Pat Belvel will be teaching a class on parenting skills beginning on Tuesday, January 20th and running for five sessions. Classes will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the GLC on Tuesday nights through February 24th. (There will be no class during the February vacation.)

A flier with more information with a sign-up sheet is available in the office. Be sure to return the form as soon as possible as space for the class is limited, and it will be open to other schools in the district.

The classes will entertain us with lively songs in celebration of the holidays. All students need to stay for the entire performance, as there is an all school sing for the concluding song. Parents are encouraged to join in too!

Thank you to our Nimitz community for your generous contributions to the Second Harvest Food Bank. This year your contributions were needed more than in past years!

In an effort to give back to the community, Nimitz is hosting a Family Giving Tree in Room 16 and the GLC. These trees have tags with gift requests from needy families in our community. Just pick up a tag in Room 16 or the GLC, purchase the gift, and bring it back to Room 16 unwrapped with the tag attached. All contributions must be received by Friday, December 12th (note: new date) at 2:30 pm. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

Monday - School Color Day - Wear School Colors!
Tuesday - Crazy Hat Day
Wednesday - Circus Day - dress as a clown, etc.
Thursday - Sports Day - wear any sports clothing
Friday - Pajama Day

Show your school spirit and join in on the fun!

Our lost and found bags are overflowing with shirts, jackets, lunchboxes and backpacks. Please remember to check the bags located near the restrooms. Any unclaimed items as of December 19th will be donated to charity. We would like to suggest that items the children bring to school be labeled, so they could be returned in case they are lost and found.

The holidays are filled with food, fun, and family. But they can also be a time when children feel stressed from too much activity, too much sugar, and not enough sleep. Here are some tips on keeping your child calm and ready for learning during the holiday season:

• Stick to routines when you can. Make routines for bedtime and meals high priorities.
• Follow traditions. Whether it's serving a special meal or reading a favorite story be sure to stick to your traditions.
• Limit sweets. Limit the sweets your child eats each day.
• Build in quiet time. The holidays can be frantic. Allow a few extra minutes before bedtime for some quiet reading and a snuggle.
• Have some outdoor fun. Take a walk or find another activity outdoors with your child.
• Focus on giving. Bake cookies to give to a neighbor. Contribute to community service projects, such as the PTA.

     -From "Parents Make a Difference!"

10 SIGNS THAT A CHILD MAY NEED AN EYE EXAM

1. Eyes are crossed when looking across the room
2. Has trouble learning to read
3. Gets headaches
4. Can't color inside lines
5. Squints to look at something
6. Sits too close or too far from the TV
7. Has trouble catching a ball
8. Complains that his/her eyes hurt or feel tired
9. Can't see objects being pointed to
10. Gets colors like blue and brown confused often (especially for boys)

Make an appointment with an optometrist if you notice any changes in the way your child sees.

Certain families may qualify for low or no-cost health insurance through the North County Children's Health Initiative Collaboration, which administers Medi-Cal and the Healthy Families and Healthy Kids program. Additional information is available at (408) 874-1828.

This year the Cupertino Union School District will adopt new Math textbooks for kindergarten through eighth grade. The materials to be considered will be on display in the district's Teacher Resource Center (TRC) from December 8 through February 6, 2009. 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 math 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.

Saturday, January 17, 2009
5:30 p.m.
Fairmont Hotel, San Jose

The CEEF Gala has been acknowledged as the Valley's premiere "party with a purpose" - raising critically needed funds for arts and innovative math and technology resources at each of our district schools. Join us in celebrating educational excellence in our schools and honoring our Teachers of the Year on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Superintendent Phil Quon has challenged all 25 schools to organize a table of 10 with the promise to serenade the audience if the goal is met! For reservations or more information, please call 408-446-2333 or email CEEF at gala@ceefcares.org.