Bear Necessities 3-13-15 - Ross Valley School District

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Issue #23 March 13, 2015 BEAR NECESSITIES BROOKSIDE SCHOOL - EST. 1942 William Cameron, Principal This Weekend: Principal’s Message Dr. Doolittle Manor Players Friday, March 13, 7:00pm Saturday, March 14, 1:00pm & 7:00pm Sunday, March 15, 1:00pm The Playhouse at San Anselmo 27 Kensington Road, San Anselmo Tickets may be purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to showtime Marin Summer Activities and Camp Fair Sunday, March 15 10:00am 1:00pm Dominican University Conlan Recreation Center Gym 1475 Grand Avenue, San Rafael Free Admission Boys’ Bowling Bash Sunday, March 15 2:00pm 5:00pm Country Club Bowl in San Rafael No School Monday March 16 Next Week: Brookside Classroom Group Picture Day Wednesday, March 18 D
ear Brookside Families,

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leanor Roosevelt once said, “Do something that scares you every single day.” By this she meant to step out of your comfort zone and trying something new. We are doing this all over the district as our teachers are engaging in their second Reader’s Workshop training with Momentum In Teaching. We are very fortunate to have these trainings held right here at Brookside with our students. Every teacher and administrator across the district is loving the sessions and the direct results we are seeing in improving our teaching and our student’s reading performance. I was fortunate to observe the training today in our K classrooms and am so excited to see our early readers soaring as a result of not only the quality teachers we have here at Brookside, but the improved strategies we are putting into place. A typical daily readers workshop lesson follows the following outline: C
onnect teacher connects with students reminding them of the previous work “We have been working on... today I’m going to teach you…” this is the reading teaching point for the day 1 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 March Events: Legally Blonde White Hill Player March 2022, 2015 The Playhouse at San Anselmo For tickets: http://yestokids.org/yestheaterti
ckets20142015/#!/LegallyBlond
e/c/11386663/offset=0&sort=norm
al Party in the Gym! YES Great Gala 2015 T
each teacher provides a short demonstration, shared practice, examples and explanations “Watch me as I do this work… or Look at how ______does this work” A
ctive teacher coaches the students in their own work “Now, you try… or turn and talk” gradual release of responsibility and increased accountability for their own learning L
ink teacher invites student to continue working independently, applying the strategy practiced in future contexts If you are looking for some simple ways to have your family step out of your comfort zone along with us, check out this great article with 5 great suggestions. http://www.news.com.au/news/whyyoushoulddosomethinge
verydaythatscaresyou/storyfnkab8wt1226759016230 Saturday, March 28, 2015 I
am so proud of our Green Bears. Our low waste lunch program Fairfax Pavilion has been up and running for just under a year now and we have For tickets: http://yestokids.org/gala%202015/ noticed a drastic reduction in waste on campus. We used to have Public Forum: Vaccinations Monday, March 30, 2015 6:00pm 8:00pm 111 Las Galinas Avenue, San Rafael RSVP Required. See flyer attached Important Links: Office Update & Communications: Twitter Link: @BKSPrincipal Farmigo our School’s Farmer’s Market: https://www.farmigo.com/welcome/bro
oksideelementarysananselmo School Calendar: http://www.rossvalleyschools.org/inde
x.php/brookside/brooksidecalendar School Webpage: http://www.rossvalleyschools.org/inde
x.php/brookside District Webpage: http://www.rossvalleyschools.org/ 6 trash cans overflowing every day at lunch and we now have two that are barely half full. As a result we can now reduce our 6 yard dumpster (which costs $1,020/month) to a 4 yard dumpster at a cost of $707/month, for a savings of $3,756/year! Thank you for your support in helping keep up this momentum by sending your child to school with reusable containers and avoiding plastic baggies and individually packaged foods. W
e are in our 3rd week of
the
YES break to break campaign and at this week’s Wednesday WrapUp we highlighted YES theater. After recognizing our tech crew for all their hard work behind the scenes in the show, both casts performed Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious
for our entire school and the parents that were present. YES theater is truly an experience like none other in Marin County Schools. Please consider a donation to YES today and help bring up our participation rate at Brookside. We are trying to hit 75% before spring break! Please consider a donation today at: https://www.yestokids.org/cgibin/dform.cgi
and help make a difference in the lives of all RVSD students. T
his coming Wednesday Mugsy Clicks will be taking our class photos. If you are interested in ordering the class photo, please turn in your order form to the front office before or on March 18.
L
astly please remember that Monday is a teacher workday only and there is no school. Happy Friday and enjoy a wonderful 3day weekend with the family. 2 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 Brookside Classroom Group Photo Day Wednesday, March 18 Order Forms due March 18 was send home with the students and is available through office. Online ordering available after April 18 at www.MugsyClicks.com Access Code DTWBCONCUY YES Break to Break Campaign Support the many programs such as Art, Music, and Theater provided by YES. Stop by the YES Table at the Wednesday Wrap Up and donate. Any monetary amount will help keep the programs alive Participate in the YES Drawing. Purchase tickets at the YES Table during Wednesday Wrap Up for a chance to win IPAD or IPAD mini. 1 ticket for $8.00 3 tickets for $20.00 Drawing will be held at the YES Gala on March 28. Need not be present to win For additional information regarding the donation or the drawing, please contact Samantha Block at
samantha@samanthablock.com 3 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 Speak to Me Events presents: Digital Generation: How Technology is Shaping Our Youth Mar 31, 2015 | 6:30 pm9:15 pm Includes delicious food, wine, dessert, raffle and other fun giveaways. The quantity and rate at which our youth are consuming media – movies, YouTube, video, games, and advertising – is growing at an exponential rate. Access to both quality and questionable content seems limitless. What effect is this having on our younger generation, and what can or should we do about it? With his unique background in the media business and having spent the last 20 years studying its impact, Jim Steyer will empower us to wisely negotiate this new frontier. Jim Steyer |
CEO and Founder of Common Sense Media, nationally known author of several books including "Talking Back to Facebook" and "The Other Parent: The Inside Story of the Media's Effect on Our Children." Jim is one of the most respected experts on issues related to children's media and education in the U.S. For tickets:
http://speaktomeevents.com/category/eveningseries/ Use the Promo code YES! when you make your reservations. You'll get 5% off and 5% will go back to YES! Interdistrict Transfer Requests: Calling All Poets! If you are interested in an Interdistrict transfer The San Anselmo Public Library is looking for for 20152016 school year, Please print and fill students to read an original poem or a out an Interdistrict Attendance requests, muchloved one by another poet for the annual http://www.rossvalleyschools.org/files/Enroll
Night of Poets on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 7 ment/1516/Request_for_Interdistrict_Transfe p.m. This community reading will be held in the r_Permit_Form.pdf
,
and turn it into the office San Anselmo Town Council Chamber in between March 1 and April 1. celebration of National Poetry Month. The first 12 students to respond will be given a place in the Interdistrict transfer is when reading, so sign up soon! The deadline is April 10. parents/guardians wish to Please contact librarian Serianna Leyland register/admit/enroll their student(s) at a (sleyland@townofsananselmo) or sign up at the school other than the designated school that is reference desk. in their attendance area outside of their district. Night of Poets is a community event sponsored by For more information, please visit the Friends of the San Anselmo Library and the http://www.rossvalleyschools.org/index.php/p Library Parcel Tax. The reading will be followed arents/transfers by refreshments and live music in the Library provided by local gypsy jazz band, Jardin Gitane. The event is free and everyone is welcom
e. 4 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 ATTENTION YOUNG MUSICIANS: RICHARD JUDD and NANCY SCOTT MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS on SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2015 The Richard Judd (K5) and Nancy Scott (68) Music Scholarships will be awarded again this year. Auditions will take place on Saturday, March 28th at Wade Thomas School. Auditions are open to all music students in RVSD who have been studying a musical instrument for at least 6 months (K5) or 1 1/2 years (68), including those students in Band, Orchestra and Chorus. Scholarship winners from last year are ineligible this year, but those who were presented with Certificates of Achievement may apply. Scholarships of $100$200 will be awarded to several young musicians to recognize their musical achievement. Certificates of Achievement will also be presented to promising musicians. All Scholarship and Certificate of Achievement winners will be invited to perform at an assembly at Wade Thomas School on the morning of Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Audition applications and requirements is attached at the end of this newsletter I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE SOME COMPUTER HELP WITH SCHEDULING THE AUDITIONS! PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN HELP WITH SCHEDULING or have questions about the auditions. Nancy Scott, Scholarship Coordinator,
scotts281@sbcglobal.net
. Farmigo Our On Campus Farm to Kitchen Grocery Service Farmigo is an online marketplace where you can order delicious fresh organic fruits and veggies, meats, dairy, breads, and more. The food comes from local farms and merchants. Place your order by Thursday midnight and pick up your grocery order on Monday at the table by the office. There is no fee, or minimum ordering amount required. Meat and dairy products are kept in the freezer pack in the cooler. The food will be available for pick up from 11:30am till 5:00pm. Best of all, 10% of the money from the purchase will support the Brookside Garden Program. Give it a try at
www.farmigo.com/brooksideelementary 5 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 Don't miss the party of the year: YES Party in the Gym Gala Make your reservations online at

http://yestokids.org/gala%202015/ 6 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 Parent Club Board Members Julia Chen President jychen@pobox.com Stephanie Goldsborough VP goosita2@gmail.com Liz di Carpegna Secretary diCarpegna@sbcglobal.net Margaret Pizzi Treasurer mpizzi@gmail.com Christina Fitzgibbons Advisor christinabryan@hotmail.com Parent Club Corner With the new Common Core Standard for teaching, many parents that I have spoken to are confused about what our kids should be learning at his/her grade level. The California Department of Education has published articles with the standards for each grade that is accessible on their website, http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/
. The information might help answer some of the questions you have. For additional information about Common Core, check out http://www.corestandards.org/ Have a great weekend. Sincerely, Julia Chen Parent Club President Help Your Child Fall in Love with Writing at Brookside! Authors, teachers, musicians, and the Brookside Parent Club are teaming up to help Ross Valley children fall in love with writing this summer! Adventures in Writing Camp
is a two week “day camp” program that allows campers to write, edit, and publish their own eBook under the guidance of professional authors. Lessons are delivered as songs, and new writing skills are practiced through games, theater, and songwriting. The program is designed to inspire reluctant writers and delight those that already have “the bug.”
The two week program will be at Brookside from July th
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this summer. Camp runs 9am – 3pm, with extended care available covering 8am5pm. More information and to register, visit www.AIWcamp.com
. Parent Club Meetings moved to Friday mornings, April 10 and May 8 at 8:45am Meeting in June will be on Wednesday, June 5, at 1:00pm Mark your calendar and come join us in the Multipurpose Room for the last 3 meetings of the year. 7 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 Weekly Walk & Roll Results Wednesday March 11, 2015 Total GreenTrips =

140 #Users

# Miles Traveled

Calories Burned

Saved CO2

Gas $ Saved

Unused Gallons 162 104 4,170 105 lbs $26.17 5.5 GREEN WAYS Walk =
56%

Bike = 31% Bus = 1% Park & Walk = 5% Carpool = 5% Weekly Classroom Winners
with the

Most

GREEN
Trips

are: From Grades
K2:
HAYHURST

9
green trip
s

47%

participation From Grades
35:

WELLS

11

green trips

48%

participation Our 20th
.

RANDOM

Walk & Roll Day was
Friday March 13, 2015 Total Green Ways =

111 * RAFFLE * We will continue adding names into the monthly Raffle... We will be picking
6 more winners
at the
end of March! Get ready to Gear up for a
WHOLE WEEK of WALK & ROLL! Monday April 20Friday April 24
(the week after Spring break!) We all need to
Safely
share the streets/roads in our community, especially the Butterfield Road Corridor!
To create safety awareness,
all 5 schools: Brookside, Hidden Valley, San Domenico, White Hill & Drake will participate in a Public Outreach. We are asking all students/families to
travel to and from school
in a GREEN WAY EVERY DAY
for a
WHOLE WEEK! Your Safe Routes To School Team of Parent Volunteers
: Deb, Lisa, Liza
&
Karla 8 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 What's the Difference Between YES and Parent Club? Public education isn't free anymore. Parent Club has to raise money. YES has to raise money. And frequently it gets confusing as to who gets the benefit of which fundraising dollars. Visit: http://yestokids.org/yesandparentclubpto
pta/
for an explanation

of how the money is raised and what the difference is between Parent Club and YES. Our children are lucky to live in a community that values their education so highly. Thank you for making everything they're provided possible. SHOP FOR YES eScrip is easy
! And a great way to earn FREE money for our kids. By signing up for eScrip a percentage of your grocery or shopping bill is automatically donated to our YES Foundation when you shop with your registered credit, debit, or Safeway card at an eScrip participating merchant. Please go to your eScrip account today (
www.escrip.com
) and make sure all of your current credit, debit, and Safeway club cards are registered and that you’ve selected the YES Foundation to support. If your cards aren’t registered or current,
we don’t get the credit
. If you haven’t signed up for eScrip yet –
drop everything and do it NOW
! It takes just 2 minutes and makes a lasting impact. Last year, YES received about $20,000 through eScrip – free money that goes straight back to our kids. We can earn even more if everyone participates! Questions? Contact Jennifer Overaa at joveraa@comcast.net
. Fundraising without Effort with Target Credit or Debit REDcard With Target Take Charge of Education Program, Target will donate 1% of your purchase on Target Credit or Debit REDcard to Brookside. Register your or your families card today at https://wwwsecure.target.com/redcard/tcoe/schooldetails2014?schoolId=29171&enroll=en
roll 9 Issue #23 March 13, 2015 10 ROSS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT WEEKLY UPDATE
Week Ending Friday, March 13, 2015
Important District Dates / Mark Your Calendars
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Teacher Work Day: Monday, March 16, 2015 / No School for Students
Interdistrict Transfer Requests Due for 2015-2016 School Year: March 1 – April 1
Spring Break – All Schools Closed: April 13-17
Memorial Day Observance – All Sites Closed: May 25
Last Day of School: June 18
Board Meetings - General Information
Meeting Location: All meetings are held at the District Office, Conference Room, 110 Shaw Drive, San Anselmo, CA 94960 unless
otherwise noticed. Please check the District Agenda Online website (see link below) for the start time and agenda topics.
Posting Agendas & Board Packet Information:
Regular Meeting Agendas: Posted 72 hours prior to the meeting date/time.
Special Meeting Agendas: Posted 24 hours prior to the meeting date/time.
Date/Start Time/Location: All meetings are held on Tuesday events starting at 7pm unless otherwise notice. Meeting dates, times &
locations are subject to change up to 72 hours prior to each regular meeting.
Agenda & Supporting Documents: Click on the link: http://tinyurl.com/rvsdboard
Information Available at Meetings: Only copies of the board meeting agenda will be provided at meetings. If you want a copy of a
specific item or back-up documents, please send an email to the District Office by Monday, 2:00pm, the day before the meeting.
Questions / Who to Contact: Cynthia Stoeckley, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent (Tel.415. 454.2162 ext 103 or email at
cstoeckley@rossvalleyschools.org.
Upcoming Regular Board of Trustees Meetings
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March: March 27
April: April 7 & April 21
May: May 7 & May 19
June: June 2 & June 16
Site Specific Events / Happenings
Brookside
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April 3: Variety Show, 9:30am-11:30am
April 10: Parent Club Meeting, 8:45am
April 30: Open House, 6:30pm
May 8: Parent Club Meeting, 8:45am
May 29: 5th Grade Moving Up Day at White Hill
June 5: Parent Club Meeting, 1:00pm
June 16: 5th Grade Promotion, 4:00pm
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March 19: Community Meeting on Staffing for 2015-16 School Year, 8:30am
March 23: Community Meeting on Staffing for 2015-16 School Year, 6:30 pm
March 24: Variety Show Tryouts, 12:00pm
April 1: PTO Meeting, 8:30am
May 14: Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm
May 6: PTO Meeting, 8:30am
May 28: Open House, 6:30pm
June 3: PTO Meeting, 8:30am
Hidden Valley
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March 18: Author Event: Special Guest “Mac Barnett”, 10am
March 26: Site Council Meeting , 3:30pm
April 2: MAP Leadership Team, 6:30pm
April 6-9: Walker Creek Field Trip
April 8: PTA Meeting, 8:45am
April 22: Earth Day Science Fair
April 30: Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm
May 3: Garden Circle & Campus Cleanup Day
May 7: MAP Leadership Team, 6:30pm
May 12: PTA Meeting, Time TBD
May 20: Open House Regular K-5, 6:30pm
May 21: Open House MAP, 6:30pm
May 28: Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm
June 10: MAP Leadership Team, 6:30pm
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March 31: Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm
April 1: WTPA Meeting Parent Workshop, 5:00pm
April 6-9: WT Book Fair
April 10: Talent Show, 10:30am
April 29: 5th Grade Colonial Day
April 30: Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm
May 6: WTPA Meeting Parent Workshop, 5:00pm
May 8: World Culture Day
May 22: International Day – Early Release (8:40am-1:40pm All Students)
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May 20: Civil War Day
May 27: Renaissance Day
May 29: Moving Up Day, 9:30am
June 16: 6th Grade Field Trip to Stinson Beach
June 16: 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags
Manor
Wade Thomas
White Hill
For a complete listing of all site activities, please refer to individual site websites (links below):
- Brookside: http://rossvalleyschools.org/index.php/brookside/brooksidecalendar
- Hidden Valley: http://rossvalleyshcools.org/index/php/hiddenvalleycalendar
- Manor: http://rossvalleyschools.org/index/pjp/manorcalendar
- Wade Thomas: http://rossvalleyschools.org/index/pjp/wadethomascalendar
- White Hill: http://rossvalleyschools.org/index/pjp/whitehillcalendar
Music Events / Concerts / Etc.
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March 20: CMEA Band Festival, Terra Linda High School, Time TBD
April 3: CMEA Choral Festival, Sonoma State University, Time TBD – WH 6-8 Grade Chorus
April 4: CMEA Orchestra Festival, El Cerrito, Time TBD – WH 6-8 Grade Orchestra
April 23: Reno Jazz Festival (4/23-4/25) Reno, All Day – WH 7-8 Grade Band
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May 16: White Hill Music Spring Trip, 6-8Grade Band/Orchestra/Chorus, American Canyon High School, Six Flags, 8:30am8:00pm
 May 19: White Hill Jazz Bands Concert, 6-8Grade Jazz Band, WH Gym, 7pm
 May 26: White Hill Concert Bands Concert, 6-8Grade Band, WH Gym, 7pm
 June 2: District Chorus Concert, 5-8Grade Chorus, WH Gym, 7pm
 June 3: District Orchestra Concert, 5-8Grade Orchestra, WH Gym. 7pm
 June 4: 5th Grade Band Concert, 5Grade Band, WH Gym, 7pm
 Date TBD: Wade Thomas 2nd & 3rd Grade Evening Concert, WT MPR, Time TBD
Note: Check with the school sites for site specific music assemblies.
YES Foundation
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YES Foundation Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 18
YES Gala: Saturday, March 28, at the Pavilion in Fairfax
YES Online Auction: Tuesday, April 21 through Thursday, April 30
YES Foundation Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 22
YES Foundation Board Meeting: Monday, May 18
YES Foundation Board Meeting: Wednesday, June 10
Attention Young Musicians – The Richard Judd (K-5) & Nancy Scott (6-8) Music Scholarships
APPLICATIONS: Attached
AUDITIONS: Auditions will take place on Saturday, March 28th at Wade Thomas School. Auditions are open to all musical students in
RVSD who have been studying a musical instrument for at least 6 months (K-5) or 1 1/2 years (6-8) including those students in Band,
Orchestra and Chorus.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarship winners from last year are ineligible this year, but those who were presented with Certificates of
Achievement may apply. All Scholarship and Certificate of Achievement winners will be invited to perform at an assembly at Wade
Thomas School on the morning of Wednesday, April 1, 2015.
HELP REQUESTED: I am in need for some computer help with scheduling the auditions! If you can help with scheduling please
contact me at the number listed below.
QUESTIONS / CONTACT INFORMATION: Nancy Scott, Scholarship Coordinator, scotts281@sbcglobal.net
Community Links
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San Anselmo Recreation Department Afterschool Enrichment Classes at Ross Valley Schools:
www.sananselmorecreation.org - See notice of winter classes below.
Town of San Anselmo News: www.townofsananselmo.org.
PATCH: - http://sananselmofairfax.patch.com
Safe Routes to School: http://www.saferoutestoschools.org/
School/Pool/Marin: www.School/Pool/Marin.org!
San Anselmo After School: www.sananselmopreschool.org
Shots for School Website: www.shotsforschool.org
Friends of the Town Books – San Anselmo Library Used Book Store: All proceeds benefit the San Anselmo Library. Hours:
Tues, Thurs., & Sat., from 10am to 4pm. Location: 411 San Anselmo Ave., Ste. 105, San Anselmo, CA
Programs/Camps/Sports
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San Anselmo Recreation Department Afterschool Enrichment Classes at Ross Valley Schools: For more information or to
sign-up on line, visit the website at www.sananselmorecreation.org. Questions: Contact the San Anselmo Recreation Department
Telephone: 415.258.4640 / Fax: 415.455.8229.
After School LEGO® Club at the Fairfax Library – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays in March and April: Use LEGO® to build whatever
your heart desires! Grades K to 8 are invited to build, play, engineer, and destruct together. Dates: March 4, March 18, April 1 and
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April 15. Registration is not required: first come, first served basis. Bricks will be provided. All Library events are free. Location
Fairfax Library, 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax – 415.453.8151. Call or visit www.marinlibrary.org.
NOTE: The Fairfax Library is seeking donations of LEGOS®. Please contact them if you have any to add to their collection.
Rookie Baseball – Spring 2015: Sign-up for our brand new baseball league for 6-8 year olds for only $70!! Both practices and
games will take place at Memorial Park. To register, go to: www.sananselmorecreation.org
Girls Leadership Institute - Grades K-5 – March 2015: Engaging workshop where parents and their daughters will build a common language,
practice healthy approaches to conflict, and learn authentic communication skills. Fees Involved. For more information on the institute, the
workshop, times and location contact Marissa Viray at 866.744.9102 x4 or email at Marissa@GirlsLeadership.org. To register:
http://girlsleadership.org/programs/parent-daughter-series-tools-sunny-cloudy-days-friends-10/
Marin Theatre Company (MTC) Spring Break Performance Camp – April 13-17 / Grades 1-5: 5-day long performance camp. Children will
explore the world of theater by participating in a production of Jack and the Beanstock. They will write, memorize and perform a script based on
the classic fairy tale, while also creating the scenic world. For more information or questions please email Santina Moran-Seaborne at
santinas@marintheatre.org or visit the website at www.marintheatre.org or call 415.322.6026.
Wildcare Spring Nature Camp – April 13-17, 9am to 3pm, for 2nd-3rd Grade: For more information and to register go to
www.wildcarebayarea.org/camps or call 415.453.1000.
Summer Camps – See Attached Listing
4th Grade Essay Contest Sponsored by Native Sons of the Golden West
All 4th grade students are invited to participate in our Annual Essay Contest. The winning student is selected from each school district
and that student will receive $100 along with a suitably engraved commemorative plaque. In addition, the teacher of the winning
student receives a $100 check to use in his or her classroom. All of the winning essays are then judged at their Grand Parlor
convention in May and an overall winner is selected. The winning student essay is displayed along with a photograph for 1 year at the
Native Sons Museum in the Columbia State Park. Additionally, the student’s name and school is placed on a perpetual plaque
displayed at the museum, and the student will receive another $100. All fourth grade students are encouraged to participate in the
contest.
Subject Matter & Suggested Topics: The subject matter for each essay is left up to the student and/or teacher but it must be something
pertaining to the history of California. Possible Essay Topics include: Our Spanish Heritage; Early Explorers of California; The Missions
of California; California Mountain Men; Father Junipero Serra; The California Gold Rush; Arts in California; California Earthquakes, and
John Muir. Essays will be judged on neatness and clarity, grammar and historical content.
Contest Rules: (1) The contest will be open to all 4th grade students in the District; (2) The subject matter for the essay contest will be
left up to the discretion of the teacher and/or the student however it must pertain to the history of California; (3) Essays must be 250
words or less. They may be handwritten, printed or typed but they must be legible.
Each student submitting an essay must have their full name, the name of their school and their teachers name in the upper left hand
corner of the essay. Essays must be of an original concept and must be in student’s own words and thoughts; and (4) all essays must
be submitted to the Native Sons of the Golden West District Chairman by mid April.
For more information contact: Sean Aguilar at 415.828.2185 / asean@puakopartners.com or visit the Native Sons Website at
http://www.fairfaxnativesons.com/news - GOOD LUCK!
San Anselmo Library – Counsel Chamber, 110 Tunstead Avenue, San Anselmo, CA - www.sananselmolibrary.org
Two Upcoming Events:
Monday, March 16th at 3:30pm, Irish Storyteller Maureen Kalbus will be sharing tales to celebrate Saint Patrick’s DayCelebrate the rich heritage of the Celts and be whisked away to the land of shamrocks and leprechauns, and then pay a
visit to the world of Fairy.
Wednesday, March 25 at 3:30pm: Author Marissa Moss (author of Amelia’s Notebook and Mira’s Diary series) will discuss
writing and illustrating children’s books and help the audience create a story of their own.
Zero Waste Marin / Protecting Our Resources Together
Dear Ross Valley District Families:
Is your garbage putting on more weight than it should? It’s time to lose a pound of household waster per day! So much of
the waste that goes into our landfill can be given new life by composting or recycling at home. You and your family can help
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by putting your food scraps and food-soiled paper in your green cart. To get started, simply place food scraps like chicken
bones, eggshells, and orange peels in food soiled paper like napkins or coffee filters into your green composting cart.
Challenge your family members to lose a pound per day be composting, recycling, or reusing your household items. By
reducing the amount of waste you send to the landfill every day, you can help us reach our zero waste goal by 20025.
Together, we can work to keep Marin beautiful and thriving. For more tips and helpful information, visit
www.ZeroWasteMarin.org. Thank You, Zero Waste Marin
Summer Camp Information (Please do not contact the District Office for more information on camps; contact them directly.)
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Attached is information on an upcoming Marin Summer Activities & Camp Fair scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, March 15th
from 10:01am to 1:00pm, at Dominican University – Conlan Recreation Center Gym, 1475 Grand Avenue, San Rafael.
Free Admission – Free Pizza – Free Prizes for the first 250 people
Listings on specific camps who have contacted the District requesting permission provide information to the community.
Please note the information is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered an endorsement by the District.
Parent Ed Events / Forums / Workshops
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The Mask You Live In (Movie Screening) – March 24 12:00pm-5:00pm: Free at Ross School (9 Lagunitas Road, Ross, CA
94957)
Keeping Kids in School – Marin County Summit to Support Student Attendance – March 26 from 12pm to 5pm at the
Marin County Office of Education (MCOE, 1111 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94903): MCOE in collaboration with
the Marin County Probation Department, Health & Human Services, Public Defender, District Attorney’s Office, Sherriff’s Office
and the Juvenile Court – Keynote speaker Hedy Chang. To register: http://signup.marinschools.org . Questions contact
Education Services Department at 415.499.5878. Light lunch provided.
Public Forum Regarding Vaccinations - March 30 from 6pm to 8pm at the Marin County Office of Education (MCOE, 1111
Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94903): Flyer attached. Goal to bring together the community and a panel of experts to
address the issues around immunizations. Expert panelists include: Danielle Hiser, Sr. Public Health Nurse, Marin County; Dr.
Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer; and Dr. David Witt, Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente. RSVP to Tina
Galbreath at 415.499.5891. Send in any questions you would like answered to tgalbreath@marinschools.org. View the forum
online at: http://tinyurl.com/Marin Forum. Following the event, a recording will be posted on the Marin Count Office of Education
website (www.marinschools.org).
Raising Resilient Girls – April 29 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm – Drake High School (1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., SA, CA
94960): Evening with Simone Marean, Exec. Dir., Girls Leadership Institute (GLI) will share with parents and teachers how to help
girls practice assertive self-expression, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships, preparing them for a life of personal and
societal leadership. For more information and to RSVP (required): http://drakerrg.eventbrite.com.
Marinovators Maker Day – May 2 from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Free
MCOE Speaker Series – Sarah Brown Wessling – May 7, Free
Page 5 of 5
Showcase for more than 100 summer activities & camp programs
Sunday, March 15 from 10:01am - 1:00pm
Dominican University of California - Conlan Recreation Center gym
(1475 Grand Ave in San Rafael)
Parents looking for summer camps and programs for their children will have their pick on
Sunday, March 15, when the fourth Marin Summer Activities & Camp Fair will be staged in the
Conlan Recreation Center gymnasium at Dominican University of California from 10:01am 1:00pm
More than 100 day & overnight camps catering to kids from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade will
be showcasing their summer camp programs during the three-hour fair. Admission is free and
there will be free pizza and snacks and a bounce castle available for children to play.
Representatives of each summer camp will be available to answer questions and pass out
brochures. For more information, visit marincampfair.com or email david@marincampfair.com
FREE ADMISSION
FREE PIZZA
FREE PRIZES (first 250 people)
EVERYONE will be at the Marin Summer Activities & Camp Fair
Among the day camps that will be featured in the fair are
Dominican Sports Camps
MV Code Club
Immersion Passport/ Marin Spanish School
Spaulding Wooden Boat Center
Kids on Camera TV/Film Acting Camp
Marin Y Summer Day Camp
Dave Fromer Soccer
Galileo
Nerd Camp
Singers Marin
Authentica Center for Girls
Golden Brown Kids Cooking School
Maker Camp
Trackers Earth
Steve & Kate's Camp
Summer Playground
Tutu Camp
Summer Odyssey
Prime Youth Sports Camps
Camp Sea Quest
GreenPlay Camp
Marin Surf Camp
Sailing Education Adventures Saill Camp
Novato Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Acting Out at the Throck, Summer Camp 2015
Fine Art Camps @ Studio 4 Art
MEGA Gymnastics
Super Summer Adventure Camp
Sterne School
San Rafael Community Services
Slide Ranch Day Camp
Camp Kehillah at The Osher Marin JCC
Marin Horizon Outdoor Adventures Camp
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Play-Well TEKnologies
Mt Tam Bikes Camp
Edventure More - Camp Edmo and Camp EdTech
Fantastical Adventures Day Camps
Angel Island Camp
Coastal Camp
The Culinary Dudes
Marinwood Summer Camps
BandWorks
Camp Doodles & Marin Ranch Camp
Multi Sport Kids Camp
Avid4 Adventure
Overnight camps that will represented at the fair include
Edu-Culture Immersion
Camp JaK
White Stag Leadership Development Academy
Call of the Sea
Canyon Creek Summer Camp
Kennolyn Camps
Pali Adventures
uCamps
Bar 717 Ranch / Camp Trinity
Deer Crossing Camp
Youth Camps Director
Girl Scouts of Northern California
River Way Ranch Camp
Skylake Yosemite Camp
GirlVentures
A Young Actors' Theatre Camp
Camp Unalayee
Mountain Camp Woodside
The Orme School Summer Camp
Catalina Island Camps
Plantation Farm Camp
Wanderers
Crazzy's Wasewagan Camp & Retreat
YMCA Camp Campbell
Mountain Camp
Shaffer's High Sierra Camp
Camp Winnarainbow
Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp
Camp Chrysalis
Carmel Valley Tennis Camp
Cazadero Music Camp
Walton's Grizzly Lodge Summer Camp
Additionally, the following organizations will also be on hand to discuss their summer
activities.
Revolution Foods
Capturing Grace Photography
GLEAN
American Camp Association
Shuddle
Savannah College of Art and Design
Infant Swim Marin
Sage Educators
FastForward Adventure Reporters
UrbanSitter
ChatterBlock
Camperoo
Parents Press
ActivityHero
Kamptive
Information on 2015 Summer Camps
Note: The following information is provided as a courtesy only; programs are not sponsored by the Ross
Valley School District.

Adventures in Writing – Monday, July 6-Friday, July 17, 2015: Adventures in Writing Camp is a two week “day
camp” program that allows campers to write, edit, and publish their own eBook under the guidance of professional
authors. Lessons are delivered as songs, and new writing skills are practiced through games, theater, and songwriting.
The program is designed to inspire reluctant writers and delight those that already have “the bug.” The two week
program will be held at Brookside Elementary School from July 6-17th this summer. Camp runs from 9am to 3pm with
extended care available covering 81m to 5pm. More information and registration is available at www.AIWcamp.com.

Cannon Kids Sports Camp – Full & Half Day – June 22-August 14: Boys and Girls Ages 5-13. Camp provides a
safe active sports camp to boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 5-13, all in Fairfax’s most beautiful setting. Nearly all
sports covered: swimming, bike rides, fort building, Gaga Ball, basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, dodge ball, kickball,
hiking, Capture the Flag, Touch Football, pie eating contests, field trips and more. For more information call
415.234.1056 or email Maaquatics@aol.com or visit the website at www.MAAquatics.com.

Camp Fairfax – August 3-21 – Kids 5-10 Years Old: Camp Fairfax is a homegrown local camp for school aged youth.
Focus is on the unique aspects of the Town of Fairfax. A simple and old style summer camp that explore arts and
crafts, the natural environment and recreational games under the redwood trees. In addition, a variety of specialized
classes happen throughout the summer in music, mindfulness, yoga and more. For more information and register go to
www.fairfaxfocas.com.

Edventure More Camps: Camp Edmo for Pre-K – entering 4th Grade students. Get makers, arts and science, tech,
nature and life skills, all in one summer camp. Camp Ed Tech for students entering 5th – 8th grades. Get makers,
animation, video gaming, film making, digital photograph, app creation, recreation and life skills all in one summer
camp. For class descriptions, dates, fees, and locations visit www.campedmo.org or www.campedtech.org. Save $50!
Use Code: FIRSTNEWS15

Camp Galileo and Camp Summer Quest – Grades Pre-K to 5th Grade: Camp Galileo is a place where fear goes on
holiday. In its place grows a spirit of exploration and innovation. The curriculum, designed by a Stanford graduate and
her team, is the product of thousands of hours of development. Taking inspiration from the innovation process
developed by the Stanford-d school, Camp Galileo uses imaginative themes and whimsical narratives to draw dampers
into a week full of hands-on art, science and outdoor activities. The themes are adapted to be engaging for three age
groups: Nebulas: Pre-K to K; Stars: 1st & 2nd graders; and Supernovas: 3rd to 5th graders. Camp Summer Quest gives
burgeoning visionaries the opportunity to take the next step. They continue to leverage the Stanford-d school inspired
innovation process, but in place of weekly themes we introduce weekly majors. Campers realize their personal vision in
one or more 17 majors. For more information on both programs, times, location, and fees go to www.galileocamps.com or call 1.800.854.3684.

Marin Girls Chorus Music Camp 2015 – June 22-27 for Grades K-6: Join the Marin Girls Chorus for 6 exciting days
of singing, dancing, new friendships and much more. Singers from all musical backgrounds will learn how to sing
healthfully while exploring music, movement and rhythm. Camp ends with a showcase performance for families on
Saturday, June 27 at 11am. Two rehearsal sessions per day (Choral and Musical Theatre), vocal techniques,
note/rhythm reading, rhythm instruments, harmony skills, vocal worm-ups, music improvisation, solf singing.
Additional activities include body/rhythm awareness, musical and team building games, and arts and crafts. For more
information including times, location, fees and to register go to www.marinchorus.org or call 415.827.7335.

Roots to Branches - July 13-17 and July 27-31: Offers summer camps to boys and girls that focuses on building
resiliency through nature exploration and creation of meaningful relationships. The purpose of the programs are to help
students make better choices as teenagers so that they will live a healthier lifestyle. Roots Summer Camps take
students to various parks of Marin County to explore the areas in a cooperative learning environment and are given
challenging tasks to discover their self confidence and identify. The camp then ends on a day-long retreat at Playland
in Cotati for an airsoft/laser tag, a team building experience and celebration that signifies the completion of their week
long journey. For more information visit: www.rootstobranches.org/summer-camps/

Summer Odyssey, a Gifted & Talented Program, at Dominican University of California – July 20-July 31 –
Moring and Afternoon Sessions - Grades 2-9: Summer Odyssey is a two week innovative program designed
specifically for academically gifted and creatively talented students from Marin’s public and independent schools. Each
course is age appropriate and curricula are activity based. Summer Odyssey will challenge the intellect, stretch the
imagination, and embolden the talent of each child. Classes conducted on the 80-acre Dominican campus in San
Rafael are held in large and well-equipped classrooms. Teachers and students can take full advantage of the
University’s sylvan beauty for nature walks, outdoor adventures and contemplative moments. Participants will be
selected on academic abilities, creativity, talent and a keen desire to explore and learn. Morning and afternoon
sessions; full-day tuition includes lunch. Siblings receive a 10% discount. For more information on pricing,
scholarships, how to register and more call 415.485.3255 or visit www.dominican.edu/camps.

Wildcare Summer Nature Camp 2015 – 10 Sessions starting June 8th ending August 14th: Wildcare’s Nature
Camp is a fun way to stimulate learning about wildlife and instill a life-long respect of the environment. Weekly camp
programs are designed to captivate, engage and challenge young people, wh8le building environmental knowledge and
values. Campers will have an unforgettable experience, including animal visits from our live non-releasable animal
ambassadors, wildlife-theme games, nature crafts, hikes and much more. For more information and a complete listing
of all ten sessions, please contact Eileen Jones at 415.453.1000 ext. 12 or email eillen@wildcarebayarea.org.
Regarding
We would like to bring together the community
and a panel of experts to address the issues
around immunizations.
Expert panelists include:

Danielle Hiser, Senior Public Health Nurse, Marin County

Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer

Dr. David Witt, Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente
RSVP to Tina Galbreath 415-499-5891
Send in any questions you would like answered to
tgalbreath@marinschools.org.
March 30, 2015
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
1111 Las Gallinas Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94903
View the forum online live at:
http://tinyurl.com/MarinForum
Following the event, a
recording will be posted on the
Marin County Office of Education
website.
Soroptimist International of Marin County
in partnership with
Jeannette Prandi Children's Center and Marin County Office of Education
present an educational forum on
MISSING CHILDREN AND
ON-LINE PREDATORS
How to Protect Children From
On-Line Predators and Other Dangers
presented by
FBI Special Agent Marty Parker
Specialist in Child Abduction, Sex Tourism and Human Trafficking
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Marin County Office of Education
Community Room
1115 Las Gallinas
Terra Linda, CA 94901
Registration 11:30am - 12:00noon
Program 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm
Registration Fee: $10
Bring your Brown Bag Lunch
Beverages and Snacks Provided
Registration Deadline: April 20, 2015
............................................................................................................
First & Last Name ________________________________________
Title ____________________ Agency ________________________
Address ________________________________________________
Email _______________________ Phone (___)_________________
Mail Registration and Check to:
SIMC
PO Box 150704
San Rafael, CA 94915
For additional information: email simarincounty@soroptimist.net
Or phone (415) 726-7538