Calendar - Lucille M. Nixon Elementary

1
September 28, 2012 Issue 2
P R IN C IP A L ’ S C O R N E R
By Mary Pat O’Connell
Dear Nixon Families,
This school year is off to a fine start with Nixon students becoming comfortable with the routines and
procedures of their classrooms and the playground. Thanks to all who helped make our Back to School picnic a
wonderful success. Special thanks go to Ammie Rodden for organizing this event.
As our school year has gotten underway, we have jumped right into our character education program which we
call “Lifeskills.” We teach our students about twenty-three character traits that we feel are valuable throughout
life. The traits fall into three types. The first type are the traits that could be considered “moral” traits and
include integrity, truthfulness, trustworthiness, caring, responsibility and courage. The second group of traits
helps students to be successful in school. These include effort, perseverance, active listening, organization,
initiative, problem solving, resourcefulness, curiosity, pride and personal best. The traits in the final group help
children to have positive relationships with others. These include avoiding put downs, friendship, flexibility,
common sense, patience, and sense of humor.
At first glance, this may seem like quite a lot of traits. Why don’t we choose a smaller group on which to focus?
We work on these across all the years of elementary school and find we are most effective when we can be as
specific as possible. We try to model these traits in our work with the students and each other. We draw
students’ attention to examples of these traits in the literature that we read with students. We remind students of
these traits as we help them learn to manage the challenges that arise in school. Students share examples of our
weekly-featured lifeskills each morning during announcements. We also recognize students for demonstrating
these traits at our bi-monthly Lifeskill Awards assemblies.
I would like to ask you to partner with us in the effort to teach your children these Lifeskills. Clearly, they are
not limited to life at school. Take the opportunities that arise in your home to notice when your child is
demonstrating one of the Lifeskills. Share examples from your own life which involve one or more of the
Lifeskills.
This school year we are adding one more aspect to our Lifeskills program. Coming up in
Calendar:
October 2, 2012
Tuesday
Picture Day
October 5, 2012
Friday
PTA Executive Board Meeting
Parent Volunteer Lice Training
Nixon News
October 16, 2012
Tuesday
Kinder Extended Day Begins
October 17, 2012
Wednesday
Staff Appreciation Brunch
October 18, 2012
Thursday
Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
Webb Ranch 2 – 6 pm
October 19, 2012
Friday
Elementary Staff
Development
NO SCHOOL
October 23, 2012
Tuesday
Hearing Test
Continued on page 2
October 31, 2012
Wednesday
Pumpkin Festival
Halloween Parade
November 1 - ,7
2012
Book Fair
Page 1
2
About Nixon
News
Nixon News is a PTA funded
newsletter, designed to serve as a
parent educational and information
resource. It is published on Friday
(except when holidays interfere)
every three to four weeks.
Submissions should be sent via email to the editor, Julie Tomz.
Either type the text directly in the body
of the e-mail or attach a Microsoft
Word Format file. If your article is on
paper and cannot be submitted
electronically or if you have a photo or
graphic, please contact the editor for
instructions. Deadlines are announced
on page 2 (see below) of every issue.
They are normally (but not always) the
Wednesday the week before
publication. Articles may be edited for
spelling, grammar, clarity, and length.
All submissions must include your
name and contact information.
Information in this newsletter is
provided as a community service.
The mention of any business,
service, or organization in this
newsletter does not imply
endorsement by the Nixon PTA or
the PAUSD.
Next Publication: Fri. Nov. 2
Deadline: Thurs., Oct. 25
Principal: Mary Pat O’Connell
PTA President: Steve Jaeger
Editor: Julie Tomz
Layout: Anjana Patel
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
October, we will be asking our students to set a goal for
improving their understanding and practice of one of the
Lifeskills. This is intended to be a stretch for each child, so
your child’s teacher will work with him or her to choose a
Lifeskill in a growth area. We want the students to choose a
Lifeskill that is not already easy for them. We will let you
know what your child has selected so you can encourage the
development of that trait at home also. In the spring, you will
be asked to provide some feedback to your child about their
growth in regards to the selected Lifeskill. Our youngest
students will work on this as a whole class rather than as
individuals in order to make it age-appropriate.
This new strategy for encouraging children to set a personal
goal related to Lifeskills comes from the combined work of our
teachers and our School Site Council. Last spring as both
groups considered the goals we should set for our work this
year, we wanted to be sure to include focus on character
development. We know this matters every bit as much as
academic development. Research done by Stanford professor,
Carol Dweck has highlighted the importance of encouraging a
growth mindset in students. We make every effort to help each
of your children realize that intelligence is not fixed, but rather,
it is effort and perseverance that enable them to learn
effectively. Research done by University of Pennsylvania
professor Martin Seligman indicates that the resilience to
overcome adversity, or “grit” can be a better predictor of
success in college than SAT scores. We also know that
happiness for each of us is linked to the relationships we have
with others. Learning to be the kind of person who can make
friends and is liked and respected by peers will go a long way
towards smoothing the bumps in life.
This is what we mean when we talk about educating the
“whole child.” We begin this school year committed to the
academic and character development of each of our students.
We count on you, as parents, to partner with us in this alwaysexciting endeavor.
Please feel free to contact me if you think I can be of help.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat O'Connell
Nixon News
Page 2
Staff Profile: Guadalupe Ponce, Custodian
Guadalupe Ponce is Nixon’s wonderful daytime custodian. Be sure to say hello when you
see her! Guadalupe was interviewed by Joyce Lian and Anna Tomz, 5th graders and
Nixon News reporters.
How long have you been working at Nixon? About six years. For a while I was working
at both Nixon and Escondido, but then I got a full time position at Nixon working the
afternoon and evening shift (3 p.m. – 11 p.m.). When Avi (our former daytime custodian)
retired, I took on the daytime shift.
Which shift do you like better? I like the daytime shift better. I like to say hello and good
morning to the students, staff, and parents as they arrive. At night it was just the raccoons
and me!
Where were you born? I grew up in El Salvador. It is a little country but big in heart! I got
married there, studied there, and worked in a pharmacy.
When did you move to the United States? When I was 30 years old. I studied at Foothill
and De Anza to work on my English and got my license as a pharmacy technician. I
worked part-time for Kaiser, but I wanted full-time work so that I could get benefits. The
Palo Alto school district offered that to me. I’m very grateful for that.
Please tell us about your family. My husband passed away 13 years ago. I have three
sons, ages 40, 35, and 30. Two of them live here in California, and one lives in Seattle.
They work in business and social work and mental health. I have 8 grandchildren!
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to sew. I sew blankets for my
grandchildren! I also like to walk and dance.
What music do you like? I really like the oldies, and I listen to the 103.7 oldies station in
my car every day! When I was growing up in El Salvador, the Beatles were really popular,
so I really like the Beatles and Paul Anka and the Rolling Stones.
Do you have any pets? I have two dogs – a 4-year-old Dachshund named Bella and a 7year-old German Shephard named Blackie. They’re nice together.
Why do you like Nixon? I really like the people here. I find the kindest people over here.
Do you have any advice for Nixon students? Respect everyone. Be friendly. I’m so
happy when kids say, “Hi, Guadalupe!”
Nixon News
Page 3
2
1
Meet Your Nixon Site Council
Get to know this year’s Site Council and be sure to talk
to them about the group’s work on behalf of Nixon.
The Nixon Site Council is responsible for considering
and setting Nixon Elementary School’s operational
direction and focus within the parameters set by the
Palo Alto Unified School District. The Council
formulates and updates Nixon’s Mission and Vision
Statements, which highlight our school’s priorities and
aspirations. The Council develops and adopts the
school plan, and an annual budget to support the plan.
The Council also serves as a forum for obtaining staff
and parent input regarding Nixon programs and issues,
as well as a channel of communication between
parents, the school, and the school district.
The Council consists of an equal number of Nixon
parents and staff members (the principal and teachers).
Parents and staff Council members (other than the
principal, who is an ex officio member) serve two year
terms which are staggered to provide both continuity
and an opportunity for new ideas and input from new
members. Nixon parents elect parent members, and the
teachers and staff select the staff members of the
Council. A parent member chairs the Council meetings.
Site Council meetings are held on the 1st Monday of
each month and are open to the public. Agendas are
available in the school office at least 48 hours prior to
each meeting. Minutes of the meetings are posted on
the Nixon website. A notebook with the Site Council
agendas and minutes is also available in the school
office.
Andy Hernandez. I am the parent of two Nixon
students, Julien (5th grade) and Allison (1st grade) and
have volunteered when I can on class field trips since
Julien began at Nixon five years ago. I am an assistant
dean of students at Stanford where I have worked for 18
years. I have a Master’s in Education from Harvard and
began my professional career in an innovative academic
program jointly run by the Boston Public Schools and the
University of Massachusetts at Boston when courtordered school desegregation began in Boston in the
1970s. I am interested in serving on the Nixon Site
Council to become more engaged in the school and I am
particularly interested in assessment, school safety and
emergency preparedness.
Cinnamon Chu. I am the mom of Allie (6th grade at
Terman) and Justin (3rd grade). I've been part of the
Nixon community for more than six years as a parent,
volunteer coordinator of the Ice Skating Party (4 years),
Staff Appreciation Lunches (2 years) and PTA coSecretary (2 years). I work part time at HewlettPackard. I joined Site Council to see a different side of
Nixon and to continue to be involved in our wonderful
school community.
Athina Peiou-Quake. I have a daughter in 5th grade
and a son in 2nd grade at Nixon and have been involved
over the years both with PTA and Site Council.
Tina Sugimoto.
The staff members serving on Site Council this year are
Jodie Harrier (kindergarten), Mary Blazensky (2nd
grade), and Beryl Deremigio (5th grade). The parent
members are introduced below:
Melissa Wilkinson, President. This is my second year
serving on Site Council. I serve because I think it's an
important idea (that teachers, staff, parents, and
principal meet and discuss goals and direction), and I
also enjoy doing it because it's a chance to learn more
about this great school. I have three kids - a 4th grader,
a 2nd grader, and a kindergartner. Before having kids I
taught community college math, and in my spare time
(when that happens) I enjoy playing games and
reading.
Nixon News
Page 4
The Book Fair Is Coming!
November 2 – 7, 2012
‘Fall Into Reading’ when
you see the Nixon
Theatre transformed
into a bookstore filled
with selections that are
hand-picked for our
school.
Besides supporting Nixon School, there are plenty of great
reasons to shop at the Nixon Book Fair…
Books for your Child: Your child will visit the Book Fair and get
excited about books-- Here’s a perfect opportunity to encourage
their love of reading!
Books for the Classroom & Library: Each teacher will have a wish
box of books that she or he has chosen, so that you may easily
purchase a “just right” book for your child’s classroom.
Books for All Occasions: What better gift than a book? You can
take care of your holiday & birthday shopping AND even get it gift
wrapped….. All at the Nixon Book Fair!
To find out more about the Book Fair, or to get involved,
please email: pau_smith@hotmail.com
Nixon News
Page 5
A Letter from PAUSD School Lunch Program
Attention Nixon Parents:
Are you tired of packing lunches?
Are you tired of standing in line at Whole Foods/Trader Joes
and Safeway?
If so, the PAUSD school lunch program is here to help!
A team of Palo Alto parents is leading an effort to improve the quality and taste of school lunches at
PAUSD and increase organic and locally sourced foods. A copy of the new elementary school
menu is available on the PAUSD website (www.pausd.org). Please take a look and support this
effort by giving the new menu a try.
In addition to the new kid friendly and healthier menu items, the following changes are being rolled
out:
More fruits and vegetables: USDA regulations require that elementary school
students take 1/2 cup of a fruit or vegetable at lunch. The district now offers a much larger
rotation of vegetables than ever before, including broccoli, jicama, snap peas, edamame,
black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, romaine side salads and cucumbers. Sliced apples
are also available and orange wedges may be on the horizon.
We are encouraging Food Services to purchase produce from local farmers. This
year the district is ordering produce from numerous local farms- Duran/Dole, Field Fresh
and Maristone/Gourmet Farms in Watsonville and Dwelley Farms in Brentwood.
Food Services is piloting a "Harvest of the Month" program in 6 schools across
Palo Alto this Fall and Nixon was one of the selected schools. (The District has applied
for a grant to enable it to provide the program at other schools.) Please ask your children
about this learning opportunity.
And stay tuned for Tasting Week 2012 – coming to PAUSD from October 15 to October 21, 2012
(www.tastingweek.com).
If you would like to get involved with nutrition programs and farm to school opportunities for Nixon,
please email Cindy Wenig ).
Staff Appreciation Brunch: Calling All 2 nd and 5 th Grade
Families
On Wednesday, October 17th, our wonderful Nixon staff will enjoy brunch provided by Nixon 2nd
and 5th grade families. If you would like to participate, please bring your favorite dish to the
teachers' lounge before 9:45 am that day. You can deliver the dish when you drop off your kid(s) in
the morning. Leave a note on the dish if it needs to be refrigerated or heated. DO include your name
and the name of the dish on a small card - the staff enjoy knowing who made each dish. Please sign
up on Google Docs (http://goo.gl/hBFSP) or email Christine Costigan) to participate. Thank you for
your support!
Event sponsored by the Nixon PTA
Nixon News
Page 6
Staff%Appreciation%Brunch%
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Thank!you!for!your!support!of!this!event!!
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!
Nixon News
Page 7
From PAUSD, Developmental Asset
of the Month
September's Asset of the Month is Parent
Involvement in Schooling. Research shows that
youth whose parents are actively involved in their
schooling are more engaged in school; but, what
does this mean? We see plenty of parents on
campus and at PTA events "being involved" but is
that the only form it takes? Every parent, every day
can positively affect kids' lives. It only takes a
second. The National Network of Partnership
Schools developed a framework for understanding
different kinds of parent involvement:
•
•
•
•
•
Parenting: families establish home
environments that support children’s learning
Communicating: families and schools engage
in effective two-way communication about
student expectations and progress
Volunteering: parents directly support the
classroom or school
Learning at home: families help students with
homework and school-related decisionmaking and planning
Decision making: parents are involved in
school decisions
•
Parents whose schedules don’t allow volunteering
can still support their children’s academic success
through parenting, communication, and learning at
home. However you can do it, do it. Remember it
only takes a second.
To learn
more: www.projectcornerstone.org/pdfs/September
_ParentInvolvementInSchool_ResourceKit.pdf
To get involved in the Palo Alto Developmental
Assets Initiative of Project Safety Net contact us at
devassetspaloalto@gmail.com
Thanks for your on-going support!
Terry Godfrey
Palo Alto Developmental Assets Initiative
Project Safety Net
Nixon News
Thank you to the wonderful parents that kicked off our
campaign with their donations. Nixon is off to a good
start. However, as noted in an e-mail to all parents from
Mary Pat O’Connell, if you turned in a donation form at
the Registration Event on Tuesday August 14th, please
check with the district PiE office at (650) 329-3990 or
email us so we can follow up on your behalf. Our most
sincere apologies as the envelopes may not have been
processed before being destroyed. The PiE campaign
will continue this fall, and we need all the help we can get
so as to support our wonderful programs at Nixon.
For the 2012-2013 school year, generous donations from
parents and community members have allowed PiE to
provide more than $181,000 for use at Nixon. During
this school year, these crucial funds, which make up
about 75% of Principal O’Connell’s flexible funding, will
be used to:
• Pay for almost all of the general classroom aide time,
so that all classrooms will get at multiple hours of vital
classroom aide time weekly. Aides are an important part
of the classroom experience at Nixon, allowing children
to build deeper connections to caring adults and
facilitating small group work in the classroom
• Fund increased time for Nixon’s popular computer
lab instructor, Sarah Patanroi, so that all Nixon students
can benefit from Nixon’s outstanding computer lab and
acquire the skills needed for success in this digital
age. Sarah’s additional time will be used for small group
instruction and for technical support so that all Nixon
teachers can best use technology in the classrooms
• Pay for 100% of the cost of the Spectra Art teachers
so that all classrooms benefit from regular art instruction,
for multi-dimensional learning, creativity and building
confidence
• Fund math enrichment efforts at Nixon, allowing for
teachers working with small groups to achieve math
differentiation and skills competence for all students
The Nixon PiE Chairs for 2012-13 are Audrey Gold,
Wendy Adelman, and Marcia Chang. Questions about
PiE? Email them at nixon@papie.org. To donate,
please go to http://lmnixon.org/for-parents/pie/
Page 8
Back to School Picnic
On Tuesday, Sept. 18, the Nixon community came together for a fantastic evening of food, music,
dancing, and fun at the Back to School Picnic. Thanks to everyone who helped in organizing the
event, and thanks to those who supported the 5th grade drink and bake sale to pay for 5th grade end
of the year activities. See you at the next Nixon community event!
Event sponsored by the Nixon PTA
Nixon News
Page 9
Children! Decorate a Pumpkin! Annual
Nixon Pumpkin Festival
All students are invited to carve or decorate a pumpkin at home and bring it to school on
Wednesday, October 31st. Children should drop off their decorated pumpkins first thing in the
morning in the theater. Doors open at 7:30.
What amazing creations will Nixon children make this year? Each pumpkin will receive a
personalized award, and the entire school will tour the fabulous pumpkin display. Parents are
welcome to come take a look during the day.
Please take your pumpkin home at the end of the day. If you have questions or would like to
volunteer as a judge, email Laura Nicolls at lauranicolls@gmail.com.
Event sponsored by Nixon PTA
Nixon News
Page 10
Are You Seeing Double?
In order to
reduce our
printing costs
and save trees,
we print just one
copy of the Nixon
News for each
family. Only the
youngest child in each
family should bring home a copy. If
your family receives multiple copies
of the Nixon News, please contact Liz
Fendorf.
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Nixon Parents at the Dish:
Fridays at 8:10am
Let’s meet at the Stanford Ave gate, stretched and ready to go! All runners and
walkers welcome- speed does not matter. The idea is to stretch and start off
together, and then everyone just goes at their own pace. Contact Monisha at if
you have questions.
Need information
checkout….
Nixon News
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Page 11
Nixon Elementary school Walks & Rolls!
October 4 th , 2012
Nixon Elementary is celebrating International Walk to School Day on October 4th, 2012.
This year’s theme is Walk & Roll.
On Walk & Roll Day students, families, and school staff are encouraged to walk, bike,
take the bus or carpool to school instead of solo driving as often as possible to:
•
•
•
•
•
Practice and reinforce children’s important traffic safety skills
Promote active lifestyle choices for stronger and healthier bodies.
Increase the number of visible pedestrians and bicyclists, cueing drivers to be
more careful on school routes.
Decrease traffic congestion air pollution around our school.
Have fun walking and biking to school together.
In elementary school we have a short window of time to teach and practice traffic safety
skills with children before they begin navigating the community more independently
(around age 10). Walk and bike with your child as often as possible, reinforcing the skills
he will need to be independent, responsible and safe as a pedestrian or bicyclist, and
eventually as a driver. Regular, supervised practice of basic traffic safety skills “hard
wires” the habits of safe road users.
PAUSD’s district-wide Walk & Roll celebration in the schools will culminate with the
City of Palo Alto’s Bike Palo Alto! on Sunday, Oct. 7th, 1 to 4PM at El Carmelo
Elementary School (Bryant & Loma Verde). Bike Palo Alto! is a family friendly event
designed to encourage Palo Alto residents to ride their bikes more often for local
shopping trips and getting around the city. This free event starts at El Carmelo School
(Loma Verde & Bryant) and runs from 1 to 4 PM and includes free bike inspections,
safety tips and route maps. Families can depart from there with Mayor Yeh to explore
three different bike routes that highlight easy ways to get around the city while avoiding
traffic and having fun. See www.saferoutespaloaltopta.org for more information.
Join us for a FUN celebration of healthier, greener school commutes. Walk, Bike, carpool
or ride the bus to school on (day, date) and as often as you can the rest of the year.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat O’Connell
Nixon News
Page 12
1
2
Students Speak
The question for this issue is:
"Did you read a great book recently? What
did you read and why did you like it?.”
A. T., 5th grade
I read the book Holes. It’s about a kid who
was accused of stealing shoes from a famous
baseball player and had to go to a boot camp
as punishment. Every day kids had to dig a
hole five feet long and five feet wide. But
beware of the yellow spotted lizards because
they are deadly. I liked it because it was
exciting, humorous, and scary. I’d recommend
it to people who like horror stories and don’t
get scared easily.
The question for the next issue is:
What is your favorite TV show and why?
Staff Speak
Megan Cox, English Language Development
teacher
I read Unbroken. I liked it because it was
thrilling. It was sad, scary, and joyful. One can
fell many emotions when reading this book! It
is a true story and I like true stories.
Sean McDaniel, 5th grade teacher
I am a big suspense/mystery novel fan. I read
a book titled XO, by Jeffery Deaver over the
summer. It was full of twists and turns about
"whodunnit" from beginning to end. One of the
techniques this author uses that I enjoy is that
he shows the reader the obvious bad guy in
the very beginning of the book. Then, Deaver
will lay out all sorts of other "evidence" that
makes it appear that the bad guy isn’t really
the bad guy. All the while, I get to see how the
investigators go about solving the crime. This
was a good entertainment read, but I also got
to learn about the science behind solving
crimes.
Nixon News
Nikole Manou, 5th grade teacher
Parents Speak
Julie Tomz, mother of Anna, Grade 5
I recently read Good Owners, Great Dogs
because our family is looking to adopt a dog. I
liked it because it was very clear and
comprehensive. We will be first time dog owners,
so if anyone in the Nixon community knows of a
nice, small, non-shedding dog looking for a
home, please let us know! I also reread Animal
Farm, by George Orwell, which was really
interesting in light of the upcoming election and
worldwide events. It’s a fun and serious read all
at the same time.
Anjana Patel, mother of Anirudh, Grade 4
This summer I read Where Men Find Glory: The
Odyssey of Pat Tillman, by Jon Krakauer. One of
my friends gave it to me and I was a little hesitant
to read it because I am not a football fan nor did I
know anything about the military. I soon found
myself engrossed in both worlds. If you don’t
know who Pat Tillman was (I didn’t), he is a local
San Jose boy who became a multimillion-dollar
NFL player. After September 11, 2001, he
decided to leave the NFL and join the army and
went on to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was
killed in the midst of friendly fire that was covered
up all the up the chain of command to the
Commander in Chief. The book is about Pat’s
journey from the NFL to the Army and his family’s
fight with the Army to tell the truth about what
really happened to him. Even though the book
was heavy I enjoyed reading it because it taught
me about two different worlds that I knew nothing
about. I highly recommend it!
Page 13
Lifeskills: Students Share Examples from Their Daily Life
Lifeskills are the behavior traits we are encouraging students to develop at Nixon School. (They are
described on the Nixon website under the “For Parents” tab.) They are based on respect for self and
others. Lifeskills are taught by defining, modeling and acknowledging others’ use of them on a daily
basis. All students are expected to develop and practice good citizenship through the use of the
Lifeskills.
Throughout the year, Nixon students make morning announcements about times when they have used
lifeskills. Here are some examples from the last month.
Friendship means to make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring.
I showed friendship when . . .
I met a new friend on the first day of school.
I was at my house and my friend got hurt, so I got him a Band-Aid and helped him home.
Cooperation means to work together toward a common goal (purpose).
I showed cooperation when . . .
I got asked to be switched from one dance class to another, so I went to the other dance class.
I had to play my piano before watching TV, so I played piano without complaining.
I asked to fill in for another student to go to the office for Lifeskills.
I was playing four square and everyone was arguing so I said that it was a redo.
I went to a girl scout event and used cooperation when we were cooking.
Active Listening means to listen with the intention of understanding.
I showed active listening when . . .
I listened closely to the teacher talk when he was giving our instructions.
I used my eyes and ears to listen when someone was talking.
I listened to the principal at the school assembly.
I listened when my friends were telling me something.
I listened while everyone gave their “summer in a bag” reports.
Nixon News
Page 14
Nixon After School Enrichment Schedule
Nixon News
Page 15
Nixon Fun-Fundraiser Parties
1. Host an event (or host with a friend) to raise money for the school
a. Communicate with Michelle Hoffmann to post your event for
others to join.
i. Include details of the fun: date, time, place, maximum number of
participants (and specify if it is just adults, kids or family-related) and
appropriate cost.
ii. If you are willing to host; but need ideas e-mail Michelle Hoffmann
2. Attend an event
a. Sign up (available soon) to attend and meet new friends
b. Coordinate your fun! Make sure your friends know what you want
to sign up for so you can be together.
3. Purchase all the openings of an event - invite your own group
Create your own or choose one of these event ideas:
Find friends with similar interests:
Explore the culinary arts
Prepare a meal for guests to enjoy or teach people how to prepare your favorites dishes.
• Indian, Italian, Thai, Turkish, Spanish, Mardi Gras Crab Boil, Vegetarian, Vegan
or Raw meals
• Choose a topic such as Breakfast, lunch or dinner favorites.
• Offer desserts, pastries, appetizers, soups or salads.
• How about a healthy lunch box class?
Relax and have fun! Cocktail parties
• Wine tasting – a luscious paring of grapes, cheese and chocolate.
• Margaritaville, – Burgers and margaritas
• Flip flops and Lemon Drops – Don your best flip flops for your pedicure and enjoy
lemon drop cocktails.
• Pampering parties – Manicures, Pedicures and Prosecco
• A night at the Academy - Host an Oscar party with a black tie crowd and a red
carpet reception. Everyone has an opportunity to vote their favorites into the
academy.
• Game night - Host a game night of cards, poker, Bingo or board games for serious
and just-for-fun players.
More ideas on reverse
Nixon News
Page 16
Meet with an expert
• Artists, Illustrators, experts in your field– Spend an evening with an expert. Share
your story and a brief overview of what you do and how you got there. We have an
incredibly rich resource of talented parents at Nixon. Would you be willing to
share what you do and the impact of your efforts?
Sports and Sports fans:
• Tennis round robin - Tennis anyone? Come have fun with us on the tennis courts,
win some prizes and relax after with a gourmet lunch and drinks!
• Nine and dine – Golf whatever your skill level, a morning on the green makes for a
great day. Your hostesses will guide you around the course, and then treat you to a
relaxing lunch. You will be home for school pick-up at 2:45.
• College Football Pre-party – Plan a pre-game festival the night before the BIG
Game. Dinner spirits, entertainment and a lot of talk.
Host one of the following types of events and meet other families who enjoy:
• Family camping adventure – Bring your tent and sleeping bags for a family
camping trip
• Guided hiking adventure
• A Day of Fun at Foothills Park - BBQ and games provided
• Ice skating
E-mail Michelle Hoffmann
for ideas and details to host a
Nixon Fun Fundraiser party.
Nixon News
Page 17
Nixon School
Pumpkin Patch
Fun-Fundraiser
Thurs. October 18 at 2-6 P.M.
Webb Ranch, 2720 Alpine Road,
Portola Valley
Bring your friends and play in the pumpkin patch. This is the
time and place to get the perfect pumpkin for the Oct. 31
Nixon School fall festival and Halloween parade.
Choose from a wide variety of orange, red, white and blue
organic pumpkins!
All pumpkins purchased benefit
the Nixon PTA!!
Questions? Contact audreygold@gmail.com
Nixon News
Page 18
You’re Invited to a SMAK Hayride!
Sunday, October 14th, 3:00pm at Webb Ranch
$5/rider, R.S.V.P. required
SMAK are volunteers who host fun activities and events for families with children who live on or near the Stanford
Campus. Over the last year, we hosted a Valentine’s Day Crafting Party, a Peter Cottontail Egg Hunt & Brunch, lots
of Moms Nights Out and other fun get-togethers. On October 14th, we’ve organized a SMAK Hayride at Webb
Ranch. $5/rider. Email kim@winkelmayer.com to R.S.V.P.
SMAK is part of the Stanford University Women’s Club. In addition to more than a dozen special interest
groups that meet regularly (e.g. Author’s Coffee, Dancing Partner’s, Explore the Campus, etc.),
the Women’s Club hosts special events. This year’s plans include an Autumn Brunch at the Hoover
House, a private tour of the Bing Concert Hall, and a hike at Jasper Ridge.
The Stanford University Women’s Club was founded in 1896 by Jessie Knight Jordan, wife of then
Stanford President, David Starr Jordan. Mrs. Jordan’s goal was to create a club that would promote
good friendships, welcome newcomers to the university, and enable women to share mutual interests.
For the 2012-13 year, our dues are a mere $25. Please visit stanforduwc.wordpress.com for more details.
SUWC is open to women who are a part of the Stanford community, including faculty,
senior administrators, fellows, scholars, spouses, and partners, thereof. If you have questions
about eligibility, just send us an email. We’re a very inclusive club!
Very best regards,
Kim Winkelmayer, kim@winkelmayer.com (Nixon kinder mom)
Audrey Gold, audreygold@gmail.com (Nixon mom to 1st and 2 nd graders)
Nixon News
Page 19