The Lion's Roar  

The Las Lomitas PTA Newsletter  
                                                                         Week of November 28,  2011     
In This Issue
From the Principal
English Language Advisory Committee
LLEF News
Las Lomitas League
Apple for the Classroom
Holiday Workshop
Lost and Found
LLESD Governing Board
Community Resources
Community News
Sports
Newsletter Submissions
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

 Calendar

 

For Las Lomitas League class schedules, please see their website at www.laslomitasleague.org

 

 

This Week

 

Coming Soon

  • 12/7 Holiday Workshop
  • 12/14 School Board Meeting - 7 p.m. - La Entrada MUR
  • 12/23 Winter Break begins
  • 1/9/12 School resumes
  • 1/16/12  Registration begins for LLL classes 

 

From the Principal

 

Dear Las Lomitas families,

 

Parents are very important members of our school community. Parent representatives serve on several district and site committees including the School Site Council, Strategic Plan Committee and English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC). The article below has information about this last committee. The ELAC ensures that our English learners receive appropriate instruction and services to support them as they gain proficiency in language skills. A hearty thank you goes out to these parents who dedicate time each month to learn more about our programs and the state and federal requirements that must be monitored.

 

At Las Lomitas, all teachers are trained to instruct English learners. Approximately 11% of our students speak a language other than English in the home. Of those, 58% are considered English learners. There are 20 different languages spoken by students and families at Las Lomitas! Our English learners receive supplementary English Language Development lessons in the Language Lab. Mrs. Lesli Leong and two paraeducators, Ms. Oliva Betancourth and Mrs. Grete Santucci, provide small group instruction to identified students. We are most fortunate to have this program at Las Lomitas.

 

At my Evening with the Principal I provided information about a new program starting next year ~ Young Fives. This class was created to meet the 2010 Kindergarten Readiness Act requirements that moved the admission date for kindergarten from December 2 to November 1 for the 2012-2013 school year. Young Fives will be the first year of a two-year kindergarten program for these young students. Information is available on our district website about the legislation and program requirements. Tours for incoming Kindergarten and Young Fives parents start in December. More specific information will be provided to families who have students eligible to attend this program. If you know any families who have a child who will turn five between November 1 and December 2 next year, please encourage them to call the office and sign-up for one of our tours.

 

Please note there was a change in assignment over the Veteran's Day weekend. Rebecca Holland is now the second grade teacher in Room 38, formerly taught by Ms. Rodriguez. Ms. Holland has been with us at Las Lomitas since the start of the year, successfully serving as a long-term substitute for Mrs. Bannister in first grade. In that position she demonstrated strong skills in curriculum, instruction and classroom management. Ms. Holland was ready and willing to quickly step up as the teacher for Room 38. Ms. Rodriguez asked that I let everyone at Las Lomitas know that she enjoyed her time here, she is well, and wishes us all the best for a successful school year.

 

We will have an earthquake drill on December 2nd. Please take some time with your child to discuss your family's plan should there be an earthquake during school hours. Page 129 in the school directory/handbook provides information about emergency planning for parents. I encourage you to read this and keep the information handy. Finally, be sure that the names and phone numbers on your child's emergency card are current. This is the information we use to release your child during an emergency.

 

Until next time,

Sue Sartor

Principal

 

 

Safety Tip:
When exiting the parking area, do not exit through the Camino al Lago entrance; continue through to the Alameda exit.  

 

English Language Advisory Committee

 

LLSwirlENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The English Advisory Committee (ELAC) was established to advise the Governing Board on programs and services for English Learners. A majority of the Committee must be parents of English Learners. This committee meets five times a year to review and monitor programs that affect our English Language Learners. Among its responsibilities are:

 

* to also serve as a member on the District English Language Advisory Committee

* to assist in developing school plans for English Learners

* to conduct an annual needs assessment

* to prepare an annual language census

* to advise the District regarding redesignation procedures

 

Daniel Li joined the ELAC last year and is serving the second year of a two-year term. His family is from Taiwan. He has a son in first grade. Ingrid Abild-Pedersen is also serving her second year on the committee. Her family is from Denmark and she has a third grade student.

 

This year we have one vacancy on the Committee. At the start of each year we ask for interested parents of English learners to serve on this committee. Tatiana Morante-Catacora volunteered to serve. Tatiana's family just moved here this year from Denmark. She has a son in first grade.

 

Please vote below to confirm Tatiana for the position, or you may write in another parent's name to serve. If you write in a name, please be sure you have that person's permission first.  

           

_____ Yes, I approve Tatiana Morante-Catacora to serve on ELAC

           

_____ I would like to write in __________________________ to serve on the ELAC.

 

 

Please return your completed ballot to the school office by Wednesday, December 7, 2011.

 

If you have any questions, please call Lesli Leong at Las Lomitas (854-5900 x219).

 

 

 LLSwirl

EL COMITE CONSEJERO DEL PROGRAMA PARA

ALUMNOS APRENDIENDO INGLES (ELAC)

Escuela Las Lomitas 

 

El comit� consejero del programa para alumnos aprendiendo ingl�s (ELAC) fue establecido para dar consejo a la Mesa Directiva sobre los programas de los alumnos aprendiendo ingl�s. La mayoria del comit� consejero tiene que ser de padres de familia de alumnos aprendiendo ingl�s. Este comit� se junta un vez al mes para aconsejar, examinar y comentar sobre los servicios y programas que la escuela le ofrece a los alumnos EL. Algunas de las tareas son:

 

* Tomar una silla tambi�n en el comit� consejero del distrito del programa para alumnos aprendiendo ingl�s (DELAC).
* Ayudar en establecer un plan educativo para los alumnos EL.
* Conducir una evaluaci�n de necesidades para cada escuela.
* Preparar el censo annual de lenguaje.
* Examinar y comentar acerca del procedimiento para la reclasificaci�n.

 

Este a�o, dos padres, Satu Mielikainen e Ingrid Abild Pedersen, han ofrecido como voluntarios para servir en el programa de ELAC. Ingrid Abild-Pedersen es de Dinamarca. Ella tiene un estudiante en segundo grado. Este es su primer a�o en Las Lomitas. Satu Mielikainen, de Finlandia, est� volviendo a su tercer a�o en el comit�. Ella tiene tres estudiantes en el distrito, una en el cuarto grado, uno tercero y uno en el kinder. Gracias a estos voluntarios de ELAC maravillosos.

Todav�a estamos buscando un voluntario para servir de ELAC. Si usted tiene algunas preguntas, o esta interesado/a en el servicio, por favor llame a Lesli Leong en la escuela de Las Lomitas, 854-5900 x219.

  

LLEF News

 

llef09

 

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

THIS IS IT...Our Final Stretch ... The last 4 Weeks of the ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN!

We've Done it Before and We Can Do It Again!


We have already raised nearly $1.4 million! We are halfway there! More than 42% of District families have donated and we need ALL families to participate!  For those of you who have given: A BIG THANK YOU!

For those of you who have yet to give: PLEASE GIVE TODAY by clicking on http://www.llef.org/_donate/paypal_donate.html.  Our goal is $2,000 per student.

Remember, the Foundation impacts all our children.  Class sizes are smaller.  Our enhanced curriculum is reaching more students.  Please make your donation today.  Last year we made a huge difference.  LET'S DO IT AGAIN!
 

INTRODUCING www.llefshopping.com  - STOP, THEN  SHOP!     
When you start your holiday shopping, make your first stop www.llefshopping.com. Why?

By starting at our website, THEN clicking through to any of the sites you use for your regular online shopping (Amazon, Tiny Prints, iTunes, Nordstrom...and more), a percentage of your total purchase (2 - 9%) will be donated to the Las Lomitas Education Foundation by the retailer, at no cost to you! It is that easy to help your kids while your shop!
 

 

EVENTS AND ADVENTURES

                                                                        Outreach

 

 

MOTHER/DAUGHTER HOLIDAY TEA - Please join us for the event of the season! Dress in your finest attire for an afternoon of festivities as mothers, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers celebrate the holidays in style at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club. Champagne and hot cider will greet our guests at the door as music of the season fills the air. Surprise entertainment will precede an elegant tea and hot chocolate service with a menu that will include every treat of the season imaginable.  Valet parking is included.  Outreach is available for this event. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 from 2-4 p.m. Questions?  Contact Lisa Reid at [email protected]. Buy your tickets now at http://www.llef.org/_auction/events_K.html.

  

Check out our full listing of Events and Adventures at http://www.llef.org/_auction/events.html. Tickets for all open events are on sale now!

 

Las Lomitas League

  
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!

Registration for Las Lomitas League Winter/Spring 2012 classes opens on Jan. 16, 2012, so remember to put this date down in your calendar. The Winter/Spring 2012 class offerings and schedule will be up on our website http://www.laslomitasleague.com/ in the next few weeks so parents can start planning ahead, so stay tuned!   

 

Apple for the Classroom

 

Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift?

 

The Apple for the Classroom program is a way for parents to support their children's teachers directly. All the teachers and specialists at Las Lomitas have been invited to create a "wish list" of items that would help to further enrich their classrooms. Wishes may include art supplies, gift cards, books, or donations toward a special activity or field trip. These lists have been placed in the red Apple for the Classroom binder located in the office.

 

The next time you are on campus, please stop by the office and pick an "apple" from a wish list and help to further enrich your children's experience at Las Lomitas.

 

All donations are tax deductible and receipts are available upon request.

 

Thank you for supporting our teachers!

 

Questions? Please feel free to contact Julie Chandik at [email protected].

 

Holiday Workshop

 

Holiday Workshop needs your help!

 

Bring your paper shopping bags (with handles) to the office for the Holiday Workshop. The kids use these to bring home all the beautiful projects they will be making that day. We need around 685 this year! Keep them coming!

Lost and Found

 

The Lost and Found will be donated Friday, Dec. 2, 2011.

 

LLESD Governing Board
 

The Governing Board web page (www.llesd.k12.ca.us.board.html) now lists all scheduled Board meetings and their location, and includes links to agendas for upcoming meetings and approved minutes for past meetings. The site is updated when new information is available, so please visit it regularly. Materials discussed at Regular Meetings (held monthly) are available in both school offices Monday through Wednesday prior to the meeting. Materials from past meetings are available at the District Office by contacting Karen Hiatt at 854-2880.  

 

Business Sponsors News

 

The Las Lomitas PTA and the Las Lomitas School do not endorse, warrant or recommend any of these businesses.

  • Friends of the Menlo Park Library Book Sale is Sunday, December 4.  It will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room, 800 Alma St. in Menlo Park. Great books! Great prices! Great cause!
  • Remember to mention Las Lomitas at the register and Kepler's donates 6% back to our school. Please check the website www.keplers.com for upcoming events and remember Kepler's has a Storytime every Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
 Community News

  

The Las Lomitas PTA and the Las Lomitas School do not endorse, warrant or recommend any of these businesses. 

 

Dance Connection's 13th Annual NUTCRACKER BALLET tickets are now available online through our website at www.danceconnectionpaloalto.com. 140 Dance Connection dancers will be performing on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. All performances are at Spangenberg Theatre, Gunn High School in Palo Alto. Tickets are reserved seating, priced between $14-$25 in advance online, and an additional $5 -$10 per seat for remaining seats at the door. This is an excellent production for children which lasts just over 1.5 hours with an intermission. Beautiful costumes, scenery, and excellent dancing---starring many dancers (and parents) you may know! Including Las Lomitas 3rd grader Abby H.!

 

Winter Classes at Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory!  Looking for a place to act out onstage? Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory announces an exciting winter theatre class schedule for students in Pre K-Grade 8. Visit our website for descriptions, times, and registration at www.pvtc-ca.org. Classes start the week of Jan. 9, 2012.

 

Carillon Preschool, located at 850 Portola Road, PV, is accepting applications for our fall 2012-2013 school year. We have openings in our 3's program and in our Young 5's program. Tours are available. Please contact Lynn Sowers, [email protected] or (650) 529-1335. 

 

Holiday Camp Menlo Aquatics Day Camp  Three to choose from: Dec. 19-22, Dec. 27-30, Jan. 3-6.  Fun times at the pool and in the gym during vacation! Three 4-day camps are offered for ages 5-10, 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Swimming in the warm pool under the dome includes one 45-minute lesson per day plus free play. Camp includes indoor and dry land activities, athletic games, and structured play. Come join us the Burgess Park Pools in Menlo Park.

 

Menlo Action Academy Holiday Day Camp  Introducing an exciting blend between academics and sports. Exploration! Movement! Insight! Three camps to choose from: Dec. 19-22, Dec. 27-30, Jan. 3-6. Join us for a unique land-based camp that uses games and physical exercise to teach personal skills and develop character. Exercise performed in a playful environment is fun for children and play is the way they learn. Each day at camp, physical activities are preceded and followed by a discussion of a special development topic. We create a fun environment in which sports surround this theme for the day. Three 4-day camps are offered for ages 5-10, 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m., indoors at the Burgess Park Recreation Center in Menlo Park.

 

  

Sports

 
The Las Lomitas PTA and the Las Lomitas School do not endorse, warrant or recommend any of these businesses.

 

Alpine Soccer Club
Soccer teams for almost all ages!  Alpine FC will have tryouts for Spring 2012 for U8-U20 competitive soccer teams starting now.  For dates and locations check Alpine Strikers' website at:   www.alpinestrikers.org  Please pre-register your player online. 

 

Hi-Five Bay Area Sports Club will hold thei first K-2nd Basketball League for boys and girls beginning Jan. 8, 2012 at the Arrillaga Family Gym.  Space is limited.  You can register and find more information at http://www.bayareasportsclub.com/the-league or contace Nate Birnbaum at 510-710-3656.

 

Attention Soccer Players!  Juventus Sport Club will be holding tryouts on Dec. 3, 2011 at McGarvey Field at Red Morton Park in Redwood City.  This is a great opportunity for children ages 5 to 14 to become involved in year around sports.  No need to RSVP for this event.  Please call Monica Linnell (650) 868-0187 or visit this website for more detailed information, www.juventus-sc.org.   

 

Newsletter Submissions

 

The Lion's Roar is published every Monday. To submit items for inclusion in the newsletter: 

 

� Email submissions by noon, Wednesdays, to Carol Clark at [email protected]

� Include a brief description of the item in the subject line of the email.
� Please include the text (in 10pt Arial) in an attachment to your email.
� Flyers will be summarized briefly in the email newsletter, with a link provided to access the complete flyer. Flyers must be provided electronically to enable online access.

 

Please note: Community announcements are for local children's events only. The title, date and contact number will be listed with a one-two sentence descriptor.

 

The Lion's Roar is distributed via email every Monday. Printed copies are available in the school office, or the newsletter archives may be viewed online.  If you have trouble receiving the Lion's Roar, please ensure your email reader or service is not blocking the Lion's Roar because it is a group distribution. To change your email address, please click 'Update Profile/Email Address' below. Thank you!