What a wonderful day!  The weather was beautiful, the children were well behaved and respectful (while still having fun), and the parents and teachers incredibly supportive.

To put this kind of event together is quite an accomplishment, and I won't begin to thank individuals for their efforts, for fear of missing someone.  

Suffice it to say...Congratulations Panthers.  We all should be proud!!!

eTc Drama will finish their season at Park School with two performances on Wednesday, May 23.

The first performance  will be at 11:30 for the student body.  Parents and family may come to this performance.

At 1:30, a special performance will be for Family and Friends.  

There will be an end of the year cast party following the last performance..

In an effort to continue to find ways to extend the way we teach math and science, Park School has partnered with the San Mateo Office of Education STEM Center to participate in a series of professional development in math instruction and "vertical articulation."  The STEM Center has called their project MAKING SENSE OF MATH.

STEM education promotes the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while vertical articulation is the general planning and communication "between" grade levels to ensure a more cohesive plan for instruction.

Many school districts were invited to apply to send up to 11 teachers from pre-school to 3rd grade for professional training at the STEM Center.  Park School was selected to be one of two participants in SMFC (College Park is the other school).  Park has 7 teachers participating, and represents the largest number of members from one school, and the only school with a representative from every targeted grade level, including a possible transitional Kindergarten teacher.

Hopeful outcomes from our participation:
1.  Increased math content knowledge including exploring algebra in PreK through 3rd grade classrooms.
2.  Integrated CA Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and Preschool Learning Foundations.
3.  Increased repertoire of effective instructional strategies to support student learning.
4.  Increased instructional technology strategies.

Well done to participants Stacey Bower, Autumn Schenck, Gail Oshima, Andrea Valentino, Brenda Cooks, Jude Lawrence & Kathleen Pennetier.