Special Message: SWINE FLU

Dear Parents:

As per the e-mail you received yesterday from our Superintendent, Dr. Fred Brill, this is an unsettling time for us all in regard to the potential pandemic of swine flue.

At this time, the county health department advises us that students who are not ill can safely come to school; our schools will remain open. We will keep you updated with any important information as it becomes available.

Following, please allow me to share what is being done at school and what can and should be done in the home.

AT SCHOOL - Students are encouraged to wash their hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds; this is often a whole class activity.
- Students are reminded NOT to share food, including beverage containers.
- Students are reminded to apprise a responsible adult at school if they are not feeling well.


AT HOME - Keep children who are sick at home. Don't send them to school.
- If someone in your home is sick with flu-like symptoms, including a fever, contact your health care provider.
- Teach your children to wash hands a lot with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.
- Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.
- People who are sick should stay home from work or school and stay away from other people until they are better, and contact their health care provider.
- Feel free to check the Contra Costa Health Services website at cchealth.org for more information.

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGES

A. STAR TESTING DATES & OTHER INFORMATION FOR THIS YEAR:

1. 4th Grade STAR WRITING TEST: Took place on Tuesday, March 3;
   
2. 2nd-5th Grade STAR TESTING: Monday, May 4-Tuesday, May 12
   
3. To ensure optimum results during STAR TESTING, we ask that:
   a. Students arrive at school on time;
   b. Students have a good night's sleep and nutritious breakfast before school;
   c. All dental and doctor appointments be arranged for the afternoon or another day.
   d. Parents promote and maintain an atmosphere of calm and absence of stress for your children during this time. State Standardized Testing is NOT the "be-all" and "end-all" of your child's education! Thank you.
   

B. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THIS WEEK'S KINDERGARTEN MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS!!! What amazing talent we have in our K classes! A special thank you to teachers Bridget Quinn, Kathy Miller, Susie Graham and Meghann McNaught and to all those volunteer parents. Well done!

C. DEAR PARENTS: If there is the possibility that your child(ren) will not be attending Springhill School next year (with the exception of current 5th graders) due to moving or attendance at a private school, please let your child's teacher know as soon as possible to assist us in planning for the 2009-2010 school year. Many thanks!

D. PLACEMENT INPUT: Last week you received a letter and form outlining the process for providing relevant input for your child's placement for the 2009-2010 school year. It is neither required nor suggested that you provide this information; if, however, you feel that your child has special needs that should to be considered for placement, please feel free to utilize this process. Please read the policy and procedure carefully and return the form to your child's current teacher by Friday, May 8. Thank you.

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

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"There is nothing noble in being superior to somebody else. The only real nobility is in being superior to your former self."
- Whitney Young, civil-rights leader (1921-1971)

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. CONTRA COSTA FOOD BANK: The US POST OFFICE is conducting a food drive for the needy through the CONTRA COSTA FOOD BANK until next Friday, 5/8. Please donate dry and canned foods in the barrels placed in front of the school. Thank you for supporting the Pillars of Caring & Citizenship

B. PENNIES FOR PATIENTS, our annual drive for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society is being extended!!! Today you received more information in your child's Friday Folder about this drive. Bring that spare change to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. Collection boxes are in in each classroom and the main Office for any change you can spare. Thank you for supporting the Pillar of Caring!!!

C. COMING SOON: OUR ANNUAL NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY QUENCHERS FUND RAISER SPONSORED BY THE STUDENT COUNCIL ON THURSDAY, 5/14. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

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. Deitch's 3rd grade Writer's Workshop, students write at their own level while attempting the strategies they have been taught. Mini-lessons in Reader's Workshop might include presenting evidence for inferences drawn while reading, how to conference with a teacher, how to write about their reading, ways to fix it when they don't understand something they read, and so on. Writer's Workshop mini-lessons cover many things ranging from punctuation and grammar to trying different leads in a story or using the thesaurus to improve word choice. These two structures allow basic concepts to reading and writing to be taught to the whole class and then practiced and applied by individual students at their own level.

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 27 is "It can make you laugh."

Amanda collects bugs. She is a bug's best friend. She dreams of being an entomologist. But when she goes to school she discovers that her passion for bugs is not a common one. Kindergartners learned how Amanda dealt with Victor, who teased her about her love for bugs, and found a new friend in Megan McDonald's book Insects Are My Life.

Having someone read aloud to you is one of life's great pleasures. First graders got to experience this as they paired up to read to one another. Is it more fun to be the reader or to be the listener?

How well do you use a library OPAC? Second graders reviewed what the term means (Online Public Access Catalog) and learned how to do their second kind of search-a search to find a book when you know the author. They agreed that if you like one book by an author you usually like other books by that same author and an author search leads you to those other books.

There's nothing like curling up with a good book. Sometimes it's the pictures that draw us in; sometimes it's the plot or characters. It may even be the humor or the author's style. Third graders got their chance to hear poetry during National Poetry Month as they listened to J. Patrick Lewis's book of poems that celebrates books and reading, Please Bury Me in the Library.

Boolean searching is a way to help us as we try to wade through the vast amounts of information that we are inundated with on a daily basis. Fourth graders learned the basic Boolean operator phrases "and". "or", and "but not" and gave examples of ways to use these commands to hone in on the information they really needed or wanted. They also reviewed some basic book, library, and research terms.

How can you let your teacher know what resources you used for a report? How do you acknowledge those who helped shape your thinking? How do avoid plagiarizing-whether intentionally or inadvertently? Fifth graders learned about using MLA citations to create a bibliography (or works cited) page. They also reviewed basic book, library, and research terms and were introduced to the phrase "media literacy".

Don't forget to check out our website at http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/people/smattern/index.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

Springhill's garden continues to grow!

Half of our new fruit trees have been planted & the orchard area already has buds on the two peach, cherry & fig trees; we are hopeful for a small crop in the Fall! A few classes visited last week & harvested lettuce, radish, mustards & peas.

Stop by for a visit & learn how you can "adopt the garden for a week" this summer. Contact Kathy Hemmenway with questions at khemmenway@aol.com

Splish, Splash, Summer Bash at Hideout!
You won't want to miss our fun-filled exciting summer camp program! Kid's Hideout is currently 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. Today is the last day to register in order to receive a discount!!

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!

BARGAIN BOOK BONANZA SALE IS TUESDAY, May 5th

It's that time again...Bring your quarters to school on Tuesday, May 5th 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 books" and place them in the foyer of the multi-purpose room or call Farrel Vance @ 937-8230 to assist you.

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.

Come to the Stanley Library Spring Book Fair during Stanley Open House
The Stanley Library will be holding a Spring Book Fair during the week of May 11-15 and will be open during Stanley Open House on Thursday, May 14. If you are coming with your 5th grade student or middle school student we encourage you to stop by the library. You can meet the fabulous librarian, Mrs. Barbara Stevens, and find some great books for summer reading. The One Book One School selection, Peak, will be on sale as well. Sponsored by The Lafayette Book Store and the Stanley Library, the spring book fair will be open 8:00-9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, during break and lunch on Tuesday through Friday, 3:00-4:00 on Monday through Thursday, and 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. on May 14th during Stanley's Open House. Thank you for supporting the middle school library program.

Stanley Wild Cat Days
Mark your calendar for Stanley Wild Cat Days ~ August 20th & 27th. At WCD's you can pick up your PE Jersey, Student Calendar & Student ID cards. You will also have the opportunity to turn in all of your required forms, purchase apparel, pay your annual fund, take class photos and find out about the many opportunities that are available at Stanley. The August 20th date will also correspond with 6th grade orientation.

"The following communications, activities or events are not school or district-sponsored, nor are they endorsed by the Lafayette School District."

"The following communications, activities or events are not school or district-sponsored, nor are they endorsed by the Lafayette School District."

10th Annual Lafayette Kitchen Tour
Saturday, May 16th, 10am to 3pm. Tour six exquisite kitchens! Tickets $35, gourmet lunch, $12 extra. Buy tickets in advance through a Lafayette Junior member, Douglah Designs, 3577 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Premier Kitchens, 3373 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Blodgett's, 3291 Mt. Diablo Ct., or online http://www.lafayettejuniors.com/. Benefiting Youth Homes Inc.

Senior Girl Scout Troop 32153 Shred-a-thon Saturday May 9th at Springhill
Senior Girl Scout Troop 32153 is hosting a Shred-a-thon on Saturday May 9th at the Springhill Elementary School parking lot from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The tickets are $10.00 and are good for one box of shredding (1 box= 1 Banker's box 12x10x24 or equivalent to a bag around 40lbs). All the proceeds of this fundraiser go to support the troop and their support of the Girl Scout Our Cabana program in which they are hoping to participate next summer. The Our Cabana program is an international facility maintained by Girl Scouts where troops from around the world come and participate in local service projects.For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Leslie Dumas at 925-283-7566.


The Dailey Method Lafayette and the new Walnut Creek lululemon Fundraiser Benefiting the Lamorinda Schools
Friday, May 8, 8:30-Noon
Cost: $20 (or whatever you choose to donate to your child's school)
Childcare is available (by reservation at www.thedaileymethod.com and click on Lafayette)

Take a class between 8:30 and Noon on Friday, May 8. Pay for the class and choose one of the Lamorinda School Districts you'd like the money to go to. Bring your friends and enjoy a great workout, fun, goodies and a great cause!!!!! Call 925.284.5400 or check out http://www.thedaileymethod.com / and click on Lafayette for more information and schedule.

"The following communications, activities or events are not school or district-sponsored, nor are they endorsed by the Lafayette School District."

"The following communications, activities or events are not school or district-sponsored, nor are they endorsed by the Lafayette School District."

Writing Camp at JM in Moraga this summer for grades 4-9
The Bay Area Writing Project's Young Writers' Camps offer students the time and opportunity to explore their writing interests, discover their strengths and learn more about the craft of writing. The camps provide in-depth writing instruction, structured writing workshop time, flexibility in writing assignments, and daily opportunities to share writing with peers. Through the camps, students discover the conditions and habits needed to do their best writing and grow in their confidence and skill. Instructors: Patti Forster from JM, Michelle Gellar from Oak Park School in Oakland, and Donna Montague from Cal High in San Ramon (all three are BAWP Teacher-Consultants and classroom English teachers).
The writing camp will be from June 22 through July 10, Monday-Friday. The $400 registration fee includes all materials and a T-shirt. Go to http://www.bayareawritingproject.org/stories/storyReader$614 http://www.bayareawritingproject.org/ for more info.

Town Hall Kids Theatre
Summer theatre arts classes for kids 7 to 11 years old. Join Town Hall Kids Theatre this summer for tons fun while acting, singing, dancing and playing around! Our award winning children's theatre program offers the following 3 week sessions this summer for elementary school actors: Session 1 (6/22 to 7/12) "The Granny Awards" directed by Emily Garcia; Session 2 (7/13 to 8/2) "Best Little Theatre in Town" directed by Henry Perkins; Session 3 (8/3 to 8/23) "The Little Mermaid" directed by Xanadu Bruggers. Choose from either an AM (9AM to Noon) or a PM (1PM to 4PM) session. Classes meet M-F for three weeks at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. No experience necessary to participate and everyone gets a part. We also have classes for 4 to 7 year olds, middle school age and high school teens. For more information and to register on-line go to : http://www.townhallkids.com or email classes@townhallkids.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.

May 2nd!!!! Lafayette Nursery School's Annual Science Day of Discovery
Come join us and make volcanos explode, blast rockets into space, and explore the gooey texture of flubber. Become an archeologist for the day and dig for dinosaur bones, or play with huge bubbles. These are just a few of the activities at the Lafayette Nursery School's Science Day of Discovery. This hands-on science fair features exhibits and experiments designed for children preschool age through third grade. It's fun for the whole family!
Cost: Children preschool through Grade 3 are $4.00 each
When: Saturday May 2nd, 2009, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: LAFAYETTE NURSERY SCHOOL; 979 First Street, Lafayette
For More Information Please Contact Lafayette Nursery School at 925-284-2448 or visit our website www.lafayettenurseryschool.com

ORINDA IDOL 2009 AUDITIONS!
Cash Prizes. Sign Up Now
The Orinda Arts Council Invites K-12th Graders to Sing for a Chance to be an Orinda Idol Finalist! Open to Lamorinda: High School (9th-12th) & Group Categories (K-5th & 6th-12th)
Lamorinda students are invited to audition for the group competition on May 30 10 am to 5 pm 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: http://www.orindaartscouncil.org/orindaidol.html

Wizard of Oz Junior Theatre Production
The Walnut Creek Civic Arts Junior Theatre will be presenting Frank Baum's heartwarming classic, The Wizard of Oz, on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek (1963 Tice Valley Blvd.). The performers are all local middle school students. Tickets are $15 - $17 and can be purchased through the Lesher Center box office by calling 925/943- SHOW.

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.

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Sharon Swan: 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