PTA News
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PTA GENERAL MEETING, APRIL 13, 2011
The PTA Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the slate for the 2011-2012 La Entrada PTA Executive Board members.
The nominated board is:
Co-Presidents: Libby Beasley and Leslie King
Co-Vice Presidents: Laura Glader and Anne Longo
Treasurer: Cecilia Pinto
Secretary: Shari Guggenheim
Volunteer Coordinator: Artis Montague
Parliamentarians: Marsha Abbott and Lucia Tedesco
This slate will be voted into office at the next PTA General Meeting on April 13th, 2011. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting. Coffee and refreshment will be served.
APPLE FOR THE CLASSROOM
Have you checked the "Apple for A Classroom" program lately? Please look for the binder in the office or click here for the list of supplies needed for your child's classroom.
STRUCK BY LIVING
Protecting Mental Health in a Hectic World with author Julie K. Hersh
Friday, April 1, 2011 at 10 a.m.
La Entrada Middle School, MUR
Awarded the Mental Health America Rush Altschuler Community Advocate Prism Award and selected as one of the 2010 Distinguished Women by Northwood University, Julie Hersh is an outspoken advocate for mental health. "Despite medical advances" Julie says, "too many people die by suicide because they are afraid to seek help." Julie's goal is to provide a living example that mental illness is a manageable disease. Her Struck by Living blog is featured on the Psychology Today website. Julie is also a guest blogger for "Say No to Stigma" for Menninger Clinic. Julie is also speaking at Stanford Campus, Skilling Auditorium (corner of Duran Bldg), 494 Lomita Mall on March 30th at 6 p.m.
THE TRUTH EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT DRUGS
Sgt. Leo Capovilla, San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force
Hillview Middle School Library
1100 Elder Avenue
Thursday, April 7th, 7 - 9 p.m.
It happens to nice kids from nice neighborhoods. Drugs are readily available -- from our own medicine cabinets to "medical" marijuana to street methamphetamine. Please join Sgt. Leo Capovilla for a frank, informative and practical discussion including what students are using, how they buy and sell drugs, how they hide them and how parents can recognize the problem and help their children. This one-of-a-kind presentation is an opportunity for you to see an extensive display and hear for yourself what the trends are in teen drug use. The free program is presented by CAMPUS -- Consortium of Atherton and Menlo Park United Schools -- and is open to parents, teachers and adminstrators only. No children allowed at presentation. For more information please email paularash@yahoo.com.
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School News |
TECHNOLOGY AT LA ENTRADA, SPRING 2011 EDITION
Although we still feel the chill of winter, La Entrada's room 2 has been scorching all year long. Even though KPAW and 4th and 5th grade computers are still going strong, Computer Power has ended its semester run and has been replaced by Digital Media Magic, formerly known as Multimedia Production. Why the name change? I guess I wanted a name with a little more pizzazz and more reflective of all the cool ways that computers can now manipulate images, audio and video. Hopefully you like it. So...what's new?
KPAW: We continue to broadcast our weekly broadcasts to the mid-Peninsula, via the Media Center in Palo Alto, where viewers with XFINITY 28 or AT&T U-verse 99 can watch us every Monday morning @ 9:37. Tune in if you can. In addition to learning the basics about studio broadcasting, we are also visiting the New York Times every day, studying current events and looking at how the 1st Amendment applies to us. All of this will help us to better understand what it takes to being a journalist and what an important role they provide for citizens. We also try to take advantage of the digital power of our computer lab and make use of a variety of web tools to create graphics, edit video and make sense of the super cool Google tools, especially Google Earth. Check out our web site to what else we are up to:
4th Grade Computers: We are currently sinking our teeth into spreadsheets. While learning about arrays, area, and multiplication, we are creating art in Excel. As students are finishing this project, we are flying around in Google Earth and exploring all of the useful layers that come with it including Borders and Labels, Photos, Roads, 3D Buildings, Ocean, Street View...and many others. We especially like traveling to Disneyland, various California missions, old mining ghost towns in the Sierras, and Yosemite. Another Google tool we hope to get to next is SketchUp, a 3D designing tool...Our daily agenda and project descriptions can all be found here:
https://sites.google.com/site/parkellyllesd/home/4th-grade-computers
5th Grade Computers:
Like the 4th graders, we too are exploring spreadsheets. However, our focus has been on two very scary topics...Formulas and Algebra! Ahhhh! Actually, once we actually figured out how to replace cell locations with numbers and figured out how a simple formula in Excel was written, students thought it was easy and even altered the formulas into more complex equations. Way cool! Next, we will check out Google Earth in more depth and fly around the globe using latitude and longitude coordinates while studying historical American sites like Plymouth MA, Jamestown VA and other historical sites. Then, using SketchUp and Waybe (an online tool) we'll design and build our own 3D models of different historical sites! The latest can be found at this web address:
https://sites.google.com/site/parkellyllesd/home/5th-grade-computers
Digital Media Magic: In this 1 semester 7-8 elective, we have been exploring the power of Adobe Photoshop Elements and other free online image manipulating tools. As I type, my students are in the midst of a Graphics Test which is checking to see if they can manipulate and create images using different tools to crop, layer, add filter effects, integrate transparency, create text and animate. Afterwards we will explore animation using a variety of free online tools including Scratch (visual programming), Pivot, Doink, Xtranormal and any others we stumble up-there are so many! Afterwards we'll analyze digital audio and alter existing music and sound files as well as create our own-again, using free web tools! Check out what we are currently up to here:
https://sites.google.com/site/parkellyllesd/home/multimedia-production
That's the latest from Mr. Parker Kelly's technology classes. I must admit, I feel grateful for having the opportunity to teach, and learn from, your child. My role as an educator has evolved so much over time that I now feel like I am a student alongside your children; we are pioneers in cyberspace as we learn new tools and think in new ways. It's very exciting and I hope I do my part to make sure your child gets a taste of what's in store for the 21st Century. Oh, don't forget my Activities page in case you aren't overwhelmed yet:
https://sites.google.com/site/parkellyllesd/home/activities-3
See you sooner than later,
Mr. Parker Kelly
AIRBANDS
Next Wednesday and Thursday, our students will be performing in La Entrada's Annual Airbands! If you unfamiliar with Airbands, it is an event where students from grades 4^th - 8th lip-sync and dance on stage to various songs. On Wednesday, March 30th, the performers will rehearse their act in front of an audience during both lunches. All parents are welcome to attend the Thursday night performance at 6:30 PM in Jensen Hall. If your child is a participant, they are required to check-in to the M.U.R by 6:00 PM. Airbands is put on by our very own Leadership/ASB students, and we all encourage you to come watch the highly-anticipated performance unveil!
Dates to Know:
Monday, March 28th: A copy of the song to Mrs. Rianda
Wednesday, March 30th: Lunchtime rehearsal in front of audience
Thursday, March 31st: Report to MUR by 6:00 PM, Show begins at 6:30 PM
INTERNET SAFETY TALK
On April 7th Officer Steve DeWarns will return to La Entarda to present to our 6-8 grade students about Internet safety. He will discuss social media, staying safe on the internet and cyber bullying. It's a great presentation that the students love. Please come to our Parent Talk with Officer DeWarns on April 7 at 12pm in Jensen Hall. This presentation is designed for parents only. Officer Steve will explain the importance of knowing the technology your children are using, and how to keep them safe. Officer Steve will present relevant parent information in regards to cyber safety, and talk about how to keep kids from being victims online. He will plan on staying for all of your questions. Before coming to the parent chat, please take a moment to look at the link on the La Entarda website for more information about cyber safety.
NORTHERN JAPAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND BAKE SALE
La Entrada will be holding a school-wide bake sale on Tuesday, March 29^th and Wednesday, March 30^th. All proceeds will be applied towards a benefit concert featuring the San Jose Taiko Group on the evening of Thursday, April 7th to raise money for the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. This event will be sponsored by the La Entrada staff and students. If you would like to donate baked goods for this event, please bring them in to Mrs. Rianda's room (24) on Monday, March 28^th.
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The Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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 The month of May just wouldn't be complete without the Las Lomitas Education Foundation Auction Party. This year we are traveling back in time to an unforgettable year, 1969! Our destination - Woodstock - site of the music revolution.
Calling all Joe Namath, Bob Dylan, and Carol Brady look-a-likes...it's time for tie- dye, peace, love, and rock and roll!!! Join us for cocktails, dinner and dancing as favorite band Pop Rocks plays through the night. Incredible, one-of-a-kind items will be yours for the winning at this year's auction!
What to wear??? Think back to when it all began for you...1969. Man walked on the moon, Sesame Street and Brady Bunch debuted, and The Gap opened it's very first store. Dress in character, tie dye, or the famous 1969 jeans on sale now at the Gap...paired with one of our 1969 logo t-shirts which will be available for purchase with your auction tickets.
Watch the mail for your invitation coming this Saturday, April 2nd! Tickets sales open at 6:00 a.m. April 2nd!
Get your table groups together now, or let us seat you with other parents from your child's grade. Either way, this is one party youdo NOT want to miss...raising money for our schools has never been so much fun!
Thank You for a Successful Grandparents' Day
The Foundation's 3rd annual Grandparents' Day was a success! About 300 grandparents attended and were treated to musical performances, a fine arts slide show, an audio visual presentation of "The Day in the Life of La Entrada", tours of the computer lab and library as well as visits to their grandchildren's classrooms. The day culminated with students joining their grandparents for lunch. Grandparents were able to experience much of what makes La Entrada so special including many examples of the enhanced curriculum supported through donations to the Foundation.
The success of Grandparents' Day wouldn't have been possible without the excellent leadership of Keri Tully and Laura Purpura, the event co-chairs, and the hard work of the entire Grandparents' Day team including Lucia Tedesco, Mary Zarucchi, Vicki Knapp, Lauren Schoenthaler, Melissa Jordan, Maria Lind, Kristin Galvin and Karen Zack. Thank you team! We want to extend another big thank you to all the parent volunteers, too numerous to mention (but you know who you are!), who helped with all the Grandparents' Day duties including check-in, refreshments, and luncheon set up and clean up.
Finally, the Foundation would like to thank all of the teachers, faculty, and staff who made Grandparents' Day a success. A special thank you goes out to Larry Thomas, Sonya Dineen, Joyce Massaro, Colin Cooper, Parker Kelly, Janet Gregori, Heather Ostrom, and Tanya Rianda.
 
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District News
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DELAC SURVEY
The District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC) needs your input. Your completion of this brief survey will assist in making decisions regarding the English Language Development (ELD) program. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey online. Your opinion is important to us. Thank you!
To complete the survey online now, click here:
(http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEFRSnRhdV96OVByLUV4S0xjT09TeUE6MA)
You can also access the survey via our district website: http://www.llesd.k12.ca.us
Click on "For Parents"
Scroll down to "English Learners"
Click on Survey Link on the left hand side
To receive a paper copy of this survey, please contact: Lesli Leong, ELD Teacher at Las Lomitas
LLeong@llesd.org (650) 854-5900 ext. 219.
SURVEY OF FAMILIES' PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR (2011-12)
To: All District Parents
From: Eric Hartwig, District Superintendent
Your assistance is requested in helping us with staffing plans for the next school year. The family plans survey is available at http://www.llesd.k12.ca.us/FamiliesPlansNextYr-moving.pdf or on the district website http://www.llesd.k12.ca.us/index.html.
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| Sequoia Union High News |
BIG BEAR RUN
Parents and athletes,
Did you know since January 2003 the Boosters have given $ 455,752.62 to assist the M-A sports programs? The majority of this funding was raised via the Big Bear Run... please see the signup and sponsorship forms below to help keep these the vital resources flowing. (Please note: deadline is March 31st for sponsorship benefits).
This year, teams will have a chance to win extra $$. Participation awards will be given to the three MA sport teams with highest percentage of students participating in the Big Bear Run. Small teams have just as much a chance to win as larger teams.
1st - $500
2nd - 250
3rd - $100
The Big Bear Run, M-A Boosters' only fundraiser raising critical dollars for all our athletic teams, will take place on Sunday, May 1st this year. This 5K walk/run for the entire family hosts over a thousand participants and will be a community highlight this Spring.
We need your help in getting the word out to sponsors and donors from all corners of our community.
Did you know that M-A has over 900 student athletes proudly competing each year against the best schools in our area? Their participation in the Bears' athletic program combines their excellent academic experience with an equally excellent and competitive sports experience. Without the support of the Boosters, your children would not have new uniforms, new equipment or the coaches that we have come to know and love.
The ONLY way we can keep up this tradition is by raising money from our families and local businesses!!!
If you are a local business owner, work for a company who supports public education, or a proud M-A Bears family, kindly review the attached sponsorship letter which details a wide array of giving levels. For additional information, please contact Michele Culhane at michculhane@pacbell.net or connect with us at www.m-aboosters.org.
Please support this cause and join the athletes in the Big Bear Run on May 1st! All teams and athletes will be in the race so please sign up your family today by clicking here.
Thanks and Go Bears!
Di Gow & Beth Henninger
Menlo Atherton Boosters Co-Presidents
Kathleen Balestra & Diana Holliday
Big Bear Run Co-Chairs"
SLEEP STUDY
International sleep expert, Mark Rosekind, Ph.D. returns for a special engagement at Menlo-Atherton High School. Dr. Rosekind is an engaging speaker known for his ability to translate the science of sleep into practical strategies for improving performance, safety, and health. He is currently serving in Washington, D.C., as a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and is former director of the Center for Human Sleep Research at Stanford. Working with Stanford's Dr. William Dement, Dr. Rosekind was the major architect of the program that has educated thousands of M-A students on the topic of sleep. Dr. Rosekind will be joined in the Q & A session by Menlo-Atherton parent and sleep specialist, Jerry Hester, M.D.
The session is at 7:15 pm Monday, April 4 at the PAC cafeteria on the Menlo-Atherton campus. Contact Maggie Betsock at bongos@jps.net if you have any questions. |
| Community News |
Remember to mention La Entrada at the register and Kepler's donates 10% back to our school.
RACE TO NOWHERE, a compelling documentary about the high-pressure world of education will be shown at Trinity Church, 330 Ravenswood Ave., in Menlo Park on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 7pm. Purchase Tickets HERE.
Free limited childcare is available for children under 10 yrs old by reservation only, by contacting office@trinitymenlopark.org.
TENNIS CAMPS
Jeff Arons, director of tennis for Sacred Heart Schools, is offering 10, one-week morning and afternoon summer tennis camps, June 6-August 12 for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. Please visit www.jeffaronstennis.com for more information.
GALILEO SUMMER QUEST RETURNS TO PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL IN 2011!
Rising 5th - 8th graders, this is your camp! At Galileo Summer Quest, you can try your hand at a variety of topics, experiencing one Major and two exciting Minors every day during your two-week session. 2011 Major and Minor offerings include brand-new unique curriculum especially created for our 7th-8th graders! Major options include: Go-Kart Makers, Fashion Design, Chefology, Video Game Design and Digital Photography. Minor options include: Hip-Hop Dance, Sports and Cartooning. To enroll or learn more, visit www.galileo-learning.com or call 1-800-854-3684.
Summer Basketball Camp for incoming 2nd to 8th graders. Diepenbrock Basketball School is a summer basketball camp led by Peter Diepenbrock, coach of Canada Basketball and former coach of the Palo Alto High School State Champion basketball team. Our biggest strength is the individual attention given to every player at every level. Please contact Coach Diepenbrock or 650-714-1522 or visit DiepenbrockBasketballSchool.com for more information.
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