I like to get dressed up in ridiculously themed outfits as much as the next guy for a party. Well, actually… probably more than the next guy. In fact, I have three clear plastic bins in my garage labeled “Adult Costumes” (so as not to be confused with the additional four clear plastic bins of “Kid Costumes.”) My most recent addition to this collection was a thrift-store red satin 80’s prom dress I wore to the Lafayette Elementary “Prom” last year. I was appropriately accessorized, of course, with white slouchy pleather boots, bangle bracelets galore, and poufy hair with really tall bangs.
Since the shelves of my garage are close to reaching max capacity, I looked at Friday night’s Parent and Community Social as a welcome change from the usual school fundraiser dress-up. But lucky for me, and for everyone else who attended, there were others there who gave some serious thought to crazy costumes that night…
After margaritas and a taco bar dinner, we were all delighted to watch a groovy troupe of teachers and administrators perform a choreographed dance to “Blame It On the Boogie” by The Jackson Five while wearing full disco regalia, complete with loads of polyester, sequins, jumpsuits, afros, and sunglasses. The elevated stage at the Veterans’ Hall gave everyone in the audience a clear view of their spirited dance performance. I saw so many people holding up their iPhones to video the show, that I was surprised when I didn’t find it on YouTube tonight.
After that, Cee-Lo Green’s 2011 Grammy-nominated song was given a middle school makeover, and we all sang along to the chorus. The lyrics were so clever that I wanted to share a small sample with you.
To the tune of “Forget You” –
“I see you going downtown with your 8 best friends… because it’s Stanley School. Callous on your thumbs from all the textin’… because it’s Stanley School. Gotta finish your essay Your backpack so messy Go check School Loop (“go check School Loop”) Here’s your lunch bag, cleats, and your instrument… because it’s Stanley School!”
It was fun to see so many teachers, administrators, parents and favorite office people letting loose and having a good time together. Thank you so much to Beth Brown, Julie Novak and Kate Threlfall for chairing the event and seeing to every last detail. Thank you to the volunteers who worked Friday night. Thank you to the teachers who provided the fabulous show. Thank you to the band (with TWO Stanley parents in it) who got us all moving with their cool dance tunes, and thank you to David Schrag for MC’ing the event and for impressing us with his Michael Jackson dance moves.
What a great night all the way around! Too bad for those white slouchy boots, though -- I guess they will just have to wait until next time.
Cheers! Becky Kenney PTA President, 2011-2012
Posted Feb 27, 2012 5:07 AM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
If you would like to read a complete section (i.e. - Your Community), just click on the corresponding link on the left-hand side under the NEWS links. If you choose to look at the whole section using the left-side link, you will be able to read all articles for that section without having to click back and forth. Otherwise, you can read the highlights from each section and click on any specific article to read the entire story.
New 2011-12 Guidelines for Wildcat Weekly Submissions:
The Stanley PTA will consider submissions to be included in the Community Section from organizations and programs that are deemed to be both enriching and appropriate for the Stanley Middle School community. The PTA Executive Board will have sole discretion in determining whether the requirements for inclusion have been met.
Please submit a text paragraph of no more than 5 sentences within the body of your email. No attachments, PDFs or flyers, please. Any submission may be edited for clarity or length.
Please include:
- a title for your submission,
- the date(s) of event,
- contact name and e-mail address and/or number (so families can contact you directly)
Submissions will run for two weeks and then will be removed. You may re-submit your blurb if you need it to run again before the event.
Please email submission requests to Beth Brown at wildcatweeklyeditor@gmail.com
by Friday at 5:00 PM. Submissions received after Friday will be considered for the following week's Wildcat's Newsletter.
Next Tuesday, March 6th, all 7th
graders will be taking the writing component of the STAR test.This statewide assessment is administered in
grades 4, 7, and 10.All Core classes
are hard at work reviewing and preparing our students, so please try to be
mindful of this when scheduling appointments.As always, rest and a good breakfast are important, so please help your
child prepare by setting an early bedtime and sending them to school on time.
Please contact your child’s Core teacher if you have any
further questions.
This Leap Day, please leap into an evening of festive song and dance at the Foreign Language Department's Annual Concert!
French, German, Mandarin and Spanish students will perform songs in their languages of study on Wednesday, February 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the gym. All Stanley families (and friends, too!) are invited to attend and share in this popular, fun-filled and entertaining affair! Wednesday evening's concert is the kick-off to a series of school-wide events designed to increase world awareness and promote all world cultures.
Please look for more information — coming soon! — about the following: The Hunger Luncheon - Wednesday, April 18th at lunch The Cultural Faire - Thursday, May 10th, 7:00 p.m. International Student Day - Thursday, May 17th
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday evening!
Posted Feb 26, 2012 8:33 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Beginning July 1, 2012, and beyond, all students entering the 6th grade will need proof of a Tdap booster before starting school in August. (California Law - Assembly Bill 354). If your child 10 years and older has not yet received the Tdap booster shot, please contact your doctor or health department. Please make sure to bring proof that your child has received this Whooping Cough booster to the Wildcats Day or to the Stanley office no later than Monday August 20, 2012.
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:27 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
The following students exhibit the character of FAIRNESS~ A person of character is fair and just, is impartial, listens and is open to differing viewpoints.
6th
Joshua Galla
7th
Skylar Jeveli
8th
Julia Sabey
What is a "Wildcat of the Week"? Each
week one student from each grade level is chosen by a faculty committee
and is honored because of his/her good citizenship, good peer
relationships, positive school contributions, academic effort and other
related criteria. Students selected exhibit desirable behaviors an
deserve as role models. The school year culminates with a special event
for “Wildcat of the Week” winner. As. In all recognition programs, many
deserving students are bypassed. It is the intent of this award to
encourage all students to exhibit “The Stanley Spirit” of respect, responsibility and integrity.
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:24 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Each time your child misses school for any reason (sick, vacation, others) the Lafayette School District loses $44 per day in revenues from the state. Attendance in school is best for your child’s education. If your child is ill, keep him/her home until well enough to return to school. If you must take your child on a trip for 5 days or more, ask your school to provide him with an Independent Study packet (please give the school at least 2 weeks’ notice for an Independent Study request) to help him keep up with his studies while gone. Doing so is a WIN-WIN scenario. Your child keeps pace with his classes and is considered PRESENT on those days (NOT ABSENT) for State funding purposes. However, for absences less than five days or absences greater than 5 days without a completed Independent Study, your child misses invaluable instruction time and the state withholds funding from the District at $44/day. The District strongly recommends that trips and vacations be scheduled during non-school days.
This is BEST, firstly, for your children, our students and secondly, for the District especially amidst persistent State funding cuts.
Posted Jan 14, 2012 7:01 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
There has been some issue’s with students riding the school bus with One Trip Passes ($3.00 orange passes). This is a liability for Lamorinda Bus, for First Student and for the schools and districts. EACH BUSS PASS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FILLED OUT, SIGNED AND DATED BY A PARENT. THIS RULE IS WRITTEN ON THE BACK SIDE OF EACH BUS PASS. DRIVERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS WITH BLANK BUS PASSES. If you wish your child to purchase a same day bus pass please send a note with your child to the office giving your permission for them to do so along with the following information, date, name, address, grade, emergency phone#, bus stop, school and route and parent signature. If you have any questions, please contact Lamorinda Bus @ 299-3216.
Posted Dec 9, 2011 8:34 AM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
2012 OAC Student Visual Arts CompetitionMarch 1st - 28thLPIE is partnering for the second year with Educational Foundation of Orinda and Moraga Education Foundation in sponsoring a great event, the Orinda Arts Council’s (OAC ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:05 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
LPIE Around Town:Luck of the Draw student art moving from Chow to Papillion. If you know the artists, be sure to compliment them on their first public show! The students are thrilled ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:01 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Once upon a Mattress....... This week at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center! Shows are Wednesday, February 29 and March 1, 2, 3, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are general admission and may be purchased ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 2:59 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Crab Feed Photos! Follow the link on our homepage www.lafayettepartners.org
Posted Feb 26, 2012 2:56 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
February and March are Science Fair MonthsHappy Valley Elementary School’s is next Wednesday, February 29, 2012Join us at one of the next 2012 LPIE Elementary Science Fairs:Burton Valley – March 15, 2012Happy Valley ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 2:44 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
This year we're bringing Advocacy Day local by hosting the event at Crow Canyon Country Club and bringing our legislators to you. PTA Advocacy Day 2012: Legislative Challenges Facing Education Friday, March 23, 2012, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm Plans are underway for the day and include a Keynote Speaker; a Panel of our Legislators, box lunch and Legislative/Education "Breakout Sessions," where you can get learn more about specific areas of interest. Questions? Contact Truman Burns, VP-Legislation at lazarburns@yahoo.com
Posted Feb 4, 2012 8:57 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Members of the Stanley Chorus, Band, and Orchestra were chosen to be in the Honor Ensembles at the recent California Music Educators Association (CMEA) annual meeting in San Jose this past January. The following students were chosen from Middle Schools all over northern California. The Students who represented Stanley are:
The Stanley Chorus: Hannah Lefcourt, Morgan Orsolini, Kate Kintner, Leah Templeton, Andrew Starn, Penny Manzano-Mallison, and Natasha McCullough
Band:Lucy Portnoff and Samantha Taketa, both flutists
Stanley Orchestra: Hope Leng and Alex Longerbeam, violin; Uma Agrawal and Rachel Wan, cello, and Nicholas Van Oss, viola.
Participants engaged in rehearsals all day Friday and Saturday morning, culminating in a presentation to CMEA attendees. Congratulations for having been selected and representing Stanley Middle School.
The Stanley Jazz Messengers recently took a day for their “Annual World Tour” visiting all four Lafayette Elementary schools to introduce the wonderful world of Jazz to the 4th and 5th graders. They were greeted with great enthusiasm at each site and received high praises from teachers and administrators, as well as the students.
This same group was just notified that they won a spot to perform at the Next Generations in Jazz Festival in Monterey this coming April. They submitted a tape which was judged by an independent panel at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Only 6 Middle School Jazz Bands were selected to participate in this important invent! Congratulations Stanley Jazz Messengers!
The Lafayette Jazz Festival will take place March 8th -11th. The Stanley Jazz Messengers will play Friday, March 9th. The Contra Costa County Honor Jazz Band will perform Sunday afternoon. Four students from Stanley were selected for this prestigious group. They are Arden Childers and Ryan Kapoor, trumpet and Adrian Guzman and Sophie McGlothlen, trombone.
Posted Feb 26, 2012 2:50 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Campolindo Spirit Wear Now on Sale!If your little Wildcat is looking forward to becoming a Cougar, we invite you to take advantage of this great offer! While supplies last, Campo sweatshirts are on sale for ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:48 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Campolindo Orientation For 8th-Grade Parents
Dear Eighth Grade Parents: The
transition from intermediate school to high school is one which holds a
blend of excitement, anticipation, uncertainty, and hope and promise
for future endeavors. You ...
Posted Feb 12, 2012 4:42 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Acalanes - Incoming Freshmen InformationDear Parents of the Acalanes Class of 2016, It is with great
pleasure that I welcome you to the Acalanes High School Community and
invite you and your child to ...
Posted Feb 12, 2012 4:40 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Acalanes Performing Arts - Once Upon a MattressOnce upon a Mattress, on stage in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center! This princess-and -the-pea musical is a cross-discipline production, representing chorus, orchestra and stagecraft classes, all ...
Posted Feb 12, 2012 4:18 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Fireside ChatBring your parenting questions to an informal evening with Clarissa & Robin – Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 6:30 - 8:00 at 39 Topper Lane, Lafayette – Free & open to all. Nothing ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:45 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Parent Focus Group at the Lawrence Hall of ScienceWednesday, February 29th, 5:30-7:00 p.m.Contact: Maia Werner-Avidon, maiaw@berkeley.edu, 510-643-1984The Lawrence Hall of Science is looking for parents of children ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:41 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Mother-Daughter Afternoon Teahosted by the JF Kapnek TrustSaturday, March 10th, 2-4 PM @ Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, LafayetteThe Tea will include a selection of delicious sandwiches and ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:31 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Springbrook Spring Swim Clinics with Coach Joe!March 12th - March 30th! Any great coach or swimmer will tell you that the quickest and most effective way to improve swimming times is by improving technique. These spring clinics ...
Posted Feb 26, 2012 3:12 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Opening Our Eyes: A Mother/Daughter Documentary about the Power of OneThe Center for Cultural Interchange and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Present a Screening of: Opening Our Eyes: A Mother/Daughter Documentary about the Power of Onehttp://openingoureyes ...
Posted Feb 20, 2012 1:16 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Please join LAFSD math consultants, Mallika Scott and Andy Schipper, as
they discuss the work they are doing with teachers. You will have an
opportunity to hear about the key mathematics concepts your child is
learning, strategies Mallika and Andy are sharing with Lafayette
teachers, and ways you can support your child's math development as you
participate in relevant math activities. While these sessions will
differ in content from those presented in October, prior attendance is
not required.
All sessions are held at Stanley Middle School Library from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Parents of K and 1st Grade Students: Tuesday, March 6
Parents of 2nd - 3rd Grade Students: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Parents of 4th - 5th Grade Students: Thursday, March 29, 2012
Mallika
Scott is a former elementary and middle school math and science
teacher. She has collaborated with renowned math educator Marlyn Burns
on math assessment projects for the Gates Foundation and contributed to
the Do the Math intervention services. She has also served as a
professional developer for Math Solutions. Mallika is the co-founder of
S&S Math Services, LLC.
Andy Schipper is a former Project
SEED mathematics instructor and school director. He has been aiding the
professional development of elementary teachers in mathematics since
1995. Andy is the co-founder of S&S Math Services, LLC.
Posted Jan 22, 2012 7:16 PM by Stanley PTA Webmaster
Sweet Thursdays and Lafayette School District Parent Education present: Peggy Orenstein, author of the bestselling CinderellaAte My Daughter and Schoolgirls Thursday, March 8, 2012, 7:30 - 9:00pm Lafayette Library and Learning Center 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549
Peggy Orenstein, the acclaimed author of the groundbreaking bestseller Schoolgirls, reveals the dark side of pink and pretty in Cinderella Ate My Daughter. As a new mother, Peggy was blindsided by the persistent ultra-feminine messages being sent to a new generation of little girls—from "princess-mania" to endless permutations of pink. How many times can you say no when your daughter begs for a pint-sized wedding gown, she wondered. How dangerous is pink and pretty anyway? Being a princess is just make-believe, isn't it? Does playing Cinderella shield little girls from early sexualization—or prime them for it? Peggy offers a wake-up call to parents: the rise of the girlie girl is not that innocent.
“Orenstein has done parents the great favor of having this important debate with herself on paper and in public; she has fashioned an argument with its seams showing and its pockets turned inside out, and this makes her book far more interesting, and more useful.” Annie Paul, The New York Times Book Review
Buy your books in advance at The Storyteller Bookstore in Lafayette. 20% of the proceeds will go to the Friends of Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
