CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (CAIS)
For the vast majority of Californians the acronym CAIS is meaningless; for those in the know it is the ultimate prestige. CAIS is the body that grants accreditation to independent, private schools in California.
During the past two years we conducted an intensive self-study. We looked in every nook and cranny of SPHDS and hid nothing. Simultaneously we looked for ways to improve, make changes and raise standards. In December we submitted our self-study and in February we were placed under a microscope with a three day visit by a CAIS committee of five heads of private schools who looked at every facet of SPHDS.
After 10 weeks of waiting we received the letter we were waiting for. We have been officially accredited by CAIS.
This news, coupled with the wonderful news of SPHDS’ Class of ’03 now being accepted to the high ranking universities in the country, make this an exceptional week at SPHDS!
More about our graduates and their college acceptances in next week’s Chai Lights.
IT'S TIME FOR THE FOOTHILL CENTURY
 The Only Kosher Ride in the West! Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual Foothill Century, Sunday, May 20. The Foothill Century offers beautiful scenery and a memorable, healthy day for everyone! This year’s ride features our renowned, kosher food at all rest stops and improved road markings. Choose from our 100K, 50K and 10K Family Fun routes.
For route description, starting times and complete information, click here.
To register for Foothill Century, click here.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR FOOTHILL CENTURY BIKE RIDE
So…you don’t ride bikes, that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the Foothill Century!
We need volunteers prior to the bike ride and on the day of the ride. What is important is to sign-up now. See Rachel in the office to pick up a volunteer sign-up sheet. For more information, please call volunteer coordinator, parent Joyce Arovas, after 4:00 p.m., at 650 321-2833.
ERB TESTING
Each year we administer the ERB (Educational Records Bureau) tests to students from grades 3 – 8. Students who are not fluent in English will not be given these tests.
These tests will be administered during a 5 day period beginning Tuesday, May 8th and concluding on Monday, May 14th, between morning recess and lunch. PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE any appointments during the testing time.
These tests are not used to judge an individual student’s performance in a given subject. They are intended to assist the school in auditing curricular process, over a number of years. It also provides the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), who mandates this test, with evidence that students in independent schools – as a group – score as high or higher as their public school counterparts.
While the results of these tests are not part of a student’s report card grades, they do become part of their permanent record. It is important that all students understand that these tests are not to be taken lightly.
There is no studying for these tests. Our General Studies teachers will prepare our students during the next few weeks with pre-tests to familiarize them with this kind of test. This is especially helpful for the younger students. Please ensure that your children have a good night’s rest and are on time for school during the testing period.
YOM HAZIKARON
 Students in Grades 1 – 8 attended a solemn assembly to commemorate Yom Hazikaron.
Rabbi Schochet addressed the students and spoke about the importance of the day as one in which we learn to respect self-sacrifice. The 8th grade students read moving poems in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is neither a day of despair nor a national day of mourning but rather the day which leads to Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
YOM HA’ATZMAUT – GRADES
Israeli flags decorated our campus as they hung from pole to pole at the school entrance and around our quad in honor of Yom Ya’Atzmaut. Even the MPR was not spared, the huge Menorah adorned the stage with flags stretching from wall to wall.
Everyone enjoyed the BBQ lunch which was ably prepared by Manny and Margalit of Yes Caterers. We greatly appreciate Yes Caterers volunteering for the BBQ and also the parents who volunteered…thank you all.
Proceeds of the BBQ will go to the 8th grade graduation trip to Israel which takes place at the end of May.
The Lower School did delightful presentations of dancing, singing and speaking about Israel. Afterwards, the entire school participated in activities that were related to Yom Ha’Atzmaut and Israel. Todah Rabah to Morah Shiri, Morah Michal, Morah Tamy, Morah Etti, Morah Ilana and Morah Rachel who undertook this project and so ably saw it through. Also, Todah Rabah to kindergarten teachers Morah Ellen, Morah Simi, Morah Clara and Morah Dominique.
 
YOM HA’ATZMAUT - GAN AVIV AND KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATIONS
Last Friday, the pre-kindergarten classes “took” a trip to Israel. Each room had a different activity - one created models of Israeli buildings and rivers; another decorated the kovah tembel; and the third made fruit kabobs from fruits typically grown in Israel.
In the morning Gan Aviv and Kindergarten’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration was filled with singing, dancing and eating birthday cakes or cupcakes decorated, or course, in blue and white.
Many thanks to the Gan Aviv and Kindergarten staffs for a wonderful Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
 
 
POTTY TRAINING TALK
Barbara Goldstein, our Director of Early Childhood Education, will be presenting a lecture on “Tips for Potty Training” on Tuesday evening, May 15th, on 7:30 p.m. in Room 3. The lecture is open to SPHDS’ parents and the community.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
New hours for purchasing lunch coupons: Mondays and Tuesdays only between 8:00 – 9:30 a.m., in the school office. Coupon booklets of 5 are $17.50 or $3.50 per coupon. Booklets of 5 for seconds are $12.50 or $2.50 per coupon.
CONTRACTS FOR ’07 – ’08
Contracts for the 2007 – 2008 school year have been mailed to parents who have submitted the re-enrollment forms.
Contracts must be returned now with the necessary non-refundable deposit.
GAN AVIV SUMMER CAMP
Back by popular demand!
After an absence of a number of years we are pleased to announce the return of our summer camp program for preschoolers and kindergartners. Children who will be 3 years old by December 1st, 2007 through children entering Kindergarten this September will also be qualified.
There will be 2 two week sessions, the first from June 25th – July 6th and the second from July 9th – 20th. Camp hours will be from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and extended day care will be available from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
It will be an action-packed, fun, summer camping experience with many activities planned. Mr. Dave will be there with Hot Shot Sports; challah baking for Shabbat, water play, art activities, themed weeks and much, much more.
Going by past camp experiences, we know the children will have a “blast.”
Brochures and registration forms are available.
CAMPUS TOURS
Tours are open for anyone who is interested in seeing our school.
Please call Rachel at 408 738-3060 to arrange a personal tour. If you know community families who have children of the appropriate ages, please invite them to call Rachel and arrange a school tour.
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