It's official! Out of over 10,000 entries, the 2008 Laurel/Encinal Book Fair just won third place in Scholastic's national book fair competition. Entries were judged on a 500 word essay about their fair and any accompanying information. After reviewing our David Letterman style top-10 list essay, a scrapbook of the fabulous Family Fun Day and a notebook detailing the hard work of the many volunteers involved, the seven judges awarded us third place -- an excellent finish for a first time entrant. Congratulations to the book fair chairs -- Traci Brinton, Christine Scheetz, and especially Roxanne Bozdog, who prepared the entry -- and all the volunteers who worked to make the book fair such a success.

Help Build Our Schools Brick by Brick

This could be your only chance to leave your legacy at Laurel!! Don't be left out! You only have the chance to buy this brick through March 15, 2009. Buy now. Only 450 bricks left! You choose what you write on your brick(s). These bricks are a wonderful, permanent way to honor a student, graduate or staff member, remember a loved one, and/or show that your business supports our schools. They also make a terrific gift. It's a great way to contribute to much-needed school funding and be a part of the school in perpetuity. Visit www.bricksrus.com/order/MPAEF for more information, ideas and ordering details.

Kindergarten Photographer Needed

If you love to take pictures and would be willing to photograph our adorable kindergarteners for their 2009 classroom projects, your help is needed! Please contact Eugenie Atherton at eugenie( at )athertons.net. This project will take place in the March or April timeframe.

Parent Education Night

Dr. William Damon, The Path to Purpose

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hillview Middle School Multi

Based on his findings from the Youth Purpose Project, a four-year nationwide study of how young people are struggling to find their purpose in life, Dr. Damon will share insights, offer portraits of young people who are thriving, and identify the nine key factors that have made the difference for them. Whether your child/children are of elementary, middle school or high school ages, this important and thought-provoking presentation is sure to provide insight as we prepare our kids for adolescence and adulthood.

As the PTO Council sponsors this event, there is no charge to attend, but advance reservations are required. Childcare is available for $12. Click here for more details. For further information, contact kathy_oppenheimer( at )yahoo.com.

Ongoing Events

Art & Science Fair - Volunteers are still needed for this fabulous event on April 23rd. Contact Carolee Hazard at carolee1( at )yahoo.com or (650) 324-8019.

Pennies for Peace Campaign - Donation containers are in the classrooms. Contact Amy Hamilton Kratzer at adkratzer( at )yahoo.com with any questions.

Business Alliance News

Cheeky Monkey Gift Card Orders Due Monday, March 9th!
For every $25 gift card ordered, Cheeky Monkey Toys will donate $5 to our PTO for the programs we love! Stock up on birthday gifts or use them yourself all year long-- they don't expire! Support our local businesses and our schools at the same time! Click here for the order form and turn in with your child's blue folder or to the office envelope by March 9, 2009. If you have questions, need yours mailed or need it sooner, just email Katieferrick( at )comcast.net.

Community News

GreenSTART Challenge

GreenSTART 2009 challenges students and their families to take part in a community-wide competition taking place from March 1st through April 30th, 2009. Benefits include exciting cash prizes, weekly raffle prizes, plus specially-negotiated discounts on sponsor services that can help you reduce your home energy costs and carbon footprint at the same time. Attend the GreenSTART LIVE GREEN EXPO on March 22nd from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. and meet the experts who can really help your home get green, plus earn bonus points on your worksheet. For more information visit www.athertongreen.net.

Kepler's Family Events

A Day at the Zoo Story Time, Pssst!, Wild about Books and If I Ran the Zoo

Sunday, March 8, 2009

11:30 a.m.

Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino, Menlo Park

Menlo Park Library

Bonnie Lockhart presents Songs and Music Games from Around the World

Monday, March 23, 2009

6:30 p.m.

Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma Street, Menlo Park

New Soccer League in Palo Alto

Sign up NOW for Palo Alto's new ONE+ soccer practice and Saturday play-day for boys and girls, ages 3-6. To find out more please visit http://www.unionfootballclub.com/oneplus.htm or contact us by email at admin( at )unionfootballclub.com or call (650) 387-4128.