Friday, September 4
Rotary Club distribution of dictionaries to 3rd grade; 8:30 AM

Monday, September 7
Labor Day; Holiday

Tuesday, September 8
Library opens

Wednesday, September 9
Lunch outside
PFC Mtg.
     Executive Board: Lounge, 5:30 PM
     General Session: Library, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 10
Yard Volunteer Mtg.; MultiPurpose Room, 10:00 AM
Core 4th/5th Grade Music classes begin
Cub Scout Pack 200; Library, 7:00-8:30 PM

Friday, September 11
Patriot Day
Springhill PFC Picnic; Lower Field, 5:00-8:00 PM

Tuesday, September 15
AHS Back-to-School Night

Wednesday, September 16
Lunch outside
Lafayette School District Board Mtg.; District Office, 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 17
Constitution Day
Stanley Back-to-School Night; 7:00 PM

Friday, September 18
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown

Saturday, September 19
Rosh Hashanah

Tuesday, September 22
Autumnal Equinox
RAPPORT Mtg.; District Office, 9:00 AM
Parent/Teacher Conferences/Minimum Day
     All K: Usual schedule
     Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
     Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM

Wednesday, September 23
Parent/Teacher Conferences/Minimum Day
     All K: Wacky Wednesday schedule
     Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
     Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM

Thursday, September 24
Parent/Teacher Conferences/Minimum Day
     All K: Usual schedule
     Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
     Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM

Friday, September 25
PFC Golf Tournament; Boundary Oaks Golf Course, Walnut Creek
Parent/Teacher Conferences/Minimum Day
     All K: 8:15 AM-11:35 AM
     Gr. 1-3 students dismissed at 11:50 AM
     Gr. 4-5 students dismissed at 12:00 PM

Sunday, September 26
Yom Kippur begins at sundown

SPECIAL MESSAGE: H1N1 INFLUENZA/SWINE FLU

Dear Parents:

As we start a new school year, this can be an unsettling time for us all in regard to the potential pandemic of swine flu.
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 and directed to wash their hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds; this is often a whole class activity.
- Students are encouraged to sneeze into their elbow.
- 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 http://cchealth.org for more information.

A. A HUGE THANK YOU TO Lorraine and Don Miller for hosting our New Families Welcoming Coffee last Wednesday. Your gracious hospitality and delicious food were most appreciated by all! Many thanks also to Holly Nolan, Julie Donlon and all volunteers for their efforts in putting this annual event together!

B. THANK YOU TO ALL who attended our K BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT last week and our Gr. 4-5 and Gr. 1-3 BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHTS this past week! It was a great turnout and your commitment to your children and to Springhill School is greatly appreciated!

C. PARKING: Thanks to everyone's cooperation the parking lots have been running very smoothly. If you are using the front lot, please pull up to the front curb as close to the Multi-Purpose Room as possible and a volunteer will assist your child from the car, and direct them to the lower playground where they will be supervised until school starts. The Kindergarten child will be directed straight to the classroom. Please, DO NOT get out of your car, or leave your car unattended. If you need to still walk your child to class after the first week of school you must find a parking stall. If you are using the Briones lot there will be a volunteer to assist your child from the car to the lower field. Thank you for your cooperation. Please remember that the parking lot situation is difficult for everyone. Leave yourself a few extra minutes to get your child to and from school safely. Also, please be nice to the parking lot supervisors. They are volunteers giving their time to keep the parking lots running as smoothly as possible!! Please respect the private property (the blocking of driveways & mailboxes in particular) of our neighbors. Also, San Reliez Court is a private road and the residents have asked that those visiting the school do not park there; you are subject to having your car towed if you do. Thank you especially to the parent volunteers in the morning parking lot. You are doing a fabulous job!!!

D. WE MUST INSIST that students (other than AM kindergarten) not arrive before 8:15 AM as we cannot provide any supervision before that time. Thank you for your cooperation.

E. THANK YOU AGAIN TO PFC FOR ALL THAT YOU DO! WELCOME TO JULIE DONLON AS OUR NEW PFC PRESIDENT AND TO ALL OF THE NEW COMMITTEE CHAIRS! PFC IS THE BEST!!! THANKS ALSO TO RHODORA DEL ROSARIO FOR COORDINATING THE WELCOME BACK PFC COFFEE IN THE LIBRARY ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. FINALLY, AGAIN, A SPECIAL THANKS TO AMY DeLONG-MARTIN , KATIE SOWARBY & ALL OF THE PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING A VERY SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL SCORPION DAYS !

F. QUIET ZONES: Please remember that learning is still taking place in the upper grade classrooms & the Lower Field until 2:40 PM, and in kindergarten until 3:00 PM. As you congregate with your children in the main courtyard and the Lower Field asphalt area or on the sidewalk in front of the kindergarten classes at the end of the school day, please respect these QUIET ZONE areas until all students are dismissed. Thank you.

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


THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

" If a child lives with approval, he learns to live with himself." - Dorothy Law Nolte, family counselor, writer (1924-2005)

CHARACTER COUNTS! AS YOU GO FORWARD DAILY, STAND TALL UPON THE PILLARS OF TRUSTWORTHINESS, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, FAIRNESS, CARING & CITIZENSHIP!!!

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.


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. Miller's kindergarten classroom, they utilize Marcy Cook math cards and tiles. The Marcy Cook Tile math program allows students to work at their own pace and ability level, increasing the skill level as they complete each card. It is such a diverse program that it supports just about the entire Number Sense category within the mathematical state standards.

*Differentiated Instruction is not individualized instruction, but rather the delivery of curriculum to students in a manner that complements their learning style while always challenging them at their ability level.


STAR TESTING CORNER

Recently, you received the results of your child's STAR Test taken in May, 2009. Throughout California, the STAR Testing Program has become a major part of the information provided parents as to the progress of their children in school. With this in mind, Springhill will be providing a feature in the Friday Flyer for the next several weeks, providing answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the STAR Program.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STAR program? The Standardized Testing And Reporting (STAR) program was authorized in 1997 by State Senate bill 376. The purpose of the STAR Program is to annually measure how well students are learning required academic skills.
Who must take the STAR Program tests?
All students in grades 2 through 11 must take the designated STAR tests. Students learning English and students in special education programs are included. Only students with written parent/guardian requests to exempt them do not take STAR tests.
What tests did the students take in spring 2009?
The STAR Program has three components:
1. California Standards Tests (CSTs): Grades 2- 5
2. California Modified Standards Tests (CMTs); Grades 2- 5--an assessment produced for students with identified learning disabilities
3. California alternative Performance Assessment (CAPA); Grades 2-5--an assessment produced for students with significant cognitive disabilities, who are not able to take the CST.

Bruce L. Wodhams
Principal
Springhill Elementary School
3301 Springhill Road
Lafayette, CA 94549

bwodhams@lafsd.k12.ca.us

It's hard to believe we have finished the 2nd week of school already! The schedule is filling up with soccer, piano lessons, fall swimming, parent parties, and all kinds of activities! Please remember The Family Fun Fest is September 11th at 5:00. The deadline has passed to order food but you can still buy your wristbands for unlimited access to all the fun and games for $10. Please contact Devra Elze (delze@comcast.net) or Sarah Mould (sarahjane.m@comcast.net) if you have any questions.

I have quite a few shout outs this week - so much going on and so many great parent volunteers! First - a big thank you to Rhodora DelRosario for providing hospitality on behalf of the PFC for the Welcome Back Coffee and the Room Liaisons meeting. I am grateful to her for getting the job done with a lot of grace and style! Second - thank you to Lorraine Miller and Holly Nolan for hosting the New Families Coffee on behalf of the PFC. They always put on a wonderful event and Lorraine's spread is always the finest! Third- many thanks to Sheryl Lauer for her hard work as Room Liaison Coordinator. She has already put in many hours and I for one am impressed with her organizational skills. Maybe PFC President is in her future? Along that line - big thanks to all of you who have stepped to be Room Liaisons. You are the thread that connects us all - without you we would not have the high level of communication we have here at Springhill. Can I hear a "FORE? Thank you to Corinne Christiansen and Stephanie Marrone for Chairing this year's Golf Tournament - "Fore the Children" on September 25th. There is still room for your foursome so check out the link on the PFC website and sign up. If golf is not your thing but you would like to support Springhill come join the group for dinner. Last but certainly not least - thank you to Karen Elliott who has graciously stepped in to help us put together Red Ribbon Week. Karen has spearheaded this weeklong event for us in the past and has great ideas for this year. If you are interested please contact Karen (karen@chelliott.com) or Julie Donlon (uvdonlon@aol.com) - we are aiming for a collaborative effort by breaking the week down to more manageable pieces. So don't shy away - we will only give you what you can handle!

Remember our first PFC General Meeting is September 9th at 7:00 PM in the Library! This is your PFC and your kids' school - come be a part of it!

Julie Donlon
2009-2010 Springhill PFC President
uvdonlon@aol.com

We are very fortunate to live in a community with top quality schools, but once again, our schools are challenged by still more budget cuts, and the future looks like it will bring further reductions to our educational program. Concerned parents and community members have an opportunity to hear experts explain why our schools do not have enough money and, more importantly, what we can do about it.

On Tuesday, September 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, the League of Women Voters and the Contra Costa County Office of Education are sponsoring a presentation on "Improving Funding for Public Schools." Speakers include Dr. Joe Ovick, County Superintendent of Schools, Nancy Vandell, Education Commissioner, California State PTA, Craig Cheslog, Director for Assembly Member Tom Torlakson, and Eric Heins, Region One Director, California Teachers Association, in a panel discussion of how the state determines the amount of money allocated to each school, the effects of recent budget cuts on children, and, most importantly, grassroots movements to solve the budget crisis. The panel discussion will be followed by a question and answer period for you to ask your questions. The event will be held at the County Office of Education, 77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill.

Questions? Contact Springhill's Leg Rep Karen Yuen at kyuen@fbm.com.

The Fun Fest Carnival is just around the corner (Sept. 11th @ 5:00 PM, Lower Field). If you have already purchased Whole Foods meals and/or wristbands, we will distribute meal tickets and/or wristband(s) to you when you arrive at the Fun Fest entrance.

If you have not signed up for Fun Fest yet, or have not purchased your wristband(s), there is still time! Forms are available in the "Fun Fest" mailbox in the school office. Please return completed forms back into the mailbox and we will gather completed forms on a daily basis. We will also be selling family admissions, game tickets, raffle tickets, and wristbands at the event. Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting orders for Whole Foods meals. However, you can purchase various snacks and treats at the Fun Fest Snack Shack, the Springhill Bake Sale, and/or the Jamba Juice station.

This year, we're introducing the Fun Fest Raffle. You'll have a chance to win from great prizes including gift certificates for iTunes, movies, free ski rentals, a free month fitness membership package, an overnight stay at the Lafayette Park Hotel, as well as many other gift certificates and items from local restaurants and businesses. And the best part...raffle tickets are only $1 each or $5 for 7 tickets.

We look forward to seeing you and thanks again for supporting our school!

Devra Elze and Sarah Mould

Be sure to stop by the garden & see the many new fruits, vegetables & flowers that have grown throughout the summer! Take a look at our new greenhouse & a tool shed, constructed by Eagle Scout, Brian Raaka.

Classroom Garden Liaisons needed! Coordinate, with your teacher, volunteers to work in the garden, share garden news, work day dates, etc. Be a part of creating a fun, productive outdoor classroom for all of our kids!

If you are handy with tools and would like to help, we need shelves built in the new tool shed, benches assembled in the greenhouse, vents installed into the greenhouse & more!

Do you know of a company who could donate materials to the garden? We could always use soil, lumber, kids garden tools, seeds, etc.

If you would like to participate, contact Kathy Hemmenway, khemmenway@aol.com or 933.5266

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Sign-up for:
SPRINGHILL ELEMENTARY PFC'S
"FORE THE KIDS"
GOLF TOURNAMENT

**********

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2009
Lunch & Putting Contest starts at Noon!

**********

BOUNDARY OAKS, WALNUT CREEK

Cost: $160/per person
includes lunch, dinner, prizes, raffle, golf & lots of fun!!!!
Or
Skip the golf and join us for dinner, prizes & awards - $35/per person

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Go to Springhill School website for Sign-up form or email Stephanie Marrone at baymarrones@comcast.net for more information.

Did you miss buying a 2010 Entertainment Book at Scorpion Day?
If so, it's not too late! We have a few copies left that we would love to sell. Our school will receive $12 for each book we sell. This book is full of coupons and discounts to restaurants, movies and other activities in the East Bay. On the first page alone there are $20 in Safeway coupons. The books cost $30. Interested? Contact: Gabrielle Ohleyer at mohleyer@comcast.net or 925-284-5968.

Bulletin Board Helper Needed
Want an easy way to help out at Springhill? Melissa Johnston is interested in splitting this position with another parent volunteer. Duties include updating the bulletin board near the hot lunch counter every other Friday. Please contact Melissa at johnstonfam@comcast.net or jeanfollmer@yahoo.com for more information.

BARGAIN BOOK BONANZA DONATIONS NEEDED
We had an awesome turn-out for our book sale last spring, selling most of our inventory! We are in desperate need of books for all grade levels, from kindergarten books to chapter books to non-fiction. We will have our next sale on Tuesday, October 6 after lunch. Please bring your books in boxes or paper bags labeled with "Bargain Books" to the foyer of the multi- propose room or you can call me to arrange pick-up. Thank you ahead of time for the continued support of this fun sale for the kids. They love coming by to see the new books and purchasing them for only 25 cents. All proceeds go to our fantastic library. Any questions, please call Farrel Vance 937-8230 or e-mail fvance5@comcast.net.

Kid's Hideout
Kid's Hideout is still accepting enrollment. Whether you need consistent daily or weekly care, or just the random drop-in, please contact us. You can download our forms at www.kidshideout.net from the FORMS page.
We are now accepting enrollment for the minimum days at the end September. Springhill will close early Tuesday, September 22nd through Friday, September 25th for Parent/Teacher Conference. Please download the form from our website under IN- SERVICE/MINIMUM DAYS.
If you have any questions, please contact Beth or Latrice at 283-7808 or beth@kidshideout.net.

To submit entries to the Friday Flyer, email Beth Roosa: 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