A. ALL PARENTS: All of our neighbors ask that you take great caution when driving to and from school and that your attention is placed entirely upon the safety of all vehicles and pedestrians in and around the school. Too many near-accidents have taken place due to the inattention of some drivers. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY FOR EVERYONE's SAKE!!!
B. THANK YOU TO ALL who attended last week's LASF SCIENCE FAIR. It was an amazing evening that showcased the exceptional scientific talent of Springhill students. Many thanks especially to Carol Davis, Rhodora Del Rosario, Heidi Plumb, Kathy Hamilton, Kari Dahlen & Sharon Kidd and all of the parent volunteers and volunteer scientists who made it happen! A job well done by all!!!
C. 3rd GRADE PARENTS: You may pick up the results of the OLSAT Test your child took in November from the School Office beginning Monday, February 9. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Rachel Zinn at the District Office (927-3510) or Mr. Wodhams (927-3580) here at Springhill. Thank you.
D. AFTER SCHOOL ISSUES: All students waiting for rides to go home must wait either in the front of the school or in the Briones Regional Park Parking Lot. They are not to be playing on the playground, either the Upper or Lower Field, until parents pick them up. Too many injuries are being sustained by these unsupervised students. 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.
E. CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM #1: INTRAMURAL FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS!!! Sabba Jweainat & Jack Thoren, co-captains; Chris F., Nate W., John L., Roni M., Connor M., Cole C., Matthew K.
CONGRATULATIONS ALSO TO TEAM #7: 2nd PLACE: Nic Warren & Julian Hinds, co-captains, and to all other students who participated in a great flag football season!
F. 1st-5th GRADE REGISTRATION FOR 2008- 2009: We will be accepting 1st-5th grade registrations for the 2008-2009 school year starting Wednesday, February 18. Please inform any new neighbors or those whose children are currently in private schools who plan to have their children attend Springhill School next year. Remind them to bring the child's birth certificate, immunization record and two proofs of address. Thank you.
G. Join the PFC! Register for e-SCRIP!!

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of a pacific station that great characters are formed. Great necessities call out great virtues."
- Abigail Adams, second First Lady (1744-1818)

CHECK OUT THE SIX PILLARS BANNERS HANGING IN THE CENTRAL COURTYARD!

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://charactercount s.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.

BE WATCHING FOR THE ANNUAL 3rd GRADE SMILE TRAIN GARLIC CROUTON SALE TAKING PLACE TUESDAY, 2/10, and WEDNESDAY, 2/11. Every $250 raised sponsors a child's cleft palate surgery somewhere in the world. Let's Pay It Forward and support the pillars of Caring and Citizenship with this worthy cause! Thank you 3rd Grade!!!

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!!!

Instruction in Ms. Wilson's fourth grade is differentiated in a number of ways. For example, a workshop format is used to support student development in reading. Class novels and short readings are used to introduce comprehension strategies, and students follow-up with practice in the "just right" reading material they have selected from our classroom library of leveled books. They may read alone, with a partner, or in a small group Whole class mini-lessons, small group review and practice, and individual teacher-student conferences help students focus on comprehension strategies at a level and pace that is appropriate for each of them.

*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.

Legislative Advocacy Day is February 18 - Sign Up Now

The state budget shortfall for the current fiscal year continues increasing - from $8.7 billion today, on its way to $14.8 billion by July 1. The Governor's current budget proposal contains billions in cuts for public schools, and proposes increasing grades K-3 class- sizes. Last Thursday, the California State PTA and California Teachers Association held a news conference opposing increasing class-sizes.

There has never been a more important time to send our message to Sacramento: sign up for Las Trampas Creek Council of PTA's Advocacy Day by February 8th, at: http://www.lastrampaspta.org/advocacy_2009.pdf. The trip includes bus transportation, lunch, meetings and an optional tour through the Capitol.

Questions? Contact Springhill's Leg Rep Karen Guthrie, 925.283.7956 or kfguthrie@earthlink.net.

In libraries and schools across the nation February is designated as African American History Month. In keeping with that theme we read and discussed a variety of books about different aspects of the African American experience in the United States.

What would it be like to live in a city where everything is so close that you can walk and where many people along the way know you by name? Kindergartners had a sense of everyday community life in an African American section of NYC a generation ago after hearing Michael Strickland's book Haircuts at Sleepy Sam's.

Can you really mix colors when you can't see with your eyes? First graders enjoyed hearing about an African American community where a young girl learns that there's more than one way to "paint" a rainbow in Maria Diaz Strom's book Rainbow Joe and Me.

A fence separates the black part from the white part of one small town. One summer two girls, one black and one white, use the fence as a meeting place to get to know one another and discover that they have many of the same joys, hopes, and dreams. Second graders found it easy to relate to Jacqueline Woodson's book The Other Side, which offers the hope that one day the fences will come down.

Julius Rosenwald, the president of Sears, Roebuck and Co., inspired by Booker T. Washington's life story, donated millions of dollars through the Rosenwald Fund to build schools for African American children throughout the rural south. Communities wishing to have a school had to raise part of the money themselves, get help from their local white community, and commit to providing land and labor. Rosenwald schools were built in 15 states and were a sign of progress and a source of pride in African American communities. Third graders heard Dear Mr. Rosenwald by Carole Boston Weatherford, which tells the story of the building of one of these schools through the eyes of a young girl who's excited by the chance to have a new school she can call her own.

We've all heard of the Underground Railroad and two books about this period made it come alive for the fourth graders. Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards tells the exciting story of a young runaway's escape through the eyes of the woodland creatures that help him to freedom. The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud reveals the messages hidden in a quilt which help a young girl and her father make their way to freedom in Canada. Their adventures are based on a true story.

Imagine tasting "colored" water. When two cousins hear the amazing story of a fountain that has colored water in the nearby big city they can't wait to see it! Matt Faulkner's book A Taste of Colored Water looks at the turmoil of the civil rights era though innocent children's eyes. A similar technique is used by Gwenyth Swain in her book Riding to Washington, which gives us a picture of people riding on buses for hours to be there to hear Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. A young white girl wonders at first what that dream has to do with her, but as she looks around her she begins to understand its importance for all of us. The fifth graders found it interesting to hear about these events in a different way and had some thoughtful comments to share.

Don't forget to check out our website at http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/people/smattern/ind ex.htm.You will 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 too.

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read. This week, reason number 16 is "It doesn't cost much."

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

Yearbook Last Call

Our team of parent volunteers is working away on an extra-special 2008-2009 Springhill Yearbook. If you didn't pre-order in August, this is your last chance to do so. (FYI, over 90% of the students have pre- ordered.) Order forms are in the "Yearbook" cubby in the school office and need to be returned by Thursday, February 12. The cost is $18. Please contact Galina Kvitko with any ordering questions at galinak@comcast.net. Thanks.

Bus Program Hires FIRST STUDENT for Fall 2009
The Lamorinda School Bus Program is pleased to announce that it has chosen a new company to provide regular-education school bus service starting August 2009. FIRST STUDENT is a well-known, reputable company with many years of experience in pupil transportation. With FIRST STUDENT's price, the LSBP will be able to maintain most of its service next year. (Continuing with Durham would have resulted in the elimination of five buses.) All buses will be new and will be equipped with seatbelts.
FIRST STUDENT will provide opportunities for current drivers to interview and sign on with them. We have been fortunate to have so many wonderful Durham drivers and hope that many of them will join FIRST STUDENT next year.
In the meantime, Durham School Services will continue to provide quality bus service until the end of the school year in June. Durham's special education contract is separate from the Lamorinda School Bus Program and remains unchanged. Questions or concerns can be sent to Juliet Hansen, Program Manager, at jhansen@ci.lafayette or 925-299-3216.

Town Hall Kids
It is not too late to register for Town Hall Kids award- winning classes! Join us on Mondays for our Bravo class, especially for elementary school kids. This class will be performing "Once Upon a Dream", a re- telling of the classic Cinderella story. Class meets Mondays from 4:30 to 6:30 and starts on February 2nd. Also on Mondays, check out our new Puppet Production Studio where you'll have fun creating puppets, writing a script, inventing sets, and filming your miniature show. That class also starts on February 2nd. For more information and to register on-line visit www.townhallkids.com or call 925-262- 1159. Hurry, space is limited.

CAMP GALILEO RETURNS TO LAFAYETTE! Camp Galileo is a summer day camp serving kids in Pre- K through 5th grades. Founded in 2002, Camp Galileo inspires kids to imagine new ideas, collaborate with peers and express themselves creatively. Kids enjoy art, science and outdoor programming every day, wrapped in fun camp traditions and delivered by highly enthusiastic staff. Our hands-on curriculum is developed in partnership with The Tech Museum of Innovation, de Young Museum and Klutz. To enroll or learn more, visit www.galileo-learning.com or call 800-854- 3684.

Roughing It Day Camp is a traditional outdoor day camp located at the Lafayette Reservoir for children 4 1/2-16 years of age. We offer instruction in horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, fishing, sports, crafts, outdoor education and more. Roughing It has been helping children grow in wonderful ways since 1972. Our program builds friendships, teamwork skills, and confidence. Summer 2009 Day Camp Sessions run: June 22 - July 17, 2009 and July 20 - August 14, 2009. See www.roughingit.com for registration and program information. * This year we are proud to donate a $500 certificate to the Spring Hill Auction as a way of giving back to the community.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum Programs Available
Register now for exciting, discovery-based programs at Lindsay Wildlife Museum. Everything from one-day Spring Break Workshops, Summer Camp listings and education classes are offered for children (ages 2 and up), families and adults. Visit our website, www.wildife-museum.org and click on programs to see the full listing of programs for families, children and adults and registration information or call the museum (925 935 1978) to request a brochure. Pre- registration is required.

Classes include:
Phun Physics
Sounds of the Wild
Camouflage Colors
Bugology
Bluebird Project
and more!

Looking for an inexpensive, fun way to spend the summer vacation with your kids?
BOOK A SUN VALLEY POOL "STAYCATION"
Join our pool and enjoy fun days and evenings at Sun Valley Pool with your family - swimming, barbequing, and socializing with your local community.
Interested in our Swim Team too?
We offer combined Pool and Swim Team Memberships - discounted for new members.
Come experience the Sun Valley spirit and best value in Lamorinda
We are open from March thru October

Sun Valley Pool, 1000 Leland Drive, Lafayette, 94549
Contact us at http://www.swi msunvalley.com

Heritage Soccer Club Tryouts
WHO: Kids who love the game of soccer and looking for a challenge
WHEN**: Feb 12, 13, 14, 15, 21 (see locations & times below) RAIN OR SHINE
WHERE: Diablo Valley College Stadium (Feb 12, 13) and College Park Falcon Stadium (Feb 14, 15, 21). Synthetic Turf Fields
HOW TO SIGN UP: Go to www.heritagesc.co m and fill out the Participation Form and bring it to the field. Forms will be at the field.

Friends of the Lafayette Library
Come to the Lafayette Library on February 19th when Michael McAlister will discuss his book Awake In This Life: A Guide for Those Climbing the Mountain of Spirit. This practical yet inspiring guide offers advice for people of all (or no) faith. Program begins at 7:30. Coffee and desserts served.

Girl Scout Rummage Sale
Girl Scout Troop 31983 of Lafayette is holding a Rummage Sale on Saturday, February 28th from 8AM till 3PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, located at 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, Ca 94549. There will be a large variety of goods at this rummage sale; including, furniture, small appliances, toys, clothes, and much more! Please join us in supporting the great work these girls are doing!

Impress Your Valentine and Support your Local School!
Tres Jolie Jewelery and Accessories will be donating 15% of all purchases to Springhill School! Visit at tresjolie.us, and enter SPHILL at checkout.

Campolindo High School Music
The Campolindo High School Instrumental Music Department, under the direction of Mr. Harvey Benstein, invites you to a very special concert. On February 18th at 7:30 pm, the Orchestra will perform the enchanting and timeless "Peter and the Wolf" by Serge Prokofieff. The story will be narrated by Stacey Kikkawa, Campolindo Choral Director. Before this concert, at 6:45, orchestra members will hold an instrumental "petting zoo" where students can learn about and even play on the different instruments of the orchestra. Following this piece, the Orchestra will perform "Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.77 by Johannes Brahms, with guest soloist Jassen Todorov. A native of Bulgaria, Mr. Todorov has appeared with major orchestras in the U.S and Europe, and has been hailed as "an outstanding violinist, a player to watch" by the British music journal,The Strad. Both pieces are approximately 35 mintues long. This free concert will be held in the Campolindo Performing Arts Center. Please join us!

Attention Parents of Middle School Girls!
Ever wish you could be a fly on the walls, halls or lunchrooms of your local middle school to see what life for your girls is really like in school? Here's the next best thing: "The Truth About Girls' Middle School Experience", a Q&A with a panel of high school girls from all four schools in the Acalanes High School District. These girls have not only attended our local middle schools, but also work with current middle school girls in so they really have a pulse on what is happening in our community. The panel is brought to you and moderated by AAUW (American Association of University Women), aauwoml.org. Join us for a free and lively session Wednesday, February 18t h 7:00-8:30 at Orinda Intermediate School Multi Purpose Room. Light refreshments served.

Single Parent Series
Tuesday, February, 10, 2009-You're Not My Mother-Introducing New Relationships to Kids

Keys to Cultivating Trust, Respect, and Openness with your Teenager
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, 7:00-9:00pm
MHS Theatre, No fee
David Heckenlively, MS, MFT. And Ricardo Murguia, LCSW

This interactive workshop will focus on healthy ways to communicate with your teens. Topics will include tools for developing home agreements that work, setting limits with loving detachment, understanding risk-taking behavior, addressing drug experimentation, use and abuse, and understanding healthy differentiation versus unhealthy defiance. Learn new ideas and practical skills in order to play a more effective role in guiding your teen and family through healthy growth and change.

David Heckenlively, MS, MFT, is the founder of Integrated Teen Services, in Walnut Creek where he provides assessment, treatment planning and psychotherapy for teens and families. He leads weekly parent support and education groups, evaluates therapeutic schools and programs throughout the country and provides consultation regarding treatment settings.

Ricardo Murguia, LCSW, Executive Director of Coyote Coast. Coyote Coast provides specialized services to families with youth returning home from highly structured out-of-home environments such as wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools and rehabilitation centers. They also work with families in crisis who may be facing or trying to avoid such options.

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
In High School, College, and Beyond:
Helping Your Teen Thrive With Positive Self Image

Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Acalanes Theatre, No Fee

Topics Include:
Parent Influence
Weight as a Cultural Obsession
Sexuality/Social Life---How self image affects decisions
Eating and Exercise---What happens when they leave home

Sponsored by Acalanes Parent Ed, for more information email lgsendme@sbcglobal.net.

SAVE THE DATE:
Thursday, March 5, 2009, 7 - 8:30 pm in the Stanley Middle School Library.

The District Parent Ed committee hosts "Raising Emotionally Healthy Children: Learn Tools for Connecting with your Children and Helping Them to be Happy, Cooperative and Responsible" with Roy & Susie Smart who will share helpful tools and field questions. Roy and Susie have been facilitating parenting classes and presenting workshops together on positive parenting topics locally for over 8 years. We look forward to seeing you there!

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Susan Candell: 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