Thank You Mrs. Page

With the conclusion of each school year, we often say good-bye and thank you to a few staff members. Shortly after school is out, Mrs. Page will be returning home to Washington and continue teaching 4th grade in her former district.   All of us at the school would like to thank you for your commitment to all students and your contributions at Palo Verde School.  We will miss you.

Thank You

The end of each school year is also a time to reflect and thank the many people that have committed so much time and energy over the course of the year. Let’s start with our wonderful dedicated and professional teaching staff, Chris and Joan, Moises and Allan, Instructional Aides, Kristin Foss and the entire PTA Executive Board, School Site Council parents and staff members, auction chairs, International Fair Coordinator, Pandu Nayak and Leigh Klotz for coordinating an outstanding Science Fair, Lidija and Martin Davis for their time and commitment in creating an outstanding school web site, VOICE Editor Tory Bers, Partners in Education Representatives, Classroom Parent Volunteers, Room Parents. Noon Art and Noon Games Volunteers, Lauren Aspegren for coordinating our Wednesday Walking Club, Mrs. Rodgers and Mark for taking care of our Lost and Found, let’s not forget our lice checkers and the list continues………. From the entire staff, thanks to all of you for helping make Palo Verde the special place that it is for all children. You are all much appreciated.

I would also like to mention a few enjoyable events organized by staff the last few weeks of school. Special thanks to Ms. Garcia for organizing Palo Verde’s Talent Show a little over a week ago. We had approximately 200 people in attendance and the acts were just outstanding. Thanks again go out to Mrs. Cundall, our annual Field Day Coordinator. This is always a fun and exciting day and we appreciate all her time and energy to make this day special for all students.

Welcome Mr. Garcia and Thank You

As close friends and colleagues, I have enjoyed working closely with Mr. Garcia during our transition the past few months.  He is looking forward to joining the Palo Verde family in 2008-2009. Our time together has provided me with the opportunity to reflect and share so much of what I appreciate about this wonderful school. The fall of 2001 to the spring of 2008 is a period of time I will always treasure so I thank you. To all current and former Palo Verde students, staff, and families it has been a privilege to serve as your principal. I wish all of you much continued success.

Have a wonderful summer!

Gold Rush Trip

Our fourth graders and parent volunteers returned from their Gold Rush trip last night. This trip is a wonderful learning experience that the children always remember. Special thanks go out to Paula Watson, Kristin Page and Sana Naqvi for their additional time and efforts in making this another successful trip for our fourth graders.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Breakfast, Coffee Cart, luncheons, Jamba Juice, and massage day. What a wonderful week. We are fortunate to have such outstanding, dedicated, and caring teachers. We are fortunate to have such a supportive parent community. Thank you from the entire staff for your generosity and support this past week and year.

Congratulations 5th Graders

This is an exciting time of year for our fifth grade students, our “Seniors” as they approach their promotion day in June. The 1080-day elementary school journey started one late August day entering kindergarten to begin the 2002-2003 school year under the leadership of Mrs. Metoyer, Pam Pritchard, and Mrs. Witt.  It will conclude on June 12th, their 1080th and final day of elementary school, under the leadership of Mr. Hoshizaki, Ms. Aza, and Mr. Meininger.

As I reflect with the entire staff, we look on with great pride celebrating all the social and academic growth that has taken place over the years. On a personal note, it is a great privilege to see this group through their entire elementary school education. For our families graduating from Palo Verde, please make sure you take the opportunity to visit our instructors from prior years during Open House. These are always special moments reflecting on our time together.

Open House/Reminder

We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday, May 21st from 5:30-7:00 PM. Open House is a time to celebrate the growth and accomplishments for all children at Palo Verde. It is also time to share appreciation of our dedicated teachers for their time and efforts that make Palo Verde such a special place for all children.

*We request that all students leave bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc. at home or park in the bicycle rack to provide a safe atmosphere on site. We have approximately 600 people on campus for this special evening including future Palo Verde students. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for your support.

28 Days of School Left

By the time this issue of the VOICE reaches your home, only 28 days remain in this 2007-2008 school year.

During the next six weeks quite a few exciting celebrations and activities will take place including our annual fourth grade Gold Rush trip, Open House, Talent Show, Field Day, fourth-fifth grade music concert, fifth grade Colonial Eaglesburg, and our fifth grade promotion ceremony.

Please check the calendar section of each VOICE to make sure you have the most current and up to date information. If you have any questions regarding calendar items, please contact us in the office.

Incoming 6^th Grade Events Coming Up

Here is a reminder of a few important dates for our fifth grade students and families moving on to JLS. On May 15, JLS will be holding a parent visitation day. Please contact the middle school office at 856-5188 to reserve a space for the tour. On May 16, fifth graders will visit JLS from 10:30-11:45.

Open House

We will be holding this annual evening on Wednesday, May 21^st from 5:30-7:00 PM. Open House is a time to celebrate the growth and accomplishments for all children at Palo Verde. It is also time to share appreciation of our dedicated teachers for their time and efforts that make Palo Verde such a special place for all children.

*We request that all students leave bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc. at home or park in the bicycle rack to provide a safe atmosphere on site. We have approximately 600 people on campus for this special evening including future Palo Verde students. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thanks for your support.

No Dogs on Campus until after 6:00 PM

Just a reminder that there are no dogs on campus between the hours of 8:00AM-6:00PM while students are on campus.

Class Placement Process

As you know, late each spring teachers begin the process of developing class lists for the fall. There are quite a few variables taken into consideration when creating balanced classrooms that can include:

• The needs of the individual child including friendship opportunities.
• Creating balance among classrooms across all grade levels.
• An equal number of boys and girls.
• A classroom that reflects our diversity at Palo Verde.
• A class that reflects the range of learners, from independent to students that may require more individualized support.

As you can see from the sample of variables considered, the task of forming balanced classes for all 375 students is complex. The staff puts a tremendous amount of time and energy behind our class building process.  I am always impressed with the thoughtful dialogue and consideration that takes place among staff while creating the optimal learning environment for all children in the larger group/classroom setting.

To support the process, we expect parents will respect the judgment of staff in making all classroom placement decisions. Requests for specific teachers will not be granted since it compromises our ability to develop balanced class lists, which can be unfair to students. Also important to mention, teaching assignments for 2008-2009 are not definite at this time. Multiple staffing changes including grade level transfers take place every school year.

If you feel there is something about your child’s learning style that we should know and could be helpful to our placement consideration, please submit to me in writing and drop off at the office no later than Monday, May 5.

STAR Testing

Statewide Testing And Reporting (STAR) program, which affects Grades 2-11, will begin the week of April 28 and continue through May 9. Our fourth grade students have already completed the writing assessment portion of the STAR back in early March. The STAR program is a multi-subject assessment that looks at how well students are mastering the state curriculum standards in reading, language, mathematics, spelling, and science.

STAR testing provides us with important information regarding individual student strengths and areas for improvement. We also gain insights into the success of our curricular program school-wide. Teachers have been preparing students since the start of the school year to meet grade level curriculum standards. This particular assessment, along with others, is an opportunity for students to show what they have learned over the course of the year. They do not need to be stressed out or cram for these tests. Our focus with students is to always put forth their best effort.

You can help your child perform his/her best by making sure he/she is getting plenty of sleep and eating a good healthy breakfast before coming to school. This is important for kids on any given school day. We also request that you do not schedule appointments for your child(ren) during this testing window since administering make-up tests can be difficult and additional class time will be missed. Please look for specific classroom test times and dates within the testing window to come home soon.

International Fair

I look forward to seeing all of you at our International Fair on Saturday, April 12 from

3-5:00. Important reminder for this day: Please lock all bicycles/scooters in the bike racks close to the office or by Room 20. In addition, please leave all skateboards and rollerblades at home. We will have several hundred students, parents, relatives, and community members including some very young children on campus so it is important to keep everyone safe on the school grounds. Thanks for your support.

Thank You

I appreciate all the kind words shared this past week. I look forward to a very positive close to our school year together.

See you at the International Fair on Saturday,

Tenure Celebration

Each year, I have the privilege to congratulate Palo Verde Staff that has been granted tenure. The process to gain tenure in the Palo Alto Unified School District is very demanding. Over the first few years, teachers are observed numerous times and evaluated on the District’s five clusters of teaching standards. They participate in a series of professional workshops and work closely with District mentors and colleagues at the site. Our newly tenured staff members for the 2008-2009 school year are Andy Blumberg/Kindergarten, Jocelyn Mason/First Grade, and Kristin Page/Fourth Grade.  Please join me in congratulating these three dedicated and talented educators.

Spring Season

Having one foot in the current school year and one foot in the next is a way of life for Palo Alto Principals during the late winter and spring. In preparation for 2008-2009, we have been pouring over files in the District’s Human Resource Department, searching for talented new and veteran teachers to replace individuals who are retiring, resigning, or taking a leave.

We just had our first glimpse and opportunity to meet quite a few teaching candidates at our annual District Job Fair on Saturday, March 8. This event is always well attended. We average approximately 250teaching candidates in attendance every year.

Currently, principals have already gathered to interview and observe promising prospects in a mad rush to beat other school districts to signing candidates to a contract. This will continue throughout the remainder of the school year and summer. We want to hire only the brightest and best and that means we need to move quickly.

The Past Two Weeks…

There have been many wonderful events that have taken place the past few weeks and quite a few folks to thank including:

• Janet Rose, Andy Blumberg, Judy Lloyd, Lisa Swagerty and Sue Ann McBride for providing a workshop focusing on reading strategies that included parents and students.

• Trebor Winslow, Kristin Page, Jennifer Aza, Pat Hanley, and 40 student volunteers for our first ever “Technology Parent Evening.” We had approximately 65 parents in attendance. If you did not have the opportunity to attend, our brochure is located on the web site so please feel free to take a look.

• Pandu Nayak and Leigh Klotz for organizing an outstanding Science Fair. 245 students participated this year!

• Andrea Peng, Jill Florant, Katherine Saunders, Kristin Foss and quite a few volunteers for organizing and putting on such a successful auction this past Saturday evening. Our students at Palo Verde are very fortunate to be surrounded by such a dedicated and caring community of adults. Thanks from all of us at the school for your generosity and support.

No Dogs on Campus

Just a reminder that there are “No Dogs on Campus” from 8:00 AM when students arrive at school to 6:00 PM when students depart Palo Verde Kids Club. Thank you.

Bicycle Racks

A few new sets of bicycle racks have just arrived. These racks are for students that arrive on the Rorke side of campus. They are stationed right next to Room 20 and the Palo Verde Kids Club and are ready for use.

The Palo Verde PTA cordially invites you to join us for our Spring Auction

Saturday, March 8
6 to 10 pm
Lucie Stern Ballroom

Dear Palo Verde Families,

All of us at the school look forward to seeing you this Saturday for our annual school auction. This is a wonderful opportunity to get together and support our efforts at Palo Verde School. In addition, it is always an enjoyable evening spending time as a school community in a social setting.

If you have not had the opportunity to purchase tickets, the form is available on our school web site. You can locate the auction catalog there as well. Both of these items are available in the school office too so please drop by or call if you have questions.

We are looking for a few more volunteers at our Direct Appeal and Check-Out Stations. Please contact andreajpeng@hotmail.com if you can help.

For more information regarding the auction, please contact Kristin Foss at kfoss@rocketmail.com  or 387-8473

Look forward to seeing you Saturday evening,

Eric Goddard

Children’s Theatre Outreach is Coming to Palo Verde!

The Palo Verde Science Fair will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2008.  Students should drop off their Science Fair projects at the MP room before school starts (between 7:30am and 8:15am) on that day.  The Science Fair itself will take place from 6pm to 8pm in the MP room.  In the two days following the Science Fair, students will have the opportunity to present their projects in class.

We need volunteers to help with the following:

• Receive and sign in projects, and help put ribbons on projects (Mar 5, 7:20am to 9:00am)
• Help with final set-up and monitor MP room during the Fair (March 5, half hour shifts, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm)
• In-class presentations, March 6 and 7, to listen to student presentations from your child’s class (1 to 2 hours).

Specific date and time depend on schedules of both volunteer and teacher.  Please contact your child’s teacher directly to volunteer. If you can help out with any part of the Science Fair, please contact Pandu Nayak or Leigh Klotz (contact information available in school directory).

Science Fair Chairs, Leigh Klotz or Pandu Nayak

This is your chance to perform in a play produced by the Children’s Theatre right here at Palo Verde.

What:  “Boots!”  a play based on the story of “Puss in Boots”
When:  Rehearsals will be held from 3 - 5:30 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays, and from 1:30 to 5 pm on Wednesdays beginning April 3.  Show dates will be May 1, 2 and 3.
Who:  Current 3rd, 4th & 5th graders at Palo Verde.  Everyone who auditions is guaranteed a part, and you can also work back stage as part of the technical crew.  We need parent volunteers, too!
How:  Auditions will be held in the Palo Verde MP Room on April 1 and 2.  If you would like to be a part of the production, you must attend at least one of the auditions, and everyone is encouraged to attend both audition dates.  Watch for a flyer with more details in next week’s Friday Folders! Questions? Email Katharine Saunders (contact details in school directory)

Science Adoption 2008-2009

By the end of the year, PAUSD along with all the other Districts in the state will be adopting new science materials to support and update the science standards. All year, educators have been meeting, evaluating, and even testing the options available. The State Board of Education provides each District with an approved list. If you would like to examine the materials, they are displayed in the central hall of 25 Churchill, our District Office. After the materials are selected this year, teachers will receive both District and site staff development during summer and fall. The materials will be in the classroom and ready for students this upcoming 2008-2009 school year.

Planning Form 2008-2009

A few weeks ago we sent home a planning form for the 2008-2009 school year. So far we have approximately 85% of the forms returned. This timely response from you assists us with enrollment projections. Over the years we have received close to 100 % return rate from the Palo Verde community so we thank you. If you have any questions or need another copy, please contact the office.

Science Fair at Palo Verde

Get ready for the 2008 Palo Verde Science Fair!  On Friday, February 1, students attended an assembly with their classes to learn how to participate in the Science Fair.  Below are important dates and information about the Science Fair.

• Science Fair Handbooks, February 1 (Friday)- Students brought home Science Fair handbooks.
• Proposals Due, February 8- Science Fair proposals due to teachers.   Forms are in the back of the Science Fair handbook.
• Display Boards – Display boards available from teachers or in office after turning in proposals.
• Science Fair, March 5 – Bring projects to MP room before school. Science Fair projects on display for students, teachers, family, and friends from 5:30-7:30 PM.

In-class Presentations, following the Fair-Students present projects to classmates, teacher, and visiting parent scientist. Questions?  Contact Science Fair Chairs, Leigh Klotz (klotz at graflex dot org) 650-493-1650, or Pandu Nayak.

Note: Please see the Palo Verde directory for Pandu Nayak contact details - Lid

Middle School Information Meetings/Important Dates to Calendar

Between the months of February and May, there will be a few opportunities for our fifth graders and families to learn more about middle school. Here are some important dates to calendar. If you have any questions, please contact the middle school office.

• February 27:  There will be parent information meetings held at JLS, Terman, and Jordan. These meetings will begin at 7 PM.
• February 28: The JLS principal, counselor, a representative from the music department, and some former students will be at Palo Verde to speak with fifth graders at 10:30 AM. Parents, please feel welcome to join us during this time.
• March 4:  JLS Choice night for Connections/Direct Instruction
• March 5: Terman Choice night for Direct Instruction
• March 20:  Choice applications are due
• May 15:  JLS parent visitation day. Please call the middle school office after May 1 to reserve a space for the tour.
• May 16: Palo Verde fifth graders will visit JLS from 10:30-11:45 

Technology Parent Education

Please continue to save February 28 for our parent education evening focusing on Technology. We will have a detailed description of the program and invitation included in the next edition of the Voice.

Technology

It is hard to believe that one-half of the 2007-2008 school year is now complete.  During this time we as educators and students realize our greatest potential and accomplishments.  During the next several months, we spend a lot less time establishing routines/procedures and more time pushing learning goals and expectations.  The pace quickens and the volume of work increases for all students.

Between January and April, teachers ratchet up their sense of urgency and see signs that things are coming together for students in all areas academically, as well as socially and emotionally.  This is when we see many breakthroughs for kids. When we talk of our desire for each child to make a year’s growth in a year’s time or more, this is when it usually happens.

During this critical period, we hope you will continue to work closely with us to help make sure our collective efforts count.  Please continue to monitor homework and support classroom projects.  Look for signs that your child is thriving, is feeling successful, and is fully engaged.  Please remember to check in with your child’s teacher to clarify any issues that may arise surrounding homework and projects or your child’s overall attitude towards school. When all of us work together, opportunities for student success will only continue to increase. From all of us at the school, thanks for your continued support.

One of our main areas of focus the past few years has been to utilize technology as an instructional tool to support student learning.  For this to occur, we needed generous support from multiple funding sources to purchase the necessary hardware for students and staff.  The past three years we have received generous contributions from the Palo Verde PTA, District Technology Bridge Funding, and a School Site Block Grant from the state so we could purchase the essential tools. Some highlights include laptops for our teachers, three mobile laptop carts, LCD Projectors for grades 3-5 staff, a server for the site and of course many cables and adaptors to keep us connected.

I also want to make a plug for PiE (Partners in Education), for providing funds we can utilize for necessary Staff Development purposes at the site and awarding the school with a few grants over the years.  In addition to the trainings we are able to provide at the school, the District Staff Development offerings and Technology Support Staff are outstanding.

Currently we are planning a Technology Parent Education Evening that will take place on February 28 so please save the date.  We look forward to demonstrating what Technology looks like to support teaching and learning and share the many wonderful resources we currently have at the school.  Look for more details in the next edition of the Voice.

Have a wonderful weekend