Stevens Creek Superstars Newsletter

2012 California Distinguished School Superintendent: Phil Quon Board of Education: Anjali Kausar Ben Liao Josephine Lucey Gary McCue Phyllis Vogel

Cupertino Union School District Stevens Creek Elementary School * Vivian Franklin, Principal 10300 Ainsworth Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014 Apr. 12, 2012 Week 31 of 37 Website http://www.edline.net/pages/Stevens_Creek_Elem_School March 29, 2012 Week 29 of 37 August 25, 2011 EVERY TUESDAY IS EARLY DISMISSAL Students are dismissed at 2:30pm Week FOR CUSD LUNCHES at PAMS (Parent Account Management System) Lunchroom! You can make payments PRE-PAY 2 of 43
and view your students account balance online by going to http://www.pamslunchroom.com TO EMAIL STAFF: lastname_firstname@cusdk8.org ATTENDANCE: If your child will be absent, please call 245-3312. Ext. 6, by 11:00 a.m. to report the absence. HOMEWORK: Homework may be requested for illness absences after three days or more. Please call the office before 9:00 a.m. to request the homework for pickup after 3:00 p.m.

Calendar

Principals Message Super Star Reading Program Well Facilitated!

Thank you to Sangeeta Balakrishnan for facilitating the Super Star Reading program this year. It was well organized and ran very smoothly. She provided an excellent opportunity to encourage our students to read for pleasure. As research has shown, students who read, read, read do well in school and in applying for colleges. Reading for pleasure in the elementary years is so important since the academic reading increases in middle school and high school. Having students establish good habits of reading for pleasure will continue through their lives.

Apr. 12: 3rd gr: SJ Historical Museum in Classrooms Rm 15/18 field trip to Vasona YSI 10-1:30pm PTO Meeting 7:30 in Staff lounge Apr. 16-20: Spring Recess NO SCHOOL Apr. 23: 3rd gr Constellations Tonight in GLC 11-3 Apr. 25: 4th gr field trip to San Juan Bautista 8:30-3:35 Apr. 26: SSC 7:45 am in Conference Room Apr. 27: Walkathon 9-3 Apr. 30-May 11: STAR Testing

May 1-11: STAR Testing May 3: SSC 7:45 am in Conference Rm May 4: Progress Reports Distributed, if applicable May 10: PTO Mtg 7:30 pm Staff Lounge May 11: 1st grade field trip: Coyote Point 9-1:30 Kinder field trip: Tech Museum 9-12:30 Movie Night in GLC 6-8pm May 14-16: Variety Show Auditions in GLC at Lunch (See page 4)

Remember the 85-15 rule when it comes to discipline Too often, discipline gets a bad rap. Parents sometimes think it means punishing a child who has misbehaved, which involves setting rules, enforcing them and handing out consequences. And none of that is very enjoyable for kids or parents. The word discipline comes from the Latin word disciplinare, which actually means "to teach." So try thinking about discipline in a different way. Think of discipline as a way to give your child the tools to succeed in life. Most of your discipline--roughly 85 percent--should focus on encouraging good behavior. That involves spending time with your child. Model the behavior you want to see in your child. If

you want a kind child, you should be kind to others. If you want a responsible child, you should show that in your own behavior. That leaves just 15 percent of the time to focus on negative behavior. You may still have to do timeouts sometimes. But you'll spend most of your time on things that really matter.

Reprinted with permission from the May 2012 issue of Parents make the difference! (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright 2012 The Parent Institute, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: W. Sears and M. Sears, The Successful Child: What Parents Can Do to Help Kids Turn Out Well, Hachette Book Group.

Building Self-Esteem Is your child's self-esteem too high, too low or just right? Self-esteem can be like Goldilocks. Some people's sense of themselves is too high. They think they are always right. They believe they are entitled to special treatment. Some people's self-esteem is too low. They don't think their ideas have much value. Then there are the people whose sense of themselves is just right. They have confidence to speak up in a group. But they also recognize that other people also have good ideas. To deal with self-esteem that is: Too high, set limits and enforce them regularly. Children with high self-esteem may behave in selfish ways and believe that the rules don't apply to them. Give your child responsibilities around the house and expect her to pitch in. Too low, help her learn to see herself in new ways. Teach her new skills. As she masters each new talent, her confidence will grow. Just right, watch to see that your child stays in balance. If things tip in either direction, take action.
Reprinted with permission from the May 2012 issue of Parents make the difference! (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright 2012 The Parent Institute, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: "Self-esteem Check: Too High or Too Low?" Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-esteem/MH00128.

School News

Mrs. Tsukamotos class artwork is displayed in the office. The medium used for these colorful pieces of art is colored pencils. Stop by and take a look!

Variety Show Auditions May 14-16 Yes, its that time of year to share your talent with others. Do you have a special talent? Consider auditioning for the Variety Show. Each act must have a minimum of two students, preferably more. If you play an instrument, think about asking a friend to sing or dance along with your song. A permission slip with more information is on page 4. The permission slip is required to audition. Additional forms are available in the office.

Student Council Coins for Cute Critters Drive

Student Council has chosen to sponsor a coin drive to help the World Wildlife Fund. WWF has been in operation for 50 years. Their vision is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. They are advocates on 5 key issues: protecting species, conserving places, transforming business, tackling climate change and working with communities. If you would like to help support this wonderful organization, bring your spare change to your classroom from April 23rd - May 18th. Student Council will provide Coin Collection Containers to each classroom. Thank you in advance for your help!

Variety Show 2012

Taking a Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride

The Stevens Creek Talent Show will be held on Friday, June 8th. You just team up with a friend or two or many. to share your talents with the entire school! Auditions will be held for each grade level. Come at lunchtime, prepared with an appropriate act, no more than 90 seconds long. Also, bring all necessary props (costume, tape, DVD, etc.). IN ORDER TO AUDITION, EACH MEMBER OF YOUR ACT MUST BRING A signed COPY OF THIS FORM ON THE DAY OF YOUR AUDITION!!!! Forms will not be accepted early, no exceptions! Kindergarteners: Please see your teacher about audition time. 1st/2nd graders: Monday, May 14th in GLC at lunch 3rd/4th graders: Tuesday, May 15th in GLC at lunch 5th graders: Wednesday, May 16th in GLC at lunch If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Moore, Ms. Allen, Mrs. Gogue or Mrs. Tsukamoto. .................................................................................................................................... Name of student_______________________________________ Names of other students performing _________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ (Each student participating must turn in one of these forms) Have you performed in the Variety Show before? Yes No Type of Performance: ___________________________________ Name of song (if using music)_____________________________ Type of equipment needed ________________________________ (gym mats, table, tape recorder, CD player, piano, music stand) I give my child, _____________________________, permission to perform in the Stevens Creek Variety show, upon acceptance of act. (Parents will be informed if their student has made it into the Talent Show) Parent Signature ___________________________________ Date___________

PTO NEWS..

Order your childs Yearbook!! This Friday, April 13th is the FINAL deadline for purchasing a yearbook for your child. If you have not already done so, please visit http://www.treering.com, register with Stevens Creek (registration number- 1012912168694513) and buy your yearbook today!! The cost for the yearbook this year is $23.60. Tree Ring also provides the ability to customize 2 pages for your child. Instructions are available on the school or PTO web-site (http://www.stevenscreekpto.org/events/2011-2012/YBinstructionstreering.pdf). Please contact Jyoti Rau (jyotirau@aol.com) or Rashmi Sahasrabuclhe (subodh_rashmi@yahoo.com) if you have any questions. Next PTO meeting: April 12th Please join us for our April PTO meeting tonight, Thursday April 12th, at 7:30 in the staff lounge. Agenda: 1. Call to Order and Accept previous minutes 2. Co-presidents Report a. Walk a Thon update b. Yearbook update c. Special Programs Grant program d. Canopy Purchase 3. Principals Report 4. Treasurers Report 5. California Distinguished School Celebration 6. Health & Safety Update 7. Slot Shelters Update 8. Digital Art Update 9. Technology Funding Needs 10. Questions/Comments 11. Meeting Adjourned

Collect those pledges! This years walkathon will be April 27th, just one week after Spring Break. Over the break, please help your child raise money for important programs like Music, PE, Art, Library, Computer lab and Instructional Aides in our school, by encouraging them to collect pledges for the Walkathon! Pledge envelopes were sent home after last weeks assembly. The envelopes need to be turned in by the Walkathon day. After the Walkathon they will be returned to your child so he or she can collect the money for the pledges. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THE RELEASE ON THE ENVELOPE SO THAT YOUR CHILD HAS PERMISSION TO WALK. Please contact Smita Uniyal (ashusmita@gmail.com) if you have any questions.

Call for Walkathon VOLUNTEERS! Walkathon is just around the corner, and any and all parents are invited to help make this event fun and safe for all! You can register online at: http://tinyurl.com/SCwalkathon2012 or return the volunteer form (http://www.stevenscreekpto.org/events/2011-2012/WalkathonVolunteerFlyer.pdf). Consider signing up for multiple shifts if your schedule allows. THANK YOU and we look forward to seeing you on the track! Confirmation of your assignment(s) will be sent via email on Wednesday, April 25th. Please contact Cherri Huang at cjcherri@gmail.com, with any questions. Last Call for Toy Drive! We are still in need of new and unopened toys & fun kid items (DVDs, card games, etc.) for the Walk-a-thon. We are especially in need of toys and games appropriate for older kids, and especially boys. These items will be used as kids raffle prizes. Please consider donating to our Walk-a-thon Toy Drive. Items can be dropped off in the office until Tuesday April 24th. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact Jian He (jianhe7@gmail.com). Thank you for your support! Walk-a-thon Committee Last call for Special Programs Grant Deadline April 26th! This year, PTO has budgeted $10,000 to fund a Special Programs Grant that can be applied for by the parent and staff community. This new grant program is intended to fund purchases that improve PTO or Stevens Creek Elementary infrastructure, improve the school campus, enrich the curriculum, or support the PTO mission. The deadline for this year has been extended to April 26th. All funds requested in the grant must be spent before the end of the school year. If you have an idea for a one-time purchase that would fit with the guidelines of the Special Programs Grant, consider submitting your proposal to our VP of Grants (Luanne Schirrmeister, lschirrm@gmail.com). For more information and detailed grant guidelines, visit the PTO web-site (http://www.stevenscreekpto.org). Keep sending in those Box-Tops Current leaders in the Box Top Soccer Tournament: Lower Grades: Room 10: 23 goals Room 17: 22 goals Room 13: 13 goals Upper Grades: Room 30: 21 goals Room 24: 19 goals Room 27: 16 goals Send Box Tops into your childs teacher, each 25 Box Tops = 1 goal! The class with the most goals in each of K-3 and 4-5 will win a Pizza Lunch. Contact Jane Kim (Janehskim@gmail.com) for more information.

2012 Walk-a-thon TOY DRIVE ********************

Do you have any new, unused toys and/or fun items to donate to the 2012 Walk-a-thon kids raffle? Please complete this form and either email it to Smita Uniyal (ashusmita@gmail.com) or drop it off at the office. Please drop off toy donations by Friday April 6th.

NAME: ______________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________ PHONE#: _____________________________________________ Childs name/Teachers name: ______________________________ Item Description _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Quantity ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Est. Value ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

All contributions are tax deductible

Stevens Creek Walkathon Friday, April 27th, 2012

Calling for Parent Volunteers!
Dear Stevens Creek Parents,
Our Annual PTO sponsored Walkathon is just around the corner and we need YOUR HELP to ensure safety of all our children. Please mark your calendar and let us know your available time to help. Your assignment(s) will be emailed on Wednesday, April 25th so please be sure you PRINT your email. We thank you for all your help and in the meantime, shall you have any questions regarding to volunteer sign ups and tasks, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at cjcherri or via phone at (650)906-2180. The money we raised during the event will go toward future PTO sponsored event such as science fair, classroom supplies, new books for the library, and new computers, fieldtrips, etc...

We encourage all parents to sign up online and this sign up form is AVAILABLE ONLINE through PTO website or at http Please Note: Child care is not available during setup time PRE-Walkathon Setup ____7:30am -8:30am _____ 8:00am-9:00am

DURING Walkathon ____ 9:00am-10:15am (Kinder Parents are encouraged to sign up to help on the track)
____ 10:00am-11:15am ____ noon-1:15pm ____ 2:00pm-3:15pm _____ 11:00am-12:15pm _____ 1:00pm-2:15pm

____ POST-Walkathon Clean Up 3:00pm-3:45pm Your name:_________________ Email: (please PRINT):___________________ Students name and class number:____________________________
Please return this form to your childs teacher by Friday, April 13th. THANK YOU!!!

DISTRICT NEWS SECTION Vol. 27 2011-2012 Elementary School

2012 STAR TESTING DATES STAR Multiple Choice Test begins the week of April 30, 2012 and will continue for two weeks. The STAR Program is a State of California accountability measure that helps us assess how we are meeting the needs of our students. You can help prepare your child for the test by ensuring your child goes to bed on time, eats a good breakfast, and leaves for school with a positive attitude. Please do not schedule any family trips or doctor appointments during this time. CUPERTINO CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Saturday and Sunday, April 28, 2012 and April 29, 2012 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Memorial Park in Cupertino Free Admission The 29th Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates community, culture and supports Cupertinos Sister City relationship with Toyokawa, Japan. This years festival features delicious Japanese and American food, outdoor entertainment by taiko drums groups, classical Japanese dancers, martial art schools and musical groups, and more. There are indoor Japanese cultural displays, workshops, and musical performances at the Quinlan Center, adjacent to Memorial Park. This year also features a special childrens play area with hands-on activities. Parking is available at DeAnza College for free. For information visit www.cupertinotoyokawa.org. This event helps to support the Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister City Exchange Program. DE ANZA COLLEGE SUMMER EXTENDED YEAR PROGRAM 2012 De Anza College in partnership with the Cupertino Union School District will offer the Extended Year Program this summer, mornings only, from June 18 to July 13, 2012. Students entering grades 6 through 10 Classes will be held at Cupertino and Miller Middle Schools, and will include: Java Programming, Geometry & Spatial Sense, Intro to Algebra 1 & 2, LEGO Robotics, Debate and Critical Thinking, Forensic Science, and many others. Students entering grades 1 through 5 Classes will be held at Collins Elementary School, and will include: Writing: Paragraphs to Essays, Reading Intensive, Public Speaking, Spelling Bee, Journalism/Writing, and more! Program brochures will be sent home in early March and will also be available at your school office. More information is available at www.extendedyear.deanza.edu. Early registration is by mail only and will begin on March 5, 2012 and ends on May 18, 2012. There will also be walk-in registration available from May 29 to June 5, 2012.