SUPER SUNDAY, THIS SUNDAY
Help the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley on its most important fundraising day, this Sunday, February 10th at the Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos.
SPHDS is an agency of the Federation and as it is generous to the school, we can show our appreciation by volunteering for a few hours this Sunday. There will be three shifts: 9:00 a.m. – Noon, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Click here to register online.
SCIENCE FAIR
For their Science Fair projects, the middle school students investigated different scientific areas, chose their field of interest, researched their specific subject, and developed and created their projects.
This Monday, February 11th, the students will display their individual or joint exhibits at the school’s annual Science Fair. All parents and friends are invited to view the projects, in the MPR, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 5:15 – 6:00 p.m.
CONNECTIONS’ LUNCHEON
 This year the Women’s Philanthropy of Silicon Valley Federation will be having its annual Connections’ Luncheon on Sunday, March 9th at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Women’s Philanthropy raises and allocates funds to help communities maintain and strengthen Jewish identity locally and throughout the Jewish world.
Connections honors women who are nominated by south bay organizations for their volunteer efforts on behalf of each group. This year’s SPHDS’ Distinguished Volunteer is Parents’ Association president Holly Mendel.
Holly is the mother of two sons, who attend SPHDS, and has been actively involved since her sons entered preschool. She began with classroom sewing projects and most recently, Holly created beautiful lacy panels which turn the ordinary MPR into a beautiful, sophisticated hall.
Under her guidance, the Parents’ Association has continued to expand its activities by successfully involving a greater number of parents; thereby, effectively raising funds to provide our students with the little extras that are not always in the budget.
Plan to attend this very special event and sit at a school table as we honor Holly. Check-in time begins at 12:15 p.m. and the luncheon starts at 1:00 p.m.
Reservations are $65 if made by February 25th and $75 after that date. Click here for more details.
THE ORAL AND THE WRITTEN
Ms. Shea’s 7th grade students took turns telling their classmates African folk tales which they found by searching the internet. Prior to their class presentations, they practiced at home, before their families, using eye contact, strong voices and dramatic expression all necessary tools for public speaking.
The students told their own tales. After each presentation, the class discussed the elements of the oral tradition demonstrated: repetition, patterns of three, animal characters, problem solving, moral lessons, trickery and trust issues. There was high interest and very animated responses from the students as they gained insight into literacy. This exercise combined their Language Arts and Social Studies courses.
REEVALUATING SUPREME COURT CASES
Eighth grade students in Ms. Shea’s class recently presented landmark Supreme Court cases to the class for adjudication. Among the cases presented were freedom of speech, the right to remain silent, and the right to bear arms.
After selecting and researching the chosen case, each student prepared a chart indicating the constitutional issue and the key arguments of each position. After the presentation, the class divided into three judicial panels to deliberate, evaluating the strength of the arguments and coming to a decision. Each panel declared a verdict, along with the arguments that swayed their decision. They also presented dissenting opinions as needed. Finally, the presenter revealed the actual outcome of the precedent-setting case. Discussion then ensued, as to the lasting implications of the decision. The discussion was very “lively” as it continued after class time.
REGISTRATION 2008 – 2009
Enrollment applications are now being accepted for Fall 2008 from current families as well as community families. Applications need to be completed for all new students entering Gan Aviv and all new students entering Grades 1-8. All students entering Kindergarten, including those already attending Gan Aviv, must complete a registration form. All registration forms must be submitted to the school office along with the registration fee of $75.00 per child. If you need application forms, they are available in the school office or online at www.sphds.org.
School tours are available: for Gan Aviv Preschool contact Barbara Goldstein at barbara.goldstein@sphds.org and for Kindergarten through Grade 8 contact Rabbi Avi Schochet at headmaster@sphds.org; both can be reached at 408 738-3060.
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION NEWS
Coming Soon…the Barton’s Pesach Candy order forms.
Challah Orders
Reminder...challah orders are due each Tuesday for the following Friday.
Save the Date
The annual Family Ice Skating social will be held on Sunday, February 24th, at 12:45 p.m., at the Winter Lodge, 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The cost is $10 per person. Look for the flyers next week.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Congregation Kol Emeth will be having its monthly Friday night “Making Room for Shabbat” on February 15th beginning at 6:00 p.m. This warm, friendly program is for families with children through Grade 3 - older siblings are welcome, too.
There will be a family service, dinner, and after-dinner activities at the synagogue, 4175 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto. The cost is $15 for adults; $10 for K-8 children and $5 for preschool children. To register contact: Stephanie Young at 650.948.7498 or email: Stephanie@kolemeth.org.
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