The Lion's Roar  

The Las Lomitas PTA Newsletter  
                                                                         Week of April 30, 2012     
In This Issue
Las Lomitas Education Foundation News
School News
PTA News
PTA Executive Board 2012-2013
Appreciation Week
Menlo Park Library News
From Carol and Cindy
Calling All HP Parents
Thank You!
LLESD Governing Board
Community Resources
Community News
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

  • 4/30 STAR Testing begins
  • 5/2 PTA Bd. Mtg. - 9 a.m. - room 20B

 Coming Soon

  • Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Week begins May 7
  • 5/9 Morning with the Principal - 9 a.m. - Cano Hall
  • 5/9 School Bd. Mtg. - 7 p.m. - LE MUR
  • 5/11 Appreciation Luncheon
Las Lomitas Education Foundation News

    

Roar4-30 
 

 

 

 

SPRING AUCTION 2012

 

 

 

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

 

London Olympics Countdown:  20 days left till the party of the year!!!

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW at www.llef.org!!!

 

DRESS:  The options are endless!  Think Summer Games athlete from any era or place - or be a "team" with some friends or your spouse.  Grab some British inspiration  - David Bowie, Posh Spice, the Beatles, the Queen, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, a knight, or a Beefeater!  Think Opening Ceremonies cultural wear...or come as you are - a fan of the USA!  Just get your creative juices flowing and have fun - this is the world's stage! 

 

SEATING:   If you don't know where to sit, no problem!  Let us do the seating for you.  We'll seat you with other parents from your child's grade or class, from your neighborhood, or both!  Seating is for dinner and the Live Auction, but the majority of time you are on your feet, bidding, dancing, and hanging out at the London Pub!

 

EARLY BIRD CHECK-IN begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  Be one of the first to fire up your super-cool "BidPal" device (more details to come) and buy your Events & Adventures tickets right away as many parties sell out quickly!  The entire Silent Auction and London Pub will be open too!  Get the party started!

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  It is an Olympian effort to produce this event - please help us! Volunteers are needed at the following times:

         Saturday, May 19 Set-up from 9:00 a.m. - noon, and from noon - 3:00 p.m.

         During the party, for check-in, check-out, Live Auction and FAN "Spotting," etc.

         Sunday, May 20 take-down - from 9:00 a.m. - noon.

Many hands make light work, and this is a great way to get to know people in a quick two or three-hour time slot. Kids who are ready to work are welcome! 

Please contact Valorie Friedsam at [email protected] if you can help out!

 

AUCTION CATALOG:  Get excited...this fabulous book of nearly 600 amazing items will come home in your youngest child's backpack on Monday, May 7.  It will also be posted online at our website, www.llef.org, along with detailed descriptions and pictures of getaways and other auction previews.

 

And announcing.....the Olympian Wine Bar! 

In addition to the outstanding fine wines so generously provided by Amici Cellars for our regular London Pub, the event will also feature a specialty wine bar, offering several tiers of exceptional and unusual wines for sale by the glass. No cash is needed - just your bid number.  Dionysius would be proud...

 

AUCTION PREVIEW:

Take a look at these Auction Highlights...yours for the bidding!

         Trip to the London Olympics with tickets to 7 premiere events, August 8-13.

         CMH Heli-Ski Trip to British Columbia for two - 4 days at Revelstoke or Kootenay

         Three nights at the Ahwahnee Hotel Sunroom Suite for Memorial Day Weekend

         Trip for four via private jet to a home football game of #1 ranked USC Trojans

         Jet Fighter Pilots for a Day! Dog fight your pal in the sky! (All real, just no guns)

         Ski-in/Ski-out Luxury Deer Valley Condo for the Sundance Film Festival

         Round of golf for three at Pebble Beach with former NFL star Harris Barton

         Fisker Karma Luxury Hybrid car for weekend escape to Meadowood Napa Valley

         Andrew Luck personalized autographed jersey and football

         Four tickets and limo service to "Outstanding in a Field" gourmet beach dinner

         And so much more . . .

 

 

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

 

funrun

 

 

 

REGISTER NOW FOR THE INAUGURAL

Las Lomitas Education Foundation Fun Run 2012

 

Please bring your entire family and join the Las Lomitas Education Foundation's first ever Las Lomitas Education Foundation Fun Run, which will be held Saturday, May 12 starting at 8:30 AM from the Las Lomitas Kindergarten playground.  Three separate run/walk events will be held, and everyone is invited to participate:

  • A short course on the Las Lomitas playground for the youngest participants
  • A medium-distance road course (approximately 1 mile) on the beautiful streets of Atherton for older kids wanting a bigger challenge
  • A 5K run/walk:  a flat and fast road course through the beautiful backstreets of Atherton.

Mark your calendars and start your preparations today!  The events aren't just for runners:  walkers and those pushing strollers are welcome too.  Register at www.llef.org now!!! 

 

 

           grandparents

  

  

GRANDPARENTS' DAY REGISTRATION ENDS MAY 4TH
 

As a reminder, registration for Grandparents' Day closes this Friday, May 4th! Please check with the grandparents in your family and encourage them to sign up  for Grandparents' Day, which will take place on the morning of Friday, June 1st at Las Lomitas. Thank you to those grandparents who have already registered for the event...we look forward to celebrating with you!

School News

  

 

Dear Las Lomitas Families,


Wow! A lot can happen in a couple of weeks! I want to update you on some recent staffing decisions. First, I am pleased to announce that we have hired Alain Camou (pronounced Allen Kamoo) as the new Assistant Principal. Alain is currently a district Math Coach for the South San Francisco School District. He has a deep understanding of primary education and child development having taught first and second grades for twelve years. Alain was a Teacher on Special Assignment as assistant to the principal at his school last year, giving him hands-on experience as an administrator. He is very knowledgeable about special education programs, English Language Development, instructional best-practices, data analysis and reflective coaching. I will be "officially" introducing Alain to the community at the Board Meeting on May 9th. He will be on campus the last week of school to meet teachers, visit classrooms and get started learning the ropes of the new job. I look forward to Alain being part of the Las Lomitas team!

As mentioned in an earlier article, Beverley St. John retired last week. We are still looking for a replacement. In the interim, Cindy Leiva will be filling the office secretary position. Cindy was the temporary replacement for the Superintendent's secretary last fall and did a fine job. Please welcome her and do your best to help her out as she learns the ins-and-outs of our office. Also, let me know if you or someone you know is interested in applying for the position.

 

We have a new Parent Information Center in the office! You may have noticed the bit of remodeling that we did in the office to the left as you enter. This area was enhanced so we could provide commonly requested forms and information that parents can easily find on their own. The Apple for the Classroom binder, school calendars, Board packets, LLEF brochures, hot food information, summer camp fliers, and more is all in one place now. We even have a selection of books you may want to take home and read. Please take a look next time you are in the office. What you are looking for is probably there ~ if not, just ask Carol or Cindy to help you.

 

Finally, please take a look at the information below about Student Emergency Cards. It is imperative that you complete these forms and return to the teacher as soon as possible. I thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this annual update to keep your child's information current in case of an emergency.


Until next time,

Sue Sartor

Principal

 

Safety Tip:  Do not park in the drive-through lanes and block traffic at dismissal time.  Park and walk into campus for special events or performances.  

 

 

2012-2013 Student Emergency Cards

The Student Emergency Card needs to be updated once a year. It documents important information about your child and also serves as a registration form for the next year in our District. Please check that all the information is current, all missing information completed, and edit where appropriate. We find that parent's emails addresses are most often overlooked, so we ask you to double-check that and all information for needed changes.  If any information on this form changes during the next school year,  please update the school office.  Return this form to your child's teacher by May 18th. 

Even if you are not returning to the District, please check the appropriate box at the top of the form and return the form to your child's teacher.

Thank you.

 

PTA News

   

 

 

Would you like to lead or co-lead

any of these PTA committees?

 

We are so grateful to the committee leads that contributed their time and enthusiasm to make these programs so special this year - thank you!

 

As these folks move on, we are seeking new volunteers to lead or co-lead a program. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the school, build friendships with new families, but most importantly make your child's school experience more special (kids LOVE to see a parent volunteer at school)!

 

The PTA Volunteer Coordinator will make sure you have all the volunteers required to execute the program, we just need you (and a co-lead, if desired) to facilitate!

 

Art Notecards

Family Picnic

Food For Thought

Fun Fridays

Holiday Workshop

Hospitality

Hot Food Days Chair

Junior Great Books

Kindergarten Roundup

Pancake Breakfast

Picture Day

Young Authors

Spiritwear

 

If you would like to learn more about any of these programs, contact Cindy Tipton ([email protected]) or visit the PTA website for a brief description http://www.laslomitaspta.org/ptaprograms.html.

 

 

PTA Executive Board 2012-2013

 

 

The 2012 PTA Nominating Committee is pleased to present the new slate for the 2012-13 PTA Executive Board:

  

President: Cindy Tipton

1st VP: Christy Chin                                                 

Treasurer: Julie Herlihy

SecretaryLinda Mills

2nd VP, Volunteer Coordinator: Cindy Anderson

3rd VP, Hot Food:  Stacy May

4th VP, Membership:  Jennifer Williams

Parliamentarian:  Donna Hall  


Please click here (hyperlink Click here to: http://www.laslomitaspta.org/programs/vote.html) to vote to approve the 2012-13 PTA Executive Board

A HUGE thank you to the 2012 PTA Nominating Committee:
Melissa Almgren
Shari Guggenhime
Cynthia Norris
Cindy Tipton

 

Appreciation Week

 

 

 

  appreciation

 

LAS LOMITAS APPRECIATION WEEK IS COMING!!!  WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR CHAMPIONS!!!
 
Get excited for a very special week!  Las Lomitas Appreciation Week honors our entire staff and our parent volunteers.  Please watch for a flyer coming in home in backpacks this week with all the details.  Mark your calendars for Friday, May 11...our Appreciation Luncheon will be from noon-1 p.m. in Cano Hall and all are invited!  RSVP to www.laslomitaspta.org for this adult-only event.

We are looking for volunteers to cover the front office and the playground while the staff is attending the luncheon.  You can help out by emailing Kristine Westerlind at [email protected].  It's only one hour of your time, and yet a very impactful way to show your gratitude to the staff for all their hard work and commitment to our children!

Desserts for the luncheon are provided by parents potluck style.  Go to www.laslomitaspta.org and sign up to drop off a dessert between 8:30 and 11 a.m. on Friday, May 11th.  
 
Questions about Las Lomitas Appreciation Week?  Contact MJ Crousore at [email protected].  
Menlo Park Library News

 

 

The Menlo Park Library will be closed to the public for four weeks from Monday May 21 through Sunday June 17, 2012.  The library will be remodeling its Circulation area as it updates its data storage and retrieval system by implementing radio frequency identification (RFID).  In addition to this update in technology, the carpeting throughout the Library will be replaced.  

The Library is part of the Peninsula Library System, a consortium of libraries up and down the Peninsula that share materials thereby expanding each individual library's collection.  Member libraries of Peninsula Library System are converting to RFID technology because the implementation of RFID boosts productivity, improves collection management and enhances customer service.  As a result of these changes, patrons will be able to check out materials more quickly and more staff can be focused on enhanced customer service.

 

From Carol and Cindy

 

 

If your child is going to be absent, please call the attendance line, 854-5900 ext. 1 with the information.  If you email the teacher, the information is not always transferred to the office.

 

                         * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

We are in need of sweatpants for really tiny bodies - kindergarten sized.  Thank you! 

 

Calling All HP Parents

 

HP's Employee Product Giving Program reopens on Tuesday, May 1st .  Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to donate HP products at 25% of list price to the Las Lomitas and La Entrada schools!   Funds are available on a first come, first served basis so you'll need to apply quickly.   Details on how to donate are available at the following link  (http://intranet.hp.com/marketing/Marketinghome/SocialInnovation/Pages/GiveProducts.aspx).    The school is particularly looking for HP TouchSmart 9100 PCs for the classrooms.  If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Mitchell [[email protected]] or Bob Wrenn ([email protected]).

 

Thank You!

 

Thanks to the many parents who volunteered their time to make the Kindergarten Round-Up a huge success.  Thanks as well to the participating Kindergarten classrooms - we so appreciate you taking the time to participate in this event.

 

A special thank you to Beverley St. John for providing all of the student data and to Pam Wright for printing the festive name tags.

 

The Round-up would not have been a success without all of your help.  Thank you!

 

Melissa and Lisa 

 

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 the Superintendent's Secretary at 854-2880.  

 

Business Partners News

 

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

  • 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. 
  • SOLO Aquatics Swim Team -- Children Ages 3 - 18   
    Burgess Pool and MA High School Pool, Menlo Park
    Serving Menlo Park families for two decades, SOLO swim team is unique from all other swim programs because of the outstanding quality of its coaching and instruction, the individual attention each swimmer receives, the focus on technique, and its commitment to inspiring kids to fall in love with swimming.  Led by SOLO Head Coach Tom McRae whose educational background is in Physical Education specializing in developmental motor patterns in children, our experienced coaching staff will help children learn outstanding stroke technique, endurance, and personal accomplishment in a safe, FUN environment!  Check out our Summer Sharks, Racer and Dynamo programs for young children aged 4-8 on our website: www.soloaquatics.com.
    For more information contact [email protected] or (650) 851-9091.
  • JEFF ARONS' YOUTH TENNIS CAMPS AT SACRED HEART SCHOOLS   
    Jeff Arons is the director of tennis for Sacred Heart Schools.  His coaching experiences include founding/directing the East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring Program and coaching a Wimbledon doubles champion.  His morning camps offer the beginning/intermediate level player the opportunity to develop their skills in a child friendly and fun environment.  His afternoon camps are geared towards improving the performance of intermediate to advanced players.
    Grades: 1st through 12th at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ten one week sessions beginning June 11 and ending August 17.  For more please go to www.jeffaronstennis.com

Community News

  

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

 

 

Carillon Preschools Young 5's program runs mornings 9-1, Monday through Thursday and has a few openings for next year.  Please contact Lynn Sowers, [email protected] or call 650-529-1335 for more information and a tour.

 

SCIENCE AND NATURE SUMMER PROGRAMS-SNAKE CAMP AND EXPLORE!

Please join us at SNAKE Camp and Explore!, the Environmental Volunteers' fun and exciting summer programs!  And bring your friends!  SNAKE Camp, for kids entering grades 1-5, will consist of 4 weekly themes: All About Animals; Native Ways; Nature Adventures; and Trekking,Tracking & Treasure Hunts. SNAKE Camp will be held from June 18-July 13. Explore!, for youth entering grades 6-8, will consist of 3 weeks of exciting eco-adventures, including ziplines, rock climbing, whale watching, surfing, and lots more! Explore! will be held from July 16-August 3. For more information, and to register, please visit www.evols.org on the Summer Programs shortcut. and click

    

Take the 2012 Drive Less Challenge!
April 22 - May 5th, 2012
The Drive Less Challenge is a fun way that you can try alternatives to driving your car to work, school, shopping, and other local places.  Walking, biking, and taking transit instead of driving are great ways to improve your health, protect our environment, reduce car traffic (the largest source of CO2 emissions in the Bay Area). and to promote local commerce.  Use our online Challenge application to share your stories, and to join or form groups - including friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others - to compete for fun and prizes from local businesses.
Participate, volunteer, or sponsor the DLC at: http://www.drivelesschallenge.com

 

Come into the Las Lomitas office and visit our new Parent Information Corner!  You'll find lots of information about programs for children such as Camp Galileo, iD tech Camps, Hi-Five Sports Club, Bulldog Sports and Fitness, Las Lomitas Summer Program and many more!    

 

Ladera Community Church Preschool still has openings in the Threes MWF class and the Pre-K classes (MWF and T/Th) for the 2012-2013 school year. We are a NAEYC-accredited preschool for children ages 2 - 5 years, and we're located in a lovely setting in Portola Valley. LCC Preschool excels at creating stimulating, developmentally appropriate curriculum in an engaging play-based environment. Come observe our teachers and visit our wonderful facility at 3300 Alpine Road in Portola Valley. To find out more, visit our website at www.laderapreschool.org or contact Director Sandi Snider at 854-0295.

 

Vision Volleyball Club "Futures" Spring Session  Vision Volleyball Club is proud to announce the return of our "Futures" volleyball program. The Vision "Futures" program is designed to introduce and teach young, beginning players (girls ages 7-12 years old) the sport of volleyball in a fun and positive environment by experienced Vision coaches. All events will be held at Los Gatos High School gymnasium.
Dates: Every Sunday, April 15 - May 27 (excluding May 13)
Times: 2pm - 4pm (April 15th session will be from 6pm - 8pm)
Fees: $225 - Fees will be prorated if joining a session already in progress. Each participate will receive a camp T-shirt. Registration can be done online at www.visionvolleyball.com or may be completed on the first day of camp. Space is limited and will be offer on a first come first served basis. For additional information go to www.visionvolleyball.com or contact Joe Ripp at (408-356-9181.

 

AYSO Region 25 provides soccer for grades K-12 in the communities of Portola Valley, Woodside, La Honda, Ladera, and Las Lomitas.  Registration for Fall-2012 is online only Apr-15 thru May-31 at http://ayso25.org.  For up to date details, you can also find us at facebook.com/ayso25, or call Commissioner Don Yates at 650-851-2690.  AYSO is an all-volunteer organization.  Safe, fun, affordable, and memories that last a lifetime.  Every child plays at least half of every game.

  

   

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!