February 22, 2008

Evergreen SchoolScene

Sending your kid to summer camp?

Camp Galileo, the Bay Area's fastest-growing summer camp company allows more kids to explore its latest array of art, science and outdoor activities.

Voted "Best of the Bay" summer camp by San Francisco Magazine in 2006 and was nominated as a "Family Favorite" by Bay Area Parent Magazine in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Camp Galileo is coming to Evergreen.

At James F. Smith Elementary School, sessions will run from Jun. 16 through the week of Jul.28. Camp enrollments are welcomed anytime, but over $100 in discounts are available if enrolling by Feb. 29. To enroll, please call 1-800-854-3684 or visit www.galileoed.com.

The Galileo Scholarship Program provides full and partial awards to low- and middle-income families needing financial assistance for Pre-K through 5th graders. This summer, 1,300 scholarships will be offered, representing about 10 percent of Camp Galileo's total available spots at a value of over $450,000. Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with deadlines on Mar. 14 and Apr. 14.

Camp Galileo offers children an itinerary ripe with project-based opportunities to innovate. Photo courtesy Camp Galileo

Camp Galileo offers an itinerary ripe with project-based opportunities to innovate. Every day, campers rotate through 75-minute sessions of hands-on, age-appropriate curriculum revamped annually with Camp Galileo's partners at the de Young Museum (art), the Tech Museum of Innovation (science) and Klutz® (outdoors).

During art sessions, kids will learn about master artists and their periods by recreating individual styles - e.g., creating colorful Andy Warhol-esque self-portraits to explore the realm of psychedelic 60's art. Campers will tackle "Design Challenge" science and engineering challenges, such as helping the camp mascot rubber chicken build a looping roller coaster to see Newton's Laws of Motion in action. Meanwhile, teamwork and skill-building activities will be developed via outdoor adventures including waterball-kickball with kiddie pools as bases and a Slip-n-Slide at home plate.

Fun and games for J. F. Smith Elementary

A Parent Teacher Associa-tion fundraising event, benefiting J. F. Smith Elementary, is holding its 2nd Annual Casino Night Friday, Feb. 29, 2008. The Silver Creek Valley Country Club will transform into a casino with craps, blackjack, roulette and a Texas Hold ’em tournament.

Each $100 ticket includes $100 in gaming chips and hors d'oeuvres. A "Craps Clinic" for beginners starts at 6:30 p.m.. All tables open at 7:00. Buy-in for the limited seating Texas Hold ‘em tournament is $100.

Raffle prizes include: Wii Game system, iRobot Roomba, iPhone, sports memorabilia and game tickets, diamond jewelry, die-cut machine, PS3/ Blue Ray system and many more.

For the kids of attendees, the "Xtreme Pizza Bash" will be held in the Multi-Use Room at the school, with childcare provided by YMCA staff and volunteers beginning at 6:15. Ages 3-13 can enjoy "Rock Band" with the Xbox 360, playing Wii Sports and singing Karaoke. There will be several different craft projects for all ages. Face painting, temporary tattoos and glow sticks will be fun for all. Pizza, snacks and drinks are provided. Cost is $10 per child.

Sponsors:

- The Millard Family

- Albin Engineering

- Loretta Mosley
(Intero Realty)

- Clarity Medical Spa

- Aall City Mortgage

- The Huong Family

- Off Price Carpet Outlet,

- Beads n Things

- Kay Jewelers

- The Murphy Family

- The Reddy Family

- The Hussain Family

- Anonymous

Casino Night is for entertainment purposes only and there will be no exchange of money nor will money be awarded as prizes. This is a legal event and as a nonprofit organization, the PTA files all appropriate forms with the IRS.

Drop off and go green

Chaboya Middle School PTSA has partnered with ASL, a state-authorized electronic waste recycler, to recycle electronics in the Evergreen Community.

“We picked ASL because they are the largest e-waste recycler in Northern California,” explained PTSA coordinator Jill Wertman. “It’s a “win-win” arrangement and an opportunity where individuals and businesses can work together to keep our planet green.”

Chaboya PTSA asks Evergreen Community to take the challenge and dispose of electronic waste responsibly. “Drop Off and Go Green” with unwanted electronics on Mar. 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Chaboya Middle School, 3276 Cortona Road.

Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury and cadmium. Carcinogenic substances in electronic waste may include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Some fear that the heavy lead metals contained in CRT monitor glass and circuit board lead tin solders would eventually leach into groundwater. Capacitors, transformers, PVC-insulated wires and PVC-coated components often contain dangerous amounts of PCBs.

ASL employees will be on hand to assist you. Items accepted at drop off are: computers, computer monitors, laptops, keyboards, mice, printers, cables/cords, power supplies, disk drives, zip drives, hard drives, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, radios, tape drives, cell phones, shedders, oscilloscopes, PC boards, lab equipment, telephones, fax machines and microwaves.

Businesses can unleash their unwanted electronics by calling ASL at 408-468-0230. Ask for Heather and mention Chaboya Middle School for details on FREE pick-up.