[Ma-pta-enotes] eNotes for Thursday OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT

[ma-pta-enotes at listserv.seq.org]

For general information about M-A, including up-to-date news about school events and the calendar, visit our website: www.mabears.org 


HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT’S HAPPENING (read the eNotes for more information) - 

Back to School TONIGHT, September 14, from 6:30-9 pm  

Freshman family welcome Friday September 15, 6:00-7 p.m 

Freshman dance Mardi Gras style, Friday September 15 on the Green starting @ 7 p.m.  

Back-to-school dance for all students, Friday, September 22 


BACK TO SCHOOL IS BACK

Back to school is TONIGHT, September 14. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet and greet your student’s teachers and navigate the school.  The festivities begin with a tour of Pride Hall at 6:30, followed by a 7 p.m. meeting for all parents in the big gym off Ringwood (not in the J building as indicated on the original calendar), culminating with a jog through your student’s daily schedule starting at 7:35.   Don’t forget to ask your student for a class schedule, wear comfy shoes, and bring a pen to take notes.

SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR THIS WEEK

This Friday, September 15, will be a minimum day, with school ending at noon.
Thursday will not be a minimum day.

WRAP IT UP
 
The annual wrapping paper sale has started, just in time for the holidays.  Place an order with any M-A band or drama student.  All proceeds help to defray cost for their future contests and productions.  Any questions contact Dianne Jensen at RGJDMD at aol.com or650-219-5584. 

IT’S NOT DEBATABLE

Menlo-Atherton’s acclaimed debate club meets on Mondays and Tuesdays after school.  If you have debate experience and would like to help, call Sheila McKay at 327-8561 or Catherine Habiger at 364-0383


SNAG A PARKING PERMIT

Parents of juniors: there are a few permits, to be issued by lottery, available for your young drivers.  All interested juniors must complete the application, available from the vice-principal’s office, and provide a copy of driver license (learner’s permit does not suffice), PAL sticker, car registration, proof of insurance, and $35 to Sandy Nelson by tomorrow, September 15. Winners will be notified on Monday, September 18.

FRESHMAN FAMILY WELCOME

Welcome to M-A, 2010 parents! We are so glad you are here!  The leadership class is invites you to the third annual freshmen family potluck dinner on Friday September 15 from 6 to 7 p.m.  Please bring a dish that will feed 6-8 people as follows: if your student’s last name begins with the letters A-H, bring an entr*e; I-Sh, bring a salad; Si-Z, a dessert.  We will be selling soft drinks for $1.00 to raise money for future freshman-only events at M-A.  We look forward to seeing you near the library for dinner.  Questions?  Contact Patty Burch at 650-473-1542 or pattyburch at comcast.net.  

AND AFTER DINNER…

Freshmen should stick around for their first dance, Mardi Gras style, on the Green starting at 7 p.m.  Buy tickets now, on the green, or at the door.  Sodas, snacks, and juice smoothies will also be available.  All freshmen are encouraged to attend.

FAST, FURIOUS, AND FUN

If you have an hour or more to spare next week, we need you to help work on campus with the students as they complete their California Scholarship Federation applications.  Openings are available next week, September 18-22, on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday from 11:30am-12:45pm and on Wednesday or Thursday from 10:50am-12:15pm.  Email Alice Hom at dnahome at aol.com to volunteer.

LEARN ABOUT FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

Freshmen parents and others are invited to a wine and appetizer party at the home of Amy and John Boyle, 541 Fanita Way, Menlo Park, on Sunday, September 17 from 4-6 p.m.   Special guests will include superintendent Pat Gemma and principal Denise Plante.  RSVP to Cindy Folker, cfolker at seq.org or 650-322=5311 x 5206

IS YOUR CHILD’S MOM COOL ENOUGH TO BE A STORE MOM?

The orientation meeting for this very fun, fashion forward job will be held next Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Career Center classroom. You will receive all the materials you need to get those models fitted for their Fashion Show segments.   Any questions? Contact Claire Andrews at clairebear552200 at yahoo.com or Lea Goldstein at leagoldstein at aol.com.  


HITTING THE HIGH NOTES

Teacher Eric Kujawsky (Dr. K), who started a singing club last year, would like to grow the vocal music program.  “There’s enough interest and talent,” he says, “to have a general ensemble plus an elite a cappella choir.” He is getting the word out at school, but students don’t always hear the announcements. If your child is a budding vocalist, pass the word along.  He would also welcome help from pianists and guitarists and anyone else with an interest in growing these groups.  Email ekujawsk at seq.org or maestroek at sbcglobal.net
 
CELEBRATE THE START OF SCHOOL

The back-to-school dance for all students is scheduled for Friday, September 22 in the J building, with tickets available in front of the leadership room at lunch. 

GRAD NITE

.Parents are invited to attend the organizational meeting for Grad Nite 2007 on Tuesday, September 26 from 7-9 at M-A to find out more and learn how to help make this incredible party a safe, sober, and fun celebration for every wonderful member of the M-A class of 2007. 

Stay tuned to eNotes for more information.  Questions?  Email gradnight07 at earthlink.net

PARENTS OF SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS: IT’S PSAT TIME

Students need to register for the PSAT, scheduled for October 21 at M-A, by the September 26 deadline.  Note that this test is given only once a year, and it is used to screen juniors for the National Merit scholarship program.  Sophomores can sign up with their English teachers, while juniors should register with their U.S. history teachers.   Please make your check for $23 payable to M-A PSAT and include your student's ID and first and last name on the check.  

GOT A SENIOR IN YOUR HOUSE?

Seniors need to make an appointment with Prestige Photographers, who are taking senior portraits.  Deadline: October 11.  If you cannot find the information, the number for Prestige is posted outside E-21.

NEVER MIND VOGUE

Get your fashion insights from our own M-A fashion mavens. The annual Fashion Show, scheduled for October 21, is the primary fundraiser for M-A’s PTA, with hundreds of volunteer opportunities available to fit your schedule and interests.   Parents from all classes are encouraged to join in the fun and help with a job.  We have filled all chair positions and now need committee members.

For more information, email coordinators Mary McCurdy at mary.mccurdy at mccurdylawyers.com or Margie Lawrence at mlawrence at mppc.org) 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Thanks to those who have already stepped up, but we still have some jobs to fill. 

*COMPUTER DELIVER ASSISTANCE NEEDED
We need help delivering over 40 donated computers to the homes of deserving M-A students.  We provide the students’ contact information and address.  You pick up one computer (or several), make appointments with the students, and deliver the computers to their homes.  They will carry the computer from your car—no heavy lifting required.  Contact Sue Kayton at kayton at alum.mit.edu or 853-1711.  

*BUTTON DESIGNERS
PTA Co-President Leslie Airola needs a volunteer to design and produce campaign-style buttons for staff.  Email her at lairola at gmail.com  

*FRESHMAN CHALLENGE
Sign up to help with M-A’s incredible annual freshmen challenge.  If you can lead a small group or help with event logistics, please sign up to work on campus on Monday, October 30 and/or Tuesday, October 31 between 7:15 am and 3 p.m.

A training session for small group leaders is scheduled for Saturday, October 28 from 9-10 a.m. at M-A.

For more info or to sign up, email coordinators Margie Lawrence at mlawrence at mppc.org or Betsy Bowersox at Betbowe at earthlink.net

BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL

Alice Kleeman and the Menlo-Atherton Career Center will help prepare you and your students for the transition to post-M-A life. Sign up for the parent email list at www.macareercenter.com to receive regular emails about colleges and careers.  Colleges visiting the Career Center next week include Davidson, American University of Paris, Emory, Oregon State U., Cal Tech, Southern Methodist U., Wheaton (in Massachusetts), and Loyola New Orleans.  Students need to come to the Career Center for times, dates, and passes to attend.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

Only nine months until summer vacation—but you can order your yearbooks now.  Yearbook order forms are now available on line at the M-A website. You can either download an order form or pay with a credit card on line!  You can also go directly to Jostens at http://shop.jostens.com/customer.asp?CID=130520&mscssid=FWVFBWF2SGP99GVL477PHM5RULSUAMH1 (be careful if you copy/paste the foregoing into your browser—some of the letters may drop off the end and will have to be manually appended).  Price for the yearbook is $65 until January 19.  If you have questions or would like to buy a personal dedication page for your senior, please email the staff at MA_yearbook at yahoo.com

***SPORTS***

CREW

NorCal Crew is a competitive rowing club for high school students.  
The fall season begins September 16 with a Learn to Row day. Come join us from 8-11am. at the Port of Redwood City to learn the basics of rowing a 55-foot shell.  Parents and all high school students are invited to stay afterwards for a BBQ.  Visit the website at www.norcalcrew.org or email Coach Mike Still at Mike at norcalcrew.org for more information.


TENNIS

On Tuesday, the girls took on Carlmont on their home courts and blew away the top-ranked Dons thanks to spectacular play by Marjorie Adams, Brook Keating, Marietta Tuinetoa, and double specialists, Anna Ongko and Heidi Galbreath.  The Bears travel to Woodside on Wednesday and will be back home playing Mills on Thursday!    If you want to watch a group of talented and determined athletes, representing the best of Menlo-Atherton High School, come out and watch the Bear Netters.  

H2O

The varsity girls’ water polo team will be playing Davis High School at 7 p.m. tonight, September 14.  Admission is always free. 

The varsity boys’ water polo team, along with Menlo, co-host a two-day tournament starting tomorrow, September 15.  After a 1 p.m. home game versus Leland, they will have another match at 4:30 or 5:20.  Come check out the action at Spieker Pool.


FOOTBALL

Join us tomorrow, September 15 at 3:15 when the JV take on Capuchino High School.  The frosh will play Milpitas on Saturday at 11, and the varsity will be at Capuchino against Capuchino at 1 p.m. that day. Come out and support your bears.
GO BEARS! 


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