Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Update On Arastradero Restriping Trial

submitted by Grace Yu



Update On Arastradero Restriping Trial:

Initial repaving and restriping was implemented in August and September. The trial project includes a lane reduction on Arastradero Road from 4- to 3-lanes including turn lanes for safer neighborhood access and better controlled turning movements. The first post-construction community meeting was held on October 14. City staff presented an update on project construction activities, initial traffic data findings & project enhancements to implementation during the trial period, and accepted public input on the project.

Two additional planned improvements are being scheduled. One is a traffic signal modification at Arastradero Road and Coulombe Road to enhance left turn signal phasing for eastbound Arastradero Road traffic. The other is two new raised median islands at Arastradero Road & Clemo Avenue with a pedestrian activated flashing beacon warning system and at Arastradero Road & Hubbart St with a new vehicle speed feedback sign to encourage vehicle speed reductions along the street. Monitoring will continue and additional community input meetings will be scheduled later this winter.

The following project enhancements are being implemented this Winter in response to the community input on the project:

• Discussions with Caltrans about the El Camino Real Traffic Signal Operations (Caltrans, not the City of Palo Alto, controls the El Camino Real intersection and traffic signal)
• Alta Mesa intersection signage and striping improvement to help keep the intersection clear from El Camino Real queues
• Arastradero Road roadway marking changes between Donald Dr-Terman Rd and King Arthur Ct to help improve left turn vehicle access to both streets

Further updates will be released by the city as implementation schedules are finalized with contractors.

This project is an on-going one-year trial with monitoring and adjustments being made during the trial period. Evaluation of the project will be based on predetermined specific performance measures which include: crash reduction, transportation mode shift, and 85th percentile speed reduction goals, maintaining point-to-point travel times within the study area.

If you missed the meeting, written comments may be sent via email to: transportation@cityofpaloalto.org

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

SELPA 1 CAC January Parent Education Event

submitted by Karen Mueller

Turning 18 - Within the special education world there is a wide range of ability levels, and our students can be extremely varied in their ability to be independent. These issues come into focus when our kids reach 18 and are ready to leave the school system. What happens when high school is over and our kids are legally adults? What happens to the child who can pass CAHSEE and graduate, yet struggles?

When should we begin preparing for this transition? What programs and supports are available at Foothill/DeAnza? What if college is not an option? How can my child get employment training? What agencies provide support for young adults? What about medical visits – how can I still participate in my child’s medical decisions?

Come hear our panel address these issues and your questions. Jan Johnston-Tyler, owner of EvoLibri Consulting, specializes in young adults with social, academic, psychological, and medical challenges. Margo Dobbins works at Foothill College Student Services. Jennifer Springer is from CONNECT!, a collaborative of more than 25 partner organizations that offers a wide range of workforce development services to both businesses and job seekers in Silicon Valley. NOVA is one of the lead partner organizations that help make this collaborative a success. To job seekers, NOVA is known for their extensive job search assistance, career development resources, and skills training referrals.


Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011 - 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.

Gunn Turkey Feast-Thank You!

Submitted by Nitay Gill, nitaygill@yahoo.com


The Turkey Feast PTSA Planning Committee would like to thank the Gunn community for all the effort and time put into making this event successful. From cooking pies and turkeys to donating money and time, we couldn’t have done it without your dedication and team spirit. Also a special thanks for those that stayed late to help clean up, pack food, move furniture back to normal and wash up the aluminum pans for use next year! We also extend our appreciation to Piazza’s and Marie Callender’s for helping us in our effort to feed over 1500 participants. The School Board, Gunn’s administration, front office staff, teachers, SEC and custodians graciously supported us in every possible way.
The Ecumenical Hunger Program will once again receive a donation that will target families who are in need this holiday season. Most of all, thank you for helping us make Gunn a warm and welcoming school!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathy Lindholm, Debbie Sutherland
Donna Pioppi and Nitay Gill

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON SECOND CONCERT

submitted by Kim Nguyen
PACO Publicity Chair

PACO’s most senior of its five youth orchestras will perform a collection of inspiring music on Saturday, December 18th under the direction of PACO music director, Benjamin Simon. Nine Gunn students will be a part of the performance.

They are:
Haleli Moalem, Nicky Hwang, Isabella Costanza, Sierra Leder, Yilin Liang, Zachary Munro, Leonard Woo, Max Woo, and Ayala Berger.

The concert program is to celebrate Ludwig van Beethoven's 240th Birthday with a performance of his youthful Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major and his marvelous Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral). Our soloist is MIT professor David Deveau, a world-class performer and teacher who will be making his PACO debut. Also featured will be Pavel Haas' brilliant Study for String Orchestra (1943), one of many masterpieces that emerged from the Terezin concentration camp in the midst of the horrors of World War II, and the fiery third movement of Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 3 performed by an advanced string quartet formed by PACO members.

The concert will take place at 8:00 p.m. at the Eagle Theater of Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos. Ticket prices are $15 general, $10 senior and $5 student. For more information, please call 650-856-3848 or visit http:/www.pacomusic.org.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Noodle Tools now in Gunn Library

Meg Omainsky, momainsky@pausd.org

Gunn Library has purchased a subscription to Noodle Tools. Noodle Tools is an online subscription-based research tool that helps guide students through their research. It differs from free tools like Citation Machine and Easy Bib in that Noodle Tools offers online student collaboration features, digital, color-coded notecards for direct quotes, summaries and paraphrasing. Also, the tool is linked up with Google docs. When you click Paper in the NoodleBib navigation bar, a new document is created in your Google Docs account. That document is automatically tied to the NoodleBib project, so that you can return directly to the paper by clicking on the Paper button again.

When students share a NoodleBib project with a teacher, they have the option to share the Google Docs paper, too. The teacher gains full edit access to the document and can give students feedback using Google’s comment tool directly on working papers.

Here are some help links to get you started.

Link to User Guide- http://www.noodletools.com/noodlebib/usersguide/.
Link to tutorials- http://tinyurl.com/2fnfvpu.

Link to FAQs-http://www.noodletools.com/helpdesk/kb/.


Access Information:

Click on this link to access our Noodle Tools subscription: (Link on the library website is forthcoming).
http://www.noodletools.com/login.php?group=10238&code=7408.

login with username= gunnhigh
password= titans

Each user must create a "personal folder" (i.e., select a personal ID and password) by clicking the "Create a Personal ID" button on the login screen. Access to your subscription is currently enabled via username/password. Students will be prompted to log in to the subscription when they click "Create a Personal ID" on the login screen.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Class of 2015 Sees Candy Fundraiser!

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Support the Class of 2015…yes, 2015! Terman’s 8th grade class invites you to purchase $16 gift certificates for one-pound boxes of Sees Candy to help fund their promotion activities and seed their Gunn Class of 2015 activities. The timeless gift certificates are a great value and handy gifts to have on hand at all times to send as birthday, special occasion and thank you gifts. With the Holidays around the corner, they’re perfect gifts for co-workers and clients. The sale will be on-going throughout the 2010-2011 school year. The form for placing Holiday season orders can be found at http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/SeesFlyer.pdf.

Thank you for your support!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Twelve Angry Men

The Gunn High School Theatre Department presents "Twelve Angry Men"

By Reginald Rose
Directed by James Shelby
Technical Direction by Kristin Lo
Nov. 11-20 in the Studio Theatre at Gunn High School

Come take a seat in the jury room where twelve citizens must decide the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murdering his father. This gripping tale of one-versus-eleven was made famous in the much-loved 1957 film starring Henry Fonda. In our version, there are both men and women on the jury; in real time, (no intermission) we watch as the twelve wrestle with prejudice, group mentality, and the incredible challenge of determining a man's fate. Originally produced in 1954, the year of the landmark civil-rights verdict Brown v. Board of Education, the play demands we pay attention to the complex and essential issues at the root of our democracy. You won't want to miss this story that grabs hold and never lets go until the shattering conclusion!

Join the Opening Night crowd, Thurs. Nov. 11, for pre-show treats and beverages, and hear our own Mr. Tim Farrell's commentary on the play! The Gala begins at 6:30 in the Gunn Staff Lounge, and moves to the Studio Theatre for the 8 p.m. show.

Tickets for Opening Night are $20-- proceeds support theatre programs at Gunn!

Additional performances:

Nov. 12 & 13, 8 p.m. (students $8, general $10)
Nov. 17, 3:30 p.m. matinee (all $5)
Nov. 18 - 20, 8 p.m. (students $8, general $10)

Tickets available online at www.gunntheatre.org, or at the campus SAC (M-F 10-3:45).
Remaining tickets will be sold at the door ½ hour before each show.
Online sales for same-day ticket purchases may close early to be sold at the SAC or at the door.

Buy tickets early as Studio Theatre shows do sell out!

Books Inc. Shopping Night

Books Inc. Shopping Night
Gunn Library Fundraiser at Books Inc. Shopping Night

Mark your calendars:

Wednesday, December 8
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Books Inc. - Town & Country Village, Palo Alto

Do your holiday shopping between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 P.M., and Books Inc. will donate 20% of any items purchased--not just books--to our library!

Please let us know if you would like to help with publicity, supervision or refreshments for this event.

Info: Cynthia Easton, Gunn Library cyeaston@pausd.org

THE CHALLENGE GRANT IS HERE!

Partners in Education News:
THE CHALLENGE GRANT IS HERE!
Donate before November 19th, and Partners in Education (PiE) gets DOUBLE.

Your donation will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $275,000, thanks to a challenge grant made possible by the PiE Advisory Council.

Take advantage of this opportunity to stretch your dollars and retain critical staff and programs funded by PiE! Suggested donation is $650 per child, although PiE welcomes any contribution that is meaningful for your family. All schools will sponsor "Donation Days" events during the last week of the Challenge Grant, Nov. 17th-Nov. 19th. Meet your PiE Chairs, ask your burning PiE questions, and make your tax-deductible donation count...twice!

Online donations are welcome: http://www.papie.org/donate

Friday, October 29, 2010

Gunn's Annual Turkey Feast

Nitay Gill, nitaygill@yahoo.com

** YES THE TURKEY FEAST IS COMING
AND WE NEED LOTS OF HELP**

Gunn’s annual Turkey Feast will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18th during lunch so we need to start recruiting food donations and volunteers. It is one of Gunn's more popular events where the students and staff feast on a delicious luncheon, (vegetarian bar included), build community spirit, and then donate the proceeds to a local charity.

In the past we have had over 60 volunteers assisting and another 100 who donate food and money. The volunteers work in conjunction with the Student Executive Council and Lisa Hall, our Student Activities Director. We plan to feed 1400 people in 50 minutes so come and help! Last year we donated over $1700 to the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto through this charitable event!

For families that are new to this event, here is how it all works. 
On the day of the Turkey Feast, each Gunn student and staff can purchase lunch and a drink by paying $5.00 or bringing 3 cans of food plus $1. Lunch for meat eaters will include turkey, dressing and gravy, salad, cranberry sauce, rolls and pie. Vegetarians will feast on a baked potato bar as well as salad, rolls and pie. Posters will be up around school to help students remember their “lunch money”. We hope you and your family can all be a part of this special day!

Here is what is needed:

1. 60 Turkeys, at least 14 lbs.
Donate cooked and carved turkeys--delivered by 9:30 on 11/18.
It can be cooked a day ahead, carved and refrigerated. 
No time to cook? Consider purchasing a cooked turkey or turkey breasts at Draegers, 
Piazzas, JJ&F or Safeway and then carve them yourself.

2. Pies, we need 200 of them!

3. Volunteer your time for November 18th:
Food Prep -10:00 to 11:30
Set-up and serve – 11:30 to 12:45
Ticket Sales – 11:45 to 12:45
(12:45 to 1:00 – Volunteers get to eat) 
Clean-up –----1:00 to 2:30

4. For the VEGETARIAN BAKED POTATO BAR we need:

2 people to bake 25 potatoes each (wrapped in foil) and delivered that morning.
2 large pots of vegetarian chili – 15 servings each (recipe supplied if needed)
2 Costco size containers of sour cream
2 Costco size bags of grated cheddar cheese.

5. Monetary donations are gladly accepted to help purchase salad, rolls, stuffing and gravy. Makes checks out to Gunn High School PTSA, write Turkey Feast on memo line and send to Nitay Gill, 939 Casanueva Place, Stanford,CA. 94305

To sign up please click on the following link: http://www.jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=-36074a97:12bf21252e0:-58cd



Turkey Questions:Kathyalindholm@aol.com Kathy Lindholm

Pie Questions:Debbie.sutherland@comcast.net Debbie Sutherland

Volunteers:dpioppi41@yahoo.com Donna Pioppi

General info:nitaygill@yahoo.com Nitay Gill

Thursday, October 21, 2010

PACO'S SINFONIA TO PERFORM SEASON’S FIRST CONCERT

Submitted by Kim Nguyen, Kim Nguyen


SINFONIA OF THE PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
TO PERFORM SEASON’S FIRST CONCERT

Featuring Gunn 9th Grade Violinist
Isabelle Costanza

Under the direction of PACO music director Benjamin Simon, PACO's Sinfonia Orchestra will present the season’s first concert on Sunday November 14, at 3:00PM at Cubberley Theater, Palo Alto. The program will feature Isabella Costanza, a 9th grade violinist in Senior PACO and winner of our 2010 Concerto Competition, performing Mozart's delightful Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major. The program also includes Franz Schubert's little-known Overture in C minor (D. 8), Erwin Schulhoff’s String Quartet No.1, first movement arranged for string orchestra and Resphigi's popular Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 3. In addition to the four primary pieces, chamber music will be performed by small ensembles of Sinfonia members. Admission is free. For more information, call 650-856-3848 or visit http://www.pacomusic.org/.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Gunn Robotics Presents The Capitol Steps

Submitted by Lakshmi Sunder, Lakshmi Sunder

The Capitol Steps, a popular political satire group from DC, is coming to Spangenberg Theater on December 12th !!!

Always Fresh and Crispy, putting the ‘MOCK’ in Democracy!. Performing songs from their new album “Liberal Shop of Horrors.”

This is the 4th Annual fundraiser for the award winning Gunn Robotics team, who were recently the recipients of the Google RISE award. RISE (Roots in Science and Engineering) Awards are designed to promote and support science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and computer science (CS) education initiatives and enrichment programs.

Two shows : 4 p.m and 7 p.m

PRICE of Tickets:
$50 for the front center section (first 13 rows)
$45 for the front side section,
$35 for the unreserved rear section (rows 14-25).

This is a benefit for the Gunn Robotics Team and the cost of the tickets over $20 is a tax deductible donation.

How to order tickets:

- TicketWeb http://www.ticketweb.com - Type ‘Capitol Steps’ in the “Enter artist or venue box” of the ticketweb home page.
- Gunn student activity center, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Rd. Open M-F 9 a.m to 3 p.m – Cash or check only.

More information:
Capitol Steps at www.capsteps.com
Or email grt192capitolsteps@gmail.com
or Lakshmi Sunder at Lakshmi Sunder

City of Palo Alto – Community Meeting Notice Arastradero Road Restriping – Trial Project

Jaime O. Rodriguez, jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org


The City is holding its first post-construction community meeting and you are invited to participate.

At the meeting, the City will provide an update on the remaining construction activities; note issues already identified by the community and proposed immediate solutions by the City; and share the results of recently collected traffic data.

Community Meeting Details:

Where: Terman Middle School
Cafetorium Room
655 Arastardero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306

When: Thursday, October 21, 2010
6:30PM – 8:30PM

If you are not able to attend and would like to share any additional input, please feel free to send your written comments via email to: transportation@cityofpaloalto.org

Jaime O. Rodriguez
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Av
Palo Alto, CA 94303
O: (650) 329-2136
F: (650) 329-2154
jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org

Major construction on the Arastradero Road – Trial Restriping project is now complete with street repairs, microsurfacing pavement surface application, and roadway restriping installed over August and September. Pending roadway improvements include the installation of final bike and parking lane lines, and bike lane stencils; installation of these items is delayed due to a nationwide plastic roadway material shortage. Two additional improvements scheduled for installation in November include a new marked crosswalk and raised median‐island at Arastradero Road & Clemo Drive and a traffic signal modification at Arastradero Road & Coulombe Drive to provide protected left turn phasing for eastbound Arastradero Road traffic.
The City’s first post‐construction community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2010 from 6:30PM – 8:30PM at the Terman Middle School – Cafetorium Room. We encourage students, residents, and commuters to attend to provide their feedback on the project.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Proposed School Calendars for 2011-12 and 2012-13

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com


Families can find the proposed school calendars for the next two years at http://pausd.org/community/board/downloads/brd_packet/item_013.pdf. The biggest changes from the current and prior years are:
1. Finishing the first semester, and its finals, before winter break.
2. Starting the school year on the Tuesday of the third week in August.
3. Ending the school year at the end of May.

You are encouraged to provide input over the next three weeks by emailing comments to calendar@pausd.org. This is important whether you are in favor of the proposed calendars or not in favor. You may also email the school board: mcaswell@pausd.org, bklausner@pausd.org, bmitchell@pausd.org, dtom@pausd.org, ctownsend@pausd.org. You may also comment at a school board meeting.

City of Palo Alto Library Survey

Arthur Keller, arthur@kellers.org

The City of Palo Alto's Library Advisory Commission has a survey to help them plan and prioritize new services for the Palo Alto Library. The survey can be found at http://bit.ly/PALibrarySurvey

National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Cheers for Gunn's 30 seniors qualifiying as National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists

Gunn salutes this year’s thirty seniors that qualified as National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists! These semifinalists were among the top 1 percent of scorers nationwide on the 2009 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), used as a screening tool for the scholarship program.

Yasmin Aghajan
Elliot Akama-Garren
Morris A. Alper
Jack Barbeau
Vivek H. Choksi
Sophia Christel
Bryan Chu
Jeffrey D. Common
Emma Dohner
Laurel Howard
Connie Hsueh
Anish Johri
Noelle J. Jung
Atsuhide Kobashi
Nikhl S. Lele
Andrew B. Liu
Stephanie H. Liu
Xinping J. Ma
Celine V. Nguyen
Derek Nielsen
Andrew Qian
Gayan S. Seneviratna
William R. Strickfaden
Adam L. Tong
Stephanie L. Tsai
Catherine D. Wu
Linda Yu
Brian Zhang
Sylvia Zhang
Sarah-Jean Zubair

SELPA 1 CAC parent education November event

Karen Mueller, Karen Mueller


Life Skills - Often our special ed students are a bit behind in life as well as school. When and how should parents promote skills for daily living and life in the real world? Melanie Murphree, OT will present about early life skills such as grooming, table manners, family chores, and riding a bike. Susan Flatmo, Ph.D. a licensed psychologist and behavior consultant will address overload strategies, reducing socially unacceptable behaviors, social pragmatics, and emotional well-being. Nancy Ng, a professional counselor and mother of 13 will present about older student issues such as self-advocacy, laundry, money management, shopping, phone skills, organization, and driving.

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2010 - 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.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Tips for the College Fair

Leighton Lang, llang@pausd.org

Mark your calendar for Palo Alto College Fair: Monday, Oct. 18, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Before attending the fair, read "Making the Most of a College Fair":
gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_tips.html

See up-to-date list of colleges attending:
gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_participants.html

What students can do to impress the college rep:
gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_tips2.html

College Fair FAQs: gunn3.pausd.org/~ccc/Colleges/c_fair_faq.html

Please pre-print all the info listed above prior to the fair as only a limited supply of hard copies will be available at the Fair. Also, parking is very limited due to on-going construction this year. Therefore, do plan to walk, bike, or carpool as much as possible.

Campus Map: gunn.pausd.org/PDFs/campusmap.pdf

Info: Leighton Lang, Gunn High School College & Career Specialist, llang@pausd.org

Benefit for Gunn Robotics: The Capitol Steps

Two Performances on December 12, 4:00 & 7:00 PM

The Capitol Steps, America's award-winning musical political satirists, return to Palo Alto for two performances, Sunday, December 12 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Spangenberg Theater, Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Road.

The Capitol Steps charm audiences on both sides of the aisle with their unique brand of political humor set to popular music. The Capitol Steps have recorded over 30 albums and been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, and NPR.. Their performances are always fresh and right from the headlines. Visit www.capsteps.com for more information.

Tickets cost $35-$50 and are available at www.ticketweb.com. This is a benefit for the Gunn High School Robotics Team and the cost of the ticket over $20 is a tax deductible donation.

Fundraiser: Wine and Hors d'Oeuvres Social, Oct. 21

Kathy Lindholm, kathyalindholm@aol.com

The Class of 2011 parents invite you to a wine and hors d'oeuvres social on Thursday, October 21, 6-8pm at the beautiful Garden Court Hotel at 520 Cowper Street, downtown Palo Alto. Mingle with Gunn parents and teachers and meet our new principal and vice principal!

Cost: $25 per person, RSVP by October 15
Checks made payable to "Gunn PTSA" should be dropped off at the office in an envelope marked "Wine Reception"

Questions? Contact Kathy Lindholm at kathyalindholm@aol.com or at 224-0083.

The Senior Class thanks you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at this unique event!! Complimentary parking is available at the hotel!

Message from Principal Katya Villalobos

Katya Villalobos, kvillalobos@pausd.org

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Hello. I have a request for all of you. Please help me remind your student(s) that if they visit JLS, Jordan, Terman, or any other PAUSD school, they cannot be on campus till after school; as a general rule that means after 3:30PM. Furhermore, if they are visiting a former teacher or coach they need to check-in at the Main Office as a visitor. It is not that their former teachers and coaches do not want to see them, but to remember that they are teaching and we do not want to distrub their instruction. Visitors should remember to follow all the traffic rules of school campuses like walking bikes and no skateboards in walkways.

Thank you very much for your support on this!

Sincerely,
Katya Villalobos
Principal

Tell the City What You Think of the Changes on Arastradero Road


The City of Palo Alto is doing research on what people think of the new Arastradero Corridor striping plan. Jaime Rodriguez, traffic representative of the City of Palo Alto, would like to hear your thoughts on the project. You can email him at jaime.rodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org.

Crab Feed, November 21, Benefiting Gunn Basketball!

Sarah Stapp, sstapp@pausd.org

Join Us for Great Food and Fun, and Help Support Gunn Boys' and Girls Basketball
Our Boys and Girls Basketball teams are hosting a Crab and Pasta Feed at the Gunn gym on Sunday, November 21st, starting at 5:30 pm. The Fish Market will be providing the fabulous food and the Varsity Boys' and Girls' teams will be providing the exceptional service with a smile! There will also be door prizes and fun surprises! Please reserve your spot now as space is limited. You can reserve your spot online here.
Cost: $40 per person, RSVP by November 12th. Please make checks payable to Gunn Basketball and send to Gunn, Attn: Coach Sarah Stapp, 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306, or drop it off in her box in the Main Office at Gunn. Questions? Contact Coach Sarah Stapp at sstapp@pausd.org
The Gunn Basketball Teams appreciate your support and they are looking forward to hosting you at this tasty and fun event.


Here is the signup sheet: https://spreadsheets0.google.com/ccc?key=tB8blqQojMbxgEYwcvv3dEg&authkey=CLD6ztcO&hl=en&authkey=CLD6ztcO#gid=0.

VTA Route 88 Schedule for October 13

Due to the 12:15pm dismissal, school trippers will depart Vets Hospital at 12:25pm (88M) or 12:27pm (88L). An additional N/B 88 trip to Middlefield/Colorado will depart Vets Hospital at 12:28pm.

Message from our Principal, Katya Villalobos, about the PSAT

Katya Villalobos, kvillalobos@pausd.org

Dear Junior Parents/Guardians,
As you are aware on October 13, the PSAT will be offered during the school day. The PSAT will be administered from 8:00 AM to 12:15PM, in the Village classrooms. Please have your student register online or in the Student Activities Center--we are still taking registrations. The cost to register is $30.00. I strongly recommend ALL Juniors to take this test. If you have any questions or need financial assistance please contact Ms. Cowell, or Mr. Cedros; they are here to help.
Thank you and sincerely,
Katya Villalobos

Queridos Padres y Tutores,
Como ustedes saben el 13 de octubre, el PSAT se ofrecerá durante el día escolar. El PSAT se administrará 08 a.m.-12:15p.m., en los salones del Village. Por favor, haga que su estudiante inscribirse en el internet o en el Centro de Actividades Estudiantiles - todavía estamos tomando registros. El costo para registrarse es $ 30.00. Recomiendo que todos los Juniors asisten este examen. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o necesita ayuda financiera, por favor comunicarse con la Sra. Cowell, o el Sr. Cedros, estamos aquí para ayudar.
Gracias y atentamente,
Katya Villalobos

Friday, October 8, 2010

ESSAY CONTEST FOR STUDENTS ON THE LIMITS OF FREEDOM

An essay contest for juniors in the Palo Alto Unified School District will examine “The Limits of Freedom.”. The sponsor is the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto.

Contestants will discuss in 600 to 800 words, aspects of the tension between individual freedom and the needs of society as it relates to one or more of the contemporary political issues. Prizes for winning essays are $500, first, and $300, second. Entries are due no later than November 10, 2010 . Information is now available at schools or from lwvpaoffice@gmail.com. Also visit their website at http://www.lwvpaloalto.org/ESSAYCONTEST.htm

“Students, like the rest of us, are part of a national discussion on how to maintain personal freedoms while providing for the common good,” said Nan Prince, contest chair. “We look forward to a number of thoughtful entries.”

Monday, September 27, 2010

OCTOBER 13: College and Career Day

Kimberley Cowell, kcowell@pausd.org

A little testing. A little college and career info.
A little chat about the big picture.
On Wednesday, October 13th, we’re devoting an entire morning to college admittance test preparation and career exploration. For seniors, there will also be some work on stress reduction and pondering some bigger questions, such as, “What does it mean to be truly happy?”
Please note: There will be no afternoon classes.

About Attendance: Roll will be taken for all grade levels. Students who are absent must have a parent call in for them if it is a legitimate absence. Students who are not participating in the PSAT, will report to the Library. Some students will report to their Study Skills room if this has been pre-arranged.

What are we doing?
9th graders – EXPLORE
10TH graders – PLAN
11th graders – PSAT
12th graders – Guest speakers; College and career activities


Schedule: 9th, 10th and 11th
8:00 a.m. to approximately Noon (varies due to test instruction time)
Test preparation exams: EXPLORE, PLAN and PSAT
Room assignments will be posted on the SAC and Guidance office walls.

What is EXPLORE & PLAN?
These are the first 2 assessments of ACT’s Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS). Each exam consists of 4 academic achievement tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Additionally, these assessments contain an interest inventory and a needs assessment based on the student’s perceived needs. The content of both tests closely mirrors the ACT and scores correlate with established college/post- secondary readiness benchmarks.

So why not just rely on STAR results?
EXPLORE and PLAN results are far more informative. You, your student, and your child’s guidance counselor will gain a wealth of information. The results are more specific and allow for more focused interventions as needed, better course planning information and a breakdown of how our 9th and 10th graders are doing overall. Very importantly, the results link to college readiness benchmarks. We also need to increase opportunities for our freshmen and sophomores to focus on their interests and explore possible careers. These tests link students with relevant college and scholarship information. We are excited to be able to bring these test preparation exams to Gunn High School.
We have sample score sheets in the Guidance Office. Also, for more information, please see the ACT website: http://www.act.org/aap/ and click on the EPAS link.
Both EXPLORE and PLAN are free to the student.

What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a test preparation exam for the SAT, the college admissions test sponsored by College Board. The test is designed for 11th graders. The test measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skill development. Results are mailed home, but there is an enhance score report that allows students to review questions, their answers, and correct answers with explanations. The PSAT also provides a start list of colleges and there is a career match component. For more information and sample questions with answers, see their website: www.collegeboard.com/psat.
Those students who do well on the test are eligible to enter scholarship competitions sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (www.nationalmerit.org).

Cost to student: $30. Sign-up in the Student Activities Center. Scholarships are available. See Mrs. Francesconi or your guidance counselor for a Financial Aid form. When completed, please turn it in to Kim Cowell, Guidance Assistant Principal.
10th graders will not be allowed to take the PSAT on October 13th, HOWEVER, there will be many opportunities to take a mock SAT at Gunn High School! The first is September 25 with a feedback session on October 6. (Only $15!) Preparation classes will also run all year. We contract with various companies to provide these opportunities. Please see Mr. Lira in the Academic Center for more information, or go to the Academic Center website for specific days and times. There is a link under “Student” on the Gunn website.
Academic Center: http://gunn3.pausd.org/~academiccenter/updates/

Senior Activities
8:30 – 12:15 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Fred Luskin
Spangenberg Theater
Dr. Luskin is the Director of the Forgiveness Project at Stanford and he also teaches classes there. He is the author of several books including, Forgive for Good and Stress-free for Good. He was also a Gunn parent. Dr. Luskin will discuss the need to manage stress to be happy and productive, and its effect on one’s mental and physical well-being. He will present some simple strategies for managing stress. He will also talk about goal setting and the nature of true happiness.

Guest Speaker #2: TBA

Session 1 – College and career topics
Session 2 – College and career topics
Each session is 45 minutes long

College and career topics include:
• Help with the college packet
• UC and CSU application information/start in the computer lab
• College essay writing with Felicia Fahey
• Naviance ins and outs with Leighton Lang
• Career panels with professionals from a variety of careers.

Professionals with a variety of educational levels covering the following themes:
o Entrepreneurship
o The Arts
o Education
o Building and Design
o Technology

If you have specific questions regarding the various college preparatory tests, please e-mail the administrator in charge.
PLAN – Tom Jacoubowsky (tjacoubowsky@pausd.org)
EXPLORE – James Lubbe (jlubbe@pausd.org)
PSAT – Wes Cedros (wcedros@pausd.org)

Please direct questions about the overall day, or about the senior activities, to Kim Cowell (kcowell@pausd.org).



Kimberley Cowell
Assistant Principal
Guidance Department
Gunn High School
650-354-8204

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

College Admissions Essay Workshops

Leighton W. Lang, llang@pausd.org
College & Career Information Specialist

The College Admissions Essay: Getting Started with Felicia Fahey, Ph.D.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 in the Henry M. Gunn Library at 7:00 pm

Are you stressed out about writing the college admissions essay? Come put your mind at ease. This presentation reviews the essential qualities of the admissions essay and helps you avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to simplify the writing process and start your essay now.

The Admissions Essay: Polishing Your Draft with Felicia Fahey, Ph.D.
Wednesday, October 20th in LB 4 at 3:30 to 5:00 pm

Having trouble developing your draft? Looking for ways to make your essay more compelling? Have a writing coach take a look at your essay and give you pointers for improvement. This workshop is limited to 20 students. Students must bring a draft of their essay to participate. You may bring your draft on a flash drive. You have to sign up for this workshop in the College and Career Center on or before Friday, October 15 (First 20 students).

Gunn@YourService

Gunn@YourService is the hub for all community services at Gunn. Its goal is to support the expansion of community service for families and students.

To learn more about Gunn@YourService, please go to our new web site at: www.gunnatyourservice.org

To Join the mailing list contact Gunn-at-Your-Service-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

October 13: College & Career Day

Kimberley Cowell, kcowell@pausd.org
Assistant Principal, Guidance Services
Academic Center Events

The PSAT is being held on Wednesday, Oct 13 at 8:00 for JUNIORS ONLY. The registration for the PSAT is online through the web store on the Student Activities site. The cost is $30. Deadline is Monday, Oct. 4. All students are expected to attend school whether they are taking the PSAT or not.

Also on October 13th:
9th graders will be taking EXPLORE - 8:00 a.m. - Free to students
10th graders will be taking PLAN - Free to students - Also beginning at 8:00 a.m.
12th graders will be doing College and Career Activities. - 8:30 a.m. Free to students.

Roll will be taken. More information will follow.

If you are planning to take the PSAT, you must register for it in the S.A.C.--not the Academic Center.

Volunteers Needed for the College Fair at Gunn

Cyndi Kaye, cdkaye@pacbell.net
Help make this year's fair a great success!
This year's College Fair will be held in the Gunn gym on Monday, October 18, from 6:30pm-9pm. We are expecting representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities and we need many volunteers to help out.
Listed below are the shifts and the number of people needed for each shift (in parentheses). If you'd like to help out, please contact Cyndi Kaye at cdkaye@pacbell.net with the shift(s) you'd like to work.

Hospitality shopping prior to fair for food, drinks and decorations (2)

1:00pm - 3:00pm Set-up (3)
4:30pm - 6:30pm Work front desk (5)
6:30pm - 9:00pm Work front desk (6)
5:00pm - 7:00pm Supervise student greeters and valet service (2)
5:00pm - 7:00pm Student greeters/runners (11) students only, community service hours earned
6:30pm - 8:30pm Sell concessions (3)
4:30pm - 7:00pm Hospitality for college reps (6)
7:00pm - 9:00pm Hospitality for college reps (6)
8:30pm - 9:30pm Hospitality clean-up (3)
9:00pm - 10:00pm Fair clean-up (as many as possible!)

Thank you!

2010-2011 CPR & 1st Aid Schedule for Gunn and Paly

Ken Plough, kplough@pausd.org

Cost is now $35.00 per student with scholarships available.

Sign up Limit of 30 per class.
Robin F in the Gunn Guidance
Leticia Burton Room 28 of the Tower Bldg. at Paly.

Locations
Gunn Snack Shack in the Gunn Gym
Room 28 in the Paly Tower Bldg..

Hours 4-8pm.
Students must attend the CPR class one night and 1st Aid class on the second night

2010-2011
High School
Red Cross CPR & 1st Aid Classes

Semester 1 Monday CPR Tuesday 1ST AID Wednesday CPR Thursday 1ST AID
November 1 Gunn 2 Gunn 3 Gunn 4 Gunn
8 Gunn 9 Gunn
15 Gunn 16 Gunn 17 Gunn 18 Gunn
22 Gunn 23 Gunn
29 Paly 30 Paly
December 1 Paly 2 Paly
6 Paly 7 Paly 8 Paly 9 Paly
13 Paly 14 Paly 15 Paly 16 Paly


Semester 1 Monday CPR Tuesday 1ST AID Wednesday CPR Thursday 1ST AID
January 24 Gunn 25 Gunn 26 Gunn 27 Gunn
31 Gunn
February 1 Gunn
27 Gunn 28 Gunn
March 1 Gunn 2 Gunn
7 Gunn 8 Gunn 9 Gunn 10 Gunn
14 Paly 15 Paly 16 Paly 17 Paly
21 Paly 22 Paly 23 Paly 24 Paly
28 Paly 29 Paly 30 Paly 31 Paly
April 4 Paly 5 Paly


All Classes are 4-8 pm
Gunn Classes are held in the Snack Shack in the Gunn Gym
Paly Classes are held in the Paly Tower Bldg room 28

Monday, September 20, 2010

Gunn Girls Tennis - Fresno Tournament Update

Jim Gorman, gunntennis@comcast.net

The Gunn High School Girls Tennis Team recently headed to Fresno for a two day tournament, leaving Thursday after school and arriving back in Palo Alto late Saturday night. With Gunn placing first in the second flight of Division Two, the California High School Girls Tennis Classic tournament was a success.

This is the third consecutive year that Gunn has attended the tournament and the best thus far that the girls’ team has placed. Last year, Gunn finished 4th in Division Two at the end of the tournament, so this year's results were a definite improvement. And 20th overall of 111 teams.

Despite the tournament being of Varsity-level, each year, Gunn takes both Varsity and Junior Varsity to Fresno. Playing tough matches in Division Four, JV played with outstanding effort and placed in the middle of Div 4. Since the Fresno Girls Tennis Classic was a pre-season tournament, the trip overall was a great, fun bonding experience for all team members.

Despite the sweltering heat, all of the girls fought hard and were able to come through some very tight matches. "I think my favorite moment was when I won my last match, knowing that the team really needed the victory to pull into 4th place," said number one doubles player Cara Lai. "I'm so proud of my partner and how we didn't crack under pressure."

While tennis is commonly misconceived to be a more individual-like sport, Gunn’s tennis is quite the team. When playing against another school, each team has six possible matches to win. In order to advance to the next round, the school has to win the majority of the matches. "During Fresno, my team and I were pushed to the limits as most of the times, every set, every match, and every game counted," said number four singles player Peying Lee.

Giving a pep talk to her team, number one singles player, Allana Booth said, “It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s about the team.” The tournament was a great team effort, not only improving their tennis, but strengthening the team’s bond. Although Gunn lost a very close first match against the strong team of Corona del Mar’s , the team held their ground to win against San Jacquin Memorial, Rio Americano, Oak Ridge, and Buchannan, coming out with an overall 4-1 record.

CHSTC Fresno
Gunn Girls Tennis Team Varsity One
What a close battle!
Won 3 of 3 Team matches in the tiebreaker system when team score was tied 3 all
Finished 1st Flight 2 Division 2

Finished 4th in Division 2

Finished 20 in the state out of 111 teams

Won 4 out of 5 team matches
Won 17 out of 30 individual matches
Won 39 of 68 sets
Won out 4 of 7 (10 point 3rd set tie breakers)
Won 6 of 8 (7 point tiebreakers played at 6 all)
And we can add!
Way to go Gunn Girls

Thanks
Jim Gorman
gunntennis@comcast.net
408-888-3473
(www.gunntennis.net)

FLOWERS FOR HOMECOMING

Ruth Escher, ruthescher@sbcglobal.net

Need a corsage or boutonnière for Homecoming October 2? Karen at Nature's Alley flower shop in Midtown (across the parking lot from the CVS store on Middlefield near Colorado) will donate a portion of the cost of any flowers you buy to the Gunn Class of 2011 Grad Night Scholarship Fund. Just tell her you are from Gunn and would like a portion of your flower cost to go towards this excellent cause! Karen will provide this service to Gunn High School all year, for the holidays, Prom, graduation leis, anything you need all year. Another great place to buy flowers is the Barron Park Nursery & Florist at 3876 El Camino Real, owned by a Gunn family for many years.

Get Involved with TEDxYouthPaloAlto!

Tremaine Kirkman, tremainekirkman@yahoo.com

TEDxYouthPaloAlto is coming! Inspired by the TED conferences, (www.ted.com), this unique TEDx event is organized BY youth ABOUT youth and FEATURING youth. TedxYouthDay, (www.tedxyouthday.com), is a series of TEDx events happening all around the world on November 20th, designated as Universal Children’s Day by the United Nation, (www.un.org/depts/dhl/children_day/)

This year’s event will focus on the theme of youth empowerment through education, featuring Teen Team presenters, as well as expert post-teens, a/k/a adults. Attendees will be challenged to find their muse, define their agenda and turn their ideas into action, in their own lives and in the community.

Get involved and earn community service: volunteer for the host committee, or as a photographer or videographer – or submit a proposal on a topic you’re passionate about and be a Teen Team speaker yourself, and end up on YouTube on the TEDx channel! For more information contact info@pasean.org.

Attendance is limited to 100 to ensure an intimate and interactive experience! Reserve your spot -- free registration, including continental breakfast and networking lunch, at (www.amiando.com/TEDxYouthPaloAlto).

Event host is SEAN, the Student Equity Action Network, a 501(c)(3) California non-profit corporation, whose mission is college readiness for all, in our community and beyond. SEAN works to close the achievement gap through outreach, advocacy and impact projects. For more information, see (www.pasean.org).

PALO ALTO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’s 45th SEASON OPENING CONCERT

Kim Nguyen, paco_publicity@yahoo.com

October 23rd Concert features Palo Alto’s own Cello Virtuosa Michelle Djokic.
Benjamin Simon, Conductor

Under the direction of PACO music director, Benjamin Simon, the 2010-11 season opening concert will take place on Saturday October 23rd, 8:00 p.m. at the Eagle Theater, Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos. PACO’s first subscription concert opens with a joyous string symphony that Felix Mendelssohn composed when he was only 11 years old. Our wonderful cello soloist, Palo Alto's own Michelle Djokic, first joins the orchestra in Baroque rock star Jean-Baptiste Lully’s delightful "Piece de Concert". This will be followed by "Suites for Cello and Strings" by northern California’s own classical bard, Lou Harrison. Our program concludes with Franz Schubert’s great Death and the Maiden Quartet in a powerful version for the string orchestra. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students.
For more information call 650-856-3848 or visit
(www.pacomusic.org)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

SELPA 1 CAC parent education event

Karen Mueller, mueller4@ix.netcom.com


Assessment, Diagnosis and Schools - Dr. Steve Newton is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the testing of school-aged children. In the past 23 years, he has conducted over 3,500 assessments and is recognized as a leading expert in child/adolescent assessment and diagnosis. He will address the following issues and then open the floor to questions. How do I know if my child needs to be assessed? How does a private assessment differ from a school assessment? How important is a diagnostic label? How can a family get an accurate diagnosis if they cannot afford a private assessment? Why is a comprehensive test battery important? (Gain an appreciation of the complexity of human behavior; for the fact that strengths and weaknesses often cluster and do not exist in isolation; and why a comprehensive test battery is the best vehicle to provide a detailed road map for educational placement and planning.) What will a comprehensive test battery tell parents/professionals? Eg. What does it mean if your child is functionally one year behind vs. three years behind? (Learn which test batteries are best suited for looking at specific areas of development and diagnosis including development, school readiness, academic ability, learning strengths and weaknesses, mood, and behavior.)

Wednesday, Oct 20, 2010 - 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.

TEEN JUSTICE -- WHAT PARENTS & TEENS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRUGS, DRINKING, & DRIVING.

Sigrid Pinsky, Sigridkp@yahoo.com


TEEN JUSTICE -- WHAT PARENTS & TEENS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRUGS, DRINKING, & DRIVING.

What can happen when juveniles make bad decisions? Come hear from our distinguished and expert "Law and Order" panelists:
• Judge Jacqueline Duong, Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Court
• Public Defender Mary Greenwood, Santa Clara County
• Deputy District Attorney Julia Alloggiamento
• Chief Scott Vermeer, Mountain View Police Department
Bonus: The first 100 attendees will receive copies of the California State Bar publications: "When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers" and "Kids and the Law: an A to Z Guide for Parents." (Copies available in English and Spanish.)
Wed Sep 29, Eagle Theatre, Los Altos High School, 7 to 9 p.m.
Location: 201 Almond Ave, Los Altos.
(map)
Sponsor: League of Women Voters of Los Altos / Mountain View.
Info: Ellen Wheeler, 650-967-8743, or Lynette Lee Eng, 650-619-0884.

Monday, September 13, 2010

TEDxYouthCastilleja: Amazing Opportunity for your students

Jill Lee, jill@tedxyouthcastilleja.com

We are thrilled to invite your school to participate in an amazing opportunity for your students. A free, one-day conference for high school students will be held in Palo Alto at Castilleja School on November 20, 2010.

Modeled after the (TED conferences) TEDxYouth was inspired by a group of TED 2010 attendees in an effort to bring the “TED universe” to youth. Dreams have become reality and as part of a global launch, TEDxYouthCastilleja takes place on Saturday, November 20, 2010.

TEDxYOUTHcastilleja--Be the Change! will share and inspire both possibilities and solutions. Three
70-minute speaker sessions will be organized around the concepts of “hope”, “solutions” and “action”.
The day will include a mixture of fascinating thinkers and doers, youth and adult speakers, seasoned
experts and a selection of recorded TED Talks addressing technology,entertainment, design, science
and the humanities.

We anticipate 400 youth ages 13 to 18 in attendance. Participants will
represent a cross-section of our community population: dreamers,
megaphones, spark plugs, taskmasters and sherpas from over 25 schools and organizations.
Opportunities will be provided to meet, network, share and discuss new
ideas.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Gever Tulley, Tinkering Schools
Emily Olson, Entrepreneur, (foodzie.com)
Alexi Kenney, Violinist
Phil Zimbardo, Hero Project
Rhett Butler, Founder (MongaBay.com)
Estria, Graffiti Artist
Samuel Garange, one of the Lost Boys of the Sudan
Geoff Fox, Fox Racing /Clothing
Through Geoff, asking Ryan Sheckler, 3time X-Game winner, 19 years old and local
Binh Dahn, Artist
Chris Flink, IDEO partner
Ooshma Gary, Entrepreneur, (Anapata.com)
Brian Wong, Entrepreneur, (brianwong.com)
Twitter

Who are the participants?
Each participating school is allocated ten spots. Each school may decide how to fill the slots. Our dream is to have a variety of students participate. Schools need to provide their list of attending students to us no later than October 4th. We will hold 50 additional spots open for individually motivated students. Opportunities will be provided throughout the day for the participants to meet, network, share and discuss new ideas with each
other.

What we ask of you:
  • Distribute this email widely to your team of teachers, counselors, and student advisors so they know about the event;
  • Identify students (dreamers, thinkers, and doers) who will both contribute to and benefit from this amazing experience;
  • Send us the names and contact information of your 10 students by October 4th;
  • Inform all students that in addition to the 10 spots filled by your school, 50 places will be held for individual students from the area who are passionate about attending the conference.

What we ask of your students:
  • Click on our (TEDxYOUTHcastilleja)website to learn how they can apply to speak, apply to attend, or participate in our video challenge. The top three videos will be shown at our conference.
  • Click on Mailing List button on our website header and add their name to our mailing list;
  • Submit application to be a speaker by midnight on September 20, 2010;
  • For only those students applying independently, submit an application to attend beginning on September 20, 2010.

Words cannot express our excitement to partner with you with the shared goal of bringing 400 passionate students together to inspire each to Be The Change!

Thank you so much for identifying your amazing students to participate in
TEDxYOUTHcastilleja on November 20, 2010.

Christina McClure,TEDxYOUTHcastilleja Coordinator
and Jill Lee, School Liaison

Questions—big or small, please email:
Jill Lee jill@tedxyouthcastilleja.com

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Gunn Family Service Day, October 16, 2010

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

com·mu·ni·ty // [kuh-myoo-ni-tee]
–noun, plural -ties.
a group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists. Example: the Gunn community

October 16th is a day for the Gunn community to reinforce its ties and to help the broader community in just a handful of hours. YCS is sponsoring Gunn Family Service Day. Students and their families are invited to select one of three venues to volunteer their morning. Let’s join together to make a difference to non-profit organizations that make a meaningful and beneficial impact close to home. Just click on the listed Jooners link to volunteer for the venue of your choice. Gunn students, parents and siblings are encouraged to attend!

  • Resource Area for Teachers (9am to Noon) (www.raft.net)
    Sign Up: http://www.jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=-6b400945:12a5c7c6341:-685f
    RAFT has developed extensive community relationships and an innovative process for converting commonly discarded business materials into learning activity kits with the help of thousands of volunteers. This supports teachers and preserves the environment. RAFT serves as a professional organization for classroom teachers, and community-based organizations engaged in learning activities. Gunn Parents Community Service Boosters Volunteer Contact:
    Diane Downend diane@edenbridgehomes.com

    This is the venue for green motivated, creative-minded Gunn students and families!


  • Save the Bay (9:30am to 1:00pm) (www.savesfbay.org)
    Sign Up: http://www.jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=77c78bbe:128e9048802:-2dc0
    Save The Bay is the largest regional organization working to protect, restore and celebrate the great natural treasure of our San Francisco Bay by advocating for strong policies that protect the Bay from pollution and inappropriate shoreline development and restoring habitat to re-establish 100,000 acres of wetlands. Gunn Parents Community Service Boosters Volunteer Contact:
    Estee Greif esteeg@stanford.edu

    This is the venue for environmentalists at heart!


  • Ecumenical Hunger Program (9:30am to 1:00pm) (www.ehpcares.org)
    Sign Up: http://www.jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=-6b400945:12a5c7c6341:-67ac
    EHP provides food, clothing, household essentials, support and referral services to those in need.
    EHP is a sustainable resource within the community working to break the cycle of poverty. EHP distributes clothing, furniture, appliances, and household essentials, such as blankets, sheets, and dishes. Gunn Parents Community Service Boosters Volunteer Contact:
    Wendy Kandasamy wendyk@gmail.com

    This is the venue for those of you with a passion to fight hunger & homelessness.


Come together to meet all participants and celebrate the morning’s accomplishments…
All volunteers are invited to a barbecue at Robles Park, 4116 Park Avenue from 1-3:00pm
RSVP: http://www.jooners.com/guest?t=help&p=none&l=7191903:12a66ee70b0:-799a

Thursday, September 2, 2010

41 Development Assets and Upcoming Student Survey

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com


The Developmental Assets framework developed by the Search Institute has been adopted by the Palo Alto Unified School District, the City of Palo Alto and community agencies to provide a common vision and language for youth well-being. Developmental Assets are the experiences, values, relationships, opportunities and competencies that all youth need to thrive. Examples of the first forty of these assets as defined by the Search Institute can be found at http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18. Santa Clara County has added a 41st asset related to how comfortable our youth feel about their identities (ethnicity, faith/religion, family status, gender, language, sexual orientation). Research undertaken by the Search Institute has found that the Developmental Assets are powerful influences on adolescent behavior. Those whose lives are rich in developmental assets perform better in all aspects of life, feeling comfortable in their own skins, while those youth whose lives are deficient of development assets are far more prone to risky behaviors.

Palo Alto Unified School District will kick off the program in October by conducting a survey of Gunn and Paly students (survey will also be conducted with younger PAUSD students in grades 4, 5 and 7) to gain a sense of how our youth stack up in Developmental Assets. So that our students do not feel “over-surveyed” this year, PAUSD will not conduct the PARC that has been undertaken in recent years.

Where do parents fit in?

  1. With respect to the survey itself all parents must provide positive consent for their students to participate in the survey. Look for the school to provide to you in the near future a consent form. Please sign and return the consent at your earliest convenience. The more students able to take the survey, the richer our data set will be.
  2. Half of the Developmental Assets are externally founded and rely directly upon adults to be active asset builders in our youth. To grow your awareness of what this means and how you can help, a number of workshops are scheduled in coming weeks:
  • September 22, 2010 from 7-9pm at 25 Churchill there will be a panel presentation by various community agencies to introduce the Developmental Assets to the community, to answer any questions about the student survey, and to help you become an asset builder for your students.
  • An education program called Assets 101 that will go into more depth about the Development Assets and how we can help our children and teens acquire them will be offered on September 16th from 11am-2pm or October 9th from 9am to noon, both at the Lucie Stern Ballroom.
  • A six week Developmental Asset training program will kick off at the YMCA Ross Road facility on October 20 from 7-9pm.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Affordable Health Insurance

Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Looking for an affordable health insurance option for your PAUSD student? Health insurance for the current school year can be purchased through the District for a nominal fee. The purchase is optional. The form is available here: http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/docs/insuranceprogramform.pdf

Monday, August 30, 2010

Palo Alto Partners in Education Needs Your Support

submitted by Belle Griffiths,
belle.griffiths@sbcglobal.net




We are so thankful to the many Gunn families who have supported Palo Alto Partners in Education (PiE) in the past. It is because of your support, GUNN WILL RECEIVE OVER $347,000 from Partners in Education this school year. These funds are enhancing your child’s education in many areas:

College & Career Counseling
Additional counseling help for students which has allowed Gunn to make counselors more accessible to every student with a need, to begin the College Pathway program, and to support College MAP and PIQE for Spanish-speaking students. More counselors at Gunn allow more students to benefit, especially from the support programs that help all students’ readiness for college. PiE pays for approximately 25% of college and career counseling at Gunn.
Career Technology Education
PiE dollars have funded training, set-up and equipment funds for "Project Lead the Way," a hands-on, math and science-rich curriculum that will offer new engineering oriented classes using project based learning.
  • Intro to Engineering Design in 2010-2011
Technology Integration
Technology mentors that help all teachers at Gunn use technology more effectively in the classrooms. PiE-paid technology experts optimize the use of the technology paid for by the bond issue, and maximizes the time that teachers can spend on teaching and learning in the classroom.

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 2011-12 school year. Given the current economic outlook, the expectation is that the Palo Alto Unified School District will have to make cuts totaling $3.8 million in the 2010-2011 school year even after taking $3.5 million from our undesignated reserves.
  • 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 $735,000 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 and form in your 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
Nancy Smith at nancysmith@earthlink.net
Cherrill Spencer at cherrill@slac.stanford.edu


Thank you for your support,
Belle, Nancy and Cherrill

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Changes to Arastradero and Miranda

Submitted by Arthur Keller, ptc@kellers.org

The Phase 2 Arastradero Road Trial Restriping Project between El Camino Real and Foothill Expressway began on August 9 based on the information presented at the public meeting held at Juana Briones Elementary School on August 5. Resurfacing and restriping activities temporarily will impact traffic flow and lengthen the time it takes to travel through the Arastradero corridor.

Though the long-term expectation for the Arastradero restriping is that it will not increase point-to-point travel times on the corridor, during the first month or two of the trial drivers should expect delays as construction is completed and road users get used to the new configuration. Please visit the City of Palo Alto website for project schedule information.

If possible, please use alternative means of transportation (bike, walk, carpool, VTA bus) to travel to school and allow extra travel time if driving is the only commuting option for you.

The PTSA Traffic Safety Team has updated "How to Get to Gunn" with VTA Bus and updated bike route information. Please review it as there are important changes in the fall such as the closure of the Miranda Entrance and the termination of drop-offs at the Miranda Bus Stop.

Expect to see an increased police presence on the corridor to facilitate a safe transition.

IEPs and Legal Matters

Submitted by Karen Muller, mueller4@ix.netcom.com

SELPA 1 CAC parent education event

IEPs and Legal Matters, presented by Jane Floethe-Ford and Loni Allen, from Parents Helping Parents. What should you do if you feel your IEP is not working? How do you establish a good working relationship with your IEP team? How do you establish need in order to get services? How do you evaluate IEP goals? How do you handle placement issues? What if you have a compliance complaint? How do dispute methods such as mediation and due process work? Our speakers are education specialists.

Wednesday, Sep 15, 2010
  • Hospitality begins at 8:45am.
  • Meeting is 9 to 11 am.
  • 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.

Support the Gunn PTSA by registering with eScrip!

Submitted by Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

Calling all Gunn families to register your Safeway Club card with eScrip noting the Gunn High School PTSA as the beneficiary of your Safeway shopping. Our eScrip account number is 500022731. You can also register your credit, debit and other grocery loyalty cards. When you use any of those cards at participating stores, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to The Gunn High School PTSA. There is no cost to you. Please encourage your friends and family to register with eScrip and show their support for the Gunn PTSA!

Haitian fund raising efforts rewarded...

Submitted by Diane Downend, diane@edenbridgehomes.com

During International Week in February 2010 a number of efforts were undertaken on campus to raise money for Haitian earthquake relief. The World Langauge Department hosted events throughout the week and on Friday the PTSA sponsored a noon lunch on the quad featuring foods from around the world for the modest price of $2 per person. All proceeds from these events were pooled and nearly $1500 was sent to Partners In Health to assist with their emergency response in Haiti as well as their ongoing infrastructure support. Their gracious letter of acknowledgment is attached. A warm and heartfelt thank you to all that participated in this important Gunn community fund raising effort.



Sunday, August 22, 2010

Claudia Winkler

Dear Students, Parents/Guardians and Gunn Community,

We received the sad news that our dear colleague, Claudia Winkler, passed away on August 2, 2010, in her beloved hometown of Milano, Italy, surrounded by her family, friends, and loved ones. This summer she was able to travel to Italy with her son, Ben, and to attend his wedding, which she was looking forward to. The services and burial were held in Italy. Claudia was a dedicated teacher first and foremost--and was always available to her students--whether for extra help or to help supervise some Gunn event, they knew they could count on her.

As a community we are shocked by this loss, but we choose to celebrate this remarkable individual through our wonderful memories of her, which including many funny stories. Not surprisingly, at Claudia's request, her family will establish the Claudia Winkler Memorial Scholarship. This is truly the best way to celebrate her life, which included her love of learning and teaching.

We realize there are many students who will be affected by the loss and we encourage all to remember that she was happy in her chosen profession: teaching. However, we would like to offer our counseling services, because loss, whether expected or unexpected, does bring up feelings and memories. Please remember that we have wonderful Counselors and the services of ACS on campus; therefore do not hesitate to contact us.

Claudia, you will be missed.

~Katya Y. Villalobos, Principal

Thursday, July 22, 2010

2010-11 Back-to-School Information…

Yes, it’s only July, but for those of you interested in beginning to think about the 2010-11 school year, there’s lots of information available. The Gunn back-to-school mailing will go out the first week of August. If you want a sneak preview, the contents of the mailing are available online at http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/packet.htm

If you haven’t visited the campus since the last day of school, you’ve missed some big changes. Titan Village has been relocated to make way for construction of the new math and English building. A new campus map is available on the PTSA website at http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/docs/campusmap.pdf. The relocation of the portable buildings has increased their distance from the heart of the campus, so the passing periods have been extended, giving rise to a new bell schedule which is also available on the PTSA website, http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/docs/bellschedule.pdf.

Big changes are also coming to the Arastradero corridor which will impact transportation to and from the Gunn campus. Look for “Getting to Gunn” news available at http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/docs/gettingtogunn.pdf. Public transportation information is available at http://gunn.paloaltopta.org/docs/bustogunn.pdf

May the remainder of your summer days be filled with enjoyable and restful time shared with family and friends!

2010-11 Registration and Class Schedule Distribution on the Quad

Seniors: August 16, 8:30 – 11a
Juniors: August 17 8:30 – 11a
Sophomores: August 18, 8:30 – 11a
Freshman: August 20, 8:30 – 11 a

Important Dates

Freshman Parent Orientation in Spangenberg – August 17, 7 – 9p

Freshman Orientation – August 18, 2010, 8:30a to 3:00p

First Day of School and student picture day - August 24

Textbook distribution – August 25, student ID from the day before required

Back-to-School Night, September 2, 2010, 7 – 9:10p Bring a flashlight!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Goats for Haiti

Touria Javid, touria.javid@ri.org




Relief International invites you and your family to dedicate a life changing gift to a family in Haiti - a gift that can send Haitian children to school and enable access to healthcare.

The Situation
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the island nation of Haiti in January made bad situations worse, destroying entire communities and displacing more than one million people. Four months later, Relief International is working with Haitian families to develop tools and resources to help rebuild their lives. A critical part of this initiative is our Goats for Haiti program.

What Can $25 Buy?
6 grande vanilla lattes from Starbucks
2 Twilight movie tickets

OR

1 goat for a family in Haiti

How You Can Enable Lasting Change
With a $25 donation, you can purchase a goat for a family in Haiti which will provide a steady source of food, additional income for education and health care (as surplus milk and offspring are sold in the marketplace) and most importantly - a chance at a self-sustaining livelihood. Quite often, a single goat can pay for one year of school tuition.
As the 2010 school year wraps up, we encourage you to empower families in Haiti by purchasing a goat which is a safety net against starvation and a door to a better future.

To support Goats for Haiti, visit https://ri.org/Goats_for_Haiti/

College Essay Workshop

Goals – Strategies – Qualities - Inspirations

  • AUGUST 10 7:30 to 8:30 pm
  • Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
  • Marci Reichelstein, College Admissions Advisor and Member, Western Association for College Admission Counseling

Writing thought provoking, insightful and self-reflective essays that inject a “life-force” into your college application is critical for competitive college admissions. Come learn successful strategies of how to develop themes for your essays based on the issues your application may surface and how you see the world differently. We’ll discuss essay objectives for UC applications versus those for private colleges, important questions to ask yourself when evaluating your work, and qualities of a memorable essay. “Before” and “after” selections of improved essays will be read and handed out as tangible examples.

Years of marketing experience, three college admissions teams and thousands of applications inform Marci Reichelstein’s essay and education advice. Show yourself to college admissions teams as the unique and talented individual you are!

This workshop is timed to be of immediate value to many rising seniors that will be working on their essays at the end of summer. PAUSD starts August 24, 2010!

SIGN UP NOW: http://compasstocollegepa.eventbrite.com

Reserve your SEAT and a PRINTED HANDOUT - available before the session for easy note-taking.
A reminder and directions will be sent during the summer.

If you cannot make this date - check for other sessions in the area (http://www.eventbrite.com/org/493960689?s=1831698) or email marci@reichelstein.com.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Ginsburg DVD Ready for Pick-up; New Orders Accepted

Carrie Manley, carrie_manley@yahoo.com

Orders of the Dr. Ken Ginsburg "Resiliency" DVD are now ready for pick up at the front desk at the PAUSD office, 25 Churchill. This DVD contains two of Dr. Ginsburg's recent presentations: his March 25 presentation to parents and educators, "Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Preparing Our Children for Life", and his March 26 presentation to Gunn High School students: "Real Success". DVDs may be ordered until Fri. June 21, for pick-up starting Mon. June 24. $2 per DVD. Please send your order and payment to Palo Alto PTA Council volunteer Carrie Manley, 764 Marion Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303, checks payable to Carrie Manley.

Click here for order form.

Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Project

Traffic Around Gunn:
Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Project

The Phase 2 Arastradero Road Trial Restriping Project between El Camino and Foothill Expressway will be implemented this Summer 2010 as a one-year trial in conjunction with the City's Street Maintenance Project.

Project Schedule:
Resurfacing and restriping project...............................Late July - Mid-August 2010
Enhanced crosswalk project near Briones Park...........Late August - September 2010
Monitor and Evaluate Phase 2 Project.........................September 2010 - June 2011

A community meeting has been scheduled to present the detailed design of the project and accept comments from the public before the final striping design is completed:

Tues, June 15, 2010, 6:00 p.m.,
Juana Briones School, Cafetorium, 4100 Orme Street.

For project and meeting details and more information:
www.cityofpaloalto.org/charleston

What To Do With Your Test Prep Books?

Alejandro Lira, alira@pausd.org

Hey Seniors,

Please consider donating your test prep books (SAT, ACT, AP, etc.). If you no longer want to keep your test prep books, you can drop them off at the Academic Center (AC) and they will be shared with the returning students in the fall. Thank you, and best wishes!

Contact: Alejandro Lira at alira@pausd.org

Two Gunn Students Receive NCWIT Award: Congratulations to Gunn students Lisa Fawcett and Celine Nguyen

Gunn students, Lisa Fawcett and Celine Nguyen, were honored with 23 other high-school women by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Bay Area Affiliate as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology. An award ceremony was held at The Computer History Museum on June 6, 2010.

The young women are recipients of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing, which recognizes high-school women for their computing-related achievements and interests. Each recipient will receive a $250 gift card, A Day@Google, 1GB Microsoft flash drive, one year memberships to the Computer History Museum and The Tech Museum, an engraved award for both recipient and school, and much more!

Congratulations, Lisa and Celine!

VTA 88 Bus Schedule for Finals

Tuesday, June 8th and Thursday, June 10th

(Tuesday Period B and Thursday Period E final start 8:30am)
88L & 88M will depart Louis/Fielding & Middlefield/Colorado at 7:45am
will arrive Gunn approx. 8:10am.
An additional S/B 88 trip will depart from Middlefield/Colorado at 7:45am.

(Tuesday Period D and Thursday Period F final, start 10:30am)
Take S/B 88 9:31am departure from Middlefield/Colorado

(12:10 release after Tuesday Period D and Thursday Period F final)
School trippers will depart Vets Hospital at 12:20pm (88M), 12:22pm (88L).
Regular scheduled N/B 88 will depart Vets Hospital at 12:15pm.
An additional N/B 88 trip to Middlefield/Colorado will depart Vets Hospital
at 12:23pm.

Take N/B 88 trip departure from Vets Hospital at 10:10am or 11:10am
if going home after first final.

Wednesday, June 9
(8:00 start)-no AM adjustments will be made for Period A final

(Wednesday Period C final, 10am start)
Take S/B 9:31am departure from Middlefield/Colorado

(Wednesday Period G Final, 12:15pm start)
Take S/B 88 11:32am departure from Middlefield/Colorado

(1:55 release)
School trippers will depart Vets Hospital at 2:05pm (88M), 2:07pm (88L).
An additional N/B 88 trip to Middlefield/Colorado will depart Vets
Hospital at 2:08pm.

Take N/B 88 trip departure from Vets Hospital at 10:10am
if going home after Period A final.

Take N/B 88 trip departure from Vets Hospital at 12:15pm
if going home after Period C final.

Thanks to the VTA for accommodating Gunn's schedule.

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Note that a limited number of VTA Summer Blast Passes for June, July, and August is available at the SAC for a reduced price of $60.

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Sign up at http://lists.sonic.net/mailman/listinfo/88bus for 88 bus updates.

Donate to the Gunn Foundation! Volunteer to serve on the Gunn Foundation Board!

Jim Fox, jimafox@pacbell.net

The Gunn Foundation provides scholarship awards to graduating Gunn seniors who have financial need and who exhibit likelihood of success in post-secondary education or training. The scholarship funds help Gunn graduating seniors upon their registration in college, community college, or other educational or training program after high school.

Founded by Gunn parents, teachers, and community members in 1968, the Gunn Foundation has been funded by donations from parents and community-members ever since. The Gunn Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization (donations are tax-deductible).

We always accept donations; we are also interested in adding new members to the Gunn Foundation Board.

For more information please contact:
The Gunn Foundation
780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306

or contact Jim Fox, Chair of the Gunn Foundation at: jimafox@pacbell.net

BACK-TO-SCHOOL Help Needed!

Norma Hesterman, nhesterman@pausd.org

Gunn depends on an incredible amount of volunteer assistance during opening days in the fall. Volunteers are essential in welcoming the students to the campus and helping them begin their new year smoothly. Please help where you can, as many times as you can. Please respond to Norma Hesterman at nhesterman@pausd.org including:

Your name_________________________________________
Name of student(s)___________________________________
E-mail____________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________

Help MAY be needed to assemble school-wide bulk mailing
___Mon., Aug. 2, ___Tues., Aug. 3, 9:00 to 12:00

Orientation for all program distribution volunteers
___Mon., Aug. 16, 7:30 to 8:00

Early program distribution for seniors only, 6 people needed
___Mon., Aug. 16, 8:00 to 11:00

Early program distribution for juniors only, 6 people needed
___Tues., Aug. 17, 8:00 to 11:00

Early program distribution for sophomores only, 6 people needed
___Wed., Aug. 18, 8:00 to 11:00

Early program distribution for freshmen only, 6 people needed
___Fri., Aug. 20, 8:00 to 11:00

Opening day, 40(!) volunteers needed to distribute schedules, collect and organize forms, help in offices, dry tears
___Tues., Aug. 24, 7:15 to 9:00

Help with school photos, 8 volunteers needed
___Tues., Aug. 24, 8:00 to 12:00

During lunch, mark & distribute gym clothing
___Wed., Aug. 25, ___Thurs., Aug 26, ___Fri., Aug 27

Help in Student Activities Center during the first two weeks of school in the following shifts:
___8:00 to 11:00, ___11:00 to 1:00, ___1:00 to 3:00.
Preferred day__________________________________