Panther Tracks! It Is Hard to Believe but This Issue Will Be Arriving in Your Homes Just in Time for the End Panther Camp

October/November 2011 The newsletter for Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School Volume 2011-2012 Issue 1

Inside Principal’s Column Principal’s Column ...... 1 Dear JLS Community, PTA President’s Column ...... 2 Welcome to JLS and to the first issue of JLS Panther Camp Thanks! ...... 3 Panther Tracks! It is hard to believe but this issue will be arriving in your homes just in time for the end Panther Camp ...... 3 of an exciting and fun-filled first quarter. This past PartnersPanther In Education and JLS . . . . .4 Tracksquarter has been filled with transitions, getting to Thank You Parents!...... 5 know one another, and establishing routines. At this BTS Pizza Dinner Thank You ...... 5 point we have all settled in and thanks to a united effort of parents, staff, and students, life at JLS is Fundraiser for the Library and amazing! Music Departments ...... 5 All of us at JLS are excited about continuing to The 2012 Many Faces of JLS ...... 5 partner with you as all of our students navigate middle school, grow and JLS Science Fair 2012 ...... 6 thrive; academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Your active involvement and support, coupled with our best professional efforts, will Bee Season is Coming...... 6 surely make for a successful year! New Teachers ...... 7 This year you will find some new faces hard at work at JLS. Please join JLS Student Directory...... 7 me in welcoming: JLS PTA Family Service Date ...... 7 Grant Althouse Administrative TOSA November Staff Appreciation ...... 7 Gerri Bibat English, 8th grade Eileen Chang Industrial Technology Ads for Yearbook ...... 7 Chris Mahle Drama Teacher Adolescent Counseling Services. . . .8 Melody Owens SAI Teacher Project Safety Net ...... 9 Stephanie Sheridan School Psychologist Counselors’ Corner...... 10 Hillary Thompson Video Production Check Out the Library ...... 11 Irada Yuzbash ELD Teacher Music Notes ...... 12 Given that Panther Tracks is a quarterly publication, I will do my best Social Studies...... 12 to make the contents of my column informative about what is happening at JLS, big or small. Over the course of the past two years, the staff at JLS has Languages Department ...... 13 engaged in a number of staff development activities focused on multiple Tdap Letter (6th graders)...... 14 aspects of teaching children. We have been lucky to benefit from work- Tdap Carta (6to grado)...... 15 shops and presentations by experts such as Denise Pope, Jim Lobdell, Ken Calendar ...... 16 Ginsburg, Jennifer Abrams, Geoff Cohen, and Clay Roberts. While each of these people has a different expertise, all of their knowledge can be woven together to create a solid understanding of what needs to happen for kids to realize their full potential academically and holistically. We are continu- ously working on refining our approach to working with kids so they grow Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School 480 East Meadow Drive into knowledgeable, thriving adults. Palo Alto, CA 94306 The JLS areas of focus, known at the JLS ABC’s, drive our work in the www.jls.pausd.org areas of Academics, Belonging, and Creating Wellness. Our work includes Main Office: 856-5188 the adoption of Search Institute’s 41 developmental assets model for build- Principal: Sharon Ofek ing positive character traits in our students. This year JLS is emphasizing Assistant Principals: Ryan Fletcher and five assets on which we feel we can have a positive impact. These five Pier Angeli LaPlace assets dovetail nicely with the work we have been doing in the areas of con- PTA Co-Presidents: Nancy Smith and nectedness and building student resilience. The assets are: Ivan Hom • Other Adult Relationships – receives support from three or more non- Send submissions to: parent adults. [email protected]. • Caring School Climate – school provides a caring, encouraging Next deadline: January 6, 2012 VP Communications: Faith Brigel environment. Editor: Smita Kolhatkar • High Expectations – both parents and teachers encourage the child to Layout: Joni Okamoto do well. Distribution: Heike Enders Continued on page 2 Continued from page 1 improvement, our school will continue to be successful in producing happy, thriving children. • Reading for Pleasure – read for pleasure three or more hours per week. I am proud to work at JLS!, Sharon Ofek, Principal • Cultural Competence – has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ ethnic backgrounds. PTA Presidents’ Column In addition to incorporating developmental assets, the JLS staff collaborated throughout the last school As we settle into our new school year, the JLS PTA year to review and revise our homework guidelines. would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and We started with conversations around the purpose and returning JLS families. We’ll jump right in and invite meaningfulness of homework. We evaluated example you to join our PTA, if you have not already done so, assignments, conducted our own investigations, and and encourage you as part of our community to stay reviewed research. Our conversations were very spir- informed and involved with your student’s experience ited! Ultimately, we came to agreement on our overall at JLS. Never fear, joining the PTA does not require you approach to homework and some more clearly defined to organize an event or even to volunteer on campus, roles and responsibilities for students, teachers, and though we love to see new faces and welcome your help parents. The new homework guidelines can be found throughout the year. Joining the PTA does give you a in the student binder reminder (bottom of p. 12) as well voice and a vote at our meetings, a window into the great as the parent handbook (p. 21) that was mailed to your programs we run and the support we offer our teachers home this past August. It is our intent to monitor our and students, as well as a membership into the nation’s implementation of these guidelines and re-evaluate them largest and most consistent voice for adequate school throughout the year. funding and advocacy for children. To join, pick up a This past summer, the JLS and El Carmelo com- PTA membership form in the office, or go to the member- munities tragically lost the Howard-Dias family in a car ship section of our PTA website at http://pta.palo-alto. accident. The loss of Robert, Ana-Maria, and Samantha ca.us/jls/?q=membership for an online flyer. Thank you! in the JLS community has been enormous. Whether it What’s new at JLS this year? We and our kids are, was chaperoning a dance, hosting a lunch time club, and we are both here to learn! For many of us incoming advocating for PiE, or telling a friend how much they 6th grade families, this is our first experience with middle mattered, all of them were incredibly active and engaged school life, and we are surprised at some of the changes in making JLS a better place for kids. Upon conclusion in our kids that affect our families. Children are search- of the family memorial service this past summer, family ing for independence in ways that may seem baffling to member Cindy Howard highlighted the importance of us. Why would a kid want to ride a scooter in the rain living every day fully and making sure the actions we to school rather than getting a ride? Yet asserting inde- take have an impact. Then she assigned everyone some pendence at this time is natural - our children learn from homework. these experiences, and from there, often take on new 1. There is someone in your life who you need to thank. responsibilities. As parents we still want to be the guiding Today, find that person and share your gratitude. hand that keeps our kids on the right path, rather than stepping back and taking a supportive role. This is a dif- 2. There is someone in your life who is new to the ficult step but one that we must adjust to. community, or is alone, or is in need of help. This week: reach out to that person. This is where the learning enters in - and our Developmental Asset of the month - ‘Positive Family 3. There is a need in your community that you are Communication’. Open communication between parents uniquely suited to address. This month: do what you and kids is critical in order for parents to be comfortable can to tackle that need. in a supportive role. In addition, open communication I found her message powerful and hope that each of requires level heads, so we as parents need to stay calm you consider completing Cindy’s assignments. Whatever despite the rising sound level. In their own ways, our you do, it will make a difference to someone. kids are checking in with us to see if we really want to As your principal, I strive to provide a developmen- communicate. Therefore, let’s keep our sound level down tally appropriate learning community for your child that and keep the conversation going. We all benefit when we is nurturing, challenging, and safe. Through teamwork, learn to do a bit more listening! open communication, and dedication to continuous Enjoy the fall weather while it lasts - get outside with your kids and play, take a hike, or go for a bike ride! And, as always, feel free to contact us with questions or Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) is a diverse learning community. suggestions. We seek to provide a safe, creative, and inclusive learning envi- With best regards, ronment. We respect and embrace the uniqueness of every individual. We strive for academic excellence, individual Ivan Hom, [email protected] responsibility, and lifelong learning. Nancy Smith, [email protected] Through compassion, connection, courtesy, complimenting, and Co-Presidents, JLS PTA community, we support the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional growth of our children. The mention of any business, service, or organization in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement by JLS Middle School, JLS PTA, or PAUSD.

Page 2 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 JLS Panther Camp Thanks! Panther Camp Pier Angeli La Place, Assistant Principal Hopefully, your 6th graders had a smooth transition to JLS. Panther Camp, which is a special orientation pro- Dear JLS Parent Community and PTA, gram at JLS, was a fabulous way for our 6th graders to Our Panther Camp 6th Grade Orientation and start middle school. Instead of jumping right into aca- Transition Program was a great success again this year. demics, for three days during the first week of school, Over the three days of Panther Camp, our new 6th grad- our students were able to meet other students and teachers learned their way around our campus, made new ers, navigate the campus, learn the JLS way, and get to friends from many places and reconnected with friends know 8th grade counselors. from elementary. They became familiar with the faces This program was organized by the JLS staff led by and places important to our JLS community, learned Pier Angeli La Place, Alex Salzmann, Katie Schramm, about middle school structures and expectations, were Leonel Argumedo. They were very creative in making it introduced to the JLS Way, including our character edu- fun for the kids. When asked what they liked best about cation, building assets, focus on reducing student stress Panther Camp, most kids chose the team building activi- and developing student resilience. ties like the egg drop. The second most popular was In addition, students participated in team building, Binder Reminder Jeopardy that went over all the rules technology and environmental activities, and had some that are covered in their binder minders like how long fun along the way. By the end of the first week of school your shorts need to be and the attendance policy. This our 6th graders were excited to be bona fide Panthers! game was taught to the kids in a Jeopardy format and The success of Panther Camp is due, in large part, the kids got to push a button! to the many parent volunteers who, each year, give their Panther Camp could not have happened with- time and efforts in support of our students. It would not out parent volunteers filling over 50 slots each day of be possible to list all of the parents who worked during the event. Thank you to all of you who volunteered, the program, and beforehand, organizing and coordinat- especially those of you who took the time to help in ing efforts for Panther Camp. A large team of parents more than one position: Susan Fineberg, Yongshu participated in Panther Camp setting up and supervising Wen, Jennifer Mutz, Nancy Smith, Eleanor Lin, activities, helping with clean up, taking photos and creat- Arnie Stamler, Asmita Runge, Diane Jakubowski, ing a slideshow of highlights, providing food for the 8th Len Filppu, Linda Lee, Sachi Itagaki, Laura Mifflin, grade counselor training, and much more. Jennifer Chu, Catherine Wytmar, Cecile Eltherington, Our thanks go to all of you who have made such a Ellen Springer, Gail Foelsch, Julia Byun, Katharine difference in the 6th graders’ transition, helping them to Saunders, Natalia Kachenko, Annelise Mora, Bill make connections and to feel more acclimated to middle Howell, Birsen Gokcek, Bonnie Sanders, Christina school. Ng, Flora Wong, Jane Dick, Jane Smith, John Dorst, The parents who participated were able to make their Karen Cannon, Kristin Black, Lei Lin, Marianna own connections, learn more about JLS, and contribute Tessel, Nicole Pisco, Rebecca Garewal, Sarah Patanroi, to the success of our orientation program. We’d like to Sunita Verma, Vered de Leeuw, Yuce Beser, Amy give a special thank you to Stephanie Youngquist, the Guo, Annette Baek, Audrey Finot, Cania Chung, PTA volunteer coordinator for Panther Camp, for her tire- Chaoping Zhou, Charlotte Glasser, Chris Asing, less organization. Another special thanks goes to Butch Christine Leffler, Danielle Laursen, Diana Nemet, Garcia for his dedication; he comes back each year to Dipti Joshi, Elaine Lin, Elizabeth Doi-Ludwig, Grace anchor our Panther Camp photography. Lee, Heather Williamson, Pam and John Markevitch, We want to acknowledge and thank the 8th grade Julie Sternfield, Kirk Laursen, Laura Schneider, student counselors who were remarkable. Their positive Linda Horio-Yu, Lisa Barkin, Lisa Xie, Lynn Grant, leadership as guides, role models, and “counselors” to Maria Zajac, Megan Fogarty, Mimi Truong, Nam the 6th graders is vital to Panther Camp. Our 8th graders Truong, Nicki Chun, Olivia Viveros, Rachel Krantz, stepped into leadership and service, important assets for Rania Bratberg, Sharon Chen, Soma Mandal, Sonya their growth as well. Bradski, Ted Glasser, Yukki Ng, Yvonne Baur, Dawn The JLS principal, Sharon Ofek, the administrative Saunders, Jackie Cook, Lisa Berardi, Sherry Heller, and team, teachers, guidance counselors, and entire staff are Theivanai Palaniappan committed to supporting the academic, social, and emo- Thank you! tional well-being of our students, a goal we know we Stephanie Youngquist share with you, our parent community. Panther Camp Parent Volunteer Coordinator We are grateful for all that you do to help make JLS a wonderful learning environment. A Panther Camp Parent Survey was posted on the JLS website and was sent out via PTA communications. We appreciate and welcome your feedback on Panther Camp as we work toward improvements for future years. With Thanks, The Panther Camp Coordination Team Pier Angeli La Place, Alex Salzmann, Leonel Argumedo, and Katie Schramm

October/November 2011 JLS Panther Tracks Page 3 Partners In Education (PiE) and JLS JLS will receive $236,461.00 this academic year from PiE (Partners in Education) thanks to your families’ generous donation from last year (2010-2011)! Please donate again this year, or consider donating for the first time. Why? PiE is the non-profit educational foundation dedicated exclusively to raising funds for all PAUSD (Palo Last year more than 4,000 parents and community Alto Unified School District) schools, including JLS. It members donated to PiE. As a result, PiE gave a record is the only fundraising organization permitted by the $3.4 million to our schools. Palo Alto Board of Education to pay for salaries during This year’s fundraising goal is $3.9 million – why? the school day. PiE allows JLS to pay for much needed Public financing can no longer provide the high quality resources that benefit ALL JLS students including: education we expect in our Palo Alto Unified schools. The 1. Student Guidance: Staff and programs for academic only way to keep PAUSD programs at their current level guidance, social and emotional development, student (and avoid program cuts like in so many other California connectedness and grade-level transitions (i.e. your school districts), is through PiE funding. PiE works closely with PAUSD to set our PiE fundraising goals, and student’s counselor who will be with your child all define target areas at each school like JLS. Strong support- three years). ers of Palo Alto’s public schools understand that a public 2. Elective Enrichment: Teachers and classroom education is free, but a great education is not. support in courses such as music, creative writing, To raise the critical funds we need to support all our arts, computer education, industrial tech, broadcast schools including JLS, this year we are asking every journalism, and biotech. family to give $800 for each child enrolled in school. 3. Teacher Coaches: Staff to help foster better reading This suggested donation is neither a minimum nor a and writing; mentors who assist teachers in applying maximum. We’re simply asking you to consider a dona- technology to curriculum. tion that’s significant and meaningful for your family. Every JLS family should give what is right for them. Your donation is tax deductible. Many companies will match it. Ask your company, or a PiE rep, if they Believe it or not, our neighboring school districts match. Examples include Adobe Systems, Cisco, Google, have higher “asks” than Palo Alto: Hewlett Packard, Intel, Microsoft, and Yahoo. • Los Altos: $1,200 per child • Menlo Park: $1,500 per child • Mountain View: $1,000 per child What PiE gave to JLS this year: • Las Lomitas: $2,000 per child Remember, every JLS child benefits from PiE fund- $236,461 ing. As such, we are hoping to reach 100% participation from the parents at JLS.

I already donated to the PTA. Why should I donate to PiE? How to donate? • Use the PiE envelope that’s possibly buried in that PiE & the PTA work in tandem to provide two differ- mountain of back-to-school papers on your kitchen ent types of funding for district schools. counter. Mail it or drop it in the handy box in the JLS • PiE is the only fundraising organization allowed office (where you can also find more envelopes). to pay for “staff” during school hours. At JLS, this • Donate online. www.papie.org. Credit cards or includes student counselors, elective teachers, and PayPal are accepted. teacher coaches. • The PTA pays for “stuff.” This includes classroom Questions? Ask JLS PiE Chairs: materials & technology, support for Panther 4 Jennifer Mutz, [email protected] (parent of 6th Camp and Science Fair, school newsletter, parent grader) education, community-building events, etc. 4 Lisa Steinback, [email protected] (parent of 7th • Please donate to PiE & join the JLS PTA! grader)

Page 4 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 Thank You! Fundraiser for the Library and We are very grateful to the many parents who are will- Music Departments ing to give their time and energy to volunteer at JLS. If you are someone who has already helped out at one of our back Books, Inc. And Kirk’s Steakburger, to school events or activities, please know that we appreciate your generous donation of time very much. You help Wednesday, November 30th, 5-8 p.m. make our school a more enriching place for our staff to Please join us at Town & Country teach and our students to learn. In this space, we also want Village in Palo Alto on Wednesday, to acknowledge those who have taken it upon themselves November 30, for a special fund-raising to organize events or activities. Thank you all for your evening for the JLS Library and the Music commitment to our school! Department. Both Books, Inc. and Kirk’s • Jean Goyal, Elizabeth Loinaz—BTS Packet Stuffing Steakburger restaurant • Louise Valente—JLS Jump Start Day will be donating a percentage of their • Stephanie Youngquist—Panther Camp proceeds back to our school! • Jeeyoung Kim—August Staff Lunch In addition, the JLS Choirs and Bands will be performing at various • Jeeyoung Kim—First Day Coffee times throughout the evening. Come • Shilpa Singhal, Katie Crist—BTS Pizza Social to Books, Inc. between 5 and 8 p.m. • Ruth Gordon, Diane Jakubowski—Parent Ed/41 (and get some holiday shopping done!) Developmental Assets Workshop and Books, Inc. will donate 20% of all • Lynne Drake—8th Grade Honor Roll Celebration sales during that time back to JLS. You • Alison Ven Egeren, Kari Sreenivasan— JLS Walk and can make an evening out of it by having dinner at Kirk’s Roll to School Day before or after your shopping and Kirk’s will donate 15% of your bill to JLS. Thank you in advance for supporting • Gini Ali—Latte Cart Brunches the library and music departments. • Sonya Bradski—Volunteer Coordination for Hearing/ Vision/Scoliosis Testing • Charlene Temple—Volunteer Coordination for Dance The 2012 Many Faces of JLS Chaperones Needs You! We need you! Many Faces of JLS Potluck, Thank You to Volunteers and Wednesday, January 18, 2012 5:30-7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this community-building event that also Students delights your palate. With the diverse cultures repre- It was a wonderful start to the year with our first fam- sented by our JLS families, we are going to have a fun ily social, the Back to School Pizza Dinner on Sept. 14th. evening, sampling delicious cuisines from all corners We had a good turnout, and it was great to see new and of the world and socializing with other JLS parents/stu- old faces after a long summer break. The kids and fami- dents. We hope you will even make a few new friends. lies connected and had a wonderful time socializing in a We need your contribution to make this a successful very casual environment. Thanks to all the families who event. You can be the organizer of a country table, bring attended and made this evening successful. dishes of your own native cuisine, or help with setup/ This special event would not have been possible with- cleanup/purchasing. Please sign up using the online out a lot of help from our parent and student volunteers. form: http://tinyurl.com/4xqeq76. Blank forms are also Thank you to all the parents who took time out from their available in the office. busy schedules and helped toss the salad and serve the If you have any questions about the event, please pizza. Great teamwork there! contact one of our co-chairs, Cynthia Tham at cynthia. Leadership students did a great job as well, from [email protected]. check-in, to serving the ice cream and cleaning up. Thank We are looking forward to celebrating this wonder- you Diana Rodriguez, Diana Molina, Kia Green, Kristen fully diverse community with you!! Lee, Michael Werer, Sydney Yu, Anita Silver, Emily Many Faces of JLS co-chairs, Cao, Ellaine Chou, Rahul Sharma, Albert Seo, Alby Leng, Andy Lau, Pieter Digumarthi-Dykstra, Geoffrey Dulce Ponceleon, Shanti Srinivasan, and Cynthia Tham Burrows and Apolline Arnaud. Special thanks also to our Leadership teacher, Mrs. Carleton, for coordinating with us and organizing the kids’ volunteer shifts. We hope you enjoyed the evening, I surely did. GO PANTHERS! Please feel free to give any input for next year. Shilpa Singhal, Nancy Smith and Katie Crist, BTS Dinner team [email protected]

2011 Many Faces International Potluck, by Olga Gary October/November 2011 JLS Panther Tracks Page 5 JLS Science Fair 2012 Bee Season is coming and January 25th and 26th hundreds of JLS students will Come be a part of this great tradition at JLS, spon- get the bug sored by JLS PTA, JLS Science Department, the JLS Administration, and Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and JLS is holding the National Geographic Geography Technology Outreach Foundation. Bee and the Scripps National Spelling Bee, beginning The JLS Science Fair is a unique way for students to in November. All 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are develop their interest in science as well as to learn and encouraged to participate. Mr. Mel Froli, will serve apply scientific methodologies. There were over 480 as the mellifluous Master of Ceremonies, bringing his participants in the 2011 JLS Science Fair, and we hope to renowned humor and calm to the proceedings! match or exceed that enthusiasm this year at our 2-day One JLS student went all the way from winning the fun and non-competitive event on Wednesday, January JLS Geography Bee Championship, to the state, then the 25th and Thursday, January 26th, 2012. national championship in Washington, D.C. We hope that interested students will apply their Misnomer, kaleidoscope, and promontory are just a creativity and curiosity about the world around them few of the spelling words tackled by almost 200 JLS stu- by posing a question in a scientific way, answering it by dents last year during the Scripps National Spelling Bee formulating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, col- Preliminary Competition. lecting and analyzing the data, and finally, arriving at a Both of the Bees have preliminary competitions conclusion. where all grade levels are encouraged to participate, the JLS Science teachers work with their students in Geo Bee on November 16th and the Spelling Bee on the classroom to guide their Science projects, which December 14th. The Championship Rounds for both will be presented on poster boards at the science fair. the Geo Bee and the Spelling Bee will be televised live on Participants will be given feedback on their posters, but KJLS. there is no formal judging of the entries. Everyone is a Parents who are interested in volunteering as proc- winner by just participating and completing this cycle of tors for any or all of the competitions should contact scientific experimentation and formulation. All entrants Judy Lukensmeyer at [email protected], or will receive a certificate of participation and will be Shauna Rockson at [email protected]. We’d appreci- entered in a raffle for fantastic prizes! Teachers may rec- ate the help. Thank you! ommend some projects for the regional Synopsys Science We hope everyone will beeee Fair on March 7th, 2012. involved! For more information or to register, go the JLS website http://jlssciencefair.pausd.org/. Register by December 15th to be included in an early registrant drawing. The deadline to register is January 20th. We will be holding Science Fair Student Workshops on November 16th and December 7th in the library from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. We need of adult volunteers for judging, registra- tion, greeters, refreshments, and community outreach. Without your help, the fair cannot happen. Please contact us if you are interested in helping out. Peyma Oskoui ([email protected]) and Stephanie Youngquist ([email protected]) Science Fair Co-Chairs

Page 6 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 New Teachers JLS Student Directory The printed JLS Student Directory will be avail- Mr. Mahle, Drama able by October 28. If you haven’t already requested Mr. Mahle comes to JLS after five years of teaching a copy to be sent home with your student, please feel Drama, Digital Photography, English, Film and Oral free to stop by the school office to pick up a copy. Interpretation at Saratoga and Wilcox High Schools. The directories are provided by the PTA one per Before that, he worked for various children’s theatres as JLS household free of charge. For questions, please an actor, director, designer, and teacher. In his spare time, email [email protected]. Mr. Mahle likes to indulge his passion for filmmaking by helping with local independent productions in the Bay Area. He’s acted, assistant directed, and provided special makeup effects for film companies such as Civilized Beast JLS PTA Family Service Date and Almaden Films. He also enjoys yoga, small pets, and the original Star Wars trilogy. The JLS PTA is planning a Family Service Day for March 2012 in collaboration with Youth Community Service (YCS). Watch your JLS eNews for Irada Yuzbash, ELD how you and your JLS student can participate. We are looking for student input My name is Irada Yuzbash. I am a new ELD teacher and parents with connections to nonprofits at JLS middle school. I was born in the former Soviet near JLS who would like to help coordinate Union and lived all my life near the beautiful Caspian groups of 10-20 students and parents. If Sea. Maybe that’s why when I came to the USA and after you are interested in helping, please contact Megan changing my address a few times, I decided to settle down in a small coastal town of Pacifica, CA. I wanted to Fogarty ([email protected]), Nancy Smith become a teacher of English ever since I’ve heard ABBA’s ([email protected]), or Christy Weinstein (christy. and Beatles’ songs in high school and fell in love with the [email protected]). sound of English Language. I was not discouraged from pursuing my passion even after I had finally translated their songs into my native language. I went to college NovemberNovember SStafftaff AAppreciationppreciation in Moscow to become an English teacher. Later, when I came to the United States, I went to college again to get Luncheon—Help my teaching credential. I have been working with English Language Learners all my adult life and think it is the Needed! most rewarding career. In my spare time I like to read, The first JLS Staff Appreciation Luncheon cook, spend time with my family and our puppy Chip, will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 11:30 a.m.— and take long walks along the beach. 1:00 p.m. Bring your delicious dishes and desserts to show your appreciation to our dedicated JLS teachers and staff for all of their hard work. Grant Althouse, Administrative TOSA Questions? Want to help? Please contact the following I joined the J.L. Stanford community this year as JLS Staff Appreciation Luncheon coordinators for further the Administrative Teacher on Special Assignment and information: Huiying Song, Su-Ying Liang, or Betty English Language Learner Program Coordinator. I Yang. received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at the Sign-up at: http://goo.gl/lHo9Q. University of California, Davis in 2003 and a Masters in Education Administration from Santa Clara University in 2011. Ads for Yearbooks for 8th Prior to joining JLS I taught fifth grade for eight years at Addison Elementary school and worked on the Grade Parents district’s Equity=Excellence Professional Development training team. Aside from working with students and Dear Parents of graduating 8th graders, teachers at JLS, I enjoy playing with my one-year-old son, Would you like to say congratulations to your child Rhys, spending life with my wife, Alyssa (a second grade this June at graduation? There is an opportunity to do teacher in Palo Alto), listening to and playing music, and this in our 2012 yearbook! You can upload pictures and hiking in the mountains. I am thrilled to join the experi- a special message or poem to your student! The ads will enced group of professionals and wonderful community appear in the yearbook in full color. View layouts and of learners at JLS! prices on our yearbook publisher’s website: http://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/ ybk_cp_ads.html You can submit digital pictures and pay for your ad online. The deadline for posting these ads will be October 30, 2011. If you have any additional questions, please Tracy Devers, at [email protected]. October/November 2011 JLS Panther Tracks Page 7 Her perception of being lonely was important to listen Is it Sadness or Depression? - to, because that is how she was operating, based on her perception. Therapy has helped her see things more How to Tell the Difference. realistically – that she actually has friends, but that she by Roni Gillenson, LMFT Program Director ACS On Campus may have been misperceiving. She did not need to take Counseling Program anti-depressants as therapy was helping her to improve. Sometimes medication is necessary, but I always try to How do we tell the difference between “ within the see if therapy will help alleviate the pain they feel first. range of normal” sadness and depression? First, we need Sadness is a part of life, just as is grief over a loss. But to start with the developmentally appropriate range of when it becomes depression, it is time to take action. feeling for a teenager. To quote the medical encyclopedia, If you find that your teen is having difficulty with for normal teenagers we can expect “sensitivity and con- sadness or depression, do not hesitate to have them concern over body issues, excruciating comparisons between tact an ACS counselor. Adolescent Counseling Services oneself and peers, acts of rebellion, conflict with parents, has therapists on your teen’s campus who are available risk-taking behavior, increased risk for depression due to help. We also have access to outside resources to help to pressures and conflicts that may arise within families parents to get through this difficult time. or in friendships. If adolescents appear to be isolated from peers, disinterested in school, or deteriorating in Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non- performance in school, work, or sports, psychological profit, which provides vital counseling services on seven evaluation may be necessary.” secondary campuses at no charge to students and their families. That was quite a mouthful, but, as you can see, there To learn more about our services please visit the ACS website is quite a broad range of normal for teenagers. The issues at www.acs-teens.org or call Chris Chiochios, Site Director come about in the gray areas. Someone who is exhibiting at JLS (650) 856-5164. ACS relies on the generosity of com- extreme behaviors is easy to identify. It is when we are munity members to continue offering individual, family, and unsure that it becomes more difficult. The major signs group counseling to over 1,500 individuals annually. ACS of depression are fatigue, heaviness, listlessness; loss of provides critical interventions and mental health services, appetite; difficulty concentrating and completing tasks; building a better future for tomorrow. If you are interested in feelings of shame, worthlessness, inadequacy and incom- helping to support our efforts, do not hesitate to call to make petence; lack of sleep; loss of interest in life; withdrawal a donation. It goes a long way in helping teenagers find their from friends and family; engaging in self-destructive way! behavior; expressing desire to harm oneself. Breakfast with ACS! Another factor is separating out sadness and depression. Sadness (or grief) is a natural response to loss and Join us for breakfast and learn more the symptoms may seem the same as depression. The about ACS programs, trends in child major difference with depression is that the person feels and teen mental and emotional health, that there is something wrong with themselves, “no one and hear from our licensed clinical staff likes me, there is something wrong with me.” That usu- about how you can better communicate ally doesn’t happen with simple grief. and interact with any teen in your life. These events are free, but space is lim- Let me tell you about a teenager I am seeing in my ited. Please RSVP to [email protected] with your private practice. She came in with most of the above name, address, phone number, and the date you would symptoms – not eating, not sleeping, feeling as though like to attend. no one liked her. In fact, she scored high on a depression scale I gave her. What became important for me over □ Wednesday, December 7, 2011 | 8:00-9:30 a.m. | time is that she kept coming back each time to the fact ACS Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite that she was lonely. That was her predominant symptom. 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303 She said she was not suicidal. She made good use of ther- □ Wednesday, May 2, 2012 | 8:00-9:30 a.m. | ACS apy. At first she was quiet and said very little. However, Corporate Office, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite as we continued to meet, she opened up more about her 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303 loneliness. I learned, though, that she overemphasized some things. Her perception is that she had no friends, but in conversation, she would name several people that she spoke to. But she said they were not really friends.

Page 8 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 Developmental Asset of the Month – October Positive Family Communication 5th grade students, 52% of 7th grade students, and 32% A conversation starts. Your child is upset. You’re of 9th-12th grade students reported in the Developmental tired. Pretty soon, the conversation heats into an argu- Assets 2010 survey that they have positive communica- ment. It ends with a door slam and silence. tion with their parents and are willing to seek advice Arguments. We’ve all had them with our children. from them. To help promote this valuable asset, October Sometimes, particularly with our teen children, it may is Positive Family Communication month in Palo Alto. feel like most conversations end with slammed doors. Establishing positive communication when children Though it can be challenging to develop the skills, are young may help keep the channel open in adoles- being available for frequent, in depth conversations is an cence. But no matter how old your children are, it’s never important role we play in our children’s lives – from the too late to start! The following questions can help your time they learn to talk, all the way into adulthood. What family. Encourage your child to answer these questions we have to do is create an atmosphere of communication honestly: – an open door. • Ask caring questions such as: How did band The trick with open door communication is that practice go? How was the math test? Was the we often don’t realize we create invisible closed doors assembly fun? around us. We get preoccupied and don’t pay enough attention. We’re exhausted and nod off as our child is in • Ask your child’s advice or opinion about an mid-sentence. We jump to conclusions before our child important matter. says things. We assume the worst. We criticize our kids • If there is a problem at work and you come home for what they tell us, so they close the door the next time upset, let your child know that you are not angry out of fear or resentment. with her or him. Sometimes there is no communication to begin with, The communication skills that young people develop and it’s hard to get your child to say what’s going on in in their families help set the pattern of how they’ll com- her or his life. municate for the rest their lives. Teaching your children Having an open door means having an open mind, to communicate effectively with friends, teachers, co- an open attitude. It means listening to understand, not workers, parents, peers, and others is a lasting legacy that to advocate our position. It means being available when you can give to your children. our children need us - AND when they don’t. It means For positive family communication to occur, all fam- taking good care of ourselves so that when our children ily members must be comfortable sharing their needs, want to talk, we have open ears and an open heart. wishes and concerns in an honest and trusting environ- Young people who experience positive family com- ment without fear of rejection. munication experience higher self-esteem, decreased substance use, less anxiety and depression, and greater This article was adapted from of Project Cornerstone’s school engagement. However, in Palo Alto, only 64% of Asset-a-Month and Search Institute newsletter.

October/November 2011 JLS Panther Tracks Page 9 ment request form. These forms are located on Mrs. Counselors’ Corner Scherer’s desk in the Guidance office. When children contact the counselor about a prob- Arvind Arya, 8th Grade Counselor lem, they are taking the first steps toward advocating for Hi! My name is Arvind Arya. I am the 8th grade themselves. Encourage your child to contact the counselor counselor at JLS. I am excited and thrilled to have this if they have a concern or question. Self-advocacy is the opportunity to work with you and your student. Just so first step toward maturing into an individual who feels you know a little bit more about me, I am starting my empowered when they find solutions to a problem. 13th year working as a guidance counselor. I hail from One of the most important skills a person can learn southern California, went to high school in Carlsbad and is how to communicate with others in a positive and graduated from U.C. Riverside with my BA in Sociology. constructive manner. One of my missions as a school I attended Azusa Pacific University, and earned my MA counselor is to guide students as they develop their abili- in education along with a credential in school counseling. ties in interpersonal relationships, to make wise decisions My first experience counseling was at La Cañada and to problem solve. High School, in La Cañada, California. La Cañada is a lit- If you have questions, contact me at 856-5175 or email tle community, similar to Palo Alto, which is just outside me at [email protected]. of Pasadena. I had a wonderful experience counseling with all grade levels during my tenure there. In the sum- Ryan Ealy, 6th Grade Counselor mer of 2006, I got married and relocated to the Bay Area. I’d like to welcome all the new families to JLS. Let me I worked at Milpitas High School for a year, but decided share a little about myself. This is my 5th year working it was time for a change from the high school level. I love at JLS and the 3rd year I have worked with 6th graders. working in middle school! It is very different from high I will move up with them through 7th and 8th grade. By school, but I feel that students are much more moldable remaining with the students for three years, the coun- and open to learning so many new things in life. I enjoy selors are able to know the students well, form solid their youthful enthusiasm. JLS is a great school and I am connections, and are better able to support the students. proud to work here. I went to school at the University of Northern Iowa, I have two little children. My daughter, Pria, is 4 where I received a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. I years old and my son, Aarav, is 1. In my spare time majored in Communications with an emphasis in public (when I have some), I like to watch soccer, and basketball. speaking, and minored in Youth Administration. After I’m a huge fan of European and English Football (soccer)! college I worked at Northwestern Mutual Financial I support Arsenal FC and the Lakers! I also enjoy travel- Network as a financial planner. After a year, I decided this ing to new places and outdoor grilling. At home, I am was not the career for me. I returned to Northern Iowa known as the “King of the Grill.” where I received a Master’s degree in School Counseling. I have a passion about working with students to help I currently hold an Iowa Counseling License and Pupil them overcome any obstacles that they may face. This Personnel Services Credential. can be academic, personal/ social, or just about anything. On April 18, 2009, I became a father. My son, Hayden Setting goals and working towards them is an impor- Michael Ealy, was born at Stanford Hospital. Being a tant life-long skill for all our kids. Seeing kids grow into father is the one of the greatest experiences in the world. responsible, motivated students is very rewarding to me. Being a parent has provided me with a different perspec- If you have any questions or concerns, I can be tive on life. I not only have my view as a counselor but as reached at 650-856-5129. My email is [email protected]. a parent as well. This experience has helped me to grow All the best this year and I am looking forward to work- as a person and has made me a better counselor. ing with you. I believe that middle school can be a difficult time for our youth. The changes from elementary to middle school Linda Howard, 7th Grade Counselor can be very challenging. This is a time of transition and Welcome back to another school year. My name is personal growth. Students are attempting to find their Linda Howard and once again I have the opportunity place in middle school and learn the skills needed in life to be a part of seventh grade as the guidance counselor. to be successful. Traditionally, students try to break away I will continue with this class through eighth grade. from the family and place a greater emphasis on their peer Remaining with the same class throughout the three years relationships. enables the counselors to gain knowledge and establish a The counselor serves a variety of functions that sup- connection with their students. plement a student’s academic career. Much of my work This is my 16th year at JLS. During my first five years with students focuses on emotional and social needs, at JLS, I taught in the sixth grade as a resource special- academic awareness, developmental needs, and personal ist. Before coming to Palo Alto, I taught and worked as growth. a guidance counselor in Texas for 13 years. I have cre- If you have any questions or concerns, I can be dentials in multiple-subject, special education, and Pupil reached at 650-856-5174 or [email protected]. Please also Personnel Services (school counseling). In addition, I have check out the Guidance Department website which is a Master’s degree in Education in school counseling. linked to the JLS school website, under departments. How does a student contact the counselor? If a stu- Thanks for your time and have a great year! dent wishes to discuss a problem or ask a question of the counselor, they can drop by my office and we can arrange for a time to meet. Students can also fill out an appoint-

Page 10 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 Counselors’ Corner Mix It Up Lunch By Ryan Ealy, 6th Grade Counselor Important Upcoming Event On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, the Guidance On February 22, 2012, the seventh and eighth grade Department and BeTcHa Committee (a counselor-led stu- classes will have the opportunity to watch a live theatri- dent activity group) hosted the 5th annual Mix It Up Lunch cal performance called, “Nightmare on Puberty Street.” in the Cafetorium during the students’ scheduled lunch- As a parent of a budding adolescent, you may not think time (12:25 to 1:00). puberty is a laughing matter or something “to sing” about. This performance covers a variety of topics having to do Mix It Up lunch is a nation-wide project support- with growing up. The show presents the information with ing student efforts to identify, question, and cross social humor and appealing performances with both song and boundaries within their schools and communities. At JLS, dance. The following is an excerpt from A Parent’s Guide: we want our students to “mix it up” and leave their comfort zones. We want them to hang out and interact with “Nightmare on Puberty Street” is an age- students they normally wouldn’t hang out with and learn appropriate performance about four young people on the importance of building new relationships, diversity, their journey through adolescence. They learn to cope and accepting differences. with the changes affecting their bodies and minds. The Research shows that Mix It Up programming really frank and sometimes funny program shows students how works. According to Mix It Up at Lunch Day organizers to cope with many of the issues of puberty, including who responded to a 2008 survey conducted by Quality how to handle pressure to be sexually active, how to Education Data, the Mix It Up program produces powerful build self-esteem, how to avoid drugs and alcohol and results: where to find help if faced with feelings of depression or • 97% of respondents said students’ interactions were thoughts of suicide. positive during Mix It Up at Lunch Day. • 95% of respondents said Mix It Up at Lunch Day Parental Notification promoted students to interact with people outside Versions of A Parent’s Guide: Nightmare on Puberty Street their normal social circles. are available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. These • 92% of respondents said Mix It Up at Lunch Day guides are available for download at: increased awareness about social boundaries and http://net.kp.org/etp/ncal/parents_teachers/nightmare.html divisions within school. You can also Google, “Nightmare on Puberty Street • 83% of respondents said the event helped students parent’s guide,” to find general information. make new friends. • 79% of respondents said as a result of the day Around the first week in February, a permission form students have heightened sensitivity towards will be sent home with your child. Please return the form tolerance and social justice issues. if you do NOT want your child to view the performance. • 78% of the respondents said as a result of the day If you have further questions about the play, please e-mail students seem more comfortable interacting with your child’s counselor. different kinds of people. 7th grade – Mrs. Howard – [email protected] Source: Mix It Up Survey by Quality Education Data, 2008. 8th grade – Mr. Arya – [email protected] Check Out the Library The sixth graders had a fun party to celebrate and Adopt-a-Book everyone got a book of their choice and some loud music Thank you to all the parents who donated to the JLS and snacks. The seventh and eighth graders had a huge Library’s Adopt-A-Book program. Because of your gen- loud party two days later. erosity, the library will be able to add additional books to Thank you to all the parents who helped with our support the many research projects throughout the year. celebrations. We couldn’t do it without you! Reading for We are also able to buy additional copies of very popular pleasure engages the whole brain and creates life-long books that keep our JLS students reading. If you would learners. It has been shown to be one of the best ways to still like to make a contribution, you can do so at any time. just reduce stress and take a mini-vacation. KEEP TAKING THOSE MINI-BREAKS AND JLS Summer Readers Broke All Records READING, JLS!!!! In September, we had two parties to celebrate JLS summer readers. JLS students read over 7800 books last JLS Library Volunteers Rock summer. That is a record—over 1000 books more than last The JLS library has some awesome volunteers who year. help shelve all the books our students are checking out, The eighth graders won for most books read, beating repair books, and help organize all our reading and out the sixth graders by about 45 books. This is the first research projects. JLS checks out more books than any time in eleven years that the eighth grade won. They are other middle or high school in Palo Alto and we couldn’t an amazing class of readers. This is also their third year to keep up with the flow without your help. Thank you. win. Last year they beat out the then sixth graders by 25 If you are interested in helping, stop by the library and books and they won handily when they were sixth graders. talk with Mrs. Wong or Ms. Davis. We welcome your participation. October/November 2011 JLS Panther Tracks Page 11 Music Notes Social Studies Welcome from the JLS Music Teachers. We have an exciting year planned for all our music students. Off to a Great Start! Thank you to all the families who contributed to the “Adopt An This fall, students in JLS Social Studies classes Instrument” fund. It was a huge success and greatly supports have participated in a wide array of learning our program. experiences from research to field trips to simula- Our focus at the beginning of the school year will be on tions. Many classes begin the year with a guiding creating good habits (embouchures, hand positions, bow posi- question or theme that will influence instruction tions, proper breathing, and posture), learning how to rehearse throughout the entire year. in large groups, and respecting each other’s individual skills. In sixth grade, students have begun the year Before we launch into concerts, it is important to renew our investigating the question “What defines a cul- basic skills, as these are the crucial building blocks to becoming ture?” Students researched their own cultures accomplished musicians. through projects including Links to the Past or a Our performance dates are listed below. Please mark them Heritage Project. Currently, students are embark- on your calendar. ing on their study of archeology including the study of artifacts both personal and ancient. JLS Advanced Band and Symphonic Band will have their Students are discovering what these artifacts first performance of the year in a combined concert with the tell us about various cultures. Beginning in Gunn Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, November 2nd at 7:00 November, classes will begin their study of homi- p.m. nids and pre-Agricultural revolution societies. Jazz is “happening” at JLS! Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble In seventh grade, students are studying have gotten off to a swinging start. Students were selected by the foundations of Islam and the origins of the audition in early September. Both groups sound great and will Islamic Empire. Classes are learning about the perform along with all of the other JLS Bands at the Winter Islamic achievements of flight, mathematics, Concert in January. architecture, art, and coins. On October 11th, stu- If you need any assistance, please contact your music dents on Team Shakespeare went to the Islamic teacher or Nancy Coffey, Music Coordinator, at the District Science Rediscovered exhibit at the Tech Museum. Music Office at 329-3944 or email [email protected]. Students are using this information as well as We thank you again for your continued support of the their own research to prepare for Middle East music program. Night, Nov. 9th 5:00 PM- 6:00 PM in P80. Here, the students will be “selling” products that could Nancy Coffey, Music Coordinator, [email protected] be found at a Middle East Bazaar (Marketplace). Greg Miller, Band Director Team Galileo will be visiting the exhibition at the Angelina Fitzhugh, Band/Choir Director Tech Museum in November. Janet Lynch Gillespie, Orchestra Director In eighth grade, students have completed their review of American colonial life through “role-playing.” Students have taken on identities Date Event Time@Place of colonists and have written letters or journals about their experiences in the American colo- Nov.2 JLS/Gunn Band Concert 7:00 @JLS nies. Students are currently traveling the “Road Dec. 14 Orchestra Concert 7:00 @ JLS to Revolution” and are discussing the British Acts that caused the American colonists to revolt Dec. 7 Choir Concert 7:00 @ JLS including the Townshend, Tea, and Stamp Acts. Jan. 11 Band Concert 7:00 & 8:15 @ JLS Feb. 9 Tour to elementary schools (Symphonic Band/Orchestra) Feb. 24 Tour to elementary schools (Advanced Band/Choir) Feb. 23 Orchestra Concert 7:00 @ JLS March 7 JLS/Jordan/Terman Combined 7:00 @ JLS Choir Concert Apr 13/14 CMEA Band Festival at Gunn Time TBA (Symphonic Band) May 9 Honor Band/Choir/Orchestra 7:00 @ Gunn Festival May 11/12 CMEA Choir Festival Time TBA May 23 Choir Concert 7:00 @ JLS May 29 Orchestra Concert 7:00 @ JLS May 30 Band Concert 7:00 & 8:15 @ JLS

Page 12 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 getting a taste of what it is like to live in French-speaking Languages Department West Africa. We hear about the highs and the lows, the We are thrilled that so many students at JLS take adventure and the daily grind of life in a small village in a language, and in our classes, we hope they see the Senegal. Our Peace Corps Volunteer is trying to set up relevance of their language studies. It is also our job as a correspondence, in French of course, between students teachers to help students realize that they are ambassa- in the school in her village and our JLS students. We are dors of the United States when they travel abroad. Our worlds apart, but I think we’re going to find out how classes at JLS try to prepare the students for the realities much we all have in common! of meeting people from around the world and being sensitive to their culture, as we also try to learn their languages. It is this global village that we live in that we are trying to help our students navigate, so they become culturally more aware and sensitive.

Japanese Class By Nakajima Sensei Japanese 1A students completed learning 46 Japanese Hiragana alphabet and are going to learn Katakana, while 1B students are learning how to type Japanese on the computer. Here are some upcoming events in Japanese class. We are going to host 16 Japanese students from our sister city Tsuchiura in March, 2012. If anyone is interested in hosting, let [email protected] know. There will be a few spots for non Japanese Language students Forget the Computer for a to host. In class, we have many exciting activities that we While do. We will be making kites. Our friendship kites are By Senorita Devers designed by the Superintendent of Tsuchiura City. We use newspaper, bamboo sticks and scotch tape. We also My 8th grade students donned “bufandas” (scarves), plan to visit the Asian Art Museum and Japan Center. ”gorritas” (berets), and “paraguas” (umbrellas) in order Before the holidays, students will make sushi during to learn new vocabulary this past September in Spanish. class. Almost every Friday, we fold Origami and learn to We had not done this as a group before, and it was a new create different things out of one sheet of paper. and glamorous way to practice the many new words As you can see, learning Japanese is so much more we were learning this quarter revolving around weather than just language! and clothing. I was surprised to see how much they embraced the activity, and had fun strutting down the pretend runway in my classroom. It is wonderful to see the expressions and excitement that using realia in the Correspondance Internationale classroom brings, and I truly believe my students will By Madame Kandell remember these words in the future, as we used this hands-on method of learning to bring the curriculum to If you pass room 450 on any given day, you might life. be lucky enough to hear French 1A and 1B students sing- In early November we will be celebrating the Día ing in French. It’s a daily activity in French class – from de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in the 7th and grammar songs to contemporary music – and it keeps 8th grade Spanish classes. This is one of our favorite class lively. Aside from the regular things that all the lan- holidays as we get out the brightly painted wooden altar guage students at JLS learn, this year the French students and decorate it with candles, paper maché skulls, and are participating in two letter exchanges. crepe paper marigolds. Last year many students chose We recently wrote our introductory letters—in to try making Pan de Muerto or Bread of the Dead at French of course—to our new pen pals at a school in home, which is a Mexican sweetbread typically made at France that is about 2 hours north east of Paris. I have this time of year. If you do not know much about this never seen students determined to write as accurately as holiday, it is celebrated throughout Mexico on November they were when writing these letters. There was great 1st and 2nd. The people remember their loved ones who excitement in the room as they figured out what they have passed away. It is not to be celebrated in a somber wanted to say and they were pleasantly surprised that manner, but is a colorful celebration with music, food, they could say what they wanted to say in French! Now and laughter. we eagerly await the French students’ responses so we can learn about them, their city, their language and their culture through their letters. A second exchange we are just beginning is with a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Senegal. She has a blog that we have started reading in class, and we are October/November 2011 JLS Panther Tracks Page 13

P ALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 25 Churchill Avenue • Palo Alto, California 94306

DISTRICT NURSE LINDA LENOIR, R.N. MSN Phone: 650-329-3766 Fax: 650-321-4525

[email protected] August 29, 2011

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Currently enrolled 6th grade students will be required to show proof of having received the Tdap booster shot on or after their 7th birthday before they will be allowed entrance into the 7th grade.

Due to a NEW IMMUNIZATION LAW (Assembly Bill 354), as of July 1st, 2011, your student will be required to show proof of a Tdap BOOSTER SHOT* (Pertussis/whooping cough vaccine) BEFORE starting 7th grade.

 If your child has not received the Tdap booster, we highly recommend you contact your health care provider or clinic to receive the vaccination as soon as possible (please see below). Please mail, email, fax or bring proof of immunization to the Central Attendance Office by May 1st, 2012. Fax: 650-321-4525 Email: [email protected].

 If your child has already received a Tdap booster on or after their 7th birthday, please mail, email, fax or bring documentation to the Central Attendance Office by May 1st, 2012.

All immunization records must be signed or stamped by a licensed health care provider or clinic.

Students entering 7th grade WILL NOT BE ALLOWED SCHOOL ENTRANCE unless they meet this requirement.

Tdap vaccinations are available at your health care provider and local clinics including: MayView Community Health Center Alternating Wednesdays 8:30 - 5:00 270 Grant Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 650-327-8717 MayView Community Health Center Alternating Wednesdays 8:15 - 11:30 & 1:00 - 3:00 100 Moffett Blvd. #101 Mountain View, CA 94043 650- 965-3323 Call for times, dates and Mobile Health Van locations Redwood City 650-573-2786 Ravenswood Family Health Center ages 3-18 Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1:00 - 5:00 1798-A Bay Rd. East Palo Alto, CA 650-330-7400 Sequoia Teen Wellness Center ages 12-21 Monday-Friday 8:30 - 11:00 & 1:00 - 3:00 200 James Avenue Redwood City, CA 94062 650-366-2927

If your child does not have health insurance, free/low cost insurance is available through Medi-Cal 800-541-5555, Healthy Families/Healthy Kids 1-800-880-5305, and Kaiser Child Health Plan 800-464-4000.

Your child’s health is very important to us. If you have any questions please call me at 650-329-3766.

Sincerely,

R.N. MSN District Nurse Linda Lenoir, * “Tdap”= Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine.

Page 14 JLS Panther Tracks October/November 2011 P ALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 25 Churchill Avenue • Palo Alto, California 94306

DISTRICT NURSE LINDA LENOIR, R.N. MSN Phone: 650-329-3766 Fax: 650-321-4525 or 650-833-4265

29 de Agosto, 2011 [email protected]

Estimados Padres y Apoderados,

A los estudiantes del 6º grado se les pedirá prueba de que hayan recibido el refuerzo de la vacuna Tdap en su 7º cumpleaños o después para que puedan entrar al 7º grado. Debido a una NUEVA LEY DE VACUNAS (Decreto 354), a partir del 1º de julio, 2011, a su estudiante se le pedirá que muestre pruebas de un REFUERZO DE LA VACUNA Tdap* (Pertussis/tos ferina) ANTES de comenzar el 7º grado.

 Si su hijo(a) no ha recibido el refuerzo Tdap, le recomendamos que se comunique con su proveedor de salud o clínica para recibir la vacuna lo más pronto posible (por favor ver abajo). Por favor envíen su prueba de la vacuna por correo, por correo electrónico, por fax o tráiganla en persona a la Oficina de Registros (Central Attendance) el 1º de mayo del 2012 o antes. Número de fax: 650-321-4525. Correo electrónico: [email protected].

 Si su hijo ya ha recibido el refuerzo Tdap en su 7º cumpleaños o después, por favor envíe la documentación por correo, por correo electrónico, por fax o tráiganla en persona a la Oficina de Registros (Central Attendance) el 1º de mayo del 2012 o antes.

Todos los registros de vacunas deben ser firmados o sellados por un proveedor de salud autorizado.

A los estudiantes que entran al 7º grado NO SE LES PERMITIRA ENTRAR A LA ESCUELA a menos de que hayan cumplido con este requisito.

Las vacunas Tdap están disponibles donde su proveedor de salud y en las clínicas locales incluyendo: MayView Community Health Center Miércoles alternos 8:30 - 5:00 270 Grant Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 650-327-8717 MayView Community Health Center Miércoles alternos 8:15 - 11:30 & 1:00 - 3:00 100 Moffett Blvd. #101 Mountain View, CA 94043 650- 965-3323 Llamen para preguntar horarios, Clínica Móvil de la Salud fechas y locaciones Redwood City 650-573-2786 Ravenswood Family Health Center edades 3-18 Lunes, miércoles y viernes 1:00 – 5:00 1798-A Bay Rd. East Palo Alto, CA 650-330-7400 Sequoia Teen Wellness Center edades 12-21 Lunes-Viernes 8:30 - 11:00 & 1:00 - 3:30 200 James Avenue Redwood City, CA 94062 650-366-2927

Si su hijo no tiene seguro médico, hay seguro médico disponible gratis/a bajo costo a través de Medi-Cal 800-541- 5555, Healthy Families/Healthy Kids 1-800-880-5305, y el Plan de Salud Kaiser Child 800-464-4000.

La salud de su hijo es muy importante para nosotros. Si tienen alguna pregunta por favor llámenme al 650-329-3766.

Atentamente,

R.N. MSN Enfermera del Distrito Linda Lenoir, * “Tdap”= Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine.

Palo Alto Council of Parent Teacher Association Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School Non-Profit Org 480 East Meadow Drive U.S. Postage Palo Alto, CA 94306 PAID www.jls.pausd.org Permit No. 18 Main Office: 650-856-5188 Palo Alto, CA Fax: 650-856-3248 Change Service Requested

To do (details inside):  Go to “burgers and books” fundraiser on Nov 30th (p. 5)  Volunteer for “Faces of JLS” potluck (p. 5)  Help with Bees and Science Fair (p. 6)  Bring food to teacher luncheon (p. 7)  Create 8th grade yearbook ad (p. 7)  Breakfast with ACS (p. 8)  Note music events (p. 12)  Help the library (p. 11)  It’s not too late to donate to PiE! (p. 4)  Verify Tdap for 6th graders (p. 12, 14)

C a l e n d a r O c t o b e r 7 W JLS Choir Concert, 7 pm 12 M Site Council meeting, 3:30 pm 2 6 W 7 t h g r a d e C e l l M o d e l s d i s p l a y 14 W JLS Orchestra Concert, 7pm 2 8 F “ L e g e n d o f S l e e p y H o l l o w ” d r a m a p e r f o r m a n c e , 7 p m 16 F District-wide Minimum Day, 12:25 pm dismissal 2 9 S a “ L e g e n d o f S l e e p y H o l l o w ” d r a m a p e r f o r m a n c e , 2 p m & 7 p m Dec. 19-Jan. 2 Winter Break, NO SCHOOL N o v e m b e r January 2 W J L S / G u n n B a n d C o n c e r t , 7 p m 5 Th PTA Executive Board meeting, 8:15 am 3 T h P T A E x e c u t i v e B o a r d m e e t i n g , 8 : 1 5 a m 6 F Panther Tracks deadline 1 1 F V e t e r a n s ’ D a y , N O S C H O O L 9 M Parent Visitation Day 1 4 M S i t e C o u n c i l m e e t i n g , 3 : 3 0 p m Site Council meeting, 3:30 pm 1 6 W P T A G e n e r a l M e e t i n g , 8 : 1 5 a m 10-11 Tu-W Scoliosis Screening 1 7 T h P a r e n t V i s i t a t i o n D a y 11 W JLS Band Concert, 7 pm 1 8 F 6 t h g r a d e W h e e l 2 e n d s 16 M MLK, Jr. Day, NO SCHOOL 2 1 M 6 t h g r a d e W h e e l 3 b e g i n s 18 W Many Faces of JLS, 5:30 pm 2 3 - 2 5 W - F T h a n k s g i v i n g H o l i d a y , N O S C H O O L 19 Th End of First Semester 2 9 - 3 0 T u - W V i s i o n S c r e e n i n g 6th grade Wheel 3 ends 3 0 W “ B o o k S h o p N i g h t ” a t B o o k s , I n c . , 5 - 8 p m Drama performance, 7 pm 20 F Local Holiday, NO SCHOOL D e c e m b e r 23 M 6th grade Wheel 4 begins 1 T h P T A E x e c u t i v e B o a r d m e e t i n g , 8 : 1 5 a m 24 Tu 6th grade & small group pictures 2 F J L S D a n c e , 7 - 9 : 3 0 p m 25-26 W-Th Science Fair