FRIGHT WRITE Short Story, Poem, and Art Contest Sept. 19 to Oct. 9

09/21/2013

Fright Write_1Want to get published? Love to spook or be spooked? All Portola students are encouraged to participate in the 2013-14 Fright Write Short Story, Poem, and Art contest. Selected works will be compiled and published in this year’s Fright Write anthology. Contributors of selected works will also get a copy of the publication and a chance to participate in a Halloween-themed ice cream party. Previous publications can be found in the library. For rules and guidelines, please refer to the flyer that was sent home on Thursday, Sept. 19; a pdf of the flyer is also attached here. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Oct. 9.

We would also like to invite parent and community volunteers to serve on the selection panel. Scoring rubrics will be provided. If interested, please contact Saidah Said at saidah.said@gmail.com. Thank you!

City-wide Garage Sale – Fundraiser to benefit Portola!

09/12/2013

Old, new, borrowed (but not from each other) and blue…we are looking for it! Portola will participate in the El Cerrito Citywide Garage Sale. We are looking for high quality donations, so start cleaning out. NO OLD TV’s, VCR’s, OR OTHER QUESTIONABLE ELECTRONICS OR CAR SEATS. Only lightly used household goods, clothes, and shoes. The date is Saturday, October 12, Portola Middle School. We are looking for volunteers to organize donations and man tables. Interested? Contact us: portolaptsa@gmail.com.

The New Portola Online Directory Is Here!

We are creating a new way for Portola families to connect – the new online directory. Click “Directory_Fillable” to fill in the form. The deadline for providing information to be included in the directory is September 20th, so fill out the form today!

Here’s how to do it: The Portola Directory forms have been designed to be filled out on line and electronically transmitted. In order for data to be electronically transmitted, many things have to be in place. First you need the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader (which is a free download that can be found here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/). Next the PDF function seems to really only work if you are using Internet Explorer (probably version 8 or above). If the system is going to work, the software will walk you through sending the email. If it does work, we will send you a confirmation (usually within 24 hours). If it didn’t work, you won’t get a confirmation. You can always drop us a line at PortolaDirectory@gmail.com and ask if it came through.

If online submission doesn’t work for you, you can still participate in the directory. Use the fillable form and print it out, sign it, and send it in to the school.

Directory_Fillable

Volunteer Fingerprinting and TB Testing Event

All WCCUSD volunteers should be fingerprinted and TB tested.  If you drive on school-sponsored field trips or attend school-sponsored overnights. You do need to have these District required credentials.
Kensington Hilltop Elementary School is hosting both fingerprinting and TB testing sessions, and has opened up their event to Portola families:
TB Testing
Monday, September 9, 2013, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
 Please bring $20 in cash on the day of the test (Monday, Sept 9)
TB Test Reading and Fingerprinting Session
Thursday September 12, 2013 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
The fingerprinting process costs $26 if you have been a resident of California for the last 10 years, $41 if not, and covers all district processing for the badge and the Department of Justice fingerprint review.  Cash is preferred, although credit cards and checks are accepted (Thursday, Sept 12).
Appointments must be made.  We’re sorry, but no walk-ins accepted.  Contact:
Sarah Wolfsen at sarbarnes@yahoo.com to reserve a spot.
Kensington Hilltop School
90 Highland Blvd
Kensington, CA 94708
Please park in the Kensington Library parking lot (61 Arlington Blvd.   at the flashing light) and walk up to campus.  There is no parking on campus and very limited parking near campus.  Thanks!