusic.org or call (650) 856-3848 for questions. 
iSing Silicon Valley "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Run!" (5k/2.5k)
Sat, Apr 21, 9 am, Bedwell Bayfront Park, 1600 Marsh Road, Menlo Park
Come join the fun at this 80's-themed run/walk benefiting singers from iSing Silicon Valley girls choir as they fundraise for their upcoming tour of Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria. All proceeds directly benefit the girls in this award-winning choir! There will be entertainment, prizes, and plenty of neon. Pre-event registration fees are: $10 for kids 12 and under, $15 for teens aged 13-17, and $20 for adults (adult registration price increases to $25 at the event). Note: children 12 and under need to attend with a parent or adult; youth 13 to 17 need to run/walk with a buddy. Register or donate online here.
Grace Lutheran Preschool Community BBQ and Silent Auction
Sun, Apr 29 4-7,pm, Grace Lutheran Church
Join us for an evening of old fashioned BBQ and fun with Zuc’s Frontyard BBQ, a jumpy house, face painting, and a silent auction with offerings for the whole family. Proceeds support the Grace Lutheran Preschool scholarship fund and Grace Lutheran Church Youth Group. Purchase tickets in advance . $15 for adults/$10 for children under 10. Questions? 650-493-8942.
Learn about Girl Scouts
Mon, Apr 30, 7-8 pm, Girl Scout House (Riconda Park near the Junior Museum), 1120 Hopkins Ave
Come learn about Girl Scouts while having fun with games, songs, and activities. Learn how troops are formed, how to register, and meet with other interested families. Girls are welcome but not required. If you are unable to attend but would like more information, please contact ddrummond@girlscoutsnorcal.org.
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 School
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 !

Quick Links
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.