Stop by the multi-purpose room to score some great deals at the last Lost& Found sale for this school year. All items are $3 a piece. Proceeds support the PTA.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 31

Posted by Tom Slattery on May 27

The Garden Club and Green Team sponsored a Six-Part Plant Fest on Thursday, May 19th. The six-parts of plants (seed, root, stem, leaf, petal, fruit) were represented and snacked on in a "veggie burrito". Click here to see some pictures of the event.

Posted by Tom Slattery on May 27

If you're a Twitter user, you can now follow our very own Principal Lisa Zimmer  as she tweets about the latest Edna news and events.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 23

Edna Maguire is pleased to be an active participant in the Safe Routes to School program. Participating in the program lets us increases green trips to school by walking, biking, carpooling or taking the bus. As a result, we're reducing traffic congestion and its related greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention increasing physical activity for our students.

Safe Routes to Schools is conducting a survey of parents to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of its program. This survey will provide valuable information to improve the Safe Routes to Schools program at our school. All responses will be kept confidential-- neither your name or your child's will be associated with any published results without your permission. Click here to take the survey.Questions? Contact Peggy Clark (peggy@marinbike.org) at Safe Routes to Schools.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 23

If you haven't yet returned your library books, please do so now! All books must be turned in by Friday, May 27. Overdue book notices will be coming home soon.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 23

Visit your child's class and find out more about what he or she's been learning this year. Take advantage of this opportunity to check out some of the exciting projects our students have been working on and to chat with their teachers.

Please Note: Due to the timing of our fifth graders' trip to Walker Creek, Edna's Open House is on a different date than the other district schools.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Dear Edna Maguire Families:

The third grade students are raising money to send kids to school in Haiti. The third graders are not only doing a play, but they are also hoping to raise S1.00 per Edna Maguire Student. My mom (Karen Olson) inspired me as she went to Haiti in April to help people who needed medical care. We would like it if you could try to donate at least $1.00 because that would help us send several children to school in Haiti for a whole year. It costs approximately $150 per year for one student. We will be sponsoring kids through an organization called Sionfonds. If you would like to help, please bring your money to school by Friday, June 3. 

Thank you,

Charlie Osborn 

(Charlie is a student in Ms. Lackey's third grade class.)

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Thanks to Office Depot, Edna families can save up to 60% on school/office supplies and up to 40% on technology purchases. Take advantage of this great opportunity to stock up on school supplies for next year! Please download the Office Depot Purchase Form.doc for more details and ordering information.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Thank you to all teachers and parents who bought supplies for various events this year. If you want to be reimbursed for your purchases, please turn in your receipts, along with a completed reimbursement form, to PTA Treasurer Jeannine Berman's mailbox in the office. Reimbursement forms are on our website. All receipts are due by June 9.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Gather up those old electronics taking up space in your home, office or garage and bring them to Edna's next E-Waste Drive! The drive will be held in the front parking lot, from 9 a.m. until Noon. You don't even have to get out of your car-- volunteers will unload it for you! TVs, computers, cell phones and batteries are just a few of the items we'll accept. See the flyer below for more information.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

For the third year in a row, Woody's Yogurt Shop is coming to Edna to celebrate the last day of the school year. Owner Woody will be on hand to supply FREE ice cream (one per student -no parents or siblings, please) on the back playground when school lets out (12:30 for kindergarten; 12:45 for all other grades). Dairy and gluten-free options will be available. Thank you, Woody, for making the last day of school extra sweet!

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Our annual collating "party" kicks off at 9:45 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. Please drop by to catch up with friends and help us get all of the first day packets ready before the new school year begins! Kids are welcome to play out on the field while you collate.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

A HUGE THANKS to director Jody Branham for putting on yet another spectacular Variety Show! Thanks also to Rob Thomure, Deb Luster, Kathy Sonderby, Marcia Meyers, Jennifer Puckett, Catherine Gerson, Jenny Douglass, Christine Freda and the many other parents who made the evening a success.

This year, we had a record-breaking 78 performers--they were all AMAZING! Announcers Lily Fuller, Ronan Cain, John Luster and Jack Duboff also did an awesome job. If you missed the show, or just want to re-live the memories, e-mail Kathy Sonderby at ksonderby@yahoo.com to purchase a DVD for $20. Click here to see some great pictures!

Sadly, Jody is leaving Edna this year. And we have some very big shoes to fill in order for the show to go on next year! We especially need a Set Coordinator and a Sound and Lighting Coordinator. Without them, it may not be possible to have a Variety Show! Please e-mail ksonderby@yahoo.com if you are interested in either position.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Wondering where all those PTA dollars you helped raise this year went? Following are just a few examples of how they helped our kids. The funds we raised provided students with everything from basic classroom supplies--like pencils, pens, glue, etc.--to special equipment such as wireless headphones. They also covered the cost of our Visual Thinking Strategy curriculum. And they allowed us to bring our students many special assemblies, including the Signature Project, jump-rope artist Renee Bibaub and the Eth-No-Tec storytellers.

Your PTA dollars also funded popular annual events such as the Dr. Seuss Café, Family Math and Science Nights, the Art Show, Donuts with Dads, Muffins with Moms and the Variety Show, to name just a few. And they paid for our emergency supplies, parent education speakers, recess equipment, professional development for teachers and much, much more!

And that's not all! Your money also allowed each grade level to augment its specific curriculum with field trips, special experiences, projects and visits from experts:

Kindergarten: Projector Carts, Edventure More-Animals, Richardson Bay Audubon Center, Play Kitchen

First Grade: Lawrence Hall of Science-Pop Fizz, Wonderful Whales, Edventure More-Oobleck, Wacky Weather and Ice Cream, Explode the Code workbooks

Second Grade: Poetry-Sasha Eakle, Edventure More-Stomp Rockets and Magnets, Richardson Bay, San Francisco Opera-Sing a Story

Third Grade: Native American Storytelling and Crafts, Edventure More-Periscopes, Susan Johnson-Light and Color, Art Project on Heroes, Sasha Eakle-Poetry, Next Generation, Imac

Fourth Grade: Point Bonita, Oakland Museum, Mission Dolores, Salmon Institute, Edventure More-Pickle Power, Foss Kits and Sutter's Fort

Fifth Grade: Ricca Wolfe-America Sings, Lawrence Hall of Science, Ancient Artifact, Walker Creek and Graduation

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Every year, the PTA's grants from our Innovative Teaching Fund enable teachers to bring people or items into their classrooms that will enhance student learning. To receive part of the grant money, teachers must complete an application, which is reviewed and voted upon by the Site Council. We are proud to announce that, for the seventh consecutive year, all monies have been dispersed. Below is a list of the diverse ways our teachers used these funds:

$300 for kindergarten for MP3 players for each of classroom

$500 for the third grade musical (added to the grant from Kiddo!)

$141.61 for Emilie Albertoli for RAMP support materials

$55.64 for fourth grade teacher Ann Eshoff for speakers for her computer

$264.92 for the Technology Team headed by Lisa Monge/Colleen Carr for a microphone, flip camera and digital microscope

$1737.83 for the entire school towards a chart maker for the teachers

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Thank you Edna PTA members, staff and families for the many hours of volunteer service you gave to our school this year. It's YOUR dedication that makes Edna so great! A special thanks to all who took on the following roles:

The PTA Executive Board: Janie Karp, Kit Harris, Lisa Zimmer, Michelle Barenbaum, Mari Allen, Karen Carr, Stirling Somers, Ingrid Lin, Jeannine Berman, Christine Freda, Deb Luster, Leslie Lewczyk, Kathy Bishop, Ahtossa Fullerton, Shana Stewart, Jenny Leogrande, Dan Kelly, Caitlin Smith, Soar Stetler, Lisa Gilmore, Judy Sherman

The PTA Committee Chairs: Shaila DeLeede, Michelle Zimmerman, Lisa Stapp, Janie Karp, Laura Figueirinhas, Ronnie Sharpe, Jennifer Hollander, Mari Allen, Jessica Ryan, Christine Freda, Christine del Castillo, Christine Brandt, Erin Griffis, Mike Bishop, Karen Olson, Anne Buxton, Ken Campbell, Steve Podesta, Cathy Wilmoth, Margaret Krivoruchko, Saor Stetler, Barbara Bleckman, Michelle Barenbaum, Ahtossa Fullerton, Sean Norton, Tracy Ginther, Howard Wynn, Leslie Fielder, Dorothy O'Donnell, Tim Schultz, Linda Dunne, Karen Carr, Deb Carney, Julie Kennedy, Lisa Gilmore, Rhonda Campbell, Nancy Turner, Gideon Bernstein, Tina Taylor, Jody Branham, Justine Whitehead

Room Parents: Dena Berger, Christine Berg, Amy Fierstein, Anne Buxton, Bonnie Neulight, Christine Brandt, Christine Freda, Dawn Davis, Deb Luster, Diane Mateo, Dominique Hawthorne, Heidi Longo, Jan Levelle, Jenn Boon, Jenn Gilmer, Jennifer Hollander, Jenny Douglas, Karen Carr, Kathy Lucas, Kristi Duchon, Kristy Campbell, Laura Bowman, Lauren Snell, Lucy Hampton, Lyra Kelly, Maureen Keefe, Michelle Barenbaum, Michelle Zimmerman, Ronnie Sharpe, Shannon Udovic, Simone Slattery, Suzanne Alpert, Suzanne DiBianca, Tina Taylor, Tina Zachariou, Vyvianne Kiriakis, Wendy Dalia, Wendy Pagett

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Thanks to photographer coordinator Mike Bishop and his team of talented shutter bugs for their great pictures of school events this year: Mari Allen, Kathy Bishop, John Carney, Mara Conner, Justine Corey-Whitehead, Kristi Duchon, Nancy Ericsson, Christine Freda, Janie Karp, Jessica Ryan, Ronnie Sharpe and Michelle Zimmerman.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Thank you, birthday book club members, for giving Edna's library the gift of a new book on YOUR special day:

June Birthdays
Andrew Parker, Bryce Mason, Carly Toole, Caroline Schultz, Casey Brandt, Chris Parker, Danil Wells, Erin Faubel, Ethan Chase, Garrett Mason, Grace Newman, Henry Basnight, Jacob Levinson, Jake Buxton, Luca Fazio, Macy Taylor,, Maeve Cain, Maggie Griffis, Marlo Nanola, Maury Schultz, McKay Hawthorne, Mikaela Stern, Olivia Gerraty, Tess Wilmoth, Tyler Buxton

July Birthdays
Abigail Alpert, Adnan Ashraf, Casey Braff, Charlotte Baker, David Hampton, Elan Levine, Gabrielle Brandt, Graham Ross, Hannah Gilmer, Hudson Nanola, Jason Dunne, Jonas Barnes, Justin Alley, Kyle Wong, Kyra Carney, Lucy Allen, Luke Jessup, Maddy Shepard, Maia Ciambriello, Michael Umolu, Monroe Drysdale, Myla Dalia, Owen Constant, Ryan Hemmeter, Sydney Phillipp, Tomas Ludin, Will Basnight

Click to keep reading...

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Kick off your summer with a fun evening at the ballpark, June 3 at 7:15 p.m., and support our schools at the same time! Cheer on our World Champion San Francisco Giants as they take on the Colorado Rockies. And hear the Mill Valley Middle School eighth grade chorus sing the National Anthem to open the game.

The Giants will donate $8 of each $24 ticket back to Kiddo! This is a wonderful event for our community AND for Kiddo! Click here to purchase tickets or go to www.kiddo.org.

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Congratulations to Edna graduate Sona Dolasia, now a sixth grader at Mill Valley Middle School. She was recently named a GRAND PRIZE WINNER in the national Kids' Science Challenge. Awesome job, Sona!!

Posted by Janie Karp on May 22

Dear Family,

As we begin the countdown to summer, many of us have developed a serious case of CAR LINE FATIGUE. But we must find a way to re-energize ourselves! Car line is an important service that keeps our school safe and makes it easier for you to drop-off and pick-up your child. It's a strictly volunteer operation and we need YOUR help.

Not enough people are signing up for shifts when it is their classroom's turn to run car line. Julie Kennedy has worked tirelessly to coordinate volunteers but often ends up manning it with just one other person. We need three or four people per shift. If you notice car line is under-staffed and can spare a few minutes to help, please do so! Thank you to all the parents already doing this or volunteering for car line even though they don't use it. And please check the revised schedule for the rest of the year in this Pony and lend a hand when it's your classroom's turn!

You can also help keep car line running smoothly by following these guidelines:

• Pick up K-3 students in the back parking lot car line.
• Pick up 4-5 students in the front circle.
• If you're picking up multiple kids, go to the designated area for the youngest child. 
• Remind your child to go DIRECTLY to car-line and wait on the bench.
• Make sure your child is ready to exit your car with his backpack/supplies. Do not get out of the car to help him!
• Be on time!
• If you see dangerous driving, please report it to the MV Police department here.

You may also notice we have new parking signs in the drop-off/pick-up areas. Please DO NOT park in these areas between 8:30-9 a.m. and 1:15-3:30 p.m. As the signs indicate, the police CAN ticket you even though our school is private property!

As we approach the end of the school year, I also need to remind everyone NOT to request a specific teacher for your child next year. We have a great school and wonderful teachers! Our staff spends many hours matching students and teachers based on learning styles and personalities. Please read the Do Not Request Teacher Letter.pdf for more information.

Finally, I want to congratulate Ronnie and Amelia Sharpe for winning the Whole Foods Birthday Earth Day Contest and $1,000 for our garden! See the article in this Pony for more details.

Best Regards,

Lisa Zimmer

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

There are only five more weeks of school left and we're all busy. But we still need 100% parent participation to keep car line running! Thanks to all of you who have already volunteered throughout the year. And if you haven't had a chance to work a shift, now's the time to jump in and help! Please note the revised schedule below and sign up for as many slots as you can.

Morning (8:15 -8:40 a.m.)              Afternoon (2:40- 3:05 p.m.)

5/9            Leogrande                        Barry
5/16          Stapp                                Bremer
5/23          Marks                                N. Stachon
5/31          Aronson                            Isler
6/6            Ingle                                 Carr

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

The budget for California schools has been slashed by $20 BILLION in the last three years and now faces cuts of another $4 billion. The state may lose 20,000 teachers this year, in addition to the 30,000 who have already lost their jobs. Across the state, class sizes are growing. Entire music, art and sports programs are being eliminated. Computer labs and libraries are closing. And schools are shutting down because of state budget cuts.

Imagine this happening in Mill Valley!
For several years, Kiddo! and the PTAs have been able to bridge the gap and minimize the impact of budget cuts in our classrooms. This budget year has us entering a State of Emergency! To prevent further cuts we need YOUR help! The Legislature's failure to pass a state budget that protects education and basic essential services threatens the quality of public education throughout California. YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

E-MAIL YOUR LEGISLATORS at www.castateofemergency.com:

Senator Mark Leno and Assembly Member Jared Huffman. Be sure to add in the names of our Republican leaders: Assembly Member Connie Conway and Senator Bob Dutton. Urge your lawmakers to pass a budget that includes tax extensions to protect schools, colleges and essential public services from further cuts.

ATTEND THE RALLY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Friday, May 13, Civic Center Plaza, 4 - 6 p.m.

Go to www.castateofemergency.com for more information. To learn how you can help schools in Marin, visit www.schoolsrule.org.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Start your day with a little exercise and help reduce green house gas emissions! Join us in the Community Center parking lot next to the baseball field to bike (or walk) to school - look for the green balloons! Be sure to CHECK IN with the Safes Routes volunteers to receive a 25% off Swirl coupon, good through Friday, May 13 (you must check in to get a coupon). The class with the most participants will win Swirl Gift Cards for the WHOLE class.

When you make a commitment to travel green more often, you'll also be increasing Edna's chances of winning the $1500 Green Ways to School prize. Safe Routes to Schools is giving away over $5000 in cash awards. But you MUST sign up at www.schoolpoolmarin.org to qualify. Do it today!

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

This Friday the 13 is your lucky day if you're in the mood for some great entertainment! Come and watch our talented kids perform in this year's Variety Show. The fun starts at 6 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. There will be a food and flower concession stand in case you want to grab dinner, dessert or a flower for one of the performers. Bring the whole family!

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Our third, fourth and fifth grade chorus members will join other district choruses in two evening performances in the MVMS gymnasium. If your child is singing in the Spring Concert, please plan to attend ONLY the Monday, May 16, performance designated for Edna families and friends. And be sure to drop off your child at the middle school for the May 17 show. All singers must be at the school by 6:45 p.m. Thank you for your cooperation!

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Join us for the last garden work day of the year (originally scheduled for May 8) from 2 to 4 p.m. It's YOUR turn, kindergartners, to get a little dirt under your nails and prep the garden for summer. We'll also have a scavenger hunt with prizes, plus snacks and drinks from Whole Foods.

And don't forget THE GARDEN CONTEST! The sponsoring grade with the biggest turnout of students for their Garden Work Day wins a party--either pizza or ice cream-- at the end of the year and this is the last chance to boost your numbers to help your class win the contest. So tell your friends (especially your fellow kindergartners), bring your family and spend a great afternoon in the garden. As always, all other grades are welcome. Contact Saor Stetler (sstetler@earthlink.net).

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Visit your child's class and find out more about what he or she's been learning this year. Take advantage of this opportunity to check out some of the exciting projects our students have been working on and to chat with their teachers.

Please Note: Due to the timing of our fifth graders' trip to Walker Creek, Edna's Open House is on a different date than other schools in our district.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

As the school year winds down, our Lost & Found is expanding. Be sure to check the racks outside the front office for any clothing, lunch containers, books or other items your child may have lost! All unclaimed items will go on sale May 26-31, for $3 a piece, in the multi-purpose room! Proceeds support the PTA.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Gather up those old electronics taking up space in your home, office or garage and bring them to Edna's next E-Waste Drive! Sponsored by our Green Team, the drive will be held in the front parking lot, from 9 a.m. until noon. You don't even have to get out of your car-- volunteers will unload it for you! TVs, computers, cell phones and batteries are just a few of the items we'll accept. See the flyer below for more information.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

We need your gently used soccer balls, footballs and basketballs! It's spring-cleaning time, and if you've got excess athletic equipment cluttering your garage, this is the perfect chance to get rid of it. Donations can be dropped off in the box in front of the office, now through May 20. Questions? Contact Karen Carr at karenmuntercarr@yahoo.com.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

All fifth graders must return their library books BEFORE the Walker Creek trip. Please drop off your books by Friday, May 20! For students in all other grades: your books are due on Friday, May 27.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Last month, garden angels Ronnie Sharpe and her second-grade daughter Amelia, went all out for Edna! Ronnie was selected from a pool of 380 grant applicants to win an electric tiller/cultivator from the National Gardening Association and Mantis! The tiller/cultivator will make turning compost into soil in the pumpkin patch a breeze! 

In addition, this crafty mother-daughter duo won the Whole Foods Creative Reuse Contest for their "Banner'ammock," a hammock made from recycled banners and bags. Their creativity scored Edna a $1000 prize for our garden. Way to go, ladies!! 

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

On April 6, our second graders experienced first hand what it was like to be an immigrant leaving Europe and entering the U.S. through Ellis Island. Teachers Colleen Carr, Karen Ingle, Anna Isler and Anna Curtis did an outstanding job of preparing the children. Every student created a persona for the day, and memorized their immigrant's name and important information about her/him.

Along with the teachers, the participation of many, many parent volunteers was also invaluable to the success of our Immigration Day (see the ID Thank Yous.pdf). Your support is greatly appreciated!  We also want to extend a special thanks to parent organizers Mari Allen and Suzanne Alpert, as well as to our very own Lady Liberty, Principal Lisa Zimmer. Take a look at some pictures from this fun day!

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

For the past eight years, Edna Maguire fourth graders have participated in the Sutter's Fort ELP (Environmental Living Program) in Sacramento. As the only school in Marin County that attends this event, it is an honor and privilege for our students and parents to experience life in California in 1846.

This two-day event wouldn't be possible without the dedication of the teachers, parent volunteers and Sutter's Fort docents, as well as the contributions from local vendors and financial supporters. We extend a HUGE thank you to all of you, especially parent organizer Mari Allen. See the SF Thank Yous.pdf for a complete list of the individuals and organizations who helped bring California history to life for our kids. And check out some pictures of the trip here.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Thank you to all of you who gave the gift of a new book to Edna's library on YOUR special day:

March Birthdays
Hannah Bishop, Pamara Chaimanont, Miya Cohn, Tyson Cole, Julia Collins, Braden Dalia, Anya Dimaio,Viviana Garcia, Benjamin Gilmer, Emma Hollander, Kaden Kayser, William Lester, Ethan Lin, Mikayla Lin, Isabella Lown Heitz, Kaitlyn Lucas, Lucas Meyers, Nicholas Michael, Conall Noonan, Oliver Silmore, Milana Sitrin, Sara Steele, Lassen Waugh

April Birthdays
Thomas Allen, Elissa Asch, Maddie Asch, Emily Baker, Ella Bricker, Aron Bukary, Nathaniel Burroughs, Jack Callaghan, Caden Carney, Ethan Carr, Justin Carr, Jack Chai, Pavinee Chaimanont, Alex Davis, Amanda do Valle, Kavi Dolasia, Kate Freda, Carson Harrell, Lily Ignon, Sophia Krivoruchko, Skylar Mandingo-Stoba, Jesse Mosher, Emma Palmer, Patrick Ryan, Naomi Schiller, Sadie Scholz, Sarah Schoner, Andrew Sitrin, Annabel Smith, Sky Somers, Alexia Stern, Olena van Rueben, Lucille Viscardi

May Birthdays
Ilayda Akmehmet, Hannah Alpert, Olivia Bleckman, Gabi Bukary, Sophie Cabral, Chloe Carney, Tim Clifford, Tim Coen, Gary Griffis, Caden Hollander, Jesse Keefe, Samantha Locke,Willem Palmer, Charlie Peters, Alexander Podesta, Summer Polster, Jack Porter, Sabina Safavi, Nathan Slattery, Noah Solem, Kassidy Stetler, Kacea Stetler, Tatum Treais, Lula Zada

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

As adults, we understand that building compassion and kindness is a vital for establishing solid character. Some children seem to intuitively respond to others in a caring and compassioned way. Others seem reluctant to extend themselves. How can we help our kids practice and internalize these important qualities?

As I've talked about in previous articles, the family can provide many opportunities for a child to learn about the value of giving to others. You may know of a child at school or a neighbor that needs support. Several families right now are experiencing a life-threatening illness or are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Include your child in making and delivering food, a card or flowers. If a classmate is ill for an extended period, have your child accompany you to his/her home to for a visit, to deliver homework or drop off a small "get well" gift.

Many of the residents at the Redwoods retirement community don't have local emotional support. Consider contacting the Redwoods and asking if there's someone who would appreciate being read to or taken for a short walk. You and your child could also volunteer to serve the special meal during the Redwoods' monthly birthday celebration honoring residents turning one year "younger," as they like to say. The residents greatly appreciate this gesture, especially the chance to connect with young ones, on their special day.

There are countless other organizations in our county that support the homeless, sick and the poor. Your child could easily accompany you on some kind of trip to help out those people not as lucky as the majority of us in Marin. For older children, committing to some type of support on a regular basis at a school or a hospital is a wonderful way to create an atmosphere in which your child can extend himself and experience the personal rewards of giving to others. If you're not already doing so, take steps today to help your child learn that the act of giving to others is one of your family's core values!

By Claudia Trinklein-Engman, School Counselor

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

The Early Bird gets a PeRL! (A Personalized Reading List, that is.) Why wait when you can get a super-cool customized reading list before summer gets underway? Call now to schedule a 30-minute appointment with a librarian. (Grades 4 - 8, call to schedule interview.)

Don't miss our old-fashioned Centennial Spelling Bee on May 18, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m! Kids in grades 3-5 are invited to show off their spelling skills at this fun event. Words will cover significant names, places, and things in Mill Valley. (Advance sign-up required, Creekside Room.)

Marin Humane Society SHARE-A-Book dogs will be back on Saturday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Call to make a 15-minute appointment to read aloud to a four-legged listener in a fun, supportive environment. (For kids in Kindergarten and older, advance sign-up required, Children's Room.)

Coming soon: Summer Reading 2011 - Blast from the Past! Librarians will be visiting your school in May and June to drop off flyers and tell you about our plans to keep you reading and having fun all summer long. Watch our website for upcoming events and for details about all of our children's programs, including My First Library Card, HelpNow online tutoring, and Little Pim online language instruction - or call 415-389-4292 x106 for more information.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

Restoration Work Day
Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bring your family and friends and join us for our last restoration work day and clean-up for the season at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. We may be removing trash, invasive plants, or helping with restoration projects. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. FREE program; RSVP: 388-2524.

Audubon at Home Workshop - Know Your Pollinators
Saturday, May 21, 11a.m. to 12 p.m.

Stick around after the Restoration Work Day to learn about the pollinators native to the hills of Northern California. We'll look at native plants, as well as the birds, bees and butterflies upon which they depend, and teach you how to attract them to your yard. Workshop is $10/participant; $5 if you participated in the Restoration Workday. RSVP: 388-2524.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 9

On April 6, the second graders experienced first hand what it was like to be an immigrant leaving Europe and entering the U.S. through Ellis Island. The second grade team of Colleen Carr, Karen Ingle, Anna Isler, and Anna Curtis did an outstanding job of preparing the children. Every student created a persona for the day, and memorized their immigrant's name and important information about her/him. See more pictures of Immigration Day.

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 6

Though weather threatened to dampen the fourth grade trip to Sutter's Fort on April 21, it turned out to be an absolutely perfect day - blue skies, good food and lots of fun (and learning) for all! The students learned how to rope cattle, trap a beaver, shoe a horse, milk a goat, build a stool, make a candle, churn butter, weave a rug, do laundry and much more. See some more pictures of the Sutter's Fort trip. 

Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on May 6