This exciting Family Science Night explores the science hidden in your toy box. Children and parents together will explore simple machines and other cool concepts as you design a windmill pinwheel, build a springboard catapult, and create a Wibbly Wobbly that uses inertia and momentum to move. A big thank you to the Nimitz PTA for funding this event. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you wish to order a portrait, please complete the order envelope and return it with your payment to your student's teacher. We are in need of three parent volunteers to help with pictures. If you are available, please call the office at 736-2180.

The GLC was beautifully decorated and there were over 50 delightful dishes to choose from!

We'd love to have you join us. Students will wear their costumes to school. Please be sure that costumes are comfortable, provide good visibility, and are easy for your child to remove. All costumes (including adults) must be non-violent in nature and follow our Zero Tolerance policy. Weapons (guns, swords, knives, martial arts weapons, etc.), fake blood, and hairspray containers must be left at home. Children must bring a set of school clothes in a bag, clearly labeled with name and room number.

You can support our curriculum through discussions at home on values. A strong value system can empower students to make educated decisions that will make them able to say "No" to the peer pressures involved in drug abuse. Many thanks to PTA for supporting this program.

On Monday, our teachers attended a presentation on professional learning communities and additional training in Step Up To Writing. Our staff appreciates the time for staff development. It offers the valuable opportunity to learn new strategies that support student learning.

Punctuality also promotes learning. A student who is 10 minutes late every day will miss 30 hours of instruction during the year. Children who are late or absent can copy notes or make up an assignment, but they can never get back what's most important - the discussion, the questions, the explanations by the teacher and the thinking that makes learning come alive. Your child's success in school depends on having a solid educational background - one that can only be gained through punctuality and regular school attendance. Research shows that attendance is the single most important factor in school success.

Due to state budget cuts, the School Site Council is seeking alternate sources of funding for Nimitz. There are many grants available for schools. We are looking for volunteers who have grant writing experience or would be willing to learn about the grant writing process. There is a Grant Writing Workshop on Tuesday, November 17th from 1:30-4:30pm sponsored by the Santa Clara County Office of Education. If you are interested, please contact Russ Ottey at (408) 736-2180.

I am challenging the families and staff of Nimitz Elementary to increase our PTA membership by 50 new members by the end of October. Your tax-deductible membership dues help to fund educational programs, family events, and student welfare activities sponsored by the PTA. Your PTA membership card allows you access to National PTA member benefits, discounts and parenting resources. You will also receive a voucher for a free admission to Legoland California. So, dig out that membership form and return it to your child's classroom or the school office. If you need additional forms, they can be found on our website at www.nimitzpta.org. When the PTA gets involved, children benefit. When you get involved with PTA, the child that benefits most is your own. Any questions, please contact Debbie at johnczyz@att.net.

How can you as a parent support your child's learning? Maintain an effective and consistent "homework habit." We live such busy lives with so many outside activities; however, support for your child's education must be a top priority. Your consistent daily support sends a message of "first things first" to your child.

• Find a place for your child to do homework. Have them put their backpack there and work there every day. That's one way to signal to the brain, "OK, now it is time to get down to work." When time is up, place all school materials in the backpack and place it by the door.

• Use a timer. Find a kitchen timer and use it when needed. Many children have no sense of time and many do not know how to budget their time. Using a timer will help develop these skills. Your child may need a silent timer, as some can be noisy and distracting.

• Provide a tool kit. A child who has to get up every five minutes to look for a pencil or piece of paper can't properly focus on homework. Have them put together a box with homework supplies. Include pens, pencils, erasers, a ruler and glue. Add other supplies, as your child needs them. Have your child get their tool kit out when it is time to start homework and put everything away at the end of study time.

• Set a regular homework time. Kids thrive on routines. If your child does homework at the same time every day, they'll probably put up less of a fuss. There isn't a "best" time to do homework. Some kids need to let off energy after school. Others want to get right to work. Find the time that works for your child and your family.

• Set homework goals. At the start of each study period, ask your child to make a list of what he/she needs to do. Use the assignment sheet or a list to check off each task as it is completed.

      - From "Parents Make a Difference"

Given the unprecedented magnitude of the state budget crisis and the uncertainty surrounding Cupertino Union School District's funding, Superintendent Phil Quon will be holding a number of budget update meetings throughout the District during October 2009. The Superintendent would like to invite all interested parents and community members to attend and hear what steps the district is taking to try and weather the state budget crisis. Please attend any meeting that is convenient for you Here is a list of schedule and location of the meetings:

• Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
  Lawson Middle School, Event Center (10401 Vista Drive in Cupertino)

• Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 - 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
  Cupertino Middle School, Gymnasium (1650 S. Bernardo Avenue in Sunnyvale)

If you have any questions, please contact Jeremy Nishihara at (408) 252-3000, Extension 323.