Wildcat Wrap 5.6.2016

Dear White Hill Community,

I am sorry for the delay with last week’s Wrap. I was out all day Friday with a class for our 8^th grade community service day and wasn’t able to get to the Wrap until this morning. But, what a great day we had on Friday! I had the pleasure of spending the day with 21 students and parents at Glide Memorial Church in SF where we set up, served, and cleaned up lunch for those in need. 350 meals later every one of us had experienced something that will stay with us a for a long time. Several of our kids commented how they wish we could do this type of work each month all school year long – when you have a 13-14 year olds asking to volunteer their time to help others you know you have made an impact. We also had 8^th grade classes out doing beach and open space cleanups, at RVSD and SR schools helping in classrooms, and at the Humane Society providing services to this important organization. We are so proud of our community service day work in 7^th and 8^th grade and very much appreciate the parents that were able to help us get to and from the various locations in Marin and SF. Big thanks to our teachers as well for organizing the service days.

See below for the latest from White Hill and in our Community -

7^th Grade Bike Day – A Huge Success!

Our first annual 7^th grade Bike Day was a huge success. Students walked or biked to downtown Fairfax for a day of bike investigations and celebrations. Students visited the Marin Bike Museum where they had a personal tour from Fairfax legend Joe Breeze, they explored the mathematics of bike gears and witnessed one of the original high roller bikes in action, they learned about bike safety from Safe Routes and created and tested “helmets” for hard-boiled egg “brains”, and, to top it off, their Central Field lunch included a delicious ice cream cone from Scoop.

A huge thanks to all of those who made this day possible: Connie and Joe Breeze from the Marin Bike Museum, Safe Routes to School, Bryan from the Fairfax Cyclery who checked over every bike to make sure it is in working order, Fairfax Parks and Rec for allowing us to use the Pavilion and Central Field free of charge, The Garage for loaning us their parking lot, and our fabulous 7^th grade parents who stepped up to participate in this exciting day. Finally, kudos to our 7^th grade teaching team for planning and pulling the whole thing off.

Third Annual "Sweet Music in the Park" - Sunday, May 22 from 4 to 7pm @ Creek Park, San Anselmo

Please join us for White Hill's spectacular "Sweet Music" open-air concert program. This family-friendly event is our biggest band community celebration of the year, and also acts as the most important fundraiser for the advanced performance workshops and festivals the White Hill Band program is known for.

Bring a blanket, picnic and enjoy the amazing sounds of the White Hill Jazz and Symphonic Concert bands under the redwood trees. The evening will also feature special guest star Jeremiah Jacks, who will accompany the student bands on his trombone.

A $20 per adult donation is suggested. You can pre-order tickets or pay at the park. There will also be an onsite raffle for a chance to win lots of great prizes, and baked goods and drinks will sold as well.

To learn more or purchase advance tickets, go to: http://www.whitehillschoolband.org

100% of the proceeds benefit the White Hill Band Programs

Carnevale Fantastico and White Hill Renaissance Day!

In the following two weeks, one iconic performer and one experienced theatrical director from the Northern California Renaissance Faire and Carnevale Fantastico, Italian Renaissance Festival will be leading workshops at White Hill Middle School to help the students prepare for their own Renaissance Fair later in May. They will be reviewing a variety of subjects from daily life in the Renaissance to entertainment of the times. In conjunction with these special classes, students have the opportunity to attend Carnevale Fantastico! which takes place May 14th and 15th at Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo. This unique event brings to life the fashion, theatre, music and life of the late Italian Renaissance. Hundreds of exquisitely costumed characters will fill the park while four stages will boast nonstop shows including traditional music and dance, Commedia Del Arte and condensed works of Shakespeare. There are games, demonstrations, an artisan’s marketplace and Italian food to enjoy.

White Hill Students 7th graders will be given a pass to attend FREE if accompanied by an adult. One adult may bring multiple students. All students can pick up passes in the Office. Information about the festival can be found on the website at www.carnevalefantastico.com and on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/carnevalefantastico/ Adults may purchase discount tickets online for $12.50. Contact information is available on the web site.