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

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

Monday, April 14 
Student Council Mtg.; Rm. 23, 12:20 PM Chess Club, Library, 2:45 PM

Tuesday, April 15
AHS Children's Theatre, K-3 Assembly; MP Room, 10:30 AM LSD Board Mtg.; DO, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, April 16
California Symphony; MP Room 9:20 AM-9:50 AM: All K 9:55 AM-10:25 AM: Spain & Sturman 10:45 AM-11:15 AM: Thompson & Finta PFC Meeting Executive Board Mtg., Lounge: 5:30 PM General Session, Library: 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 17 
AHS Children's Theatre, Gr. 4-5 Assembly; MP Room, 10:30 AM LASF General Board Mtg.; Stanley Library, 7:00 PM

Friday, April 18
Student Council Spirit Day: SPORTS DAY 5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MP Room, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Saturday, April 19
Passover begins at sundown

Sunday, April 20 Passover

Monday, April 21
5th Grade Outdoor Ed (Hungerford/Caldwell); Camp Loma Mar, all week Chess Club, Library, 2:45 PM

Tuesday, April 22
EARTH DAY LASF Onsite Donation Day; 8:00 AM-8:30 AM, 2:40 PM- 3:00 PM

Wednesday, April 23
Administrative Professionals/Secretaries Day Cub Scout Pack 200; MP Room, 6:45 PM-8:30 PM

Friday, April 25
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MP Room, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM 3rd Grade Apple Valley Graduation; MP Room, 10:45 AM-12:00 PM

Monday, April 28
Student Council Mtg.; Rm. 23, 12:20 PM SSC Mtg.; Office, 3:30 PM

Tuesday, April 29
LASF Phonathon; 6:30 PM-9:00 PM

Wednesday, April 30
PFC Teacher Appreciation Luncheon; Lounge, 12:00 noon California Symphony; MP Room 9:00 AM-9:40 AM: All 2nd Grade 9:45 AM-10:25 AM: All 3rd Grade 10:45 AM-11:25 AM: All 4th/5th Grade LASF Phonathon; 6:30 PM-9:00 PM K Open House; 6:30 PM

Thursday, May 1
May Day RAPPORT Mtg.; DO, 9:00 AM Marine Mammal Center Bus; K

Friday, May 2
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MP Room, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM

Sunday, May 4
LASF Phonathon; 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

A. I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL, RELAXING AND SAFE SPRING BREAK!!! ONLY NINE MORE WEEKS OF SCHOOL . . . CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? 

B. 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.

C. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED LAST MONTH'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!!! 

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

< span style="font-weight: bold; ">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!!! 

Math is differentiated in Ms. Wilson's 3rd grade. Students are routinely assessed as each major topic is introduced, and they are encouraged to work at a pace that is comfortable for them. At any given time, there may be some children working with place value topics, others reviewing time and money problems, and still others using multiplication and division to solve more difficult problems. Throughout the year, every child will have opportunities to "compact" subject matter they have mastered and take on more complex problems dealing with particular topics. Children needing additional support will work one-on-one with the teacher or our classroom aide for reteaching and guided practice with puzzling subject matter.

*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. RAISING FUNDS FOR THE SOTUBA SCHOOL IN MALI , WEST AFRICA: Thank you to the Student Council and to all who participated in the QUENCHERS fund raiser before Spring Break to address school supplies (especially desks!) for the school in the village of Sotuba , outside of Bamako , Mali , in West Africa . Over $350 was raised! Well done! Thank you to the Candell family for sharing their pictures and inspiring words about Sotuba at Spirit Wednesday! Paying it Forward at Springhill School is local and global! Keep up the great work!

2. PENNIES FOR PATIENTS: Thank you all for contributing your spare change for the Pennies for Patients drive to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! A final count of how much was raised will be known soon. Thank you for Paying It Forward and doing Springhill's part to help find a cure for Leukemia & Lymphoma!!!

3. THANK YOU TO MRS. JARVIS' 2nd GRADE for their Pay It Forward efforts at providing "Bunny Bags" (bags with very special eggs containing positive and inspiring words) for the Woodlands Nursing Home. They were delivered last week and were much appreciated by the residents! Well done, 2nd graders---way to pay it forward!!!

Welcome Back!! Spring break was filled with cold weather and cancelled flights but look on the bright side ~ No parking lot confusion in the morning or racing out the door to catch the bus!! There is plenty going on here at Springhill, let me refresh your memory.

Set your alarm for this Saturday, April 12th, for the Springhill Rummage Sale. The last day to drop off donations is TODAY at 4:00. Doors open on Saturday at 8:00 AM sharp.

Love the Arts and Sciences?? So do your kids! LASF and the Lafayette School District need your support!! LASF will launch its annual Spring Phonathon Sunday, April 27th. Please consider donating a few hours of your time as well as your dollars to this very worthy cause. LASF is an instrumental part of our school district's support in curriculum, enrichment and monetary funding. You can find more information below or go to www.lasf.org.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 16th. We will be holding our last PFC General Board Meeting of this calendar year in the Library at 7:00pm. We will be voting in the 2008/09 PFC Executive Board. We need a quorum of 25 voters, so please plan to attend this meeting where we will also hear from a variety of committee chairs as well as hearing a brief presentation from Michelle Edmunds, a Lafayette Parks , Trails & Recreation Commissioner.

VP position still available - We are still looking for 1 or 2 parents to fill the Vice President of Communications position. The PFC needs your participation, enthusiasm, ideas & support at all different levels - here's a great opportunity!

It's warming up, wear your sunscreen!!

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

LASF's mission: "To support and enrich the education of every child in the Lafayette public schools through a broad community-based effort." 


Join LASF at Successful Fundraising: The Right People - The Right Gift

Help us get an early start on securing funding that drives the success of LASF's most valuable programs that support our children's education in such unique and influential ways.

Help get the cause underway and save volunteer hours, calls, and paper! There are three easy ways to donate:

1. Print out the on-line form at www.lasf.org and mail it to LASF.

2. Pay on-line easily & securely at www.lasf.org. New!

3. MAKE YOUR PLEDGE ON DONATION DAY - TUESDAY, APRIL 22nd Bring your donation or pledge envelope to Springhill (or any elementary school or Stanley Middle School) on Donation Day and avoid the call during our Spring Phonathon. Simply hand it to any LASF representative on campus during drop off and pick up. There will also be a drop box in the office. As an added bonus, your child(ren) will receive a free book at Bargain Book Bonanza! Look for more information to follow in your child's Friday Folder. Remember, grandparents, neighbors, aunts, uncles, etc. are encouraged to donate as well.

Cause and Effect of this year's LASF fundraising? 

The Cause...Due to the state's current revenue shortfall, funding to both the Accalanes Union High School District and the Lafayette School District has been drastically reduced. LASF is currently working with the Lafayette School District to evaluate programming needs and to establish program modifications to LASF units that will maintain LASF programs while providing additional financial support for District programs and services.

The Effect...Through the generosity of parents, businesses, and the community-at-large, LASF continues to serve our schools and provide outstanding programs to meet the educational needs of students in Lafayette 's six public schools. Over the years, the community has stepped up to demonstrate its commitment to and support of our mission. We are proud to report more than 70% of total contributions come from parents of current or former Lafayette students who have seen first-hand LASF's impact on their children.

This year, LASF has committed almost $1.3 million to the school districts we serve! Become part of this broad-based community effort by donating today and help us achieve our goals!

__________________________________________ __________________________
Do you like to talk on the phone? Then we have a job for you. CALLERS NEEDED FOR SPRING PHONATHON! 

In addition to financial contributions, we are in need of callers to help reach our families. The success of the Phonathon is directly dependent upon our number of callers. Please consider donating just a few hours of your time.

For every night you call, a ticket will be entered in a drawing for a gift from La Buena Vida, a fabulous new store in the Danville Livery where you can select fine wines, oils, and serving pieces you won't find elsewhere.

Dates and times are:
- Sunday 4/27, 6:00-9:00 PM (note the early start time) 
- Tuesday 4/29, 6:30-9:00 PM
- Wednesday 4/30, 6:30-9:00 PM
- Sunday 5/4, 6:00-9:00 PM (note the early start time) 
- Monday 5/5, 6:30-9:00
- Wednesday 5/7, 6:30-9:00 PM

Sign up now by contacting Julie Novak at thenovaks@sbcglobal.net or 930-9435.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Hooray! We have another winner to announce this week. Henry Plumb, a first grader in Susan Thompson's class, won the Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark contest on the first grade level. Henry will be receiving his award at the Lafayette Public Library next week and copies of his winning bookmark, as well as those of all the other winners, will be available after that. Congratulations, Henry! 

Two ladybugs and a bee find a caterpillar fascinating to watch but one day it disappears. What's happened? The Case of the Missing Caterpillar helped kindergartners answer that question this week. They also looked at pictures of many different butterflies in the beautiful book The Butterfly Alphabet. Ask your kindergartner to tell you about the different stages in a butterfly's life cycle.

What will you see if you look carefully when you're outside? In the book Look Closer first graders saw many types of insects up close and personal. They learned about ambush bugs, cicadas, fireflies, lacewings, and water scorpions among others. Ask your first grader which one she would like to know more about.

"My backpack weighs a thousand pounds,
It's fatter than a cow!
I don't know how I carry it,
But I do it anyhow."

"My Backpack Weighs a Thousand Pounds" from What a Day It Was at School by Jack Prelutsky April is National Poetry Month and the second graders laughed at this poem as well as many others from Prelutsky's humorous book of poems with a school theme. Of course my favorite is "It's Library Time" which ends with the phrase "For we have a library where I can read". Ask your second grader which is his favorite poem from this book.

When the bell rang in the 1800s students knew that they had to be absolutely quiet, sit up straight, and be ready for inspection. Third graders are learning this month what school was like in the old days. In Ultimate Field Trip 4: a Week in the 1800s they have a chance to hear about and see pictures of a group of students who went to Kings Landing in New Brunswick, Canada, set aside all traces of the twenty first century, and stepped back in time for a week. Ask your third grader what kids did for fun in the days before computers, video games, radio, and TV.

Charcoal was used in some of the earliest cave paintings. Pen and ink illuminations decorated ancient Hebrew, Arabic, and Chinese manuscripts. Pencils have been used since the 1500s, while colored pencils, crayons, and felt tip pens are twentieth century inventions. All continue to be used by children's book illustrators today. Fourth graders looked at books using each of these media, and then heard the legend of Joaquin Murieta, a Gold Rush era bandit, which was illustrated with a pen and ink sketch.

And Ms. Hungerford's fifth graders heard the colonial era story of Sleds on Boston Common. It was an opportunity to review the colonists' stance on King George and to see that historical period through a different lens.

New Books in the Library
Some of you may have already met Lois Lowry's delightful heroine Gooney Bird Greene. If not, you're in for a treat in this latest installment of Gooney Bird's adventures. Her class has been reading fables and Gooney suggests that each student create a fable, using an animal character that begins with the same letter as his/her first name, and share it with the class, complete with costumes and props. Once you've read Gooney the Fabulous you'll never forget what a fable is! 

Happy Birthday to our Author of the Week!
Marguerite Henry was born on April 13, 1902 in Milwaukee , Wisconsin . Her first popular book was Justin Morgan Had a Horse. Later, she wrote the Misty of Chincoteague series and more than 50 other children's stories, mostly about animals. She merged fact with imagination with legend to create memorable characters and stories; King of the Wind won a Newbery medal in 1949. Her final book was Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley. You can check out these and many others of her books 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 monthly updates on what's happening at the Springhill Library, more reviews of new books, and links to many helpful resources.

Sherry Mattern, Library Specialist

A big thanks to everyone who turned in signed letters to legislative officials. If you still have a Round I (dated February) or a Round II (dated March) letter, please put it in my box located on the PFC table in the office. In addition, there are unsigned copies of the letter in the box if you would like to pick up one.

Extra big thanks to Kerry Bolen, Holly Nolan, Karen Williams, and Michele Hoeser for helping distribute and collect letters.

Are you looking for another way to be an education advocate? Register your opinion regarding Republican stance on tax increases or any other educational issues by taking the Assembly Member Houston's online education survey at www.asm.ca.gov/15. Anyone can participate, and the survey is fast and easy to complete.

Some tips for curbing chocolate cravings. Is it too late with Spring Break here this weekend? Help, I love chocolate! 

*Eat something that really doesn't go with chocolate. Like something garlicky. Or a dill pickle.
*Fulfill your craving in a healthy way with, say, a small glass of low-fat chocolate milk or hot cocoa.
*Do something else, such as taking a walk. It will take your mind of the sweet stuff. 
*Hide it. Or, if worst comes to worst, throw it in the trash. Still tempted? Head over to Diet Blog for some more tips, and make sure to share some of your own!

Here is more information on how to curb the sweet tooth!http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/03/26/some-tips-for- curbing- chocolate-cravings/



For additional wellness information, log onto lafsd.k12.ca.us/wellness.html. Also feel free to contact the Springhill Wellness Committee if you have any questions....Erin Benisek, Anne Bone, and Meagan Hagglund.

Last Chance for a great deal!!
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.

#500 Love Bugs Gift Basket - value: $150 - buy it now for $70
#222 California High Sierra Adventure $300 off $2400 camp - buy it now for $150
#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
#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
#818 Hand painted photo frame $20 - buy it now for $10
#805 Hand painted photo frame $20 - buy it now for $10

Flip Flops and Lemon Drops
Come to this year's hottest Instant Win Party sold at the Springhill Elementary Auction. Whether you are a current Parent, an Alumni, or a future Parent of a Springhill child, all are welcome!! Join a group of girlfriends for a fabulous evening of indulgence. Say hello to summer with cool Lemon Drop Martinis and tantalizing food temptations! New friends, old friends, jazzy music, food and drink: the festivities await the first 100 women who sign up! Don't forget your flip-flops! There will be prizes for sexiest, loudest and best overall flip- flops! Sign ups are being taken by Jamie Whelehan. Drop her a note at Jwhelehan@aol.com.

Play Group for Children Entering Springhill Kindergarten this Fall.
Make social adjustment less difficult for your kindergartener by participating in a monthly play group. Our next play date is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 25, from 12:15-2:15 PM at Brookwood Park located on Withers. This is an open play group to anyone interested, so please pass the word! Questions? Email Amy Fritschi atfritschi2@comcast.net or Katie Sowarby at katiesowarby@comcast.net.

TULIPS EVERYWHERE!
Have you noticed the beautiful tulips at the front of the school? Congratulations to the 5th grade class for their gardening success!

Over 100 red tulips were planted in honor of Red Ribbon Week. This was also a goodbye gift from the graduating class as they look forward to Stanley Middle School and the continued growth of their good character in a new and exciting environment. As the tulips bloom this spring, they are there to remind us of the Four Agreements. Please feel free to come by the school and look at the beautiful tulip garden - and review the four agreements with your children.

FINAL JUMP NEWS!! 
Here are the final winners in the big Jump event!!

~The class who donated the most amount of $$$: Mr Begg's 4th grade!! (You have won some fitness toys for your room including a class set of jump ropes!!)

~ The individual who donated the most amount of $$: Chris/Wilson!! (you have won an entrance into the Disney World drawing, a medal from the AHA and a personal gift- phone)

~ The most participants from an individual class: Ms. Deitch (her class won her a free t-shirt from this year's event!!)

~ The class who jumped the most amount of times (and finished their complete sponsorships) won an hour of FREE Club Fit time are:

1/3: Ms Deitch's 3rd grade and
4/5: Ms. Newcomb's 4th grade

~The most individual jumps

4/5: Sabba/Begg's
1/3: Ty/Jarvis'(both win a 'gel jump rope!)

CONGRATULATIONS one and all for your participation and FABULOUS contributions to the American Heart Association!!

Spanish Immersion Summer Camps and Classes
Viva el Espa–ol, a non-profit Spanish Language Center in Lafayette is offering engaging, interactive Spanish language camps for kids. Themes include Sizzlin' Safari, Under the Big Top, Los Deportes (Sports) and Going Hawaiian! Camps are week-long and are designed to give children a unique opportunity to give a big kick-start to Spanish language learning or greatly improve Spanish language skills over the summer months. Half and full day options are available.
Viva el Espa–ol also offers Teen Internship opportunities, private tutoring, adult classes, and programs for toddlers and pre-school children. 
For more information please visit www.LamorindaSpanish.com or call 925-962-9177. 
Join us for storytelling, music, art, games and TONS of fun in espa–ol! 


Mandarin and Chinese classes
Small World Mandarin programs for kids offers beginning and 2nd-year Mandarin and Chinese culture classes for pre-school through elementary school aged children - right here in Lafayette ! For more information, please visit www.smallworldlamorinda.comor email info@smallworldlamorinda.com for the 2008/2009 school year schedule.


Saint Mary's College Summer Athletic Camps
Summer will be here before you know it! It is not too early to register for Saint Mary's College Athletic Summer Camps. With 39 years of excellence, SMC offers 30+ sports camps on one of the most picturesque campuses on the West Coast. Saint Mary's offers boys and girls Overnight, Day, Team, and Specialty Camps for ages 5-18. Summer 2008 Offers All Sports, Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball. Click on summer camps at www.smcgaels.comfor detailed information and to register online.


Arts, Adventures & Academics 2008 Summer Camp 
Check out Arts, Adventures & Academics Summer Camp Grades 1-8, June 23-July 25th. 9:30-12:30 at Walnut Creek Intermediate School . All classes are hands-on & discovery- based, allowing students to learn by doing. Our small class sizes, high quality programming and caring teachers, artists and arts educators have made this program a favorite for 25 years! For more information go to www.arts-ed.org/aaa.htmor call 943-5846.


Hideout Goes Hawaiian for Spring Break 
We are still accepting registration for Spring Break Camp. Join our Hawaiian Party as we make leis, hawaiian skirts, go bowling, play in a bounce house and have a luau! Hot lunch option available all week. You can download all registration forms atwww.kidshideout.net or call Beth at 283-7808 for more information. 


Cal Bears Swim Clinic
Join the CAL Women's Swim Team in a clinic that will prepare you for a successful summer season of swimming! The Golden Bears will be hosting a three week clinic from April 14th through May 1st at Sun Valley Pool, 1000 Leland Drive, Lafayette. Let athletes at the top of their sport help you fine tune your starts, turns, stroke technique and racing strategy! The Bears are coming off one of their most successful seasons. In 2007, the Bears marched to a third place finish at the NCAA's, breaking 3 American Records along the way. Take advantage of this unique experience of having American Record Holders, Olympians, NCAA All-Americans, and some of the finest student-athletes in the country be your coach. Proceeds will aid the training cost of the Golden Bears as they set their hungry eyes on Beijing. For details please visitwww.swimsunvalley.com. 

BandWorks Rock n' Roll Summer Camp! 
BandWorks School of Rock Summer Camp is open to beginners through advanced players. Professional musician-instructors create a fun and supportive environment while they teach kids the skills they need to play in a rock band - and make new friends in the process.

Our week-long Summer Day Camps offer a variety of classes throughout the summer. By the end of the week, students are rocking out in a live performance at our studio. For kids with musical experience, camps include Rock Jam and our popular "Music of" series, in which students focus on one featured band, such as Green Day, for the week, learning not only their songs, but the tricks that make them great. Camps are available in Morning and Afternoon sessions, with free lunch supervision for kids who sign up for the whole day.

For registration and more info about BandWorks Summer Camp, please contact us today at info@bandworks.com, 510-THE-BAND (843-2263), or visit our website:www.BandWorks.com.

Lafayette Earth Day Festival - "A Family Affair"
Lafayette will hold it's third annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 20th from 12:00-4:00 pm at Stanley Middle School. The Festival is a special opportunity to bring your family, your students, or your scout troop and have fun learning about the environment and how to preserve it. The Festival will feature the Acalanes Jazz Band, 25+ educational tables and vendor displays, and a new scavenger hunt where kids hunt down answers to fun environmental questions and win a prize. Grab your bikes and ride over to Stanley on April 20th! For more information:http://www.sustainablelafayette.net/ events/earthday/2008/ 


Save the Date for Lafayette Nursery School 's 32nd Annual Science Day of Discovery on May 3rd! 
Make a volcano explode, send a rocket in to space, or explore the gooey texture of slime. If that's not enough, become an archeologist for the day and dig for dinosaur bones, or play with huge bubbles. These are just a few of the activities at the 32nd annual Lafayette Nursery School 's Science Day of Discovery. This hands-on science fair features exhibits and experiments designed for children preschool age through third grade. It's a great experience for the whole family!
Cost: Children preschoolers through Grade 3 are $4.00 each
When: Saturday, May 3, 2008, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: LAFAYETTE NURSERY SCHOOL
979 First Street, Lafayette
More Information: Call Lafayette Nursery School at 925/284-2448 or visit our website at www.lafayettenurseryschool.com


Sneak Peak Community Celebration
SAVE THE DATE! May 3, 2008-- Come to a Sneak Peak Community Celebration of the fun programs that will be available once our new Lafayette Library & Learning Center opens. 9-10am Library; 10am to 3pm Stanley Middle School 
Start the day with pancake breakfast and storytime with Miss Donna at 9am at the current library, then head to Stanley Middle School for sports clinics, walking tours, hands-on science sessions, the zoo- mobile, authors signing books, health tips, figuring out your next "dream career," swashbuckling sword fights, music, food and more. Experience a taste of what's soon to be inside. 
Come for an hour or stay all day... See you on May 3rd. 


Celebration of Children's Literature
The Bay Area's best children's authors, illustrators and storytellers visit UC Berkeley for the 14th Celebration of Children's Literature on Saturday, April 12 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. The free community event takes place at UC Berkeley's Tolman Hall as part of Cal Day, the annual campus-wide open house, and includes fun, educational activities: a book fair with author signings, storytelling, music, bookmaking and roving guest Curious George. Food and refreshments and free parking will be available.
The Celebration of Children's Literature is presented by UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Education and the Cal Student Store with support from the Penguin Young Readers Group, Academic Talent Development Program, the Graduate School of Education Alumni Association and the Bay Area Writing Project. 
For a schedule and program details, visit the Celebration of Children's Literature website at http://gse.berkeley.edu/childlit.html or call (510) 642-0137.

Lafayette Library Sneak Peak 
Saturday, May 3rd from 8:30am to 3pm -- What if you could learn about the human body in a disgustingly gross and fun way from the Lawrence Hall of Science right here in Lafayette? Or learn how to swordfight on stage? Or explore a portable planetarium and see amazing animals from the Oakland Zoo? YOU CAN. It's all part of the new Lafayette Library & Learning Center's Sneak Peek Celebration on Saturday May 3rd. 8:30am pancake breakfast at the current Lafayette Library. 10am to 3pm at Stanley Middle School on School Street for all the other fun programs, music and more. It's a chance to sneak a peek at what's soon to be inside when our new library doors open in 2009. Come for an hour or stay all day. More info at www. Lafayettelib.com.

LAFAYETTE GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS: GARDENS FOR GARDENER 
THURSDAY, MAY 8
Gardens open 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Join Lafayette Garden Club and visit 6 unique, local gardens.

Knowledgeable garden club members will be on site demonstrating plant care, propagation techniques and designing garden art.

Members' favorite plants will be available for purchase.

Proceeds to benefit local school garden programs.
Tickets $25 Available at: Mt Diablo Nursery, 3295 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Queen Bee Gifts, 261 Lafayette Circle
Day of tour tickets $30 at St. Perpetua School Children's Garden 10:00-12:00.

Or by return mail to Diane Sasser, 16 Warwick Court, Lafayette 94549: Make check payable to Lafayette Garden Club

Positive Communication & Discipline
Muirwood Elementary School, 2050 Vanderslice Ave, Walnut Creek
Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 7:00-8:30 pm, library no fee, register in class
Please RSVP to Vera Babor at vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us
Speaker: Kim Koppenhaver-Klute, parent educator, family & education consultant
Are you tired of yelling and nagging? Come and learn skills that will help you gain your child's cooperation. Learn how to turn your home into a positive, nurturing environment that will promote positive communication and self-esteem.
Do I say what I really mean? Listen to me! Is my message really clear? Am I really listening? 
Enjoy Kim's lively presentation and take home practical strategies to use with your children, spouse, parents, in-laws, friends, neighbors, co-workers. . . br>

Mosaic of Thought/Critical Thinking - SAVE THE DATE!
Who: Dina Mac Donald, Thinking Strategies Coach & Expert 
What: Mosaic of Thought/Critical Thinking
Where: Stanley Library
When: Wednesday, April 23 @ 7:00 pm
Why: Presenting parents with helpful information on the critical thinking program that is currently being taught at all grade levels. Dina will also share ideas of how parents can supplement and support this curriculum at home.
RSVP: Sandy Campbell at 299-3507 or scampbel@lafsd.k12.ca.us no later than April 18. 

Join us for an Elementary School Parent Education Event
Thursday, April 24, 2008 NEW DATE
7:00 - 8:30pm, no fee, Parkmead Library
Parkmead Elementary School
1920 Magnolia Way, Walnut Creek
Time Management & Organization for Families with Students getting ready for Middle School (appropriate for parents with 3rd/4th/5th graders)
For your rsvp, questions and comments: Vera Babor at vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us
Speaker: Beth Samuelson, MA & Founder Student Organization Services - SOS

Are you going crazy trying to get your child more organized? Does your child seem to have no concept of time? Do you feel that you have to keep track of everything for your child? Learn what is reasonable developmentally for the incoming middle school student, so that they can begin to take charge of organizing and managing homework and all of their activities.