Springer Star Newsletter

October 7th, 2011

In This Issue

Calendar Dates

News and Announcements

Student Extracurricular Activities

Quick Dates for your Calendar

October 15: Walkathon

October 17, 7.30pm: LAHS Science and Technology Week Keynote – Khan Academy

October 17-21: 6th Graders to Walden West

October 24: Photo Makeup Day

October 28, 8.30am: Coffee with the Principal

October 31, 1pm: Annual Costume Parade 

November 2, 7pm: PTA Meeting

News and Announcements

LAEF:  Are you IN?  Any increase in your donation over last year or any donations from new families will be matched $1-for-$1 before 11/1 by a group of anonymous donors. Time is running out to take advantage of these generous matching funds, so don’t delay.  Go online today at www.laefonline.org and set up your payment plan or make your annual tax-deductible donation.

 LAHS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WEEK KEYNOTE – SAL KHAN of Khan Academy

October 17, 2011 at 7:30pm, Los Altos High School Eagle Theater

You've had a chance to hear about the Khan Academy in our classrooms from Alyssa Gallagher. Now you can hear how Khan Academy is using technology to revolutionize the world of education directly from Sal Khan. The pilot program with the Los Altos School District last year attracted national attention, and the program now includes all LASD schools.  Fresh from an appearance on The Colbert Report, founder Sal Khan provides insight into the history and the evolution of Khan Academy.

PTA Bylaws:   The PTA will vote to approve the updated bylaws at the November meeting on Wednesday, 11/2 at 7pm in the Springer Staff room.  A copy of the bylaws is available in the school office for review, and a summary of the revisions is provided here: http://springerschool.net/springeres/4096-PTA-Meetings.html.

Volunteering:  You should have received a Volunteer Interest & Availability Form in your child's Friday folder last week. We prefer that you complete our online version of the form, but if completing the hard copy is easier for you, we'll be collecting them in the office. It's helpful to hear from you even if you are already involved. Tell us about your interests and availability. While it may seem like no big deal to you, it could mean the world to one of many meaningful volunteer efforts at Springer!  Your entry is not a commitment! Our goal is to receive a completed form from every Springer family. If you complete and submit your form by Friday, October 14th, you'll be entered into a drawing to receive five free days of Kid Chow hot lunch.

Walkathon Update

It’s coming!  Saturday October 15th is nearly here! See the Springer Walkathon webpage for more information.

Don’t forget! Friday October 7th NEON green Walkathon Sponsor cards due!

All students will receive a small bag of skittles after school with signed sponsor cards. If you need another form, go to the online version here.

Food Order forms for Walkathon also due on Friday!

PLUS: Calling all bakers! Please provide individually wrapped NUT FREE goodies for our Walkathon Bake Sale.  Sign up with the Walkathon Baked Goods Google Doc! Happy Baking!

Volunteers still needed! Please sign up here: Volunteer Google document.

Donations:  We still need cases of bottled water and small, giveaway toys - keep an eye out for collection boxes!

Questions?  See the Registration packet or contact Walkathon co-chairs Karey Gutierrez kareytg[at]gmail.com and Katie Cowley ktcowley[at]yahoo.com.  We’re here to help!

Great News from Amazon.com!!!

Amazon.com, a key vendor in our Shop Springer website, has recently settled a tax dispute with the State of California over sales tax generated from shopping sites. Fortunately, this enables Amazon to continue normal operations so Shop Springer is now fully open and functioning and continues it's ongoing financial support of the Springer PTA and the children of Springer Elementary. If you have not used Shop Springer before, give it a try at www.ShopSpringer.com and help support the kids!

Family Dinners Out

Raise money for Springer simply by enjoying dinner out with your family and friends! Springer receives 15-30% back from the restaurants when you dine at their establishments on Springer's selected dates. Takeout orders apply as well! Listed below are the participating restaurants for the months of October and November:

Pizza My Heart                    Wednesday, October 19

Chevy’s                                Thursday, October 20

Fiesta Del Mar                      Monday, October 24

Armadillo Willy's                   Tuesday, November 1

Mountain Mike's Pizza         Every Thursday and Sunday

Flyers are available in the school office, Abracadabra and the Springer website. Questions? Contact Lara Rahn at lara.rahn[at]yahoo.com.

COME MEET FARMER PETE!

Join the Springer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Farmer Pete offers fresh, local, sustainable, organic produce at Springer on Thursdays after school!  See the flyer for more details. Questions? Please contact Kathy Stiles:  kathystiles[at]comcast.net

Student Extracurricular Activities

After School Fall Soccer - MVLA

Wednesdays 9/28 - 11/2 at Springer.  See the Fall soccer flyer for details.

Academic Chess at Springer

All levels welcome.  Thursdays 2.30–3.30. See the Chess Flyer for more details.

Math Olympiad—Sports for the Mind! 

Interested in fun, innovative, and challenging math problems? Grades 4-6 Fridays after school,

Time: 2:50–3:40. Friday 9/30 will be an introductory class for new students to try the class and for returning students to practice problem solving. Registration for the rest of the year will follow the introductory class.