Laurel's recently retired Reading Specialist, Judy Fairbrother, was honored for her years of service at the School Board meeting on October 14. The entire Laurel community sends Judy our best wishes for a happy retirement, and deep thanks for her dedicated care of our children.

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School Modernization Update

As of October 13, 2008, the District plans to continue modernization work by starting construction activities on Building C classrooms. The work on Building C is scheduled for completion on December 12, 2008.

The first part of this work will involve demolition and abatement of non-friable asbestos and lead containing material that are becoming exposed as part of the construction work. The construction area will be fenced off and the areas of abatement will be completely sealed off from the public. No one will be allowed in the construction area during this time.

A comprehensive asbestos and lead-based paint inspection was performed prior to construction design. This information is available at the District office for review. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call Ahmad Sheikholeslami, Director of Facility Planning and Construction, at 650-321-7140 (Option 6) or e-mail at ahmad(at)mpcsd.org.

Business Alliances

The Box Tops Drive is Back!

Clip, Save and Send in Box Tops by the Fall Drive deadline, October 21. Collection efforts will help support programs like recess activities, music, field trips and more! Our goal is to submit 15,000 Box Tops for $1500. You can check our progress on the school posters during each drive. For more details and a list of participating products, click here. Any Questions? Contact Amy Barry at aminibarry(at)hotmail.com.

Support Our Schools While You Shop

Again this year we have partnered with Keplers to give back to our schools when we support their business. When you shop at Kepler's, please remember to mention Laurel or Encinal School at checkout, and they will give 10% of your purchase to our PTO.

Koski Photography

Were you planning on having family portraits taken this year? If so, please consider Koski Photography! They give Laurel & Encinal PTO families a free sitting in exchange for a $25 donation to the PTO! Just fill out the form and turn it in to the office. If it's after the stated 10/31 deadline, no problem - feel free to contact the Koski's directly at the number on the form.

Foundation Annual Campaign Kick-Off

The Foundation kicked off the Annual Campaign with the mailing of its first annual report to district families. This year, the Foundation hopes to grant $2.4 million to our school district. Your donations are needed to bridge the gap between money received from the state of California and what is needed to provide a quality education to our children. Unfortunately, property taxes allocated to our schools are not enough to fund the kind of education we expect and our children deserve. The Foundation provides funding our schools count on. Can we count on you?

Donate either online, mail to P.O. Box 584, Menlo Park, CA 94026, or drop off on Donation Day, Friday, November 14th.

Reading Buddies Needed!

READ with a 2nd grader! Parents, grandparents/relatives...volunteer an hour a week to read
with second grade students at Laurel School! "Reading Buddies" would be happy to set up a time for you! Contact Christie Goodin at christiegoodin(at)sbcglobal.net for details.

Vision and Hearing Screening

Your child's visual acuity and hearing will be checked periodically by an authorized person between grades Kindergarten through 12th per Education Codes 49455; 49452. Pat Christie, RN, will be screening students at Laurel in grades Kindergarten and 2nd beginning in about 2 weeks. In second grade, color vision for boys is also screened. If you object to having your child's vision and hearing checked, please notify the Principal Nancy Hendry in writing. Thank you!

New School Directories

New Encinal/Laurel School directories were distributed to the classrooms last Monday (one directory per household). Please ask you child to look for the green and blue covered directories in their backpack if they have not already given it to you. A limited number of extra directories are available for purchase at $5.00 per copy. Contact Rich Collyer at rcollyer(at)sbcglobal.net for more information. If you have already ordered an extra directory, they will be distributed after all of the directories in the district are complete.

Lost and Found

Just a reminder to check the Lost & Found in the Multi for any of your childs' belongings. There are already lots of jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters as well as headbands and water bottles. Thanks!

Community News

Kepler's Family Story Time

Mem Fox, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Sunday October 19, 2008
11:30 a.m.
Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

What's not to love about babies, with their itty bitty fingers and itty bitty toes? Author Mem Fox has crafted a melt-your-heart story celebrates the joyful feeling babies inspire.

African Village Celebration

Monday, October 20, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park

African drummer Onye Onyemaechi of Village Rhythms takes participants on a tour of African drumming, including the drumming culture of Southern Sudan. Includes group dances and songs.

For more information on these events at the Menlo Park Library, call 650-330-2530 or visit us online at www.menloparklibrary.org.

Menlo-Atherton High School Fashion Show

Saturday, October 25, 2008
12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
New Gym at Menlo-Atherton High School

You are invited to attend the M-A Fashion Show, "Rock On". It's a great way to gather friends and check out the school! Click here for more information and for tickets or contact Julie Brody at julie(at)brodyfamily.net.

City of Menlo Park's Halloween Hoopla Event

Saturday October 25, 2008
11:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Burgess Recreation Center

The City of Menlo Park invites you to join us for our Annual Halloween Hoopla Event at the Burgess Recreation Center. There will be a parade downtown, carnival, and of course trick-or-treating! Please call 650-330-2200 for more information. We hope to see you there! Click here for more information.