Awareness events are sponsored by PAUSD, the Palo Alto Council of PTAs, the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC), Parent Advocates for Student Success (PASS), and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning (LGBTQQ) Committee. Contact jgonzalez@pausd.org for more information.

Mon, Nov 7, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Media Arts Center at Palo Alto High School ** New date/time**

TO RENAME OR NOT TO RENAME any of Palo Alto’s schools, that is the topic distinguished historians and ethicists with expertise in Eugenics will discuss. The panelists will share their views on how to evaluate the legacy of those Palo Alto school namesakes that were also some of California’s leading Eugenicists. They will look at Eugenics in the context of its time, the lasting impact Eugenics has in the US, and what learning opportunities a school renaming would provide our public school district. The panelists are: Mary Rorty, Clinical Associate Professor at the Stanford University Medical Center and a Fellow of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Milton Reynolds, Senior Program Manager of the ‘Facing History and Ourselves’ non-profit organization with focus on how historical events shape today’s society, and Tony Platt, Prof Emeritus of American History, Public Policy and Social Science; University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, Cal State University Sacramento, San Jose State University. The townhall will be moderated by Ken Yale, and a representative from the Palo Alto Historical Society will share relevant events from Palo Alto’s and our schools’ history.

Basketball Tournament, 9.30AM – 12PM, Mar 15 (Elementary) & Mar 22 (Secondary), Terman Middle School 655 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto

Track & Field Event: TBD, Gunn High School 750 Arastradero Rd., Palo Alto

PAUSD and Special Olympics Northern California have joined forces together in a new Special Olympics Schools Partnership program. Through sports, the program aims to provide opportunities for PAUSD special education students and their peers to work together as teammates and to create inclusive opportunities in the school community.  More info: https://www.pausd.org/explore-pausd/news/pausd-partners-special-olympics-schools-program

November 8 is Election Day in California and across the nation

Laws enacted by local, state and national bodies are primary sources of public policy. Securing adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth is one of the purposes of PTA.

As a non-partisan association with a long track record of speaking up for all families and connecting families, schools and communities, PTA never comments on, endorses or supports individual candidates for office. However, the association does take positions on (http://capta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/) that impact the education, health and well-being of California’s children and families.  California State PTA takes positions based on our authorities: resolutions and position statements adopted by our members. PTAs also can sponsor and hold candidate forums and share resources. Find out more about how the California State PTA takes positions (http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/legislative-program/california-state-pta-legislative-policies-and-procedures/).  This election day the California State PTA is supporting five statewide ballot initiatives (http://capta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/current-legislation/state-ballot-measures/).  We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to register (http://registertovote.ca.gov/)andvote (http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections) in this election!  Learn more with these resources and information: PTA support on statewide ballot initiatives (http://capta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/current-legislation/state-ballot-measures/).  Research your local ballot (http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/2016-county-administered-elections/)and polling place (http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/find-your-polling-place/)

Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival in San Mateo!
Nov 5th

K-2nd   9 – 10:30 / 11 – 12:30
Gr 3 – 8th  9 – 10:30 / 11 – 12:30
The Julia Robinson Math Festival is a chance for students to work on interesting, inspiring, engaging, thought-provoking math problems and puzzles.  A collaborative, non-competitive setting curated by math-loving adults allows students to explore the joys and power of mathematics.

For more information about the festival visit:  http://jrmf.org/

To register for the festival visit: http://jrmf.org/register.php

To volunteer as a table leader or inquire about hosting a Festival, contact:

Denise White

<glen dot denise dot white at gmail dot com>

(Festival and Outreach Coordinator, JRMF)