Coming up This Week
This Week
Tuesday, January 15th, Last Day to Order Palo Verde Spirit GearFriday, January 18th, Principal CoffeeMonday, January 21st, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Weeks Ahead
Saturday, February 23rd, Palo Verde Spring Social A Note From the Principal
Kindergarten Registration Open for 2019-2020
Palo Alto Unified School District student registration for the 2019-20 school year began January 9th. If you have a child who will be 5 years of age on or before September 1st (for Kindergarten) or December 2nd (for Transitional Kindergarten), please go to https://www.pausd.org/registration for information about registration and parent meetings. Kindergarten classes at Palo Verde typically fill up fast, so we recommend you register during round one to guarantee placement.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Upcoming and Ongoing Volunteer OpportunitiesThe PTA is looking for volunteers for the following events:Spring Social (23 February 2019): Various positions available. Click here to view positions and sign up. For more information, contact Nicola (nicoladel@msn.com).Noon games Chair (available immediately): Wednesdays during lunch, once or twice monthly. Coordinate/set up board games in the MP Room or playground; reserve MP room; supervise students playing board games. Drop in volunteers welcome. For more information, contact Narusha (narusha@mathen.net).Walking Club Chair (2019/2020 school year): Every Wednesday during lunch but varies depending on volunteer availability and weather. Track laps, announce mileage at assemblies; purchase/distribute walkingcharms. Drop in volunteers welcome. For more information, contact Narusha (narusha@mathen.net).Family Movie Nights Chair (2019/2020 school year): Kid-friendly movies are shown in the MP Room on 2-3 Friday evenings in winter. Set event dates; select age-appropriate movie; rent popcorn machine; advertise event. For more information, contact Narusha (narusha@mathen.net).
Palo Verde/PTA NewsThe Palo Verde PTA Website has been updated!
The Palo Verde PTA has a new and updated website. Please visit http://paloverde.paloaltopta.org/about/ for
1) Up to date rosters of the executive board and event chairs. 2) PTA board and membership meeting dates3) Up to date PTA events calendar and the latest eNews4) Back to school forms5) Volunteer job descriptions and openings, reimbursement forms and much more.
Second Harvest Food DriveJanuary 14th-18th
It’s time for our annual January food drive! Hunger doesn’t end with the holidays, and there are families in our area that need our help. There will be six barrels outside the front office starting January 14th. Please donate non-perishable items (canned goods, boxed meals, cereal, peanut butter etc) throughout the week; no glass items or candy.
Proceeds will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank serving San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. We have a friendly competition between the grade levels, so please place your donations in the barrel marked with your child’s grade. Any questions? Contact Joslyn Leve ( joslynml at hotmail dot com) or Nora Matta (norabro at aol dot com). Thanks!
Thank you the Palo Verde community for Tacolicious School Project (TSP) last month!
You helped raise a fabulous amount of $1,375 for the Palo Verde PTA. A big shout out to everyone for supporting a great cause.
Restaurant Night:We cordially invite you to Give Back Event at Chili’s Mountain View. Let Chili’s do the cooking, you do the eating and support PTA at the same time. Mention or show the give back event flyer with each check to receive the credit for this event on Wednesday, January 23, Chili’s will donate 15% event day sales back to Palo Verde PTA.
Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Time: 11 am – 11 pmPlace: Chili’s Mountain View, 2560 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View (close to Trader Joe’s)Palo Verde Spring SocialSaturday, February 23rd
Parent Party DonationsThe Palo Verde Spring Social is coming up Feb 23, 2019! We are paring down the auction portion of the social this year, because of our up front ask at the beginning of the year. HOWEVER, we are retaining the parties, since they offer a great way to connect with the Palo Verde community while raising a significant amount of funding for our school!! You and your friends donate a party, and all ticket proceeds go to the PTA. Palo Verde parties donated by parents continue to fund a significant portion of the PTA’s support of our school. It funds things like Science Night, Art Night, Math Festival, International Fair, Project Cornerstone, Walking Club, school supplies, teacher discretionary funds, and more!
Donate a party: (Some popular party ideas from the past)A tour/special experience at your companyMargarita moms nightPoker dads nightChampagne brunchMulti course dinnerWine & chocolate nightHike & winery picnicGuided indoor cycling classGirl scout cookie & wine pairingPampering and pedisYoga eventPizza oven partyRun for fun in the parkPokemon party for kidsBubblesmith family partyFamily picnic in the park
Approximately a third of the money raised by the Palo Verde Social comes from donations of parties from Palo Verde parents like you. Please sign up by emailing pvpta.auction@gmail.com Any questions? Please contact Anne Marie Hallada amhallada@gmail.com or Yael Valek yaelcow@yahoo.com
Palo Verde Spirit GearPalo Verde Spirit Gear is available for order now through January 15 online. This is the perfect time to order a hoodie or long sleeved t-shirt to show your Palo Verde pride! Check out the catalogue and get your order in now! Here’s the link to order: https://shop.spiritwearhero.com/collections/palo-verde
5th graders – stay tuned in the winter for a special edition “Class of 2019” Palo Verde t-shirt!
Girls On the RunThis Spring Palo Verde will have a Girls on the Run Team! Girls on the Run is an after-school program that gives 3-5th grade girls the tools to be happy, healthy and confident. Girls on the Run is more than just a running program – it gives girls the opportunity to build confidence and healthy habits. Over 10 weeks, from March through May, girls will recognize their star power, make new friends, and so much more! Teams meet twice each week to play games and learn new life skills while building endurance to complete the Girls on the Run 5K on May 18. Registration opens December 1 through the GOTR website: https://www.gotrsv.org/. Scholarships are available – please apply for scholarships before registration.
For more information email Michelle Steingart at michellesteingart@yahoo.com. You can also learn more about the program on their website.
PAUSD News
Superintendent’s Weekly Board Update
EACH FRIDAY! Superintendent’s Weekly Board UpdateRead Dr. Don Austin’s Weekly Board Update, published new each Friday https://www.pausd.org/news
LET’S TALK – Easy Click to Send Your Comments PAUSD has announced a new online feature to allow parents, teachers, neighbors, and anyone to give direct feedback to our Superintendent, Don Austin. In case you missed it from the Superintendent Weekly Friday Communication, here is the link again. https://www.pausd.org/explore-pausd/lets-talk
PTAC
**NEW**Adolescent Vaping: From Theory to Data to PreventionTuesday, January 22, 7:00 to 8:30pm Hay Market Theater at Palo Alto High SchoolNovel tobacco/nicotine products, such as vapes and pod-based products such as Juuls, have entered our local market, and our adolescents are now using these products more often than combustible cigarettes. In this talk, organized by the Palo Alto PTA Council, Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher will provide detailed information on the new tobacco/nicotine products available, including e-cigarettes/ vapes and Juuls and other pod-based systems, as well as the e-juices that accompany these products. She will discuss recent research on reasons for adolescent use of these products, including flavors, appeal, marketing, perceived reduced harm, ease/place of use, stress, anxiety, and depression, and misperceptions. She will also present advocacy efforts occurring in the US to reduce vaping use.Please join in this conversation with your family! Learn about what our community can do to change the course. Get equipped with evidence-based resources and intervention ideas that can be used to help prevent and reduce youth use of these novel products. Questions/ comments: health@paloaltopta.org
**NEW**PTA Council CALL FOR ACTION: STANFORD G.U.P. Parents, Staff, Teachers, and Neighbors. The PTA Council is urging you to write to our elected officials at the County Board of Supervisors, Joe Simitian, Cindy Chavez, Mike Wasserman, Dave Cortese, and Susan Ellenberg (swearing in ceremony Jan 7). You need to write to them and tell them how the Stanford G.U.P. will NEGATIVELY impact your daily life and your children’s education in Palo Alto elementary, middle, and high schools. NOW is the CRITICAL TIME. Here are some suggested topics:
Please support the PAUSD Board of Ed Resolution (adopted 11/14) Stanford needs to pay annual payments to PAUSD for every students coming from Stanford tax exempt housing because our school funding comes from property taxes (Community Funded).Stanford to provide a 4-acre parcel of land to build an elementary school in the neighborhood of new housing development (Sand Hill/Quarry Road environs).Stanford needs to pay developer fees (sometimes called impact fees) for the mitigate the cost of building a new school. Please support the PTA Council Asks (adopted 11/14)Stanford to contribute to Safe Routes To School (SRTS) Program by providing for safe intersections manned by crossing guards, safe bike paths, safe rail crossings at Churchill Ave., East Meadow, and Charleston Road. Stanford to contribute to oversubscribed after school childcare on PAUSD school sites, particular at Nixon Elementary, Escondido Elementary, and new elementary school (to-be built).Housing for PAUSD Teachers and Staff.Schedule future G.U.P. meetings when school is in session for the meaningful school community engagement. PLEASE support this “call to action” with just a tap on your phone:Download the FREE Click My Cause app from the App Store Create your account, selecting “Palo Alto PTA Council” as your organization.Tap “allow” to allow notifications. We will send you a mobile alert every time we need your voice.In the app, tap the red “act now” button to message the board of supervisors. For more info:Visit the PTA Council, County of Santa Clara, and Stanford General Use Permit websites. You can submit your comments directly via these websites. (View the recording of 12/12 School Info Meeting at J.L.S. on YouTube:
Core Material starts at 4:15 and ends at 15:48 time stamp)Palo Alto Online News Articles
**NEW**Inclusive Resource Fair of Summer Camps & After-School ActivitiesThu, Feb 7, 6:30 – 8:30PM, JLS Middle School Auditorium, 480 East Meadow Drive, Palo AltoJoin us to meet 30+ providers of summer camps & after-school activities, who will present information about their programs and be available to talk 1:1 with parents. All providers can accommodate some students’ special needs, either in an inclusive environment or a special program, and can discuss specific accommodations. Some offer on-site enrollment. Information on financial assistance available, and many providers offer fee waivers based on need.
Organized by the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, and co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Council of PTAs. Childcare and snacks for kids will be provided. Please RSVP for childcare to paloaltocac@gmail.com. For more information, including the complete list of vendors as it is finalized, go to www.cacpaloalto.org————————————————————————————–
Feria de Recursos de Campamentos de Verano y Actividades Después de ClasesJueves, 7 de febrero, 6:30 – 8:30pm, En el auditorio de la Escuela Media JLS, 480 East Meadow Drive, Palo AltoAcompáñenos a conocer más de 30 provedores de campos y actividades de verano y por la tarde para después de clases, quienes estarán dando información sobre sus programas y que también estarán disponibles para hablar 1:1 con los padres. Todos son proveedores que pueden admitir a niños con algunas necesidades especiales ya sea dentro de un ambiente incluyente o dentro de un programa especial y podrán conversar sobre ajustes especiales que su hijo/a pueda necesitar. Podrán existir opciones de inscribirse en el lugar. Habra información sobre asistencia financiera y muchos proveedores ofrecen becas que se adaptan a sus necesidades.
Se contará con servicio de guardería y botana para niños, por favor RSVP para el cuidado de los niños a paloaltocac@gmail.com. Para mayor información, incluyendo la lista de proveedores cuando está completa, ingrese a: www.cacpaloalto.org. Organizado por el Palo Alto Comité Asesor Comunitario para la Educación Especial y co-patrocinado por el Consejo de Palo Alto de PTAs.
Community NewsCommunity E: Children’s Classes at the Palo Alto Art Center!Unleash the creativity in your child by signing up for one of our children’s classes. We offer classes in ceramics, painting and sculpture on Monday – Saturdays. Classes are held at the Art Center (1313 Newell Road) and the Mitchell Park Community Center (3700 Middlefield Road). Please review our brochure for class information and live links to registration. https://tinyurl.com/PAEnjoyBro Classes will run January – March, 2019. Questions? Please contact Rebecca Passarello (rebecca.passarello@cityofpaloalto.org or 650-617-3509).
Mothers and Sons: Raising Boys into Men (Preschool/Elementary)Tues, Jan. 22nd 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Parents Place 200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301Plenty of free parkingExplore this special relationship between mothers and sons and learn what boys need from their moms. Discuss how to handle boy energy and foster long-lasting communication and closeness. With Rachel Sklar, MSW. Fee: $45Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mothers-and-sons-raising-boys-into-men-preschoolelementary-registration-51481642980
Ragazzi Boys Chorus Free SingFest MinicampRegistration Open: Saturday, January 12th, 9:30am – 12:00pm 178 Clinton St, RWCLet your 7-10 year old boy test-drive this ‘best choir of the Peninsula’ for himself at a free half-day minicamp. Low-key, no-obligation auditions are integrated into the morning; no previous singing experience needed. Boys offered Ragazzi membership start rehearsing in January, 2019. Beginning groups start slow, then grow, meeting in Redwood City and San Mateo for choral singing and theory instruction. SingFest is free, and spots will go fast at bit.ly/SINGFEST. Can’t make it to SingFest but want to audition? Go to http://ragazzi.org/join-us/book-audition/
Ragazzi Boys Chorus’ Music and Movement classes openRegister Now; Mon, 3:15 and 4:15 sessions, Jan. 28 – May. 20, 178 Clinton St, RWCRagazzi Boys Chorus’ engaging class for active young boys is now open. It’s a great option for boys not quite old enough for Ragazzi’s main program. This class is tailored for boys ages 5-7 with little or no previous musical experience. Students explore rhythm games, channel their energy through music learning and learn concepts they can apply in any musical setting. $375 for 15 weeks; sibling discounts. Contact swilen@ragazzi.org, 650-342-8785. Register & more info at bit.ly/musicmovÂ
Community E, M:
**NEW**Paly Robotics Summer Camp 2019Jul 22 – Jul 26 and Jul 29 – Aug 2, 9am-3pm at the Palo Alto High School Robotics LabSessions: Robot Design & Hardware, Programming, Entrepreneurship & Website Design, Animation & Graphic Design. This year, Paly Robotics will be offering two weeks of our annual summer camp for middle school students (incoming 6th – 9th graders). Paly Robotics hopes to spark interest and start future high school students on a path in science, technology, engineering, art or mathematics (STEAM). Registration will open on January 12 at 12PM. Campers will be able to sign up for one of four sessions per week. To sign up or to get more information, go to palyrobotics.com/summercamp. If you have any further questions, please email summercamp@palyrobotics.com.
**NEW**Service Learning & Community Service OpportunitiesWed, Jan 16, 8:30-9:30AM, Greene Middle School, Multipurpose Room.The Greene Parent Networks invite you to a presentation by Youth Community Service (YCS) on how to get students involved in meaningful Service Learning projects where students learn the nuances of a community issue, address that issue with a service project and then reflect on the process. Students learn how to examine real life issues and implement solutions gaining self-confidence from feeling that they made a difference in the community. Opportunities at the Palo Alto Humane Society and other organizations will be presented.
Community E, M, H:**NEW**Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration Monday, January 21, 10AM-1PM Mitchell Park Community Center The City of Palo Alto and Youth Community Service are celebrating diversity through an afternoon event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event will give the Palo Alto and surrounding communities the opportunity to celebrate diversity through the words and inspiration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The festivities include local organizations, guest speakers, service activities for youth & teens, music, performances, and a legacy exhibition displaying different periods of the civil rights movement. For more information, please visit YouthCommunityService.org/MLKÂ
**NEW**Silicon Valley Boychoir AuditionsBy appointment, through Tues, Jan 15, Palo AltoAuditions for the January semester will be held at the choir’s rehearsal location near downtown Palo Alto (600 Homer Ave). Open to 2nd-5th grade boys. High school and middle school boys with choral experience may audition for upper levels. SVB provides a personalized approach to teaching singing, music theory, and sight-reading, while providing flexible scheduling for busy families. In addition to their own winter and spring concerts, SVB performs for local events including appearances with Stanford University Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra, West Bay Opera, Schola Cantorum of Mountain View, and singing the national anthem at sporting events. Email info@svboychoir.org or visit http://svboychoir.org
**NEW**Pressure-Proof Kids! A Parent Education Event at Fairmeadow Elementary SchoolMon Jan 14, 7-8:30PM, Fairmeadow MP Room, 500 East Meadow DriveKiran Gaind, Modern Parent Coach, will share her work on Four Surprising Secrets to Raise Happy, Successful Kids in a Pressure Cooker World . Free event, open to all PAUSD families. Free babysitting provided in Fairmeadow Library-event for adults only. Contact: Kristen_podulka@yahoo.com with questions. http://www.theconnectedfamily.net/
**NEW**Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) Winter Concerts
Enjoy a series of winter concerts (January through March) featuring PACO’s talented young musicians. You’ll be fascinated by the array of works ranging from Baroque, Classical, Romantic to Contemporary by well-known composers Mozart, Handel and Dvorak just to name a few. All concerts are admission FREE and for the entire family to enjoy.Sun, Jan 27, 3PM, Palo Alto Art Center, Preparatory OrchestraSun, Feb 3, 12PM, Palo Alto Art Center, Superstrings OrchestraSun, Feb 10, 3PM, Cubberley Theatre, Sinfonia OrchestraSun, Mar 3, 3PM, Palo Alto Art Center, Debut OrchestraSat, Mar 9, 7:30PM, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Senior PACO OrchestraFor more information and the 2018-19 season calendar, please visit www.pacomusic.org or email info@pacomusic.org
**NEW**Art Classes at the PA Art Center or Mitchell Park Library
Unleash the creativity in your student by signing up for one of art classes at the Palo Alto Art Center or the Mitchell Park Community Center. We offer classes Monday – Saturday in painting, drawing, ceramics, photography and jewelry and metal working for students ages preschool through high school. Please review our brochure for class information and live links to registration. Classes will run January – March, 2019. Questions? Please contact Rebecca Passarello (rebecca.passarello@cityofpaloalto.org or 650-617-3509)
ONLINE Workshop-Babies, Bodies, and Boundaries(Preschool/Elementary)Tue, Jan 15,1:00 – 2:00PM Online workshopLearn effective ways to provide your kids with age-appropriate answers to those uncomfortable questions about our bodies and sex. We will discuss when to have the talk, how to prepare for it, and why this kind of open communication is beneficial. With Torrey Freeman, MS. Fee: $25Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/online-workshopbabies-bodies-and-boundaries-preschoolelementary-registration-51484590797
Navigating School District Services for Children with Special Needs (All Ages)Tue Jan 15-22, 7 – 9PM, Parents Place- 200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301- Plenty of free parkingThis workshop is intended for parents who have children with any type of special needs or suspected special needs. Come and learn about how and when a child would qualify for special education services in the public school system. Tips on how to develop a collaborative relationship with the school district will be discussed, as well as what recourse parents have when parents and school district personnel don’t agree about the assessment process. With Diana Blank, LCSW. Fee: $90Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navigating-school-district-services-for-children-with-special-needs-all-ages-registration-51483369143
Parents Place Summer Camp Fair – Preschool/Elementary- High School FamiliesSun, Jan. 27, 10AM – 12PM, Parents Place- 200 Channing Ave Palo Alto 94301- Plenty of free parkingIt’s already time to start planning a great summer for your kids! The Parents Place Summer Camp Fair is a unique opportunity to engage with more than 20 summer camps, located on the Peninsula and beyond. This is the only event in the area that connects you with multiple regional and independent summer camps, including sleepaway camps and special needs camps, in one convenient location. Make a personal connection with camp staff, explore the variety of flexible options, and discover how to maximize your child’s summer camp experience. Fee $5 per family.Summer Camp Panel Discussion before the Fair is from 9:00am – 10:00am. Moderated by Parents Place Director Karen Friedland-Brown, camp directors will discuss “Solving the Summer Camp Dilemma: How to schedule your child’s summer and find the best fit for your family.” Fee: FREERegister here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parents-place-summer-camp-fair-all-ages-registration-50702353103
City of Palo Alto Enjoy Catalog for local after school activities…from Art Classes to Beginning Pickleball!Sign-up for January classes/activities now…to register goto: www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy Palo Alto Residents enjoy discounted fees.
Dream Volunteers Summer 2019 Family Service Trip to Latin AmericaTrip takes place June 24, 2019 – July 1, 2019. Deadline for sign-up is January 13, 2019.Dream Volunteers, a local non-profit, has been organizing service trips abroad for schools and families since 2007. A service trip with Dream Volunteers is an incredible way to immerse your family in a beautiful culture, while make a difference in the lives of people striving to lift up their communities. Sign-ups for next summer’s Guatemala Family Volunteer Trip are happening now online. This trip is appropriate for families with kids between pre-school and high-school age. Click here for trip info There will be a live webinar with more information about the trip on Dec 5 at 7:30pm using this link: https://zoom.us/j/898941891 Or you can reach out directly to Dream Volunteers with questions at info@dreamvolunteers.org.
Calling elementary, middle and high school families. You are eligible to host an AFS Exchange Student.Hosting helps a high school student from abroad become fluent in English and experience life in America. “Becoming a host family took us out of our comfort zone and provided many new experiences.”Contact Veronica Buxton at vbuxton@afsusa.org. AFS USA is a premier volunteer cultural exchange program approved by the State Department.https://www.afsusa.org/team/san-francisco-bay/contact-us/
Stanford’s Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research (CIBSR) .
We are recruiting volunteers for a Social Skills study. We are looking for boys aged 8-18 years diagnosed with a developmental or intellectual disability to take part in a research study investigating the effect of behavioral training methods on social skills. Participation includes a visit to Stanford for 3-4 days, cognitive testing, two optional MRI scans, and social skills training with a behaviorist. For more information see here please or contact Ellen Wilkinson, MA or Tobi Britton, BA, BCaBA; 650-736-0591; Scott Hall, PhD, BCBA-D; 650-498-4799
Want to Submit PTA Information to eNews?Send your announcement to paloverdevoice (at) gmail (dot) com. Add “For eNews” in the subject line, and all submissions must be made by noon on Fridays. Please include a brief description as well as date, time, location, and contact information. Do notinclude attachments.
Thank you so much!
Palo Verde eNews cannot be used for political campaigning, advertising of for-profit businesses, or solicitation. We cannot accept non Palo Verde PTA information. Non-Palo Verde Community information should submit to Palo Alto Council of PTAs (ptaenews@yahoo.com)
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