* * * * *  

Wednesday is Walk and Bike to School Day! 
Please join us for Walk and Bike to School Day on Wednesday, October 10 by leaving the car at home and walking or rolling to school! It is a fun way to celebrate safe, non-polluting ways to get to school as well as a way to help build our children's independence!
Kids are encouraged to wear their spirit wear and decorate their bike, scooter, or skateboard for a chance to win a mystery prize for the best decoration!
Check in is at the front of the school and off Wiget Lane by the MUR. Get a  sticker and enter a raffle to win a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble!

 * * * * * 

Saturday is Walnut Creek Community Service Day- Join us at Walnut Acres!

Join us on Community Service Day, Saturday, October 13th from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Projects include: gardening/clean up; repainting the map & checkerboard on the playground & buddy benches; painting a red cross on the emergency supplies shed; and cleaning up books in the library.

We have such a great supportive community! Our sign up is at 100% with 40 participants. But since some volunteers can only stay part of the morning due to other family obligations, we could still use extra hands. Please contact Caroline Clerempuy if you want to join at communityserviceday@walnutacrespfc.net. If you’ve already signed up, or wish to sign up, please let me know if you can be a Crew Leader to guide volunteers and oversee our projects. Sign Up Here.

Plan to Participate?  7:30 a.m. Free pancake breakfast at Heather Farm Community Center. • 8:30-8:45 a.m. Volunteers arrive at the school and check in by the lunch tables in front of the school office (waiver mandatory – one per family - prior to working on projects). • 9:00 a.m. Project work begins. What to bring: gardening tools, paint brushes, masking tape and work gloves. Some snacks and water will be provided (while supplies last); however you’re welcome to bring your own water bottle (eco-friendly) and a snack. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring your waiver (one per family). Waivers will be also available at the check in station at the school. Let's show our JAGUARS volunteer spirit! 

* * * * *  

4^th Grade Parents! Sign up to Volunteer at Drive Thru this Month!

For the month of October, please help us in the Drive Thru line as we open doors and greet students while they are arriving at school. It's a fun way to start the school day! Just like last year, each month a different grade will be asked to help out at the Drive Thru.
We need 4 helpers each day, dads encouraged to join us on Father Fridays!  
Can you help for 20 minutes in the morning?  7:40 - 8:00 a.m.  If you've never helped, one of the Drive Thru coordinators (Cathy or Sarah) will be available to provide guidance. Thank you!  CLICK HERE to sign up!   

What happens on October 31st?

Prices Go Up for the 2018-19 Walnut Acres Yearbook!Buy it now for $25, or for $35 after October 31st. Go to: www.yearbookordercenter.com and enter school code 10053 to purchase with credit or debit card. 

* * * * *  

The Walnut Acres Book Fair is coming!  

All your favorite books will be available for purchase in the MUR from November 5-9.  It’s the perfect time to stock up - right before the Read-A-Thon starts - and you'll be raising money for our school at the same time!  Watch this space for open hours and volunteer opportunities.  Email bookfair@walnutacrespf c.net for more information.  

Happy Birthday Wishes on the Marquee
Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to the Birthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th.

* * * * * 

Intradistrict Transfer Request for the 2019-20 School Year

Beginning Monday, October 15 through November 15, 2018, the district will accept Intradistrict Transfer Requests. Intradistrict transfers are for students who reside inside the MDUSD boundaries requesting transfer to another MDUSD school. All applications must be made online through the MDUSD website.    

 * * * * * 

Parent School Volunteer Requirements

For the safety of our children, all school volunteers are required to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a TB test. Please visit www.bit.ly/MDUSDVolunteers for more information.

1. You must have completed a TB test that is less than 60 days old or have a TB test less than 4 years old on file with MDUSD.  If you require a new or updated TB test, contact your physician or see the MDUSD website for partner labs here). Remember to plan for the 48 hour test reading requirement (you must return to the lab within 24 hours for the test reading).
2. You must have fingerprints on file with MDUSD - please click here for details of how to schedule with MDUSD or for their requirements to use outside fingerprint vendors.

If you are unclear of your fingerprinting or TB status, please check in with the Walnut Acres office.

Walnut Creek Little League

Registration for the Spring Season of Walnut Creek Little League opens October 1, 2018.

• Registration late fees begin 12/18/18
• Registration closes on 1/2/19 and waitlists begin

• Baseball tryouts are 1/12, 1/13, 1/19, 1/20
• Softball tryouts are 1/26

Please go to: Walnut Creek Little League The link to registration is on our website. 

* * * * *  

Join in The Great Highlands Hunt, Saturday October 20th

Clues to find ~ Puzzles to solve~ Tasks to complete ~ It’s time for an adventure! Bring your clever brains and comfy shoes. Saturday, October 20. Check in anytime between 4:00-5:45pm Cost: $10/person for ages 5+, ages 4 and under are free Adult supervision required – this is not a drop off event.   Starting Location: End of Lawson Ct., Crossings Neighborhood, Concord, CA Parking is very limited, so please be courteous of neighbors and PLEASE DON’T block ANY driveways.
ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY 5TH GRADE CAMP SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4DA5AE2DA64-thegreat
Questions?  highlandscampcorner@gmail.com

* * * * * 

* * * * *

Northgate Area Choral Music Festival

October 25, 2018 7 pm
Northgate High School Gym
Please join us for a fun evening of joyful singing featuring choirs from Bancroft, Highlands, Valle Verde and Walnut Acres Elementary Schools, Foothill Middle School and Northgate High School.
Doors open at 6:45 pm; Concert starts at 7:00 pm
The concert will conclude by 7:45 pm
Walnut Acres students in third, fourth, and fifth grade are invited to participate in this event.

* * * * * 

Homework Help Program at the Ygnacio Valley Library! 

Are you an elementary or middle school student that needs help with homework? Our Homework Help program employs local high school students to help you with your homework! There is no registration, drop-ins are welcome, and it's free!  Meet in the meeting room from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on most Thursday afternoons. Check the Walnut Creek website to confirm dates. 

 * * * * *
Registration is OPEN for the 26th Annual Forma Turkey Trot - A Community Tradition!  

The 26th Annual Forma Turkey Trot, will be here before you know it and registration is open! Register early for best pricing. This family fun event, brought to you by Forma Gym, is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday and show support for your schools! There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10K Run* and 5K run or walk, and festival areas with costume contest!
The race takes place Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 8:00 am at Civic Park.
Last year, the Turkey Trot raised over $15,000 for PEAK Education Foundation schools, (Northgate, Foothill, Valle Verde, Bancroft and Walnut Acres) and this year we hope to raise even more by having lots of students and parents participate.
For more information and to register click here.
Volunteers are also needed to help on race day and a few days beforehand.  If you are available to help, please email peakoffice@yahoo.com and put "Turkey Trot Volunteer" in the subject line.

Fast & Sweet - you're home in time for football, turkey and pumpkin pie!

* * * * * 

Last Chance! After School Enrichment Classes Begin this week!

* * * * * 

 “Midnight in Paris” Auction Tickets Countdown!

In less than a week, tickets to Walnut Acres’ exciting live auction gala go on sale!  Don’t miss this fabulous evening of dinner, dancing and celebrating our amazing school on Friday, March 8, 2019! 

Now is the time to:

• Put your babysitter on notice and mark your calendars for March 8
• Tell your most fun friends to request the same table
• Brush up on your Parisian accent
• Buy your tickets online beginning Monday, October 1

Watch for more details coming home and online later this week. Follow us on Instagram @walnutacresauction for the inside scoop!

We are also still asking for donations, and it’s easier than ever to submit online or via email.  Visit http://walnutacres.schoolauction.net/auction2019 to register your donation.

 If you have connections with local businesses or are interested in hosting a buy-in party or have another great donation idea, please let us know! Email Jon Gomez atauctiondonations@walnutacrespfc.net or visit www.walnutacrespfc.net/fundraisers/auction for more details. 

* * * * *

Drive Thru and Drop Off Your Recycling: October 1 - 5
Got Aluminum Cans and Plastic Bottles?

NEXT WEEK, October 1-5, at morning drop-off, we are collecting CRV-labeled aluminum cans and plastic bottles. No need to get out of your car - just hand us the bag (or open your trunk for us) as you go through the drive thru!

Every first week of the month, we will collect CRV beverage containers (please, no glass) from you as you drop your child off at school. Recycled materials will be exchanged for cash at a recycling center and the proceeds will be used for playground supplies, and for Walnut Acres Recycling Club supplies and activities. 

 * * * * * 

Walk and Bike to School Day - Wednesday, October 10

Parents and Kids!  Leave the car at home and walk, bike, or scooter to school! This is a
fun way to celebrate safe, non-polluting ways to get to school as well as a way to help build our children's independence! Kids are encouraged to wear their spirit wear and decorate their bike, scooter, or skateboard to win a mystery prize for the best decoration!
- Kids will check in when they arrive at school to get a sticker, and enter a raffle to win a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble!
- Judging for the vehicle decoration will occur during the day, and the winner will find a prize on their bike, scooter, or skateboard after school!
- Volunteers needed to help with the morning's activities! Please sign up now onKonstella.

STREET SMARTS TIPS TO REMEMBER:

- Walk with a buddy
- Use crosswalks to cross the street
- Wear your helmet when riding
- Stop, Look, and Listen before crossing
- Ride on the right side of the road
- Use hand signals when riding
- Walk your bike or scooter when on school campus
 * * * * * 

Community Service Day: Saturday, October 13

• Volunteers still needed: Sign up rate to-date: 75% (30/40 volunteers). We need at least 10-15 more volunteers. We can use many hands, so invite your friends and neighbors too. We also need 2 crew leaders to guide volunteers with projects (1 crew leader for painting; 1 crew leader for landscaping), and 1 person to help at the check-in station.
• Register Online: Online registration closes on Oct. 10, visit WC Service Day to sign up.
• When: Saturday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 7:30 a.m. Start the Day with pancakes and a t-shirt! Free pancake breakfast at Heather Farm Community Center. 8:30-8:45 a.m. Volunteers arrive at the school and check in by the lunch tables in front of main office (waiver mandatory prior to working on projects). 9:00 a.m. Projects work begins.
• Fun Improvement Projects: projects include gardening/clean up; repainting the map & checkerboard on the playground & buddy benches; painting a red cross on the emergency supplies shed; and cleaning up books in the library.
• Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring gardening tools, paint brushes, masking tape and work gloves, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Please contact Caroline Clerempuy if you have questions:communityserviceday@walnutacrespfc.net

 * * * * * 

Did you know that the Cub Scouts now offers Family Cub Scouting?

Cub Scouts is now accepting girls! If your family would like to have a single Scouting experience, then Cub Scouts might be for you. Cub Scouting is for children in grades K-5, and the goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide variety of outdoor activities and educational programs. Our Pack has fun all year participating in service projects, camping, overnighters, and our annual Pinewood Derby! Local Pack 210 will now form girl "Dens", so if you are interested, please contact our Membership Chair, Sarah Waters at sarahsin70@hotmail.com.

Happy Birthday Wishes on the Marquee
Support the PFC and put a smile on your child's face! For $25.00, you can say “Happy Birthday (Your Child’s Name)" on the Walnut Acres electronic Marquee from 7am-9pm on your date of choice. To purchase, go to the Birthday Marquee Sales Page in Konstella. The deadline for submitting an order is the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. So if your child has a birthday on February 1st, please place your order by January 25th.

* * * * * 

RECYCLE CLUB News!

With the help of Nathan (our helpful custodian), Marci C. Ekberg, and Monique Pickering (Recycle Club volunteering parents) the Walnut Acres Recycle Club kids have distributed blue recycling bins next to all the trash bins on our campus. And, we expect our composting bins to arrive in the next few weeks.

Please work with your children so that they know the right way to separate the recyclables from the garbage.

Helpful links to what goes in which bin:
https://www.recyclesmart.org/houses/blue-cart
https://www.recyclesmart.org/houses/green-cart
https://www.recyclesmart.org/houses/black-cart

If you have questions or suggestions, contact us at sustainability@walnutacrespfc.net. We are here to help! Thank you for helping to make our school more eco-friendly!

* * * * *   

Do you know about Measure J? 

This November, all registered voters within the Mount Diablo Unified School District will have an opportunity to vote on Bond Measure J which will help the district make essential upgrades to ensure student safety and support a 21st-century learning environment in our local schools.  
Specifically, Measure J will:

• Improve student safety and campus security
• Expand vocational and career technical education classrooms
• Repair leaky roofs and replace outdated plumbing and electrical wiring
• Upgrade fire alarm and emergency communications systems

If you’d like to learn more about Measure J, please visit the MDUSD website’s Bond Information web page or Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

* * * * *

Buy your 2018-2019 Walnut Acres Yearbook NOW for $25!  Price goes up to $35 after October 31st.

Go to: www.yearbookordercenter.com

Enter school code: 10053 to purchase with credit or debit card.

Want to share your amazing pictures for the yearbook?

1. go to: www.hjeshare.comEnter school code walnutacres
2. Click "select images for upload". Click "Browse for Images".
3. Locate our images, click on them, then click "Open".
4. Enter the information for each image. Please include "grade(s) of students" and provide the teacher's name if known. For "student(s) shown", type N/A.
5. Click "upload images". 

* * * * * 

Parent School Volunteer Requirements

For the safety of our children, all school volunteers are required to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a TB test. Please visit www.bit.ly/MDUSDVolunteers for more information.

1. You must have completed a TB test that is less than 60 days old or have a TB test less than 4 years old on file with MDUSD.  If you require a new or updated TB test, contact your physician or see the MDUSD website for partner labs here). Remember to plan for the 48 hour test reading requirement (you must return to the lab within 24 hours for the test reading).
2. You must have fingerprints on file with MDUSD - please click here for details of how to schedule with MDUSD or for their requirements to use outside fingerprint vendors.

If you are unclear of your fingerprinting or TB status, please check in with the Walnut Acres office.

October 6th: Run~Jog~Walk in the YoursHumanly 5K to support education both locally and throughout the world.

PEAK Education Foundation, which supports the 5 Northgate-area schools, and the MDUSD Education Foundation, which supports the entire MDUSD, are each partnering with YoursHumanly, for the 5KBreak a Sweat for Education run on October 6 at Heather Farm. You may register as part of the PEAK Team or the MDUSDEF Team. You'll be supporting education both at home and abroad.  

To learn more details about the race, Click Here

When registering, be sure to select either the PEAK Team or the MDUSDEF Team, or when it asks "How Did You Learn about the Race" during the registration process, select the team of your choice.

* * * * *

Northgate Area Choral Music Festival

October 25, 2018 7 pm
Northgate High School Gym
Please join us for a fun evening of joyful singing featuring choirs from Bancroft, Highlands, Valle Verde and Walnut Acres Elementary Schools, Foothill Middle School and Northgate High School.
Doors open at 6:45 pm; Concert starts at 7:00 pm
The concert will conclude by 7:45 pm
Walnut Acres students in third, fourth, and fifth grade are invited to participate in this event.

 * * * * *
Registration is OPEN for the 26th Annual Forma Turkey Trot - A Community Tradition!  

The 26th Annual Forma Turkey Trot, will be here before you know it and registration is open! Register early for best pricing. This family fun event, brought to you by Forma Gym, is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday and show support for your schools! There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10K Run* and 5K run or walk, and festival areas with costume contest!

The race takes place Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 8:00 am at Civic Park.

Last year, the Turkey Trot raised over $15,000 for PEAK Education Foundation schools, (Northgate, Foothill, Valle Verde, Bancroft and Walnut Acres) and this year we hope to raise even more by having lots of students and parents participate.

For more information and to register click here.

Volunteers are also needed to help on race day and a few days beforehand.  If you are available to help, please email peakoffice@yahoo.com and put "Turkey Trot Volunteer" in the subject line.

Fast & Sweet - you're home in time for football, turkey and pumpkin pie!

* * * * * 

Enrollment is Now Open! After School Enrichment Program Fall 2018

Walnut Acres Enrichment is proud to announce the fall line-up of after school classes. Registration opens today, September 11^th, and classes begin starting September 17^th.

Classes this fall include: Black Dragon Chess, DodgeBall, Hoops, Instrumental Music for 4^th & 5^th Graders, Legos: Ticket to Ride from Bricks 4 Kidz, and Toyology by Sarah’s Science. To register and find more detailed class information please visit the Walnut Acres PFC website at: http://www.walnutacrespfc.net/activities/enrichment-programs.

* * * * * 

Coming Soon: School Photos by iClickSmiles

We are excited to announce that iClickSmiles Photography will be taking fall photos at Walnut Acres in two weeks!

Photos will be taken on: Tuesday September 25^th
and Wednesday September 26^th

There are no envelopes to fill out prior to photo day, and all students will be photographed for free. You will be able to view and order photos online about 10 days after pictures are taken. More details will be available next week.

Please mark your calendar now so photo day doesn’t sneak up on you, and visit the IClickSmiles website for tips for a successful photo day.  

* * * * * 

"Father Fridays" Needs Drive Thru Volunteers

Calling all dads!  Friday morning car line, "Father Fridays", is run by WAE dads from any grade level.  Help greet students and open car doors as they are dropped off to school on the last day of the week!  It's a short commitment from 7:40 - 8:00 am on Fridays!

 * * * * * 

Thank you to the Drive-Thru Volunteers!

Give yourselves a pat on the back!  Drive Thru has been running smoothly in the mornings!  Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping out and to all of our drivers who are all being respectful and following the guidelines!  Keep up the good work keeping our students safe and making this a great way to start the day.

* * * * * 

* * * * *  

We Need YOU on Community Service Day

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 13 and help make our Community Service Day project a success!

 From 9 am-12 pm, we will be working on three main projects around the campus: landscape clean up; painting outdoors; and clean up library books. We can use many hands, so invite your friends and neighbors too. For a list of projects and online registration, visit www.walnut-creek.org.
Join us at Heather Farm Community Center at 7:30 a.m. for a free pancake breakfast, cooked by our local Lions clubs. If you come to the breakfast, you get a free, commemorative t-shirt, too! 

* * * * *

Host a Kid or Parent Buy-In Party - Help Raise Funds for the PFC! 

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in hosting a Buy-in Party at Jaguar Day. We are still in need of more party hosts, especially for kid grade level parties. Hosting a kid or parent buy-in party is a great way to get involved and help raise much-needed funds for many of the wonderful extra programs offered at Walnut Acres Elementary.

Moreover, they are lots of FUN for the kids, parents and the hosts! For more information, go to About Buy-In Parties.

If you would like to be a party host or find out more, please reach out to Gosia Rees & Ging Lee for Kid Buy-in Parties, or Riva Bobrowsky & M'Lissa Fleming for Parent Buy-In Parties.

* * * * *

Buy your 2018-2019 Walnut Acres Yearbook NOW for $25!  Price goes up to $35 after October 31^st.

Go to: www.yearbookordercenter.com

Enter school code: 10053 to purchase with credit or debit card.

Want to share your amazing pictures for the yearbook?

1. go to: www.hjeshare.comEnter school code walnutacres
2. Click "select images for upload". Click "Browse for Images".
3. Locate our images, click on them, then click "Open".
4. Enter the information for each image. Please include "grade(s) of students" and provide the teacher's name if known. For "student(s) shown", type N/A.
5. Click "upload images". 

Walnut Acres Cub Scouts Pack 210 Parent Informational Night

Interested in Cub Scouts? Cub Scouts is open to boys and girls of all grade levels, K - 5th. Walnut Acres' Pack 210 will be hosting a parent informational night on Monday, September 17th at the Ygnacio Valley Library from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the back meeting room. Come hear from our leaders about scouting, what our pack has to offer and get any questions answered.  Still interested?  Come sign up for Cub Scouts on Wednesday, September 19th at WAE from 6:45 - 8:00 pm, in the MUR!  Please contact Pack 210's membership chair, Sarah Waters, with any other questions.

* * * * * 

Spirit Wear FINAL DAY to order!

There have been a few last requests to order Spirit Wear so we have opened the Spirit Wear Sales Page for one last day. Order online by 9pm tonight! 

* * * * *

Emergency Preparedness Kits

Every student at Walnut Acres needs an Emergency Preparedness Kit that is kept in the classroom and would be used in case of an emergency. If you have opted to make your own kit, please deliver it to your child's classroom by Monday, September 4.  For more information and to find a copy of the form that needs to be included with your kits, check out Emergency Preparedness on the PFC website.

* * * * *

Thanks to all for a Great Ice Cream Social to start the school year!

Thank you to all who participated in the Ice Cream Social on August 24th!.  We served over 1,000 scoops of ice cream, most of them topped creatively for delicious sundaes.  The Ice Cream Social Committee would like to thank Walnut Acres Children's Center for their continued generous donation of the ice cream for this annual event.  Parents donated toppings for the sundaes, and really stepped up the options available - thank you!  The parent volunteers worked fast & furious helping scoop ice cream, serve toppings, and assisting with the set-up and clean up of the event. The Northgate Marching Band and Auxiliary put on a terrific show once again (they will also appear at the upcoming Walnut Festival Twilight Parade on September 15 in downtown WC). We are grateful to the Sustainability Committee/Recycle Club for their tremendous efforts in reducing landfill waste by sorting all the discarded items. We hope you saw old friends and made some new connections as you enjoyed this Walnut Acres tradition on a beautiful summer evening. Go Jaguars! 

* * * * * 

School Lunch Online Meal Payments

Did you know that there is a new place to pay for School Lunches? MDUSD is working with a new vendor, Titan School Solutions, where you can pay for your child's lunches online. Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and gives the students more time to eat, relax, and play. Sign up with Titan now!

If you previously had a MySchoolBucks account, any unused balance was automatically rolled over to Titan. Titan offers an automated system that notifies parents/guardians by email when their child's meal account balance falls below an amount set by the parent/guardian. Similar to MySchoolBucks, there is a convenience fee of $2.60 per transaction for using a credit card. Lunches at MDUSD elementary schools cost $3.25/meal. And, you can view the monthly MDUSD lunch calendars here!

* * * * * 

* * * * *

Got Aluminum Cans and Plastic Bottles?

NEXT WEEK, September 4-7th at morning drop-off, we are collecting CRV-labeled aluminum cans and plastic bottles. No need to get out of your car - just hand us the bag (or open your trunk for us) as you go through the drive thru!

Every first week of the month, we will collect CRV beverage containers (please, no glass) from you as you drop your child off at school. Recycled materials will be exchanged for cash at a recycling center and the proceeds will be used for playground supplies, and for Walnut Acres Recycling Club supplies and activities. 

Drive Thru and Drop Off every morning September 4-7th!

* * * * *

We Need YOU on Community Service Day

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 13 and help make our Community Service Day project a success!

 From 9 am-12 pm, we will be working on three main projects around the campus: landscape clean up; painting outdoors; and clean up library books. We can use many hands, so invite your friends and neighbors too. For a list of projects and online registration, visit www.walnut-creek.org.
Join us at Heather Farm Community Center at 7:30 a.m. for a free pancake breakfast, cooked by our local Lions clubs. If you come to the breakfast, you get a free, commemorative t-shirt, too! 

* * * * *

Host a Kid or Parent Buy-In Party - Help Raise Funds for the PFC! 

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in hosting a Buy-in Party at Jaguar Day. We are still in need of more party hosts, especially for kid grade level parties. Hosting a kid or parent buy-in party is a great way to get involved and help raise much-needed funds for many of the wonderful extra programs offered at Walnut Acres Elementary.

Moreover, they are lots of FUN for the kids, parents and the hosts! For more information, go to About Buy-In Parties.

If you would like to be a party host or find out more, please reach out to Gosia Rees & Ging Lee for Kid Buy-in Parties, or Riva Bobrowsky & M'Lissa Fleming for Parent Buy-In Parties.

* * * * *

Buy your 2018-2019 Walnut Acres Yearbook NOW for $25!  Price goes up to $35 after October 31st.

Go to: www.yearbookordercenter.com

Enter school code: 10053 to purchase with credit or debit card.

Want to share your amazing pictures for the yearbook?

1. go to: www.hjeshare.comEnter school code walnutacres
2. Click "select images for upload". Click "Browse for Images".
3. Locate our images, click on them, then click "Open".
4. Enter the information for each image. Please include "grade(s) of students" and provide the teacher's name if known. For "student(s) shown", type N/A.
5. Click "upload images". 

* * * * * 
Darcie Jones Book Drive - This Week! 

 * * * * * 

2018 Walnut Acres Zero Waste Challenge 
We are having a Zero Waste Lunch Challenge on Friday May 18 to raise awareness about reducing the landfill waste we generate every day. The grade that does the best job reducing their trash will get 5 extra minutes of recess later in the year!

We need YOUR support to help make this possible. Some ideas we had are to:

• use reusable containers
• buy snacks in bulk,
• bring your own reusable straw, utensil and napkin.

Some things to avoid are plastic baggies, single use straws and utensils, and single serving snacks bags.  Ask your students to help you out!

We are all in this together, so let’s team up and make this an awesome 2018 ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE for our school.

Yours truly,
The Walnut Acres Recycle Club

* * * * * 

Student Council Presents:
Friday May 18th
School-wide Pajama Day! 

* * * * * 

Open House, Thursday, May 24th from 5-7:15pm
Our annual Open House Festival will be held on Thursday, 5/24, from 5:00-7:15 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy a pizza dinner, entertainment, specialty rooms, and your child’s classroom. Visit next year’s grade levels, as well, to get a taste of life in 2018-19!  Do remember that this is a time to visit with this year’s teacher. At Back-to-School Night in the fall, you will have an opportunity to hear from your child’s 2018-19 teacher. During the Open House, our neighbors, Walnut Acres Children’s Center, invite you to stop in to their Open House from 6:00pm-7:30pm. 

* * * * * 

Curtains Up Youth Theater Camp, “Summer Magic,” June 18 - July 21

CUYT presents “Summer Magic,” a musical story that connects three great scenes from three great musicals. The production is open to students who have completed 2nd-5th grades at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Camp runs from June 18 through July 21 on Monday-Friday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:30 pm. (No camp June 29 - July 6.) Performances will be at 7:00 pm on July 20, and 21. Auditions will be held on June 11 and 12. For more information, or to sign up, go to the PFC website or click here.  Payment is due by May 29.

* * * * *

Noon Supervisor Position Open at Walnut Acres Elementary 
Hello Walnut Acres Community! Would you be interested in a Noon Supervisor job at school? We are seeking two kind and patient folks who want to help children be successful in the MUR and on both the 1st-5th and kindergarten playgrounds. Training will be included to support peace path and problem solving strategies with our students. The positions are 7.5 hours per week. One position is daily with hours from approximately 11:10-12:45 a.m. daily (less time on Wed.)  The other position is M, T, Th, and F from 11:10-1:00 p.m. Salary begins at $13.43 per hour. Please apply on EdJoin if you are interested! If you have questions, give Dr. Dowd a call at 939-1333.

Walnut Acres Teacher Finalists at MDEA Academy Awards

* * * * *  

Macy's "Make Life Shine Brighter" Event
Saturday, May 19th, 10am - 6pm
Macy’s - Downtown Walnut Creek

11:00am Student & Teacher Fashion Show
Limited seating, RSVP for this free event at
https://tinyurl.com/MacyFashionShow

1:00pm Encore Student & Teacher Fashion Show
2:00pm Bancroft Elementary School Choir
4:00pm Additional performances TBD
Special MACY’s Promotions going on all day!

Enter to Win prizes • Gifts With Purchase • Kid-friendly activities Complimentary makeup consultations

 * * * * *

* * * * * 

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7-11

Remember to Thank Your Teachers next week...

Monday, May 7: Teachers and staff enjoy their beautifully decorated doors and breakfast in the lounge.

Tuesday, May 8: Each student brings a flower for class bouquet (vase provided by Room Parents).

Wednesday, May 9: Teacher/Staff Salad and appetizer luncheon.

Thursday, May 10: Each student brings a card, letter, or picture showing appreciation for their teacher.

Friday, May 11: Teacher/Staff dessert buffet.

For more details, watch for announcements from your Room Parents! 

* * * * *  

That's A Wrap! Walnut Acres Walk-A-Thon 2018   

 * * * * * 

5th Grade Girl Scout Troop 33086's Gift to Walnut Acres

Attention Walnut Acres Parents! Your kids may have already told you the amazing news, but on Wednesday, April 25 at the Volunteer Appreciation Sing-Out, the 5th grade Girl Scout Troop 33086 announced a special gift to Walnut Acres. They made recess even better by using their extra cookie sales money to buy 35 NEW playground balls! The troop wanted something to be remembered by when they leave Walnut Acres, and because there just weren’t enough balls to go around. Well listen up! In addition to the gift there will be a new checkout system! This will be put into place soon. For more information either ask your child or ask a Girl Scout of Troop 33086! 
Thank you, Simone Leto, Girl Scout 

* * * * * 

Next Week! Recycling at Pick Up- Got Aluminum Cans and Plastic Bottles?

All next week, May 7-11, we are collecting CRV-labeled aluminum cans and plastic bottles at morning drop off. No need to get out of your car - just hand us the bag (or open your trunk for us) as you go through the drive thru!

Every first full week of the month, we will collect CRV beverage containers (please, no glass) from you as you drop your child off at school. Recycled materials will be exchanged for cash at a recycling center and the proceeds will be used for playground supplies, and for Walnut Acres Recycling Club supplies and activities. 

Drive Thru and Drop Off every morning May 7-11th!

* * * * * 

Curtains Up Youth Theater Camp, “Summer Magic,” June 18 - July 21

CUYT presents “Summer Magic,” a musical story that connects three great scenes from three great musicals. The production is open to students who have completed 2nd-5th grades at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Camp runs from June 18 through July 21 on Monday-Friday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:30 pm. (No camp June 29 - July 6.) Performances will be at 7:00 pm on July 20, and 21. Auditions will be held on June 11 and 12. For more information, or to sign up, go to the PFC website or click here.  Payment is due by May 29.

* * * * *

Noon Supervisor Position Open at Walnut Acres Elementary 
Hello Walnut Acres Community! Would you be interested in a Noon Supervisor job at school? We are seeking two kind and patient folks who want to help children be successful in the MUR and on both the 1st-5th and kindergarten playgrounds. Training will be included to support peace path and problem solving strategies with our students. The positions are 7.5 hours per week. One position is daily with hours from approximately 11:10-12:45 a.m. daily (less time on Wed.)  The other position is M, T, Th, and F from 11:10-1:00 p.m. Salary begins at $13.43 per hour. Please apply on EdJoin if you are interested! If you have questions, give Dr. Dowd a call at 939-1333.

Join us at the 2018 MDEA Academy Awards- Buy Your Tickets by May 3rd!

Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of so many Mt. Diablo Unified School District superstars: teachers, students, parents, district employees, and community groups!  Our own Mrs. Erdiakoff has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Walnut Acres parent / MDUSD Education Foundation President Cherise Khaund will be giving the keynote address.
** Purchase your ticket at http://bit.ly/ AcademyAwards18 **
Ticket sales end on May 3.
The evening includes appetizers, dinner and dessert made by Mt. Diablo High School students, as well as Mariachi Dancers and Show Choir entertainment by MDUSD students.
Date/Location:  Thursday, May 10th, at Centre Concord.  
Check-in begins at 5 p.m.
Appetizers/no host wine bar 5 - 5:45 p.m.
Dinner 6-7 p.m.
Presentations and student entertainment 6-8:30 p.m. 

 * * * * *

* * * * * 

This Week! Donate to the Food Drive for MDUSD HOPE Food Pantry

Please help us collect nonperishable “Open and Eat” food items for the MDUSD HOPE Food Pantry. The Food Pantry provides food to many families in need within our school district. 

Drop off your items in the collection bins in front of the school office from Monday April 16 thru Friday April 20.

Items needed include:

• Juice Boxes, Capri Suns
• Bottled Water
• Granola Bars
• Raisins
• Cookies
• Breakfast Bars
• Pop Tarts
• Fruit Rollups or Fruit Snacks
  
• Peanut Butter or Cheese Crackers
• Jerky
• Trail Mix
• Nuts
• Fruit or Pudding Cups
• Cup-A-Noodles
• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Instant Soups
• Instant Mac & Cheese
• Hot Chocolate Packet (just add water)
• Instant Oatmeal Packet (just add water)
• Tuna/Crackers (ready to eat containers)

Canned foods are also welcome, but as some families lack access to kitchens, so please focus on “Open and Eat” items. 

* * * * * 

Planning Meeting for Small World, Big Dreams:

Walnut Acres' First International Festival

Parents, would you like to get involved in Walnut Acres' first ever International Festival? The event will take place on Friday, June 1 from 5-7pmat Walnut Acres. We are holding an initial planning meeting at the benches in front of the school office on this Friday, April 20th from 1:30-2:30pm. 

We need enthusiastic family ambassadors to represent various countries. Choose a country that is part of your own family’s heritage or just a part of the world that you admire. We would love to have many countries and cultures represented!  This is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that exists at Walnut Acres and spark curiosity about the wider world.

Go to: International Festival to sign up. Please contact Jenny Kim for more information at smallworldbigdreamsforkids@gmail.com.

 * * * * * 

Parent Volunteer Appreciation Event at Sing-out on April 25th - 8:00 am

The Walnut Acres staff would like to thank parent volunteers for supporting Walnut Acres Elementary School.  The celebration will be part of the Trustworthiness Sing-out on Wednesday, 4/25, at 8:00 am. and again at 8:30 am. (Our second event may start a tad later since we are adding to our usual 30 minute assembly.)

Every parent who ever volunteered in a classroom, on a field trip, or from home, who worked in some capacity to raise money for school programs or personnel, who opened car doors at drop-off or student thermoses at lunch: You are invited to be recognized and officially thanked by the staff, teachers, and students of Walnut Acres. We hope you will join us as our community celebrates your spirit of volunteerism! 

If you are ready to be part of next year's PFC team, complete this PFC Volunteer Surveyand let us know where you'd like to get involved!

* * * * * 
Soul Shoppe Parent Workshop Wednesday, April 25, 9:30-10:15am

“What’s in your balloon? Reinforcing Soul Shoppe Lessons at Home”  

Parents are invited to learn more about the Soul Shoppe social emotional learning concepts that we are sharing with our students here at Walnut Acres. 

• Hear about Walnut Acres’ initiatives to support social emotional learning.
• Learn about ”the balloon” as an analogy for holding negative emotions
• Learn to support your child in coping with difficult feelings in a healthy way
• Help your child learn to stand up for themselves and be a “SuperAlly” to others
• Share what’s working for you and hear what other parents are doing at home.

This Parent Workshop will be facilitated by our school counselor, Joanne Finn on 
Wednesday, April 25, 9:30-10:15 am (after the April Sing Out).

* * * * * 

Curtains Up Youth Theater Camp, “Summer Magic,” June 18 - July 21

CUYT presents “Summer Magic,” a musical story that connects three great scenes from three great musicals. The production is open to students who have completed 2nd-5th grades at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Camp runs from June 18 through July 21 on Monday-Friday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:30 pm. (No camp June 29 - July 6.) Performances will be at 7:00 pm on July 20, and 21. Auditions will be held on June 11 and 12. For further information go to the PFC website or click here.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Community Speakers Series will present School Readiness with First 5 Contra Costa on 4/18/18 at 6:00 p.m. atRiverview Middle School. Families are invited to attend and learn how to prepare for that first day of kindergarten, and how they can make the day as smooth and enjoyable as possible for little ones new to school. Parents and guardians will get expert advice on how to establish positive pre-school activities and routines at home to support their child’s success in school. Experts will also have tips for that important first-day “goodbye.”

 * * * * *

PEAK & Forma Gym Join Forces to Help You Get Fit!  

Forma Gym is continuing to help support Walnut Acres Elementary via PEAK Education Foundation by offering a special gym membership initiation rate of just $49 (normally $199) and they are then donating this $49 back to PEAK. As the host of the annual Walnut Creek Turkey Trot, Forma Gym has been supporting PEAK Education Foundation for many years. At it's March meeting, Forma Gym presented PEAK with a check from the 2017 Turkey Trot for $15,000! Forma Gym offers over 100 classes a week, has an outdoor swimming pool with water aerobics plus excellent childcare services. For more details, contact Forma Gym. 

* * * * * 

Join Common Sense Kids Action and their Annual Kid’s Day of Action -  April 23 in Sacramento
This year. Common Sense Kids is teaming up with MomsRising for a fun-filled, kid centered kickoff on the Capitol steps - followed by legislator visits. If interested in advocating for kids with CSKidsAction please fill out this form.

Also, if you are new to advocacy and would like to learn more in advance of the day - we will be hosting an Advocacy 101 training - open to all.

Common Sense Kids Action works with policymakers, business leaders, and other advocates across the nation to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Last year, in California we fought to protect immigrant families from being split up by unnecessary deportations, we fought to expand paid-family leave, and to incorporate tests for early childhood trauma into Medi-cal's developmental screenings. California's legislative session is ramping up - and we are excited to share our priority legislation soon - in the meantime we are working to grow our parent army to demand all kids have a chance to thrive.

Join with parents, educators and advocates from across California on APRIL 23 and receive the training you need to share your concerns and important voice on behalf of kids and their families!

* * * * * 

Walnut Acres Walk-A-Thon - Fundraising Begins this Friday
Fundraise:  March 23 to April 13
Walk: Friday, April 13, 8:30-12:30pm

Watch for a fundraising form to come home with your students this Friday! You will also receive an email for your student with a link to their fundraising page on 99Pledges. Our goal is to raise money for the Walnut Acres PFC to fund classroom aides, learning labs and technology, art and music instruction, and other elementary essentials for this school year. 

Questions? Contact Brooke Giddings and Tracy Pajer at walkathon@walnutacrespfc.net. Be on the lookout for a volunteer sign-up on Konstella next week. 

* * * * * 

Soul Shoppe Parent Workshop Next Week

“What’s in your balloon? Reinforcing Soul Shoppe Lessons at Home”  

In March and April, parents are invited to learn more about the Soul Shoppe social emotional learning concepts that we are sharing with our students here at Walnut Acres. 

• Hear about Walnut Acres’ initiatives to support social emotional learning.
• Learn about ”the balloon” as an analogy for holding negative emotions
• Learn to support your child in coping with difficult feelings in a healthy way
• Help your child learn to stand up for themselves and be a “SuperAlly” to others
• Share what’s working for you and hear what other parents are doing at home.

These Parent Workshops will be facilitated by our school counselor, Joanne Finn on Monday, March 26 from 1:45 to 2:30 pm (right before school gets out), and again onWednesday, April 25, 9:30-10:15 am (after the April Sing Out).

* * * * *  

It’s Time to Register for Spring After School Enrichment Classes!

Enrichment classes are held after school hours and are available on a first come/first serve basis for Walnut Acres sudents. All registration forms and payments go directly to the class vendors. See the website for details.  

Monday: Black Dragon Chess, April 9-June 4, Grades 1-5

Tuesday: Golf Squad, April 17-June 5, Grades 1-5

Wednesday: Kids in the Kitchen, April 18-May 15, Grades 1-5

Wednesday, Basketball, April 18-June 5, Grades 1-5

Thursday: Flag Football, April 19-May 31, Grades 1-5

Friday Sarah's Science, April 13-June 1, Grades 1-4

Go to the Enrichment Page of the PFC website for class schedules and more details.

Questions? Please email Kristen Gray at enrichment@walnutacrespfc.net.  

* * * * * 

Noon Supervisor Position Open at Walnut Acres Elementary 
Hello Walnut Acres Community! Would you be interested in a Noon Supervisor job at school? We are seeking two kind and patient folks who want to help children be successful in the MUR and on both the 1st-5th  and kindergarten playgrounds. Training will be included to support peace path and problem solving strategies with our students. The positions are 7.5 hours per week. One position is daily with hours from approximately 11:10-12:45 a.m. daily (less time on Wed.)  The other position is M, T, Th, and F from 11:10-1:00 p.m. Salary begins at $13.43 per hour. Please apply on EdJoin if you are interested! If you have questions, give Dr. Dowd a call at 939-1333.

* * * * * 

District Parent Updates from PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) 

Dr. Nellie Meyer, MDUSD Superintendent, organized the PAC to hear from representatives at each school. Our District Liaisons are Lila Samady and Cherise Khaund. 

At the March 18th meeting, The Assistant Superintendent, Chris Holleran, presented on the current state of safety plans throughout the district. For details, please visit:http://www.walnutacrespfc.net/district-parent-report.

* * * * * 

Curtains Up Youth Theater Camp, “Summer Magic,” June 18 - July 21

CUYT presents “Summer Magic,” a musical story that connects three great scenes from three great musicals. The production is open to students who have completed 2nd-5th grades at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Camp runs from 6/18-7/21 on Monday-Friday afternoons. (No camp 6/29-7/6.) Performances will be at 7:00 pm on July 20, and 21. Auditions will be held on June 11 and 12. For further information go to the PFC website or click here.

MDUSD's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Speaker Series:

Cyber Safety with Above the Fray

Tonight, Tuesday, March 20, 6 - 8 pm

Northgate High School

Join us for an evening with Above the Fray, a non-profit organization dedicate to empowering responsible and safe social media users. The event is open to all MDUSD parents, guardians, and caregivers to look at what’s happening in the digital lives of young people, which may be a surprise for many parents. We will proactively address topics like cyberbullying, social media, internet safety, sexting and gaming. The objective is to give parents tangible tools to use to start meaningful conversations at home before issues arise. Spanish translation will be available. Learn more at:http://www.beabovethefray.org/.

 * * * * * 

5th Graders...

Go Fishing with Boy Scout Troop 810

Boy Scouts Troop 810 invites all interested 5th graders to come fishing. 

When is the event? Saturday, March 31 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 
Where? At Heather Farm pond, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. We will be meeting at the building next to the pond.  Watch for a bunch of boys with fishing poles. 

What to Bring? A fishing pole, tackle hooks, bait - if you don't have any of these, don't worry, we will have extras, just let us know.

What Will We Be Doing? Fishing, learning how to tie knots, cleaning and cooking the fish you catch - don't worry, we will have other food if no fish are caught!

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Dorene Soe at dalouie8@yahoo.com or call 925-932-0733,  so that we can make sure we have enough equipment and so we can notify you in case of weather changes. Please RSVP by Saturday, March 24.  

* * * * * 

Cub Scouts Pack Meeting

Wednesday, March 21st  in the MUR

6:45 - 8:00pm

All Kindergarten thru 5th grade boys and families are welcome to join – sign-ups are still available!  Reach out to Pack Membership Chair Sarah Waters at sarahsin70@hotmail.com for additional details. 

* * * * * 

Youth Art Contest: Be Featured in Contra Costa Water District's 2019 Calendar!

Children ages 8 to 11 years who value tap water and have a knack for art can combine both interests in the Contra Costa Water District “Water Awareness” art contest. Winning entries will be featured in the District’s 2019 calendar. The contest—which opens March 5, and runs through April 6—is designed to challenge local youths to think about the importance of clean, reliable tap water. Children are encouraged to illustrate the water cycle, ways they use water or ways to use water efficiently. Winning entries will be announced during National Drinking Water Week, May 6-12. In addition to having their artwork featured in the 2019 Contra Costa Water District calendar, children who submit winning entries will receive a $50 gift certificate to an art supply store; framed artwork with a certificate of appreciation; and a copy of the printed calendar. Prizes will be awarded at a Board of Directors meeting in the fall, after the calendars are printed. For complete contest rules, visithttp://ccwater.com/999/Water-Awareness-Youth-Art-Contest

* * * * * 

Join Common Sense Kids Action and their Annual Kid’s Day of Action- 
April 23rd in Sacramento

This year we will be teaming up with MomsRising for a fun-filled kiddo centered kickoff on the Capitol steps - followed by legislator visits. If interested in advocating for kids with CSKidsAction please fill out this form.

Also, if you are new to advocacy and would like to learn more in advance of the day - we will be hosting an Advocacy 101 training - open to all: 

Common Sense Kids Action works with policymakers, business leaders, and other advocates across the nation to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Last year, in California we fought to protect immigrant families from being split up by unnecessary deportations, we fought to expand paid-family leave, and to incorporate tests for early childhood trauma into Medi-cal's developmental screenings. California's legislative session is ramping up - and we are excited to share our priority legislation soon - in the meantime we are working to grow our parent army to demand all kids have a chance to thrive.

PLEASE Join with parents, educators and advocates from across California on APRIL 23 and receive the training you need to share your concerns and important voice on behalf of kids and their families!

* * * * * 
Last Call for Wine to Support Walnut Acres

We still need wine donations to make the biggest party of the year the best fundraiser yet. Please consider sharing a bottle (or a case!) to support the cause. You may drop them off at 115 Los Banos Ave by Thursday, March 8 or email Marisa Linquist for pickup ($20 minimum value per bottle please). Cheers to everyone who has donated already, or who is planning to this week! 

Live and Let Bid Live Auction Gala This Friday, March 9

The event you've been waiting for is almost here! Pickup your tux or Bond-girl gown, and secure your childcare, so you'll be ready for a fabulous night of drinks, dining, and bidding fun at Boundary Oaks this Friday, March 9 from 5:30pm - midnight!    

* * * * *  

Have your kids finished their fabulous ART for the 
Walnut Acres Art Show?

The show is next Thursday March 15th with an Artists' Reception from 6-8 pm in the MUR. Bring the whole family and snack on delicious treats while viewing artwork done by our students both on their own and during their Art Awareness Classes. Each child and classroom will be represented so you won't want to miss it!

We still need volunteers to help with set-up the day before and to bring baked goods to the reception. If you can help, please see the sign-up sheet on Konstella or contact Arsinoe Ferry, arsinoe66@gmail.com.

* * * * *  

Yearbook still needs your pictures!

Please upload them to:
www.hjeshare.com 
Enter school code: walnutacres

Please note: We DO NOT have access to the photos being uploaded to Konstella. Photos must be uploaded to the yearbook share site in order for us to use them in the book. Thank you for the photos of Ice Cream Social and Halloween. These pages are completed and we no longer need photos for those two events.  

Any questions please email - yearbook@walnutacrespfc.net  

* * * * *

Walnut Acres' Student Council Presents:
Sports Day!
Friday, March 16
Remind your students to show off their favorite team or player! 

Save the Date: Walnut Acres 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon!

Fundraise:  March 23 to April 13

Walk: Friday, April 13, 8:30-12:30pm

Our goal is to raise money for the Walnut Acres PFC to fund classroom aides, learning labs and technology, art and music instruction, and other elementary essentials.
Grand Prize Winner! The top fundraiser in the school will win a pair of tickets to see the Golden State Warriors.
Win Raffle Prizes for over $50, $100, $150 in fundraising from our local community including Sports Basement, The Ultimate Field house, and Rebel Arts.
Win A Class Jamba Juice Party The three classes with the most fundraising, most laps, and best spirit in the school will get Jamba Juice Parties.
Questions? Contact Brooke Giddings and Tracy Pajer at walkathon@walnutacrespfc.net. Be on the lookout for a volunteer sign-up on Konstella at the end of the month. 

Youth Art Contest: Be Featured in Contra Costa Water District's 2019 Calendar!

Children ages 8 to 11 years who value tap water and have a knack for art can combine both interests in the Contra Costa Water District “Water Awareness” art contest. Winning entries will be featured in the District’s 2019 calendar. The contest—which opens today, March 5, and runs through April 6—is designed to challenge local youths to think about the importance of clean, reliable tap water. Children are encouraged to illustrate the water cycle, ways they use water or ways to use water efficiently. Winning entries will be announced during National Drinking Water Week, May 6-12. In addition to having their artwork featured in the 2019 Contra Costa Water District calendar, children who submit winning entries will receive a $50 gift certificate to an art supply store; framed artwork with a certificate of appreciation; and a copy of the printed calendar. Prizes will be awarded at a Board of Directors meeting in the fall, after the calendars are printed. For complete contest rules, visit http://ccwater.com/999/Water-Awareness-Youth-Art-Contest

* * * * * 

Live and Let Bid Auction 

Online Auction Accepting Bids Now!

Use your email to Sign Up for the 2018 Online Auction. From grade level teacher treats, buy-in parties, and special events to fabulous tickets and gifts from local businesses, the online offerings are going quickly, so place your online bids today!

Sweet Way to Save Wine Walk

We need a dessert house host to save this tradition! If you have a home or a friend near Walnut Acres Elementary campus, please consider stepping up to be our third host for this wonderful walkable evening. Contact Riva Bobrowsky if you can help – we are running out of time!

Can you help with Time or with Wine?

You can still contribute to or help with the Auction... We continue to collect wine donations that will be sold at the auction. Please deliver to 115 Los Banos Ave or email Marisa Linquist for pickup ($20 minimum value per bottle please). AND, we need auction night volunteers - learn more and sign up on Konstella or contact Karen Nepacena.

Thank you for doing your part to make this year’s most exciting fundraiser a great success FOR OUR KIDS! 

* * * * * 

Soul Shoppe Grade-Level Workshops at Walnut Acres, Wednesday, Feb. 21st
Walnut Acres students will be attending grade-level workshops with Soul Shoppe this Wednesday, February 21st. The workshop is called "I've Got Your Back: From Bystander to Upstander." Attached to this Enews is a letter from Soul Shoppe that explains tools students can use to help friends stop bullying, teasing, excluding or gossiping, and what parents can do to reinforce the skills. Stay tuned for more information on a follow up parent presentation by Soul Shoppe on social emotional learning tools.

Joanne Finn, MA, School Counselor (925) 939-1333.

* * * * * 

CUYT Presents the 5th Grade Play: Alice in Wonderland

Mark your calendars now for the upcoming presentations of Alice in Wonderland performed by Walnut Acres 5th grade students (and an ensemble cast of 4th graders). All tickets $8; all shows begin at 7:00 pm. 

New York Cast: Thursday & Saturday, February 22 & 24, Friday, March 2
London Cast: Friday, February 23, Thursday & Saturday, March 1 & 3

* * * * *

Walnut Acre's Student Council Presents:
Friday, February 23rd 
Crazy Hair Day 
Students, wear your hair in the craziest way you can imagine!

* * * * *

Call for Nominations: MDEA Academy Awards  

Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA)  Academy Awards! Anyone may submit a nomination to recognize, promote, and celebrate the excellence of MDUSD employees and community members.

Individuals may be nominated for the following awards.

Outstanding Achievement in Teaching (5 awards)
• Leadership & Courage
• Creative Curriculum
• Most Inspirational
• Community Involvement
• Lifetime Achievement

Awards for Non-Teachers:
• Outstanding Classified Employee 
• Outstanding Administrator
• Outstanding Parent Volunteer (serving our MDUSD schools)
• Outstanding Volunteer Organization (serving our MDUSD schools)

Submit online here: http://bit.ly/MDEAAANomination

Nominations are due Wednesday, February 28

Awards night will be Thursday, May 10 at Centre Concord 5 – 9 pm

 * * * * *

Share your School Photos with the Yearbook!  Students, parents and teachers can contribute photos to the yearbook staff by directly uploading them to the yearbook website for potential use.  You can share photos of field trips, classroom events, school and community events or shots of your children and their friends. The more you share, the better our book can be!  Go to www.hjeshare.com and enter school code: walnutacres 

Girls on the Run - Walnut Acres Field
Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:15pm ; Saturdays 9:45 - 11:00am
Grades 3-5
February 27-May 12th 

At Girls on the Run, we believe that every girl can embrace who she is, can define who she wants to be, and can change the world. Girls in grades 3rd-5th, come have fun with us and take part in games that help you feel positive and good! This is NOT a competitive running program; it is a celebration of doing things you never thought you could. Physical activity is woven into our program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. 

Join us each Tuesday and Saturday to move, jump, have fun and celebrate yourself! The 10-week session includes healthy snacks at each lesson, a t-shirt, a water bottle and entry to the end of season Girls on the Run 5K on Sunday, May 6th in San Francisco. 

Tuition $275 For more details visit: Girls on the Run

* * * * *