The Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest award ceremony was held at the Lafayette Public Library this past Tuesday. Not only did Henry Plumb receive the first grade award, but Lia White in Mr. Anke's fourth grade class was named to the Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Lia and Henry! The winners at all grade levels are posted on the library door.

What do a chick, a boy, and a clutch of eggs have in common? Ask your kindergartner to tell you how The Surprise Family brings these seemingly disparate things together.

Have you ever wondered how animals see the earth? Crocodile Smile is a book of songs in animals' voices illustrated by Lois Ehlert. First graders heard a komodo dragon declaring that he'd never eaten a princess, a Galapagos tortoise reminding us to slow down, and a panda hearing its bamboo thicket being cut down. As a special treat, we listened to Sarah Weeks, the author, sing two of the songs.

How many of you remember Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle collaborated once again on Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? Each of the animals they mention is either threatened or endangered. Second graders learned the current status of these animals and used a giant map to see where they live (and hopefully will continue to live).

Imagine finding a forest paradise and settling there. Then imagine that more and more people discover your paradise and before you know it the things you loved have been destroyed and a city stands where the forest once was. As disenchanted people move to more attractive places you're left with. Ask your third grader what happened next to Uno's dream forest in the book Uno's Garden.

Did you know that pastels were mentioned by Da Vinci in 1495 and were commonly used by European artists in the 1800s? Fourth graders shared their experiences of working with pastels and then looked at books illustrated with this medium. They also heard the opening chapters of the first book in The Five Ancestors series, Tiger. Five young monks living in a secret Chinese temple have been hidden by their Grandmaster when their monastery is attacked and destroyed. Each book in the series follows what happens through the eyes of one of the young monks. Why was the monastery destroyed? Why were they saved? What are they meant to do? The author of this series, Jeff Stone, will be coming to talk to our fourth and fifth graders on the afternoon of May 5.

How do you define genre and why should you know what it means? Fifth graders reviewed different genres and then heard the opening chapters of Jeff Stone's Tiger, the first book in The Five Ancestors series to prepare for Mr. Stone's visit here on May 5.

New Books in the Library 
Looking for a way to celebrate National Poetry Month? Jack Prelutsky, the first Children's Poet Laureate, has written more than 50 books of poetry for children. He seems to have an innate understanding of how they feel about everyday happenings in their lives and is able to put that understanding into poetry that children enjoy. His latest book is My Dog May Be a Genius, illustrated with simple pen and ink sketches by James Stevenson. The poems range from clever wordplays to concrete poems to poems about unusual creatures like the "snabbit". Dip into Mr. Prelutsky's book and see what you find. Hint: keep an eye out for the underwater marching band!

Happy Birthday to our Author/Illustrator of the Week! 
Jon Agee was born on April 19. He grew up in Nyack, NY and discovered his talent for art when he was still a child. After graduating from the Cooper Union School of Art in NYC he wrote a story for kids to go with some of his pictures and his career was born. His most recent works have been those in a series he describes as "offbeat wordplay books", focusing on anagrams ( Elvis Lives!); palindromes (Go Hang a Salami! I'm a Lasagna Hog; Sit on a Potato Pan Otis); and spoonerisms ( Smart Feller) You can check out these and many other books written and/or illustrated by Mr. Agee 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.

Have We Got a Job for You!
It's not too late to get involved! Some of these positions take very little time each month, some a little more... All positions can be shared! 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
Bulletin Board
Club Fit Field Day (5th Grade Parents)
Directory/Membership (Co-Chair)
Friday Flyer Editors, (Co-Chair)
Notice Board
Old Board/New Board Dinner
Parent Party (Co-Chairs)
Year Book (Co-Chairs)
Young Authors

If you are interested in any of the above positions or for more information, please contact Beth Brown, VP of Communications 07-08, at 482-7956 orpfcprez@yahoo.com!

CAMP HIDEOUT: Passport to Adventure - Summer of '08 
Camp Hideout is still accepting registration for summer camps. Please go towww.kidshideout.net to get information and download forms.

We are also accepting Fall Registration. These forms can be downloaded for our website as well. If you have any questions, please contact Beth at 283-7808 orbeth@kidshideout.net.

< u>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!! 

John F. Kennedy University's EXPRESSIVE ARTS CAMP
For Children ages 6 through 12
Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20, 2008 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Sponsored by John F. Kennedy University's Graduate School of Professional Psychology 100 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523- 4817

A Five Day Exploration of Art
Experimenting with various art forms, the children will engage in both individual and collective art projects, expanding notions of themselves and of their relationships to others. The camp encourages personal growth, self-confidence and creative cooperation. The Art Camp fee for the five days is $200 per child and includes all art materials. Pack a lunch for your child each day - we will provide snacks.

Staff: Camp Director Francine Ostrem, MA, MFT, PhD (Literature) and Graduate students with specialized training, experience and interest in the area of children and the creative process.

For more information, please visit our website: www.jfku.edu.

LAMORINDA WATER POLO SUMMER REGISTRATION
The Lamorinda Golden Bears host one of our nations most successful boys water polo programs with an emphasis on quality fundamental training and world class competitive opportunities. As a member club of USA Water Polo we are dedicated to the advancement of the sport for youth ages 8-18 on a year round basis. Registrations are being accepted for all age groups 10un, 12un, 14un, 16un and 18un ; novice to elite skill levels. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to give this sport a try regardless of previous experience or attained ability. We provide excellent training at all levels under the direction of Coach Boyd Lachance, Lamorinda's founder, Executive Head Coach and two time Associate Head Coach of the 2X, NCAA, Div I, Champions from CAL. Come join us! Schedules, fee's, forms and information can be found at: www.lamorindawaterpolo.org E-Mail inquiries to: lwpinc@comcast.net.

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.com or email info@smallworldlamorinda.com< /a> 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. 

Charitable Fun: Seedlings' 10th Annual Wheel Day 
Seedlings Preschool and Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church have paired up to create a fun, free event where children of all ages can assemble care packages with their parents for needy families in Zimbabwe and explore a variety of vehicles. Bring your child out to climb into a police care, among others, and lend a helping hand on April 26, between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. The Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church is located at 49 Knox Drive in Lafayette.

If you are unable to attend please consider supporting the Kids Helping Kids project by donating toiletries, school supplies, t-shirts, and underwear (kids & adults). Drop items off by April 23 at the Lafayette- Orinda Presbyterian Church or contactfrancielow@comcast.net.

OPEN MINDS OPEN DOORS
SATURDAY, MAY 3RD 10AM - 3PM
STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL 
Open Doors Open Minds is a Lafayette Community event with something for everyone in your family. There will be fun, interesting, and enlightening activities for preschoolers, elementary age children, tweens, teens, and adults.

Such a fantastic event takes many wonderful volunteers. Please let us know if you would like to help staff one the the many stations at our event by replying to Michelle Foster at fourfosters@yahoo.com.

Please let us know your shift preference:
Set - up 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Event staff 9:45 am - 11:45 am
Event staff 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Event staff 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Clean - up 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

If you have any questions about the venue schedule, etc., please feel free to contact Michelle Foster, and thank you for helping us staff this wonderful Sneak Peak of the Lafayette Library!

Gifted Pianist Gives Free Concert
This concert is free and a gift to the community for all their support, but seats must be reserved. 16-year-old pianist, Chloe Pang, from Orinda, made her Carnegie Hall debut last year, appeared on PBS, the Martha Stewart and David Letterman shows, toured Russia & the Baltic nations as soloist, was named #1 Teen by Contra Costa Times and a TOP 30 UNDER 30 New Generation Classical Musician by KDFC. She recorded her debut CD of Bach's Goldberg Variations at the age of 12, twice acclaimed in International Piano Magazine.

On an artist's last minute cancellation, Chloe steps in to perform her Washington Recital debut for Tacoma Philharmonic's Discovery Virtuoso Series April 19. One week later, she performs Rachmaninoff's iconic Piano Concerto No. 3 in recital locally in SF (as heard in the movie, SHINE), a feat no young female pianist attempts, as well as works by Beethoven and Ravel in the Concert Hall of San Francisco's Conservatory of Music April 26, 2:00pm, 50 Oak St, SF. Call 925.212.2035 or e-mailebpwoman@comcast.net.

Please visit chloepang.com for more info.

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. 



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 

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