Friday, November 30
REPORT CARDS GO HOME WITH STUDENTS

Monday, December 3
Cub Scout Pack 200; Library, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM-3:45 PM

Tuesday, December 4
Hanukkah begins at sundown
Bargain Book Bonanza; noon

Wednesday, December 5
PFC Teacher Appreciation Luncheon; Lounge, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Thursday, December 6
RAPPORT Mtg.; District Office, 9:00 AM

Friday, December 7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Lunch outside

Monday, December 10
Student Council Meeting; Room 23, 12:20 PM
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM-3:45 PM

Tuesday, December 11
Lunch outside
Lafayette School District Board Mtg.; District Office, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, December 12
Lunch outside

Monday, December 17
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM-3:45 PM

Thursday, December 20
Student Council Jamba Juice Sale to benefit SAVE THE BAY, 10:30 AM

Friday, December 21
Minimum Day
All K: 8:15 AM-11:35 AM
Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGES

A. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE BOOK FAIR!!! Our annual Book Fair commenced on Tuesday, 11/13, and wrapped up before Thanksgiving break. Many thanks to Darcy Cole, Melissa Johnston, Sheryl Lauer, Gabrielle Ohleyer and Sherry Mattern for making this fabulous event happen!

B. Join the PFC! Register for e-SCRIP!!

DIFFERENTIATION CORNER

*Differentiated Instruction takes place in all of our classes. Each week, we will be profiling a particular teacher's implementation of Differentiated Instruction every week in the Friday Flyer. Don't miss it!!!

Every Friday, Ms. Hungerford's 5th grade has math menus. The class works in groups of four or five and moves around the room to six different stations involving hands-on math activities and computer math games. Each activity allows for the students to work at their own ability level and pace.

*Differentiated Instruction is not individualized instruction, but rather the delivery of curriculum to students in a manner that complements their learning style while always challenging them at their ability level.

PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

Every week we will be including different aspects of our Pay It Forward theme for this year in the Friday Flyer. Character development should be a major component in any well-rounded educational program and it has been for many years at Springhill. Ask your children what their classes are doing for Pay It Forward. Come to Spirit Wednesday, 8:30 AM every Wednesday morning in the main courtyard and find out how we promote character development at Springhill School. We do have a significant change in the Pay It Forward program this year. If you are familiar with how this program was originally designed, you know that all of the "pay it forward" efforts remained anonymous in order to promote the altruistic and selfless nature of the act. Although we will acknowledge all of the acts themselves in the weekly Student Bulletin, at Spirit Wednesday and in the Friday Flyer, we will no longer identify the specific students who performed the acts. We are hopeful the enthusiasm for the program will continue to be as strong as it has been the last several years with this change. Thank you.
Keep up that PIF Spirit!!!

A. STUDENT COUNCIL JAMBA JUICE SALE TO BENEFIT "SAVE THE BAY" in its efforts to clean up the oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Thursday, December 20, at 10:30 AM. Look for the order form coming home soon! PAY IT FORWARD!!!

B. CONTRA COSTA FOOD BANK has its barrels here to collect dried food and canned goods for the needy from November 26 to December 21! Please give what you can!

C. GIRLS SCOUT TROOP 814 asks you to donate any toiletries (e.g., shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, lotions, etc.) in the bins outside the Springhill Office to benefit the homeless of Contra Costa County starting Monday, December 3, and ending Friday, December 14. Give what you can--pay it forward!!!

Well it was a short week two weeks ago but certainly not lacking for happenings here on campus. The main event was our annual Book Fair. And though it was a beautiful week temperature wise it looks like many went to "chill out" with a good book! We would like to give a very big Thank You to Darcy Cole, Melissa Johnston, Gabrielle Ohleyer and Sheryl Lauer for the outstanding effort into making this event the huge success it was for our School and Library.

The Parent Party is coming and we need your help! Stri Zulch, this year's Parent Party chair is looking for volunteers to help with everything from solicitation to decoration and everything in between. The date for our annual event is Saturday, March 15th so mark your calendar now! It will again be held at the Contra Costa Country Cub. If you are interested in participating in our biggest party of the year please contact Stri at stri@zulch.com .

Speaking of help needed we have a couple of PFC Committee Chair positions open. The first being Hot Lunch Coordinator. This is our third year using Children's Choice hot lunch program and all is running smoothly. This role would include maintaining communication between Springhill School, its families and Children's Choice. Also maintaining the volunteer schedule and address issues that arise throughout the school year.

Our second opening is Before & After School Enrichment Coordinator. Before and after school enrichment includes programs such as One on One Basketball, Stick School for Kids and Viva El Espanol just to name a few. This person would consider the many requests we receive for such programs to come onto our campus. This person would also work with Mr. Wodhams in deciding what programs might be a good fit for our families and if we have the availability to have the programs here on campus.

For more information or if either of these openings is a good fit for you please contact me ASAP.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Corrine Christensen
2007/2008 Springhill PFC President
joeandcorrine@msn.com

A Message from LASF



The Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation is an incredible support to our students in the classroom. As the weather and activities tend to move indoors don't forget about ways to support the arts and sciences at home and away from home. Here are a few ideas for rainy afternoons and all those vacation days that will be here before we know it!

Check out the following websites for ongoing programs and exhibits the whole family can enjoy:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art www.sfmoma.org
Chabot Space and Science Center www.chabotspace.org
Aquarium of the Bay (SF) www.aquariumofthebay.com
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose www.cdm.org

Check next week's "LASF Corner" for more great outing ideas!

*While visiting these wonderful places let your children investigate possible topics for the upcoming Science Fair!

This Week in the Library

That old coyote has a nose for trouble. This week the first graders heard a Southwest Native American story about a coyote that decides he wants to learn how to fly. The crows are willing to spend a little time with him but soon they tire of his bragging and boasting. This time coyote finds himself in a big mess. Ask your first grader what happened to the coyote's tail.

Causing mischief can sometimes backfire on you. The second graders heard a story this week about Iktomi (pronounced eek-toe-me) who is the trickster in Plains Indian tales. Iktomi is always up to no good and constantly getting himself into trouble. This time he has found himself in a predicament he may not be able to change. Ask your second grader what happens to Iktomi.

Jingle dancing is a tradition in the Muscogee Creek Native American culture. The third graders acted out a reader's theater and heard a story about a girl who dreams of wearing a jingle dress at the next powwow with her family. However, she has a problem with her dress and worries that she doesn't have enough jingles to make her dress sing. Ask your third grader what the jingle dress sounds like.

Many Californian Native American legends focus on the coyote as an intelligent and skillful animal that thought and acted like a person. The fourth graders heard two stories that told the tale of how people were created. Coyote is the one that makes most of the suggestions in each story and the other animals want to add ideas too. Nevertheless, coyote always has a plan of his own. Ask your fourth grader which creation tale he or she liked best.

This week the fifth graders performed a reader's theater called Escape! The story is about how the Seminoles who are a tribe made up of several Native American groups and many escaped black slaves that fled to Florida when it was still under Spanish rule. After the U.S. bought Florida from Spain, the Seminoles and the escaped slaves were forced to move to a reservation in central Florida. When the white settlers decided they wanted Florida, the Seminoles fought back. Many finally agreed to move to a reservation in Oklahoma. Ask your fifth grader what happened to the Seminoles after they moved to Oklahoma.


New Books in the Library

In John Grogan's Bad Dog, Marley!, a very happy family welcomes their new Labrador puppy Marley into their full house. They already have two parakeets, three goldfish, and four pet crickets. The one thing they didn't count on is how big Marley would get. And, the bigger he gets the more the trouble he gets into. Marley really tries to be a good dog, but finally he goes too far. Will they have to find a new home for their big and wild dog? Read this book to find out if this family can adjust to big old troublesome Marley. Richard Cowdry's illustrations are bright and beautiful and show the world from a dog's point of view.

Happy Birthday to our Author of the Week
Happy November birthday to Ed Young! Some book titles by Ed Young are Pete's a Pizza, Potch and Polly, Gorky Rises, and Shrek! . The movie Shrek! was based on William Steig's character. Check out these and many more of Steig's books at the Springhill Library.

Springhill Library Website
Explore our website at http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/people/smattern/index.htm . You can find a full update on what's happening at the Springhill Library, find more reviews of new books and links to many helpful resources.

Sherry Mattern, Library Specialist
Kimberli Sparks-Buckley, Library Aide

Fit Kids
There's a lot of discussion these days about fit kids. People who care (parents, doctors, teachers, and others) want to know how to help kids be more fit. Being fit is a way of saying a person eats well, gets a lot of physical activity (exercise), and has a healthy weight. If you're fit, your body works well, feels good, and can do all the things you want to do, like run around with your friends.

Here are five rules to live by, if you're a kid who wants to be fit. The trick is to follow these rules most of the time, knowing that some days (like your birthday) might call for cake and ice cream.

1. Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
You may have a favorite food, but the best choice is to eat a variety. If you eat different foods, you're more likely to get the nutrients your body needs. Taste new foods and old ones you haven't tried for a while. Some foods, such as green veggies, are more pleasing the older you get. Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day - two fruits and three vegetables.

2. Drink water and milk most often.
When you're really thirsty, cold water is the No. 1 thirst-quencher. And there's a reason your school cafeteria offers cartons of milk. Kids need calcium to grow strong bones, and milk is a great source of this mineral. How much do kids need? Aim for 3 cups of milk per day, or its equivalent.

3. Listen to your body.
What does it feel like to be full? When you're eating, notice how your body feels and when your stomach feels comfortably full. Sometimes, people eat too much because they don't notice when they need to stop eating. Eating too much can make you feel uncomfortable and, over a period of time, can lead to unhealthy weight gain.

4. Limit screen time.
Limit screen time. What's screen time? It's the amount of time you spend watching TV or DVDs, playing video games (console systems or handheld games), and using the computer. The more time you spend on these sitting-down activities, the less time available for active stuff, like basketball, bike riding, and swimming. Try to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school.

5. Be active.
One job you have as a kid - and it's a fun one - is that you get to figure out which activities you like best. Not everyone loves baseball or soccer. Maybe your passion is karate, or kickball, or dancing. Ask your parents to help you do your favorite activities regularly. Find ways to be active every day. You might even write down a list of fun stuff to do, so you can refer to it when your mom or dad says it's time to stop watching TV or playing computer games!

The Science Fair Is Coming!

It's that time of year again to start thinking about your Science Fair project! The Springhill Annual Science Fair will be held on the evening of THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008. All students, K-4, are highly encouraged to participate and 5th graders are required. This is an exciting event for anyone interested in anything science-related. Physics, engineering, biology, botany, food sciences, exercise science - these are some of the many subject areas that can produce science ideas for the Science Fair.

Now is the time to brainstorm ideas. If you pace yourselves your project will be more successful and a lot more fun! Soon we will be sending home entry forms and giving out more practical how-to information. All you need is a burning question and a guess as to what the answer might be (hypothesis). Then you can test it and find out the truth. How much more water will evaporate from a cup put in the sun vs. the shade? Can I make more free-throw baskets shooting overhand or underhand? Do plants grow at different rates when given different plant foods? Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of kernels un-popped? Will a quarter and a feather fall to the ground at the same rate? What questions do you have? Jot a few down and see which ones look the most interesting. If you have any questions regarding the Science Fair you can contact: Carol Davis (283-0838, carol_davis@comcast.net , Rhodora Del Rosario (962-0438, roepd@hotmail.com ), or Sharon Kidd (274-1747, skidd@calmail.berkeley.edu )

Vocal Music Performance Days - December 3rd - 6th

All children are welcome to participate in this voluntary program which takes place during general/vocal music class in room 25. Children may perform for their classmates a) a song b) a dance) c) an instrumental performance d) a recitation of poetry. Mrs. Ghulam will provide a piano and a music stand, but any other instruments or equipment, props, etc. must be brought in by the student. This activity teaches audience etiquette and performance technique and gives students a chance to share their talents. Parents are invited to attend. Questions? Contact Mrs. Ghulam vghulam@LAFSD.K12.CA.US

Chess Challenge!

If you are new to chess or polishing your skills, come develop your understanding and enjoyment of the king of games! Lessons and play combine the skills of thinking and creativity with the thrill of sport.

Classes include 20 minutes of instruction and 40 minutes of play. Boards and sets are provided. All levels are welcome.The winter session of chess class will begin December 3 and end February 11.The fee is $120 for the eight week class. Classes are from 2:45-3:45, Mondays. You can join for a pro-rated fee at any time. Class minimum is ten students and maximum is twenty.To register online, go to Berkeleychessschool.org, or call 510-843-0150 and speak to Judy or David. For more information, please contact our parent liasion Sonia Shiri at shiri@berkeley.edu. There will also be flyers with detailed information in the Springhill office.

Book Fair

Thanks to all who attended the Book Fair! The kids had a great time shopping for books and it was great to see so many really interested in reading.

A special thanks to all our volunteers, we couldn't have done it without you: Cathy Holt, Heather Stanford, Jamie Welehan, Gen Topping, Olga Tinina, Kristen Altbaum, Lily Kohls, Donna Eldridge, Barbara O'Brien, Sharon Swan, Astrida Lalor, Sonia Shiri and Farrel Vance. Also, thanks to Quan, Cathy Sturman, Melissa Hom, Bruce Wodhams, Natalie Turola, Stephanie Morrone, Beth Brown, Lucy Palladino and Corrine Christenen for all your help and guidance.

Girl Scout Troop #814 - Holiday Community Service Project

How many hotel soaps and little shampoo bottles do you have in the bottom of your drawers or cabinets? Do you have a tube of toothpaste you could spare? Girl Scout Troop 814 is working on a Holiday Community Service Project and we need your help!
We are collecting toiletries such as soaps, lotions, toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental floss, etc., to organize and distribute to three organizations: Shelter, Inc., The Monument Crisis Center and the Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition. These organizations provide assistance to families who are in need of emergency and/or temporary housing and need basic personal care items. Please drop any items you can share into the labeled bins in front of the Office. Thanks for helping Troop 814 Pay It Forward during the Holidays!"


Girl Scout Troop #1116 - Soccer Uniform Collection Project

Lafayette Girl Scout Troop #1116 is still collecting LMYA soccer uniforms if you missed the first call and still want to donate! We have started to ship team uniforms off to needy youth/kids in Africa, but we would love to collect any additional old LMYA uniforms (including shin guards and shoes too) and soccer balls! Boxes will be located in the office until Friday, December 21st. Thank you for your participation! Questions? Contact Caroline Sjostedt Davis at 925-287-6621 or caroline_sjostedt@keybank .com.


Sugar and it's Many Disguises

Have you ever noticed your child's behavior changing after eating sweets or certain foods? Are you concerned about your child's moods, ability to concentrate or his/her overall health?

Learn all about sugar and its effect on the brain, body and health of your child. You will learn about simple carbohydrates vs. complex carbohydrates and how each affects the body. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties and crankiness in children.

Tuesday, December 4th at 7:00 pm
Parkmead School Library, 1920 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek,
Please rsvp to Angela Lambert at angie@inspiringwellness4u .com or 254-3157. Brought to you by Parkmead PTA.


Body Image - Parent Education Event

Katie Censky, MA, MFT will describe the term 'Body Image' and the common causes of eating disorders. Information about the signs of eating disorders, as well as preventative actions for families is presented. The presentation focuses on both genders as boys are starting to face the same media pressures that girls have faced for decades.

Thursday, January 17, 2008, noon - 1:30 pm
Walnut Creek Intermediate School, Library. 2425 Walnut Blvd, Walnut Creek. No fee, register in class
Please rsvp to Vera Babor at vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us


Town Hall Kids Theatre

Registration is now open for Town Hall's world-class theater arts classes for kids and teens. Join us this January! The Bravo program is for kids 7-11, which will present "Of Mice and Mozart," the story of Mozart's life as told by the mice who live in Mozart's house. For preschooler and kindergarteners, join our Rising Stars program for "It's Magic," and celebrate all the magical things around us. Our middle school Encore program will present the hilarious pie-slinging comedy "Bugsy Malone". Town Hall's teen programs will present the wild-west musical "Annie Get Your Gun" as well as Shakespeare's "As You Like It" (auditions required for As You Like It). For more information and to register on-line visit www.townhallkids.com or call 925-262-1159. Hurry, classes do sell out!


Hot Lunch Message

As we enter into the hectic holiday season, a friendly reminder to pre-order hot lunch. Children's Choice provides extra lunches based on their experience and statistics; however, when too many children haven't pre-ordered, it creates a situation where some children will receive a lunch they didn't select. No child is ever denied lunch, they may receive something they didn't pre-order.

Did you know that your child may have as many fruits and vegetables they want for hot lunch? Yes, they can come back for seconds and even thirds. This may be a good opportunity to encourage and remind your children about how important it is to make healthy choices for lunch. If you need information about Springhill's hot lunch program, please contact Victoria Renfro renfros@hotmail.com


Engineering with Legos program - Possible Winter After-School Enrichment

Would your son/daughter be interested in learning about engineering & architecture through Legos? The curriculum (designed by engineers) builds off the math and science skills students learned during the school year, and applies them in real-world engineering scenarios/challenges utilizing hundreds of thousands of Lego bricks and pieces as a manipulative. This program would take place at Springhill and begin in January.

Please contact Lori Suppiger at lesupp@comcast.net or 962-9925 if you are interested or have any questions.


Santa's Bag Boutique at the Lafayette Community Center

More than 50 local craftspeople will be displaying their ceramics, oil paintings, cards and clothing. Some of our Springhill parents are participating! A great opportunity for unique Christmas gift shopping.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 1, 2007, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 2, 2007, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lafayette Community Center
500 Saint Marys Road

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Sharon Swan: fridayflyereditor@yahoo.com

925-280-0141 All entries due Wednesday before 3:00pm. Entries must be kept brief, please.
Subscriber info: annmariemwarren@yahoo.com

Web: http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/springhill