This will be an opportunity for Nimitz students to raise funds for our school by walking laps around the track. Children will be sponsored per lap or for a total number of laps. Mark your calendars! For more information on Walkathon, to download sponsor forms, and to order the official TShirt, please go to www.nimitzpta.org.

The Cupertino Middle School Parent Information Night for next year's 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will be held Thursday, March 13th. The 6th grade presentation (for parents of current 5th graders) will be at 6:00 pm in the big gym and the 7th/8th presentations will be at 7:00 pm, with the 7th grade presentation in the gym and the 8th grade presentation in the multi-use room. The presentations will cover course selection, homework, expectations, extracurricular activities, and other topics. An electronic copy of the presentation and any handouts will be made available upon request for any parents unable to attend the March 13th meeting. This meeting is for parents only.

Our Lost and Found bins are overflowing! Please remember to check the bags located near the restrooms that are full of shirts, jackets and lunchboxes. Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity during the February break.

If you wish to order a class portrait, please complete the order envelope and return it with your payment to your student's teacher.

We are in need of two parents to help with pictures. If you are available, please call the office at 736-2180.

If you have any extra time on Thursdays or Fridays, please consider helping out in the art room. Art has an important place in your child's education. We are lucky at Nimitz to have a wonderful art teacher, Angela Hansen. If you have some extra time and would like to help out, please contact Angela Hansen at hansen_angela@cupertino.k12.ca.us.

She was recognized at a District Board Meeting. Carol has worked for the district for over 20 years and through her dedication has helped make Nimitz a special place. Thank you for all your hard work, Carol!

Our School Site Council met on February 7th. The following was discussed:

• Response To Intervention
• Parent Survey
• Budget

Students can take daily laps around the field during lunchtime. This helps keep our students in shape as they strive to reach their goal. This program is not possible without parent support. We need volunteers to help out during lunch (11:25-12:45), one day each week or every other week. If you are available to punch cards or help supervise students, please email/call Tracy Burriss at burriss_tracy@cupertino.k12.ca.us or ph. (408) 732-4563. The Running Club would not be possible without the help of many parent volunteers who help keep things moving!

If you have a few extra minutes, consider helping out the Nimitz Copy Center. Volunteer times are flexible and only require an initial half-hour training. Give the teachers more time to teach our kids! Please contact Lenora Louie at lenora-pta@fortun8.com or 408-737-7787.

Studies show that kids who grow up in homes without discipline are the ones at highest risk of alcohol and drug use. To make sure your discipline is effective, follow the "Five C's":

1. Clarity. Be clear when setting the rules (involving your child in the rule-making process), and explain the consequences of breaking them. Consider posting the rules on the refrigerator.
2. Consistency. If you've set a consequence for breaking a certain rule, stick with it. Don't invent a new one each time. If a rule needs to change, talk about it before your child breaks it. Also, be flexible. As your child gets older, some rules may need to be modified.
3. Communication. Listen to your child no matter what the problem. Does he think the rule is unfair? Is he upset about something? Let him know that he can always talk to you.
4. Caring. Discipline out of love. Show your child you care by giving him praise and support. When he does something right, say so. And when he messes up, Criticize his action, not him.
5. Creation. Model good behavior yourself. Also, nurture his sense of self-respect.

Source: "Tip Sheet: The Five C's of Effective Discipline," National PTA

Interested parents are invited to go to the TRC during this time, view the textbook, and fill out a survey located next to the materials. This survey provides you an opportunity to voice your ideas regarding the new Science materials.

The Teacher Resource Center is located at 10255 N. Portal Avenue in Cupertino. The hours of operation are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Wednesdays.

Parents can also review the materials to be considered online. An online survey is available to provide feedback. Links to the materials and the survey is available on the district's website at www.cupertino.k12.ca.us.

The Cupertino Union School District joins with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and other school districts in launching Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools so that we can reduce the chances of getting sick and help limit the spread of germs.

Stop germs from spreading. By doing a few simple things, we can stop the spread of germs:

• Wash your hands often using soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing.
• Throw used tissues into the trash and then wash your hands.
• Cough into your sleeve.
• Stay home if you are sick and stay away from others as much as possible.
• Keep children home if they are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

When to wash your hands:

• When your hands are dirty
• Before and after you eat
• After you cough, sneeze, or use the bathroom
• Before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
• After you touch dirty tissues