October 7, 2011 - El Carmelo PTA

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTACARMELETTERPrincipal’s LetterDear El Carmelo parents,This year, you will be hearingmore about Project Cornerstone,a county-wide initiative that isbecoming an important part ofPAUSD’s strategic goals toimprove student connectednessand to strengthen supportsystems for student social,emotional and physical health.Our Site Council will be lookingcarefully at ways to implementProject Cornerstone at ElCarmelo.The Project Cornerstoneresearch, conducted by theSearch Institute (www.searchinstitute.org),extends backaround 40 years in many differentparts of the country. At the heartof the Search Institute's work istheir 40 Developmental Assets --positive experiences,relationships, opportunities, andpersonal qualities that youth needto grow into healthy, caring andresponsible people. The assets aregrounded in research on child andadolescent development, riskprevention, and resilience. Theyrepresent a common core ofdevelopmental building blockscrucial for all children.The 40 DevelopmentalAssets are broken down intocategories of external and internalassets. (See page 8 for a list of the40 Developmental Assets and page9 for the “Developmental Asset ofthe Month.”)You might remember that ourfifth graders took a survey lastyear to help us obtain somebenchmark data on studentconnectedness. This survey helpsus determine the extent to whichchildren in our communityexperience these assets and howthe assets relate to their behavior.Students were surveyed in middleand high school as well. Theresults are now available onlinethrough our district website.I will be discussing the ElCarmelo results (which weregenerally positive and affirmedthe values of our schoolcommunity) in greater detail withour School Site Council, PTA andstaff to determine its implicationsfor school and community action.Looking forward to ourconversations and working ondevelopmental assets together.--Chuck MerrittCalendarSaturday, October 8Stanford Football GameFundraiser, 4:30pmTuesday, October 11PTA General Meeting & ParentEducation, 7-8pmMonday, October 17No School, Staff DevelopmentDayWednesday, October 193rd Grade Bike RodeoThursday, October 20School Picture Make-Up DayWednesday, October 26Coffee with the Principal, 8:25amThursday, October 27School Play, 4:30pmCarmeletter submissions dueFriday, October 28School Play, 7pmSaturday, October 29School Play, 2pmMonday, October 31Pumpkin Project Display !Halloween Parade, 8:30amWednesday, November 2PTA Exec. Board Meeting, 8:30amMonday, November 7Kinder Extended Day BeginsFriday, November 4Ice Skating Party, 5:30-7:30CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 1

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTAPTA President’s LetterDear El Carmelo parents and staff,Worms, it seems, haveplayed a recurring role inmy volunteering inclassrooms at ElCarmelo. A year and ahalf ago, I had thepleasure of helping withthe 1st grade ScienceOlympiad with an activity called “As theWorm Turns.” We used the scientificmethod (observe, hypothesize, experiment...) toinvestigate whether red worms prefer dry or moistenvironments, whether they prefer light or darkenvironments, and how they respond to touch. Inoticed how universally willing the kids were toliterally get their hands dirty. Everyone participatedenthusiastically in the experiments, and almost all ofthe children handled the worms. They had a funafternoon not only learning about worms, but doinga couple of other scientific activities as well. I betmore than one of them went home with a “Guesswhat we did in school today!” story for theirfamilies.And then, just the other day I helped with“stations” in my daughter’s Kindergarten class. Aclassroom aide and I were tasked with helping theKinders dig up a small tree that had inconvenientlyplanted itself right in the middle of one of theKinder garden beds. The kids went to worktransferring dirt from the garden into a big pot intowhich we eventually transplanted the baby tree. Asyou can well imagine, it didn’t take long before thekids noticed that there were allsorts of things in the dirtbesides dirt, notably WORMS!Lots of them. Squeals ofdelight. “Look, look what Ifound!” We had quite a bit ofworm show-and-tell and wormanalysis: How big are they?How fat? Are they active?Sleeping? What shapes havethey curled into? Again, more delightful “Guesswhat we did in school today!” stories.Now I don’t know about you, but worms don’treally do much for me. Normally I don’t really thinkabout them at all. I wouldn’t say they bother me (Iheld them with the kids in both classes), but mostlyI just hope they stay outside and do the things thatworms do. But when I see how excited thoseKinders and 1st graders are by everyday earthworms,I’m reminded how exciting it is to have newexperiences and learn new things – and what a greatprivilege it is for our children to attend a school likeEl Carmelo where skilled teachers plan lessons dailythat spark curiosity and engage the intellect. Andsometimes we parents who get to come along for theride, whether we’re actually there or hear about itafter school, get to learn a thing or two too. Hoorayfor worms!Have a great October!Maria Derrick(wesderrick@mindspring.com)PTA GENERAL MEETING & PARENT EDUCATIONThe next PTA General Membership meeting will be held Tuesday, October 11,7pm in the El Carmelo Library.Childcare available for children four years and older.After a brief business meeting, Chuck Merritt will facilitate a discussion aroundProject Cornerstone's 40 Developmental Assets (see Principal’s Letter inthis issue of the Carmeletter). In addition, he will preview the idea of formingParenting Discussion Groups for small groups of parents to discuss challenges andshare tips and practices. See you there!CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 2

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTANEW MATH SUPPORT AND EXTENSION PROGRAM AT EL CARMELOThis year, El Carmelo isimplementing a new math supportand extension program that wasdesigned by Katie Kinnaman(Elementary Math TOSA) andRobert Siu (4th grade). David Five math strands wereKetchum (“Mr. K”) assisted selected: (1) Number Sense,with the process and will conduct (2) Algebra & Patterns, (3)lessons in small groups for grades Geometry, (4) Data &K-5. Everyday Math will remain Probability, and (5)the core math curriculum for all Measurement. Assessments forstudents in their regulareach of the strands were created atclassroom. This new program each grade level that mirrored thebuilds on and supports the core standards established by Nationalcurriculum in areas ofand State Boards, and also PAUSD.demonstrated need. ElNumber Sense is the firstCarmelo's Math Leads Loritopic. All students at El CarmeloBeasley and Robert Siu will betook the Number Senseactively involved in all elements ofassessment in September. Studentsthis program in this pilot year.were expected to be proficient inLast year, David joined El the tasks that were end-of-yearCarmelo to work with K-3 benchmarks for their previousstudents in math instruction, both grade level. For instance, secondin a supportive role (reteaching graders took the Grade 1 Numberconcepts) and in extending Sense assessment, with theconcepts for students who expectation that studentsexhibited mastery of grade level progressing as expected should beskills. The feedback from students able to demonstrate mastery ofand teachers was positive, and we those tasks at this point in seconddecided to take this idea to the grade. Any student who did notnext level.show mastery of the previousFor consistency andgrade level standards werecoordination across grade levels, considered for Math Support.the basic skills in the California Students were then grouped byState Standards and accompanying their areas of need (i.e., orderingmath strands will be used to set a numbers, rounding, computation)school-wide math focus for each across the grade level. Thesesix-week cycle of small group students will work with Davidinstruction. While this may not be from one to three times a week tothe in-depth focus of thereinforce the Number Senseparticular grade-level math unit at concepts that they did not masterthe time, Everyday Math provides in the previous grade. At the endspiraling review and re-exposure to of six weeks, David will administerconcepts throughout the year so a Post Test, and the staff will bethere will be some reinforcement able to analyze and review eachof the small group pull-out work in students’ growth.the regular classroom.In cases where students havemastered the prior grade levelstandards in Number Sense, thesestudents were then given theNumber Sense assessment at theircurrent grade. If studentsdemonstrated mastery ofNumber Sense concepts thatthey are expected to learn byyear’s end, these studentswere considered for Extensionwork with David. For instance, acurrent fourth grade student, whoshowed mastery of Grade 4standards at this point in theschool year, would be consideredfor an extension group.Students who are not selectedfor Math Support or Extensionwill remain in their classrooms andreceive more of their teacher’sinstruction, whether it beindividually or in a small groupsetting.The support and extensiongroups are designed to be fluid innature. For the next math strand,Algebra & Patterns, the groupingsfor support and extension to bedifferent. All students K-5 will beassessed based on those standardsand new groups will be formed.The same process will be used forall five strands, and students willagain be grouped by need ormastery of grade level skills.This new format will providemore directed, intensiveinstruction in the areas of maththat students need. And, whenstudents are removed from theclassroom for extra support orextension, there is a demonstrateddeficiency (for math support) ordemonstrated above-grade levelcompetency (for math extension).CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 3

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTA3RD GRADE BIKE RODEOOur 3rd grade students areparticipating in the district’sthree-part bicycle and trafficsafety education program thisfall. This program is part of ourhealth safety curriculum and helpschildren learn important skills forsharing the road safely, whether asa cyclist or as a pedestrian.3rd graders will participate intwo video/discussion lessonsdeveloped for school use by theBicycle Federation of America.The third lesson in thisprogram is an on-bike activityinvolving the 3rd graders withtheir bicycles and helmets on themorning of Wednesday, 10/19,10:25 – 11:45am. Here, the 3rdgraders have an opportunity topractice making safe choices andfollowing key rules of the roadthat they have learned in theclassroom. These include ridingon the right with traffic, lookingback over their left shoulderbefore moving to the left, usinghand signals and always checkingthat it is safe before crossing thestreet or coming out of a driveway.To make this a success,however, we need your help!3rd graders need to bring theirBIKES, HELMETS and LOCKSto school on the day of the onbikeactivity if at all possible. Ifyour 3rd grader knows how to ridea bicycle, but cannot bring it toschool that day, you might arrangeto borrow one from a similar-sizedchild in another grade. 3rdgraders who can only bringhelmets are encouraged to do sosince we will work out sharingbicycles within groups whereverfeasible. 3rd graders withouthelmets cannot ride but willparticipate in the learningactivities as pedestrians. Pleaseindicate your 3rd grader’s plans onthe attached response form.Before the on-bike activity,make sure that your 3rd grader’shelmet fits properly AND that his/her bicycle is in safe workingorder. Review the attachedinformation on fitting bikehelmets and the “Check YourBicycle” checklist with your 3rdgrader. Making any necessaryadjustments ahead of time ensuresa better experience for your 3rdgrader.We will need at least 15 moreparent volunteers to help set upand operate the on-bike activitystations. Parents in previousyears have found this to be arewarding experience.Contact Kyrie Robinson(kyrierobinson@yahoo.com,494-1407). Thank you!Attention 3rd Graders!“3rd Grade Is the Best!” PartySunday, 10/23, 11:30am-2pm✴Reminisce about the good old days inKindergarden, 1st, and 2nd grade in theprivacy of a backyard (not school yard!)✴Play party games for prizes✴Jump on the trampoline✴Take a dip in a hot tub✴Challenge your classmate to a Kinectdance off✴Pizza for lunch✴Plus... Halloween decor to get you inthe holiday spirit!!!Ticket: $20 to the El Carmelo PTA.To RSVP, contact Amy Love, Auction Chair(aloveinchile@yahoo.com).EL CARMELO’S ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVING DISPLAYStudents can bring decorated pumpkins to the front of the MP Room on Halloween morning(Monday, 10/31)! Please put child’s name and grade on the pumpkin. Fun, scary and creative pumpkinsencouraged; please no gory pumpkins. Participants may dare to pick a small surprise from theWitch’s Cauldron! Pumpkins can be picked up after school.Contact Doreen Rehbock (doreenrehbock@gmail.com) or Angela Dunnigan (angela@dunnigan.net).CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 4

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTALIBRARY NEWSWelcome back to the ElCarmelo Library! The library hasbeen buzzing at recess and lunch,especially on hot or chilly days.Please encourage yourchildren to share their librarybooks with you. Help them totake care of library books andkeep them in a safe place. Also,remind children to bring booksback on their scheduled libraryday (see box on right) to eitherreturn or renew. Some studentsget very disappointed if they areunable to check out a new bookbecause of an overdue.K/1st may check out onebook at a time for 1 week.2nd-5th may check out 2-3 booksat a time for 2 weeks. Anyoverdue books may be cleared upby contacting the library by email,note or phone to let us know thatyou are aware of the overdue orSPONSOR-A-BOOKpaying the fine of the book.Students who have continualoverdues will be limited and willhave to keep their books at school.The Paperback ChapterBook Swap Box will again beavailable in the library for 3rd- 5thgrade students to exchange usedpaperback chapter books. Thebooks must be in good condition,school appropriate and haveparent consent to trade.Also, students may check outlibrary videos as long as a parentaccompanies them.We have recently started acollection of parent resources.Come by and take a look!Congratulations to thosestudents who turned in theirSummer Reading Records!Parents wishing to makedonations to our library mayLibrary Schedule:TuesdaysRooms 4 and 21WednesdaysRooms 1, 8, and 19ThursdaysRooms 3, 5, 6, 7, and 20FridaysRooms 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 22participate in the Sponsor-A-Book program (see below). Manythanks to those of you who havealready donated. This helps us tokeep our library collection cooland current! We look forward to agreat school year!Mrs. Bell,Mrs. D. andD.J.After a lazy summeroff, our school libraryis back to beingheavily used. Thelibrary at El Carmelois a critical resourcefor our children,enriching andenlivening their experience at school and buildingtheir love of reading and their body of knowledge.Sponsor-a-Book is your chance to donate books tothe library while also honoring those who are specialto your children—family members, teachers, orfriends—with a personalized message.How do you sponsor a book?You may have already donated $15 for each booksponsored on the PTA's One-Check form. If youhaven't, it's not too late! You can simply show up atthe library during the times designated in the eNews(the next is Wednesday, 10/12, 1:30-2pm), bringingyour checkbook with you. Donations are entirelytax-deductible, and all funds go to the purchase ofbooks for the El Carmelo library.Can your child choose the book?Your child can choose to sponsor a book from anumber of books selected by our librarian, LeslieBell; alternatively, s/he may pick a favorite title fromthe shelves of the library, as long as the book chosenhas not previously been sponsored. An inscriptionwill be placed in the book on a bookplate, and yourchild will feel proud to know that your family hassupported our library.Last spring, my daughter was delighted to seethe name of her preschool teacher's grown-up son inthe Sponsor-a-Book plate in the front of a HarryPotter book she checked out from the library. Giveyour own child a lasting legacy to leave behind forthe El Carmelo community. Thanks to all who havealready donated! Contact Kate Karagueuzian Gibbons(katekgg@gmail.com) or Sripriya Kannan(sripriya_kannan@yahoo.com).CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 5

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTAINNISBROOK FUNDRAISER - ORDERS DUE MONDAY, 10/10!Innisbrook offers muchmore than just beautifulgiftwrap. Browse the catalogthat was in the Fridayfolder. The deadline isapproaching, so order today!50% of purchases goes tothe El Carmelo PTA. Every ElCarmelo student will benefit!It's simple to order online:Go to www.innisbrook.com.Click on "EZ Order EnterHere."Set up a username/passwordand register your child. Theschool code is 105275.Enter your order under yourchild's name. Use item numbersfrom the Innisbrook catalog.Make check out to "ElCarmelo PTA" with your child'sname and classroom. Place thecheck in the "Innisbrook box"in the El Carmelo office.Products will be delivered toyour child's classroom aroundmid November just in time forholiday gifts. (There is also anInnisbrook Online Store; yourproducts will be shippeddirectly to your house, but youwill be charged shipping).If you prefer a paper order,place it with a check in the"Innisbrook box" in the office.Thanks for your support!Contact Nancy Bain(nancy_bain@hotmail.com).BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATIONHave you ever noticed the Box Tops forEducation labels on products you regularly use?Do you have a collection of them stuck in theback of a drawer? Each label is worth 10 cents.Working together, El Carmelo families can earnhundreds of dollars for our school! It's easy!Drop off Box Tops for Education labels off in thecollection envelopes in every class or in the office.Let's see howmany eachclassroom cancollect!Contact Dana Roman(danaroman@att.net).MARK YOUR CALENDARS: SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR • NOVEMBER 7-11The Scholastic Book Fairprovides affordable andexciting books for ourchildren, engaging them andpromoting a lifelong love ofreading. Scholastic alsoprovides many offerings forparents: come browse andtreat yourself to a new novel orcookbook! This year's fair isalso perfectly timed forparents to get the jump onholiday shopping.The Book Fair directlysupports El Carmelo's libraryand wonderful librarian, LeslieBell, with proceeds from the fairgoing to expand our collectionof books. Teachers also havethe opportunity to create wishlists that your family can helpfulfill for the classrooms, toenrich and enliven the selectionof books your kids use in schoolon a daily basis.The book fair will be held inthe MP room and will be openbefore school, during lunchand recess, and after school.Many of you have alreadyoffered to help: look for emailsto sign up for set-up and staffthe book fair. It is great funassisting the kids as they choosebooks. Contact KateKaragueuzian Gibbons(katekgg@gmail.com).CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 6

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTACOOL THE EARTH CAMPAIGN - 3RD GRADERS LEAD THE WAYDuring the first week of our Cool the EarthCampaign, El Carmelo families pledged to take 656actions to lower their carbon footprints, with thethird grade families leading the way with 262 actions.We are over halfway to our goal of taking 1000actions to save energy and help Koda and the otherpolar bears get their habitat back. Go El Carmelo!Check out the possible actions in the GoldenCoupon book that your K-3 child brought hometwo weeks ago and see if you can help us reach ourgoal. You can watch our progress on our Cool theEarth Banner in front of school.When your family decides to do one of theenergy saving activities (taking shorter showers,turning off the lights when you leave the room,replacing 5 incandescent lights with CFLs (those cutetwisty bulbs that use much less electricity), biking toschool, wearing a sweater instead of turning up theheat, etc.), tear out the coupon, sign it and have yourchild bring it to school on Tuesdays or Thursdaysand s/he can get a trading card in exchange. Whenthey collect 9 trading cards, they can enter a lotteryfor a nifty water bladder that gives the bike rider acool drink of water while they are riding their bike.Together we can help to lessen the effects ofclimate change!GREEN HALLOWEENOn Thursday, 10/6, 4-8pm,Live Greene is hosting the 2ndannual “Green Halloween PaloAlto,” a FREE event at 158University Ave (at High Street).This event is suitable for allages and will include:Costume swap by TheCostume Bank, Los Altos - bringyour stash of old costumes andswap them for a new used oneVintage costume fashionshow and photo booth byEmpire Vintage Clothing, PaloAltoSustainable chocolatesamples by The ChocolateGarage, Palo AltoFree samples fromLaraBar, Stretch IslandFruit, Glee Gum, etc.Ugly Pumpkin Sale -pumpkins donated bylocal CSAs and suggesteddonations benefit ActerraGreat ideas forgreening your Halloweencostumes and decorAnd tons more!If you are considering anevent, see http://greenhalloween.org/content.php?page=helpout fortoolkits and ideas.Support local,independent, greenbusinesses!2ND ANNUAL BIKE PALO ALTO! ● SUNDAY, 10/9, 1-4PMThis is a fun, family-friendly event designed to encourage Palo Alto residents to ridetheir bikes more often. Three different routes highlight easy ways to get around thecity while avoiding traffic and having fun. Start at El Carmelo School for bike safetyinfo, helmet fitting, bike registration and bike safety checks and maintenance. Thenchoose one of the highlighted routes and take a fun ride with free treats along theway including ice cream at Baskin Robbins and fruit at Mollie Stone's & WholeFoods. For more info: www.pagreenteams.org.CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 7

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTATHE 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS: AN OVERVIEWAs mentioned in the Principal’s Letter, the Search Institute has identified the building blocks of healthydevelopment—known as Developmental Assets—that help young children grow up healthy, caring, andresponsible.40 Developmental AssetsFor this list as it pertains to a specific age group, go to http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets/lists.A great way to work on these Developmental Assets... ;)build your “Support” at El Carmelo’s Annual Margarita Partyon Friday, 10/7, 7-10pm at Casa de Schneider (2941 South Ct.).Reconnect with friends and families that you didn’t see over the summer and join in on thisEl Carmelo tradition. Just like last year, we will have a taco bar and tequila tasting bar.Adults only please. Ticket: $30 per person; 100% goes to the El Carmelo PTA.Contact Amy Love, Auction Chair (aloveinchile@yahoo.com).CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 8

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTASEPTEMBER’S DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET OF THE MONTH:PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLINGResearch shows that youthwhose parents are activelyinvolved in their schooling aremore engaged in school. So,what does this mean? We seeplenty of parents on campus andat PTA events "being involved"but is that the only form it takes?NO.Every parent, every day canpositively affect kids' lives. It onlytakes a second.The National Network ofPartnership Schools suggests thatfamilies establish homeenvironments that supportchildren’s learning, families andschools engage in effective twowaycommunications aboutstudent expectations and progress,parents directly support theclassroom or school, families helpstudents with homework andschool-related decision-makingand planning, and parents beinvolved in school decisions.Parents whose schedules don’tallow volunteering can stillsupport their children’s academicsuccess through parenting,communication, and learning athome. Try and find the time totalk to your child about their dayat school. Don’t just ask themhow their day was, ask them whatthey did and really listen to whatthey have to say. However you cando it, do it. Remember it only takes asecond.We are lucky to have a lot ofresources for our families and ourstudents. If you child is not happyin school, for whatever reason,there is someone who can helpthem. Start with your child’steacher and/or the counselor. Thegoal for everyone is for your childto be successful and connected tohis school and community. Thoseare the kids that thrive.--Project Cornerstonewww.projectcornerstone.orgOCTOBER’S DEVELOPMENTAL ASSET OF THE MONTH:POSITIVE FAMILY COMMUNICATIONYoung people whoexperience positive familycommunication experiencehigher self-esteem, decreasedsubstance use, less anxietyand depression, and greaterschool engagement.In Palo Alto, only 64% of 5thgrade students, 52% of 7th gradestudents and 32% of 9th -12thgrade students reported in theDevelopmental Assets 2010survey that they have positivecommunication with their parentsand are willing to seek advicefrom them.Establishing positivecommunication when children areyoung may help keep the channelopen in adolescence. But nomatter how old your children are,it’s never too late to start!•Ask caring questions such as:How did band practice go? Howwas the math test? Was theassembly fun?•Ask your child’s advice oropinion about an importantmatter.•If there is a problem at work andyou come home upset, let yourchild know you are not angry withher or him.The communication skillsthat young people develop in theirfamilies help set the pattern ofhow they’ll communicate for therest of their lives. Teaching yourchildren to communicateeffectively with friends, teachers,co-workers, parents, and others isa lasting legacy that you can giveto your children.For positive familycommunication, all familymembers must be comfortablesharing their needs, wishes, andconcerns in an honest andtrusting environment without fearof rejection.--Project Cornernstonewww.projectcornerstone.orgCARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 9

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTATICKET SALESTickets may be purchased directlyat the Children’s Theatre or overthe phone.Children’s Theatre Box Office$10 Child, $12 AdultPhone: (650) 463-4970On Campus: TBDCARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 10

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTAPalo Alto School District Demonstration GardenVolunteer Planting EventsSaturday October 29, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM andSaturday December 3, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PMStudents, teachers, parents, communitymembers:We need your help to plant an “earth-friendly”demonstration garden for Palo Alto schools.When: Saturday October 29 and December 3 9:30 AM- 12:30 PMWhere: Palo Alto School District Science Resource Center: Between JLS Middle School and HooverElementary School, alongside the portable off the bike path extending from Waverly Rd, near theJLS tennis courts.Please register so we have enough snack, gloves and tools. Wear appropriate shoes andclothing for gardening, and if you are under 18, bring a signed waiver, downloadable from ourwebsite.Register online at: www.acterra.org/stewardship.Participation hours eligible for community service hours: remember to bring your forms!Email questions to Alex Von Feldt alexv@acterra.orgFor more information go to www.acterra.org/stewardshipCARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ● ISSUE 2 ! PAGE 11

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EL CARMELO PTAIn AppreciationMany thanks.... . . to ALL of the parentswho have already turned in OneCheck Forms. At last countbefore press time, we receivedforms from about 230 families.Your generous donations allowthe PTA to support our teachersand provide fun activities for ourchildren and families. If youhaven’t turned yours in yet, there’sstill time. Need a new one?Check in the office or downloadone from the PTA website (http://www.elcarmelo.paloaltopta.org/documents/2011-2012/One%20Check%20Form_2page.pdf).. . . to ALL of the parentswho have volunteered to helpwith myriad PTA activitiesduring the course of the year, aswell as to ALL of the parentswho directly support ourteachers and children by workingin classrooms.. . . to VP of VolunteerServices Diane Heilman whocompiled all of the informationfrom Volunteer Forms and helpsevent and program chairsidentify the wonderful parentswho can help them with theiractivities.. . . to Room ParentCoordinator Tais Schmitt andRoom Parents Kanwal Raza,Carlee Lopez, Abby Domine,LaNette Parker, Hue Tran, andAlison Chao (Kinder); FaizaZarroug, Davina Byrd, ChristineHodson, Kori Shaw, Carola Vasquez,Maritza Ortiz (1st grade); BeritSchultz, Amy Love, Carrie Leontis(2nd grade); A(i Wong, LeslynLeong, Susy Kim, Davina Byrd,Erika Krugler, Kori Shaw, CarolaVasquez, Diana Bang (3rd grade);Kristin Green, Yoshie Roake, MonaNapaa, Shirley Siu, Erica Brand,Erina DuBois (4th grade);Kathryn Lamis, Kathleen Ford,Janey Wan, Beata Madej, AnnHolum, Simone Klass, Andrea Jelks(5th grade) who helpedcoordinate the Class Picnics overthe past several weeks and whowill facilitate classroomcommunication and classroomevents throughout the year.. . . to Lice ControlCoordinator Andrea Jelks whoarranged for training for ourclassroom lice checkers, and toALL of the parents whoperiodically check our kids’ hairfor those pesky bugs.. . . to Erina DuBois andKathleen Ford, assisted by MicheleKasper, Asmita Runge, Erin Duran,Erica Brand, Jerry Phok, JenniferFernandez, and Ginny Nagao, whohosted a tasty Teacher WelcomeLunch.. . . to Susy Kim and JeannetteCheng who organized our firstFamily Restaurant Night at FreshChoice. Everyone who went hada great time. Look for more FamilyRestaurant Nights in the comingmonths.. . . to Beata Madej, SvetlanaGamolya, Carlee Lopez, ErinDuran, and Junko Brierley-Greenwho helped make sure SchoolPicture Day ran smoothly andour kids looked their best.. . . to Tais Schmitt, HagitKatzenelson, Lanette Parker, JunkoBrierley-Green, and Rashmi Huntwho organized, advertised, andhosted our first Coffee with thePrincipal. Look for moreopportunities to meet informallywith Mr. Merritt and otherparents as the year progresses.Submissions for nextCarmeletter dueThursday, 10/27Send email or editabledocument tocarmeletter@paloaltopta.org.For more info, see the ElCarmelo PTA website(www.elcarmelo.paloaltopta.org/carmeletter.html)Do you receivethe El Carmelo PTA’sweekly eNews?If not, you’re missing out!Email Jen Wiener atjenwiener@gmail.com.Read the Carmeletteronline only.Email Faiza Zarroug atfazarroug@gmail.com.CARMELETTER ● OCTOBER 7, 2011 ! PAGE 12