Missed the meeting? Never fear–here’s the lowdown on what was up at lunch today.

Members during 1st semester qualify for free Silver Sword Points! The President gets 25 points; the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer get 20 points; and all other members get 15 points. Get them signed by Mr. Colglazier in room 172 for them to count!
We are still working on our Club T-Shirts–expect them in a month or two. A request for shirt sizes will be going out eventually, plus a request for some cash for anyone who wants one (they aren’t going to be free, unfortunately).
If your 5th period has changed since 1st semester, please let Douglas know so he can update the roster, or you won’t get notices anymore! Also, if you are in PE fifth period, tell me what you have during 6th period so that you can receive the notices!

January is a busy month. Here’s some Upcoming Events:
* This Sunday, January 14, Peace Action of San Mateo County and the San Mateo Unitarian Universalists Social Action Committee will present the documentary, “The Ground Truth”, a 78-minute film depicting soldiers who first go through recruitment and training, then fight the fierce battles of the war, and finally come home to “fight” their own personal wars in a struggle to reintegrate with their homes and families. The movie will be screened at the UU of San Mateo, located on 300 E. Santa Inez Ave. (at Ellsworth) in San Mateo. The screening begins at 7 PM. Admission is free, as is the popcorn. Note: The film is rated R for disturbing violent content and language.
* Every January brings a rite of passage to every U.S. President, in which, if not being inaugurated, the lucky person gets to spin an image of our nation’s present situation. George W. Bush will be entering the now-democratic House chamber on Tuesday, January 23rd, to deliver his State of the Union address. Peace Action of San Mateo County will once again hold its State of the Union viewing party, with pizza in lieu of a grain of salt. They will be watching the president’s address, followed by the democratic response, and then offer an open mic for anyone to speak their mind. The address typically begins at 6 PM, so the event will be gathering at about 5:30, at the Beck Hall of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, at 300 E. Santa Inez Ave. (at Ellsworth) in San Mateo. PASMC will supply the pizza (donations accepted), and drinks will be available for purchase.

Taking it to the Board
On Thursday, January 18th, Peace Action of San Mateo County and the Peace Club will be appearing before the school district’s Board of Trustees requesting that the SMUHSD adopt and implement a new policy requiring that U.S. military recruiters be restricted to no more than three visits per school year to each high school campus. Such a policy is clearly legal as it complies with the federal No Child Left Behind Act (section 9528), which only requires that military recruiters be allowed “equal access” to students as permitted for any and all post-secondary educational or employment opportunity recruiters. Recruiters representing colleges and universities are typically invited on high school campuses for one “Career Day” type of event. Also, Prospective employment opportunity recruiters are typically invited to come for a one day “Job Fair” type of event. To be “more than fair” to the military recruiters, they would be allowed to come, in addition to the two days mentioned above, for an additional third day at the discretion of the school principal.
The board has allowed Peace Action to make a 10-minute presentation including a few speakers, and our club president, Douglas Bell, will also be speaking on behalf of Peace Action and on behalf of Peace Club! We want to see as many Peace Club members as possible come to show support for such a policy. Hope you can show up at the SMART Center (at 789 East Poplar Ave., around the corner from San Mateo High School) on 1/18 at 7:00 PM.