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Bain LaPlant, a physical education teacher for 10 years, talks about her love for teaching P.E. to students at Strawberry Point Elementary School. Read on
Posted by Tom Slattery on January 27
Our First Grade students and their families recently came out on a
bright and sunny Sunday to spruce up the garden. See some more pictures of the event.  Thank You First Graders - You Rock!
Posted by Kathy Bishop on January 26
Give your loved ones and friends a scrumptious gift for Valentine's Day: chocolate from See's. There's still time to enjoy the ease and convenience of ordering See's candy through Edna. Orders will be accepted through Wednesday, January 25! All profits from the sale will directly benefit our students! Order forms were sent home with your child last week and can also be found in the office. Candy will be delivered on Friday, February 6.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Our Coffee Cart will once again be open for business this Friday, from 8:15 to 9 a.m., in front of the office. Warm-up with a cup of freshly brewed coffee while you catch up with friends and fellow members of the Edna community. See you there!
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Turn off the TV, switch off your phone and head to the multi-purpose room for some good old-fashioned fun! Sponsored by our Site Council, Edna's Family Bingo Night is always a crowd pleaser. All proceeds from the event will go toward supplies for our school. Buy a single Bingo card for $5 or a set of five cards for $20. All Bingo winners will take home some nifty prizes. To fuel the fun and help fund their end of year expenses, fifth grade students will sell pizza and other snacks. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
The deadline for ordering yearbooks is NEXT TUESDAY, JANUARY 31! Don't miss out on the one book that captures this year's incredible events and experiences... friends, fun, favorite teachers, classes, games, music, art and everything in-between. It's all in your 2012 Edna Maguire Yearbook!
There are three ways to purchase:
1. Fill out a one-stop-shopping form.
2. Fill out a form in the front office.
3. Purchase online at www.jostensyearbooks.com.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
When was the last time you really let your creative juices flow? Join your child in creating art during the Interactive Art Show next week. Not only will you remember how much fun it is to make art for the pure joy of it, you'll get to witness your child experiencing that joy too!
You're also cordially invited to the Art Show Evening Reception on Monday, February 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. Come check out our students' amazing art work!
Schedule for Interactive Art Classes:
Friday, February 3: 9:10-10:00 Mr. Sanchez - 5th 10:15-11:05 Ms. Lackey - 3rd
12:55-1:45 Ms. O'Connor - 5th 2:00-2:50 Ms. Shern - 5th Monday, February 6: 9:00-9:50 Ms. Marks - K 10:10-11:05 Ms. Aronson - K 11:10-12:00 Ms. Stapp - K 12:55-1:45 Ms. Morgan - 3rd 2:00-2:50 Ms. Barry - 3rd Tuesday, February 7: 9:10-10:00 Ms. Stahcon - 1st 10:15-11:05 Ms. Leogrande - 1st 11:10-12:00 Ms. Govi - 3rd Wednesday, February 8: 9:10-10:00 Ms. Sprague - 4th 10:15-11:05 Mr. Stachon - 4th 11:10-12:00 Ms. Eshoff - 4th 12:55-1:45 Ms. Stewart - 1st
Thursday, February 9: 9:10-10:00 Ms. Isler - 2nd 10:15-11:05 Ms. Bremer - 2nd 11:10-12:00 Ms. Carr - 2nd 12:55-1:45 Ms. Ingle - 2nd
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
We're back! Starting on Wednesday, February 8, we will once again provide lunch for the children in Homeward Bound's Family Emergency Center. Homeward Bound of Marin is the main provider of shelter and support services for homeless families and individuals in our county. During this monthly team effort, Edna kids and parents bring components of the lunches to our multi-purpose room for an "assembly-line party." Please contact Lisa Barnes at Lisa_Barnes@yahoo.com if you'd like to help!
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Auditions for the Edna Maguire Variety Show are right around the corner (Wednesday, February 15, at 1:45 p.m. in the multi-purpose room). Edna's got talent, and we want to see YOURS! Perform solo, or better yet, grab a friend or two and wow us with a group act.* Past shows have featured singers, bands and other musical performances; dancers; skits; gymnastics; and Tae Kwon Do. But the only REAL requirements are to be creative and HAVE FUN! And to make sure a parent fills in a registration form by February 2.
Volunteer Opportunities
Students: We need fourth and fifth graders to be stagehands. We also need fifth graders to emcee the show.
Parents: The show won't go one without your help! Be a part of the action by assisting students during auditions and rehearsals. Or sign-up online to volunteer for a job on the night of the show
*We strongly encourage group acts to help keep the show on schedule and give more kids a chance to participate!
Questions? Please contact Kathy Sonderby (ksonderby@yahoo.com).
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Many thanks to all of the birthday celebrants below for sharing your special day with Edna's library!
November Birthdays
Luka Bayon-Fraise
Kayla Boon
Kashif de Leede
Cormac Erving
Lauren Felder
Grace Furey Peters
Simon Gooden
Sophie Hampton
Vance Harris
Lauryn Ialeggio
Sasha Kalika
Isabella Kiriakis
Carley Lehman
Iliana Levine
Milo Levine
Elias Michael
Alyssa Moshavi
Wambua Musyoki
Dara Noonan
Michael Reuter
Lauren Ross
Will Schreiber
Christian Schultz
Quinn Abraham Smith
Jamie Snell
Brendan Steinhofer
Jacqueline Warner
Kalen Whitehead
December Birthdays
Colton E. Berger
Maya Bliss Popper
Zach Breitbard
Isaiah Clark-Hexter
Cordell Coleman
Leopold Grava
Scarlett Grava
Henry Harwood
Torben Hoy
Grace Levinson
Kiana Lyman
Takeo Patterson
Zach Philipp
Stella Rosenthal
Katie Southern
Ellie Trainer
Oriana Zamudio Troncoso
Mason Zimmermann
January Birthdays
Sebastian Ames
Isabel doValle Athanasoulis
Jacob Berrol
Natalie Bricker
Brett Cardinal
Mac Castaneda
Olivia Chamberlain
Lila Ciambriello
Alex Dargan
Ella Foskett
Gavin Freda
Sophia Grady
Skye Guyot
Troy Harris
Audrey Herrera
Sydney Hubbard
Aidan Kennedy
Henry Lawrence
Teo Lavelle
Veronica Meagher
Cole Monti
Zachary Mosher
Lauren Olsen
Clarice Piontek
William Piontek
Jack Robbins
Sema Serifsoy-DiFalio
George Warga
Corey Whitehead
Aydan Yates
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
The Mill Valley School District is using No Bully as its primary solution to bullying, intimidation and other aggressive behavior and language on our campuses. The nuts and bolts to No Bully's success is a Solution Team and Solution Coaching approach.
The Solution Team model is based on non- punitive intervention that gets the whole student body to work together to develop solutions that address bullies, their targets and bystanders. Already, our Solution Teams are seeing results! A student who was a bullying target recently reported that things are, "way, way better!" How amazing is that?
It's important to keep in mind that No Bully is only one part of the plan we are implementing to reduce bullying at Edna and enhance what is already working. Examples of other ways we are addressing these issues and instilling strong morals in our kids include our recently introduced student Conflict Managers, classroom "bucket filling" activities, the Ophelia Project and, of course, our monthly Life Skills program.
How lucky we are to get to support and encourage resilient, flexible and self-actualized little people! To learn more about No Bully, go to http://www.nobully.com/.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Join us in Park School's auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to hear Nicholas Carlisle, MFT, discuss the important topic of relational bullying. Mr. Carlisle is a child therapist and executive director of No Bully. Having experienced bullying firsthand in the middle years at school, he is committed to creating school cultures where every child feels included and valued by his peers. He will discuss "relational bullying" which occurs when students disrupt another student's peer relationships through leaving them out, gossiping, whispering and spreading rumors. Mr. Carlisle will talk about some skills parents can develop to help their children through the inevitable social and emotional challenges of friendships and peer relationships. This event is a co-presentation of ITAV, Mill Valley's Special Education PTA, and Edna Maguire's PTA. To RSVP or get more information, please e-mail Ross Buffington (ross@itavmv.org).
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Thank you! Thank you! Thanks to everyone's support and contributions, nearly $2.4 million in Kiddo! programs will be fully funded for the school year!* This includes all the art and music teachers, all the drama, dance and poetry specialists plus every classroom and library and the technology support staff! That is more than 60 people dedicated to your children's education that would not be in our schools without your support.
These days it truly takes the entire community to support our schools. Our parents are key as more than 80% of funding comes from our parent community. The other 20% comes from our greater community including local businesses, parent alumni and grandparents.
Click to read more about the Kiddo! Annual Giving Campaign or to see the current donor list.
* This number currently includes $366,000 in outstanding pledges. If you haven't yet fulfilled your pledge, please do so today. Payments can be made on the Kiddo! website CLICK HERE or by mailing a check to Kiddo!, 409 Sycamore Ave.
FAMILY CONCERT AT THE SWEETWATER - YOUTH ROCK THE REBUILD, FEBRUARY 12
It's officical-the Sweetwater is back! Among its first events will be a family concert hosted by Youth Rock the Rebuild, a local organization which facilitates youth service through music. Their music will astound you, their excitement is contagious. In addition, Youth Rock the Rebuild will donate proceeds to Kiddo! in support of music education. This is a great opportunity to brings friends and family to see the new Sweetwater. Click here to purchase tickets.
When: February 12 Time: 5-8 p.m.
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
GET SOCIAL WITH KIDDO!
"Like Us" on Facebook! "Follow Us" on Twitter! Find out how your contributions are impacting the 3,000 children in the Mill Valley School District, get up-to-date information on Kiddo! events, benefit from promotions with local Kiddo! Business Partners, learn what's happening with local, state and national education initiatives and much more... Like Us and Follow Us and you will automatically be entered into our monthly Business Partner give-away!
With you, and your friends, and their friends, we can grow our Kiddo! community into a powerful force for public schools. Join us! FACEBOOK & TWITTER LINKS
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
If your daughter is interested in Girl Scouts, please join us on Friday, January 27, right after morning drop off, in the eating area of Whole Foods (E. Blithedale store). Grab a coffee or tea and come learn more about scouting, meet others who are also interested and discus the possibility of starting new troops.
If you want to find out more about Girl Scouts but can't attend the information session, please contact Laurie Mandigo-Stoba, Edna parent and troop leader at stoba3@comcast.net or Randi Lachter, volunteer coordinator at rlachter@gmail.com.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
February 5 at 11:00 a.m.: Sunday Special! James Henry's House of Samba - Kick off Black History Month with drumming and dancing at the library. This interactive journey through the roots of African music will have you jumping for joy. (All ages, no sign-up needed, Main Reading Room.)
February 14 at 3:30 p.m.: Origami Hearts for Valentine's Day - Hear a sweet Valentine story and learn to make a folded heart necklace. (Ages 5 and up, advance sign-up required, Creekside Room.)
Coming in March: Picture Books & More - Spaceships, Wings, and Other Flying Things. Nurture your child's love of literature by signing up for this popular 4-part after school series featuring cool books, fun art activities, and surprise snacks. Library staff will be on campus the week of February 13th so watch for the bright green flyers in your child's backpack. (For 1st and 2nd grades only, advance registration required.)
Contact us: Mill Valley Public Library, 415-389-4292 x106, www.millvalleylibrary.org.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Life in a Pond
Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m.--12 p.m.
When it rains, seasonal ponds suddenly come to life and become a valuable resource for local animals. Bring your sense of adventure, clothes and shoes that can get muddy/wet, and join us as we explore the micro to macro inhabitants of our seasonal pond. Appropriate for children ages 5-8 (younger children welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult). Program will be canceled if there are fewer than five participants. Cost: $7/participant. Advance registration required: 388-2524.
Sanctuary Night Hike
Saturday, February 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
Interested in some wild nightlife? Check out our sanctuary after the sun goes down! A naturalist will lead us on a hike through our grounds. And if the clouds cooperate, we'll explore the winter constellations. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $7/participant. Advanced registration required: 388-2524.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 23
Students from each grade, who raised the most $ and had the most sponsors for our Steeplechase fundraiser, were invited to dine at Cafe Zimmer in the Edna Maguire garden.The students dined on pizza, carrots, sparkling cider and Steeplechase cookies. It was a beautiful ending to another successful Steeplechase!  Our sincere thanks to everyone who donated to Steeplechase in support of our school!
Posted by Kathy Bishop on January 19
BAY AREA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR - 01/21/2012 10:00 AM
Marin Civic Center, San Rafael IT'S THE 35th ANNUAL BAEER FAIR, with over 70 resources and numerous workshops for educators and parents with a special interest in wildlife, ecology, adventure and much more. Discover the latest in classroom materials, environmental education programs, and field trip sites. Join in the fun and attend workshops introducing conservation and wildlife education, schoo l gardens, and strategies for fostering environmental awareness! The event is specially designed for teachers, community educators, students, families, and all concerned about the environment we share.
Posted by Tom Slattery on January 19
The A Touch of Understanding group (www.touchofunderstanding.org) came to our school and helped our 4th Graders understand the challenges of living with a disability.
Posted by Kathy Bishop on January 11
The 4th and 5th Graders showed their stuff in the annual Kiddo dance performance.
Posted by Kathy Bishop on January 11
Though, no winter weather arrived, we came in our winter wear to show our Edna spirit... making the annual Holiday Sing a very joyous and festive occasion!
See some pictures from the event here. Posted by Kathy Bishop on January 11
Join us in the multi-purpose room at 5:30 p.m. for Edna's Family Bingo Night sponsored by the Site Council! All Bingo proceeds will go towards supplies for our school. To fuel the fun and help fund their end of year expenses, fifth grade students will sell pizza and other snacks. Buy a single card for $5 or a set of five cards for $20. All Bingo! winners will take home some nifty prizes!
Posted by Tim Schultz on January 10
Dear Family,
Welcome back--it's great to have your kids in our care again!
Over the break, you may have heard your child mention "bucket filling!" Or talk about "bucket dipping." School counselor Jason Mountsier and I have been visiting classrooms to read and discuss the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. It teaches kids that when you treat others kindly, you don't just make them feel good--you feel good, too! You're "filling" their bucket and yours. By the same token, saying or doing unkind things--bucket dipping--hurts everyone.
I want to thank you for making our Holiday Food Drive a big success. We donated more than 1,800 pounds of food to help feed more than 1500 Marin families! Special thanks to Whole Foods for donating grocery bags and Sasha E. Sanchez for coordinating with the Marin County Food Bank.
Finally, I'm excited to announce that our Conflict Managers have reported for duty! The following students have spent many weeks learning how to resolve conflicts on the playground: Koa Ahumada, Kaia Arvilla, Aaron Bukary, Natalie Bricker, Sophie Cabral, Maeve Cain, Amanda DoValle, Mikey Evans, Ben Gillmer, Audrey Herrera, Lili Ignon, Lauren Marler, Catherine Morgan, Keri Nakae, Dara Noonan, Fiona Norton, Phoebe O'Donnell, Lillian Penther, Juliette Perkins, Gracie Salcunni, Piper Santos, Christian Schultz and Corey Whitehead.
At our last Life Skills Assembly, several members of the team performed a skit to illustrate their new duties. A special thanks to teachers Mrs. Govi and Mrs. Dann for training our Conflict Managers!
Happy Bucket Filling!
Lisa Zimmer
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Come to the multi-purpose room from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to learn about Edna's bully prevention program. Already used within the Mill Valley School District and across the country, this program is designed to protect our children from bullying and aggressive social behavior. The presentation will outline the bully prevention game plan and give examples of the success the Mill Valley Bully Prevention Solutions Team has already experienced. Edna Maguire school counselor Jason Mountsier, Principal Lisa Zimmer and teachers will explain the program and talk about why they believe it is a powerful and effective method of controlling bullying. This is an ADULT ONLY event. Please leave your children at home!
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Once a month, we create lunches for Homeward Bound of Marin, the main provider of shelter and support services for homeless families and individuals in our county. We have an "assembly line party" in the multi-purpose room on Wednesday, right after school (1:45 p.m.) where we put together lunches for homeless children. Kids and parents are welcome to help. Our next "party" is February 8--hope to see you there! If you'd like to help organize Homeward Bound meals, please contact Kit Harris @ kitharris57@gmail.com.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
School will be out THIS Friday, January 13, for a Staff Development Day, and next Monday, January 16, in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy your long weekend!
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
The yearbook deadline is fast approaching, so get your order in before it's too late! Don't miss out on the one book that captures this year's incredible events and experiences... friends, fun, favorite teachers, classes, games, music, art and everything in-between. It's all in your 2012 Edna Maguire Yearbook!
There are three ways to purchase:
1. Fill out a one-stop-shop form.
2. Fill out a form in the front office.
3. Purchase online at www.jostensyearbooks.com.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Kick the new year off with less clutter by getting rid of all those old electronics! Edna is holding an E-Waste Drive in front of the school on Saturday, January 21, from 9 a.m. until noon. Bring your old computers, printers, TVs, iPods, cell phones and other electronics. The money we raise will benefit our school! Questions? Contact Nancy Felder at ronancy@pacbell.net.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Sloat Garden Center is sponsoring another Growing Up Green Week, January 13 through 23. Sloat will donate a percentage of your purchases to Edna's Children's Garden when you bring in this flyer. It's a great time to get trees, shrubs or flowers to plant during the rainy season. Or to pick up some new garden tools or outdoor furniture. The more we participate, the more Edna's garden will benefit! Thanks for supporting the garden-- and for shopping locally at Sloat Garden Center.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Give your loved ones and friends a scrumptious gift for Valentine's Day: chocolate from See's. Through Wednesday, January 25, enjoy the ease and convenience of ordering See's candy through Edna. All profits from the sale will directly benefit our students! Order forms were sent home with your child last week and can also be found in the office. All candy will be delivered on Friday, February 6.
And kids--don't forget! The student who sells the most candy will win a Nook! Second prize is a Razor scooter! How sweet is that?
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Show-off your talents at this year's Edna Maguire Variety Show! Auditions are Wednesday, February 15, so start preparing your act NOW. Perform solo, or better yet, grab a friend or two and wow us with a group act.* Past shows have featured singers, bands and other musical performances; dancers; skits; gymnastics; and Tae Kwon Do. But the only REAL requirements are to be creative and HAVE FUN! And to make sure a parent fills in a registration form by February 2.
Volunteers Opportunities
Students: We need fourth and fifth graders to be stagehands. We also need fifth graders to emcee the show.
Parents: This show wouldn't be possible without your help! Be a part of the action by assisting students during auditions and rehearsals. Or sign-up to volunteer for a job on the night of the show (coming soon on SignUpGenius).
*We strongly encourage group acts to help keep the show on schedule and give more kids a chance to participate!
IMPORTANT DATES!
Sign Up Forms Due - Thursday, February 2, by 6 p.m. (Online) Auditions - Wednesday, February 15, 2-6 p.m. (MPR)
First Rehearsal - Wednesday, February 22, 2-6 p.m. (MPR)
Second Rehearsal - Wednesday, February 29, 2-6 p.m. (MPR)
Dress Rehearsal - Wednesday, March 7, 2-6 p.m. (MPR)
Variety Show! - Friday, March 9, 6 p.m. (MPR)
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
As you may know, effective January 1, 2012, children MUST be secured in an appropriate safety or booster seat in the back seat of a vehicle until they are at least 8 years old or 4' 9." The new law imposes stiff fines and penalties on the driver for violations, including the possibility of child endangerment charges. Please note that if your child is scheduled for a field trip, he or she must be in the proper safety or booster seat in order to attend. Your child's teacher will work with you to secure enough drivers who can accommodate safety seats.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
A HUGE thanks to all the Edna families and friends who shopped at Amazon through our website during the holidays. Edna received $410 because of you! Keep the momentum going by shopping on Amazon throughout 2012-- and thanks again for your support.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Your clippings are working! Thank you to all who have submitted boxtops. Edna collected $146 (that's 1,460 boxtops!) over the last 6 months because of you. Please keep clipping in the new year!
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Parents of children with learning differences face many challenges. Our coffees provide a chance for parents to share information and support each other. Please join us from 9 to 11 a.m. at 477 Summit Avenue for our first coffee of 2012. For more information, contact Mark McGahan (markmcgahan1@mac.com or 306-3463).
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
You can register your child for kindergarten on Thursday, January 12, Monday, February 6 or Thursday, February 9 at the MVSD Office, 411 Sycamore Ave. Registration hours are from 1 to 7:30 p.m. You'll find registration forms and answers to questions you may have on our website.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Sandpipers Winter Session
Thursdays, January 19 - February 9
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Sandpipers programs bring 2-4 year olds and their adults to our sanctuary to explore its wonders through the seasons. Rain or shine, our teacher naturalist will lead pond, trail, insect, beach or bird explorations. Nature will determine specific session topics! Advanced registration required. For more information, contact Kelsey Bechelli at 388-2524 x103 or kbechelli@audubon.org.
Winter/Spring Bird Walk
Saturday, January 21, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Join us for a bird walk led by Kerry Wilcox, our Sanctuary Manager and experienced birder. We will view and learn about the waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds that visit our site during winter and spring. Birders of all levels and families welcome. Cost: $7/participant. RSVP: 388-2524.
Restoration Work Day
Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bring your family and friends for a morning of restoration and clean-up 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.
Posted by Dorothy Odonnell on January 9
Happy New Year!
Edna Maguire 2012
Posted by Tom Slattery on January 2
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