Springer Star Newsletter

March 2nd, 2012

In This Issue

Calendar Dates

News and Announcements

Student Extracurricular Activities

Parent Education

How to Submit an Article to the Springer Star Newsletter

Quick Dates for your Calendar

March 2, 6-8pm: Girl’s Night Out!

March 7, 7pm: PTA Meeting

March 7: Project Cornerstone Speaker: LASD Superintendent, Jeff Baier

March 9: K-3 grades Singing Concert

March 13: Science-o-rama

March 19-23: Book Fair

March 24: Springer Auction

April 28: Junior Olympics

News and Announcements

Announcing our new librarian!  We are pleased to introduce Springer's new library specialist, Mrs Chie Shieh (pronounced Chee-ah Shay).  Mrs Shieh began her position with us on Monday.  Previously, Mrs Shieh worked as a library aide at Queen of Apostles school in San Jose.  She is the mother of three children; one in  high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary school.  She is excited to be here at Springer.  Please stop by and introduce yourself if you get a chance.

LASD Student Film Festival

This year we will have the first ever district-wide student film festival.  The LASD Student Film Festival is designed to showcase and celebrate the creative works of our students using video technology to cooperatively construct film.  These films can be the endeavor of a classroom assignment or an independent venture of a student.  In fact, all of the projects must be an original, student-created film.  All LASD students, grade K through grade 8 are eligible to enter films.  Student films may be submitted between February 27 and April 6.  Winners will be chosen and notified by May 3.  Student participants and winners will be recognized at the LASD Film Festival on May 4.  The LASD Student film festival is being planned and implemented by Santa Rita’s sixth grade classes as a part of a project based learning activity.  For more information on submission guidelines please visit  www.lasdfilmfestival.org

Singing Concert—March 9th in the Multi.  Please join us for our primary grades vocal concert on Friday, March 9th in the Multi.  The Kindergarten and 1st grade will perform at 9:00 am.  2nd and 3rd graders will perform at 10:25 am.  Teacher Diana from Starting Arts has been working hard to get our students ready for their upcoming performance.  Join us for what will sure to be a special concert.

PTA Meeting, 7/7, 7 pm: Math and Your Springer Student

Join us for a talk about mathematics education at Springer.  Springer teacher, Doug Core, will be making a presentation. Additionally, we will approve changes to the budget discussed at the February meeting and hear a report from the Nominating Committee on the slate of officers selected for the 2012-2013 school year. See a summary of the February Meeting on the PTA Meetings page.

Springer Yearbook needs your Pictures!

The yearbook team is collecting pictures for the yearbook and we need your help.  If you have any pictures of school or classroom activities, please upload them to our yearbook site at:

yearbooks.

Password:  springer

Thanks for your help!  Let us know if you have any questions or problems.

Michelle Koblas & Feng Zhou

mrkoblas[at]gmail.com, 650-575-6948

Mark Your Calendar!

Continue a Springer tradition with Springer Day at the San Jose Giants, Saturday May 12th. A Springer student will throw out the first pitch (auction item) and the Springer Singers will sing! Join in the fun!

More details in future editions of the Springer Star!

Springer Girls Night Out Potluck & Painting

March 2, 2012

Mountain View’s Fireworks Ceramics

Springer Multi

6:00pm – 8:00

$20 per person ($5 for dinner only)

See flyer for more details

Springer Auction - event volunteers needed!

We are looking for volunteers to help out at the Springer Auction on March 24. There are many different jobs at different times that need to be filled, all of which will help make the auction a night to remember!

- Are you attending the auction? You can still volunteer! Shifts during the auction are 1 hour or less.

- If you're not attending the auction, can you help set up starting at 2:30?

Please check out the online signup sheet: auction volunteers  for the complete list of times and jobs that need to be done.

Questions? Contact Jennie Leahy (jleahy94040[at]yahoo.com) or Hilary Burcell (hilary[at]burcell.com)

Springer's 2012 Auction's Sunset on the Serengeti: March 24, 2012

The Springer Auction is fast approaching (March 24) and the deadline to submit donations AND have it appear in the catalog is this Friday, March 2nd! Please pick up a form from the Auction Table in the school assembly area or you can submit your form online at:   Community Donation form

If you are still looking for Community Donation ideas, please visit Auction Donation Ideas. Still don't know what to donate?  How about a bottle of wine or some of those unused gift cards in your wallet? Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated!

Still working on your vacation plans for the summer?  Here's a couple of awesome getaways (with pre-determined dates) that will be part of the live auction:

    * Marriott Newport Coast Villas: A week of the best weather during the most desirable time of year (August 3-August 10)! 2bdr/2Ba condo with panoramic view onto the Pacific ocean.  The    condo can accommodate 2 lucky Springer families right before the start of the next school year.  Grab your friends and enjoy a spacious villa with full kitchen, living room, patio and 2 bedrooms

(1 king/jacuzzi tub, 1 queen/full bath). There are also two pull-out coaches (1 in the bedroom, one in the living room.) The resort is beautiful, built to resemble a Tuscan hillside village. There are three (gigantic) pools with endless ocean views, jacuzzis, kids' pools, a huge playground and a putting green. Hike 1 mile to swim at the Crystal Coast State Park or drive 4 miles to Corona Del Mar - a safe surfing/boogie-boarding playground. You can even drive to DisneyLand: it’s 23 minutes away but feels light years removed, or play golf at the adjacentPelican Hill.

   * A Week Stay in a 1-bedroom condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the week of June 23, 2012.  More details will be listed in the auction catalog.

Auction Ticket Purchase: If you haven't purchased your auction tickets yet, please click ticket purchase form to access and print the ticket purchase form and place in the Auction cubbie in the office.

Auction Night Babysitting Service: Brandie at Abracadabra is now accepting applications for their Auction's Parent's Night Out babysitting service. Space is limited to the first 75 kids so hurry and reserve your spot by completing the application and waiver form now!

Auction Night Volunteers Needed! We still have some openings for volunteers to help on the night of the auction! Please check out our Volunteer SignUp sheet (see above) and sign up!

See you at the Serengeti!

Linda McCartney

2012 Springer Auction Co-Chair

Questions? Please contact Linda McCartney (LM28476[at]gmail.com) or springerauction@gmail.com.

JUNIOR OLYMPICS IS COMING!

Who?  4th-6th graders in Los Altos School District

When? Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Where?  Mountain View High School

Junior Olympics is a wonderful tradition in the Los Altos School District.  For the last 51 years

students and their families have gathered for a day of fun, food and good spirited competition.

Project Cornerstone Lessons at Springer School

The remainder of our Guest Presenter Series includes:

Wednesday, March 7: LASD Superintendent, Jeff Baier

Wednesday, April 4: The Starting Seniors from Mountain View High School's Varsity Lacrosse Team (LASD alumni)

Tuesday, May 1: Mountain View Fire Chief, Bradley Wardle and Fire Fighter Crew from Cuesta/Grant Station

Please let us know if you have any questions about lessons or speakers.

Lara Daetz and Tina Klaassen

Springer 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 establishment on Springer's selected dates. Takeout orders qualify as well! Listed below is a list of participating restaurants and the applicable dates during the 2011-2012 school year. Please present the restaurant flyers/coupons* to ensure Springer gets the credit. Enjoy!!

Mountain Mike's Pizza      (1724 Miramonte Ave, MV): Every Thursday & Sunday

Chevy's                               (2116 El Camino Real, MV): Every 3rd Thursday of Month

Pizza My Heart                   (El Camino @ El Monte): June 6

Flyers are available in the office, Abracadabra and online via the Star newsletter.

Questions? Contact Contact Lara Rahn at lara.rahn[at]yahoo.com

Student Extracurricular Activities

Youth Drama for All’s (YDFA) cast of youth, ranging from kindergarten through high school, will be performing Saturday, March 10, 2012 in “New York, New York” at Gardner Bullis School, 25890 Fremont Road,  Los Altos Hills, CA 94022.  This year’s production will hail in YDFA’s fifth season. YDFA is an inclusive drama group open to all youth in special and general ed classes.  Purchase tickets online at http://ydfanyny.eventbrite.com (small fee applies) or via Sue Voiss at sweetvoiss@yahoo.com or 650-965-0409.  Tickets $5.00 each (4 and under free) and proceeds will go to the Los Altos Individualized Education PTA. Show starts at 2:30 p.m., doors open at 2:10 p.m.

DezignKidz Summer Camp 2012 registration is open!

DezignKidz, a fun, locally-run program for aspiring designers (which made its debut at Springer 4 summers ago) returns to the LASD with even more options for creative kids:

3 levels of Fashion Dezign, including new Fashion Dezign 3 for middle school fashion mavens, Accessory Dezign and brand new this year, Interior Dezign. "Dezigners" will  turn their ideas from sketches into  completed garments, accessories or home decor items.  [FLYER]

Week-long programs run 6/18-6/22, 6/25-6/29, 7/9-7/13 and 7/16-7/20 and will be held at Covington School.

Sign up online at www.dezignkidz.com or call 650 346-5896.

MVLA Soccer Club is proud to offer soccer after school every Wednesdays, 2:45pm - 3:30pm for grades 1 - 3. Classes start 3/7 and end 4/4. The curriculum is created by Albertin Montoya, MVLA's Director of Coaching, and current US U17 Women's National Team coach. Registration and class details can be found on www.mvlasc.org (click on After School Program details).

Enrollment Now Underway for ScholarKids, Summer 2012

ScholarKids is a high-energy, intellectually stimulating summer enrichment program for incoming 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders.  Classes will be held at Egan Junior High from June 18 - July 13.  Signups are online at www.scholarkids.net .  If you have questions, please email  scholarkids@me.com or call 408-203-9946.  ScholarKids is endorsed by the Los Altos School District.

Spartans Sports Camp offers multi-sport, week-long sessions for boys and girls in grades 3-5 as well as sport-specific sessions for grades 6 - 9. There are also strength and conditioning camps for grades 6-12. Run by Mountain View High School coaches and student-athletes,

Spartans Sports Camp provides a unique opportunity for future MVHS students to become acquainted with the programs they want to participate in. All proceeds benefit the MVHS Athletic Department.

For registration information, please visit our web site at www.SpartansSportsCamp.com or call 650.479.5906.         .

Camps begin June 11th and run weekly through July 27th at Mountain View High School.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

CTC Summer Theatre Conservatory 2012: Programs for Ages 5-14

California Theatre Center is a professional, non-profit theatre company specializing in plays for young audiences. The Summer Theatre Conservatory program is taught by CTC’s professional actor/teachers.

Core Conservatory is a full day theatre workshop for students ages 8 and up who are interested in developing their theatre skills. A Conservatory day runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. In the morning, Conservatory focuses on classes in acting, voice, and movement. The skills students learn in class will then be applied to afternoon rehearsals for a show that will be presented publicly on the last two days.

Junior Conservatory is a half-day program for 5 to 8 year olds. Students are introduced to the concept of making plays and present their short play to family members on the final day of Conservatory. Whether in Core or Junior Conservatory, students learn a great deal about what it takes to make great theatre!

For more details including costs, dates and locations, click here.

For further information, visit the CTC website www.ctcinc.org, or email education@ctcinc.org or call (408) 245-2979.

Los Altos KidzAdventures (LAKA) summer school program for grades K – 4 will be held at a NEW LOCATION: Gardner Bullis School in Los Altos from June 18 - July 13. Two classes are available for each two week session from 8:30 AM  - 12:00 PM. Only $175 per class per session.  See our web site www.lakakidz.com for class descriptions and registration.

Experienced teachers, who have been trained in the developmental needs of young students, have designed these classes.

A variety of classes are offered: Young Chefs, Computers, Outrageous Outdoor Games, Magnificent Machines, Art, Lively Ink, Math Masters,Writing Workshop, Mysterious World, Robotics, and more! In four weeks your child can take 4 different classes.  For the Pre-K child, Skills for Kindergarten class is being offered. If your 1st grader needs more support in reading and writing, a 4 week class is available. LAKA is endorsed by the Los Altos School district.

Academic Chess at Springer: Thursdays 2.30-3.30, starting March 1.  See flyer for details.

TGA, Premier Junior Golf is bringing the golf course to your school! TGA is the only national at-school, after school golf enrichment program. TGA provides ALL equipment so students need to bring nothing but a smile to each class. Students learn all aspects of golf, from swing fundamentals to the game’s rules, etiquette and life values, while advancing through a 5 Level Program. The TGA program helps build life values through educational concepts that include Math, English, Science, and History. Students starting in the Yellow Level will receive a TGA Hat, TGA Hat Pin, and a TGA Workbook. The class is held in a fun, safe and nurturing environment that builds confidence, focus, motor skills, and self esteem.

Classes for Springer will be held on Tuesdays, Feb. 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3 after-school from 2:30pm-3:30pm (1-5) and 3:10pm-4:10pm (K). The cost is $119.00 tuition + $20.00 facility fee for 6 weeks and students will be grouped by age and ability levels. For more information and to-register please see attached flyer or visit our website at www.golftga.com/peninsulavalley or call us today at (760) 295-6622.   

Parent Education

Miss Representation

FilmScreening and Panel Discussion

Ever wonder how to start that conversation with your kids about what they are seeing on TV, movies, and even commercials?  The media portrays all kinds of messages - especially about how women and girls are portrayed.

You’re invited to a FREE screening of ‘Miss Representation’, followed by a thought-provoking Parents Place/JFCS discussion panel.

About the film:

‘Miss Representation’ (90 min; TV-14 DL) uncovers how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.  Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, like Condoleeza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem will leave the audience shaken and armed with a new perspective.

For: Adults Only

Date: Tuesday, May 15

Time: 6.30-8.30 PM

Fee: Free - RSVP required

Location: Schultz Cultural Arts Hall

Contact: Rebecca Y.Siegel

               (650) 223-8605

                rsiegel@paloaltojcc.org

Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs

Hear Ellen Galinsky, Best-Selling Author and Co-Founder of the Families and Work Institute, talk about her new best-selling book Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs (Harper Collins, 2010).

Mountain View High School, 3535 Truman Ave, Mountain View

Time: Thursday, Mar 15th, 2012, 7:00PM — 9:00PM

No Charge.         Register at http://ellengalinskymvla.eventbrite.com/

Call for Participants – Children’s Dream Research

Does your child have vivid or unusual dreams? Cindy Sauln, a doctoral student who is a psychology intern at Springer School from Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC), is conducting her dissertation research with children ages 8 through 11 years (3rd through 5th grade) about their significant or meaningful dreams, which may also appear as nightmares. With parental approval, the research will consist of an interview and 2 short questionnaires, and all information will be treated confidentially, with no identifying names of children or families included in the final report. All parents who might allow their children to participate are invited to view more about this research and the researcher in the attached flyer.

How To Submit an Article to the Springer Star

Please send your submission to the editor at springer_star@yahoo.com by noon on Monday for inclusion in the next edition. All flyers must be in either WORD or PDF format, accompanied by a brief summary of the activity in the email.

Late arrivals will be included if possible but can’t be guaranteed!