January 31, 2008

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Castillero Middle School celebrates Student Appreciation Day

Set in a scene of colorful cutout banners of papel picado, festive paper flowers and piñatas, the students, staff and parents of Castillero Middle School celebrated with a Mexican-themed fiesta for the school’s second annual Student Appreciation Day.

Castillero students flock around Lincoln High School’s mariachi band members during Castillero’s fiesta. Photo by Gwen Parker

The event was organized by the school’s Project Cornerstone Parent Group, leadership teacher Jean Hendrickson, and Cornerstone Crew teacher Gwen Anderson. A core group of 10 parents met monthly with the teachers and supportive administrators to plan for a day that would be both meaningful and fun for the students.

Making the day fun wasn’t a challenge when the kids started out with a modified free dress day. Encouraged to come to school in bright, cheerful colors instead of the usual gray and forest green uniforms, the students looked ready for a sunny day in Acapulco instead of another rainy day in January.

The decorations throughout the indoor commons lit up the eyes of surprised students who saw 500 feet of banners, 10 large piñatas and multi-colored paper flowers the size of hubcaps. Inflatable palm trees, authentic dresses and sombreros further enhanced the backdrop for the fun to be had during lunch.

During the last few minutes of fourth period, each student received a friendship bracelet and a note from the parents that explained why 60 parents would be on campus at lunch to celebrate the young men and women who add so much to the lives of their families and their community. Students were reminded that their curiosity, enthusiasm and passion bring us not only joy, but hope for an even brighter future. The letter also reminded the kids that when they work hard to get good grades; push themselves physically in a sport, a dance, a song, a musical instrument or a play; or simply treat others with respect, they make us adults very proud.

When the bell rang, the students were invited to a free lunch consisting of a bean and cheese burrito, apple, carrots, milk and a churro. The parents worked with the cafeteria staff to serve lunch to Castillero’s 1,260 students and 100 staff members. Each also received a handmade paper flower that 15 Castillero moms spent a total of 119 hours creating to add some color and heart to the celebration.

Entertaining the students during the rainy-day lunch, the Lincoln High School mariachi band generously offered their time and talent to play to the delight of all. Some students sang and many danced to the folkloric music of Mexico. Their traditional costumes and musical talent were deemed as good as a professional performance by many of the spectators.

The students and staff enjoyed the day and commented that the parents were a friendly presence on campus. “The parent group has the enthusiasm and leadership that enabled all these people to change the whole (gloomy weather) day! The sun was shining today inside the indoor commons, and sunlight means growth,” said Gwen Anderson.

Parents were equally enthused with the way the day played out, despite the cramped logistics due to the rain. Shelli Wakefield, the mother of an eighth grader, said, “I volunteered because Student Appreciation Day is an excellent way to show the students we value them for who they are right now, as well as what they can become. It also is a great way to support teachers, who also received a handmade flower and free lunch. It was wonderful to see the kids acting silly and enjoying and trading the handmade flowers. While some of the students may be as big as adults, it is important to let them still be kids.”

Jamie Calvert, the mother of a sixth grader, agreed. “This event gave the kids a little something special to enjoy while at school, and I truly believe that special events like this will inspire them and bring about a whole new aspect to school that many times is lost,” she said.

These comments encapsulate the very message of Project Cornerstone—that youth who feel valued and supported by their community are more likely to avoid engaging in risky behavior. The 60 parents, who volunteered for the fiesta, found that to be plenty of reason to celebrate.

For more information on Project Cornerstone, visit: www.projectcornerstone.org.

Leland Arabian Nights gala set for March 1

Tickets are now available for the 23rd Annual Blue and Gold Auction fund-raiser sponsored by Leland High School’s Booster and Parents clubs. The exciting evening takes place on March 1, at the downtown Marriott Hotel in San Jose.

“We’d like to invite everyone in the community who has a desire to support the school and students to attend and participate in the dinner dance and gala auction event,” said Tom Norton, president of Leland’s Parents Club. “Our team of volunteers has been working extra hard this year to bring in some fantastic auction items to this years event.”

The Blue and Gold Auction will feature live and silent auction items ranging from premier vacation stays, a customized fine-art mural, a sporting goods shopping spree, restaurant gift certificates and many local Almaden services to name a few.

“We’ve got some major athletic department renovations that the funds from this year’s auction will be used for,” said Joe Consul, president of Leland’s Booster Club. “Last year’s auction proceeds allowed us to put in new stadium seats on the Pat Tillman Field at Leland. We’ve also been able to fund new weight room equipment and flooring for the gym. None of this would have been possible without the generous support from the Almaden community.”

All proceeds from the 2008 Arabian Nights Gala will be used toward sound equipment for the Leland stage, technology equipment for the classrooms, funding the teacher wish list and athletic facilities and renovations. The funds will be split evenly between the Parent and Booster Clubs.

The annual Leland Blue and Gold Auction traditionally is a sold-out event. Space is limited and early response is strongly suggested. This year the live and silent auction dinner dance will be held from 6 p.m. until midnight. An extra feature this year is a discounted room rate at the San Jose Marriott for the night of the gala.

With a tradition of excellence, the Leland High School community, a leader in communication and technology, challenges and empowers students to shape the future in an ever-changing global landscape through developing creative and critical thought, providing multi-faceted learning opportunities and fostering reciprocal partnerships.

For more information about the auction event, including donation items, purchasing tickets, dinner choices, special table choices and discounted room rates, visit the Leland Blue and Gold Auction Web site at www.lelandblueandgold.com or call Pam Fierro at (408) 997-8438.

The Blue and Gold auction is the premier annual fund-raiser for Leland High School; a National Blue Ribbon School, California Distinguished School and a CCS Athletic and Scholastic Champion. The auction raises funds for Leland's Booster and Parent Clubs, which are used to support the school's academic and athletic programs. Visit www.lelandblueandgold.com.

Leland to hold assemblies about drinking and driving

Leland High School has scheduled two assemblies and a parent meeting "Reality Check: Consequences of Underage Drinking for Parents and Teens" for Feb. 7 to show students and their parents the results of drinking and driving.

The student assemblies are scheduled for 10 and 11 a.m. in the school gym. The parent meeting will be held that evening at 7 p.m. in the Gay Brasher Auditorium.

The speakers are Brandon Silveria and his father Tony Silveria. The two will discuss how Brandon's decision to drive after drinking almost killed him and ultimately changed his life and the life of his family. Other speakers include Julia Alloggiamento of the District Attorney’s Office, Todd Thibodeau of the CHP and Virginia Jones of AMR.

Leland is putting this program on to keep alive the message of the “Every 15 Minute Program,” which was held last year. The school has dedicated the month of February to safe driving and will hold various other activities throughout the month to keep students informed.

The assembly and parent meeting is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All parents are invited to attend the evening meeting with their students.

For more information, please contact Patty Young at the school, (408) 535-6290, ext. 230.

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