Where Learning is a Team Sport!
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Important Dates:
April 9-13
- Sun Smart Week
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 27
- International Night
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Principal's Message
Greetings Fairmeadow Community,
I hope that your family thoroughly enjoyed last week’s spring break from school, and that you’re prepared for what promises to be an engaging and fast-paced spring season of learning. I’m excited to see all of our Firebirds flourish together this spring!
This week is our annual Sun Safety week at Fairmeadow.
We take this opportunity to remind our community about healthy behaviors to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful effects. You can support our message of sun safety by encouraging your child to practice sun safe habits. Important sun-safe behaviors include avoiding over-exposure to the sun, covering up with sunscreen and a hat when outside, seeking shade regularly during periods of extended outdoor play, and being aware of the sun’s varying intensity each day. The UV index predicts a ‘high’ to ‘very high’ rating this week in Palo Alto when the sun is shining, so remember those sun safe behaviors to prepare for a healthy spring and summer play season!
Starting next week, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will take our
state standardized assessments at school
, and will continue to test on designated days for the following two weeks. Our testing schedule is posted on the Fairmeadow website in the ‘features’ section, and specifies the dates and times that your child can expect to take these computer-based assessments. Please ensure that your child gets plenty of rest in the evenings prior to testing days. If you would like more information about the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), including information on score reports and how to take practice tests, please visit the
California Department of Education’s CAASPP web page
and/or
PAUSD’s Assessment web page
.
As you may have read from my recent email announcement, my family and I will be moving to Marin County this summer, and there will be a
new Fairmeadow principal hired for the 2018/19
school year. In an effort to understand the unique and important needs of our school community, our Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Anne Brown, welcomes all parents and community members to an
open meeting on Wednesday, April 18th from 7 to 8 pm in the Fairmeadow Library
. The purpose of this meeting is to learn from our community the attributes you would like to see in your new principal. I will miss you and your children immensely, and am committed to supporting a smooth and productive transition for your new principal.
Please check our school calendar for a list of upcoming celebratory gatherings and exciting school events including International Night, the Whole School Learning Celebration, and Discovery Day. I’m looking forward to this energizing and rewarding time of year with our Fairmeadow Firebirds!
Best Regards,
Grant Althouse, Principal
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Ross Road Bike Boulevard Orientation Day
The City will be hosting a Ross Road Bike Boulevard Orientation Day event on
Wednesday, April 11th from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm at Ramos Park
(800 E. Meadow Drive). The event is set to coincide with the completion of the Ross Road and East Meadow roundabout, one of the traffic calming elements being used in the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bike Boulevard Project. Construction started last September on Ross Road as the first segment of a 7.1 mile project to make it easier for Palo Altans to get around without a car by slowing down traffic and making it safer for bike riders and pedestrians.
The Orientation Day event will feature cameos by the new Safe Routes to School bike safety mascots “Siggy” the human traffic signal and “Coney” the human traffic cone; pace bikes to show safe ways to ride on Ross Road during school arrival/dismissal times; a sidewalk riding video animation, bike and driver safety information, as well as dockless bike shares from OFO, LimeBike and other vendors that can be checked out and used to ride down Ross Road. Refreshments include an energizer station with coffee and “roundabout” pancakes.
City staff will be on hand to answer questions on how to use the roundabout, and Ross “Road Scouts” will be available to accompany those interested in riding with someone down Ross and learning more about the safety features. For more information on the project, go to
cityofpaloalto.org/bikepedsafety
.
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Spring Book Fair
We are having our Spring book fair
April 13th - 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
.
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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.
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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.
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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
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5th Grade Yearbook Deadline
To all 5th grade parents, the deadline to complete customized student pages on
Tuesday, April 10th
. If you have not received the information or have any questions please contact Yearbook Volunteers
Brooke Kember
or
Jessie Chen.
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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.
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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.
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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
.
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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.
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2018-19 PTA Council Executive Board
Congratulations to the recently elected 2018-19 PTA Council (
PTAC
) Board. We have an amazing group of talented volunteers. PTAC is the umbrella organization of the 17 unit PTAs of the Palo Alto Unified School District and works to improve the education, health, and welfare of all children and youth.
President - Jade Chao
EVP - Christina Schmidt
Historian - Lilli Nova-Roessig
Secretary - Heather Sahami
Treasurer - Meilani Hendrawidjaja
Treasurer - Shweta Choudhry
VP Advocacy - Sara Armstrong
VP Communications - Greta Olbrich
VP Communications - Gabrielle Conway
VP Community Outreach - Michelle Higgins
VP Education - Beth May & Sara Woodham
VP Health & Wellness - Dave Shen
VP Health & Wellness - Sumita Vasudeva
VP Parent Education - Charu Gupta
Auditor - Appointed
Parliamentarian - Appointed
Immediate Past President - Audrey Gold
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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.
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How Do We Know What's True Anymore?
Mon, Apr 9, 7 pm, Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center
Democracy requires well-informed voters to thrive. Yet truth and facts are under assault from misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, and fake news. Learn strategies, tips, and tools to gauge the credibility of information from experts at Snopes, Data for Democracy, Google, Facebook, Stanford University, and the Institute for the Future. Event is designed for high school students, parents, and all other adults, and co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Palo Alto and the Palo Alto PTA Council.
Click here for information and free registration
.
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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.
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Presentation by Jackson Katz, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention
Wed, Apr 11, 7-8:30 pm, Media Arts Center (MAC), Palo Alto High School
Watch
Dr. Jackson Katz
Ted Talk “Violence against women: it is a men’s issue." This presentation is an initiative of the Interim Superintendents
RISE Taskforce
. This event is suitable for parents and guardians. Spanish and Mandarin translation available. Childcare provided.
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One on One Aides Needed at School Sites
The PAUSD Special Ed Department has a critical need for Student Attendants (one on one Aides) to provide classroom support to students with learning and behavioral needs for the remainder of this school year. If you have some extra time (Mon-Fri, 4-6.5 hrs hours per day at a number of our schools), and would be interested in working in the schools,
apply online
. You may also call Anne Le, PAUSD Classified HR, 650-329-3957 for more information.
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Parent Chat
Tue, Apr 10, 7-8:30 pm, Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Are you concerned about the emotional well being of your child? Come to Parent Chat, peer to peer support for parents of teens. Hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC.
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Let's Talk
Mon, Apr 16, 7-9 pm, Los Altos Library, 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
A chance to ask questions and share ideas, resources, and support with other parents of students with IEPs, 504s, learning differences, mental health challenges, etc. All are welcome, participants must respect confidentiality. Organized by
SELPA 1 CAC.
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Taking Care of You: Mindfulness and Parenting with Challenges
Wed, Apr 18, 7-9 pm, Santa Rita Elementary School, 700 Los Altos Rd, Los Altos
With Dr. Linda Lotspeich, Child Psychiatrist and Clinical Professor. Parenting a child with disabilities can lead to difficult emotions and stress. The practice of mindfulness, including meditation, can reduce stress, improve self-esteem and allow you to better manage these emotions. Learn to move from coping to living a more meaningful life in the present moment, while still planning for the future.
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Wildflower Yoga Women’s Circle at Blossom
Tue, Apr 17, 7:45-9:15 pm, Blossom Birth, 505 Barron Ave
This 6 week series invites women of all ages to treat yourself to a unique offering of vitalizing yoga, inspiring meditation, self-love journaling followed by a sharing circle nourishing your soul and body with laughter, tea and divine treats. By making the time to nourish yourself and cultivate your own wellbeing, you will plant joyful seeds of more self-care and regain more energy and inspiration to nourish your loved ones.
Register now
for this 6 week series as space is limited!
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Spring Women’s Wellness Group with Jalene Salus
Fri, Apr 20 - Jun 15, 9:15-11:15 am, Blossom Birth, 505 Barron Ave
In this nourishing group, Jalene Salus will share the wisdom of Integrative Nutrition as she introduces sweet and simple ways to nourish your mind, body and spirit. Enjoy a little taste of organic, local, seasonal winter bites while you discuss foods to support your unique body – and your family’s health – this winter. Jalene will show you how aligning your self care with the rhythm of the season can guide you on your path of women’s wellness as she engages you in fulfilling dialogue with other thoughtful, wise women.
Registration is required
as space is limited!
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Kidpower Workshop for Kids ages 5-8 and their Caregivers
Sun, Apr 15, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Ventura Community Center, 3900 Ventura Ct
Not sure how to talk to your kids about stranger safety, bullying, and other potentially scary subjects? For over 25 years we have been empowering kids with an interactive, developmentally-appropriate curriculum to give your family the confidence and skills to communicate about safety. Pre-registration required. $60/child. Visit
kidpower.org
or call (800) 467-6997 ext. 0# or email
safety@kidpower.org.
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Kidpower Starting Strong Workshop for Kids ages 3-5 and their Caregivers
Sun, Apr 15, 9-9:50 am, Ventura Community Center, 3900 Ventura Ct
Good safety habits start early! We teach skills and a common language you can use with your child to stay safe with other people. Pre-registration required. $30/child. Visit
kidpower.org
or call (800) 467-6997 ext. 0# or email
safety@kidpower.org.
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Afternoon Adventure @ CH: Bread Clip Comic Strips
Wed, Apr 25, 3:30-4:30 pm, Children’s Library, 1276 Harriet St
Join us to create comic strip backgrounds and mini characters out of bread clips. Grades K-5 only.
Registration required
.
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Family Film Festival @ MP: Hotel Transylvania
Sat, Apr 14, 4-6 pm, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Enjoy a movie with your family at the library. All ages are welcome!
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Help Students Who Need You Most - Learn about All Students Matter
Come learn about volunteering next school year, once a week in a K-5th grade classroom in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park where students face many challenges and are eager for your support to build academic and social/emotional skills. Hear about the impact you can have by joining us at 10 am on Wednesday, April 25th in Atherton or Thursday, April 26 in Palo Alto at the home of a current volunteer. Contact
Jeanette Kennedy
to receive details. Learn more about us at
allstudentsmatter.org
.
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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.
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