Fairmeadow Elementary School eNews

Where Learning is a Team Sport!
November 13, 2017
Fairmeadow News
Bike Lights - See and Be Seen!
Now that the days are short, it is important for cyclists to have lights. Even if you can see, it doesn't mean you can be seen. The late afternoon/early evening hours are particularly dangerous, so please outfit your bike with a front headlight and a back red light. Stay safe!
Fairmeadow Girl Scouts One Warm Coat Drive Collected Over 140 Coats!
Fairneadow Girl Scouts would like to thank all the families and friends who kindly donated used coats to support our One Warm Coat drive. The total number of the coats collected was 140+, which were delivered to Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto on Friday 11/10 by Palo Alto Girl Scouts.

Thank you so much for all the support you showed to the girls and making someone's winter a little warmer.
Deciphering Labels and Busting Myths: Healthy Eating Made Simple - a Talk by Christopher Gardner
Have you ever made a resolution to start eating healthier? Not sure where to start, or what to feed your picky kids? We're faced with an often indecipherable barrage of health claims and warnings: low carb, low fat, high protein, omega 3 (flax or fish?), trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, glycemic index (or is it glycemic load?), gluten free, Paleo. What does it all mean and what's right for us?

Join us in the MP Room on November 29th at 6:30 pm and learn from Fairmeadow dad Christopher Gardner, a PhD nutrition scientist and professor of medicine from the Stanford Prevention Research Center. Christopher is the father of Zachary (4th grade) and Joshua (7th grade) and the husband of Melissa Michelson.

Christopher will offer solutions and insights to your dietary conundrums with an engaging blend of science and humor.

Childcare will be provided for the elementary school-aged children of those attending courtesy of the PTA. Please RSVP here  by providing your name, email address and the number of children who will be with you. For any questions, please contact Tracy Ballard-Tal.
Rainy Day Commuting Tips
No matter how we come to school, we need to work together to keep all of our students safe. Have a rainy day plan!
  • We all know traffic on Meadow backs up on bad weather days. Consider avoiding Meadow altogether by entering through the library parking lot on Middlefield and dropping off in Mitchell Park.
  • Cut down on the increased congestion by planning a rainy day carpool in advance or leave a little early and walk to school.
  • Plan for extra commute time so you don't feel rushed.
  • Slow down and use extra caution when driving in school zones and along commute routes including the library and park parking lots.
  • Bicyclists need to make an extra effort to make themselves visible with lights and reflective clothing.
PAUSD News
Superintendent's Weekly Message
We will re-post Karen Hendricks' Weekly Message here  each week, in case you missed it on her previous Infinite Campus email to you.
CAC Holiday Tea & Welcome Reception (Free)
Fri, Dec 15, 8:30-10 am, Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Rd
Parenting a child with special needs has unique challenges, so taking good care of yourself is important. Join us for a healthy and tasty breakfast buffet, wellness-related raffle prizes, and a presentation by Assistant Superintendent Lana Conaway. She will speak about equity, access, wellness, and safety for all students, especially those receiving Special Education services. Ms. Conaway is one of PAUSD's new leaders and oversees Special Education, Counseling, Health, and Wellness in her role as Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Initiatives and Operations. Childcare will not be provided, but children are welcome. Spanish language translation will be available. Hosted by the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education and the Palo Alto Council of PTAs. For questions contact  paloaltocac@gmail.com.

Community News
Helping Your Child With Anxiety
Tue, Nov 14, 6:30-8:30 pm, Parents Place, 200 Channing Ave
During this workshop, we will address strategies to help your child cope and manage his or her feelings and identify and discuss common anxiety triggers, such as school situations, social dynamics, sleep, and separation issues. With Mimi Ezray, LCSW, MPH. $45. Register here.
Stanford University Research Study (Girls, 8-12)
Researchers at Stanford University are looking for girls ages 8-12 with learning and/or behavior challenges to participate in a study exploring brain development in relation to behavior, cognition, and mood in girls. Participation involves a comprehensive cognitive and behavioral evaluation and MRI/NIRS scan (safe, non-invasive, no x-rays/radiation). Results of the evaluation are available to all participants and there is a $100 honorarium for participation. For more information, email or call 650-724-2951.
Society of Bookworms
Wed, Nov 15, 4-5 pm, Children's Library, 1276 Harriet St
Join us in a discussion of the award-winning  Everything on a Waffle  by Polly Horvath. A limited number of copies are available for pick-up at Children's Library. Registration required. Grades 4-6 only.
Menlowe Ballet Presents: It's a Wonderful Nutcracker!
Dec 8-10 & 15-17, Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center
Blended with the storyline of the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life," Menlowe Ballet's production is set in the 1940s and boasts all the magical trimmings of a traditional Nutcracker. This production stresses the importance of physical presence in the lives of those who mean something to us. This season we also added a storyline illustrating how the power of connection and generosity can overcome greed and divisiveness. This is a holiday production that you and your family will want to see! Information on show times and tickets are available on our website

Come watch 'Twas the Night Before Christmas!
Sun, Dec 3 & 10, 1 & 4 pm; Sat Dec 9, 3 pm, Woodside Performing Arts Center
Dancers Repertory Theatre presents 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, a delightful dance-theatre event that will enchant audiences of all ages. Based on the Clement C. Moore poem, the show includes Santa and his magical sleigh, prancing reindeer, dancing mice, twirling toys and a cast of over 80 children and adults. For Tickets and more information, please visit our website or Facebook page.

Palo Alto Players Present Peter Pan
Nov, 3-19, Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd
Fly along with that mischievous sprite to the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning as Palo Alto Players presents one of Broadway's most beloved family musicals, Peter Pan. Based on J.M. Barrie's classic story of the boy who refused to grow up and featuring dazzling flying effects by ZFX, Inc., Palo Alto Players' annual family offering will surely "hook" all those who truly believe. Recommended for all ages. Tickets ($25-55) can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 650-329-0891. Students/Educators enjoy $5 off regular priced tickets to any performance, except preview night. For more information, including show times, visit our website.
Play Palooza - The Children's Theatre Ten Minute Playwriting Contest
Submission Deadline: Fri, Dec 22
The Children's Theatre is pleased to announce the 2017-18 Play  Palooza Ten Minute Playwriting contest . Play Palooza gives young writers an excellent opportunity to showcase their talents. Students can submit original work in three categories: Elementary School (3rd-5th grade), Middle School (6th-8th grade), and High School (9th-12th grade). Winning plays receive a staged reading at the Children's Theatre, and winning playwrights receive prizes donated by the Friends of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. To submit work, visit the website or contact  Christopher Lucian.
February JLS Connections Meeting Change of Date
Mon, Feb 5, 7 pm, JLS Cafetorium
Attention 5th grade parents who attended the JLS-PiE Rising Information Meeting on October 19th. At that meeting, we informed you about our Connections informational night. There has been a date change. The Connections parent night will be held on Monday, February 5th at 7 pm in the Cafetorium.

Archives and Publication Guidelines
Fairmeadow eNews is a publication of the Fairmeadow PTA. Previous editions of eNews can be found at the  eNews archive  page.  Please see the PTA website for the eNews Publication Guidelines If you have any questions or would like to make a submission, please contact  Christy Moision , Fairmeadow's eNews editor.

In This Issue
Important Dates
Nov 13 Code Red Drill
Nov
20-24
Thanksgiving Break - No School
Nov 28 School Site Council Meeting
Quick Links