Laurel PTO Notes
Box Tops for Education
Our school-wide Box Tops for Education contest is
under way! Please clip and send Box Tops to your
child's class now through Tuesday, October 24. The
class that collects the most Box Tops will earn a
special treat! Last year we submitted over 8700 Box
Tops, earning the PTO over $875 Box Tops for
Education is a Business Alliances Program.
Extra Directory Orders
Every family in the school district receives a student
directory for each school their children attend. If
you would like additional directories from your child’s
school, or any other school in the district, you may
order them for $4.50 each. Use the Order Form to order by Friday, October 6.
Donate Used Books
Used books are needed for the Book Fair! Please
donate Adult Fiction and Children's Books - 100% of
the proceeds go to our PTOs. Drop off book
donations October 2-6, at the Donation Box outside
the school office.
Parking
When parking along Ringwood, please leave space
between your car and the fence for pedestrians and
bicycles to pass safely off the road.
Sponsor a Book
You can help our Laurel School Library grow and
honor a teacher, student or friend at the same time!
The PTO’s Sponsor a Book program is a great way to
get new titles on our library’s shelves for just $18 per
book. A commemorative bookplate will be affixed
inside the book’s cover honoring someone special,
your child, or you! These books include newly
published works as well as duplicates and
replacements of books well loved by our Laurel
students. These books are carefully pre-selected by
our special librarian, Mrs. Lezlie Glare. If you’d like to
view these books, they can be found on a special
cart outside Mrs. Glare’s office in the library. See a
list of books and detailed ordering information on the
Sponsor-a-Book Form.
Safety Training Class
Tuesday, September 19
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
In the Encinal Library
Atherton Police Traffic Supervisor, Sgt.Anthony
Kockler, will give a safety training class specifically
about biking and walking to both Laurel and Encinal
schools. This is a unique chance to address safety
issues, dangerous intersections, best routes to
school, and more. We'll review regulations and
proper settings for bikes and helmets. Open to all
parents - come to express your concerns and ask
your questions. Please reply to LLaprais(at)yahoo.com to confirm.
Quick Links...
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Monday, 9/25
8:15 a.m. Reading Buddy Training
Tuesday, 9/26
Regular Day
Wednesday, 9/27
2:15 p.m. Reading Buddy Training
7:00 p.m. Special School Board Meeting, Encinal
Multi
Thursday, 9/28
All-Together Day, all students attend school
from 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Friday, 9/29
School Spirit Day - Wear Royal Blue and
White
Walk or Bike to School Day
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Weekly Action Checklist
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- Attend the special session of the school
board on Wednesday.
- Donate used books for the Book Fair.
- Join the PTO. Just $10 and you're in the
game for the year.
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Last Chance to Join the PTO
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Today is the end of the PTO Membership
drive.
We're running out the clock, but it's not too late to
score one for the PTO! We are asking for a minimal
$10 contribution so every family can join the PTO
Team for the 2006-2007 school year.
If you've been waiting for one last reminder to join,
here it is. If you're not sure whether you've joined,
check the l
ist of PTO Members. Also, if you need to take
the game into overtime, we will continue to accept
contributions after today (but they will not count
toward the grade-level recess awards).
The grade-level participation standings are as follows:
3rd Grade: 82%
5th Grade: 79%
Kindergarten: 77%
1st Grade: 77%
4th Grade: 75%
2nd Grade: 73%
Please print out the membership form and decide
today how strong your support for learning can be!
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Upcoming Events
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10/3 Kids' Art Fundraiser Order Deadline
10/9-13 Laurel-Encinal Book Fair
10/11 PTO Exec Board Meeting, 8:45 a.m.
10/11 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
10/18 Site Council Meeting, 3 p.m.
10/19 Minimum Day
10/20 No School, Staff Development
10/24 Box Tops for Education Deadline
10/24 Picture Day
10/25 Special School Board Meeting
10/31 Laurel Halloween Parade, 8:30 a.m.
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Special School Board Meeting
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- Wednesday, September 27
- 7:00 p.m.
- Encinal Multi
The Board of Education will be conducting Special
Sessions in September and October to study the
reconfiguration of elementary schools in the District.
At the September 27 Special Session of the Board of
Education, Superintendant Ken Ranella will present
initial studies, recommended criteria for the decision,
and options for reconfiguration. The Board will then
conduct a public hearing, allowing for community
input on the issue of reconfiguration.
A second meeting, on October 25, will include reports
on the authorized studies, followed by another public
hearing prior to the Board’s decision.
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Book Fair 2006 is Coming
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Join us in the Reading Rainforest, where we're wild
about books. The 2006 Book Fair is just around the
corner, with contests, gift certificates and rainforest
fun galore!
Remember that Gift Certificates are a great way to
help teachers build their classroom libraries.
See you at the Fair, October 9-13!
If one visit to the Fair isn't enough for you, think
about joining the committee. We are still in need of
a treasurer, so if you love books and want to help
out, please contact Elizabeth Katz at el_katz(at)yahoo.com.
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Peet's and Palo Alto Toy and Sport Gift Cards
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Peet's Coffee and Tea and Palo Alto Sport and Toy
Store have teamed up with Laurel and Encinal to
support our schools! Many of us frequent these
businesses on a regular basis (you Peet's lovers out
there know who you are), so why not help our PTOs
at the same time?! 10% from all cards sold goes
directly to our PTOs. They also make great gifts for
others. You can print out the order forms at home,
then follow the instructions on the forms, and you
will receive your cards in a few weeks!
Peets Card Order Form
Palo Alto Sport and Toy Card Order Form
These are just a few of our Business Alliance
programs. Your Business Alliance Committee works
to create community partnerships with local and
national businesses that are a win-win for the
companies and for us. Please see the attached flyer
for a list of current programs that earn money back
for our PTO. If you have additional ideas, please
contact Elizabeth Ouren eharris_ouren(at)yahoo.com or Dana Stone dana1rae(at)comcast.net
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Kids' Art Fundraiser
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All Laurel classes have had a chance to work on
pieces for the Kids Art Fundraiser. By now, your
child should have brought home a packet that
includes your child's artwork, along with a price list
and brochure from Original Works. These items make
beautiful, unique gifts that will be treasured for years
to come while providing a terrific fundraising
opportunity for our PTO! The products will be
distributed before Thanksgiving – in plenty of time for
holiday gifts!
You will find additional paper and order forms in the
office in case you, your child, or anyone else would
like to create a piece.
All Orders must be turned in by October 3 -
you may turn them in either in the school
office, or via your child's classroom. Please make
checks payable to Laurel PTO. If you have any
questions, please contact Sarah Wright at 328-3755
or Carol Kelly at 325-6702, email at KidsArtFundraiser_chair(at)laurelpto.org..
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PTO Meeting Update
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The PTO General Meeting was held on Wednesday,
September 10. After enjoying a selection of delicious
refreshments, the meeting was called to order and
Laurel Principal Nancy Hendry introduced our talented
Laurel Staff. The budget was reviewed and passed
by the general membership. A copy of the budget has been posted on our
web site. Ken Ranella described the process for
determining the configuration of our schools prior to
designing school site improvements. PTO President
Traci Brinton introduced the PTO Board and
Committee Chairs and gave a Membership update and
Bill Wilson presented the Auditor's report. After
several announcements the meeting was adjourned.
Thank you to the Hospitality Committee: Lauren
Calhoon, Kristina Sakamoto, and Kelly Martin, for
organizing a lovely event prior to the PTO General
Meeting.
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Reading Buddies
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Second Grade Reading Buddies are needed! This is a
great opportunity to work one-on-one with second
grade kids. All materials and training are provided.
You can volunteer once a week or once every other
week. Training sessions will be held in Room E1 on
Monday September 25, at 8:15 a.m. or Wednesday,
September 27, at 2:15 p.m. If you can't make one of
these meetings, don't worry we can schedule a
training at your convenience. Contact: Sue
Marianacci at suemar01(at)pacbell.net or Cyndi Nolasco at cyndijnolasco(at)yahoo.com.
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Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed
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If your child gets hot lunch, please make time to
serve hot lunch once a month from 11:30 to 12:30.
We still need several more volunteers, especially on
Tuesdays. Remember, Hot Lunch exists only because
of the parent volunteers who organize and serve it.
Contact: Mary Picciotto, mary.picciotto(at)laurelpto.org or 322-4609.
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Community News
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The Laurel PTO does not sponsor or endorse any
of the organizations whose activities are listed
below.
San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness
Day
- Saturday, September 30
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- the San Mateo County Event Center, 2495
Delaware Street, San Mateo
- Click for More Information
Mark your calendars, bring your families, and join the
residents of San Mateo County for a fun and
educational day geared to assist your family in
getting prepared for a potential major disaster that
could occur in our region.
Kepler’s Story Time
- Sunday, September 24
- 11:30 a.m.
- Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo
Park
- Marcello the Movie Mouse
Debut children's author and cinema expert, Liz
Hockinson, and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi, former art
director at Industrial Light and Magic, will present an
animation of their book, Marcello the Movie Mouse,
an adorable story about a little mouse with a big
dream to become a filmmaker. They will also answer
children’s questions about how to create a story and
demonstrate how to draw characters. Join us for an
imaginative and enticing introduction into the world
of cinema!
Amazing Bay Day
Come to Amazing Bay Day for fun-filled family
activities and entertainment celebrating the San
Francisco Bay. Sponsored by Save the Bay and San
Francisco Bay Area Girl Scout Council. Directions:
From Highway 101, exit 3rd Avenue heading east.
Park is on the bay.
SOLO Aquatics Swimming and Water
Polo
Did you know that you can join our swim and water
polo teams at any time? There is even a 30-day trial
for our swim ($60) or water polo ($100) teams.
Information and registration at www.soloaquatics.com. Contact: 851-9091.
Swimming: Coach Tom at solotom(at)yahoo.com. Water Polo: Coach Bega
at jmbega(at)gmail.com. Flyers are in the Laurel
office.
Basketball Clinics at Menlo College
- September 24, October 1, and October 8
- 1-3 p.m. (K-4) and 3:30-5 p.m. (5-8)
- Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton
The Menlo College Fall Clinic Series will include
outstanding instruction from Menlo College coaches
and players. Cost is $30 for one session, $55 for two,
$80 for three. Family and Group discounts available.
Contact:Jeff Nakamura, 543-3777 or jnakamura(at)menlo.edu. Website: athletics.menlo.edu/junioroak.
Show Biz Dance Company
The Show Biz Dance Company is entering it's 22nd
year of dance instruction serving the community of
Menlo Park. Classes for the 2006-2007 school year
are starting up with a variety of classes for a variety
of levels and age; beginning through advanced and
pre-school through high school. Our studio is located
inside the Menlo Park Recreation Center. For more
information and a list of classes offered check out
our website online at www.showbizdance.net and for questions call
(650) 570-0733.
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Thank You - AYSO Water Sales
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The water sales at the AYSO photo day were a
success thanks to the help of Elena Stallings,
Elizabeth Ouren, Kim Martin, Kris Fichou, Leslie Burke
and Leo Mendoza. Thank you for your support of the
PTO! –Traci Brinton
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