Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mindset: How Praise Can Foster or Undermind Children's Achievement

Menlo Park Library Foundation
Menlo Park Library
Thursday, October 1st at 7:00PM
An Evening for Parents with Stanford University Psychology Professor and Author Carol Dweck - Mindset: How Praise Can Foster or Undermine Children’s Achievement. In decades of research on achievement and success, Stanford Psychology Professor Carol Dweck formulated a simple idea that makes all the difference: A growth mindset creates motivation and productivity. Dr. Dweck will teach parents how to use both praise and criticism well, why bright children stop working and what to do about it, and how to communicate values that bring success.
This event is hosted and made possible by the Menlo Park Library Foundation.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Schedule for Tuesday, Nov. 3

Martha Elderon

Tuesday, Nov. 3, “Secrets” (sex ed.) Assembly alternate schedule:
Period E (7:55-8:55)
Period A (Assembly 1) (9:00-10:10)
Brunch (10:15-10:30)
Period A (Assembly 2) (10:35-11:40)
Period B (11:45-12:40)
Lunch (12:40-1:10)
Period C (1:15-2:10)
Period G (2:15-3:10)

Schedule for Monday, October 19

Martha Elderon

Monday, Oct. 19, has an alternate schedule for the Disaster Drill:
Period A (7:55-8:55)
Period B (9:00-9:55)
Brunch (9:55-10:10)
Period C (10:15-10:30)
Disaster Drill (10:30-11:00)
Period C (11:00-11:40)
Period D (11:45-12:40)
Lunch (12:40-1:10)
Period F (1:15-2:10)
Period G (2:15-3:10)

Schedule for Wednesday, Oct 14

Martha Elderon

Wednesday, Oct. 14, has an alternate schedule for Testing:
PLAN, EXPLORE & PSAT TESTS for 9th-11th graders
ASSEMBLY & SMALL GROUPS for 12th graders
(all are 8:10 am – 12:30 pm)

Schedule for Wednesday, Oct 7

Martha Elderon

Wednesday, Oct. 7 is a 7-period day for the Reality Survey:
Period A (7:55-8:45)
Period B (8:50-9:40)
Brunch (9:40-9:50)
Period C (9:55-10:45)
Period D (10:50-11:40)
Lunch (11:40-12:25)
Period E (12:30-1:20)
Period F (1:25-2:15)
Period G (2:20-3:10)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Teens in Recovery developed by the recovery community (AA)

Barbara S., Catherine K.

The recovery community, AA, has established a program that is specifically oriented to teens. This is a twelve step meeting called Teens in Recovery. It starts after school Thursday, September 24, 4pm, at the First Congregational Church on Embarcadero Rd. in Palo Alto. This will be a safe place for high school students, in particular, to explore their desire to examine how alcohol and other drugs may be leading to unmanageability in their personal, school, and family life. In addition it is a resource for them to connect with other young people and young adults who are eager to pass on the message of recovery.

Teens in Recovery
When: Thursdays starting Sept. 24, 2009 4pm to 5pm
Where: First Congregational Church, Palo Alto, 1985 Embarcadero Road (corner of Louis)
Meeting held in Youth Room

Park in the lot behind the church accessed from Embarcadero Rd. Meeting room can be entered from this lot. We are in the Youth Room which will be your first door on the left after entering the building. Look for the signs/greeters!

For more information:
Barbara S. 650-465-8882 or Catherine K. at 650-810-6064

Gizdich Ranch Pie Sale

Marilyn Putney

The Senior Grad Night Committee is kicking off one of its key fundraisers for Gunn’s Graduation Night Celebration! We are selling Gizdich Ranch Pies and we need your help. Most of your children will be attending Grad Night, and in order to keep ticket prices down, yet still have an incredible Grad Night for our students, we need to raise funds to augment ticket prices.

Please place your orders for Gizdich Ranch locally grown fruit pies from Watsonville: 
Ollalieberry, Apple, Pumpkin, Raspberry (Also Sugarless Apple available). Pies arrive frozen – you bake at home
.

Place orders by Thursday, Oct. 15

PIES: $16 each or buy more than 2 - $15.00 each

Please ask your friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors to buy PIES. They are delicious!!
  • Buy an extra one and bake it for Gunn's Turkey Feast on Nov. 19.
  • Buy a pie and donate it to a special teacher or staff member
  • We can arrange to deliver the pie on your behalf
Order directly from Ronda Breier at Ronda@breiers.com

Order Forms are also in the SAC and Gunn Office 
or print one: http://gunn.pausd.org/~activities/sac/index.htm

All proceeds benefit Senior Class Graduation Activities.
Pie pick-up: Thurs. Nov. 5, 4-6 pm
Questions? contact Marilyn Putney at PutneyM@gmail.com

THANK YOU!!!

2009 Gunn High School Fall Choral Concert

William Liberatore, Gunn High School Choir Director

Sunday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church, 3149 Waverly Street, Palo Alto
Tickets will be available at the door: $7 for adults, $5 for students.

This annual Fall Concert, presented by the Gunn Choral Department features three excellent Choirs: Concert Choir, Treble Choir and the Chamber Singers
The choirs are under the direction of William Liberatore. They will perform a program of culturally rich and diverse choral music from around the world.

For more information, please contact Mr. Liberatore at gunnchoir@aol.com or at 650-354-8287

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Free Community Back to School Night for Teens and Parents

Children's Health Council
Stressed about school starting? Come and “chill” with other teens for a free, fun night of food and art projects focused on managing stress. Parents are encouraged to come as well to join CHC clinicians in a casual discussion on ways to help teens manage social and academic pressures.
Who:
Open to all middle school and high school aged teens and adults who are looking to support a teen in their lives.
When:
Thursday, September 24th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Group limit:
There is no limit! However, please reply by September 21st so we can make sure to have enough food and art supplies for everyone.
Cost:
This is a FREE event, but if you are interested in making a donation, any amount will go towards future free community events sponsored by Children’s Health Council.
Instructors:
Skilled clinicians, with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, will be volunteering their time to offer fun, creative activities for teens, as well as valuable information for parents. For more information or to register, contact Nancy Stewart at (650) 617-3818, or email: nstewart@chconline.org.

Children's Health Council
650 Clark Way
Palo Alto, CA 94304
www.chconline.org

SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education Events

SELPA 1 CAC

I Think My Child Needs Help! Now What Do I Do? Am I Doing Enough? A presentation for parents just getting started and for those who are wondering if they are doing enough.
The first hour will be a panel presentation. Dr. Steve Newton, a Los Altos-based developmental psychologist, will discuss private testing and evaluation as well as psychological therapies. Chase Doverspike from Cadence Therapy, a licensed Occupational Therapist, will be speaking on the benefits of hippotherapy. Sheri Laramie will speak on the benefits of speech therapy. A local physical therapist from Westcott Physical Therapy will speak on the importance of physical therapy for your child. During the second hour, the floor will be open for your questions and concerns.
Wednesday, Oct 21, 2009 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm.
Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos.
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Movement to Motivate - Come hear how you can use movement to enhance academic and physical learning as well as self esteem. Learn some practical strategies that you can put into practice immediately. Programs presented include Brain Gym, Pilates for Kids, and Dance in the Classroom. Speakers include Teresa Maldonado Marchok MPT - a Physical Therapist and mom of a special needs child, Ehud Krauss - founder of IndepenDANCE -applying the benefits of dance education to academic improvement and Rose Nolen - 3rd grade teacher integrating movement into her curriculum for the last 15 yrs. Event geared for parents and teachers.
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 - meeting is 7 to 9 pm. Hospitality begins at 6:45pm.
Covington Elementary School Multi, 205 Covington Rd, Los Altos.
This parent education event is sponsored by the SELPA 1 CAC (www.selpa1cac.org) All of our events are free and open to anyone who feels they might benefit. No registration is necessary.

Breaking the Stigma: Adolescent Substance Abuse

Adolescent Counseling Service
Adolescent Counseling Service (ACS) is hosting a community forum called, "Breaking the Stigma: Adolescent Substance Abuse" on November 12, 2009 from 7-9pm in Room M2 at the Cubberley Community Center.

ACS conducts a program entitled Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment (ASAT). The biggest obstacle they face to getting troubled teenagers into the treatment program is denial, often referred to as "Not My Child Syndrome." Parents frequently insist that substance abuse or the disease of addiction could not exist in their homes. This denial may stem from feelings of guilt or shame, but may also arise because substance abuse can be difficult for parents to spot, especially in teens who are able to continue to function at a high level despite being under the influence of an illicit substance.

Join ACS and panelists from other organizations as they address this topic directly and work to break the stigma of substance abuse and the disease of addiction.

10th Grade Parents - The Class of 2012 Parent Network Invites You...

Ruth A. Shapiro
The Class of 2012 Parent Resource Network needs more parents. The parent resource network serves as a support and informational exchange for parents of high school students by grade. Once we have formed our network, we will meet to decide important topics, issues and means of dissemination. Meetings will probably take place once a month. Could you please send me an email with your name, phone number and areas of interest? Also, please let me know if you would be interested in a co-chair position! Thank you!

Ruth A. Shapiro
ruth@keyi-strategies.com
(650) 847-1211

Partners in Education


Belle Griffiths, Cherrill Spencer, Hazel Watson Gunn PiE Representatives

We are so thankful to the many Gunn families who have supported Partners in Education (PiE) in the past. Because of your support, Gunn will receive over $303,000 from Palo Alto Partners in Education this school year. These funds are enhancing your child’s education in many areas:


College & Career Counseling
  • PiE funds cover 23% of the costs in this area
  • One additional staff person
  • New Programs targeted to help students and parents plan for college: College Pathways, College for Every Student, and Ernst & Young mentoring initiative
Career/Technology Education
  • Training, set-up and equipment funds for "Project Lead the Way", a curriculum that will introduce new engineering oriented classes using project based learning: Digital Electronics in 2009-2010 and Intro to Engineering Design in 2010-2011
Instructional Technology
  • PiE funds cover 33% of the costs involved in technology integration into the curriculum
  • One additional person for coaching/mentoring of teachers and staff to effectively use multi-media and communication related new technologies in the curriculum
Why is it important for you, parents of Gunn High School students, to make a donation, this year?
  • PiE money raised this year will be available for the 2010-11 school year. Given the current economic outlook, the expectation is that the Palo Alto Unified School District will have to make cuts totaling $4.4 million in the 2010-2011 school year.
  • PiE is the only nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to raising money for all PAUSD schools. Only PiE contributions can fund additional teachers and staff. PTA funds cannot.
  • PiE dollars are allocated on a per student basis so every child throughout our school district benefits.
This year the PiE High School Fund needs to raise at least $600,000 to meet the needs at our two high schools. High school donor participation must grow to help PiE meet this dollar goal. Your support has never been more important!

What you can do!

Please show your commitment to excellent education in Palo Alto by making a donation to Palo Alto Partners in Education. By targeting your PiE donation to the PiE High School Fund you know that your dollars are supporting critical needs at Gunn. Your student will directly benefit from your support.

  • Look for the PiE letter in your PTSA back-to-school packet or donate online at www.papie.org
  • Online payments can be made as one time gift or on an installment plan.
  • Ask if your employer offers a company matching gift program and so increase your donation.
  • Call the PiE office at 650-329-3990 for more information about how you can get involved.
  • All donations are 100% tax deductible.
  • Questions? Concerns? Contact one of your three Gunn PiE Representatives: 
Belle Griffiths at belle.griffiths@sbcglobal.net, 
Cherrill Spencer at cherrill@slac.stanford.edu
, Hazel Watson at hazelwatson@gmail.com


Thank you for your support, Belle, Cherrill, and Hazel

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Safe Ride Seeks Volunteers

Karin Bloom, M.S.
Project Director , Palo Alto Drug Alcohol Community Collaborative (PADACC)

Safe Ride, run by American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter youth volunteers, is ready to start up again with the new school year. The program offers high school students an alternative to driving while intoxicated or riding with an intoxicated driver. Instead, students can call the toll-free Safe Ride number (1-877-753-RIDE) and two trained and sober local teens will arrive to transport the caller safely to their house. The service is completely free and confidential.

Every Friday and Saturday night, teams of student volunteers, working with a trained adult supervisor, man a hotline at the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter’s Palo Alto office. They answer calls and dispatch two-person driver teams to pick up students in a Red Cross vehicle. Last year, the Safe Ride program had 45 volunteer drivers, who provided over 600 rides.

Lucas Matze, a student coordinator for Safe Ride, says, “It is a unique program that provides vital safety to our community. I volunteer for Safe Ride because I know that my work is doing good. Every time I drop someone off at their house, it's one less person on the road, potentially endangering themselves or others.”
Lucas and other students like him logged over 1,500 hours of volunteer time in the 2008-2009 school year. These dedicated volunteers also promote the Safe Ride program at their schools and in their community, recruiting other volunteers, holding fundraisers and providing peer education on the dangers of drinking and driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens (15-20 years old) and 31% of teen traffic deaths are alcohol-related. In 2007 an estimated 7.8 percent of 16 or 17 year olds reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year.

Safe Ride was created in 1984 by a group of high school students from Palo Alto and Gunn High School who lost a friend in a car accident caused by teen drunk driving. 25 years later, thousands of local teens have been saved from the perils of drunk driving thanks to Safe Ride. The program has spread to eight different high schools throughout the region. Participating schools include Palo Alto, Gunn, Castilleja, Sacred Heart Prep, Los Altos, Mountain View, Menlo and Menlo Atherton.

Safe Ride exists because of the efforts of many great volunteers and the generous support of public donations. For more information or to find out how you can support or volunteer for Safe Ride, contact Gabriela Pierre at pierreg@usa.redcross.org.

About American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter
Founded in January 2009 with the merger of the Palo Alto Area and Santa Clara Valley chapters, the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter is a non-profit, humanitarian organization that depends on the generous contributions of time and money from Santa Clara County residents and companies to provide services and programs that help our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For more information on disaster preparedness, health and safety classes, volunteer opportunities, and financial contributions, visit our website at www.siliconvalley-redcross.org or call us at 1-877-727-6771.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Support the Gunn High School PTSA at www.escrip.com!

Have you updated your Safeway Club Card e-scrip link lately? Please support the Gunn PTSA by registering your grocery, debit and credit cards at www.escrip.com. The Gunn PTSA e-scrip group number is 500022731. Participating merchants with make contributions to the Gunn PTSA based on purchases made by you, just by using the cards you have registered. Thank you for your support!

Challenge Success / Stressed Out Students Conference

Fall Plenary Session
Free and Open to the Public
Friday, September 25, 2009
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University

Introduction:

Denise Pope, Ph.D., Co-founder, Challenge Success/SOS, Stanford University School of Education Senior Lecturer, and author of “Doing School": How we are creating a generation of stressed-out, materialistic, and miseducated students.

Keynote Speakers:

Michael Thompson, Ph.D. is a consultant, author and psychologist specializing in children and families. He is the clinical consultant to The Belmont Hill School and has worked in more than five hundred schools across the United States, as well as in international schools in Central America, Europe and Asia. He and his co-author, Dan Kindlon, wrote the New York Times best-selling book, Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys (Ballantine Books,1999). In addition, Dr. Thompson is the author of several other acclaimed books, including Best Friends/Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Worlds of Children (Ballantine, 2001) and The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Achieve Success in School and in Life (with Teresa Barker, Ballantine, 2004).

Chris Kelly is the Chief Privacy Officer and Head of Global Public Policy at Facebook, guiding Facebook’s efforts to make the Internet a safer and more trusted place. He has previously served as Chief Privacy Officer at three other Internet companies, Spoke Software, Excite@Home, and Kendara, and was an attorney in private practice at Baker & McKenzie and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati. Chris also served as a policy advisor in the Clinton Administration. He was Editor in Chief of the Harvard Journal of Law and Technology and part of the founding team for the Berkman Center for Internet and Society.

Panelists:

Madeline Levine, Ph.D., Co-founder, Challenge Success/SOS, and clinical psychologist and best-selling author of The Price of Privilege.

Three Students will offer their perspectives on primary stressors and coping strategies in middle school and high school.