Friday, March 21
Good Friday
STUDENT COUNCIL SPIRIT DAY: Crazy Hair Day
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MultiPurpose Room, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Sunday, March 23
Easter

Monday, March 24
Student Council Mtg.; Rm. 23, 12:20 PM
School Site Council Mtg.; Office, 3:30 PM
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM

Tuesday, March 25
District Band Festival; Stanley Gym, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, March 26
Kindergarten Parent Orientation; Rm. K-2, 1:00 PM 

Thursday, March 27
Student Council "Quenchers" Fund Raiser for Sotuba School, Mali; 10:25 AM
5th Grade State Luncheon; MP Room, 10:00 AM-1:05 PM

Friday, March 28
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
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MP Room, 12:15 PM-2:15 PM

Monday, March 31- Friday, April 4
Spring Break

Tuesday, April 1
April Fools' Day

Monday, April 7
School Resumes
5th Grade Outdoor Ed (Fisher); Camp Loma Mar, all week 
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM
Cub Scouts Pack 200; Library, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM

Thursday, April 10
RAPPORT Mtg.; District Office, 9:00 AM

Friday, April 11
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; Library, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
PFC Rummage Sale set up; MultiPurpose Room, 3:00 PM

Saturday, April 12
PFC Rummage Sale; MultiPurpose Room, 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGES

A. AFTER SCHOOL ISSUES: All students (unless parentally supervised) are to be off campus by 3:00 PM. Because there is no adult supervision before or after these times, there can be no exceptions. Students still on campus after 3:00 PM will be brought to the office and parents called to pick them up. The school cannot take on the liability of having unsupervised students playing on the yard after school. If you have daycare needs, please take advantage of the private daycare facility on site: the Springhill KID's HIDEOUT at 283-7808. If you have business on campus after school, DO NOT send your child to the yard to play unless you are willing to supervise your child and ONLY your child. Thank you for your understanding and support.

B. TEACHER OF THE YEAR: It is with great pride and pleasure that I announce Lafayette School District's nominee for Teacher of the Year. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Erin Caldwell, ISP Teacher at Springhill Elementary School. Erin has taught the Upper Grade Special Day Class at Springhill for the last nine years and her devotion and commitment to her students, colleagues and community during this time is unparalleled. Well done, Erin . . . Congratulations!

C. SPIRIT WEDNESDAY/PAY IT FORWARD RECOGNITION: At the March 11 Lafayette School District Board Meeting, Springhill School's SPIRIT WEDNESDAY/PAY IT FORWARD Program received special recognition from the Board of Trustees. A presentation was also made the next day at Sprit Wednesday and was accepted by Student Body President Sam deRoque. Many, many thanks to the students, staff and community of Springhill School who have made Spirit Wednesday and Pay It Forward a reality over the years!

D. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED LAST SATURDAY's PFC PARENT PARTY/AUCTION. Thanks especially to Stri & Larry Zulch who chaired and coordinated the many facets of this fantastic evening; our MC, Bob Marrone; our Silent Auction Auctioneer, Mr. Jack McCarthy; volunteer extraordinaire, Diana Mezetz; all members of OPM, our musical entertainment for the night; and all other volunteers who made the evening so special! Thank you all so much!!!

E. 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!!!

In Mrs. Thompson's first grade class, the students are able to rotate to different math stations. At each station activities are provided to supplement what the students are currently learning. The students are able to complete the activities at their own pace, their own level and often choose which activity they would like to work on. 

*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!!!


1. MARCH FUND RAISER: Be looking for Student Council to sponsor a QUENCHERS fund raiser on Thursday, March 27, to address school supplies for a classroom in the village of Sotuba, outside of Bamako, Mali, in West Africa. More information to follow!

2. PENNIES FOR PATIENTS: Starting last Monday, we began our annual Pennies for Patients drive to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The drive will extend from March 10-March 28. Leave that spare change in the collection box in each classroom and help find a cure for Leukemia & Lymphoma!!!

PFC Executive Board '08-'09 - In accordance with our bylaws, here is the first notification of next year's proposed PFC Executive Board. This slate of officers is scheduled to be voted into office at the PFC General Meeting on April 16th, at 7:00 in the library.

President - Beth Brown 
Vice President of Communications- Your Name Here! 
Vice President of Fundraising- Your Name Here!
Treasurer, Receipts and Disbursements- Suzy Pak
Treasurer, Budgeting and Reporting- Bert Barber
Legislative Representative- Karen Guthrie
Secretary- Maria Nelson
Parliamentarian- Corrine Christensen

Thank you Stri & Larry Zulch for what is widely considered a fabulously successful Parent Party and Auction!!! I know that you both put your heart and soul into the event and without a doubt it paid off.

LASF will launch its annual Spring Phonathon Sunday, April 27th. Please consider donating a few hours of your time to this very worthy cause. You can find more information below.

Spring Break is coming!! Please remember that Friday March 28th is an early dismissal 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

Have a glorious weekend!! 

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

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED ON APRIL 22ND WILL HELP YOU AVOID THE CALL!!!

As Lafayette's school districts face drastic budget reductions, LASF plays an essential and vital roll in ensuring the continuation of our strong academic programs. LASF relies entirely on the support from our parent community to provide its funding. LASF will be launching its annual Spring Phonathon on Sunday, April 27th. Bring your donation to school on April 22nd and you'll avoid the follow-up phone call by LASF volunteers, allowing them to direct their worthwhile efforts elsewhere.

NEW THIS YEAR!!! Donations can be made via Pay Pal on the LASF website atwww.lasf.org. Don't forget to tell Gramma, Grampa, Uncle Al, etc...they may want to make a donation as well!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! Please consider donating just a few hours of your time to help in this worthy cause. This is it - the major fundraising event for LASF so that it can fund programs for the 2008-2009 school year. We need your help to make it happen. The LASF Phonathon begins April 27th and ends on May 6th. For more information, please call Springhill's LASF fundraising representative, Julie Novak atthenovaks@sbcglobal.net or 930-9435.

This Week in the Library
Our big news this week was the visit by well-known author and illustrator Mark Teague. Mr. Teague made presentations to our kindergarteners and first -third graders here in the library on Thursday morning. Students watched him draw and share his latest story about Ike, the intrepid dog detective, LaRue for Mayor, Letters from the Campaign Trail. Mr. Teague answered students' questions and autographed books for all who had ordered them. It's always such a thrill to connect with an author! A big thank you to The Storyteller Bookstore, who made his visit to us possible.

Also, first through third graders finally got to vote on their favorite of the five books nominated in the Primary category for the California Young Reader Medal award. To find out more about CYRM visit their website athttp://californiayoungreadermedal.org/. There was lots of excitement as students received their ballots and went into the "voting booths." Look for our announcement of the Springhill winner next week.

Hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils are blooming, trees are blossoming, birds are calling- spring is in the air! Spring officially began this week so the kindergartners heard the nonfiction book Spring: Signs of the Season Around North America. They saw what changes spring brings to the Southwest desert, the Appalachian Mountains in the Southeast, the California coast, the Midwest, New England, and Alaska. Ask your kindergartner where he would like to be when spring comes.

Acrostics are always fun and this week the first graders heard the book Spring: an Alphabet Acrostic. In an acrostic, each line begins with a letter which, when you read down, spells out the topic of the poem. Ask your first grader which letter she remembers and why she liked it.

Annie and the Wild Animals gave our second graders a different look at spring since Annie lives in a Scandinavian country where spring is slow to come. Illustrated by Jan Brett with her trademark detailed borders which foreshadow what will happen next, this is a great book for predicting as well as learning about the season. Ask your third grader which wild animal he might like to see, or not see, up close! 

Spring training is an important part of the new season for baseball fans and March is the month we focus on women's history so Mighty Jackie, the Strikeout Queen was a perfect fit for the third graders. Jackie Mitchell was the second woman in history to sign a minor league contract in 1931. She was known for her mighty curve ball and is remembered as "The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth." Ask your third grader how she did that. 

Fourth graders continued their art in picture books study by learning about cut and torn paper collage and other collages and how this medium is used by illustrators. Then we looked at several picture book examples and discussed what we noticed. In honor of women's history month we read Through Georgia's Eyes, a biography of Georgia O'Keefe illustrated by Julie Paschkis, who says in a note that she chose cut paper as her medium because its simplicity reflects O'Keefe's modern aesthetic. 

Did a man or a woman invent space bumpers? How about frozen food? Fifth graders took their best guess about these and other inventions and then heard Marvelous Mattie, a biography of Margaret E. Knight, known for her invention of a machine to produce flat bottomed paper bags. Ask your fifth grader to tell you what Maddie went through to get the patent for her 

New Books in the Library
As we are changing seasons, Grace Lin and Ranida McKneally's book Our Seasonsoffers a unique look at the four seasons. One side of each spread has a beautifully illustrated haiku poem; the other side answers a question brought up by something in the haiku. For example, one of the spring haikus mentions thunder and there is a discussion about what makes a thunderstorm. Share this delightful book with an inquisitive child and be prepared to learn a few things you may have forgotten while you enjoy the poetry and illustrations together. 

Happy Birthday to our Author of the Week!
Sid Fleischman was born on March 16 in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in San Diego. He worked as a magician, served in the Naval Reserve in WWII, worked as a newspaper reporter, and finally turned to writing fiction and screenplays. He has written many books for children, including his Newbery Award winning book The Whipping Boy. (His son Paul is also a Newbery Award winner; they are the only father and son to have both won the award.) Fleischman has also written The Abracadabra Kid: a Writer's Life, the McBroom books, Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini, and Disappearing Act. You can check out all of these and many others either here or at the public 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

Recap of Education Advocacy Day (February 27th Sacramento trip to meet w/Legislators): What did we learn? 
The proposed State budget cuts would be devastating to schools, and their long-term setback is very real. There is a 'no new tax' stance from the Republican caucus even though some of its members want to support schools. A combination of revenue enhancement and cost cutting strategies is needed to resolve the State budget problem. The education community is not only preoccupied with the budget crisis; but it is also just as important to keep a focus on education reforms to continue improving schools and performance in a cost-effective way. We cannot let the Getting Down to Facts Studies (research to identify problems and possible remedies for CA's public schools) fall by the wayside.

Stop Pink Slips for ALL California Teachers. Decisions by State Legislators matter as much as or more than local school board members for the welfare of our students and teachers. We need to hold our elected officials accountable for appropriate school funding.

Take ACTION - We need to fight for appropriate funding from the State.
* Send Letters to Legislators: Please download pro- ed funding letters and sign them from the Las Trampas webpage: http://www.lastrampaspta.org/letters.html or write your own. Follow the directions enclosed, mail them or drop them off in the school office, Letter Campaign Round II box. Deadline for collecting letters ROUND 2: Friday, March 28th (before Spring Break). We will be hand- delivering them to Sacramento. They do make a difference. 
* Get Educated: Stay Informed: Are you asking what funding reforms are needed that would support local school districts? Are you frustrated with the State budget negotiations and implications? To learn more check outwww.californiaschoolfinance.org and the Leg Team website,www.lastrampaspta.org/Legislation.html.
* Attend a Pro-Education rally in Contra Costa County or Sacramento - details for these events will be provided ASAP.

Buy It Now!!
Maybe you missed our fabulous Parent Party last Saturday night but here is an opportunity to contribute AND get a great deal. For more information on any of the items below please refer to the auction catalog or email Stri Zulch at stri@zulch.com.
One Month of Dance Lessons at Dance Connection Performing Arts Centre, value: $50 - buy it now for $25
Lunch for two at Pacific Coast Brewing Co. in Oakland ($30 gift certificate) - buy it now for $15
# 500 Love Bugs Gift Basket - value: $150 - buy it now for $70
# 235 Pier 39 Fun Pack - value $168 - buy it now for $75
#222 California High Sierra Adventure $300 off $2400 camp - buy it now for $150
#529 24 Fitness one year membership $500 - buy it now for $200
#537 24 Fitness one year membership $500 - buy it now for $200
#535 24 Fitness one year membership $500 - buy it now for $200
#525 Ladies Embroidered Mules, size 9 value: $40 - buy it now for $20
#526 French for Fun - French class value $125 - buy it now for $60
#612 East Bay Auto Spa - Window Tinting value: $250 - buy it now for $100
#102 Palm Desert Getaway $800 - buy it now for $350
#255 Kindergym $50 gift certificate - buy it now for $25
#823 Wentling Studios Photo session $155 - buy it now for $70
#832 Office on the Go value $350 - buy it now for $175
#209 Leapfrong Fly Fusion Pentop Computer $125 - buy it now for $65
#269 Academy for Martial Arts Class $475 - buy it now for $225
#809 Hand painted butterfly plaques $18 - $10
#818 Hand painted photo frame $20 - buy it now for $10
#805 Hand painted photo frame $20 - buy it now for $10


Run for Kieran - Thank You 
Thank you to all who supported the Run for Kieran last Saturday, March 8th. 
It turned out to be a beautiful morning, and a really great event for everyone!
Thanks for making it such a memorable day!
Mark your 2009 calendars: Sunday, March 8, 2009 - 3rd Annual Memorial Run For Kieran.
Thank you,
The Quinn Family 


Have We Got the Job for You!
Do you like Books? Like to Write? Want to help our kids get Healthy? Like throwingParties? Organizing events? Taking Pictures ? Playing Golf< span>? There are plenty of ways to help our school out next year. Some positions take very little time each month, some a little more... All positions can be shared, too! Take a look at the following list and then read more about the position on the PFC website atwww.springhillpfc.org/pfcleadership under Job Descriptions. 
EXECUTIVE BOARD OPENINGS
Vice President, Communications
Vice President, Fundraising
COMMITTEE CHAIR OPENINGS
Assemblies/Red Ribbon Week (Co-Chair)
Auditor
Book Faire (Co-Chair)
Bulletin Board
Club Fit Field Day (5th Grade Parents)
Directory/Membership (Co-Chair)
Direct Solicitation (Co-Chair)
Fall Fundraiser 
Friday Flyer Editors (Co-Chair)
Golf Tournament
Health & Wellness (Co-Chair)
Notice Board 
Old Board/New Board Dinner
Parent Party (Co-Chairs)
Scorpion Days
Year Book (Co-Chairs)
Young Authors
If you are interested in any of these positions or for more information, please contact Beth Brown, VP of Communications 07-08, at 482-7956 or pfcprez@yahoo.com!


BIG JUMP NEWS!
Wowie Zowie! We raised $9,213 for the American Heart Association (even when the 'funding-word' from the state was not so great!!) The kids jumped 340,000 times!!! (but only sponsored jumps count in the FREEE Club Fit hour!!)
The NINE entries for the trip to Disney World contest (sponsors of $150 or more!!) are:
Wyatt in Ms Churchill's class
Rachel F. in Mr.Anke's class
Morgan in Ms. Newcomb's class
Peyton, Summer and Natasha in Mr Begg's class
Molly D. in Mr Fisher's class
Ethan in Ms. Jarvis' class
AND!! our top dollar-earner Chris Patty in Ms. Wilson's class!!
CONGRATULATIONS and good luck in that drawing (to be held in July)
Prizes will probably arrive in 3 weeks now- some delay is always expected from late donations..speaking of which--it's not too late to donate!! I will be sending for late donation prizes at the end of NEXT week and then we're done!!
Our Club Fit awards (free Club Fit, classroom with the most participants, most jumps etc.) will be announced the week we return from Spring Break--a reason to hurry back to school! 
Congratulations and thanks to all who participated!!


CALIFORNIA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY
Every two years, the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is given to all California 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th graders. This survey collects data which will provide reliable assessment and information about our youth in the Lafayette School District. It is a tool that meets requirements for No Child Left Behind Act and Title IV Safe and Drug Free Schools. The data collection helps guide the development of more effective health, prevention and youth resilience programs. Additionally, the California Healthy Kids Survey is a vital component of the Lafayette School District's Strategic Plan on Healthy Kids - Healthy Adults.
Fifth and seventh graders in the Lafayette School District will be taking the survey on Tuesday, March 25, 2008. A consent form will be sent home on Thursday (March 13th) with your child. The consent form should be returned to your child's teacher by Tuesday, March 20th. This 45 minute survey is voluntary and anonymous. 
You may examine a copy of the survey in your elementary school's front office, the District Office or on the Lafayette District website: http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us 
If you have any remaining questions, please call Toni McShane, District Coordinator for the survey, at Stanley Middle School (925.283.6282).


Spring LegoĻ Engineering Fundamentals Class
Back by popular demand, the LegoĻ Engineering Fundamentals class is re-enrolling for a spring session! The curriculum (designed by engineers) builds off the math and science skills students learn during the school year, and applies them in real-world engineering scenarios/challenges utilizing LegoĻ bricks and pieces as a manipulative. Students will have access to over 100,000 LegoĻ pieces including motors, gears, leads, battery packs, etc., as they are given challenges appropriate to their skill level. During class students will build projects presented by an instructor who teaches them part names and how to build the different models. 
The program is open to girls and boys grades K- 5, and will begin April 8, 2008 and run through June 10, 2008. Class is on Tuesdays from 2:45pm to 4:15pm in Room 25, and the fee for the ten week session is $165. Class minimum is eleven students with a maximum of twenty. To register pick up a form in the main office and mail it in, or go to the Springhill PFC web site (http://www.springhillpfc.org/), click on "Resources", then scroll down to "Programs" for a link to Play-Well Teknologies where you can print out a registration form yourself. You can also register online with a credit card atwww.play-well.org. Don't miss your chance this session-- register early!