Author Dan Gutman: Tuesday, January 24, Library. Pre-sale flyer.
Ice Skating Party: Saturday, January 28, 5:30-7:30 PM (corrected), Winter Lodge.
Site Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 31, 7-9 PM.
Parent Education: Thursday, February 2, 7-8:30 PM. Childcare provided.
Principal/Parent Coffee: Friday, February 3, 8:15 AM, Staff Lounge.
“Speaking in Tongues”: Tuesday, February 7, 7-9 PM, Library. SIPAPA.
School News
After School Programs: Parents, you can still sign up for lots of wonderful after school programs at Escondido!! for winter and/or spring or combined winter/spring sessions! Some have only this weekend updated their flyers with new dates, times and registration information, so please check the school website. Some programs began last week but are still taking new students, others are beginning next week, others in the beginning of February, so there’s still time for your child to be included!!! (The heading on the schedule has been corrected for the current session, thanks to those of you who reminded us to change it from the Fall 2011 heading.) I have written to Soccer and Math who still have their old flyers up, so hopefully those will be updated shortly too; all the others are the correct new information thanks to Simon Firth, who keeps our website updated. If you are in need of a scholarship for the after school programs, please ask the vendor about availability. All are required to provide at least one scholarship. If the program vendor indicates that no scholarships are available, please ask Bella Almanzan so that we can confirm that the program vendor has provided at least one scholarship to an Escondido child. Questions: Haya Rubin, PTA co-VP for After School Activities.
New After School Taekwondo (Grades 1-5) on Mondays beginning February 6, 2:45-3:45 PM. Questions: Wooksang Roh at wooksangroh@gmail.com. Info: flyer
2012 Escondido Science Fair is here. Registration form included in January 13th Friday folders. Entry form and $5 poster fee are due in the office by Friday, January 27. For more information or to volunteer (many jobs available!), e-mail sciencefair@escondidoschool.org.
Fantastic author Dan Gutman is coming to meet Escondido’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders on Tuesday, January 24! We’ve been previewing Dan’s very popular books in the library, but most of our students are already very familiar with his work. Dan’s baseball adventure series books have been flying off our shelves for years, and your students may be familiar with his “My Weird School Daze” series. Dan will be speaking about his new book, Genius Files #2: Never Say Genius (being released on January 24, so our students will be among the first to hear Dan speak about his new book!). If you would like your child to purchase a book and have it signed by Dan, fill out the pre-sale flyer and return it to the library by Monday, January 23. Go to www.dangutman.com to see a video trailer of Genius Files #1: Mission Unstoppable, where you can also read excerpts from some of his (98 published!) books. We are very fortunate that Kepler’s Books is bringing Dan to us (his normal speaking fee is $2000!). Questions? E-mail Kristen Lee, klee@pausd.org.
“You Make the Difference” PiE Challenge Grant (January 9-27): Last Chance to Give! This is your last chance to donate to the PiE Schools Campaign and we need your help! A generous donor offered a $50,000 Challenge Grant if we can get 300 families who have not yet donated to PiE to make their donation by January 27th. Help us secure this incredible offer by donating today at www.papie.org/donate, leave a check in your school office, or mail to: PiE, PO Box 1557, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Questions? Contact PiE Executive Director Kathy Schroeder at kschroeder@papie.org or 329-3990. Thank you for supporting our schools!
Escondido Family Ice Skating Party! Kids and parents: come join your friends, teachers and staff for a celebration of winter on Saturday, January 28, 5:30-7:30 PM. We will have all of Winter Lodge (including indoor and outdoor rinks) to ourselves! Tickets ($8/Children, $13/Adult) will be on sale before/after school from January 25-27. You can also buy tickets at the door. Volunteers are URGENTLY needed to help with tickets, set up/check in, clean up, and food service during the event. Please sign up to help. Questions: Jill Olerich. Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto.
“The Royal Falcon” Musical: As some of you may already know, Escondido student Zeta Weiss will be performing in “The Royal Falcon” musical. The musical will make its Bay Area debut with two performances at Palo Alto’s Cubberley Theatre: Saturday, January 28, 6 PM, and Sunday, January 29, 4 PM. Please come and enjoy the Royal Falcon Musical with your whole family. Tickets can be purchased online for just $12 each. Here’s an excerpt from the website:
“A spoilt rich kid encounters poverty for the first time and suddenly appreciates not only what he has but feels the need to share with someone who has less…there are many subtle messages in this musical including the problem of bullying, respect for diversity, and the basic oneness of humanity.”
The musical is based on a popular children’s book of the same name by author Jessi Kaur. The book has been adapted for stage and is directed by Tony and Tanna Kienitz, who have done extensive work with the Palo Alto Children’s Theater (and are former Escondido parents). The musical follows the fantastical time travels of an elementary school boy who learns about compassion, forgiveness and sharing. With a multi-cultural cast and upbeat musical score, the play opened to rave reviews in Los Angeles this past November. Zeta is having a great time learning about different cultures and making new friends. The play and its rehearsals have been a wonderful reinforcement of our family values including compassion, forgiveness and sharing. I would love for you to attend one of the performances and support this beautiful endeavor. With good community support here in the Bay Area, the traveling play may next appear in Washington, DC, in May. Please visit The Royal Falcon Musical Website for more information and to purchase tickets: musical.theroyalfalcon.org
Parent Education Series: Upcoming parent study group at Escondido on building our children’s developmental assets with Linda Silvius of Project Cornerstone. The six-session series will provide parent conversations about how we, as parents, can help ensure that our children thrive. First session starts Thursday, February 2, 7-8:30 PM. The other dates are February 9, February 23, March 1, March 8, and March 15. Each Thursday session is independent of each other, so attend any session you are free. No charge to Escondido parents; a one-time donation of $10 for workbook is requested. Scholarship for workbook is available; see Bella to request scholarship. Childcare will be provided. Have questions? Email Elizabeth Eastman.
Cheer on Stanford Women’s Basketball vs. UCLA, Sunday, February 12, Noon, Maples Pavilion. The 5th-ranked Stanford Women will be lead by All-American Nnemkadi Ogwumike. Tickets are $20/each. Please make checks out to Escondido PTA. Invite friends, the more the merrier, for these super-fun, family-friendly outings. Escondido PTA will receive a portion of each ticket sale. Click HERE for an order form. Return order forms to office. (Tickets sold at the Night in Venice Community Party, can be picked-up in the office on the assigned dates, see reverse side.) Questions: Contact Christine Klenow or Ruth Wu.
District News
PAUSD Registration must be submitted online by February 10, 2012, for Priority 1 Status.
PiE Schools Campaign: PiE is still short of this year’s goal. Remember that Friday, January 27, is your last chance to donate to the Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE) Schools Campaign. The campaign is still short of this year’s goal and, given budget cuts, our schools need your help more than ever. Donate today to take advantage of the generous “You Make the Difference” challenge grant happening now. If PiE can get 300 families who have not yet donated to give by January 27, a generous community member will give PiE $50,000 for its campaign. Please help us secure this incredible offer by visiting www.papie.org/donate, leaving a check in your school office, or mailing a check to: PiE, P.O. Box 1557, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Questions? Contact PiE Executive Director Kathy Schroeder at: kschroeder@papie.org or 329-3990. Thank you for supporting our schools!
Special Needs Resource Fair hosted by MVW Special Education PTA and SELPA1-CAC: With an emphasis on summer programs that are inclusive of kids with special needs, this fair will include therapists, tutoring services, legal and financial consultants, art and music programs, sports, horseback riding and more. Come and find out more about opportunities for your kids. This parent education event is free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary. Friday, January 27, 6-9 PM; MP Room, Crittenden Middle School, 1701 Rock Street, Mountain View. Info: mountainvwsepta@gmail.com
Education Update Meeting: January 28, Boardroom, 25 Churchill, Palo Alto; 10 am-noon. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, State Senator Joe Simitian will hold an “Education Update” meeting to discuss the education aspects of the Governor’s January budget proposal and provide an update on K-12 policy proposals. He is particularly anxious to hear from folks given these challenging budget times. RSVP: www.senatorsimitian.com or 688-6384.
State PTA Arts Education Forum: Come learn about the importance of arts education for all children, school district arts plans, and how to advocate for arts in California schools. Keynote Speaker: Susan Stauter, Artistic Director, SF Unified School District. Wednesday, February 1, San Mateo County Office of Education, 9-1 PM, 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City. Registration and coffee begin 8:30 AM. A light lunch will be served. Free for anyone who wants to learn more about arts education. Limited seating; RSVP arts@capta.org by Friday, January 27.
Meet your Assemblyman Rich Gordon: Assemlyman Rich Gordon invites you to an Open House, so he can meet you, hear your thoughts and concerns, and discuss the outlook for the State of California in 2012. Light refreshments will be served. Thursday, February 2, 4-6 PM, 5050 El Camino Real #117, Los Altos. Free and open to the public. Questions: 691-2121.
Paly Choir Pop Concert and Raffle: The Paly Choirs are proud to present their annual Valentine’s Pops Concerts, under the direction of Director Michael Najar and Monica Covitt, on Monday, February 13, and Tuesday, February 14, 7 PM, Haymarket Theatre, Palo Alto High School. Tickets in cash at the door: $10/adult, $5/seniors and students, children free. Come early for best seats, and enjoy these talented young musicians as they sing and dance to selections from great musicals that rock, including U2′s Spiderman, ABBA’s Mamma Mia, Rent, Spring Awakening, and many more. Winners of Friends of Paly Choirs RAFFLE (1st prize: 3 days in Paris for two!) will be announced during the concert on the 14th (you do not have to be present to win). This Raffle is one of our most important fundraisers in vital support of our superb Choral program. Info: www.paly.net/art/choirs/201112_perf_pops.html or marilynabramsdenise@gmail.com.
Community News
The Children’s Fine Art Program of the Palo Alto Art Center: Enroll today for these open art classes (January 23-March 19) at www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy.
Clay for Preschoolers and Parents
KinderClay: Zoo Days 5-6 year-olds
NEW! Tinkering: Moving Art 5-6 year-olds
Pastels 5-7 year-olds
Clay for Kids: Sculpture 5-8 year-olds
Stop Motion Animation 8-11 year-olds
Bird Ceramics 8-12 year-olds
Drawing Intensive 13-18 year-olds
Info: 463-4900. To join the mailing list, email jennifer.marsh@cityofpaloalto.org.
San Jose Symphony Chamber Music Orchestra: January 21, 8 PM, Santa Clara University Recital Hall, Santa Clara. This is a free event at a wonderful venue. The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of an exceptional group of talented young musicians. The rep is as follows:
- Beethoven – The Creatures of Prometheus Overture
- Haydn – Cello Concerto in C Major – 3rd movement, featuring Eunice Sim, cello
- Piazzolla – Oblivion
- Haydn – Symphony No. 101 The Clock – movements 2, 4
- Anderson – The Syncopated Clock
Go, Dog. Go! (January 26-February 4): Big dogs, little dogs, yellow dogs, blue dogs. Dogs at work, dogs at play, dogs in hats, dogs in cars! It’s an all out dog party in this colorful hilarious adaption of P.D. Eastman’s beloved book. Go, Dog, Go! promises to thrill audiences with a chaotic carnival of music and physical comedy that celebrates the many joys and challenges of life and friendship. Come unleash your inner dog. Recommended for ages 3 and older. Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-463-4930. flyer
The Preparatory and SuperStrings Ensembles of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) perform their first concerts of the season:
The PACO PREP division ~ Kris Yenney, Director ~ presents Chamber Works for Orchestra and Ensembles. The Orchestra program will include a Suite from “The Fairy Queen,” by Henry Purcell; Divertimento in D, K. 136, by Mozart and Ten Pieces by Bartók with special guest conductor, sixth grader, Alexander Goldberg. Trios and Quartets will also present works by Telemann, Mozart and others. Friday, January 27, 7:30 PM, Cubberley Little Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Admission: Free
The PACO SuperStrings division ~ Kris Yenney, Director ~ presents Chamber Works for Orchestra and Small Ensembles Works to be performed include: Air and Hornpipe from Handel’s Water Music; Die Forelle (“The Trout”) by Schubert; Fantasy by Gibbons and more. Friday, February 3, 7:30 PM, Cubberley Little Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Admission: Free
Annual Storytelling Festival: Drop in to the Children’s Library on Sunday, January 29, 1-5 PM, Children’s Library, 1276 Harriet St., Palo Alto, to hear stories from great Bay Area storytellers and a few special guests including Mayor Yiaweh Yeh, Fire Fighter Chris Woodard from the Palo Alto Fire Department, and Officer Dan Pojanamat from the Palo Alto Police Department. Also come by for 4 food trucks including Oaxacan Kitchen Mobile, Eat on Mondays Food Truck, TreatBot Karaoke Ice Cream Truck, and Mini Yums Truck will be at the event from 12:30-2 PM. Website.
Parenting Program by Palo Alto Library: No Secret Pact – Tell Me Everything! Getting your kids to tell you secrets can be difficult. Or how do you tell your children secrets that you don’t want them to share with other people? Learn communication strategies to bridge information between you and your child. Thursday, February 2, 7 PM, Downtown Library, 270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto. For Parents Only. Registration.
PACO’s Superstrings Ensembles performs their first concert of the season. The Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra’s SuperStrings division ~ Kris Yenney, Director ~ presents Chamber Works for Orchestra and Small Ensembles. Works to be performed include: Air and Hornpipe from Handel’s Water Music; Die Forelle (“The Trout”) by Franz Schubert; Fantasy by Orlando Gibbons and more. Friday, February 3, 7:30 PM, Cubberley Little Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. Free.
San Francisco 49ers Tailgate Party: The library is hosting the ultimate Library Tailgate Party! Munch on stadium food as the 1994 Superbowl is replayed: 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers. Saturday, February 4, 3 PM, Downtown Library, 270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto. Registration.
Barron Park Association Annual Meeting: Sunday, February 12, 2-4 PM; Barron Park School MP Room. Featured speaker is Doug Graham, Barron Park Historian and President, Palo Alto Historical Association: How Barron Park became what it is today. After the speaker there will be an open forum. This is your opportunity to bring up ideas and concerns with the members of the Board. Please plan to come. Bring cookies to share (optional). Child care offered.
Gallileo Summer 2012 Camps: Save up to $200 when you enroll by March 1. Camp Galileo (PreK – rising 5th graders): hands-on art, science and outdoor activities every day, plus have tons of fun with camp traditions like team color day, water ball and capture the rubber chicken. Options: Go-Kart Makers, Fashion Design, Video Game Design and Chefology. The Tech Summer Camps (rising 4th-8th graders): Hands-on science and technology classes for aspiring scientists and engineers at the Tech Museum in San Jose. Info: www.galileo-learning.com or call 800-854-3684.
