A. CONGRATULATIONS TO KIM BRAST, Springhill Science Teacher extraordinaire, selected by the City of Lafayette to receive a 2008 Award for Environmental Excellence ("Green Award"). Kim, with the other seven winners, will be recognized at the upcoming City Council meeting on April 27th, starting at 7:00 PM, at the Community Center (Manzanita Room). Well done, Kim! We are all very proud of you!
B. LOST & FOUND: Come soon to check out those lost treasures and items of clothing that you thought had been swallowed up by the school forever. On Friday, April 24, we will be donating all lost and found items to a charitable cause, so come and claim what is yours. Thank you.
C. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH to Corrine Christensen, Dianne MacArthur and the PFC for another exceptionally delicious gourmet Teacher Appreciation Luncheon this last Wednesday. The staff was treated to a plethora of salads, all of which reached uncharted heights of savoriness!
D. AFTER SCHOOL ISSUES: 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. Join the PFC! Register for e-SCRIP!!

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers."
- Martin Luther King, Jr., civil-rights activist, minister (1929-1968)

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. EARTH DAY IS UPON US!!! Wednesday, April 22 is EARTH DAY! Are you paying it forward when it comes to the environment? Do you support the Pillars of Respect, Caring, Responsibility and Citizenship in making wise environmental choices? Let's do so every day of the year, not just Earth Day!!!
B. LAMORINDA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL, Stanley School, Sunday, 4/19, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM !
C. PENNIES FOR PATIENTS, our annual drive for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society has begun!!! Bring that spare change to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. Collection boxes are in each classroom and the main Office for any change you can spare. Thank you for supporting the Pillar of Caring!!!
D. REDUCE SPRINGHILL's CARBON FOOTPRINT (and get some exercise as well!!!): Supporting our Pillars of Respect (for the environment) and Citizenship (a community effort), Springhill hopes to introduce a tradition of Wednesday Walkers--encouraging students to walk or ride bikes to school daily, but particularly on one day of the week. Of course, we would not encourage such a practice unless conditions were safe for our walkers and bike riders. With this in mind, Springhill School is partnering with the City of Lafayette to pursue a state grant to build a walkway on Springhill Road from the corner of Pleasant Hill Road to the corner of Goyak Road. Last week you received an online survey regarding this pursuit via e-mail. Thank you for your responses. Thank you also for supporting the Pillar of Respect, Caring and Citizenship!


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. Thompson's first grade the students have weekly math stations where they rotate around the room to different stations to reinforce math skills and concepts taught during the week. This is a time where the students have choices on how they are going to complete the project and are able to move at a speed comfortable to their learning style.

Reminder, the special election is May 19th. EdSource is a wealth of information both, pro and con about the propositions. The site starts with a two question survey that you can opt out and proceed to the site. Joining EdSource is a great way to have easy access to information concerning education. The link is http://w ww.edsource.org/election09.html

This Week in the Library

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read. This week, reason number 25 is "You can see through someone else's eyes."

We read about and discussed issues related to Earth Day, which is next Wednesday, April 22.

We all enjoy seeing ladybugs, appreciate the beauty of butterflies, and are intrigued by water striders and crickets, but how do the bugs themselves determine who should win the annual Pest Fest? Kindergartners heard about many different "pests" as they tried to figure out which one would win in Julia Durango's amusing rhyming book Pest Fest.

Can you think of a bug for each letter of the alphabet? First graders learned about 26 different bugs through photographs and interesting facts in Terri DeGazelle's book Bugs A to Z. Additional facts and some interesting book and web resources rounded out Ms. DeGazelle's exploration of the world of bugs.

Wangari Maathai grew up in the highlands of Kenya where trees, fish-filled streams, and small gardens made a beautiful, healthy setting. When she returned after five years of college in America, she found that it was all gone and the people were suffering from poor nutrition. So she set out to bring back the trees. Second graders heard about how she worked with the women first and then with the men and children to replant the trees in Planting the Trees of Kenya: the Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola.

When the grass under a big, ancient oak on her family's farm turned yellow and smelled funny, Alice and her family were concerned. They discovered that their beloved tree had been poisoned, possibly by some chemicals that had been illegally dumped by the roadside. Third graders heard about how they tried to save their tree with the help of many in their community who recognized its value in Eve Bunting's book Someday a Tree.

When news that gold had been found in California spread to the east, people began to make their way out here in search of a fortune. Some came by ship around South America and up the west coast. Others trekked across the isthmus of Panama, and still others made the trip by land across the plains and over the Rockies and then the Sierras to reach the gold fields. In Sonia Levitin's book Nine for California fourth graders heard about the adventures of a resourceful family who traveled twenty one days by stagecoach to meet their father, who had come to California a year earlier to look for gold.

From Australia to South America, from Asia to North America, animal species are in danger. Fifth graders heard about some of the species currently at risk, discussed some of the reasons for this-hunting, loss of habitat, introduction of new species, pesticides, and many other factors-and considered some of the things that make it hard to determine what's right and what's wrong. They also heard about some species that are coming back thanks to the efforts of concerned groups around the world in Steve Jenkins' book Almost Gone.

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

We had a tremendous turnout on March 22 from Acalanes High School at our Garden Work Day. Over 50 students worked the afternoon away accumulating community service hours!!! A lot was accomplished in the garden: our erosion control project is complete, 3 picnic tables were assembled for the kids, a sunflower tee-pee has been planted - stop by to see our progress.

Thank you to Jim McCreary - McCreary Tree Service (Megan's Dad, 1st Grade) & East Bay Tree Service for donating wood chips that will be used for mulch throughout the garden!!

Our next Garden Work Days is Sunday, April 26 from 2- 5pm. See you there!

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.
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!

Stick School Lacrosse at Springhill

Stick School is a Recreational, Coed Non-Contact Lacrosse program for 2nd-5thgrade students. Stick School is based on recreation style games and a Reward Program designed to instill knowledge and confidence. Our expert instructors promote the physical, emotional and mental growth of each participant in a safe enjoyable environment. Stick School provides all equipment & instruction necessary for a child to develop his/her stick skills. Our goal is to provide a place where students have fun learning and improving their lacrosse stick skills. For more information, please visit us online: www.StickSchool.org

After School at Springhill from 2:45-3:45, April 23rd- May28th, $125. Please use the flyer to register.

Orinda Idol--CASH PRIZES
Sign Up Now

The Orinda Arts Council Invites K-12th Graders to Sing for a Chance to be an Orinda Idol Finalist! Lamorinda students are invited to audition for the group competition on May 30 at Orinda Intermediate School. (Note, solo competition for Orinda K-8 and Lamorinda 9-12 only.)

RESERVATIONS OPEN APRIL 17th and CLOSE MAY 24th. Email Student(s) Name, Grade, School & Email Address to orindaidol@bluestar.com FOR MORE INFORMATION: h ttp://www.orindaartscouncil.org/orindaidol.html

The City of Lafayette Sponsors a Free Bike Safety Rodeo for Kindergarten through 6th Grade Students.

The City of Lafayette will host a free Bike Safety Rodeo on Sunday, April 19, at Stanley Intermediate School, located at 3477 School St. The Rodeo is designed to train children, from Kindergarten through 6th Grades, safe practices when riding a bike. Parents and children are encouraged to drop by between 12PM to 4 PM to benefit from the instruction offered by this event. Students will learn about bike safety practices, the "Rules of the Road", and practice riding through a mini-version of a city sidewalk and street. The event will also include a bike safety check performed by mechanics from the Sharp Bicycle, helmet checks and fitting, refreshments, and giveaways! Limited parking is available so consider biking to the Rodeo via the Lafayette-Moraga Trail. All children who participate should bring their own bike and bike helmet. The rodeo is sponsored by the City of Lafayette and the City's Bike/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). For further information, contact Dan Harkins at 925-323-6682 or dharkins1000@aol.com

Stanley Open House May 14th at 7 pm

The Stanley School Open House date has been changed to May 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Learn Chinese

Contra Costa Chinese School is offering Mandarin classes for Pre-K to 12th grade and beginning conversation class for adults on Saturdays at Diablo Valley College campus in Pleasant Hill. CCCS is a nonprofit school offering exceptional and affordable Chinese language classes since 1976. Students can learn simplified or traditional Chinese characters as well as participate in many cultural classes like calligraphy, painting, martial arts, folk dancing, Chinese yo-yo, chess and more. Registration starts on May 2nd. For more information, visit our website www.cococs.org or phone John Chen (925)837-5888; email cccsregistrar@gmail.com.

Girl Scout Summer Camp Open To All Girls Membership Not Required

Did you miss the annual registration flurry last September and wish you had joined Girl Scouts this year? Are you longing for a mission of Courage, Confidence and Character? Girl Scouts registers adults and girls year round with programs for all school-aged girls, kindergarten through high school. Juliette Girl Scouts are individually registered Girl Scouts not connected to a troop, it's especially popular among Girl Scouts 11-17 who love the program but are very busy with other activities.

Another enormous bonus is Girl Scouts of Northern California has resident and day camp programs for girls ages 5-17, from the High Sierras to the Pacific Coast. There is something available for every girl and interest. Any girl can go to Girl Scout camp, membership is not required. For more information about joining Lafayette Girl Scouts, go to the local website, www.lafayette girlscouts.org, or contact Linda Bailey Wurgley, Membership, (925) 330-8222.

Girl Scout & Guests Ice Cream Social

You're invited to join your Girl Scout friends at the Stanley Ice Cream Social "Cinco de Mayo Celebration" (For all 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade Girl Scouts and Guests)

DATE: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
TIME: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
COST: Absolutely Free
LOCATION: Stanley Middle School Multi-Purpose Room

Come on out for an hour of music, SWAP crafts, ice cream sundae making, and fun, with your Girl Scout friends. Just bring the permission slip (link follows), signed by a parent or guardian to the event. http://www.lafayettegirlscouts.org/Forms- EVENTS/08- 09/2009_Stanley_Ice_Cream_Social_final.pdf For more information contact Sandra Patterson at pattersonburr@earthlink.net, or 296-9281.

Cal Shakes Summer Theater Programs Now Enrolling!

Cal Shakes is happy to once again offer Summer Theater Camps & Conservatories serving students ages 8 to 18, with locations in both Lafayetteand 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.

Warriors Basketball Camp

The Golden State Warriors will be conducting a summer camp for boys & girls, ages 8-16, at Bentley School in Lafayette during the week of July 13-17 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM each day. In addition to the camp, each participant receives 2 tickets to a Warriors home game. For more information, log on to www.warriors.com or call (510) 986-5310.

Acalanes Football Camp

Do you have a son that is interested in learning about football? Acalanes Head Coach Mike Ivankovich and his staff will be running a camp for those entering 3rd-8th grades. This is a non-contact camp where your son will learn the skills, techniques, rules and fun of football. WHEN? June 22-24 (Mon.-Wed.)..3rd-5th graders will go from 10:00-12:00. 6th-8th graders will go 9:00- 12:00. The camp will be held at Acalanes High School and will cost $100. Answers to questions and forms for the camp may be obtained from Mike Ivankovich by contacting him at: mivankovich@acalanes.k12.ca.us.

FOOTBALL SUMMER CAMP GRADES 4- 8

Campolindo Head Football Coach Kevin Macy and his staff are once again offering their 10 day summer football camp July 13-24 Monday-Friday. 1:30-5 at Campolindo High School. Details and the registration form are available at www.campofootball.com Flyers will also be available in the office at school.

Announcing the Lamorinda Earth Day Festival!

On Sunday, April 19th the City of Lafayette, Sustainable Lafayette, and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce are hosting the fourth annual Lamorinda Earth Day Festival at Stanley Middle School from 11-4pm. This will be the first festival of its kind, focused on the idea of "Going Local" and will feature 5 zones representing 5 ways to go local: eat local, shop local, power local, move local, and act local. There will be over 50 organizations with educational displays, handouts, information, and activities as well as live music, inspiring speakers, free videos, local food to taste, recycling, and many kids activities. Just for students: a Bicycle Rodeo where kids can navigate a course to learn bike safety skills, a presentation for students by the Alliance for Climate Education, tables and displays by many local school and scout troops, face painting, solar toys, story reading, tasty local foods, animals, re-usable lunch bags for sale, and more! For more information please visit: http://www.sustainablelafayette.net/events/earthday/

Host Families Needed

Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit international education exchange organization dedicated to the promotion of academic development, cultural understanding, environmental consciousness, and world peace. CCI has placed over 1,000 students annually for the last 24 years. If you have thought about hosting an exchange student or know of someone who might be interested, please contact Candace Morton at Candace94549@yahoo.com.

JF Kapnek Annual 5K/1K Family Fun Run April 26, 2009 at 9:00 am

Bring your friends and family to celebrate our accomplishments in Zimbabwe with the J.F. Kapnek Charitable Trust's 6th Annual 5K/1K Family Fun Run on April 26 at Miramonte High School in Orinda. There will be races for children as well as adults along with music of Zimbabwe, children's crafts and activities and a delicious brunch. Proceeds from this event will go to the Trust's efforts to diminish the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the children and families of Zimbabwe. Registration fee includes brunch and a T- shirt. Register online at www.active.com (keyword: Kapnek) or go to the Trust's website at www.jfkapnektrust. org.

Join us for an Elementary School Parent Education event at
Murwood Elementary School, 2050 Vanderslice Ave., Walnut Creek

Socially Responsible Lifestyle -Changes Start at Home

Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 7:00-8:30pm, library
no fee, register at the event or on-line (course # 05- 6113) at http:/ /adulted.acalanes.k12.ca.us/onlinereg/default.asp? txtAction=ReturnToCourses&txtCourseGroupID=1
Questions & Comments? Vera Babor at vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us

Speaker: Roberto Giannicola, Provokare Presentations, www.Provokare.com

In the first part of the presentation Roberto will be talking about how the choices we make everyday have an impact on people, animals and the planet, locally and across the world; and how we can take small but meaningful changes to make a difference.

In the second part, Roberto will talk about what is behind our school lunches, the waste generated and what parents can do to minimize waste and needless consumption.
Everyone will receive a free Eco-Brief booklet: Consumerism.

Understanding Stress of Today's Youth

Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and Reel Link Films Invite you to an Advance Screening of SLIPPING BEHIND. A Lafayette filmaker's 40-minute documentary exploring stresses youth face in our achievement-focused culture. A panel of Acalanes High students will respond following the film. Join us on Tuesday, April 21st, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Miramonte High School Performing Arts Center. Seating is limited, please rsvp to LibRSVP@aol.com or 925.935.2374

Sweet Thursday -- April 30 at 7:30 pm

The Friends of the Lafayette library invite you to meet Melanie Saxer, author of What My Father Saw, a moving tribute to her father and his unforgettable testimony to what he saw when he liberated Buchenwald Concentration Camp in April of 1945. The photographs Major Saxer took after entering Buchenwald leave no doubt that the horrors of the Holocaust did happen and should not be forgotten. This book is not filled with grisly statistics of the Nazis but with heart and authenticity. Johnston's true hope is to remind us how precious freedom and the United States are. While the subject matter is difficult, this book may offer a thoughtful entry to WWII history for young people. Amy Tan wrote "I am so thankful you wrote this."

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