September 16, 2002

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL at Sunol Glen on Aug. 27 was an exciting one, with 180 students, several new staff members and a special welcome provided by caring parents. The Ballstadt and Imhof families greeted everyone with balloons, a welcoming banner muffin treats and juice, and Bob and Laurie Foster provided a cake for the staff.

Our school has six new staff members, including sixth-grade teacher Emily Summa, music teacher Kitty Jowe, special education aides Rebecca Reed and Renee Medeiros, and seventh-grade classroom aide Donna Crawford. And one of our peerless bus drivers, Nancy Davis, has added Library Technician to her job description. Thanks to a generous donation from the Sunol Repertory Theatre, Nancy Scotto is back with her wonderful art program for our students.

Back-to-School Night was held on Sept. 5, where parents learned about the curricular standards at each grade level and other important information. Everyone was very impressed with the new sturdy red and blue picnic tables and bench, a gift from Sunol Glen's Community Club.

A new pre-school at Sunol Glen started on Sept. 9, staffed by Candice Harvey and Sheena Fularczyk, and a new science program will be starting soon featuring retired scientists volunteering in the classroom and science lab.

Superintendent-Principal Diane Everett had lots of praise for staff members and volunteers who worked to make the first day of school so special. "August 26 was a workday for staff and a delicious luncheon was provided for us by the Community Club. Paulette Beemiller, Kelly Capdeville and Caren Foster served the staff and managed the clean up. What a great crew!"

Diane went on to offer kudos to the head of the maintenance staff Brad Taylor, and Leo Marquez, Ruth Hamamoto and Adrienne Hoxie. "Thanks to their efforts, our school was sparkling clean," she said.

Sunol Glen was home to a wide variety of events and programs during the summer, including a summer school program, childcare program and Camp Kedima, a Jewish day camp that has been leasing space at our school for several years. "It's great to have our school in use all year," Diane commented. "These programs provided fun-filled days as well as an academic base for our students.

There are always a few people who move on and will be missed, and this year is no exception. Peggy Carpenter, who served on the school board and taught at Sunol Glen for many years, is now teaching in Pleasanton, and long-time music teacher Maryanne Butler has retired. Joan McCan left her position as director of the Eagle's Nest before-and-after school program to spend more time with her family.

Retired scientists in the Sunol area who are interested in serving in our new science program and applicants for the Childcare Director position are asked to please contact Diane Everett at 925-862-2026.

THE POWER OF RHYTHM: There will be Community Drumming at the Little Brown Church of Sunol September 22, October 6 and October 20. Once again, no drumming experience is required, just an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Please call 925-862-2004 for info or to say you're ready to shake a drumstick.

BLESS THE BEASTS: Sunday, October 6 the 10:30 a.m. worship at the Little Brown Church will be held outside in the courtyard so folks can bring their special pets along for a blessing. For the safety people and pets, please restrain or contain your special animal friends.