Saturday, September 20
Lafayette Arts & Wine Festival

Sunday, September 21
Lafayette Arts & Wine Festival

Monday, September 22
Autumnal Equinox
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM
Girl Scouts Parent Mtg.; Library, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM

Tuesday, September 23
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Minimum Day
      K: usual schedule
      Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
      Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM
RAPPORT Mtg.; DO, 9:00 AM

Wednesday, September 24
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Minimum Day
      K: usual schedule (Wacky Wednesday)
      Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
      Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM
Cub Scout Pack 200; MP Room, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Thursday, September 25
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Minimum Day
      K: usual schedule
      Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
      Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM
TEACHER OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION--- CONGRATULATIONS, ERIN! Concord Hilton, 6:00 PM

Friday, September 26
Parent/Teacher Conferences
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

Saturday, September 27
PFC Parent Garden Workday

Sunday, September 28
PFC Parent Garden Workday

Monday, September 29
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM

Tuesday, September 30
Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday, October 1
PFC Executive Board Mtg.; Lounge, 5:30 PM

Thursday, October 2
KidzArt; Rm. 25, 2:45 PM

Monday, October 6
Chess Club; Library, 2:45 PM
4th Grade Staff/Parent Camp Meds Training, Nurse Meg; DO, 3:15 PM
Cub Scout Pack 200; Library, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM

Tuesday, October 7
Bargain Book Bonanza; noon
OLSAT 3rd Gr. Parent Information Mtg.; DO, 6:30 PM

Wednesday, October 8
Yom Kippur begins at sundown
PFC Teacher Appreciation Luncheon; Lounge, noon

Thursday, October 9
Yom Kippur
KidzArt; Rm. 25, 2:45 PM

A. THANK YOU SO MUCH to Corrine Christensen and the PFC for the exceptional gourmet Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last Wednesday. As always, it was unbelievably delicious!!!

B. SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL: The School Site Council is a team which includes the principal, teachers, other school personnel and parents, all of whom are elected by their peer groups to represent them on the Council. The Council meets monthly to address the changing needs of our students by developing a School Site Plan and implementing the goals of that plan. The School Site Plan attempts to address the special and unique needs of our community and includes such items as review and allocation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) budget for teacher aides and possible other programs. Equally as important, it is the job of the Council to address areas of concern and to carry out effective solutions. For more information about the School Site Council, including agendas and minutes of recent meetings, please check out the Springhill School Website at: http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/springhill/ There are four parent positions currently vacant on the Council. If you would be interested in running for these positions or have questions about the School Site Council, please call Bruce Wodhams at 283-8281 or e-mail at: bwodhams@lafsd.k12.ca.us. Thank you to our three departing parent members for the outstanding job they did: April Raffel, Stephanie Coate & Heidi Felt!

C. AGAIN, A HUGE THANK YOU TO Mrs. Samela Rucker-Smith and to all parent volunteers for putting together last week's Springhill Picnic! Everyone had a great time!

D. ONCE AGAIN, A BIG THANK YOU to the Lamorinda/Sunrise Rotary Club and their annual donation of dictionaries to every student in the 3rd grade at Springhill School and every other Lafayette School. This is a huge benefit to our students and is much appreciated. THANK YOU, ROTARIANS!!!

E. THANK YOU TO ALL who attended our first PFC General Meeting last Wednesday. It was a good turnout and your commitment to your children and to Springhill School is greatly appreciated! Welcome to the new PFC Executive Board and its new President, Beth Brown!

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


THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

Springhill School has recently sent a team of eight (four parents and four staff members, including myself) to San Francisco for three days this summer where we were introduced to an impressive, character development framework used nationwide known as CHARACTER COUNTS! It has an excellent track record primarily with schools, but also with sports organizations, businesses, nonprofit institutions, etc. We are eager to share what we learned at this workshop with the Springhill community. As parents, you will have opportunities to learn much more about how we might use CHARACTER COUNTS! as a framework for all that we do at Springhill. Through school communications, parent ed presentations from our PFC and your own children, you will be kept apprised of this endeavor as the school year progresses. CHARACTER COUNTS! is based on the Six Pillars: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. We are enthusiastic about every aspect of CHARACTER COUNTS! and are looking forward to introducing its components to the student body. Because of the way in which the framework is designed and the flexibility with which it can be implemented, it can serve as an umbrella under which we will continue our PAY IT FORWARD program and our regular SPIRIT WEDNESDAY activities, and, perhaps, can create the opportunity for a number of additional activities. You will be receiving much more news about CHARACTER COUNTS! as the year unfolds, but you may also access the following website for more information: http://charactercounts.org/

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 made a significant change in the Pay It Forward program last 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 no longer identify the specific students who performed the acts (e.g., "Two 2nd graders had a lemonade sale over the weekend and raised $30 for the school's Coins For a Cure Diabetes Drive.") 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.

A. PAY IT FORWARD: DONATE TO THE KIDS OF CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL: Beginning Monday, September 8, until Friday, September 26, you can donate items such as toys and school supplies to the patients of Children's Hospital in Oakland in bins in front of the school. Thank you to two of our 4th graders and their family for organizing this drive. Well done, gentlemen!!! For a complete list of items you might donate, check out: www.childrenshospitaloakland.org/join/join_other- donations.asp#always


DIFFERENTIATION CORNER

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

In Ms. Hirsch's 2nd grade, the children have a shopping bag. Each child 'shops' for books on Mondays. The books in the class library are leveled. Children select "just right" books of their choice. All reading materials including reading response journals are kept in this bag at their desk. When Reader's Workshop takes place, these books are readily available for discussion and reading practice.

*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.

I'd like to send a huge thank you out to Samela Smith and all of the volunteers who helped put the Family Picnic together! We had great weather, fabulous music, good food and a scrumptious baked treats! Thanks to all who brought in the baked goods for the bake sale.

For all you 5th grade families, if your child is planning to participate in this year's drama production, today is the deadline to get your forms and fees turned in. Please drop your paperwork off in to the office no later than today! Thanks you Lyenne Denny and Cindy OConnor for coordinating our 5th grade play this year!

Do you have an accounting background? Are you familiar with Quickbooks? Are you looking to get involved with the PFC? We are looking for someone to fill the Treasurer of Budgeting and Reporting position. If you are interested, please contact me!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Beth Brown
2008-09 Springhill PFC President
pfcprez@yahoo.com

LASF Beneficiary of Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Did you know that LASF is the cause chosen by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce as the major beneficiary of the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival? That means you can enjoy the Lafayette good life while investing in Lafayette education! The festival takes place this coming weekend, September 20th and 21st, so be sure to go and taste the best that our town has to offer. Stop by the LASF booth in La Fiesta Square to get your Measure E questions answered. While there, paint a property on the Lafayette Monopoly board - another inspired community art project produced by LASF. And please join LASF in an all-school THANK YOU to the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce!

Save the Date: LASF's Annual Event is November 15th
Come share in the love for education at LASF's 'Love Lafayette - Love our Schools' Annual Event. With hor d'oeuvres, a casino, live music and dancing, and more TBA - what's not to love about LASF's major fundraising event of the year?

Ten Percent Savings AND Donation at Misto Lino
Treat yourself to beautiful, quality linens at a 10% discount while treating LASF to a 10% donation from the sale! This generous offer from Lafayette's Misto Lino (located at 3585 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) is valid on Sunday, September 28th only. Shop ahead for the holidays and benefit LASF and your child's education.

LASF Volunteer Opportunities Still Available
There are still a few positions open at Springhill for anyone wanting to get involved in helping with the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation. We need 1-2 shadows for fundraising and an additional co-shadow for the head rep position this year. If you are interested in finding out more about either of these positions please contact Kathy Hamilton (Head LASF Rep) at katsvetmail@yahoo.com

LASF Facts of the Week
Try playing "Science question of the day" game with your budding scientist (Shhh...but this is a great way to start prepping students for the upcoming Science Fair)

       1. Do you know why children have 300 bones in their bodies and adults only have 206? Answer: As children grow some of their bones fuse together!

       2. What do crocodiles do to help them dive deeper? Answer: They swallow stones!

Look for more questions/facts in the coming weeks....

Stages of Grief: Mourning the Loss of Peanut Butter

So it turns out that Ms. McNaught is becoming the source of all my Wellness Corner topics. Last Friday's paperwork from the Kindergarten included an interesting list of foods that contained no peanuts or tree nuts. Further investigation revealed that there are a number of peanut allergies among the Kindergarteners, and therefore the Kindergarten rooms are designated nut free zones. Apparently, parents have been remiss and sending in snacks that are not nut free. The notice brought me back...

It brought me back to the time, 5 years ago, when I dropped my oldest off at preschool. This was the first time I received a List. Denial: What? No Peanut Butter? Ridiculous. Of course I am sending peanut butter to school with my kid. After a few weeks and some polite requests to comply with the rules, I realized - I had to comply with the rules. Anger: But I love peanut butter! PB Banana sandwiches were one of three things my kid ate! Who were these "nut free" people? Well, I wasn't going to stand for it. I demanded the right to my peanut butter! Why don't you separate the nut allergy kids and let the rest of them eat what they want - I demanded? Why do we need to suffer? But eventually, I realized the rule was the rule and no PBB sandwiches for Alex. Depression.

Then I had Sadie over for a play date. Sadie and her mom were good friends of ours. They went to another school. Sadie had a level 4 nut allergy. Her mom found out she had it when, at 18 months, she nearly died in her car seat from anaphylactic shock with a granola bar in her mouth. Her mom brought Sadie to play along with nut free snacks and an EPI pen. She showed me how to use it - just in case. Then she asked if I had baked lately or had the peanut butter out. Yes and Yes. As Sadie sat and played she quickly got a sponge and began to scrub my counter. As I stood watching her I was overwhelmed with the horror of what she had to live with every day. Peanuts could kill her kid. At that moment, I just got it. No problem, I said to myself. No more PBB sandwiches, no problem. Acceptance.

Now that I have been in the school aged kid world for five years this no peanut thing is old hat. However, No Nuts does not have to mean processed packaged foods. There are plenty of nut free healthy snack choices. The most obvious examples are fresh fruits and veggies. There are also dried fruits and popcorn, lunchmeat. It takes a little effort, but really not that much - once you reach acceptance!

Here are some web sites to help you out.
http://foodallergies.about.com/od/adultfoodallergies/f/n ut satschool.htm
http://www.non-toxickids.net/2008/07/nut-free-snack- list.html

Shary Trux
Coordinator, Health and Wellness
bucktrux@comcast.net

Kindergartners heard Audrey Wood's "colorful" book about colors, The Deep Blue Sea.

First through fifth graders heard stories and/or watched film clips about Ramadan, the month of fasting for faithful Muslims. They learned that Islam began in Saudi Arabia in the early 600s A.D., when Muhammad received God's word, which is written down in the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam. At the end of this lunar month of fasting, Muslims will celebrate with the feast of the Eid-al-Fitr. Students had the chance to see a prayer mat, a boy's prayer hat, some prayer beads, and an English translation of the Qur'an up close in our library display. They also saw an assortment of fiction and nonfiction books about Islam, Muslims, and aspects of Muslim life both here in the USA and in other places around the world. All of these books are available to check out and read.

1st Grade    Zaki's Ramadhan Fast   Ann El- Moslimany
2nd Grade    Azeeza's First Fast   Rukhsana Khan
3rd Grade    One Green Apple   Eve Bunting
4th Grade    Saalam: a Muslim American Boy's Story   Tricia Brown
5th Grade    My Name Was Hussein   Hristo Kyuchukov
                  Silent Music   James Rumford

Please be aware that because of next week's half days for parent-teacher conferences, the afternoon classes we usually see on Tuesday-Friday will not come to the library.

Don't forget to check out 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, an updated library wish list, reviews of new books, and links to many helpful resources on the website, too.

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read. This week, it's "You'll learn about yourself." And, since autumn officially begins this weekend, Happy Autumn!

Sherry Mattern, Library Specialist
smattern@LAFSD.K12.CA.US

Donation to the District Proposal - Explanation of Why it did Not Happen

As some of you may recall, in January of last year our Springhill Library Aide went to work for the Stanley Library. The district had every intention of replacing her but unfortunately a hiring freeze was put into effect in February due to the severe budget cuts Lafayette School District received from the State of CA. In May of last year a proposal was put before the Executive Board to bridge the gap of district funds by paying for the Library Aides for the district. The amount totaled $67,824. Although Stanley does not have a library aide this amount does include an equal portion of funds to be used in their library. The reasoning behind giving Stanley an equal portion of funds was that the majority of the money in Springhill's account was raised by parents of children that are no longer attending Springhill but do have students attending Stanley. Parents of former Springhill students would have then benefited from their fundraising efforts.

Our PFC Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation state that the purpose of the PFC shall be to promote child welfare in Springhill School, the home, and the community through the cooperative efforts of parents, teachers and administrators. This single proposal regarding the library aides was truly generated from a generosity of spirit that is intended to role-model the pay-it-forward culture that we believe is important, not only for the Springhill community, but also for the Lafayette community at large. Namely, we are one community and can and should collaboratively work together to provide the best possible education to our children.

Time and time again, the Executive Board had discussions regarding how Springhill PFC was in a much better financial condition than parent organizations at other schools, and that "bridging the funding gap" meant for our district as a whole. Our pay it forward proposal was merely one way to contribute towards closing that funding gap for the Lafayette School District. Losing the Library Aide at Springhill has meant that our library specialist, Sherry Mattern, has less time to spend on preparing quality lesson plans due to the attention demanded by administrative needs. Additionally, the Library must be closed at lunchtime eliminating a safe haven and quiet work place for many students.

This proposal received a fair amount of support as well as criticism. Due to the timing at year-end, the Executive Board would have been seeking general membership approval in the fall during the presentation of the budget. There were discussions regarding trying to get approval prior to the fall in order to allow the hiring of library aides before the start of the school year, but we ran into difficulty with how to best communicate this to a parent community that had it's eyes focused on summer. Besides the Springhill community's approval, this donation would also have needed the approval of every Principal from the 5 schools as well as approval from the School Board since it is a restricted donation.

Due to the sudden resignation in June of the LSD Superintendent, Dr. Frank Tom, the Springhill executive board was informed that the proposal would no longer be considered by the School Board or the Principals for the 08/09 school year.

Now that our projected budget for the 08/09 school year has more expenses than income this proposal is no longer considered to be the best use of funds.

If you have any more questions regarding this matter please feel free to contact Corrine Christensen at joeandcorrine@msn.com.

Bargain Book Bonanza Sale
It's that time again... Bring your quarters to school on Tuesday, October 7 to buy your favorite gently used books. Kindergartners can buy books between 11:10 and 12:10 in front of the kindergarten classrooms. 1st through 5th graders can buy books after they finish lunch in front of the multi-purpose room. All proceeds go to our school library. We also gladly except donations of books. Please bag them and place them in the foyer of the multi-purpose room or call Farrel Vance @ 937-8230 to assist you.

Watch Our Garden Grow!
Springhill's garden, located on the Upper Playground, has some exciting plans for the Fall!
Next up is a weekend work party on Saturday, September 27 (9-12pm) & Sunday, September, 28 (2-5pm) to build vegetable/herb beds, trench irrigation lines, treat the new worm/compost bins & a few other small projects.
Bring your work gloves - stop by for an hour or two!
For more information, contact Kathy Hemmenway at 933-5266 or khemmenway@aol.com

Wal-Mart Kids Recycling Challenge
We have again enrolled in the Wal-Mart Kids Recycling Challenge. This provides the opportunity to reduce waste and to educate children on the importance of recycling. Please send your clean and dry plastic grocery and shopping bags to school with your child to be recycled. This includes plastic dry cleaning bags and newspaper bags. Springhill receives $5 for each filled collection bag. A collection bin will be in the office.

Attention Third Grade Parents:
In this week's Friday Folders you should receive information about the OLSAT (Otis Lennon School Abilities Test), which will be given to all third graders in the Lafayette School District during the week of October 13th. The OLSAT is a standardized cognitive abilities test that is taken by children all over the nation. It will be used in planning the best possible educational program for your child.
Please return the permission slip for testing to your child's teacher by October 10th. If you wish more information, you are invited to attend a parent information meeting on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lafayette School District Office Boardroom. Questions may be directed to Rachel Zinn at the district office at 927-3511.

DAC Meeting
The first DAC (District Advisory Committee) meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office Boardroom. This meeting is open to all parents interested in differentiated instruction. Please call Rachel Zinn at 927-3511, for more information.

Kid's Hideout is accepting registration for the Parent/Teacher Conference Minimum Days from September 23rd through September 26th. You can download the registration form from our website: www.kidshideout.net, under the FORMS page, or pick up a copy at Hideout. For more information on the Minimum Day sign-ups, or for Registration in our regular program, please contact Beth at 283-7808, beth@kidshideout.net. Register soon. Space is limited!

Ocean's 11 Martini Party
There are a few spots left for this party sponsored by Springhill parents on October 4th from 7-10 p.m. Here is a chance to enjoy an evening with other Springhill families, savor appetizers and listen to Frank Sinatra. Ticket proceeds support Springhill School ($75 p/p). If you are interested, please contact Maria Nelson at mariasoledad@comcast.net

Girls on the Run After-school at Springhill
Girls on the Run of the Bay Area is an after-school program that uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. We offer 10-week programs during the fall and spring seasons to girls ages 8 to 13. Volunteer coaches engage the girls in games and running-based workouts that encourage emotional, social, psychological and physical development. The girls meet twice each week after school for a total of 20 one-hour sessions. The curriculum covers important issues facing girls today such as why drugs hurt your chances of success, how to make healthy choices, the importance of community, media awareness regarding body image, and self- respect. The program culminates in a non-competitive community running event that gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
Signup forms online http://gotrbayarea.org/programs/enroll/enroll1.asp or they can contact Tristen Davis at runandcreate@gmail.com or 925.262.7790. Enrollment forms call also be picked up in the office.
Grade 3-5
September 22nd through December 6th
Monday and Wednesday from 4:30pm-5:30pm
Cost is $225 per girl, and scholarships are available, we do not turn anyone away.
Will be accepting new sign-ups through Oct 10th.

After School Hoops at Springhill
Introducing AFTER SCHOOL HOOPS®, a weekday afternoon basketball program for aspiring young players. The one hour instructional sessions combine fundamental skills instruction with organized team competition with the goal of providing an enjoyable and educational after school athletic event. Developing players benefit by improving their individual skills such as passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and defending while, at the same time, learning how to work within the framework of a team. Boys and girls of all skill levels are encouraged to join. One of the many merits of AFTER SCHOOL HOOPS® is that it provides school children with an organized after school event at which they can learn, socialize, and most of all, have fun. You can register online at www.1on1basketball.com/eastbay or download a registration form at springhillpfc.org. Please call Brent Wyse at 925 451 5888 if you have questions.
Day: Tuesday
Dates: October 7 thru December 9 (No Class November 25)
Weeks: 9
Cost: $100
Time: 2:45-3:45

Donate to Children's Hospital - LAST WEEK!
Please donate NEW and UNWRAPPED toys and art/craft supplies to put a smile on a young patient's face.
For a complete "wish list" please visit:
www.childrenshospitaloakland.org/join/join_other - donations.asp#always
Galina Kvitko 925-299-9200

Chinese Language Classes
Would you like your children to learn Mandarin as a second language? Contra Costa Chinese School (non- profit organization) has been offering Saturday classes for over 30 years in this area for students from Pre- kindergarten to high school. Adult beginner class is also available. Registration is now open for the 2008/2009 school year. Please visit www.cococs.org for more information and to register online.

Dance and Cheerleading "Kids Camp"
Don't miss 2008 Dance and Cheerleading "Kids Camp" brought to Acalanes and Campolindo High School by Cassandra Montgomery of All That Entertainment. Perform with the High School Dance & Cheer Squads during half-time at a varsity home football game!
Students in K - 5th grades. Only taking 100 participants each camp so sign up now!!!
Campolindo High School / Sept 10 - Sept 12
Acalanes High School / Sept 23, 25 and 26
Registration forms and more information: www.AllThatEntertainment.com

Measure E: Local High Schools Need Our Help
Maintaining our schools to meet the challenges of today requires an on-going investment- that's why the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) has placed Measure E on the November ballot.
Measure E is a $93 million bond measure that will fund necessary improvements to AUHSD's four high school campuses: Acalanes, Campolindo, Las Lomas, and Miramonte, as well as the district's adult education center.
Because the high school district is able to rollover existing bond funding, Measure E will not increase your current tax rate.
Measure E will bring technology upgrades to each of the high schools, allowing students and teachers to take full advantage of the communication and technology tools that are commonplace in classrooms and workplaces across the country.
Measure E will replace worn roofs, aging classrooms, and antiquated plumbing and electrical systems.
The Acalanes District serves students in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and portions of Walnut Creek ¬ it's our high school district. So please take a minute to learn about this important ballot measure and, if you have the time, volunteer to help on this important campaign.
Learn the facts and endorse the measure by going to http://www.AboutMeasure E.org/

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Beth Roosa: fridayflyereditor@yahoo.com

All entries due Wednesday before 3:00pm. Entries must be kept brief, please.
Subscriber info: bethhutson@comcast.net

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