Dear Springhill Parents:

This has been a roller coaster ride when dealing with information about swine flu-now known as H1N1 influenza. Contra Costa Health Services, the State Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been constantly monitoring the outbreak and determined that most US cases are not severe at this time. We will keep you updated with any important information as it becomes available.

To keep the flu from spreading to more people, anyone who has a fever with a cough or a sore throat will be sent home from school or childcare immediately.
Please continue to prevent the spread of this illness by doing these things:

* Check your children for symptoms of influenza (primarily fever with either a cough or a sore throat).
* Keep sick people at home. Don't send them to school or childcare.
* Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water.
* Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
* Teach your children to stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.

Individuals who are sick with influenza-like illness must stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better earlier. Contact your health care provider if the sick person has a fever of 102 or higher, or other signs of significant illness.

*New information will be posted as it becomes available at: http://www.cchealth.org/
*The Health Emergency Information Line: 1-888- 959-9911.
*For additional information on taking care of a sick person in your home: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Rest assured that we are monitoring the situation closely and we are remaining vigilant in our preventative measures. I wish you all a healthy and productive end of the school year.

All the Best,
Fred Brill, Ed.D.
Superintendent

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGES

A. 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!

B. OCEAN WEEK Yes, our 16th annual OCEAN WEEK is coming. Once again, we are trying to actually contain the events to a week (6/1-6/5) and BEACH DAY on Friday, June 5. As in the past, this week is generously sponsored by our PFC--THANK YOU VERY MUCH! The program includes field trips, on-campus visitations by Lawrence Hall of Science and other institutions, workshops for students, etc. There is more scheduled for this exciting event and you can help! Do you have a certain expertise or collection of articles relating to oceans or waterlife that you would be willing to share, lend or donate to the school? If so, contact your child's teacher or Kim Brast in the school office. Also, there will be a number of activities in which volunteers will be needed!!! Thank you.

C. THANK YOU SO MUCH to the PFC and to Lorraine Miller and her volunteers including Darcy Cole, Corrine Christensen & Beth Brown for the DAY OF THE TEACHER luncheon last Wednesday. Thank you also to Darcy Cole who arranged Yard Duty for an hour, allowing all of our teachers and aides to attend. The meal was unbelievably delicious and greatly appreciated by all the staff!

D. CHECK OUT THE DISTRICT PARENT SURVEY AND LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS!If you did not receive a survey via e-mail, check out an online copy at the Springhill website: www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/springhill/index.html

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


THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. "
--Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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. OUR ANNUAL NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY QUENCHERS FUND RAISER SPONSORED BY THE STUDENT COUNCIL TOOK PLACE ON THURSDAY, 5/14. Thank you for supporting the Pillar of Caring!

B. OUR ANNUAL PENNIES FOR PATIENTS FOR THE LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA SOCIETY raised $192 for this worthy cause. Thank you all for all that spare change supporting the Pillar of Caring!!!

C. OUR ANNUAL CHANGE FOR CHANGE DRIVE IS CHANGING!!! This year we are striving to aid our Sister City of Lalander, Afghanistan, by pursuing the following Pay It Forward efforts:
1. COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE SCHOOL IN LALANDER: Pencils, pens, rulers, paper, notebooks, compasses, protractors, etc., can all be placed in the collection box in front of the school starting next Monday, 5/18;
2. COLLECTING WINTER CLOTHING: Blankets, bedding, jackets, caps, etc., can all be placed in the collection box in front of the school starting next Monday, 5/18;
3. SPONSOR AN AFGHAN STREET CHILD TO GO TO SCHOOL: For only $260 a year, Springhill School can sponsor an Afghan street child to go to school for a year. Each grade level is pursuing this drive; you will be hearing more shortly!
All of these efforts are under the auspices of TIE (Trust In Education), an organization founded by Lafayette's own Budd MacKenzie who is speaking to our 4th & 5th graders today about his most recent trip to Lalander where our donations help the students and the businesses with a grass roots effort of aid. Again, thank you for supporting this important work under 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!!!

Students in Ms. Bornfleth's 5th grade self assessed on their learning styles at the beginning of the year. They now can apply that knowledge when faced with an academic task. Currently we are working on a Native People's archaeology and research project which provides opportunities for all types of learners. Students researched 8 tribes from regions across the US. They researched online and in the library. They were then broken into small groups of 3-4 students and given a secret tribe to specialize in. After additional research, they painted icons representative of their tribe onto old plates. Each tribe's plate will be broken and then buried in a box of dirt where it will "age" over Thanksgiving Break. When we return from break the students will receive a mini-lesson on archaeology. They will then be provided with a different tribe's box from which they will excavate pot sherds. After putting the sherds together, they will use their initial research to try to identify which tribe their relic came from.

Thank You to LASF Phonathon Donors
Our latest number is $767,000 and we are still counting! Thank you to all LASF donors who once again demonstrated their tremendous generosity and commitment to Lafayette schools. And a very special thanks to all of the first time donors who responded to our call for 100% support. Every gift truly counts. Thank you all!
"Every child. Every classroom. Every dollar counts."
Missed donating during phonathon? - please visit LASF.org to contribute online or envelopes are available in the Springhill office for your convenience.

And a Round of Applause for LASF Phonathon Volunteers
Over 100 volunteers contributed their valuable time and energy to making the Phonathon a positive success. Parents, teachers, superintendents, principals, students and community-at-large members: You were there for LASF and Lafayette students, and on the behalf of the LASF General Board, we thank you all.
"Every child. Every classroom. Every dollar counts."

Congratulations to a Springhill Phonathon Volunteer!
Each night of the Spring phonathon, LASF drew names from a pool of participating volunteers and awarded raffle prizes, graciously donated by several Lafayette parents. Almost all schools had a winner, but our very own Amy Delong-Martin (an excellent first time caller) was the recipient of Brunch at Metro and a Starbucks gift card (compliments of Erika and Jack Moore, Stanley Middle School parents). Way to go Amy!


LASF Art and Music Fair
EXCITING NEWS about this year's LASF Art and Music Fair!
Art lovers, music lovers and "hot dog" lovers look out! The LASF Art and Music Fair, being held in combination with the Springhill Open House, is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 28th. It will be an evening full of fun activities, beautiful student art displays, classroom happenings, musical merriment, as well as great food available from Top Dog!

Take this opportunity to check out the wonderful work LASF is doing with our students and see the amazing results spotlighted in the multi-purpose room. While you are there, you may also want to read about the various lessons your children have received, the art history behind them, and the techniques they have had the opportunity to practice. Children can also take part in the "hands on" activities that will be provided by some of our great LASF art instructors.

Springhill will also be hosting the much-anticipated vocal/instrumental variety program put on by Springhill's 4th and 5th graders!! So, be sure to head up to the amphitheatre adjacent to the upper playground for some beautiful music!

Below is a brief timeline of events planned for the evening:
5:30 PM Art Fair Open
6:00-7:00 Open House in classrooms
5:30-7:15 Dinner served in Quad
7:15-7:45 Musical Variety Program
8:00 PM Art Fair Ends

PLEASE VOTE: May 19th SPECIAL ELECTION AFFECTS SCHOOL FUNDING

"NO AMOUNT OF FUNDRAISING CAN EQUAL THE DOLLARS OUR SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE FROM THE PASSAGE OF ONE VITAL PIECE OF STATE LEGISLATION SUPPORTING PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING" - LTCC.

Have you voted yet? Is your ballot still sitting on the coffee table? The upcoming May 19th state-wide election will have a significant impact on state funding for school districts in our state. If State Propositions 1A, 1B, and 1C fail, it is estimated that California's budget deficit will increase by $6 billion in addition to the currently estimated $10-12 billion deficit. This will mean more cuts to public schools.

Please read your ballot information carefully and be sure to exercise your right to vote. No matter what your position however, everyone should understand that failure to pass the key propositions will have a very significant impact on public educationin California. As one commentator put it, "It is time for Californians to make hard choices."

Information on the May 19th state propositions (1A-1F) and other Leg. News is also available at the following websites:
EdSource: www.edsource.org/election09.html
AUHSD: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs064/1011112155911/archive/1102566008844.html
State PTA: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs089/1102168765122/archive/1102552957189.html
CA State Voter info: www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/quick-reference-guide
CA Leg. Analyst's: www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/ballot_source/Propositions.aspx
Las Trampas Legislative Team's website: www.lastrampaspta.org/Legislation.html

Or contact your Legislative Rep., Karen Guthrie, kf.guthrie@yahoo.com.

Are you looking to get involved next year? We've got just the job for you!! Please take a look at the following openings and let us know what you'd like to chair! Co-chairs welcomed, and actually, encouraged for many jobs. We are also always looking for shadows for many positions, so if the job you've had your eye on is not listed below, please let us know that, as well, and we can get you in touch with the current chair. Descriptions for most of these positions are listed on our website at springhillpfc.org. Just choose the PFC Leadership link and go to Job Descriptions. For more information, please contact Beth Brown at pfcprez@yahoo.com or Julie Donlon at uvdonon@aol.com.

Before/After School Enrichment Coordinator/ Liaison
Parent Education Coordinator
Box Tops for Education Coordinator
Escrip Coordinator
Lafayette Reservoir Run Coordinator for Springhill
Parent Party Chairs
Playground Volunteer Coordinator
Professional Development Coordinator
Teacher Appreciation Coordinator
Young Authors Coordinator
Yearbook Chair
Open House/LASF Art and Music Fair Dinner Coordinator
Friday Flyer Editor (shared position)
Club Fit Field Day (5th grade Parents)

It is truly hard to believe that we are already in the month of May. We hope all of you are continuing to have an enjoyable school year. All Music Core classes (Band/Chorus/Strings) at each school site will present an End of the Year Assembly Concert for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. All parents are invited to attend Thursday, June 41:20-2:20 p.m at Springhill.

The Assembly Concerts will be the final meeting for all Music Core classes. Coming soon in your child's Friday/Homework Folder will be an end of the year parent letter which contains important information regarding Music Core classes, how to switch to a new instrument, and options for continuing your child's musical studies during the summer. Extra copies of the end of the year parent letter will be in the school office.

Thanks for all your support this year. If you have any questions please email your child's Music Core teacher, Victoria Ghulam vghulam@lafsd.k12.ca.us.
Band: lbrummel@lafsd.k12.ca.us
Strings: wclymer@lafsd.k12.ca.us

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read. This week reason number 29 is "It can scare your pants off."

I want to remind everyone that classes will visit the library only one more time before I have to close for inventory. You will have a week or so to locate all library books and return them before we start the actual inventory. During that time I will be going through the collection to pull outdated or damaged books from the shelves and make notes on what needs to be replaced. Then, with the help of some dedicated volunteers, we'll scan each item in the collection. Once we've completed the inventory I will send out bills for items that have not been returned, since I will be certain that they are not here.

Mr. McGreely has planted a lovely garden of lettuce, carrots, peas, and tomatoes. But before he can begin to enjoy any of his home-grown produce three hungry bunnies munch away at his sprouts. Mr. McGreely builds a fence to keep them out, but the bunnies come back and so, the battle is on. Kindergartners enjoyed hearing how Mr. McGreely finally dealt with the bunnies in Candace Flemings' book Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

The Caldecott Medal has been awarded for the best artwork in children's books published in the U. S. since 1938. It's named after a British illustrator who lived and worked in the 19th century. Each year the winner is announced in mid-January. Mouse has a new airplane that he lets his friend Rabbit play with, but the plane gets caught in the branches of a tree. Rabbit has an idea for getting it down that involves most of the animals in the area, but doesn't go the way he expects. First graders enjoyed seeing how much the pictures added to Eric Rohmann's 2003 Caldecott Medal winner My Friend Rabbit.

If you take a cup of buttons and ask a group to sort them, they will come up with many different ways of sorting, by size, material, number of holes, color. The Dewey Decimal System is a way of sorting nonfiction books in a library which uses topics as the sorter. Second graders learned the ten basic Dewey divisions and how they can use those Dewey numbers to help them find what they are looking for in a library.

Lonely Hetta waits patiently month after month for a letter from her faraway sister. Meanwhile her sister spends month after month writing a long, long letter which she finally packs up and ships out, only to have a whirlwind send the pages flying. Hetta is sitting by her mailbox in the midst of winter when what she thinks is a blizzard turns out to be the long-awaited letter, which has a most unexpected result for Hetta and the townspeople. Third graders enjoyed the modern-day tall tale The Long, Long Letter by Elizabeth Spurr. They also had a quick review of the Dewey Decimal System's basic divisions.

After a review of the elements of artwork in children's books which the fourth graders and I discussed last week we looked at examples of charcoal, pen and ink, pencils, crayons, markers, pastels, block prints, scratchboard, digital art, and mixed media in children's books. The students brought their own experiences of working with the different media to the discussion and are beginning to have a better understanding of the role the artwork plays in children's books. We then looked at the books which won the Caldecott Medal and Honors awards in 2003. Using what they had learned, the students discussed which book they thought should have won the medal that year and why. (The winner chosen by the adult committee was My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann, which was not chosen by any of our three classes!)

When was the phrase "a stitch in time" first used? Where are the Maldives? When did Henry VII rule in England? What are some words that rhyme with farm? The answers to these and many other questions can be quickly found in various dictionaries. Fifth graders were introduced to several different dictionaries and then given sheets with questions which they had to answer using the appropriate dictionary. They had fun as they learned to work as a team and use new resources effectively.

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

Last Garden Work Day May 20 and the Greenhouse is Coming!
A midweek Garden Work Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 @ 9am-12pm. This will be our last work day of the school year. Come by for coffee, bagels & bring your work gloves.

Our new greenhouse should be arriving over the next few weeks & we need a few Dads to help assemble it. If you would like to assist with this project, please contact Kathy Hemmenway.

If your family would like to "Adopt the Garden" for a week this summer, we'd love your help! Questions, please contact Kathy Hemmenway at khemmenway@aol.com or call her at 933.5266.

Kid's Hideout - Open May 22nd Kid's Hideout will be open on Friday, May 22nd. We will be offering a hot lunch option. Please contact Beth for registration information at beth@kidshideout.net or 283-7808.

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.

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!

There is still a chance to join your fellow parents for a taste of the wine country right here in Lafayette!! A fabulous evening of friends, wine and jazzy music will be held in the newly re-done backyard of Kim and Harry Stewart. Enjoy a crisp chardonnay or a luscious pinot noir overlooking a beautiful hillside vineyard.

Friday, June 5th, 7:00 - 10:00 at The Stewart Home. $50 per person. To participate, contact Corrine Christensen at joeandcorrine@msn.com

It's all good news from the Lamorinda School Bus Program! Early Registration is here! Sign up by June 15th and save $20 per student: $395 round trip, $250 one way! Annual Pass prices are the same as last year! School Buses will be brand new and equipped with seat belts starting Fall 2009 with new contractor, First Student! For more information and to sign up, visit www.lamorindaschoolbus.org.

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