The Explorit Science Center will be bringing a large number of demonstrations and exhibits to our MPR this Wednesday night for a free hands-on science program. This event runs from 6:30PM to 8:00PM and is free to all. If you are willing to help volunteer at the event, I desperately need more volunteers to meet our minimum quota of people to run the event. Please contact me at president AT korematsupto.org if you are able to help (volunteers need to show up at 6:00PM). As I’ve mentioned to many people, this is one of my favorite events and is a great way to get kids interested in science so I hope to see you there.

The KPTO was very very lucky this year to have the entire cost of this event donated to us by the Wells Fargo Foundation. I would like for people visiting the event to write a quick thank you note that we can send to the Wells Fargo Foundation. If you’re willing to have your children write a thank you note in advance, feel free to do that as well and drop it off at the “Thank you note table” that I will be setting up with paper and pens.

Wes Hardaker
2010/2011 KPTO President

The Academic Talent Search (ATS) Program provides academically challenging, fast-paced courses to highly able and motivated 4th through 9th grade students in the greater Sacramento area. Participating students enjoy the chance to take classes with like-minded students and to move through curriculum at a faster and deeper level.

Students in the 4th and 5th grades can discover new approaches to traditional topics and experience enrichment opportunities in new subjects. More than 20 classes are offered each summer in one-week sessions. Last year, each class cost $235. There is financial aid available.

Students in 6th through 9th grades have the opportunity to experience a collegiate environment on the campus of CSUS. More than 100 classes are scheduled each summer and range in length in one-, three-, and five-week sessions. Students have the opportunity to accelerate their learning in traditional subjects like mathematics and to explore new topics which are not always available in regular school. Fees ranged from $114 to $399 depending on the length of the course. Again, financial aid is available.

To qualify for Academic Talent Search classes, students must take the ATS Qualifying Exam which will be offered throughout Davis. We suggest you attend your school or the one nearest you, but if dates conflict, you may go to any session as long as you register ahead of time. Testing sessions are divided with 4th and 5th together and 6th through 9th together. Registration forms are available at the sites listed, from the District Office, 526 B Street or from the ATS Office (916-278-7032 or email: ats@csus.edu). The ATS website is: http://edweb.csus.edu/Projects/ats. Turn in registration form to school office prior to date of testing to reserve a space. Bring $15.00 fee on day of testing (check payable to “ATS” or cash). Scholarships are available.

This year’s testing schedule is as follows:

Korematsu Elementary on January 26 from 1:45-3:15 pm, Library
Willett Elementary on January 26 from 1:45-3:15 pm, Rm. D-20
North Davis Elementary on February 2 from 2:00-3:30pm, Rm. E-32
Pioneer Elementary on February 9 from 1:45-3:15 pm, Rm. C-18
Holmes Junior High on February 17 from 3:30-5:00 pm, Rm. B-19
Harper Junior High on March 8 from 3:30-5:00 pm, Rm. E-32
Birch Lane Elementary on March 9 from 2:00-3:30 pm, Rm. 21

The Davis School District has published the school calendar for the next school year: 2011-2012 DJSUD Calendar (Adopted 1-6-2011). This calendar reflects the starting, ending, holidays and other important dates that affect our school next year.