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March 2009Character trait -FlexibilityMarch 8 Math/Science Day 2-4 pm in MP roomMarch 9-12 Book ExchangeMarch10-12 MARS Testing 3rd and 5th gradesMarch 18 Spirit Day - Sports Wear DayMarch 20 EARLY RELEASE 1:30March 23-27 Spring Break

April 2009Character Trait - InitiativeApril 2 Bingo NightApril 6-9 Spring Book Fair- ScholasticApril 10 NO SCHOOL

El Carmelo Calendar

Issue 7 El Carmelo PTA Newsletter March 6, 2009

Carmeletter

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Carnival El Carmelo AuctionApril 18 20096:00 pm - 11:30 pmUniversity Club, Palo Alto

www.elcarmelo.paloaltopta.org

Principal’s Letter

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This year has seen a series of highly successful parent education events at El Carmelo and the district as a whole (shout out to Carrie Manley for her leadership role at the site and district level!). We will continue to cover new topics this Spring, but there is one coming up this month that I’d like you to know about. It’s a unique opportunity to serve our community.

On Thursday, March 12 at 7pm we will have a parent education event called “Job Search Workshop”. This is the brainchild of the Latino Parent Group and is open to anyone in the PAUSD community. The idea behind the workshop is that during this time of economic challenges some of our parents are looking for work. The workshop has several purposes; to teach basic job search skills (in both English and Spanish); to provide an opportunity to serve others by sharing your own knowledge; to network with others that are between jobs.

We will meet for the workshop in the El Carmelo Library at 7pm. There will be child-care for those that need it to be able to attend. The presenters are Annette Isaacson, Diane McCoy and myself. Please join us, whether you are looking for a job, want to help a friend that is looking for a job, or even if you just want to help out. In the latter case, please email me at [email protected].

Just one more reason for us to be proud of our community!

Sincerely,

Chuck MerrittPrincipal



Este año hemos visto una serie de eventos exitosos de educación de padres, no solo en El Carmelo sino en el distrito entero (una ‘enhorabuena’ a Carrie Manley por su liderazgo aquí y en el distrito). Pensamos continuar con nuevos temas esta Primavera, pero hay uno en particular que quiero señalar. Es una oportunidad única para servir a nuestra comunidad.

El Jueves 12 de Marzo se celebra un evento para padres que se llama “Taller de Búsqueda de Empleo” Esta idea comenzó en el Grupo de Padres Latinos y están invitados todos de la comunidad del PAUSD. La idea detrás del taller es que algunos de nuestros padres durante este tiempo de desafíos económicos están buscando trabajo. El taller tiene varios propósitos; enseñar las técnicas de búsqueda de empleo; proveer una oportunidad de compartir con otros su conocimiento en esta área; dar una oportunidad de conectar con otros que están entre trabajos.

Vamos a reunirnos para el taller en la biblioteca de El Carmelo a las 7 de la tarde. Habrá cuidado de niños para los que lo necesitan para asistir. Los presentadores son Annette Isaacson, Diane McCoy y un servidor. Acompáñenos o si busca trabajo Ud. mismo, o si quiere ayudarle a un/a compañero/a buscar trabajo, o si simplemente quiere echar una mano. En el último caso, favor de mandarme un email al [email protected].

Una razón más por la cual de tener orgullo en nuestra comunidad!

Sinceramente,

Chuck MerrittPrincipal

Principal’s Letter Spanish Translation by Moisés Goldszmidt



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Well, it is that time of year again....time to raise money to support the PTA. Throughout the year, I have pointed out how the PTA works with the school staff to help enrich the school experience. With the help of thousands of parent volunteer hours (and thousands of dollars!), I am proud to say we are a vital, vibrant part of El Carmelo.

Every year we gather together to make merry AND raise money. This year our auction has a "carnival" theme. For those of you that have not attended the auction before please consider coming. The night conists of a a silent auction, a live auction, dinner, and dancing. I love to bid on activities for my kids and parties for my husband and me. It is a wonderful way to get "plugged in.” I hope you can make time for this important community event.

Michele Kasper PTA [email protected]

PTA President’s Letter

Carmeletter Publication Members

PTA President

PTA Exec. Vice-President

PTA Vice-President of Communications

Principal

Editor

Back-up Editor

Layout

Distribution

Spanish Translation

eNews

Michele Kasper

Jennifer Mutz

Stephanie Youngquist

Chuck Merritt

Maria Whealan

Jeanette Cheng

Wen Li

Christine Hodson

Moises Goldszmidt

Christine Hodson



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Carnival

It’s almost here! Carnival Time! Saturday, April 18, 2009 - the hottest El Carmelo adult social event of the year! Line up the babysitters and ink the date in on your calendar.

Why should you attend?

10 Super Reasons: 1) Support the children.All proceeds of the evening will go towards your children. The auction is the PTA’s major fundraiser for the year. It supports many valuable programs that teachers and kids count on including teacher supplies, Math Lab, technology, field trips, hands-on Junior Museum classroom visits, and Spectra Art to name a few. Private funding through the PTA is the only way to pay for these programs. The school district does not cover these costs. 2) Meet parents.Usually, we're in a rush when we pick-up or drop off our kids. Maybe your children go to Kids Club or after school care and you don’t have an opportunity to visit often with other parents. This is a great way to meet other parents at the school without having your kids say "Mommmmmmm or Daddddddddd, can we GO now???” Getting to know other parents is the best way to feel more connected to the school and build community with your neighbors.3) Fun.Carnival + food + beverages + dancing + chatting uninterrupted with adults. Awesome!4) Bargain hunt.There's bound to be a lot of good bargains ranging from local eateries to day spas. Often, bids start at half the cost of face value for an item. Great deals to be had! 5) Live on the edge.Use the sealed auction and live auction as an opportunity to try something new. Tried a new restaurant lately? Never been to a SF Giants baseball game? Haven’t been to a winery since the kids were born? Dying to go on a vacation to a new location? Go for it! 6) Be mysterious for an evening. No need to wait for Halloween to put on a costume. Carnival masks will be available at the auction.7) Night out.You deserve a break! Whether it’s date night, girls night out, boys night out – give yourself some much needed down time. 8) Enjoy a country club.Carnival is being hosted at the newly remodeled University Club. This is your chance to enjoy a lovely country club venue without having to join!9) Thrill of an auction.People love a live auction! Ever heard a real auctioneer? It’s action packed, energized, all for a good cause.10) Chat with Chuck.This is your chance to chat with Principal Mr. Chuck Merritt in an informal, fun setting. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the PTA’s “Chat with Chuck Coffee” in the morning, come to a “Chat with Chuck – insert favorite yummy beverage here” in the evening!

If you’re interested in volunteering or if you have any questions you can contact Ana-Maria Dias, Auction Chair at [email protected] or (650) 326-5854. Tickets to the auction will be available beginning March 30.

Remember, Saturday April 18!



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Family Math and Science Exploration!

El Carmelo Multipurpose Room Sunday, 8 March 20092:00 – 4:00 pm

Come and join us for an afternoon ofHands-on Science Experimentsand Intriguing Math Games

We will make tongue depressor harmonicas and “screaming balloons” and seeing the sound waves. We will be making spectroscopes, making Benham’s disks (see how black and white can make color), and playing with some optical illusions. Come and make Slime with Mad Science, test your reaction time, make Wacky Racers, make a “Lava Lamp”, make CO2 bubbles with dry ice, look at everyday objects in 1000x video microscope, learn how binary numbers work, solve the Rubik’s Cube, play number games, and many more.

Sponsored by the El Carmelo PTA. Questions? Contact Stephanie Youngquist, 327-4284

Book Exchange coming soon! Mark your Calendars!

The Annual Book Exchange will be held March 9 - 13 this year. Here is how it works:

- Students bring in previously read books of any level.- Teachers collect books from students on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.- Parents help sort the books out so that a fresh assortment of books can be distributed to the teachers to give to students on Friday.- Students can receive up to 5 “new” books for their donations.- Donate 1 book, receive 1 book, donate 5 books, receive 5 books, donate more than 5 books, receive 5 books.- Every child receives a book, even those who forget to donate.

We need:- Donations of more books so every child can receive at least one book. - Parent volunteers to help sort books 8:30 - 11:30 am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (please sign up for 30 min or 1 hour shifts).

To volunteer or donate books, contact [email protected]



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El Carmelo’s annual Bingo Night will take place in the MP Room on Thursday, April 2nd in the early evening (time to be confirmed). We are seeking donations of unopened toys, crafts, games, etc. to be used as prizes. Please bring the toys to Jennifer at the El Carmelo school office in bags marked “Bingo Night.”

If you are interested in helping out with the event, volunteers are much needed and appreciated! Please contact Maria Whealan at [email protected]. Bingo Night is a fun-filled evening for parents and children of all ages, and we hope that many of you can attend!

Bingo Night April 2, 2009

Come join the fun!

Book Fair Hours are:Monday- Thursday 8am-8:40am12:10-12:40pm2:30-3:30pm (except Wednesday 1:30-2:30pm)

Tuesday Night Family Hours 6:30pm-8pm

Location: MP Room

Scholastic Book Fair April 6-9, 2009

PTA Snow Clothing Rentals

The Palo Alto Council of PTAs operates the PTA Wardrobe and Snow Clothing Rental service. Founded in 1934, the Wardrobe provides new and gently used clothing in all sizes. This clothing is available at no charge to families within PAUSD. To support this service, the Snow Clothing Rental service allows individuals and families to rent entire snow outfits (jacket, pants, snow boots, scarves, etc.). The cost is $15 for children and $20 for adults for a two-week period.

The PTA Wardrobe is located in a portable at the Jordan Middle School in the rear of the Middlefield parking lot. The address is 750 N. California Avenue. The hours are Wednesday from 2-5pm and Saturday from 10am-1pm. The Wardrobe is closed on school holidays.

Donations are welcome during open hours. Clean, gently used clothing, books, new underwear and socks are especially appreciated.

For more Info, go to www.paloaltopta.org/news/wardrobe.html or call 650-858-0654.



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Parent Education Opportunities

Dear El Carmelo Parents of 5th graders, Here’s a chance for you to build a bridge to your child’s upcoming Middle School experience! Though it may be hard to believe right now, early adolescence for your child is just right around the corner. This is an exciting new phase, with some challenges for parents, but even more importantly, with some tremendous, positive, new opportunities. As with being the parent of an infant, a toddler, or a young child, being the parent of an early adolescent marks another amazing and wonderful milestone, as you witness your child’s next steps on the way to adulthood. In that spirit, PTA Council Parent Education has developed a new parent ed program, in collaboration with our Middle School counselors and Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS), to which all 5th grade parents, as well as current Middle School parents, are cordially invited: “MIDDLE SCHOOL: HOW IS MY CHILD REALLY DOING?” Live Panel Presentations on the Mental and Emotional Well-being of our Children Featuring Our PAUSD Middle School Counselors And Adolescent Counseling Services Hear from the people who work and support our young adolescents every day: our PAUSD middle school counselors and the on-site school teams from the respected non-profit agency, Adolescent Counseling Services. Learn:- the healthy range of typical young adolescent behaviors- effective ways to communicate with your young teen!- the warning signs for young adolescent depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, bullying - Confidentiality: how you can get help without impacting your child’s school record? All Parents of Jordan, Terman, and JLS Middle School students, and parents of all current 5th graders are welcome at both locations. Just pick the one most convenient for you & your family: JLS: Wed. March 18: 480 East MeadowTerman: Wed. April 15: 655 Arastradero Road The program is from 7pm-8:30pm at both locations. Live Spanish translation and free on-site childcare are available. All interested PAUSD parents & community members are welcome. Palo Alto PTA Council thanks our school administrators, counselors, PTAs and ACS for supporting this district-wide parent ed program. Event details & other parent education programs at www.info.paloaltopta.org.

by Carrie Manley



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El Carmelo Green Team: Giving Up A Car

Why did you give up your car?I was never one who enjoyed driving, especially since I live in San Francisco. I became tired of looking for parking, maintaining a car, and wasting money on getting from point a to point b. About a year ago, I sat down to make a pro and con list about getting rid of my car. The pros outweighed the cons by far. Mid-March marks one year without a car for me!

How has this changed your life?Deciding to live without a car has changed my life in a few ways. Oddly enough, it hasn’t changed in the ways some people may think. By getting rid of my car, I have eliminated a great deal of stress! I no longer worry about parking tickets, the price of gas, the cost of maintenance, and weather conditions for commuting down and up 101 each workday. Busses, trains, cabs, carpools, my bike, and my feet are now my stress-free sources of transportation. Getting from point a to b is no longer a source of stress at all.

I’ve also become more organized. I’ve always been an organized person, but I have organizing my life and daily routine down to a science now. I know the exact minute I need to leave my apartment each day to catch the bus, then to catch the train. I pack only what’s necessary for the day. Excess has been almost entirely eliminated from my life. Since I need to carry most things when traveling any given distance, I only buy what I need at the grocery store, carry only what I need on my back, and have found that I just don’t waste money simply because it’s not convenient to do so!

Financially speaking, this has changed my life as well. When I consider the cost of car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, and parking for the year, I figure I have saved roughly $9,360. Plus, all the extra walking has been good for my heart, my overall health, and my general well-being both physically and mentally!

How much of a difference do you think it will make to our environment?I am only one person. However, I am one person with many friends, family members, colleagues, students, and students’ families who know about the decision I’ve made. Aside from my car being one less vehicle polluting the environment, I’ve inadvertently spread the message of living car-free to hundreds of people. They all know it’s possible and not that difficult now. I’m proud of that.

In addition to being a super role model by giving up your car, how do you encourage kids in your 3rd grade classroom or as our Reading Specialist to have a positive impact on the environment?I have to say that I love the fact that we now have a Green Team at El Carmelo! While I don’t work directly on the team, I do follow everything the green team suggests in the classroom. Each day, we recycle and reuse. My students are fantastic role models with this! They are already very environmentally aware, and know that they have to make an effort. I did not teach this to them, rather it’s something they came to me with. That’s exciting! I have to admit that we need to start reducing more. As teachers, I feel that all of us need to make a bigger effort with using less paper. So much of our paper gets wasted, and it’s completely avoidable.

Interview with Ms. Christina Nosek, 3rd Grade Teacher and Reading Specialist



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What would you say to other El Carmelo families (adults or kids) who are considering making a green lifestyle change?One of my role models, ultra marathon runner, Dean Karnazes, is a huge proponent of man-powered transportation for distances less than 1-5 miles. I strongly believe all families should make an effort to adopt this. Dean does this with his wife and two school age children. Why not bring a wagon to the grocery store, cycle or walk to school, and walk to get an ice cream treat instead of piling in a car? It may take some getting used to, but is well worth the effort. Not only is it environmentally responsible, but also it can develop a habit of regular exercise and promote quality time spent with the family.

I’d also like to see more El Carmelo kids walking and cycling to school. For kids who live in the neighborhood, I see no reason why vehicle transportation is necessary on non-rainy days. With less vehicle traffic at drop off and pick up times, it will make the intersections near our school much safer. I bet if I see more kids walking or cycling to school each morning, I’ll in turn see more kids alert, awake, and ready to learn at 8:25 when class starts each day!

Interview conducted by Jennifer Mutz, Green Team member and PTA Vice President

Update from the PTA Nominating Committee

Submitted by the El Carmelo Nominating CommitteeChair Audrey Finot, Erika Krugler, Yi Mei Chang, Nina Hansen and Jennifer MutzThe El Carmelo PTA has elected a Nominating Committee. The PTA Nominating Committee is responsible for leading the effort to fill PTA positions for the upcoming school year (2009-2010).El Carmelo prides itself on an involved parent community. Parents generously volunteer both in the classroom and on the PTA to help keep it rolling in support of our teachers, principal and children. To those parents who have already generously agreed to fill a PTA position next year, thank you very much!!! Your efforts are invaluable and benefit every family and child.There are still many positions that need to be filled for next year. It’s important new parents step up each year to fill positions vacated by graduating parents in order to maintain school resources and continue PTA activities your family currently enjoys. Please consider signing up and giving it a whirl. It’s informal, fun and often the position is what you make it. If you have a passion for something, create a PTA activity or position. Just this year, for example, we had a parent create our first ever family game night that everyone really enjoyed. Also, many positions can be shared, making it easier for everyone. Both working parents and stay-at-home parents are currently active in the PTA. In fact, some companies even match employees’ volunteer time with a monetary donation to the PTA. There is something for everyone. One of the most important values we aim to teach our children at home and school is good citizenship: helping to build a better community by acting as a good neighbor, sharing time and skills with the community, staying informed about issues and voicing an opinion. The best way to communicate good citizenship is to model it. Here’s your chance!The following is a sample of PTA positions open for next year. These are Chair positions and often the position is part of a team or a committee (so you have help!). Any position listed as a Board position meets once a month for an hour long PTA Board meeting (great way to get to know other parents!). Please keep in mind we are still touching base with current volunteers so this is only a partial list. We would love to talk to you and give you more information about any position or something new you might like to try.



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Please contact Nominating Committee members Erika Krugler ([email protected] or 565-8653) or Jennifer Mutz ([email protected] or 325-0542) for more information: Executive Vice President – Board position (trains for PTA President the following year. Works closely with President, Principal and Teachers. Super opportunity for a great experience!)VP Fundraising – Board position (oversees fundraising strategy and efforts)VP Communications – Board position (does 1x weekly eNews, and participates on Carmeletter editing team)VP Membership – Board position (educates parents about PTA and encourages membership, opportunity for lots of creative efforts)VP Community Outreach – Board position (ensures inclusive school community through outreach to various school populations)VP of Volunteer Services – Board position (helps manage and recruit volunteers for event chairs)Recording Secretary – Board position (records Board mtg minutes 1x per month)Corresponding Secretary – Board position (writes notes as needed)Carmeletter Distribution (arranges for hard copy distribution to those who request it 1x per month)Carmeletter Editor (to share half time with current editor Maria Whealan, issue published 1x per month on average)Carmeletter Editor Back up (to share with current back ups)Coffees with Principal (arrange informal coffees outside office every couple of months in the mornings)ENews (1x per week, approx 1 hr can be done at home)Book Exchange (to share with Asmita Runge, collect and distributes books to students in each classroom)Back To School Night (work with President to organize BTS)Back to School First Day Packets for students (assembled and collated in mid-August for distribution on first day of school)Back to School Nights (working hand in hand with the PTA President & Principal; one for kinders and a second for upper grades)Kinder Play Dates (over the summer, best for returning parent with an incoming Kinder)Neighborhood Association LiaisonIce Cream Social/New Family Welcome (Sunday event before school begins)Noon Art (to share with Rhiannon Wallace on Wednesdays at lunch time for the kids)One Check Data Entry (to share with Maya Venkatraman, early fall)Pancake Breakfast (to share with Maya Venkatraman, spring)PhotographerPIE Representative from El Carmelo to PIE organization (critical position for educating about importance of PIE, great job to share)PIE Ambassadors (each classroom needs one)Potluck school wide (coordinate in the fall, set date and promote)Student Directory (to assist Ram Ramkumar if needed)

PIE Ambassadors (each classroom needs one)



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Absence Policy

If your child will be absent from school, a parent or guardian must notify the school office before 9:00 am by either phone call or email. You must provide the student's name, class, and reason for the absence. For illnesses, please call each day of the absence. For planned vacations or appoint-ments, please call or write the office in advance.

While teachers generally appreciate knowing about absences, by law, the office must be notified directly by the parent.

Potluck school wide (coordinate in the fall, set date and promote)

Student Directory (to assist Ram Ramkumar if needed)

Visiting Author (to partner with Maya Venkatraman, parent with child in younger grade to take

over after Maya would be great)

10 Mile Club (to share with Jennifer Mutz, take slot every other Tuesday at noon)

For more detailed descriptions visit the El Carmelo PTA Web site at:http://www.elcarmelo.paloaltopta.org/board.html

The Nominating Committee will post a complete list of both filled and open positions in the PTA case in early March. Thank you for helping!!!

Pie for PiE Thank You Program

The name PiE, Partners in Education, is truly fitting, because we are all partners in supporting our children’s education. This partnership goes beyond just parents. There are also many caring grandparents and businesses throughout our community who contribute to help our kids. Here at El Carmelo, we’d like to shine a spotlight on one local business that has been a generous partner in supporting our school-wide PiE fund-raising efforts for the last several years.

This year, for a third year in a row, the Palo Alto Creamery donated three spectacular pies to our school-wide “Pie for PiE” drawing. All families who donated to Partners In Education were in the running to win a custom Creamery pie. The winning families were randomly selected. At our PTA’s recent Lego night, the Promokhova family won a giant-domed apple pie piled high with a whopping four pounds of apples! Our other lucky recipients came from Kindergarten: George and Zoe Mount (Cherry Crumble pie) and Danielle Madrigal (Chocolate Pecan pie). But the real winners were the 370 children of El Carmelo, who will directly benefit from the many services provided by PiE, including our classroom aides, Spectra Art, Counseling and Junior Museum science classroom visits. So the next time you are at the Creamery (at the corner of Emerson and Hamilton) remember to tell your kids, “This is the place that supports our school with those amazing pies!” To the Creamery, and to everyone who contributed to Partners in Education this year, thank you!

by Carrie Manley



District-wide Parent/Community Information Night!

K-5 Elementary MATH Materials Adoption

Wednesday, March 11

7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Information sharing and discussion time

Nixon Elementary School M.P. Room

1711 Stanford Avenue Stanford

Questions? Call Ginni Davis at 329-3709

(Assistant Superintendent – Educational Services) or email [email protected]

12www.elcarmelo.paloaltopta.org


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3024 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CAReunión: Jueves, 12 de Marzo

Biblioteca [Library] El Carmelo6:45 PM

Taller de Búsqueda de EmpleoJob Search WorkshopTécnicas para buscar trabajo y presentarse en una entrevista.Ways to look for work and how to act in an interview.

Usando el Internet para Buscar EmpleoUsing the Internet to Look for WorkVamos a explorar varios sitios en el Web que anuncian varios tipos de empleo.We will explore various websites that advertise different types of jobs.

Escribiendo el Curriculum VitaeResume WritingEste resumen de su experiencia en el empleo es valioso para todos; no importa eltipo de empleo que haya tenido antes.This summary of your work experience is valuable for everyone; it doesn’t matterthe type of work you have had before.

Elementos de la Solicitud de TrabajoElements of the Job ApplicationMiramos una solicitud genérica y comentar información escencial.We’ll look at a generic job application and discuss required info.

La Entrevista: como prepararseThe Interview: how to prepareLa técnicas de presentación y como crear una buena impression. Preguntas típicasy como anticiparlas.Presentation techniques and how to create a good impression. Typical questionsand how to anticipate them.

Tarjeta de visitaBusiness cardsUsando un website, haremos tarjetas de visita, útiles para hacer contactos.Using a website, we will make business cards that will be useful for makingcontacts.



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… to all of you who pitched in on Lego Night. The kids had such a great time and it was greatly facilitated by the parents who volunteered including Serena Chandley, Andrea Jelks, Sandra Lewis, Carrie Manley, Silvia Morales, Javad Mostofizadeh, Haijun Wen, and our very own principal Chuck Merritt.

Additionally, there were many parents and children who took a few minutes at the end of the evening to pick up and put away those thousands of tiny Lego pieces. Many many thanks to all!

… to Stephanie Youngquist for her representation on the Elementary Math Adoption Committee throughout the school year.

… to Elizabeth Doi for her leadership on the PiE campaign.

…to Cynthia Tham (Liam's mom), Jeannette Cheng (Lia's mom) and Maya Venkatraman (Arjun's mom)! They are the Auction Family Donations Committee and they did an amazing job promoting and collecting donations for the Carnival auction! -- Ana-Maria Dias (Auction Chair)

‘Thank you’ to all these volunteers ...

Family Donations Team and Ella Carmela, auction mascot



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