The Leopard's Spot
The La Entrada PTA Newsletter
May 23rd, 2011
In This Issue
From the PTA Co-Presidents
School News
From the Foundation
Menlo-Atherton High School News
Community News
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List!
Calendar

This Week 

  • May 25 (Wed.): Lunchtime Enrichment Party, During both lunch periods, MUR
  • May 26 (Thur.): 5th Grade Band full-band rehearsal, 7:30am, Jensen Hall
  • May 27 (Fri.): Raging Waters for Spirit Winners  

Next Week

  • May 30 (Mon.): No School: Memorial Day
  • May 31 (Tues.): 5th Grade Band full-band rehearsal, 7:30am, Jensen Hall
  • Jun 1 (Wed.): Volunteer Appreciation Social, 3 pm, MUR
  • Jun 1 (Wed.): Spring Band Concert, 6:30pm, Sharon Park

 Upcoming Weeks

  • Jun 6 (Mon.) Yearbook Distribution, 2:15-2:30pm
  • Jun 6 (Mon.): 8th Grade Recognition Event, 3-4pm, Graduates Only
  • Jun 6 (Mon.): 6/7/8th Grade Band Students perform National Anthem at Giants game vs Washington Nationals, 6:45pm, AT&T Park
  • Jun 8 (Wed.): Minimum Day 8:05-11:30am
  • Jun 8 (Wed.): Class of 2011 Photo, 4:45-5:30pm
  • Jun 8 (Wed.): 8th Grade Graduation, 5:30-7pm, La Entrada Gym
  • Jun 8 (Wed.): 8th Grade Party, 7:30-10pm, Jensen Hall, Graduates Only
  • Jun 9 (Thurs.): Last Day of Classes/Minimum Day, 8:05-11:30am
  • Jun 9 (Thurs.): Ladera Rec. Pool Party, 6:30-9:30pm, Graduates Only

 

 

Join the PTA 

  
From the PTA Co-Presidents
Dear La Entrada Families,
 
It is hard to believe that summer will be in full swing in just three short weeks: it really seems like this year began just days ago. As we finish our term as PTA Co-Presidents, we'd like to thank our executive board for their sage advice and good humor and the amazing committee chairs who spent countless hours planning and implementing a broad range of programs and activities for our  community over the past year. Thank you to the volunteers who helped in every PTA program, whether tutoring all year long or helping students with a project during the Holiday Faire. Your investment in our community is priceless.
 
As we looked at the state budget situation last spring, we made a conscientious decision as a board to try to save money wherever possible in our programs so that we could support in-house enrichment and field trips to all grade levels. We are proud that through your membership and  revamping some programs, we were able to provide over  $2,500 to each grade level for those educational programs. We also implemented a few new programs to help both children and parents with  the transition from La Entrada by introducing a weekly lunchtime activities program and supporting a room parent program in fourth and fifth grades. And with encouragement from the PTA, we are expecting that the district will offer first-day packets  on-line with a drastic reduction of paper and volunteer hours.
 
Our final responsibility is to thank our volunteers. On Wednesday, June 1 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., we will host the Volunteer and Teacher Appreciation Social. We hope you'll join us in honoring the departing parents and staff who have provided so much and celebrate this amazing community.
 
We leave the PTA in the competent care of the 2011-2012 co-presidents, Libby Beasley and Leslie King, and their executive board. We are confident they will do a great job.
 
Have a wonderful summer,
 
Marsha Abbott and Lucia Tedesco
2010-2011 La Entrada PTA co-Presidents

School News 

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL POSITIONS OPEN

The La Entrada School Site Council has three parent positions open for the upcoming school year. This is a two-year commitment to sit as a Board member with Mr. Thomas, teachers, staff, and student representatives to determine certain expenditures and policies at La Entrada. If you are interested or have questions, please contact one of the following "retiring" parent representatives:

Submissions will be accepted until noon on Monday, May 23, 2011.

 

LUNCHTIME ENRICHMENT YEAR-END PARTY.
Join us at the MUR this Wednesday, May 25th, during both lunch periods for a "make-your-own sundae" party to celebrate the end of another terrific year of Lunchtime Enrichment. Students who participated in any of our Lunchtime Enrichment programs (Book Clubs, Perspectives in Medicine, Historical Weapons & Wars, and Youth Action Council) can come to the MUR during lunch period to join the party. Parent and staff volunteers who helped with Lunchtime Enrichment area also welcome to attend. Questions? Contact: Gloria Falcinelli or Maria Doktorczyk.
 
LUNCHTIME ENRICHMENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS - 2011-12
Are you interested in volunteering for Lunchtime Enrichment? Do you have a particular skill or area of knowledge that you would like to share with students on a monthly or bimonthly basis? Lunchtime Enrichment groups meet on Wednesdays during both lunch periods (approximately 11: 15 am to 12:45 pm). Past Enrichment Programs have included: Book Clubs, Inspirational Speaker Series, Green Club, World & Medical Perspectives, Science & History of War, Mind Madness, and Money/Investing. We are open to new ideas and need volunteers. If you are interested, contact: Gloria Falcinelli or Dana Nunn.
 
GRADUATION: IMPORTANT REMINDER 
If you haven't already done so, please send in your $35.00 check to Virginia Chang Kiraly or drop it off at the school office ASAP. This will cover the costs of all the graduation events and it is mandatory every graduate contribute the $35.00. Outreach is available.

 

FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT

Each year, Redwood City holds a Spring Art Show which exhibits artwork from middle school students, high school students and adults. On May 14th, many 7th and 8th grade La Entrada students chose to enter this year's art show and saw their work exhibited in a gallery setting. While the whole purpose is for the students to be able to show their art work in a formal setting, it was extra gratifying when many of these students also won ribbons and overall awards. Congratulations to all of our LE students who chose to participate and a special congratulations to all of those who won honors.

Overall show winners in the middle school category:
Cathrine P.
Marie C.
Ellie P.
Jennifer D.
Shannon A.

Popular vote winner in the middle school category:
Roman M.

Ribbon winners in the middle school category:

Photography:
Roman M. 1st place (color)
Marie-Agnes C., Ashley U. 1st place (black & white)
Natalie M., Nicolas P. 2nd place (black & white)
Luke B. 3rd place (black & white)
Jennie G., Kasey L., Grace C., Kiera S., Grace B. Honorable Mention (black & white)

Acrylics:
Ellie P. 1st place
Jennie G. 3rd place
Ashley U. Honorable Mention

Collage:
Louise M. 2nd place
Talley D. Honorable Mention

Graphics:
Cathrine P. 1st place
Cathrine P. Honorable Mention

Charcoal:
Shannon A. 1st place

Colored Pencil:
Jennifer D. 1st place
Amanda W. 2nd place
Natalie B. 3rd place

Pastels:
Cathrine P. 1st place
Marie-Agnes C. Honorable Mention

Watercolors:
Ellie P. 1st place
Natalie B. 2nd place

Other paints:
Ashley U. 1st place
Sabrina M. 2nd place

Other materials:
Sabrina M. 1st place
Tally D. 2nd place

 Janet Gregori

ERTOLA'S SUMMER MATH CAMP  

The positive feedback from both parents and students regarding my three years of summer math enrichment programs, prompted me to once again offer another year of camp. This summer's camp is June 20-July 15th at 9-10am for incoming sixth, and 10-11am for incoming seventh graders and held in at LE in room 22. The goal of the program is to reinforce, develop and preview math skills and concepts for the upcoming school year. As LE's current Pre-Algebra teacher, its deepens the teacher-student relationship while improving their math skillsets. Flyers will be sent home April 29th. I welcome the opportunity to facilitate this continued learning experience and can be contacted for pricing and more information at jertola@llesd.org, or called at 650-386-5686 (home).   

The Las Lomitas Education Foundation

LLEF_logo

 

 

 

Thank you Auction Volunteers! We would like to send our heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to everyone who volunteered numerous hours to make our "1969" Auction a smashing success! It's people like you who truly make this community the special place that it is. In addition, we would like to thank and recognize a dedicated group of volunteers who gave substantial time and creativity to the auction this year:

MJ Crousore - Solicitations & Marketing Chair (a double job! Thank you MJ!)

Lisa Reid - Art Direction and Branding Chair

Stacey White - Operations Chair

Ashley Banks - Production Chair

Manprit Lalia - Logistics Chair

The Event Production Team members: Stacey Alexander, Christy Byers, Laura Glader, Jeni Mahon, Rachel Perkocha, Jessica Weil and Stephanie Zaharias

The Solicitations Team members: Marsha Abbott, Lori Brockman, Marcia Hakanson, Paula Hamilton, Manprit Lalia, Maria Lind, Wendy Malacek, Stephanie Peters, Laurie Quinn, Honore Siri, Pamela Stang, Cindy Tipton, Paige Winikoff

Treasurer: Lovinda Beal-Blohm

Catalog and Communications: MJ Crousore, Heather Hopkins, Lisa Reid

Copy Writing/Editing: MJ Crousore, Marcia Hakanson, Stacey White

Crew at the Event: Laurel Timpson, Michael Pollano, Julie Clugage, Karen Zupsic, Laurie Quinn, Lindsay George, Joe South

Online Auction: MJ Crousore, Manprit Lalia, Stacey White, Laurel Timpson

Web Design: Anne Carpenter, MJ Crousore, Lisa Reid

T-Shirts: Lisa Reid, Katie Parsons

Bar Crew: Gary Dillabough, Drew Dunlevie, Alex Liston, Pete Perrone, Rich Mosher, Jeff Lokey, Chris Purpura, Nate Gursky, Bob Shephard, Peter Wagner, Jim Bohac, Bill Onderdonk, Greg Schott, Jon Noble, Joe South, Allen Beasley, John Gerber, Tim Mahon, David Appel, Dave Fischer, Scott Rash, Dave Bradley, Todd Holley, Todd Alamin, Brett White, Mike Jung, Drew Byers, Griff Tully, Stephen Kennedy, Mike Jung, John D'Angelo

We would also like to thank the business partners who supported our auction with their in-kind donations: Amici Cellars, The Design Curve, Gleim the Jewler, and Portola Farms.

And finally, thank you to all the parents, teachers and staff who donated items and who bid on items in our online, silent and live auctions. Your donations have enabled us to reach our auction fundraising goals.

Best regards,

Diana Sunshine

President, Las Lomitas Education Foundation

SIGN UP NOW FOR YOUR FAVORITE EVENTS AND ADVENTURES:

Many of our fabulous parties and events still have space available. Visit www.llef.org and click on Events & Adventures to see a complete listing of all events and register online. Events coming up soon include:

·Ball Hockey Game with La Entrada Teachers on Thursday, June 2 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
·Willie Wonka Chocolate Party for Kindergarteners on Saturday, June 4 in the evening
·Field Hockey Lesson for 1st - 4th Grades on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to noon
·3rd Grade Inflatable Graduation Party on Thursday, June 9 (last day of school) from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
·"Kick off to Summer" Outdoor Movie Night for 2nd Graders on Thursday, June 9 (last day of school) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
·4th/5th Grade End of Year Bash on Friday, June 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
·Ride on Old Tom Fire Truck with Mrs. Montalvo on Friday, June 17th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
·Ladera Progressive Party for Parents on Saturday, June 25 at 6:00 p.m.
·Harry Potter Exclusive Private Screening: Deathly Hallows Part 2 on Sunday, July 16 with check-in at 9:30 a.m.

Descriptions for these and other events can be found in your auction catalog or in the online catalog at www.llef.org.

Looking to participate in Fund-A-Need? Fund-A-Need is the Foundation's annual effort to meet the specific funding gaps and needs at each school in a given year. This year's Fund-A-Need is Outfitting Four Portable Classrooms at Las Lomitas and La Entrada. Our record-breaking Annual Giving Campaign helped raise funds to purchase and staff the portables...now we just need to equip them. Click here to learn more and donate to Fund-A-Need now.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Menlo-Atherton High School News
WELCOME TO M-A, CLASS OF 2015!
There are always lots of activities happening at M-A.
Freshman Orientation
Freshman Orientation will take place on Tuesday, August 23rd (Note New Date) from 8:00-10:00am in Ayer's gym.While your kids are in the orientation, all parents are welcome to meet for a Parent Coffee in the PAC Cafeteria hosted by the Foundation for the Future.
Arena Check-In
Arena check-in for freshmen is Wednesday, August 17th from 1:00-5:00pm. Arena Check-In is where you will get your picture taken for your ID card, buy PE clothes, turn in Emergency Forms, etc. You can also turn in your Whooping Cough vaccination form there.
Be sure to check your mailbox this summer for more information.
First Day of School
M-A starts on Thursday, August 25th at 8:45am for 1st period or 7:50am for 0 period. Plan to be at M-A at 7:30am for 0 period or 8:00am for 1st period schedule pick up in the New Gym.
Welcome and Go Bears!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT GROUP We are looking for "on-call" volunteers who can occasionally help the Administration with special projects.  Some of the projects we support are Arena Check-In, Schedule Distribution, Textbook Distribution, Star Test Sorting and AP Tests.  We maintain a list of volunteers and when a need arises, we send out email with our volunteer needs. If the timing works with your schedule, you sign-up. If you have questions or would like to be added to our list, please email AdminSupport@mabearspta.org.  Welcome to M-A, we look forward to seeing you next year.  Gloria Principe and Lee Ann Yasukawa 
 

BEARNOTES

BearNotes is the M-A PTA's weekly newsletter - just like the Leopard Spot.  To sign up to receive your weekly copy and the monthly newsletter TriVocis, sign up here. 

 

ATHLETICS

The first day of Fall sports practice is Friday, August 12th.  To find out contact information for each sport, go to the M-A Athletics webpage at http://www.sequoiadistrict.org/214420113144436193/site/default.asp 

If you plan to participate in a fall sport, you will need to complete an Athletic Packet and turn it into Aubrey Orcutt in the Administration Office.  The packet can be downloaded from the Athletic website listed above.

 

GUIDANCE OFFICE

The Guidance Office would like a copy of your incoming 9th grade's birth certificate or passport as soon as possible.   The Guidance Office will be open though June, will close for July and re-open in early August.  If you need to reach them, their number is (650) 322-5311 x5122.

 

CHALLENGE DAY 2011

Incoming M-A High School Parents: Volunteers Needed for Challenge Day 2011!

Join us Monday and/or Tuesday, October 24th or 25th for this memorable one-day workshop that promotes compassion, communication and community building among the Class of 2015. It's a great way for freshman parents to get involved at M-A --- a one day commitment that helps our teens break down barriers and create new levels of empathy and respect. Come participate in one of the most meaningful volunteer opportunities of the year.
Adult volunteers are critical to the program's success. Volunteer opportunities for both days include:
- Small Group Facilitator: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Registration: 8:00 am - 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Volunteer for any of three roles, pick the date which works best for you, then e-mail your preference (be sure to specify the date) to Lisa Deal and Ellen Mouchawar at challengeday@mabearspta.org. Please put "Challenge Day Volunteer" in the subject line. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!

 

 

 

Community News
Kepler's Bookstore
Remember to mention La Entrada at the register and Kepler's donates 10% back to our school.
Please check the website  www.keplers.com for upcoming events.

Register now for the Bay Area Basketball Academy Memorial Day Clinic! 3rd-8th grade girls and boys are eligible to register. The clinic is from 9:00am-3:00pm at Arillaga Family Gym in Menlo Park. Cost is $125 and includes lunch. Please fill out registration forms at www.babasketballacademy.com/programs and submit by May 27th to get in on the action!
 
Riekes Center for Human Enhancement
Parents: Are you Interested in supporting and/or finding out more about the Riekes Center for Human Enhancement? If so, please save the date of September 10, 2011 for the 2011 "Rally for Riekes". Put on your sneakers and experience the center. Dinner by Jesse Cool, drinks and music. Please email RallyForRiekes@gmail.com for details and an invitation to this fun event.
  
Jim Heebner's Summer Tennis Camp - Enjoy a fun tennis camp in Menlo Park for boys and girls, ages 7-13. Mon-Fri, 9am-12 Noon, Weekly Sessions, July 7 - August 19, Resident $254 / Non Resident $341. Sign up online at www.menlopark.org/registration Jim Heebner, USPTA Tennis Professional 650-814-6734.
 
Alpine FC Soccer Tryouts - Week of May 23 (for fall 2011)

Does your child have a passion for soccer? So do we! Your child is invited to come out to spring tryouts to find out more about club soccer, our club's player-centric approach and our professionally coached teams. Find detailed tryout dates and locations and pre-register online on the Alpine FC website.

Leopard's Spot Submissions
The Leopard's Spot is published every Monday (except Mondays following holiday weeks). To submit items for inclusion in the newsletter:
  • Email submissions by Wednesday 12 Noon to be published the following week;
  • When submitting an article, please refer to our newsletter policies.
  • Put all content in the body of the email, do NOT send an attachment;
  • Do NOT send flyers but provide a link to them;
  • Do NOT send pictures but provide a link to them;
  • Do not use embedded links in submissions: be sure all email addresses and URLs are visible, not hidden behind linked text;
  • Please write concisely and proofread your submission.
     
For past issues, visit the PTA Newsletter archive. Thanks!
Karen Zupsic
Newsletter Editor