Full article on KGO abc7news.com

See the Family Corner page for more info.

Speech Taikai (or Ohanashi Taikai) is held each year to cultivate Japanese language skills, specifically delivering a speech in front of an audience.  Each student develops their own personal statement in Japanese, with a different topical focus for each grade (eg.  "myself" for 2nd graders, "my friend" for 3rd graders, etc).  Students deliver their speech, first, in front of their classmates and then -- for students who are chosen by Sensei, teachers and students -- in front of an audience and panel of judges in the auditorium. 

James P. Lang Baseball Park in Hayward Playground
(on Golden Gate Avenue between Laguna and Gough)

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=2605203669866191934&q=james+p.+lang+baseball+park,+sf&gl=us

VOLUNTEER LIST IN WEDNESDAY'S FOLDER!

Plan your day to spend at Undokai! What is UNDOKAI?  Best described as a “sports day” or “field day”, schools throughout Japan hold Undokai in the Fall to celebrate fitness, sportsmanship and friendship.  The day-long “mini Olympics,” which traces its origins to the 1800s, brings out families and the entire community in Japan, many arriving in the early morning hours to secure the best spots to set out their blankets, umbrellas and picnic feast. Students are split into two teams:  red or “aka” and white or “shiro” and compete in a series of uniquely-Japanese athletic events designed to test speed, agility and coordination.  Choreographed performances are also part of the spectacle and you can look forward to seeing our kinders and 1^st graders entertain!  At the end of the day Undokai is really about celebrating individual effort and teamwork and participating in a special experience with family and friends.

Don't forget to register at school by April 15.

Other upcoming events:

Kinder Orientation - Thursday, April 28, 5:30 - 7 pm at Rosa Parks.  Bring your budding kinders to meet fellow kinders and their teachers.  Learn what to expect in the coming year and how to ease the transition to the big K! All interested families welcome to attend.

Summer Kinder Playdates -- dates and times to be determined.  Help ease your students transition to kindergarten (and yours too!) by making new friends and getting acquainted with fellow families.

Kinder Packs -- Packages filled with facts and tips you need to know for the first few weeks of kindergarten will be mailed out in early august before the start of school.

Our biggest fundraiser is around the corner!  Spread the word about the big event, invite friends and family, and of course don't miss out on the fun.  There will be a silent auction with lots of unique items and bargains to be had, a live auction (including one-of-a-kind artworks by students in each classroom), h'ors d'oeuvres, dessert buffet, Super Jan-Ken-Po Survivor game, and fabulous raffle prizes.  Tickets are $25 advance purchase (by 3/11) and $35 at the door.  Event information, solicitation forms, family letters, and volunteer forms can be found in the Family Corner tab.

Event flyer

More information on the event also available at sfcmc.org

RP JBBP 2010 UNDOKAI
Friday, October 1
9:30 – 1:00

James P. Lang Baseball Park in Hayward Playground
(on Golden Gate Avenue between Laguna and Gough)

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=2605203669866191934&q=james+p.+lang+baseball+park,+sf&gl=us

FULL PROGRAM AND VOLUNTEER LIST IN TODAY'S WEDNESDAY ENVELOPE!

What is UNDOKAI?  Best described as a “sports day” or “field day”, schools throughout Japan hold Undokai in the Fall to celebrate fitness, sportsmanship and friendship.  The day-long “mini Olympics”, which traces its origins to the 1800s, brings out families and the entire community in Japan, many arriving in the early morning hours to secure the best spots to set out their blankets, umbrellas and picnic feast. Students are split into two teams:  red or “aka” and white or “shiro” and compete in a series of uniquely-Japanese athletic events designed to test speed, agility and coordination.  Choreographed performances are also part of the spectacle and you can look forward to seeing our kinders and 1^st graders entertain!  At the end of the day Undokai is really about celebrating individual effort and teamwork and participating in a special experience with family and friends.