The Project Cornerstone ABC program allows parents to spend time in a classroom using literacy to improve relationships between kids and increase their appreciation for different cultures. Parent volunteers will read to a class once a month and then lead a discussion about the book that they read. Training for this program will be held on Tuesday, March 31st at 6:30pm in the GLC.

For your convenience, the survey is available online in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Hebrew. Japanese and Hebrew are now available. Chinese and Spanish should be online by Friday, March 20th.

1. Go to http://www.nimitzpta.org/parentsurvey/
2. After you submit your completed survey, print out the free prize certificate indicating you have taken the survey and send it to school. Your child will be eligible to go to a free movie assembly in the GLC one Friday afternoon.
3. To repeat the survey for another child, press, "Start again."

Your input is valuable in helping the School Site Council and staff evaluate our programs. If you prefer to fill out a paper copy of the survey, please fill out the green form enclosed in this week's blue folders and return it to your child's teacher. Copies of the survey in five languages are also available in the office. The deadline to submit your survey is Friday, April 3rd. Thank you!

This helped us raise a grand total of $872.23 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thanks to our Nimitz community for your generous support and to Mr. Morwood for being such a great sport!

Enrichment classes for session 3 begin Monday, March 23rd and run through Friday, May 1st (unless noted otherwise on your enrollment form). The Jewelry Making class on Wednesdays from 2:10- 3:40pm has been cancelled due to low enrollment. Please come by the office for your reimbursement.

The STAR Testing dates are being published so that parents can plan ahead. STAR Testing will be held from May 4, 2009 through May 15, 2009 for grades 2-5. Your child will need to take the entire test in order to receive complete STAR scores. Please do not schedule family trips or make appointments during this time. It is very important that our students be at school during the testing window.

Join Diversity Committee members for tea, cookies and conversation at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in the staff room. Meet the diversity committee and find out what we do, and how you can help our kids embrace diversity, respect and tolerance. RSVP: Emiliana Martin at queenofstarbucks@sbcglobal.net. Please note the date of the tea was postponed from last week.

At the end of the school year, a student must be in attendance on the last day of school to retain his/her place on the roster for the following year. For this school year, students must be in school on June 12, 2009, to retain their space for the 2009/10 school year. At the beginning of the school year, a student must be in attendance on the first day of school or they will not retain their place on the roster. When you are making travel plans, please consider the possible ramifications. If you have any questions, please contact Student Assignment at (408) 252-3000, ext 110.

The Cupertino Middle School PTA is seeking parents to participate as members of the 2009 - 2010 PTA Board. The following positions are open and could use someone like you:

1st Vice President - Serves as the primary aid to the President; performs the duties of the President in her absence

2nd Vice President - Coordinates Reflections program including promotion, judging, and nominations

Auditor - Audits the financial records of this PTA on a semi-annual basis; presents to the Board a written report of the audit results.

Historian - Assembles and preserves a record of the activities, achievements, and volunteer hours; assists in the preparation of the annual report

Parliamentarian - Provides necessary advice regarding parliamentary procedures; assembles the nominating committee; chairs the bylaws committee in the event the bylaws need revising.

If you are interested in any of the Board positions, please contact Michael Ivers, Parliamentarian, iversm@sbcglobal.net.

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Report cards are effective tools when utilized for evaluation purposes rather than promoting rewards and punishment.

Problems are created when report cards are used for rewards. When rewards are given for high proficiency levels, some children will work strictly for the reward without striving to do their best for the sake of learning. Bright students will do just

what it takes to get by, while others may learn materials for tests, which will promptly be forgotten. Rather than providing monetary or concrete rewards, praise children for good work and doing their best.

Problems are also created when children are punished for low proficiency levels. Extreme pressure to succeed may cause children to develop a poor attitude about learning. They may become disruptive at school, show signs of frustration, or just quit trying.

Report cards are only part of the overall evaluation of a child's school progress, reflecting both effort and ability. Used correctly, they can build on strengths and improve weaknesses. When your child's report card arrives, remember to talk together and set goals appropriately to help your child maintain the best attitude toward school and learning.

Today, one-third of all children are obese or at risk of becoming obese. Parents play an important role in fighting this health crisis. Are you doing all you can to help your child be healthy and happy? Answer yes or no to each of these statements below to find out:

1. I encourage my child to drink lots of water.
2. I build exercise into our daily routine. Whether we are just running around in the yard or going on a bike ride, our family tries to exercise together.
3. I involve my child in chores that help keep him active. Washing the car and walking the dog burn lots of calories.
4. I limit my child's screen time. Kids burn about 60 calories in an hour of staring at the TV or computer, compared with 200 calories in an hour of playing outside.
5. We try to eat meals together regularly. Kids who eat family meals at home get more fruits and vegetables and fewer sweets and soft drinks then those who don't.

Each yes answer is a step toward a healthier life for your child.

      -Parents Make the Difference