Palo Alto Back-to-School Night

It was Standing Room Only at Palo Alto public-school Back to School night(s), as usual.

"I used to teach in another district," Cole's 7th grade social studies teacher said. "On their back to school night, I had 8 parents show up. And that's eight parents total, for six different classes." (He spoke in a classroom packed with parents, for just one class). "I've been to thirty-five different countries. I use some of my photos in class."

In Owen's 4th grade classroom: three tarantulas, a snake, a 14 year-old lizard, and a skink. I think there were more animals that I missed.

Cole's 7th grade Japanese teacher, Keiko Nakajima:

"If you participate in the Japanese exchange student program, hosting a sister-city Japanese child in your home, then your child can go to Japan for a return trip. The Japanese take this very seriously—they do lots more than we do." She had all the parents stand up and bow before her presentation (she bowed, too).

At the elementary school 4th grade presentation, the teachers started listing all the extra resources they have available (aides for every teacher, external funding for all kinds of programs, zillions of parental sign up sheets—with mothers racing to beat each other to them—"I don't know why she mentioned that one," Gloria said. "All the spots are taken.") It took up most of their time, thanking people for all the resources.

The Junior Museum. The Children's Zoo (with $200K bobcat exhibition expansion planned). The children's library (completely renovated). The Children's Theatre, with multiple stages, sort of like Stratford upon Avon, and its award-winning drama program. The multiple orchestral music programs, stuffed with kids taking private lessons. (Owen's violin teacher: "You should prepare the Sukuzki Bach minuet for your audition.") The field trips. The drop-in Stanford lecturers on nanotechnology, neurobiology, and genetics ("only available to our three middle schools," Cole's science teacher said).

"If we are lucky, we will have the Tea Ceremony in San Francisco again this year," Keiko said.

Cole's algebra teacher: an ex-investment banker and 1999 Stanford graduate with a Master's degree in Education. Cole's English teacher: an ex-editor ("don't correct their mistakes, please," she said. "I know the temptation.")

No wonder people want to live here and have their kids attend the public schools.

SURESAVE

Madera, California