| From the Principal |
Dear La Entrada Community,
There is a lot going on at this time of year! I apologize for the length of this article, but please read through the whole thing.
School Site Council Positions Open
The La Entrada School Site Council has three parent positions open for this school year. This is a two-year commitment to sit as a Board member with the principal, teachers, staff, and student representatives to determine certain expenditures and policies at La Entrada. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Larry Thomas at lthomas@llesd.org
Submissions will be accepted until noon on Monday, October 31, 2011.
Quarters/Trimesters/and Conferences
Our fourth and fifth graders' school year is divided into three, 12-week trimesters.Our sixth through eighth graders' school year is divided into four, 9-week quarters.Because both the first quarter and first trimester are getting close to ending, it is time to start thinking about teacher/parent conferences.
Conferences are during the week of November 7-11. The teachers are excited and looking forward to spending time with you discussing your child's progress in class.Students will be released from school at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of that week.Friday, November 11, is a holiday.
4th and 5th Grade Conferences
These conferences are scheduled through the individual teacher.If you have not already had communication regarding conferences, it will be coming out shortly.
6th - 8th Grade Conferences are scheduled Online!
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on November 7, 8, 9, and 10.As you can imagine, with each student having up to 8 different teachers, and the teachers only having four half days for conferencing, it would be impossible to have enough time slots for every teacher to meet with every parent of the students s/he teaches. Please keep this in mind as you are scheduling your conferences. Scheduling of conferences opens on the 2nd day of 2nd Quarter (see below). While formal grades won't come home until that next weekend, many teachers send out computer grade print outs at the end of the quarter.This may help you decide if you need to schedule with a particular teacher or not.
Please know that all of our teachers will make sure to meet with any parent who would like to schedule a meeting at any point during the school year.All you need to do is email or call and set up a time.
PTC Wizard is a web based parent/teacher conference scheduling system.Parents can create and manage their conference schedules in an easy and time efficient manner.
Here is what you need to do to schedule a parent/teacher conference:
- Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25.
- Login to https://llesdms.ptcwizard.com
- You will first need to register and enter the names of your 6th-8th grade children.
- Follow the steps and the program will instruct you on how to choose a child, choose a teacher and set a time for the conference.
- When you have finished scheduling, a confirmation email will be sent to you.
- Conference availability closes at 2pm on the school day prior to the conference.Registration for conferences on Monday, November 7 closes at 2pm on Friday, November 4.Registration for conferences on Tuesday, November 8 closes at 2pm on Monday, November 7. Registration for conferences on Wednesday, November 9, closes at 2pm on Tuesday, November 8.Registration for conferences on Thursday, November 10 closes at 2pm on Wednesday, November 9.
- If a teacher's time slots are full, please call the office. We will keep a wait list.
- If for any reason the online system does not seem to be working for you, please call the office and Mrs. Rudge or Mrs. Stosz will assist you.
- Because space is limited, please login and cancel any conference that you will not be able to attend.If you need to cancel after registration has closed for that day, you will need to call the school office.
- The school office number is 650-854-3962.
Staff Development Days
I thought I would give you a brief synopsis of the work that was going on during Thursday and Friday of this past week. (October 6 and 7)
On Thursday, our staff started with a presentation on the curriculum review process.With Claire Abrams now working at Las Lomitas, we must learn how to do the process without district office support. The History and World Language Departments started their curriculum reviews following the presentation.Much of the rest of the day focused on lesson plan development (with an emphasis on differentiation, multi-grade level experiences, project based learning, and interdisciplinary lessons).Some teachers observed classrooms on other campuses and will be sharing new ideas with the staff.Additionally, some teachers participated in some technology mini-workshops on topics ranging from igoogle to gradebook.
On Friday, both the Las Lomitas and La Entrada staffs were together.In the morning, we focused on Strategic Plan work.The afternoon was spent learning about, and starting to "unpack", the new Common Core State Standards.
I know that from a parent's perspective, these staff development days can be a gift or another thing to juggle (what to do with the kids on those days). When we look at the long-term benefit of giving our professional educators time to refine, dialogue and study, it is well worth the two days per year that we have.
ACS - Free Psychotherapy Services at La Entrada
Is your child going through a difficult transition? Do you notice any behavioral changes? Maybe they're going through growing pains? La Entrada isproud to offer free psychotherapy services to all of our students, regardless of their financial situation. The services are provided by Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS), a nonprofit organization that delivers strength-based psychotherapy in middle schools and high schools. Students meet one-on-one with a therapist once a week at school during school hours. Some of the issues that are frequently addressed are:
* Sadness
* Anxiety
* Grief
* Interpersonal difficulties
* Self-esteem
* Stress
The ACS counselors take a personal growth approach in working with each child, with a focus on empowerment. ACS' office is located in Room 7. Feel free to drop by Tuesday through Friday to find out more about their services, or you can contact them at (650) 854-3962 x 218. ACS will also be offering free group psychotherapy for children dealing with issues of personal growth, divorce, and dealing with loss. The groups will meet once a week during lunch.
Menlo Atherton Information Night
Matt Zito (MA's Principal) and guests will be here on Tuesday, October 25 at 7pm for an informational gathering about Menlo Atherton High School.
Coffee with the Principal
"Coffee with the Principal" is an informal gathering where we can discuss educational issues or just things happening at school.Our first coffee for the year is scheduled for Monday, October 24 at 1:30 pm.While we can discuss any number of things, I would like to start by talking about the new 6-8 schedule. We will meet in the MUR.
If you can't make this one, here are some other scheduled coffee times:
Monday, January 23, at 7pm
Monday, March 5, at 9:15am
Warmest Regards,
Larry Thomas
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| PTA News |
SCHOOL DIRECTORY
We hope you are enjoying your copy of the school directory.
We mistakenly included last year La Entrada info on page 8 and 9: please click here to print this year info. We truly apologize for the inconvenience!
Please remember that the school directory is provided by the PTAs of Las Lomitas and La Entrada schools as a service to the families of the Las Lomitas School Districts. This directory is for the exclusive use of parents, students and teachers for school related needs and District approved use only and may NOT be used or distributed for any other purpose including business or political activities. All use of the directory must comply with Board Policy 5125.1. We ask that you respect and protect the privacy of the family information contained within.
GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT GAP
The La Entrada PTA has donated 25 copies of the The Global Achievement Gap to the La Entrada library. The books are available for check out to parents, teachers, and administrators.
LA ENTRADA SCIENCE FAIR - JANUARY 18, 2012
Kids - Get ready for the Science Fair! The Science Fair is a fun event that allows you to work in groups with your friends, to experiment and present your ideas. This self-driven project gives you the opportunity to be creative and think out of the box. Start imagining what you would like to discover and what friends you would like to work with. Please register your project online at www.laentradasciencefair.org.
Parents - The La Entrada Science Fair prepares kids for more complex projects and team work. The format of the event aligns with the Strategic Planning outcomes and Learning for the 21st Century speaker series. The Science Fair allows for teamwork, posing questions, problem-solving, experimentation and communication. These are all skills all our children need to be successful in our ever-changing world. The Science Fair is a fun, no-pressure way to start mastering these skills. Please encourage your child to participate.
Please note that the Science Fair date is dictated by the San Mateo County Science Fair. All 6th - 8th grade finalists will go to the San Mateo County Science Fair. The finalist from the San Mateo County Science Fair will go to the California State Science Fair. In the past, La Entrada students have been selected to participate in the California State Science Fair - a very prestigious commendation.
Since the La Entrada Science Fair is in January, please have your child begin their project in early Fall. Advance planning makes the process more fun and avoids the need to work over the holiday breaks. AND advanced planning is a skill that will serve all our kids for their entire academic and professional lives.
To learn more, to go www.laentradasciencefair.org.
If you have any questions, please email Diana Sunshine, Bardia Pezeshki, PJ Utz or John Bargar.
La Entrada Geo Bee
Mark your calendars: the La Entrada Geo Bee will be held on Friday, November 18 after school in Jensen Hall.All La Entrada students are eligible to participate. No advance preparation is needed to participate in the Geo Bee. However, optional practice sessions will be held Tuesday October 25 at 7:15 a.m. in the MUR and on Wednesday November 2 at 7:15 a.m. in the MUR for those who are interested.For more information or to sign up for the Geo Bee and/or a practice session, contact Alka Sehgal at alkasehgal@gmail.com.
Grade Level Gatherings
Grade Level Gatherings are a chance for the parents in each grade to get to know each other better. They are festive adults-only cocktail parties, hosted by families in the different grades. Please come for fellowship and fun!
4th Grade
- October 21st from 7:00 to 9:30
- Hosted by Kathleen and Alex Liston, Stacey and Brett White and Gudrun and Tom Enger
- At the Liston home, 2319 Crest Lane, Menlo Park
- Last names A-M please bring appetizers and last names N-Z please bring soda, wine or beer
- Please RSVP to Kathleen at rsvp@listons.net
5th Grade
- October 21st at 7:00
- Hosted by Pam and Steve Ellingson and Libby and Allen Beasley
- At the Ellingson home, 941 Continental Drive, Menlo Park
- Last names A-M please bring appetizers and last names N-Z please bring soda, wine or beer
- Please RSVP to Pam at pamela.ellingson@cna.com
6th Grade
- December 2nd from 6:30 to 9:00
- Hosted by Grace Mercer and Greg Schott and Inger and Kevin Rarick
- At the Mercer/Schott home, 120 Escanyo Way, Portola Valley
- Last names A-M please bring appetizers and last names N-Z please bring soda, wine or beer
- Please RSVP to Inger at irarick@yahoo.com
7th Grade
- October 28th (DATE CHANGE) from 7:00 to 9:30
- Hosted by Margaret and Pete Perrone and Keri and Griff Tully
- At the Perrone home, 2323 Crest Lane, Menlo Park
- Last names A-O please bring appetizers and last names P-Z please bring soda, wine or beer
- Please RSVP to Margaret at margaret.perrone@gmail.com
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School News
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Jason Picetti's Celebration of Life
Please attend Jason Picetti's Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 22 from 3-5 at La Entrada's gym. All are welcome.
M-A Information Night at La Entrada - Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00pm in the MUR
M-A Principal Matthew Zito is coming to La Entrada to talk about the wealth of opportunities available to all M-A students. All middle school families are invited to learn about M-A academics, athletics, music, clubs, etc. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions and hear different prospectives from current M-A students. This event is geared towards parents but students are also welcome.
6th Grade Core News
Did you know that November is National Novel Writing month? We didn't, until our newest Core teacher brought it to our attention. Thanks to Mr. Pickett, our 6th grade students will soon be tackling a novel-writing project developed by the Office of Letters and Light.
The Novel Write will be rigorous (lessons are based on California's state English Language Arts standards) but enjoyable. All students will follow the same route on the way to publication. Novel writing lessons will focus on plot, setting, character development, details, and dialogue. Students will establish individualized word-count goals, which will help us differentiate instruction for our 100+ 6th grade students. We will begin the prewriting process this week so the students will be well prepared for actual novel writing starting on November 1.Parents will receive an informational letter this week as well.
During our Staff Development time, the Core teachers had an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the Young Writers' workshop materials.Now we are collecting our own lessons to supplement and improve the unit. Based on the language from the workshop, this project looks like it's going to be totally fun. Here's a sample from the student contract: "By taking on this absurd month-long deadline, I realize I will produce clunky dialogue, clichéd characters, and deeply flawed plots. I agree that all of these things will be left in my rough draft, to be corrected at a later point. I also acknowledge my right as an author to brag about the quality of the rough draft and the rigors of the writing process, should such bragging prove useful in garnering me respect, attention, or freedom from household chores."We know our 6th graders will produce novels worthy of bragging rights. Come November 30, parents, it will be your turn to take over some household chores!
Wally Powell
6th Grade Core
4th and 5th Grade Art Notecards:
Last week, your 4th and 5th grade children should have received an order form for art notecards featuring their personalized drawing.Please support the arts at La Entrada by purchasing these cards (order forms due by 10/26 in the office). In past years, the funds from this program have been used by each classroom for activities including: field trips to plays, musical performances, dance performances, art galleries; visiting artists to teach special programs in the classroom; guest speakers, special art supplies and literature about the arts and music.
The note cards make terrific gifts for friends and families, thank you notes, and even enclosure cards for birthday presents. The note cards will be delivered in late November in time for the holidays.
Thank you to all our classroom volunteers who have helped us complete the drawing sessions! Our expert scanning specialists, Tom Coates and Kris Bobier (parents of Las Lomitas alumni), process the drawings for us and we are grateful that they continue to volunteer their time to make this fundraiser possible.
Questions? Contact Melissa Jordan (mmgjordan@yahoo.com) or Paula Hamilton (paulajhchang@yahoo.com).
Calling all HP Parents!
HP's Employee Product Giving Program reopens on Tuesday, November 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 here. The school is particularly looking for HP TouchSmart 9100 PCs for the classrooms. If you have any questions, please contact smitchell@llesd.k12.ca.us or bob.wrenn@hp.com.
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Foundation News
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To make your contributions to the Foundation Easy, we have a monthly payment option. Your gift can be spread out over the course of the school year and for $200 per student for 10 months you can help us reach our goal of $2000 per student! Make your difference now and donate today. It's that Easy!
Every size donation counts! Your early support will help the District in its planning for the 2012-2013 school year to achieve smaller class sizes and preserve critical curriculum. Last year your donation made a huge difference in the quality of education our children receive. Let's do it again!!! Our deadline is November 23. Thank you for your support!
SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS AND ADVENTURES: For all complete list of all events, and to buy your tickets now, go to http://www.llef.org/_auction/events.html.
Tickets on Sale Now for Mother/Son Bowling and Holiday Tea - Outreach is Available:
 Mother/Son Bowling
200 mothers and sons will be bowling at this district-wide Foundation-sponsored party for boys of all grades. Bowl in a lane with your friends, register for the friendly competitions, and feast on pizza at BelMateo Bowl, just on the border of Belmont and San Mateo. Contact Cindy Tipton at cindytipton@comcast.net for more information. For Outreach information, pick up a form in your school office.
Date: Friday, November 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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. Contact MJ Crousore at mjcrousore@gmail.com for more information. For Outreach information, pick up a form in your school office.
Date: Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
REGISTER GRANDPARENTS NOW Would your child's grandparents be interested in receiving newsletters describing grade level activities, school projects and invitations to participate in school events such as Grandparents' Day? Our goal is to help grandparents feel more connected to their grandchildren and our excellent schools. Registration is now available at http://www.llef.org/_grandparents/newgrandparents.html. Sign up now so that they receive Grandparent Newsletters. It's Easy to Make a Difference!
 
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 rom the Governing Board
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It has been a busy and exciting few months in our District as we explore what "Learning for the 21st Century" might look like in our schools. Even if you haven't been able to attend any events, you can follow what has been going on from your home computer. Click here to go to our Leading Education web site where you can read summaries of what happened at various events. The presentation by Dr. Lit was video-recorded and copies are available for borrowing at each school office. In addition, you can click here to go to our Strategic Planning web page where you can read summaries of the ideas LLESD students, parents, faculty, and administration have put forward to help shape the new Strategic Plan. Also on this web page is a list of members on the Strategic Planning Committee and information on how to contact them to share your ideas.
Thank you for supporting our students. |
CAMPUS News
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Internationally renowned parenting expert
Dr. Michele Borba. Ed.D
7 PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN ATTAIN JOY, BALANCE AND SUCCESS.
Thursday, October 20th
7 - 9 p.m.
Menlo Atherton High School Center for Performing Arts
Does it seem as if your children are forced to shortcut today's freedom for tomorrow's success? Would you like them to have the space to enjoy unstructured exploration and discovery without fear of losing ground? Don't miss Dr. Michele Borba, award-winning author, speaker and educational consultant, as she shares specific skills to help you teach your children how to survive and thrive in today's play-deprived and standards-driven world. With the same warm, humorous, realistic and straightforward approach you've seen in her appearances on the Today Show, Dr. Phil, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, Dr. Borba will help you learn simple, effective, research-based strategies to prepare your children for the future without sacrificing their well-being or your own.
CAMPUS -- Consortium of Atherton & Menlo Park United Schools -- is pleased to sponsor Dr. Borba's presentation to our community without charge. No reservations so please come early as seating is limited. For further information contact Jennifer Le at campus@laentradapta.org.
The CAMPUS program features outstanding speaker presentations on a variety of parenting issues. CAMPUS programs are hosted at Menlo-Atherton High School and sponsored by a consortium of public schools in Menlo Park and Atherton, including the La Entrada PTA. The CAMPUS program is distinct from the LLESD's "Learning for the 21st Century" program which is hosting speakers, book discussions, and forums to help our LLESD community explore ways to improve curriculum, teaching, and learning within our District schools.
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Las Lomitas Sports & After-School Activities League
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BASKETBALL SEASON AND REGISTRATION
Basketball registration is now open. It closes Monday, October 31 (Halloween!) at 7pm and we cannot accept late registrations. Please be sure to register during the open registration dates. This is a very popular winter sport at La Entrada that is open to all students in 3rd through 8th grade. All children registered are guaranteed a place on a team. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:
Oct 31st (Monday) at 7pm: Basketball registration closes
Nov 3rd (Thursday) at 6:30pm: Basketball Coaches Meeting in the La Entrada library. Required for all coaches. We will choose practice times as well as go over rules, expectations, evaluations, etc. Practice times will be selected based on coaches' availability and a lottery system.
Nov 5th(Saturday) & Nov 6th (Sunday): Basketball Evaluation Days
Evaluations are held in order to create fair and balanced teams, which is required for Burgess League participation. The schedule is listed below.If your child has a conflict with their scheduled evaluation time, please notify Inger Rarick or Sue Bartalo of their absence so they can still be placed on a team.
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Sat, Nov 5 |
LE Gym | |
Sun, Nov 6 |
Jensen Hall | |
5th grade Boys |
12:50 - 2:00 | |
3rd grade Boys |
11:50 - 1:00 | |
6th grade Boys |
5:50 - 7:00 | |
3rd grade Girls |
12:50 - 2:00 | |
7th grade Boys |
1:50 - 3:00 | |
4th grade Boys |
1:50 - 3:00 | |
7th grade Girls |
2:50 - 4:00 | |
4th grade Girls |
2:50 - 4:00 | |
8th grade Boys |
3:50 - 5:00 | |
5th grade Girls |
3:50 - 5:00 | |
8th grade Girls |
4:50 - 6:00 | |
6th grade Girls |
4:50 - 6:00 |
COACHES ARE NEEDED!!! This activity is run by parents. We need parent coaches so we can offer fair playing time to all the kids. (Fewer coaches mean fewer teams with a lot of players. The larger the team, the less playing time for each player.) You do not need a lot of experience to coach; we can pair you with a more experienced coach. Also, we provide a coaching clinic. Please contact Inger Rarick or Sue Bartalo if you are available to coach.
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| Menlo Atherton High School News |
M-A EVENTS FOR 8TH GRADERS
Shadowing at M-A
Is your 8th grader interested in shadowing at M-A with a current freshman? Applications are being accepted for shadowing spots now. Shadowing starts in November but spots fill quickly so turn in your application soon. For more information and to download an application, please see the M-A Shadowing page at http://www.sequoiadistrict.org/21442017185110943/site/default.asp
8th Grade Parents and Students, please attend one of Menlo-Atherton High School's upcoming events to learn more about the school.
Menlo-Atherton Campus Tours Date: Saturday, October 29th Time: 10:00-11:30am Place: Meet at the Library Parking: All parking lots on campus will be available Tours are informal outdoor walks led by M-A Leadership students who will share their enthusiasm for the school and answer questions. Middle school students and their parents are invited. *Last tour will depart at 11:15am 8th Grade Information Night at M-A Date: Wednesday, November 2nd Time: 6:00-6:30pm Welcome by Matthew Zito 6:30-8:30pm Classroom Rotations Place: Ayers Gym Parking: All parking lots will be available on campus "8th Grade Information Night" is an opportunity for interested parents and students to meet members of the school community including students, parents, faculty and administrators. School Principal, Matthew Zito, will speak about the diverse, supportive and academically rigorous environment that can be found at M-A. Afterwards, families will be invited to rotate through various classrooms so they may learn more about the school's excellent academic programs.
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| Community News |
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.
Outgrown Gently-Used Halloween Costumes Needed
Haven House of Shelter Network in Menlo Park is in need of ANY size costume donations for these childrens' school events and for their mega-Halloween party at Haven. Between your kind donations and Crocker School of Hillsborough, we "dressed" over 100 kids (and parents) last year. We look forward to another spook-ta-cular event and seek your continued support--plus, it cleans out your closet! :)
Please drop any costumes to Suzanne Mitchell in the Tech Office at LE, or the LL front office (a wonderful scout troop is collecting there).
Questions? Email suzannemitch@gmail.com
Mid-Peninsula High School Open House
For prospective students and their families on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:30 to noon. Mid-Peninsula High School is an independent high school located on Willow Road in Menlo Park. Details at www.mid-pem.com All are welcome!
Alpine Strikers Soccer
Is your child excited about soccer? So are we! Alpine Strikers FC offers professionally coached preschool and kindergarten soccer classes. Session 2 will start the week of October 17th at Burgess Park in Menlo Park and Rossotti's Field in Portola Valley. Please click here for program information and registration details.
We hope to see you on the field!
Attention all American Girl Fans!
To benefit Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford join us at the American Girl Fashion Show in Los Altos on November 11th and 12th for a great time with your daughters. The five shows feature girls in historical and contemporary clothes with matching dolls. Refreshments are served. For reservations and tickets see www.PaloAltoAuxiliary.com or email AmericanGirlFashionShow@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
Don't Miss "Amelia Lives" at the Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory!
"Amelia Lives" is a 90-minute exploration into the community and events that shaped a young girl into an explorer, champion of women's rights, and philosopher. You are invited to peek into the world of Amelia Earhart through events, stories, letters and quotes from this larger than life lady from the 20th century. Performances are Oct 21st and 22nd at 7:30 and Oct 23rd at 2:00 at Lane Hall Theatre, 945 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Tickets and information at www.pvtc-ca.org.
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Business Sponsors News
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The La Entrada PTA and the La Entrada School do not endorse, warrant, or recommend any of these business.
Kepler's Bookstore
Remember to mention La Entrada at the register and Kepler's donates 6% back to our school.
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| 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:
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