The Lion's Roar  

The Las Lomitas PTA Newsletter  
                                                                         Week of September 24, 2012     
In This Issue
PTA News
School News
School District News
Las Lomitas Education Foundation
Community News
Business Sponsors News
Newsletter Submissions
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 Calendar

 

This Week: 

 

Wednesday        Holiday Workshop Planning Meeting

                          9:30 a.m. at the lunch tables

  

                          Morning with the Superintendent

                          9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Cano Hall

 

                          Evening with the Superintendent

                          7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Cano Hall

 

Coming Soon:  

 

Oct. 11 and 12     NO SCHOOL - Staff Development Days   

 

 

PTA News

  

PTA Membership Update

 
328 Families have registered with the PTA so far. Thank you!  That puts us at 62% of you who have chosen to continue to provide support to the programs that your child(ren) enjoy.  
 
This past Wednesday, we had a fabulous assembly with Gary Lapow, a singer songwriter who taught the children about learning respect for one another and celebrating the many joys of life.  His songs tied  in nicely with the 2nd Step Las Lomitas socio-emotional curriculum. We received such positive feedback that the kids loved it and learned a lot!  This is another example of your PTA Membership dollars being put to good use. 
 
 
Remember,  the PTA provides much needed funding towards other programs such as student field trips, the school directory, teacher room supplies, and the holiday workshop.  If you haven't yet joined, there is still time. Our goal is to have 80% of families participate! For those of you who recently signed up, your membership cards are ready for pick up in the school office under the red 'Membership Cards' sign. Activate your membership online or by phone to take advantage of the discounts available only to PTA Members!
 
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Jennifer Williams ([email protected]).

Spread the word and join the PTA today!
 
  
 

 

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Holiday Workshop Planning Meeting

 

Wednesday, September 26, 9:30 a.m. at the lunch tables.

 

Calling all parents!  Would you like to help plan for the Holiday Workshop?  Do you have an idea for a craft or are you interested in leading a table?  Come join us at our opening meeting to prepare for this fun event.  If you have a craft idea, bring a sample along to share.  (Please budget $0.88 per craft).  You don't have to be crafty to help out!  Remember to check in at the office.  If you have questions or want to  help but are unable to attend the planning meeting, please feel free to contact Kristina Valentine ([email protected]) or Josie Tang ([email protected]).     

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Apple for the Classroom, Coming Online Soon! 
 

Are you looking for a way to help further enrich your children's experience at Las Lomitas? 

 

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.  Historically, these lists were placed in a binder located in the office.  This year, we have removed the binder from the office and placed all the lists online.  The teachers are currently creating their wish lists and we are finalizing the details to allow for online donations.  As soon as the site is up and ready, we will let you know.  Please stay tuned...

 

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 ([email protected]). 

School News

Dear Las Lomitas Families,

 

Can you feel the change in the seasons? I sure can! This is the time when the lost and found fills up. Jackets and sweaters for early morning get dropped on the playground as the day warms up. Please come by the office and check to see if we have something that belongs to your family.

 

It was great to have so many parents at the first Morning with the Principal. There were almost 30 of you! Topics discussed included multi-grade classes, reading support programs, math training for teachers, National Board certification, playground rules and the 2-seating lunch schedule. Quite a variety! The next opportunity will be an Evening with the Principal on November 7 at 6:30 p.m. Please watch for details. I look forward to our conversations.

 

Are you prepared for an emergency? At Las Lomitas we have many systems in place to ensure the safety of your child during an emergency. We have drills to practice what to do in case of a fire, earthquake or cause to shelter-in-place. We also have district-wide communication systems to notify you immediately if needed. However, we can only reach you if the contact information we have is correct. Please, notify the school if you have a new email or phone number. Make sure that names and phone numbers of emergency contacts are listed on your child's emergency card should we not be able to reach you. Be sure your child knows who you have authorized to pick them up if you aren't available. Children are instructed to not go home with someone without your permission. An emergency is already a confusing situation. Let's set this confusion aside now! Finally, be sure the adults on the emergency card know that they are listed and may be called. Safety is our number one priority. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

 

Continuing along with the safety theme, thank you to everyone who signs in at the office when arriving on campus. All visitors are expected to wear a name badge if they are going to be on campus other than going to the office ~ even if you are here for just a short time. You will be stopped and asked to return to the office if you do not have the badge visible during school hours. You do not need to sign in if you are on campus after hours, even on the minimum days.

 

For those of you who may not know, every Friday is "Spirit Day" at Las Lomitas. Be sure to wear your red and white! If you are interested in purchasing spirit wear, go to www.laslomitaspta.org. They have quite a selection!

 

Until next time,

Sue

 

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Special Notice for Second Session Parents

 

Please do not drop your students off before 10:15 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. First session classes are in progress and noise at the flag pole can be disruptive. Under no circumstances should a student be dropped off without parent supervision. We do not have supervision until 10:15 recess. Thank you for your cooperation in making Las Lomitas a safe environment that is conducive to learning.

 

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PLEASE leave your dogs at home.  They are not permitted on school property without prior permission.  Dogs are particularly a safety risk at the flagpole area during dismissal times.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

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Just a reminder...Anything precious (toys, jewelry etc.) that if lost at school could cause distress, is best left at home.  Thank you.

 

School District News

LLESDSwirl
                                       ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
                                                        Las Lomitas School
                                                               2012-2013

The English Advisory Committee 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:

    • Serve as a member on the District English Language Advisory Committee
    • Assist in developing school plans for English Learners
    • Conduct an annual needs assessment
    • Prepare an annual language census
    • Advise the District regarding redesignation procedures

If you are interested in serving on this committee, please call Lesli Leong, ELD Teacher at Las Lomitas (854-5900).

 

El comit� consejero del programa para alumnos aprendiendo ingl�s 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
    • 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

Si tiene inter�s en este comit�, por favor llamen a Lesli Leong, maestra de ELD en la escuela Las Lomitas (854-5900).

 

Las Lomitas Education Foundation

 

foundation logo  

 

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Foundation Fact:    

 

Did you know our school district will receive only $445,000 from the state of California this year?  That's enough to pay for almost 4 days of the school year.

 

Click here to learn more

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

Become an official member of Friends of the Foundation!   

Many people tell us how much they would like to volunteer for the Foundation, but not as a board member.  Now you can help your children's schools by serving as a Friend of the Foundation!   As a Friend of the Foundation, you will have three responsibilities: 

  • Stake yards near your neighborhood with thank you signs at the end of October, and then collect them when we're done campaigning.  This is a 1-2
    hour time commitment in the Fall.
  • Volunteer to work at either Grandparents' Day or the Auction...which ever suits your schedule the best.  Grandparents' Day is one of the most fun events of the year and happens on a weekday!  Auction is a great chance to work with other parents and will be an evening or weekend opportunity to help.  This will be a 2 hour time commitment in the Spring.
  • Be on call to help other fun volunteers stuff letters, assemble flyers or support the Fun Run - according to your schedule and only when you want!  This is no additional time commitment, unless you choose to give additional time.

Your help and volunteer spirit is needed!  Email Shari Guggenhime at [email protected] to become a Friend of the Foundation today.

 

 

Shop and Support Our Schools!

Did you know online retailers like Amazon.com, and grocery stores like Safeway, will donate to the Las Lomitas Education Foundation every time you shop online or visit the grocery store? It's easy! When shopping on Amazon.com, please first visit the Las Lomitas Education Foundation website and click through the Amazon.com link found there to access the Amazon.com website. Accomplish that one simple step, and Amazon.com will donate 7% of your shopping transaction to LLEF.  Don't miss this easy way to improve your child's education.

 

 

Father-Daughter Dance
outreach

Friday, October 19, 2012. 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 

Calling all fathers and their gorgeous daughters to Jensen Hall at La Entrada!  Dance the night away with your daughter to some great music.  This festive event is open to all grades.  $75 per father/daughter pair and $25 per additional sibling.

 
**Kindergarten dads, this is a wonderful opportunity to start the tradition of a special father/daughter evening.**  (Outreach is available.  Please contact the La Entrada school office for details.)                 
                                                                   
Community News
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the Las Lomitas Elementary School or the Las Lomitas PTA.
 

Halloween Costume Drive
- Give Families in Need a Special Treat
Please help the families of Haven House Family Shelter have a great Halloween by donating new or gently used costumes in all sizes (infant through adult).  The Girl Scout troops of Las Lomitas and La Entrada are working together with Suzanne Mitchell (La Entrada Technology Director) to collect costumes at both schools.  Look for the bins and Girl Scouts during morning drop off the week of October 1 - no need to even get out of the car, we will take it to the bin for you!  (La Entrada bins will be out until October 15).  Haven House, part of the Innvision/Shelter Network, offers emergency and transitional housing for homeless families.  Each night, almost 100 kids (infants to teens) call the shelter home while their parents are working to move them back to permanent housing.  Your donation of Halloween costumes will ensure that these kids can participate in the fun of the season at a very difficult time in their lives!  Any questions please contact Barrie Shapiro ([email protected]), Ginny Rader ([email protected]), or Suzanne Mitchell ([email protected])


Kepler's Books and the M-A Parent Education Series present:
Dr. Madeline Levine "Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success"
Thursday, October 11, 7:00 p.m. in the M-A Center for the Performing Arts (PAC)

Psychologist Madeline Levine brings together cutting edge research and thirty years of clinical experience to explode once and for all the myth that good grades, high test scores, and college acceptances should define the parenting endgame and acknowledges that every parent wants successful children.  However, until we are clearer about our core values and the parenting choices that are most likely to lead to authentic, and not superficial, success, we will continue to raise exhausted externally driven, impaired children who believe they are only as good as their last performance.

Madeline Levine, PhD, is a clinician, consultant and educator.  She's the author of The Price of Privilege and co-founder of Challenge Success, a project birthed at the Stanford School of Education that addresses education reform, student well-being and parent education.

For more information, contact Charlene Margot ([email protected]).  Free tickets are available here.  This event is open to the public and sponsored by Kepler's Books, Menlo-Atherton PTA and Sequoia Healthcare District.  Kepler's Books will have copies of Teacher Your Children Well for sale at the event or you can click here to buy the book online.

 

 

The Knowledge to Navigate: Strategies for Raising Healthy & Motivated Kids

September 28, 2012, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University
Our Keynote speaker, Michael Riera, Ph.D. joins our Co-Founders, Stanford Senior Lecturer, Denise Pope, Ph.D. and New York Times best selling Author, Madeline Levine, Ph.D. for an interactive discussion about long-lasting success and how families and educators can help kids become meaningful contributors for the 21st century.  This event is hosted by Challenge Success. Please visit our website to register and contact [email protected] for more information.  Attendance is free.


Come learn a common-sense approach to parenting that really works!  Kimberly Gonsalves teaches Parenting With Positive Discipline in a 5 week class that meets Wednesdays, October 10 through November 14 in San Carlos.  Go to our website for more information or call 650-440-3148.


Cub Scouts offers fun and challenging experiences for 1st through 5th grade boys and their parents to do together, such as camping outdoors, learning how to cook, learning first aid skills, using hand tools, completing small community service projects, and learning about our community.  New dens will be forming this Fall.  If you have further questions, please email Stacey White ([email protected]) or visit the Pack 222 website.

 

 

Gymnastics for late birds!  Burgess has created a class to accommodate our late bird students. The class will run Mondays from 8:40 - 9:30 a.m. from September 10 through December 12.   Registration is now open. To register please contact Karen Mihalek ([email protected]).  The class code is 5510.283. 

 

  

Alpine Strikers FC - Early Childhood Soccer Programs 
Alpine Strikers offers early childhood soccer programs for children ages 5-6 (Alpine Strikers Attack) and for younger children (Alpine Strikers Ants). If your young child shares a passion for soccer and is interested in developing skills with professional coaches, check out these local programs - held at either Burgess Park or Portola Valley Town Center. For more information, please visit our website.  
 
Redwood National Junior Basketball (NJB) Sign-ups Are Open - Sign up your son or daughter nowNJB Winter Basketball registration is now open on our website This Redwood Chapter is starting its 10th year.  We're proud of the positive growth of thousands of kids in our program, and of our NJB alumni continuing to play recreational and competitive basketball.  Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids from 1st through 8th grades.  Come join us this year for a great basketball experience.  The season runs from November through February.  Many kids play NJB as well as school ball; it is definitely possible for those who enjoy basketball.  For questions, see our website or contact Dan Steere ([email protected]). 

 

  

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS - Musical Service Organization
District parent Paula Hamilton has started a musical service organization named 'Calling All Musicians.'  The organization visits senior residential centers and provides music by performing solos, duets, etc. or by leading and participating in sing-alongs.  This group was written up in inMenlo this past summer here and is looking for more musicians.  All ages and ability levels are welcome in this group.  If you, your children, or other family members or friends are interested in participating, we'd love to have you join us for one or more performances.  Please contact Paula ([email protected]) if you're interested in performing or being added to our email distribution list. 
 
 
Chinese Music Lessons and Orchestra - Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra (FYCO) offers a unique opportunity to learn Chinese music on traditional Chinese instruments.Students learn Chinese folk songs, folk music, musical storytelling (Quyi) and regional opera (Xiqu). The program accepts students from 7 to 18 years old. Classes are at San Jose City College's music department.  For more information, see our website.     

 

  

U-Me Fall Classes are here! Enjoy a rich lineup of classes in U-Me's fresh facility. Classes include: reading & math, music, art, legos, gymnastics, and fitness. Come for the class and stay for the fun!  Check out our schedule.

 

 

Register for Ragazzi Boys Chorus  By appointment through the month of September, Redwood City.  Ragazzi Boys Chorus offers a complete music education through a proven, award-winning choral program. Boys begin with one rehearsal per week of choral singing and progress through a full course of choral/vocal and music theory instruction.  Ragazzi produces its own concert series, sings the National Anthem at a SF Giants Game, tours (domestic and international), and collaborates with other prestigious Bay Area arts organizations.  No-stress auditions are for boys between the ages of 7 and 10; no previous singing experience is required. Appointments: (650) 342-8785 or [email protected].  More info: http://j.mp/N6aVVG.  You Tube:http://j.mp/TIRPUF
Flyers are in the school office.  

 
Announcing Saturday Camp Menlo
Kids age 5-10 are invited to join us every Saturday for two exciting, high-energy camps that will keep young athletes moving and grooving! Tennis Camp develops and challenges the beginning to intermediate tennis player with tennis instruction based on the USTA 10 and Under program. Our Saturday All-Sport Camp encourages campers to try something new each week, with three different sports available, including basketball, Frisbee, swimming, obstacle course, and flag-football. Both camps are offered each Saturday, September 15 - December 15, from 8:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. Sign up for one or many, depending on your schedule. Discounts available for multiple weeks and siblings. Visit our website for more details.

 

  

Menlo Mavericks Swim and Water Polo team 
Join Menlo Mavericks and continue the fun of a summer aquatics team in a year-round, competitive environment. All levels accommodated, ages 5-18 welcome. Flexible afternoon practice schedule allows swimmers to attend practice when convenient. And new for 2012 - Youth Water Polo! Visit our website for more details.

 

  

Menlo Swim School
Looking for Saturday youth swim lessons? Menlo Swim School has expanded lesson times for all levels available at our Belle Haven Pool in Menlo Park. Classes available 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., session runs September 8 through October 27. Visit our website for more details. 
 
Business Sponsors News

These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the Las Lomitas Elementary School or the Las Lomitas PTA:


Creative Art For Young Children - Portola Valley Town Center 
FALL 2012 Sept. 20 - Dec. 8 (no classes Nov. 22-24) 
To begin our Fall Session we will bring the earthy colors of fall together with art projects inspired by an African theme. We will explore what life is like for the Maasai children and learn the games they play and how much they are loved by the whole community. The making of clay dolls and jungle animals, masks and beaded jewelry will help us find a deeper connection to our African friends. 
And our hearts will jump for joy to the beat of African drums as we follow Picasso (who was also inspired by African Art) into his world of painting where we will find inspiration from a man who dared to sketch like a 3 year old and spent a lifetime learning to paint like a child. What comes next depends on where our creativity takes us, but we will end with our ever popular art show where the kids point to their artwork with our very big magic paint brush.  More info on the Town'swebsite, or by contacting Jeannie Goldman at (650) 851-1914.  Register with the town online or call Cindy @ (650)851-1700 ext. 200.  Open registration began on August 24. 

 

Dance Expressions - Love to dance? Come Join Dance Expressions in Menlo Park at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Classes are offered for kids ages 3 and up. For more information check out our website. Don't miss out on the Dance Expressions fun!   

  

  
Studio Rincon - Tap is Back Mondays after school at Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park! "Tiny Tappers", ages 5-7. "Funky Tap", ages 8-11.  Advanced Tap, ages 12-teen. 
Fridays feature "Break Dancing & Poppin", ages 10-teen and "Hip Hop", ages 10-teen.  Kids learn and practice in small classes while having a great time! View the schedule. To sign up, or if you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

 

Newsletter Submissions

The Lion's Roar is published by the Las Lomitas PTA as a service to the Las Lomitas families and community. Before submitting an article, please read our newsletter policies.

To submit an item, email Carol Clark ([email protected]) by 12 noon on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication date.

Submission Requirements:
  • In the subject line of the email, please include the section in which you wish your item to be placed (see our newsletter policies for the list of our regular sections); for example, the subject may read "PTA News" for any item related to PTA programs;  
  • DO NOT send the article as an attachment but in the body of the email: submissions sent as a Word doc will be rejected;
  • Clearly indicate the title of your submission;  
  • DO NOT send flyers but provide a link to them;
  • DO NOT send pictures but provide a link to them;
For past issues, visit the PTA Newsletter archive

Donna Hall
Lion's Roar Editor

 

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!