March 11, 2005

ESD NEWS BRIEFS

Camp Galileo offers early bird discount through March 28

Looking for a quality day camp solution for your kids this summer that’s close to home? Camp Galileo—offered at James F. Smith Elementary School in Evergreen this summer—partners with leading educational organizations like The Tech Museum of Innovation, Art in Action and Klutz to bring museum-quality day camps to Bay Area communities.

Kids rotate daily between science, art and outdoor programming blended with skits, cheers and games. Hands-on activities delivered by professional educators make Camp Galileo a favorite for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grades.

This year’s art and science themes specially designed for Camp Galileo by Art in Action and The Tech Museum include Animal Art, Modern Expressionism, African Art, Building Big, Invent It! and Ocean Explorers.

Early bird specials end Monday, March 28, so if you’re planning on attending camp this summer, enroll now to save $20 per week per camper. Sessions are filling up quickly, so don’t wait!

To enroll or check session availability at each of 10 camp locations, visit www.campgalileo.com or call (800) 854-3684.

Cadwallader Multicultural Fashion Show celebrates diversity

Cadwallader Elementary School recently showcased a myriad of cultures at its annual Multicultural Fashion Show and Dinner. Boys and girls, grades K-6, proudly modeled intriguing fashions that represented their Mexican, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Native American, Scottish, Scandinavian, Hawaiian and Japanese cultures.

The students worked diligently to learn the techniques and modeling etiquette for runway modeling under the direction of their principal, Denise Williams. The students also extended their learning curves by researching their culture and incorporating the history into their vivid descriptions for the audience.

Many of the outfits were handmade by family members; however others were passed down from previous generations.

The cultural music was synchronized with the specific scene to be indicative of the attire.

The school transformed Cougar Café into a gallery of art, projects and reflections of students’ families and heritages. Parents graciously provided delectable dishes of food to enjoy, such as lumpia, curry, Spanish rice, sushi, quesadillas, tamales and pho.

“This event provides just another opportunity for our students to learn about the richness of their culture and continue to appreciate and respect cultural diversity,” says Mrs. Bhoot, parent of a Cadwallader student.

Holly Oak students, potential future scientists, define the “Laws of Oobleck.”

Holly Oak celebrates Dr. Seuss’ 101st birthday

“They came by the hundreds,
They came by the ton,
They came to Dr. Seuss Night
To have some fun!”

Holly Oak Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 101st birthday on March 1. The celebration included a variety of activities, from reading Dr. Seuss books, reading some books in Spanish or Vietnamese or playing with the Oobleck, to making Dr. Suess hats, sampling the famous “Green Eggs and Ham” or learning to draw the Cat in the Hat.

Birthday cake, goodie bags and door prizes topped off the night. With the help of the Holly Oak families, staff and the members of the community, this event was a huge success.

Extra-special “thanks” go out to: Ingrid Rottman, Evergreen Valley College; Orzie Jemas, retired media clerk, Karen Tucker, student teacher; Vinqhuanh Dai, Annie Phung and Kathy Lowy, Young Rembrandts art classes; Kevin Holston and Carlos Lopez, San Jose Firefighters and the Perales family; Holly Oak grandparents.

Administrative changes effective July 1

In a closed session on March 1, the Evergreen School District board of trustees approved the following administrative changes, effective July 1. Will Ector, currently the principal at James F. Smith Elementary School, has been appointed director of Human Resources for the district. Keith Hodgin, currently assistant principal at LeyVa Middle School, has been appointed as the new principal at James F. Smith School. Watch for more details in the Times this summer.

Silver Oak Educational Partnership raises more than $93,000

Silver Oak Elementary School supporters didn’t rely on the fortune cookies they received as party favors to predict the success of their 10th annual dinner, dance and auction fundraiser just days before the start of the Chinese New Year.

Silver Oak teacher Nani Hogan’s first/second grade combination class surround the art project they created for the auction.

As the theme “Celebrating 10 Years of Good Fortune” set the tone for that Feb. 5 night, 320 parents and community members took the future of their children in their own hands and raised $93,000 for the Silver Oak Educational Partnership (SOEP), a private foundation benefiting the school. SOEP hosted the fundraiser.

The hefty sum doesn’t include one more item—the Great Commission Giveaway donated by Grant, Griffith and Jones of Windermere Silicon Valley Properties—which is still open for sealed bids until April 5. At that time, the Grant, Griffith and Jones marketing team will notify the winning bidder and donate the commission from the sale of the bidder’s home to SOEP at the close of escrow.

Doors opened at 5:30 p.m. at the Silver Creek Valley Country Club with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, a video presentation, the live auction and dancing to cap off the evening. Guests also enjoyed glasses of fine wine and champagne from the Premium Wine Bar.

With the help of the professional videographer, John Barrett of John Barret Video, the auctioneer, Rob Slawinski, and the band, the Hitmen, the evening moved along so smoothly that people didn’t want the music to stop at midnight!

Highlights of the silent and live auctions included a Harley Davidson motorcycle, several pieces of fine jewelry, a catered dinner for 10 to 15 people by Anise Cafe, naming the Bus Loop and Principal for the Day. Dr. Stepovich and Dr. Tillmans, once again, donated full orthodontia treatment for a student.

The students of Silver Oak created wonderful art projects and classroom baskets for the auctions. Big hits included a lemonade stand, string design framed mirror, several framed art pieces, a concrete garden bench, American Flag quilt, chess set, a storage locker and a three dimensional 4-foot heart sculpture—several of which sold for over $1,000.

SOEP will use the funds raised at this event to continue to provide educational enrichment programs to the students of Silver Oak in the areas of science, art, music, technology, library support and classroom grants.

SOEP sincerely thanks the parents of Silver Oak and the community for so generously supporting its efforts and for joining the tenth anniversary celebration of good fortune.