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

Monday, September 28
Yom Kippur

Saturday, October 3
Light the Night Leukemia/Lymphoma Walk; Walnut Creek

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS: H1N1 INFLUENZA/SWINE FLU

August 25, 2009

Dear Parents:

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to monitor the H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) situation.

H1N1 flu is present throughout Contra Costa County. As children return to school and spend less time outdoors and more time in confined spaces, such as classrooms, CCHS expects to see more illness caused by H1N1 flu. Contra Costa Health Services has published the following practices to help prevent the spread of this illness:

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, childcare or work. No one should return to school until they have had no fever for 24 hours without the use of fever- reducing medicine, even if they feel better.
Teach your children to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, have them use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean their hands.
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.
Vaccinate your children and yourself with the seasonal flu vaccine.

We have been advised by CCHS that schools in Contra Costa County will not be closed unless there is a large number of students or faculty who are ill which interferes with the school's ability to function. CCHS will consider school closure on an individual basis, taking into consideration health information available at the time. We will keep you updated with any important information.

Currently H1N1 flu vaccine is not available. CCHS will let us know when and where the vaccine will be available. However, regular, seasonal flu vaccine will be available in the fall. Although seasonal flu vaccine doesn't protect against H1N1 flu, it does protect from seasonal influenza viruses. Every year, 36,000 people die from illness related to seasonal flu in the United States.

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all children ages 6 months to 19 years. This is because, as we learned with H1N1 flu, children often get the flu at school, and then can bring it home to the family. We especially want to protect younger siblings and older relatives with weaker immune systems who can have serious complications from the flu. Flu vaccine keeps children healthy and prevents them from spreading the flu to others.

Seasonal flu vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women, those who are 50 years and older, health care workers, those who care for children under 5 years old, and everyone who has a chronic illness, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Anyone who wants to protect themselves and the community from seasonal flu can get vaccinated - there will be plenty of seasonal flu vaccine available.

To find out where to get seasonal flu vaccine for you and your family, contact your health care provider or health plan. You can also call the Public Health Flu Hotline at 925-313- 6469 or visit www.flucliniclocator.org

Information about H1N1 flu for parents, including fun videos and podcasts you can share with your child are available online at www.cchealth.org/topics/swine_flu/parent_information .ph p Prerecorded information is also available by calling Contra Costa Health Services Health Emergency Information Line at 1-888-959-9911.

Sincerely,

Fred Brill, Ed.D., Superintendent
Lafayette School District

A. SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL: The School Site Council is a team which includes the principal, teachers, other school personnel and parents, all of whom are elected by their peer groups to represent them on the Council. The Council meets monthly to address the changing needs of our students by developing a School Site Plan and implementing the goals of that plan. The School Site Plan attempts to address the special and unique needs of our community and includes such items as review and allocation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) budget for teacher aides and possible other programs. Equally as important, it is the job of the Council to address areas of concern and to carry out effective solutions. For more information about the School Site Council, including agendas and minutes of recent meetings, please check out the Springhill School Website at: http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/springhill/ There are four parent positions currently vacant on the Council. If you would be interested in running for these positions or have questions about the School Site Council, please call Bruce Wodhams at 927-3580 or e-mail at: bwodhams@lafsd.k12.ca.us. Thank you to our three departing parent members for the outstanding job they did: Kim Stewart, Doreen deRoque and Cathy Holt!
B. THANK YOU TO Mrs. Devra Elze and Mrs. Sarah Mould and to all parent volunteers for putting together tonight's (9/11; 5:00 PM-8:00 PM) Springhill Picnic! Hope you can make it!
C. A HUGE THANK YOU to the Lamorinda/Sunrise Rotary Club and their annual donation of dictionaries to every student in the 3rd grade at Springhill School and every other Lafayette School. This is a huge benefit to our students and is much appreciated. THANK YOU, ROTARIANS!!!
D. THANK YOU TO ALL who attended our first PFC General Meeting last Wednesday. It was a great turnout and your commitment to your children and to Springhill School is greatly appreciated! Welcome to the new PFC Executive Board and its new President, Julie Donlon!
E. 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!
D. 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!!!
E. 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.
F. Join the PFC! Register for e-SCRIP!!


THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

"For of those to whom much is given, much is required."
- John F. Kennedy

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 Ms. Hirsch's 2nd grade, students are given a spelling pretest on every Monday. Those children who score 95% or better, are given a challenge packet of spelling words to study for that week. Everyone else studies the words that we discuss as a class and throughout the week.(this is also in packet form) All children have the opportunity each week to "test out" of the classwide words. All students are responsible for continuing to spell these words correctly in their daily work throughout the year.

*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.


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

bwodhams@lafsd.k12.ca.us

Well it's Friday again and another week is under our belts - albeit a short week! I am looking forward to The Fall Fun Fest tonight at 5 on the Lower Field. It promises to be a fun evening full of games, prizes, raffles, and music. This annual event is a great way to see old friends and make new ones. If you see a family that looks a little lost or confused invite them to join you - you won't regret it! Any last minute questions please contact Devra Elze (delze@comcast.net) or Sarah Mould (sarahjane.m@comcast.net). Make sure you thank them for all the hard work they have put into this event!

I want to thank all of you who attended this month's PFC General Meeting - turn out was fantastic! A big thanks to our new PFC Liaisons - there are still a few classes who need reps so sign up and be in the know! The next General Meeting is on November 4th at 7 in the Library. The best way to know and understand what it is that the PFC does is to attend the meetings and read your Friday Flyer. Those who attended the meeting last night commented that they now understand the full scope of what the PFC supports at Springhill. It's your PFC - own it!

We are still looking for golfers for Fore the Children Golf Tournament on September 25th at Boundary Oaks. There will be a sign up table at Fun Fest so look for it and join the fun! Many thanks to Corinne Christensen and Stephanie Marrone for chairing this event! Any questions contact them at joeandcorrine@msn.com or baymarrones@comcast.net.

It's been a pretty quiet and short week so this letter is brief. As always if you have an issue, question, comment, or an invitation of any sort please feel free to contact me at uvdonlon@aol.com. We are a strong and supportive community and i am grateful to be a part of it!

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

Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation

LASF welcomes all the returning and new families to Springhill! LASF is the education foundation of Lafayette working in collaboration with the school districts and parents to maintain excellence in Lafayette public schools. LASF provides direct funding of school district programs and delivers curriculum-based programs that enhance the breadth and scope of our schools while meeting the needs of our districts.

We have the core LASF volunteer team below that helps with various roles and activities throughout the school year. We also have an LASF volunteer Room Representative from each classroom. Thank you to all our great volunteers!

Springhill K-5 Head Representative: Sally Fonstein
Fundraising Chair: Eric Fromer
Science Fair Chairs: Kari Dahlen and Heidi Rahlmann Plumb
Art Fair Chairs: Holly Nolan and Kerry Bolen
Art Fair Shadow: Joan Toney
Publicity: Shay Kurtz
Billing: Bonnie Min


Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Volunteers Needed

Did you know that LASF is the primary beneficiary of funds raised by the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival? We earn this privilege by supplying volunteers to the event. If you would like to spend a few relaxing, but very productive, hours helping out as a festival volunteer, please let us know.

Adults and middle and high school student volunteers are needed. Volunteers may choose to work Saturday Sept. 19 or Sunday Sept. 20.
· Adult volunteers, please contact Jackie Carson at carsonandcox@att.net.
· High School volunteers, please contact Norma Evans at normajevans94549@sbcglobal.net or call 283.0308.
· Stanley Middle School students can volunteer through the "Opportunity Knocks" service club.

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

Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale is coming!

Make sure to check your child's Friday Folder for the Sally Foster Catalog! Your children can sell in person or, your friends and family can use the easy on-line ordering feature. Checks should be made payable to Springhill PFC. Our acct number is 0221266. You will need that for on-line sales as well as for the order form in the catalog. All orders are due back by Wednesday, Sept. 30th. You can return the forms to the Sally Foster box in the front office. Orders will be delivered to the school the week of Oct. 20th. On-line orders will be shipped directly to the buyer.

If you have any questions contact:
Gabrielle Ohleyer, mohleyer@comcast.net, 284-5968 or
Melissa Johnston, johnstonfam@comcast.net, 280- 1039

**********

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

*************

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