Friday, February 5
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; Multipurpose Room, 2:45 pm

Monday, February 8
OLSAT Results available for 3rd grade parent pickup

Thursday, February 9
PFC Sponsored Poets-in-the-Schools, 5th grade

Wednesday, February 10
SMILE TRAIN: 3rd GRADE FUND RAISER
Lafayette School District Board Mtg., Budget Focus; Stanley MP Room, 6:00 PM

Thursday, February 11
OLSAT 3rd Grade Parent Informational Mtg.; DO, 10:00 AM
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; Multipurpose Room, 2:45 pm

Friday, February 12
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday; Holiday

Sunday, February 14
Chinese New Year
Valentine's Day

Monday, February 15
Presidents' Day; Holiday

Tuesday, February 16
PFC Sponsored Poets-in-the-Schools, 5th grade

Wednesday, February 17
Ash Wednesday
PFC/PTA Legislative Advocacy Day; Sacramento
LASF Science Fair; MP Room, 6:30 PM
Lafayette School District Board Mtg.; DO, 7:00 PM

Friday, February 19
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MP Room, 2:45 PM

Monday, February 22
George Washingtons Birthday
Student Council Mtg.; Room 23, 12:20 PM
School Site Council Mtg.; Office, 3:00 PM

Tuesday, February 23
RAPPORT Mtg.; DO, 9:00 AM
PFC Sponsored Poets-in-the-Schools, 5th grade

Wednesday, February 24
Expanding New Horizons Presentation, 5th Grade; MP Room, 8:30 AM
Lafayette School District Board Mtg.; DO, 6:00 PM

Friday, February 26
STUDENT COUNCIL SPIRIT DAY: Superhero Day!
5th Grade Play Rehearsal; MP Room, 2:45 PM

Saturday, February 27
Grease Dress Rehearsal; Stanley MP Room, Time TBD

Principal's Messages

A. ABSENCES: Please be aware that each day of a childs absence costs the District $43.50 per student per day regardless of reason for the absence. Certainly, if the child is sick, the child should stay home. We want to encourage families to schedule vacations on non-student days (whenever possible) and for absences of 5 days or more, complete an independent study. We must stress the importance of learning opportunities lost by missing school needlessly. Thank you for your cooperation!

B. THANK YOU TO ALL PARENTS WHO ATTENDED LAST NIGHTs 4th GRADE CONCERT: Some great musical talent was on display under the inspired guidance of Liz Brummel, Wendy Clymer, Vicki Ghulam and LASF volunteers. A job well done!

C. THANK YOU TO THE HUGE NUMBER PARENTS WHO ATTENDED LAST WEDNESDAYs PFC MEETING to hear Dr. Brills very important message about the financial crisis faced by the Lafayette School District in particular and the state of California at large. Let us know what your priorities are as we look at some tough fiscal decisions for the next several years.

D. ATTENTION 3rd GRADE PARENTS: OLSAT INFORMATION UPDATE: Results of the Otis Lennon School Abilities Test (OLSAT), administered to all third graders in the fall, will be available for you to pick up at the school office starting Monday, February 8th. Results must be picked up by a parent. If you would like to have the results mailed to you, please send a stamped, self -addressed envelope to the school office. A general interpretation of the scores will be provided with the results. If you would like additional information, you are invited to attend a Parent Information Meeting on Thursday, February 11th at the District Office Board Room (3477 School Street) at 10:00 a.m. Students who have been invited to participate in the Alternative Instruction Magnet class (AIM) at Burton Valley will be notified by February 26th. Questions regarding test results or placement in the AIM class at Burton Valley may be directed to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Rachel Zinn, at the District Office (927-3511).

E. PARENT ED OPPORTUNITY: Don't Lose Your Child to Video Games, the Internet, and Texting: Thursday, February 25, 7-9pm, Stanley Middle School Library: Children are losing their 'attachment' to the real people in their lives as the power and intensity of new interactive devices and media overwhelms normal activities and relationships. Please join Dr. Richard Freed, a psychologist in private practice in Orinda and with Kaiser Permanente, in a discussion of the issues and strategies for parents to combat the ever- increasing draw of the new technologies. Dr. Freed completed his training at Harvard Medical School and now works as a psychologist in private practice in Orinda and with Kaiser Permanente. He speaks nationally on the health effects of children's media use. His work has appeared on CBS Bay Area TV news, and he's been published in Pediatrics and Mothering Magazine.

F. 1st-5th GRADE REGISTRATION FOR 2010-2011:: We will be accepting 1st-5th grade registrations for the 2010-2011 school year starting Tuesday, February 9. Please inform any new neighbors or those whose children are currently in private schools who plan to have their children attend Springhill School next year. Remind them to bring the child's birth certificate, immunization record and two proofs of address. We also continue to accept registration for kindergartners for the 2010-2011 school year. Thank you.

G. SCIENCE FAIR: Please check the calendar and the LASF Corner of this weeks Friday Flyer to find out what is happening with Springhills Annual LASF Science Fair to be held Wednesday,February 17, 6:30 PM, in the MP Room. There are many deadlines before then, so check it out!!! Thank you, Kari Dahlen, Heidi Plumb, all volunteers and LASF!

H. H1N1 UPDATE:
In order to keep you apprised of the latest information we have regarding the H1N1 virus, we have compiled a list of H1N1 FAQs which you can view by going to: http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/springhill/

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

THE SIX PILLARS & PAY IT FORWARD CORNER

Lifes most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

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.

A. BE WATCHING FOR THE ANNUAL 3rd GRADE SMILE TRAIN SEMI-FREDDI's GARLIC CROUTON SALE TAKING PLACE WEDNESDAY, 2/10. Every $250 raised sponsors a child's cleft palate surgery somewhere in the world. Semi Freddi's croutons for $2 and apple juice for $1. Let's Pay It Forward and support the pillars of Caring and Citizenship with this worthy cause! Thank you 3rd Grade!!!

B. SPRINGHILL DONATED 328 POUNDS OF DRIED/CANNED FOODS TO THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FOOD BANK IN DECEMBER! WELL DONE SCORPIONS! Thank you for supporting the pillars of Caring and Citizenship!

C. SOLES4SOULS: THANK YOU SPRINGHILL COMMUNITY FOR THE PLETHORA OF SHOES YOU HAVE DONATED FOR THOSE IN NEED IN HAITI!!! WELL DONE!!! YOU HAVE SUPPORTED THE PILLAR OF CARING BEYOND BELIEF!!!THANK YOU SO MUCH!


D. WARM COAT DRIVE: Springhill School and Brownie troop #33005 thanks you for your donations of warm coats for the community outreach program through the First Baptist Church in Pittsburg. Thank you, ladies, for supporting the Pillars of Caring, Responsibility 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 Ms. Hirschs 2nd grade, students engage in reader's and writer's workshop. These programs are based on each child's ability and are personalized to help the student grow at his own rate and style of learning. The teacher meets with the student individually each week and determines what skills need to be addressed. Sometimes students are grouped together based on a concept or skill that is being taught. The teacher also incorporates classwide mini-lessons at the beginning and end of each workshop session.

*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.

TEAM GREEN CORNER
THE NEW FOUR Rs: Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle & Rot

A. SPRINGHILL OFFERS UP A GREEN VOCAL EXPERIENCE: Today Sustainable Lafayette and District Green Team videotaped the Springhill 3rd grade singing The Four Rs Song under the direction of Mr. Wodhams for use in promoting local green efforts in the community! Good job, 3rd graders of Paying It Forward and supporting the Pillars of Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Citizenship!!!

B. SPRINGHILL CONTINUES TO ALIGN ITS GREEN EFFORTS WITH THE DISTRICT GREEN TEAM AND SUSTAINABLE LAFAYETTE. LOOK FOR UPDATES WEEKLY.

C. PAPERLESS NEWSLETTERS: Springhill School is looking to phase out the paper copies of weekly newsletter you receive from your child's teacher. We are hopeful that soon you will only receive electronic newsletters. Let us know your thoughts! Many thanks.

D. WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR SPRINGHILL TEAM GREEN? Help us find ways to:
1. Explore school and community green pursuits that allow us to better address the State Standards/ Benchmarks as well as the Lafayette School District Strategic Plan;
2. Explore school and community green pursuits that provide a fiscal benefit to the schools and community;
3. Explore school and community green pursuits that address and enhance character development programs already in place (e.g. CHARACTER COUNTS!) in the Lafayette School District).
Springhill School pays it forward by keeping it green, supporting the Pillars of Caring, Respect, Responsibility & Citizenship!!!

E. SOLAR ENERGY - Springhill School should be "flipping the switch" to solar energy within the next month and will have its own ceremony. At that time, we wish to acknowledge certain people who made solar energy a reality for the entire district: former Springhill parents Leon and Marion Lee; former PFC Presidents Kathy Hemmenway & Corrine Christensen; Science Teacher Kim Brast; and James Hatfield who provided two years of consulting free of charge to Springhill School when he worked for Solar City and Sun, Light & Power. We will let you know when the special day arrives!

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

bwodhams@lafsd.k12.ca.us

I just got home from a very informative and well attended PFC Meeting this evening. I really wish that every parent in our community could have been there to hear Dr. Brill speak about the current fiscal crisis we are now facing and the implications for our children's future. His presentation is located on the District website - lafsd.k12.ca.us - please sign up to receive his e-letter and read about what our District is facing. I thank all of you who did attend tonight and our big winners - Julie Tobias-Pancoast, Amy DeLong Martin, and Annette Calderone. If you would like to fill out a Green Prioritization Sheet they are located in the office - you can return it to my box and I will get it to the District Office. If you want to get more involved the School Board Meeting will be on February 10 at 7pm in the Stanley Multi-Purpose Room.

Boots and Buckles is the theme for our Parent Party on April 24th at 5:30pm. Come join us at Dr. Samman's Barn in Happy Valley for a rootin tootin good time! In an effort to cut expenses not only are the invitations via email but the Silent Auction will be online as well as the Parent Party sign ups! The theme is casual - taco truck, beer, margaritas, and dancing - what more could you ask for? We are looking forward to building community and raising money for Springhill Elementary. So register early to take advantage of the Early Bird prices, book your sitter, and polish up those boots!

Carpool continues to be a bit of an issue. I remind you to please not park behind the parked cars on the left side of the entrance. Just because "everyone does it" does not make it right. Please stay in your car and be prepared to merge politely into oncoming traffic when you see your child waiting. I do understand wanting to walk up and claim your child but please use the Pleasant Hill Road side lot or Briones Lot to do so. To leave your car parked in the middle of the line of cars waiting to pull up to the curb not only backs everything up but is disrespectful to those who may need to leave their parking space which you have blocked. I also cannot stress enough the need to treat all with kindness and respect.

That's all for me this week - have a great weekend and hope that Spring is on its way!

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

More Budget Cuts
California State PTA recently wrote, "Contrary to the Governor's pledge to protect education in his State of the State speech, the budget proposal actually reduces payments to schools by $2.4 billion over two years!"

You are encouraged to get informed and to participate in the following events:

February 17th- Advocacy Day - Bus trip to Sacramento, Wednesday from 7:15am to 4:30pm leaving from Lafayette. "California Schools in Crisis: Advocating for Solutions." We will hear from and communicate with education experts and our legislators on school funding, education reform, and budget reform. Registration deadline Feb. 1st. Please click here to register: https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=Y12V2K7
Click here for the flyer and Itinerary: http://www.srvcouncilpta.org/Public/teacherimages/advocacy%20day%202010%20registration%20flyer.pdf

Questions? Contact Springhill's Leg. Rep. Karen Yuen at kyuen@fbm.com or go to the Leg Team website at http://www.lastrampaspta.org/Legislation.html

LASF Science Fair "Inspiring Wonderment" will be held on Wednesday February 17th from 6:30-8:30pm

Two inspirational quotes to keep in mind while working with your child on their Science Fair project

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." Rachel Carson

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not Eureka! (I found it!) but rather, 'hmm.... that's funny....' " Issac Asimov

Science Fair Volunteers STILL NEEDED!

Tuesday, February 16th 6:30 -7:30pm - Set up MP room for Science Fair
Wednesday February 17th - During the school day - 1.5 hour shifts/various jobs
Thursday February 18th 1:30 -3:30 - Take down projects & return to students
If you are able to volunteer for any of these positions or have any other questions please contact your LASF Science Fair coordinators: Kari Dahlen (kari@dahlen.com) or Heidi Rahlmann Plumb (plumbnest@mac.com)

Dont Forget: 10% Savings on Removable Adhesives

With our minds toward "greening" the science fair, we are encouraging everyone to use removable adhesives so that you can reuse your display board next year. Elmwood Stationery (next to Trader Joe's in Lafayette) carries a removable double-sided tape and a removable glue stick- both work great! Just let them know you are buying your products for the LASF Science Fair and they'll give you 10% discount at the time of purchase.

Starry, Starry Night Thank You!!!

Many thanks to everyone - organizers and attendees  who made our Starry, Starry Night annual event a success. It was a beautiful evening with lots of genuine enthusiasm and eagerness to support LASF and our public schools. As soon as we tally up the totals from the ticket sales, silent auction and sign up parties, we will report out the proceeds. In the meantime, thank you again to everyone involved.

Lamorinda Community Night with the Golden State Warriors is Feb 27th

Buy discount tickets to watch the Golden State Warriors vs. the Detroit Pistons at 7:30 PM on Saturday, Feb. 27. Acalanes and Miramonte choral students will start the night off right by singing the national anthem. All ticket holders 18 and under are invited to try a free throw after the game. A portion of each ticket sold goes directly to LASF and EFO. Buy tickets - which include a food voucher - at https://www.gs-warriors.com/forms/secure/fct_larmorinda0910.html

Attention Kids Grades K-8: Be Part of Lamorinda Night with the Warriors!

Cassandra Montgomery of All That Entertainment is producing her annual Lamorinda evening with the Warriors where her "CHEER Experience Kids Camp" will perform. Kids K-8 - if you would like to perform at the Warriors game, enroll in the dance/cheer camp held Feb 23-25. For registration details, see www.allthatentertainment.com.

Preview raffle prizes, silent auction items and sign up parties by viewing our event program on line (lasffun.homestead.com). You can buy tickets online or by calling the LASF office at 925.299.1644.

President's Day care: Springhill will be closed for President's Day on Friday, February 12th and Monday, February 15th. Hideout will be open on Friday the 12th from 7:30 - 6 PM. We will offer a "hot lunch" option. Please download the form at www.kidshideout.net/Forms under In-Service Days.

It's a Jungle Out There! Join Kid's Hideout for Spring Break April 5th through 9th. We will be having a jungle cake bake-off, jungle arts and crafts, jungle drink concoctions, sports and more. Join us on Wednesday as we heard the group to the Jungle in Concord for lunch and play. Registration can be downloaded at www.kidshideout.net/Forms under Camp Registration Forms.

Be a Star at Camp Hideout's Movie Madness - Summer of the Silver Screen.

We have chosen a kid's movie to feature each week. We will be doing activities and attending a field trip that tie in with that theme! For example: Week 1 is Finding Nemo - Undersea Adventures. Take a dive under the sea and explore the wonders of the deep. We will make jellyfish plates, macaroni crabs, sockotpus, puffer-fish and mini-aquariums. Don't miss our visit to the Steinhart Aqauirum in San Francisco on Friday!

Week 2 - 10 Themes & Field Trips:
Space Jam - Space is the Place - Chabot
The Game Plan - Sports Galore - Super Franks
Flubber - Super Silly Science - The Exploratorium
High School Musical - What's all the Drama? - The Zeum
Incredibles - Super Heros & Princesses, REPORT!! - Adventure Playgound
The Jungle Book - It's a Jungle In Here! - The Jungle
Ratatouille - Calling all Chefs! - Semmifreddi's
Get A Clue - I spy - The Metreon
Madagasgar - Escape to the Zoo - The Oakland Zoo

Registration/Camp Information:
~ Early registration discounts! Register and pay for all the weeks you need by Friday, February 26th and receive free extended care and 10% off your Camp Rate. Check out the fee sheet for more information on other discounts.
~ Invite a new friend to our summer camp and YOU and YOUR FRIEND will receive 25% off one week.
~ We have added a $5 bag lunch option for each field trip
~ We will work with you if your child is taking swim lessons nearby for swim team to see if we can assist on getting them to and from, if possible (depends on location, days and times... )
~ Daily routines include: art, crafts, sports, science, group games and themed activities and games
~ Weekly routines include: hikes, baking, field trips and swimming, Wheels Day (Mon), Tasty Tuesdays, Water Slide (Wed), Pool (Thurs) and Field Trip Friday

Please contact Beth at 283-7808 or beth@kidshideout.net for more information. You can download the forms at www.kidshideout.net/Forms (at the bottom of the page under Summer '10). Come join the Madness.

Remember, there are over 100 reasons to read.

This week reason number 18 is It will increase your vocabulary.

If you go to school for 95 days, and then go 5 more days, what do you get? If you answered Smarter and smarter, youre half right. You also get 100 days of school. If 20 children each drop 5 papers on the floor, what do you get? If you answered 100 papers, youre half right again. You also get an awful mess. Kindergartners enjoyed guessing the answers to the humorous riddles in Trudy Harriss book 100 Days of School as they also gained a better understanding of what 100 means.

Im continuing to read the books that have been nominated for this years California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) to the 1st-3rd graders.

Frank is a frog that wants to fly. Time after time he tries but fails. His parents told him he could do anything, any frog thing that is, but Frank was determined. Then, when he rescued a baby bird from drowning and its mother asked Frank what she could do for him, it looked like Frank might finally get his wish. First graders listened to a non-fiction book about frogs, then enjoyed hearing Eric Drachmans CYRM nominee A Frog Thing.

Velmas two older sisters were practically perfect first graders but her teachers and classmates can hardly even remember Velmas name. When the class makes a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory Velma is in her element, curious and fascinated by everything she sees. And then the most amazing thing happens. Second graders enjoyed hearing what Velma did next in Alan Madisons book Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly.

Millies favorite thing to do each day is to scare the mail carrier and chase him off the farm. But the farmer is tired of receiving broken packages and the mail carrier has terrible nightmares. What to do? The mail carrier thinks that perhaps bringing a package for Millie might help. Third graders reviewed facts about cows and modern dairy farms, then listened to CYRM nominee Millie Waits for the Mail by Alexander Steffensmeier and performed a Readers Theater play based on the book.

Did you know that ice hockey debuted at the 1920 Olympics? The Games were held in Antwerp in April and were originally scheduled to take place on the Brussels Canal. Due to the mild weather, hockey was moved indoors to the Antwerp Ice Palace, where Canada won the gold medal. After these Games, Olympic competitions were divided into Winter Games and Summer Games! This is only one of the interesting stories fourth graders heard as they listened to Kevin Sylvesters book Gold Medal for Weird , a fascinating look at stories about the Olympics, ranging from goofy to venal to heartwarming. Fourth graders also voted on their favorite of the CYRM nominees in the Picture Books for Older Readers category.

The time is 1939. The place is Antwerp, Belgium. Two boys meet when Maxs father comes to Willys fathers antique shop and buys a painting of a beautiful woman. The boys become best friends, friends forever they say. But in the spring of 1940 the Nazis invade Belgium and Max and his father, who are Jewish, are not safe. Before they flee, Maxs father brings the painting of the beautiful woman to Willys father and asks him to hide it so the German soldiers cant take it. Fifth graders listened anxiously to find out what happened next in Amy Littlesugars suspenseful CYRM nominee Willy & Max: a Holocaust Story. We also talked about what led up to the happenings in Europe at that time.

Check out our website at http://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/people/smattern/index.htm. You will find updates on what's happening at the Springhill Library, a revised library wish list, reviews of new books, and links to many helpful resources.

Sherry Mattern, Library Specialist

Attention Third Grade Parents: OLSAT INFORMATION UPDATE
Please Note: Time and date of meeting has changed

Results of the Otis Lennon School Abilities Test (OLSAT), administered to all third graders in the fall, will be available for you to pick up at the school office starting Monday, February 8th. Results must be picked up by a parent. If you would like to have the results mailed to you, please send a stamped, self -addressed envelope to the school office. A general interpretation of the scores will be provided with the results. If you would like additional information, you are invited to attend a Parent Information Meeting on Thursday, February11th at the District Office Board Room (3477 School Street) at 10:00 a.m.
Students who have been invited to participate in the Alternative Instruction Magnet class (AIM) at Burton Valley will be notified by February 26th. Questions regarding test results or placement in the AIM class at Burton Valley may be directed to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Rachel Zinn, at the District Office (927-3511).

Springhill Fifth Graders Present Grease

Come watch our fifth grade students (directed by Leslie Noel) as they sing and dance in "50's style". Mark your calendars for our two performances of Grease on March 1st and 2nd at Stanley Middle School. Information on how to get your tickets to these spectacular performances will be coming soon!

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Please turn in all Box Tops for Education coupons to the box in the main office. The deadline is aproaching soon so please turn them in as soon as possible. Box Tops for Education coupons can be obtained from General Mills and Pillsbury products. Springhill receives 10 cents for every box top. It all adds up when we all pitch in. Any questions email wendykmurphy@yahoo.com

MATH LEAGUE CONTEST FOR FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS
Ye Liu, parent of fifth grader Alexander Wang, would like to organize a group of fifth graders at Springhill to participate in the Math League contest after April 15th. The team is endorsed by Springhill PFC. The contest is voluntary and free. Study materials for interested students are available to use for study either together or alone. If needed, Ye Liu can help the students on the problem solving issues. If you are interested, please email: weiruandye@gmail.com .

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