A. 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.
B. 1st-5th GRADE REGISTRATION FOR 2008- 2009: We have begun accepting 1st-5th grade registrations for the 2008-2009 school year. 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.
C. Join the PFC! Register for e-SCRIP!!

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is your response to the situation and what you should be doing." - Stephen R. Covey, author, speaker

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://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.

A. RUN FOR KIERAN; Stanley Middle School, 9:00 AM, SUNDAY, MARCH 8, supporting Stanford Children's Research Center and the Lafayette School District's Special Ed Program!! Support the memory of one of our dearest former students by upholding the Pillars of Caring and Respect!!
B. JUMP ROPE FOR HEART IS COMING THE WEEK OF MARCH 16, supporting the American Heart Association and the lifelong health of those who participate! Thank you, Nik Kosach (Mr. CLUB FIT), the students of Springhill School and the American Heart Association!
C. THE ANNUAL 3rd GRADE SMILE TRAIN GARLIC CROUTON SALE TOOK PLACE TUESDAY, 2/10, and SOLD OUT THE FIRST DAY. WELL DONE, 3rd GRADE!!! As of today, over $1120 has been raised. Every $250 raised sponsors a child's cleft palate surgery somewhere in the world. Thanks for Paying It Forward and supporting 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!!!

Every Wednesday in Ms. Sturman's 1st grade, student participate in math stations for an hour. The children are able to work on Marcy Cook tiles and go at there own pace. They are also able to work on their workbook pages at their own pace. For both of these activities, as they learn and master a new concept they are able to move on. If a student needs some extra time they are able to take their time.

Advocacy Day Success; State Funding for Education Will Be Reduced
Our Education Advocacy Day in Sacramento was a success: over 220 parents, teachers, school board members, superintendents and students attended. We heard a presentation from Jo Loss, state PTA president-elect; a panel discussion with our Superintendents; and a panel discussion with Senator Loni Hancock, Assembly members Joan Buchanan, Nancy Skinner and Sandré Swanson. Senator Mark DeSaulnier dropped in at the end. The attendees wrote over 1760 letters in support of education to the Governor and legislators. Those letters were delivered and we were told time and time again that our calls and letters to our legislators have a definite impact!!!

The Governor signed the revised state budget last Friday; here is the impact on education funding (Sacramento Bee): the budget "cuts school funding by about $5.2 billion through June 2010, but protects funding for a few 'categorical' programs, such as special education, class-size reduction in kindergarten through 12th grade, school lunches and after-school programs. Others would receive 15 percent cuts. The proposal to cut the school year by five days was abandoned." As part of the budget package, voters will decide five measures in a statewide special election slated for May 19th.

We have work to do between now and the May election, details will be set forth in the coming weeks. Questions, contact Springhill's Leg Rep Karen Guthrie, 925.283.7956 or kfguthrie@earthlink.net.

This Week in the Library

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read. This week, reason number 19 is "It doesn't need electricity."

Wheels on cars, wheels on trains, wheels on wagons, wheels on. Kindergartners heard a story about a family of bunnies who used many kinds of transportation on their vacation. They had fun guessing what form of transportation was coming next by using clues in the pictures of Rick Walton's book Bunnies on the Go.

Jack the Cat is building a nest to attract the perfect chicken, who will lay an egg to make the perfect omelet. The only problem is that his nest attracts more than the perfect chicken! First graders enjoyed Catherine Friend's humorous book The Perfect Nest, one of the nominees for this year's California Young Reader Medal.

Have you ever wondered what happens at the beach when it's dark and all the people go home? In Brian Lies' Bats at the Beach the second graders discovered that bats come out to play in the sand and water, enjoy picnics and campfires, and have a rousing good time until the moon sets, the sun rises, and it's time to go home. This book is also one of the nominees for this year's California Young Reader Medal.

Stanley the dog is tired of being stuck in the same old yard. One day he finds a hole and begins to scratch and dig at it until it's big enough to crawl through. Then he helps several other friends to escape and their adventures begin. Third graders enjoyed hearing about and discussing Stanley's escapades in Stanley's Wild Ride by Linda Bailey. This book is another one of the nominees for this year's California Young Reader Medal.

Guide words, section headings, photographs, illustrations, charts, captions-it was time for fourth and fifth graders to review finding information in an encyclopedia. Working with the World Book Encyclopedia, each fourth grader researched a famous African American, while each fifth grader learned facts about a specific scientific topic.

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.

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

Garden Work Day - THIS Sunday, March 1, 2-5pm!!

We have a lot of projects for everyone, so we hope to see you next weekend! Bring your work gloves, shovels & rakes!

Contact Kathy - khemmenway@aol.com

SPRING BREAK:
Hideout Goes Hollywood - Please join us for Spring Break - March 30th through April 3rd as Hideout Goes Hollywood! We will be having competitions in drama, dance, sports, art & baking! The children will be creating awards and playing in sports competitions, too! This week is sure to be lots of fun. Sign up forms can be picked up from the school office or HIdeout, and will be available on our website at the end of February. Register early for discounts! For more information, please contact Beth Brown at 283- 7808 or beth@kidshideout.net.

SUMMER CAMP AT HIDEOUT:
Summer Camp registration packets will be available soon. We will have nine camp sessions this summer ranging from June 15th through August 14th. Stay tuned for details!

PHOTOS NEEDED FOR YEARBOOK
We need digital pictures of your kids to round out the yearbook. Up to two pictures per child per subject. Pictures received in the next week (including March 6) are guaranteed to appear. The three subjects we need are:

1. Girl Scouts (including Brownies, etc.) Please email to scampillo@comcast.net
2. After School Sports (soccer, swim, baseball, karate, etc.) Please email to nicole.rogers@marriott.com
3. After School Activities (hobbies, clubs, music, service, etc.) Please email to nicole.rogers@marriott.com

If you have any questions, please email Jim White at thewhitefamily@comcast.net

BARGAIN BOOK BONANZA SALE
It's that time again...Bring your quarters to school on Tuesday, March 3 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. We are especially in need of chapter books for the 4th and 5th graders. Please bag them, label the bag with"bargain book's and place them in the foyer of the multi-purpose room or call Farrel Vance @ 937-8230 to assist you.

Start putting you foursome together for the
******Springhill Annual Golf Tournament*****

Friday, May 8th, 2009
At the Boundary Oaks Golf Course, Walnut Creek

Lunch, Dinner, Raffle, Prizes, Contests and loads of fun.
Come join us!!!


Run for Kieran
On March 8, Special Education Enrichment and Development Foundation of Lafayette (SEED) will be participating in a very special event that commemorates the life of one of Lafayette's children with special needs. Run for Kieran is an annual fundraiser held by the Quinn family to remember their son Kieran who died three years ago from a degenerative genetic disorder. Kieran was incredibly near and dear to the hearts of so many in the Springhill and greater Lafayette community. He was a loving compassionate child with an infectious smile and dogged perseverance who touched the lives of so many.

This year's Run for Kieran will benefit SEED and the Department of Genetics at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital. The Run is a wonderful way for us to come together as a community of families, teachers, and friends in support of our children with special needs. SEED hopes that all of you can join us for this wonderful event.

To learn more about Run for Kieran, to sign up for the run or to make a donation, please click here: http://web.me.c om/bridgetquinn

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: KIDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
On Monday, March 16th there will be a special presentation and event on climate change just for kids, organized by the 5th Grade Girl Scout Troop at Lafayette Elementary School and Sustainable Lafayette (www.sustainablelafayette.net). The evening will feature a presentation by Doug Grandt and Paul Valva of The Climate Project (www.theclimateproject.org) , which was developed in partnership with Girl Scouts. The program is designed for kids (especially 3rd-7th grade) and their parents and will cover what "climate change" is and what kids are doing and can do to make a difference. Kids will also share what they're doing already in the community and there will be "By Kids, For Kids" educational displays. Please join us!

WHEN: Monday, March 16th at 7-8:30 pm
WHERE: Our Savior Lutheran Church at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette

Admission is free, but space is limited and pre- registration is required. To register, email aej@cpdb.com and state the number of kids/adults in your group that will be attending.

AFTER SCHOOL HOOPS
Join ONE on ONE BASKETBALL for After School Hoops at Springhill Elementary School. Throughout the winter and spring, skilled and experienced basketball instructors will conduct a one hour clinic, once a week, for you and your friends. These clinics will help you become a better basketball player through drills, contests, and game competition. Classes will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 2:40-3:40 PM. Starting March 3rd running thru May 12th, no class on March 31st. Cost will be $95 for the 10 week class. Please go to this page and register www.1on1basketball.com/ if you have any questions please call (925) 451-5888.

SUMMER RESOURCES FAIR - NOTE CHANGE OF DATE!!!
The American Camp Association and Seven Hills School are sponsoring a Summer Resources Fair, Saturday, March 7, 10:00am - 1:00pm at Seven Hills School (not March 21)
975 North San Carlos Dr , Walnut Creek (near Heather Farms).
Come meet camp directors and recreational professionals and learn about the many summer programs for kids 4-15 years of age. Admission is free as a public service to families.

CAL SHAKES SUMMER THEATER PROGRAMS NOW ENROLLING!
Cal Shakes is happy to once again offer Summer Theater Camps & Conservatories serving kids ages 8 to 18, with locations in both Lafayette and Oakland Hills. Students engage in daily morning classes, ranging in subjects such as acting, stage combat, improvisation, text and more, while spending afternoons rehearsing a Shakespeare play. The final day of each program is dedicated to student performances. To enroll or learn more, visit www.calshak es.org/camps or call 510.809.3293.

CAMP EDMO
Features fun, hands-on Art & Science, Animation and Recreation activities designed by the ®Exploratorium, ®California Academy of Sciences, ®Museum of Children's Art, ® Zeum and the ®YMCA. Kids entering K-5th grade learn while they play, and play while they learn! Older campers (3rd-5th graders) can sign up for our NEW Animation sessions which include themes such as "Clay toons," "Comic Strips" and "Toy Stories." Our Arts & Science sessions, available to all K-5th grade campers, include themes such as "Fantastic Flyers," "Planet Super Heroes," and "Gadgets & Gizmos." Camp always begins and ends with silly camp songs, games, skits, or wacky water games.

East Bay Locations:
Oakland- Archway Elementary
Alameda- Otis Elementary
Moraga- Rheem Elementary
*Additional Bay Area locations in Marin, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Price: Arts & Science sessions $369/week; Animation sessions $479/week. Kid Chow lunch service is optional. Camps run Mon-Fri., 9am-3pm with AM and PM Extended care available.

For more information visit www.campedmo.c om or call 415-731-6673.

SUN VALLEY SWIM TEAM
Want to join a great swim team? Come join Sun Valley Swim Team (SVST) this summer for the perfect combination of competitive spirit and team fun! Non- pool members are welcome to join our team. You'll love our sense of community and our new pool! In addition to swim team (ages 5-18) we also have a Pre-Team program for ages 4-5. We are also offering an after-school Spring Stroke Clinic by the Cal Women's Swim Team. Clinic is open to all swim teams. Swim team registration is Sunday, March 15th 12pm-2pm at Sun Valley Pool (1000 Leland Drive, Lafayette). For more information, check out www.SwimSu nValley.com or contact BVE parent Tracy Broback at GoRays@SwimSunValley.com

ARTS, ADVENTURE & ACADEMICS 2009
Arts, Adventures and Academics Summer Camp will be held June 22- July 24th at Walnut Creek Intermediate School.
NEW ! This 5 week program is for all campers entering K through 9th Grades. All activities are hands-on and discovery-based, allowing kids to learn by doing. Our high quality programming and caring staff have made this program a favorite for over 25 years!
For more information, please visit our web site at www.arts-ed.org or call (925) 943-5846.

Girl Scout Rummage Sale - THIS SATURDAY!
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!

Friends of the Lafayette Library
Come to the Lafayette Library on March 16 to hear Blake Taylor talk about his book ADHD and Me: What I Learned from Lighting Fires at the Dinner Table. This story is a must-read for parents of children with ADHD and those who live with the condition. Program begins at 7:30. Coffee and desserts served.

ARTISTS WANTED!
Forms are available in your Library to enter the Lafayette Library Bookmark contest which begins March 2 and ends March 18th. Winners will be notified and an Award Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 7th.

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.

RAISING EMOTIONALLY HEATHY CHILDREN:
Learn Tools for Connecting with your Children and
Helping Them to be Happy, Cooperative and Responsible

Thursday, March 5, 2009, 7 - 8:30 pm
Stanley Middle School Library.
The District Parent Ed committee hosts 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!

Study Skills & Learning Styles
Kim Koppenhaver-Klute, Parent educator, speaker
Thursday, March 12, 2009, Noon - 1:30pm, library
Walnut Creek Intermediate School, 2425 Walnut Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Why does my child listen to music while doing homework?
Discover Your Child's Learning Style!
There are many ways your student can succeed in school.
Come and find out how to help your student learn more effectively and efficiently by tapping into his/her learning style.
We will discover how sensory and emotional stimulation play an important part in your student's learning process.
We will also be discussing the role of stress in your student's life.
You will also learn how to encourage your student to become an active rather than a passive learner.

Topics on every Middle School Parents' Mind
Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 7-9 pm, MPH
Orinda Intermediate School, 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda
Irene Coleman (MFT) with practice in Lafayette and
Mark Bressler, Owner and Academy Parent of the Lafayette Academy

Together they will deal with the many different aspects of a middle school students' life and how it impacts the family around them - their concerns, their stresses, their challenges etc.
Some of the topics that will be covered and questions that will be answered are:
-Why reading comprehension is even more important than soccer?
-The significance of your child's learning style (includes a take home assessment)
-Why grades don't tell the whole story
-The emotional and physical challenges faced by middle schoolers and their parents and families- including information on alcohol and drugs.
-How to nurture your child along the middle school path.

The REAL Impact of Sports in Lamorinda
Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 pm
Stanley Middle School Library
Join us for an exploration into the physical and emotional impacts of sports on our middle schoolers. How do we avoid 'over participation', which leads to physical injuries and mental burnout? How we can help to build athletes of character, not just ability? Why, when we get on the playing field, do we overlook disrespectful behavior, bullying and unsportsmanlike behavior, all in the chase for a win? And how do we help our kids enjoy sports in our community?

Robin Bousquet, Senior Physical Therapist, Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes, Children's Hospital, Oakland
Erika Carlson, Sports Psychology Consultant, Excellence in Sports Performance, Walnut Creek

No fee, register at the event or on-line (course #05- 6115) at acalanes adult ed, course 0561
Questions & Comments? Vera Babor at vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us

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