We are pleased to announce the nominees for the 2009-2010 PTO Executive Board. This slate of proposed officers will be placed before the PTO membership for approval at the General PTO Meeting on April 24. Please join us in thanking these parents for taking on these important volunteer positions!

President: Carla Posthauer
Vice-President: Alisa Francis
Treasurer: Gina Ryan
Financial Secretary: Stacy Jones
Recording Secretary: Sara Richter
Corresponding Secretary: Debi Rice
Historian: Johanna Cookson
Auditor: Susan Fekete
Head Room Parent Coordinator: Jeanne Simonian
Parliamentarian: Tracy Uyeki

Questions? Contact Darcy Leschly at darcy( at )leschly.com.

Business Alliance News

Pizza My Heart nights are coming--March 30-31 and April 1!

Plan to participate in this popular fundraiser where 30% of dollars spent will go to the Laurel/Encinal PTO! Stay tuned for more details!

Parent Education Night - Wednesday Evening!

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.

Call for Service Award Nominations

Every year our district is lucky enough to have parents, teachers, staff, and community volunteers give of their time, skills, and creativity to our schools. Many programs would not exist if it was not for this formidable group of volunteers, "the Pillars of our Community." Honorary Service Awards (HSAs) as well as the School Service Awards (SSAs) are our way of recognizing those individuals who have contributed in an extraordinary way to our District.

Please take a moment to nominate someone you know who goes above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference. You can complete a nomination form and email it back to Leslie Burke at pto_president( at )laurealpto.org, or drop it off in the school office. Nominations are due Friday, April 17, 2009. Please refer to the Menlo Park Honorary Service Awards Selection Criteria as a guide.

Board of Education Meetings

The Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of the month, unless noted otherwise. Regular meetings start at 6:00 pm, and Special Meetings start at 7:00pm. Meetings are open to the public, and are held in the District Office at 181 Encinal Ave. Please check the District website for updates and details at www.mpcsd.org.

There Is Still Time!

You can still order your personalized bricks which will be placed in walkways and courtyards of our new school campuses. Check out inscription examples online at www.mpaef.org. Inscriptions can be up to three lines, 18 characters per line. Check your child's backpack next week for an ordering form or just click on the brick icon at www.mpaef.org to order online. It's a great opportunity to leave a lasting impact while supporting our schools.

MPAEF News

Rock the Foundation!

Dust off your blue suede shoes, grab your favorite groupie, and start practicing your air guitar because it's time to Rock the Foundation! On Saturday, April 25, 2009, we'll take over Redwood City's fabulous Fox Theatre for an old school rock 'n roll party, complete with live music, dancing, drinks, and backstage munchies. Watch your email this week for your invitation and more event details, including how you can help raise money for our schools through the silent auction, rock 'n roll raffle, and Fund-the-Gap. Or check out www.mpaef.org/springevent and "Let's Get This Party Started"!

MPAEF Nominating Committee

The MPAEF Nominating Committee is looking for interested community members to assist the foundation in both on- and off-board positions for the 2009-2010 school year. If you know someone who might be interested or if you would like to nominate yourself, please contact Joan Lambert at joanlambert( at )hotmail.com by Wednesday, March 18, 2009.

Survey: Chinese after-school language program

We are conducting a survey to assess the interest in a Chinese after-school language program at Laurel School. If you are interested, please send an email to April Tan at apriltan( at )pacbell.net.

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.

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.

Community News

Kepler's Family Events

I'm an Artist Story Time, I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean, Ish and Art

Sunday, March 15, 2009

11:30 a.m.

Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino, Menlo Park

M-A on eBay

The Foundation for the Future's on-line auction, starts Sunday March 22! Every dollar raised goes directly to Menlo Atherton High School. Check out the online catalog at www.maauction.org for more information.

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.

'Hoops for a Cause' Spring Clinic

The Menlo College Men's Basketball program is sponsoring 'Hoops for a Cause', which will consist of a series of Springs Clinics with 25% of proceeds being donated to the Autism Society of America. Clinics are open to all boys and girls, grades K - 8:

April 12, 2009 1 p.m - 4 p.m

April 26, 2009 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

May 3, 2009 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

May 10, 2009 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

For detailed information please click here or contact Chris Cobb (650) 543-3760 / menlobasketball( at )aol.com.