A. WOW!!! WHAT A FANTASTIC PFC PARENT PARTY/AUCTION last Saturday at the Blackhawk Museum! Thank you to all who attended, supporting Springhill School in these tough economic times and a thousand thanks to Stri Zulch, Nancy Ishii and all of the other wonderful parent volunteers for putting this fabulous event together!

B. DOUBLE WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAST OF THE 5th GRADE MUSICAL "WILLY WONKA" who performed 4 shows last Monday and Tuesday at the Lafayette's Town Hall Theatre. What great actors and singers all of you are! Many thanks to all who attended and a thousand thanks to volunteer parents Lyenne Denny & Cindy O'Connor, to Madison Gerringer and to Directors Rena Wilson & Dennis Markam for all of their efforts in making this production so wonderful!

C. YET AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH to Corrine Christensen, Dianne MacArthur and the PFC for the exceptional gourmet Teacher Appreciation Luncheon last Wednesday. As always, it was unbelievably scrumptious, delectable and ambrosial!!!

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

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."
--Anonymous

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. PENNIES FOR PATIENTS, our annual drive for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society will begin upon our return from Spring Break, Monday, April 6. Collection boxes will be in each classroom and the main Office for any change you can spare. Thank you for supporting the Pillar of Caring Caring!!!
B. THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL WHO JOINED THE RUN FOR KIERAN ON SUNDAY, 3/8, AT STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL, supporting Stanford Children's Research Center and the Lafayette School District's Special Ed Program!! You supported the memory of one of our dearest former students by upholding the Pillars of Caring and Respect!!
C. JUMP ROPE FOR HEART IS HERE AND IS BEING EXTENDED TO THE WEEK OF MARCH 23, supporting the American Heart Association and the lifelong health of those who participate! Thank you, Nick Kosach (Mr. CLUB FIT), the students of Springhill School and the American Heart Association!
D. THANK YOU AGAIN TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED SANDBOX TOYS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO THE ACALANES LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD PROMOTING HEALTH & EDUCATION TO JUVENILE AIDS VICTIMS IN AFRICA---SUPPORTING THE PILLAR OF CARING.

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!!!

In Mrs. Newcomb's fourth grade class students have been learning about California through a variety of activities that address the different learning styles. Poetry, journal writing, technology, and drawing are just a few of the ways the students have learned about everything from the regions of California to California Native Americans to the Age of Exploration. Students have written region poems, created timelines using Excel, put together flipbooks about a California Indian tribe, and become a 16th to 17th century ship designer.

State budget cuts to education hit home on Friday the 13th, when too many teachers statewide received pink slips. That same day, the Legislative Analyst announced the current budget has an $8 billion shortfall. As resources continue tightening, we need to continue to remind Sacramento not to shortchange California's children and teachers.

As part of the State Budget signed in late February, Sacramento legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger agreed to a statewide special election to take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, asking voters to approve six propositions which will have a significant impact on the State budget and public education funding in California.

Click here to read the State Legislative Analyst's analyses of the Propositions: http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/ballot_so urce/propositions.aspx

The Las Trampas Creek Legislative team continues to look for ways to protect education funding for our children. Thanks to everyone for contributing to the fabulous PFC Parent Party.

Keep informed, sign up for Get Smart http://www.lastrampaspta.org/getsmart_dec07.ht ml

Contact Karen Guthrie if you have questions, 925.283.7986, kfguthrie@earthlink.net.

This Week in the Library

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read. This week, reason number 22 is "It's a quiet activity."

Spring begins today and what better way to celebrate than to fly a kite? But their babysitter Laura tells Hannah and Bob that they have to make a kite before they can fly it. Then it's off to the beach, but will their kite really fly? Stuart J. Murphy introduces the ideas of symmetry and cooperation in his book Let's Fly a Kite.

Do you like to square dance? Maybe do a rumba or a samba? Or is boogying more your style? Hilda the hippo dances to every beat, much to the dismay of all the other animals. It was the first graders' turn to hear Karma Wilson's book Hilda Must Be Dancing as they found out how the animals solved the problems created by Hilda's dancing. This is a nominee in this year's Primary division for the 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 at it until it's big enough to crawl through. Then he helps several other friends to escape and their adventures begin. Second graders enjoyed hearing about Stanley's escapades in Stanley's Wild Ride by Linda Bailey. This book is also one of the nominees in this year's Primary division for the 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 third graders enjoyed hearing about the bats that came out to play in the sand and water, enjoy picnics and campfires, and have a rousing good time until the moon set, the sun rose, and it was time to go home. This book is another one of the nominees in this year's Primary division for the California Young Reader Medal.

Fourth graders voted for their favorite of this year's California Young Reader Medal nominees in the Picture Books for Older Readers division. Their first choice was Doug Cushman's Mystery at the Club Sandwich. They also began to review parts of reference books (table of contents, index, glossary, appendix, and bibliography) and discussed how these tools can help you when you're doing research. Finally, they heard the story of a poor but kind-hearted peddler who followed instructions given to him by St. Patrick in a dream and heard a piece of incredible news in Margaret Hodges' book Saint Patrick and the Peddler.

Fifth graders also voted for their favorite of this year's California Young Reader Medal nominees in the Picture Books for Older Readers division. They too chose Doug Cushman's Mystery at the Club Sandwich. They also began to review parts of reference books (table of contents, index, glossary, appendix, and bibliography) and discussed how these tools can help you when you're doing research. Some of the fifth graders heard the story of the four riddles that Oonagh had to answer to free herself and Conal from the clutches of the pirate king Malcolm in To Capture the Wind by Sheila MacGill- Callahan.

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 22, 2-5pm

Have you ever wondered how to control erosion in your own backyard slope/hillside? Have you wondered what's growing in the school garden? Well, come on down!! Springhill was given a grant by the Watershed Project to help control the erosion of our steepest slope in the garden. We have proposed to slow the water on the slope (so it can absorb the soil), re-vegetate with native grasses & flowers, and install filtering plants.


We need help:
* digging trenches
* laying straw wattles
* constructing 3 picnic tables
* moving/compacting dirt

Bring your work gloves, bottled water & a shovel! Kids are welcome! If the weather looks questionable, please call Kathy Hemmenway at 915.4488 to confirm that we will be meeting.

Splish, Splash, Summer Bash at Hideout!
Kid's Hideout is now accepting registration for summer. Please visit our website at www.kidshideout.net/FORMS, then go to the "Summer - Camp Hideout '09" section at the bottom of the page. Register early for discounts!! We will be open EVERY WEEK this summer (that's 10 weeks of care!). Each week will include activities in baking, cooking, arts, crafts, sports, science and drama/dance. We will also have Wheels Days, Tasty Tuesdays, Field Trips, Pool Days & Bounce House Fridays each week.
Register & pay all fees by Friday, March 20th to receive 10% off "Camp" fees and receive free extended care. Invite and enroll with a NEW family and you both receive 25% off of one weeks' "Camp" fees. See registration form for details! For more information, please call Beth at 283-7808 or beth@kidshideout.net. Come soak up some sun with us this summer!

Spring Break
We are still accepting enrollment for Spring Break - Hideout Goes Hollywood! Please visit www.kidshideout.net/FORMS, and then go to the Spring Break under CAMP REGISTRATION FORMS!

Parent Party Coat Mix-up

Cindy Kuo accidentally ended up with the wrong black Kristen Blake coat after the parent party. She has a size 8P Kristin Blake coat that is not hers. She would like to return it to its rightful owner. In addition if anyone has a size 10(?) Kristin Blake black coat that is not theirs, it probably belongs to Cindy. Please contact Cindy directly at cindy.monroe@comcast.net.

TerraCycle, Capri Sun and Honest Kids Drink Pouch Brigade

The Capri Sun & Honest Kids Drink Pouch Brigade program allows almost any organization or individual to save drink pouches from taking up space in our landfills. Capri Sun and Honest Tea will donate $.02 for each Capri Sun, Kool Aid and Honest Kids drink pouch ($.01 for all other drink pouches), to Springhill twice a year (December and June).

Collected drink pouches are converted into fashion bags, pencil cases, back packs, lunchoxes and folders, then made available for purchase online. I have also seen products at OfficeMax on North Main Street.

Parent Volunteers Needed

In order for the whole school to participate, we need parent volunteers. Each volunteer would register with TerraCycle to receive 4 collection bags (room for at least 400 pouches). Volunteers would then fill their bags from the school collection point on a rotating schedule and drop the bags off at the post office (postage paid by TerraCycle). When records indicate that you have only 2 bags remaining, TerraCycle will send 4 more.

This is a great Pay It Forward and Character Counts opportunity - students will be helping save the planet and earning money for the school at the same time!

I would like to start the program with 6 volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Jodi Consoli at 906-0812 or acocacolagirl@hotmail.com.

LAFAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT BAND FESTIVALS
Just a reminder - The Lafayette School District Band Festivals will be held on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24. Please check below for your child's school. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Stanley Middle School Gym. All students should arrive no later than 7:00 p.m. Students need to bring their instruments and All Concert Music (including their textbook) for the concert.

WHAT TO WEAR: White Shirt and Black Pants/Long Skirt

Monday, March 23: Burton Valley and Happy Valley Schools
Tuesday, March 24: Lafayette and Springhill Schools

PARKING
When dropping off or picking up your child, please, DO NOT get out of your car, or leave your car unattended. If you need to walk your child to class, or if your child requires your assistance to get into or out of your car and collect their belongings, please find a parking stall. Don't forget that the Briones lot is also available, and generally has plenty of parking. Please remember that the parking lot situation is difficult for everyone, and these guidelines will greatly reduce the congestion that we have been experiencing. Leave yourself a few extra minutes to get your child to and from school safely. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

We have decided to postpone the Springhill Golf Tournament scheduled for Friday, May 8th.

The new date will be in the Fall on Friday, September 25th at Boundary Oaks.

We are hoping the new date will generate a good turnout, raise lots of funds and provide lots of fun.

Get to Know Stanley Night
Wednesday, April 7th, 7:00 - 8:00 PM at Stanley
For 5th Grade parents and/or guardians. Principal Schrag will share information about the basics of life at Stanley with specifics on classes, logistics and more.

2009 LMYA DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM
APRIL STROKE CLINICS and SUMMER SWIM TEAM
Registration on THURSDAY MARCH 26, 6:00- 9:00pm--Acalanes High School Cafeteria

~OPEN TO ALL TEAMS - LMYA Dolphins are offering April Preseason Stroke Clinics conducted by Acalanes High School Swim Team Head Coaches Marc Cavallero & Jeff Miller. The clinics begin on April 6 and run for 4 weeks Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs sessions available.
Register Online at www.LMYASWIM.com or in person on Thursday March 26, 2009, 6-9:00pm

~Join our community swim team, the LMYA Dolphins-- the only swim team in the area to offer the option of regular season evening practices. Swimmers age 4-18 are welcome to enjoy high quality training, stroke instruction, competitive swimming and lots of summer fun and fitness at Acalanes High School Pool. Our dynamic and experienced coaches Jeff Miller & Marc Cavallero, who are currently head coaches for the highly competitive Acalanes High School Team, subscribe to the SWIM SMART Program which promises success and fun.
~Registration is Thursday, March 26 from 6:00- 9:00pm at Acalanes High School Cafeteria in Lafayette. Bring your calendar and checkbook to sign-up. Preseason practices begin May 4th. Regular season morning age group practices begin June 15 and evening practices begin June 16.

~LMYA Swim Team also offers a "Gutter Guppy" introductory program for water-safe 4 - 6 year olds. Gutter Guppy evaluation/registration will be held May 19 & June 1.

For more information about stroke clinics, fees, meets, practice times, volunteer requirements, Gutter Guppies or to Register On line go to www.LMYASWIM.com Or Email - Registration@LMYASwim.com

HOST FAMILY SUMMER 2009 PROJECT
Participate in our summer programs for European teenagers, who spend a few weeks in the Bay Area working on their conversational English fluency while sharing their Spanish, French or German with their US host siblings, all while enjoying a taste of American life.
We seek great, fun, dedicated people as local coordinators & local leaders for our groups (paid positions), as well as interested volunteer host families.
To learn more, please contact Carla Orvis Hunt a.s.a.p. at our main office in Berkeley: 510.845.2230.

GREASE IS THE WORD
Miramonte High School presents the musical Grease at the Miramonte theater, 750 Moraga Way, Orinda. Shows are March 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 PM and March 15 at 12 noon. Tickets are $15 students and seniors and $20 adults, and can be purchased online at the MHS web store www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/miramonte.

Lafayette's Solicitor Ordinance

Lafayette's Crime Prevention Commission is pleased to announce the passage of a new Solicitor's Ordinance. It took effect February 25, 2009. This ordinance requires anyone 16 years or older, who is selling goods or services door to door, to get a permit. This permit can be attained at the Lafayette Police Department. A background check will be done. Also, the ordinance states that a person soliciting cannot knock on a door where a NO SOLICITING sign is clearly posted. If a person is caught soliciting door to door without a permit, the first offense is a citation, the 2nd offense is a misdemeanor. For more information, please contact the Lafayette Police Department at 283-3680.

Town Hall Theatre's Second Annual Fundraiser - Postponed to Saturday, May 16

Please join us on Saturday, May 16, at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette for a night of bidding and entertainment to support your favorite community theatre. Tickets will be $45 per person or $80 per couple and will include a glass of bubbly at the door and some delicious food from Wild Thyme Catering. Our entertainment for the evening will feature Town Hall actors, kids instructors and students. Raffle tickets are available for an overnight stay at the Lafayette Park Hotel and a $100 spa gift certificate. Need not be present to win! To purchase your party or raffle tickets, got to www.townhallt heatre.com or call 283-1557.

Moraga's Annual Spring Egg Hunt Sat. April 11, 2009, 9:00am-12:00pm

Egg Hunts at 10:00 am and 11:00am
Moraga Commons Park, Corner of St. Mary's Road and Moraga Road

Games, toy walk, arts and crafts, jumpy houses and more! $5 per egg hunt for kids ages 1-6, Adults free, Unlimited games wristband $5. Tickets available only in advance www.moragajuniors.org or (925)888-7045.

Proceeds to benefit Moraga Parks and Recreation Foundation and Meals on Wheels for Local Seniors.

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Maria Pratt: 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