Announced: Big Time Tot Rock

This is for those readers with young children (who haven't high-tailed it to suburban schools yet):

Hey there! It's Alison Faith Levy here. I was doing the super popular story and music time at Phoenix Books on Wednesday mornings, and I have now turned it into a wonderful music appreciation class for kids 3 and under called "Big Time Tot Rock." At the moment, I believe this is the only early childhood music class right now in Noe Valley, and it's lots of fun. I am offering the classes at Playhouse Noe Valley, which is just a couple of doors down from Phoenix, at 3961 24th Street. It would be great if you could help spread the word, the classes have been great fun and it's a perfect way for young children to express themselves and enjoy music in a comfortable environment.

Here's the info:

Alison Faith Levy's Big Time Tot Rock Music Classes
Two classes on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Ages: 0-3 yrs old
$25 drop-in, $100 for a 5-class pass (which can be used for other Playhouse classes as well, including dance and gymnastics)

First class is free - so come try it out with your little ones!

www.theplayhouseatnoevalley.com
(415) 800-7735

Reminder: Noe Valley Harvest Festival

A booster for the Noe Valley Harvest Festival (who asks to remain anonymous) would like to remind you of tomorrow's event:

This Saturday! 10AM -5PM. Some cool things: Farmer’s Market all day, live local music on TWO stages all DAY!, tons of children’s events. Pets and childrens costume contest 1:30 GREAT Prizes! Intensely great raffle – FIRST PRIZE TRIP TO HAWAII second prize IPAD! Come one, come all! See and be seen!

Shifting School Lines: What Will Keep Noe Valley United?

The San Francisco Unified School District changed enrollment criteria in March 2010 to give children a better chance of attending their neighborhood school. Since Noe Valley's Alvarado Elementary is highly desired, not everyone is happy with the new borders. Vicki Rosen of Upper Noe Neighbors sent this along:

Dear Neighbors,

Upper Noe Neighbors has been involved in trying to get the School District to include all of Noe Valley in the Alvarado attendance area. Currently, the border ends at 29th Street and we're asking that it go to 30th Street (both sides of the street). We have been told by members of the School Board that now is the time to hear from neighbors who support keeping ALL of Noe Valley in the same attendance area.

Please see the sample letter below, and if you're so inclined, send an email ASAP to: attendanceareas@sfusd.edu.

If you have any questions about this, please contact Olga Milan-Howells at info@MilanHowells.com. Thanks.

Vicki

****

Dear SFUSD District Staff,

Please extend the Alvarado Attendance Area Map to reflect the traditional southern border of Noe Valley - 30th Street (including both sides of the street). Currently, the Alvarado Attendance Area Map uses 29th Street at its southern border which randomly cuts off the neighborhood and also cuts off families from using the 24 Divisadero bus line which goes directly from 30th and Church to one block from Alvarado. All neighborhood maps show 30th Street as the southern border.

In addition, Alvarado had more available spots than neighborhood applicants according to the March placement data. While Alvarado did have a very high number of CTIP1 applicants, this could change over time. Also as non-neighborhood siblings from the previous assignment system work their way through the system, more spots will be freed up for neighborhood applicants.
It appears there is enough room for a small expansion of the boundaries.

Thank you for your work on this issue.

Best regards,
xxxxx
Member, Upper Noe Neighbors (and/or resident of 30th St or resident of Noe Valley, etc.)

In brief:

• Families cite the school enrollment system as a primary reason for fleeing to the 'burbs.
• The new enrollment takes effect for the 2011-12 school year.
• The new maps were finalized in September of 2010, but may be adjustable.
• No one understands this process.

What do you think? Do the borders make sense or need adjustment? Will enrollment changes keep your family in San Francisco?

[SFUSD: Elementary Attendance Area Boundaries]
[SFGate: S.F. losing kids as parents seek schools, homes]

Big Night: Noe Valley Nursery Fundraiser

A parent from Noe Valley Nursery School writes:

Noe Valley Nursery’s School annual fundraising event, Big Night will take place at the Verdi Club (2424 Mariposa Street) on February 26th from 6-10pm. This fabulous evening will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a hosted bar and dancing to the jumping rhythms of Stompy Jones. Tickets are only $25 and will sell out fast, so get yours today at www.noevalleynurseryschool.com.

Click the poster image for more details about the adults-only benefit.

Dear Santa: San Francisco Parents PAC Needs Donations For Toy Drive

From Todd David:

Alvarado parent September Rose-Owens is hosting a toy drive for a community based school located in the Bay View district. Each child ranging from ages 2 months to 5 years has created "Dear Santa" letters with three wishes, but out of 70 children there are 18 left without sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, please contact September Rose-Owens ASAP. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you!

3rd Annual Family Concert At Noe Valley Ministry

Yvonne wants you to know:

If you're looking to do something fun that your kids will love, consider coming to the 3rd Annual Family Concert with Orange Sherbet. The group features Jill Pierce who runs several popular music programs in Noe Valley. Last year's concert was a blast and this year's will be too.

Enjoy not only the music, but a raffle for kid’s costumes (Halloween is right around the corner!), gourmet baskets, Wine and other surprises! Snacks and drinks will be provided.

When: Saturday, October 2nd, 4:00-5:00PM
Where: Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez Street (between 23rd and Elizabeth Sts)
Cost: $20 per family or $10 per individual