November 14, 2008

School Briefs

Don’t take the hook

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Karen Burnett is the author of books for children and lectures on respect and responsibility. She spent the entire day of Nov. 10 at Carolyn C. Clark Elementary School discussing with the children how to deal with those who try to tease and put down others. Her book, Simon’s Hook, deals with that topic.

Author Karen Burnett and Principal Brian Martes, along with parent volunteers enjoy the book signing and enthusiasm of the students for reading.

Burnett is a local author, residing in Felton where she writes her books and travels extensively to talk with students. Her books are popular, as evidenced by the book signing at the end of a session with parents when they purchased all the books she had with her.

Parent involvement is obvious at the school. The meeting room was nearly filled to listen to Burnett share her views on getting along with others and following dreams. Burnett recounted that she learned to surf at age 50.

“Parent volunteers are very helpful,” says school principal Brian Martes. In his first year at the school, Martes is enthusiastic and proud of the school for achieving California Distinguished School recognition.

One parent volunteer, Sundari Revanaur, talked about the involvement of parents as she pointed out the various activities at the school displayed on the bulletin boards. She is excited about the newest school in the district (only five years old) and the caliber of education her children are receiving.

Another parent volunteer, Henna Parekh, is one of the lead coordinators of the ABC Reading program taught at Carolyn Clark. ABC stands for Asset Building Champions.

Parekh and the other lead coordinators, Sundari Revanaur, Vandana Pathak and Angela Chen work with volunteers who are trained to review a pre-selected book and then spend 45 minutes a month with a teacher and class.

All of the books used in the program focus on values and positive behavior. Parents interested in volunteering can contact Parekh at henna@parekhhouse.com.

Parekh also noted that tare few disciplinary problems at the school. The faculty is very qualified and the students generally come from strong families that encourage good behavior. Carolyn Clark Elementary is an asset to Evergreen and its residents.

6th Annual EVHS Holiday Craft Faire

The Evergreen High School Athletic Booster Club raises funds for the girls and boys athletic programs at EVHS.  On Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10-5 and Sunday, Nov. 16, from 10-4, 57 vendors are showcasing their handcraft arts for sale
Jewelers, Quilts, Home decor, kitchen accessories, crocheted/knitted apparels, freshly baked goods, homemade candies and soaps, x-mas ornaments, anything you can think of for early X-mas shopping.  There is something for everyone.  Admission free along with plenty of free parking.  We are expecting approximately 2,000+ people throughout the weekend

Proceeds from the booth rentals, food concession stand and raffle tickets will go to the boys and girls athletic programs.  

We will have fresh barbecued t-tip sandwiches, polish dog, chicken sandwiches and much more throughout.  We will even have a children’s arts and craft center that you can drop your kids off so they can do an arts and crafts project while you shop.  

Each vendor will donate a minimum value of $25 prize for the raffle.  Raffle tickets are $1 each.  Come check our super raffle prizes.  Tickets will be $3 ea for the super raffle.  So far we have weekend stay at one of our local hotels, Oasis day spa gift certificates, sharks tickets, Monterey Bay aquarium tickets, Sabercats tickets Round of Golf at Gilroy Golf Course, Dinner certificates at local restaurants and much much more.

Silver Creek High School PTSA Meeting

Ms. Tricia Bowers with the San Jose Police Dept. Child Sexual Exploitation Dept. will talk to parents, teachers and interested community members about Safety on the Internet on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the school library.

Topics to be discussed include:

- Internet Safety against Predators
- Cyber-bullying
- Precautions on how to be safe on social network sites like Facebook and/or MySpace
- Legal Aspects of the Internet
- [Question and Answer Section.

Winter Wonderland at Silver Creek High

On Friday Dec. 5, the senior class of Silver Creek  High will be hosting our 3rd annual wintry carnival-like event, Winter Wonderland. There are many activities such as arts and crafts, fun entertainment, great food and even Santa for the whole family. Bring the little ones to start off and enjoy the Season holidays. We’ll have a clothes drive for the needy.

The event will be held on the football field at 3434 Silver Creek Road. School from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.