PARENT/GUARDIAN–TEACHER CONFERENCE SIGN-UPS

–Come meet with your child’s teacher to hear about their progress and discuss any challenges they may have on March 12 or 13.  Please note this is not a vacation day and families should schedule their conference on these days, unless otherwise notified by the classroom teacher.  Teachers will have one conference per child. If you need an additional conference please contact David Hughes via email. Please note: Kindergarten conferences will only be held on March 13 as both Helen and Annie will attend a professional development conference on March 12.  However, they are willing to schedule alternate conference times if needed. Also, Kate Geier will contact Unicorn families to schedule conferences on other dates as she has an unexpected family obligation.

ENERGIZED FROM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

–During part of this week, I am attending a very motivating, interesting conference listening to speakers ranging from Dan Heath to Michael Thompson on subjects as diverse as “Teaching Character Education” to “Enhancing Team Performance.” I am inspired to bring what I have learned back to Windrush and am grateful to be able to develop myself professionally.

–David Hughes

SPRING VOLLEYBALL AND ULTIMATE FRISBEE–If your student wants to participate in a spring sport, please have them get a participation packet from Augie Valdez. Practices will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 17.  If you have any further questions, please contact Augie. Go Dragons!

UPCOMING GAMES:
4:30 pm. on Feb. 26: JV Girls vs. Hebrew Day School at Windrush
4 p.m. on March 2: JV Girls vs. Tehiyah at Windrush
4 p.m. on March 4: JV Girls vs. Hillcrest at Hillcrest
5 p.m. on March 4: Varsity Girls vs. Hillcrest at Hillcrest
4 p.m. on March 5: Varsity boys vs. Raskob at Raskob
Please contact Augie Valdez at ext. 278 with questions and GO DRAGONS!

FRIDAY PAINTING GROUP–For 3rd-6th graders starting Feb. 27.  Come paint in several media and learn useful  techniques at my studio, right next door to Windrush.  A class size of four students will allow for lots of personal attention and nurturing of creativity.  I pick up the children at 3 p.m. and parents collect them at 6 p.m., less than a minute from the Windrush parking lot. I am the  parent of an 8th grader and an alum.  For more information email Tansy Mattingly at tansym@ix.netcom.com or call 235-6502.

WORLD DANCE CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER–Danceversity, a youth world dance troupe, will present a showcase performance by students, staff and special guests from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. There is a $10-$20 door fee. Windrush 5th grader Sage LaCroix will be one of the dancers. For more information go to www.danceversity.com.

GYPSY JAZZ HOUSE CONCERT! An intimate living room performance by Gaucho–a top local Gypsy jazz group–will take place at 3 p.m. on April 4 at the El Sobrante home of Harry and Katrine Gray. The event is appropriate for ages eight-adult. The group's repertoire features the music of Django Reinhardt and the Gypsy jazz of 1930s Europe, while also deriving inspiration from New Orleans jazz. This is passionate, high-energy traditional jazz without amplification. The concert will feature an ensemble of two acoustic guitars, stand-up bass and accordion. Tickets are $20 each, and advance reservations are required. Harry is a former Windrush music teacher and occasional sub and Katrine formerly taught Mandarin Chinese in the Afterschool program. Visit Gaucho's Web site to hear music samples. For reservations call Harry and Katrine at 779-6625 or email them at hgray28@comcast.net.

BRIDGING THE SCREEN DIVIDE: A MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP–From March 6-April 24, family therapist Jason Brand–who has extensive training and experience in new media and technology–will facilitate an eight-week group to help families find a balance between screen and online time with the rest of life. The group will address advantages and disadvantages of the Internet, video games and cell phones. Participants will learn strategies for getting on and off the screen; develop the ability to talk to parents about the importance of screen time; and connect with peers that have similar interests. Sessions are from 4:30-5:45 p.m. The workshop costs $400, which includes two parent meetings. For more information click here, call Jason at (510) 488-3093 or email Jason@jasonbrandlcsw.com. Space is limited.

THE EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS CONFERENCE–A special conference for 6th-8th grade girls in Alameda and Contra?Costa counties interested in exploring careers involving?science and math will take place on March 21 at Mills College.?The conference’s goals are?to increase young women's interest in mathematics and science, while?making them aware of the variety of career?opportunities in math and science-related fields. The conference will also?provide young women the opportunity to meet and form personal?contacts with women working in traditionally male occupations. Cost is?$15, which includes lunch and materials. Register by March 2–sending forms in earlier will help ensure getting your first choice of workshops. Please note there are also adult workshops.?Visit http://eyh.mills.edu/ or call (510) 430-2006.

IT’S RAINING CATS AND DOGS! Looking for a kind and loving family for our two pets–Buddy (a pure breed English Cocker Spaniel) and Kit (our cat)–born on the same day (9 months old). They are home trained, neutered and fully vaccinated and proud owners of European Union passports and electronic chip IDs. Unfortunately we cannot keep them due to allergies.  Please call Eva at 841-1622.

DOES ANYONE HAVE A TRUCK? Would you be willing to lend your truck for a few weekends in March, April and/or May? I am AAA insured with a spotless DMV record and will fill your tank afterwards. Please contact me via email at sliu@windrush.org.

3BR/1 BA HOUSE FOR RENT–$1,900/mo–(plus studio cottage in back not available for subletting) Located at 1038 Liberty St. in El Cerrito at Moeser Ave. Single car garage, fenced yard, hardwood floors, fireplace, electric stove, refrigerator and D/W. Available Feb. 1. 1-yr lease required, no utilities paid, but includes bi-monthly gardener. $2,500 deposit required. For showing call Kim Moppin at 415-399-6382.  
 
2 BR/1 BA HOUSE FOR RENT–$1,500/mo–One block from Windrush located at 6645 Cutting Blvd at Elm St. Small but sweet detached house: huge fenced yard with monthly gardener, bay views, bright rooms, large deck, fireplace, W/D, D/W, new lighting, new hardwood floors, new carpet, new paint, new fixtures and tile in full bath, one-car garage, nice neighbors.  No pets, no smokers, no water furniture. Move-in available mid-Jan. 1-yr lease preferable. Move-in costs 1st + $3K deposit= $4500 total.  For pictures, contact Emily Hawthorne at 384-3224  or via email at emilyhawthorne@att.net.