From the Editors
| The Leopard's Spot is published by the La Entrada PTA as a service to the La Entrada families and community. Before submitting an article, please read our newsletter policies.
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| From the Assistant Principal |
La Entrada Holiday Traditions
After sending out my latest message to families about our school's Halloween traditions, I began to think of holiday traditions in place here at La Entrada and how many parents would probably enjoy learning more about them.
Below is a list of some of our school's traditions:
Day of the Dead:
Mrs. Ostrom's Art 3 students work on creating Oaxacan influenced skeletons out of wire and plaster in honor of the Day of the Dead on November 2nd.
7th Grade's Multicultural Day & Feast
There are several components to this interdisciplinary unit of study. Throughout the day, 7th grade students will experience multicultural games, hear a storyteller recite stories from around the world, perform in a dance recital ( after having learned a variety of cultural dances in PE), research their family's immigration path using Google Earth and dine on dishes prepared by students in the MUR at the Multicultural Feast.
In preparation for the feast, 7th graders research their family history and write a report detailing their family roots. Oral presentations of the reports are made to their classmates once the reports are completed. Each student is then charged with preparing a dish representative of their heritage and bringing their dish to the "Multicultural Feast" in the MUR on November 22, 2011.
La Entrada's Geo Bee
Our PTA sponsors this Geography Bee Competition, led by our very own Mr. Dumbra and friends, just prior to our Multicultural Day. What better way to combine a middle school student's natural thirst for competition and the need to learn about our world through its geography!?! All are invited to come and view this fun event in Jensen Hall, on Friday, November 18, 2011 @ 3pm.l
Canned Food Drive
Our student body plan a Can Food Drive to support our local Second Harvest Food Bank for the week prior to Thanksgiving Holiday. As you begin to plan your shopping lists for your family's Thanksgiving meal, please consider donating a can or two to this worthy community service opportunity. More details forthcoming from our school's Associate Student Body, ASB.
Toys for Tots
ASB will also plan this community service opportunity to support those in need during the winter holiday season.
One Warm Coat
Our Youth Action Council students will continue this wonderful tradition begun by the former Renaissance Committee. Families are encouraged to bring in a "slightly used coat" to donate for those in need during our cold winter months.
The Holiday Faire
Our amazing PTA plans and executes a day of creativity and caring called the "Holiday Faire". Jensen Hall is transformed into a place where students can make holiday presents themselves for those they care about. There are as many as six to eight different stations set up with PTA volunteers on hand to assist students in making many different types of items that can be later given to friends and family members as gifts. In the past, there have been stations where students make personalized scarves, book-marks, luggage tags, sugar cookie ingredient baggies as well as have opportunities to write letters to our men and women serving in the the armed forces oversees. Each class is rotated through the Holiday Faire so every child has an opportunity to walk away with several personalized gifts in hand. This year's Holiday Faire will be on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Don't schedule the orthodontist appointment for this date!
Winter Concerts
The talented Mr. Cooper has his music students up on the Woodside High School's Performing Arts Center stage for an evening of beautiful music and beaming proud parents. This year's Winter Concert will be held on Monday, December 12, 2011 from 7pm - 9pm. Mark your calendar and plan to arrive early for a good seat. We are very fortunate to have such a robust music program here at La Entrada and the performance skills on display are evident of hours and hours of instruction and practice.
Mr. Cooper will continue to entertain us with his 4th and 5th grade Choral Performance held in our very own gym on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 7pm. Using our bleachers for risers, students perform a variety of multicultural songs to soothe the soul. Come and watch as these young students practice the art of performing for an audience, a skill much valued in today's world where presentations must both entertain and inform.
Chinese Moon Celebration
New this year, parent volunteers, in conjunction with our Mandarin teacher, Mrs. Chiu, will enrich our campus on Friday, January 27, 2012 with a Chinese Moon Celebration during lunch recess time. We are all looking forward to this new addition to our holiday celebration traditions.
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| PTA News |
THE BOOK FAIR IS COMING - ALL NEW AND IMPROVED!!! PLEASE READ!!!
This year the Book Fair is better than ever offering you 3 WAYS TO SHOP:
1. Shop On Campus - Our on campus USED BOOK FAIR will be held in the MUR from Monday, November 7 - Wednesday, November 9. 100% of the sales will go directly to the La Entrada PTA. This is an eco-friendly way to share books, and at prices ranging from $1 - $5, there is sure to be something for everyone.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to help us organize our used books for the fair and sell books during the fair. SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER at http://lebookfair.qlubb.com. Enter your email as your User ID; the password is books2011. Shifts are short and workable...we need all hands on deck! We are accepting help from responsible students as well. All students who volunteer will receive a free book. You can use your email to sign up your student, just specify who is working in the notes section. We have to ensure we have enough adults for each shift. Please sign up to volunteer now!
DONATE BOOKS NOW at La Entrada. Bins will be available at the front of the school and in the classrooms starting Monday, October 24 through Wednesday, November 1. If you have a large amount of books to donate, please contact MJ Crousore at mjcrousore@gmail.com. We can arrange special delivery for you. All books in good condition are welcome. Books of all languages are encouraged!
2. Shop In Store - We have partnered with Barnes and Noble Hillsdale to bring you a fabulous in store event Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6. SAVE THE DATE and plan your holiday shopping now ... everything in the store counts toward our sales!!! Books, music, movies, stationery, Starbucks, a wide range of new educational toys including Playmobil and so, so much more...we get 25% back on all sales! Your student's art could be on display at this shopping extravaganza for all the world to see!!! Hillsdale Shopping Center has undergone major changes - H&M, Cheesecake Factory, Forever 21, Design Shoe Warehouse, Trader Joes, and a fabulous custom burger joint are all right there for you to enjoy. You don't want to miss this event!!! WATCH FOR YOUR LA ENTRADA SHOPPING VOUCHER COMING HOME IN BACKPACKS THIS WEEK.
3. Shop Online - If you can't make the main event, you can shop online at www.barnesandnoble.com from Friday, November 4 through Wednesday, November 9. La Entrada will receive 10% of all online sales made using our LA ENTRADA CODE coming to you via email this week. PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS...no matter where they are in the country, their sales count, too! HOT LUNCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Mondays, 6-8, every other week, 11:45 - 12:30 Fridays, 6-8, 12:00 - 12:45 Hot lunch is parent run and cannot operate without your help. You can volunteer weekly, biweekly or monthly. WE NEED YOU!Contact Julia Massa if you can help gershenberg@gmail.com
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 GEOGRAPHY BEE
Calling all geography lovers on Nov 18th, Friday, from 3 PM -5 PM.
Parents are invited to watch the event hosted by Mr. Dumbra .
In the preliminary round each grade will be asked 10 A or B questions.
Participants who answer 70% correct answers will move on to the semifinal round.
Again each grade will be asked 10 write in questions in the semifinal round.
10 finalists will be chosen for the final round who will then answer 10 questions.
Everyone gets a participation certificate.
The La Entrada Geo Bee winner will take a written test at a later date to see if he/she qualifies to move on to the next level.
National winners receive a scholarship of $25000, $15000 and $10000.
For sample questions please attend Practice sessions hosted by Michele Leclerc ( michelecleclerc@aol.com) on October 25th and Nov 2 at 7.15 AM in MUR. Please contact her if you are interested in attending these sessions.
Marcia Hakanson will host an additional practice session on Nov 1 after school in Mr. Dumbra' s room - room 20. Please contact her at marciahakanson@yahoo.com if you are interested. It will be good to know how many kids are attending the practice session to make sure we have enough handouts.
To register for the Geo Bee please contact Katie Boland at kboland@gmail.com who has kindly taken charge of registration.
Parents who would like to volunteer for Geo Bee please contact alka at alkasehgal@gmail.com.
We need a volunteer to get snacks for the kids - you will be reimbursed by the PTA. The kids will thank you for it and they will enjoy the event much more.
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!
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
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School News
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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 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.
Summer Vacations
A week at horse camp? Crossing the Great Wall of China? The yearbook is looking for great pictures of activities, vacations, events that your La Entrada student did over the summer. Please submit a picture and brief description to Mrs. Rianda either via email or hard copy so that she can scan in your photo by Thursday, November 3rd.
Calling all HP Parents!
HP's Employee Product Giving Program reopens this 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.
Washington DC 8th Grade Trip
The 8th grade class is raising money for their trip to Washington DC. Please support this worthy cause by eating at
Amici's East Cost Pizzeria
880 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park
650-329-8888
Monday, November 7th 11 am - 10 pm
Dine in or Take Out (No deliveries)
Click here for the flyer or pick one up in the office!
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Foundation News
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LAST YEAR, WE MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE! LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!
The Annual Giving Campaign is in full swing.A big thank you to the 15% of families and 53% of faculty and staff who have already given! We appreciate your early support. Coming home soon in your children's backpacks is our first donor honor roll thanking everyone who has given so far. We are making a difference!
Remember, your Foundation gift helps:
- Reduce class sizes - without the Foundation, your child's class would have 6 to 7 more students in it!
- Ensure an enhanced curriculum - our children at Las Lomitas and La Entrada enjoy music, art, drama, physical education, computer, four foreign languages and geometry classes that are supported by the Foundation.
We need everyone to participate now!!!
For those who still have not given this year, please give now by clicking on http://www.llef.org/_donate/paypal_donate.html. Thank you in advance for your support!
 EVENTS AND ADVENTURES ON SALE NOW!!!
Don't miss out on Mother/Son Bowling, scheduled for Saturday, November 5th. Last week, we published a flier that incorrectly stated the date as November 18. Please note the correct date is November 5th. Details are posted on our website at http://www.llef.org/_auction/events_K.html. Don't miss out on this annual tradition where moms and sons have a blast bonding with each other and friends! Outreach assistance is available for this event.
 
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District News
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Know Dreamweaver well? ...1 hour of tech assistance/guidance needed :)
If you are comfortable with Dreamweaver and could possibly help with a few questions regarding the District website (and debug a few issues), it'd be greatly appreciated.... Any hour, any day to your convenience! contact Suzanne Mitchell (smitchell@llesd.org). thank you :)
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rom the Governing Board
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What is 21st century learning? How can parents learn more about this District initiative?
Visit our Leading Education web site: http://www.leadingeducation-llesd.org
This site contains some wonderful background, links to resources, and lists of upcoming events. And if you missed any of the events we've hosted this fall, go to the web site's "Events" page and scroll down to read summaries. We hope you will join us in helping to shape the future of your child's education in the Las Lomitas Elementary School District.
And speaking of events, Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., considered one of the world's leading thinkers on creativity, innovation, and 21st century learning, will appear at Sacred Heart School in Atherton on November 9, 2011, at 7 pm. Part of the Common Ground Speaker Series, Robinson will present on the topic: "Creative Edge: Inspiring Innovative Thinkers." The promotional materials describe the presentation as follows: "A witty and incisive speaker, he challenges parents and educators to rethink their expectations for today's youth and to embrace a new paradigm of passion-based learning that enhances talent, achievement and a sense of personal fulfillment. Sir Ken's visionary plan includes practical steps to help families and schools harness the power of creativity and innovative thinking." His books include The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything and Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative. The cost to attend is $20/ticket. For more information, click here: http://www.commongroundspeakerseries.org/2011/09/10/sir-ken-robinson-ph-d/
Thanks for supporting our District students. |
Las Lomitas Sports & After-School Activities League
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Young Rembrandts
Our drawing classes are fun and educational. This Fall, we are drawing a new lesson each week and never repeat a lesson. Come join in our fun classes offered again this Spring!
BASKETBALL SEASON
Basketball registration closes Monday, October 31 (Halloween!) at 7pm and we cannot accept late registrations. 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:
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 STILL NEEDED!!! 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 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.
Donate Old Computers, Printers, Digital Cameras, Flash Drives to M-A Students
WANTED: old computers or parts, working or not, for M-A High School PTA computer donation program. Your old computer equipment will be securely erased, refurbished, and sent home with a needy, hard-working student. Our goal is for every student at M-A High School to have a working computer at home to assist them with their homework. We welcome donations from individuals or corporate donations from companies that are upgrading their equipment. Donations are tax-deductible. We also need other types of electronic gear, such as USB flash drives and digital cameras (include manual, battery charger and memory card if you have them). For more detailed information, visit www.suekayton.com/MAHigh/computerdonations.htm or contact Sue Kayton (650) 853-1711 or email kayton@alum.mit.edu.
Menlo-Atherton Big Band Dance and Fundraiser
Jazz up your night life! Join us at the annual Menlo-Atherton Big Band Dance and Fundraiser, coming up Friday, Nov. 18th, from 7 - 11 pm at Ayers Gym (the old gym on Ringwood Ave. on the MA high school campus, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton).
This is a special night of jazz, swing and romantic ballads, all performed by the award-winning Menlo-Atherton jazz bands, concert band and orchestra.
Cost is $20 for general admission, or $10 for students & senior citizens. Children welcome.
Even better, relive the golden era of jazz for just one night: Pre-buy a table of 10 and invite friends and family to join in the fun. Send a check to the "MA Band Boosters" C/O Tina Witham at 845 Windsor Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, or email Tina at thwitham@yahoo.com.
Come in jazz-era costume if the mood strikes you.
And, of course, we welcome anyone who prefers to sit and listen. (Dancing is not required.)
Snacks, desserts, & soft drinks for sale.
THE ROAD TO STARDOM LEADS RIGHT TO "STAGE DOOR"
Would you follow your dream or sell out? Go for IT or give up? Coming to grips with these Big Life Decisions is at the heart of the M-A Drama production of "Stage Door," by Edna Ferber and George Kaufman. This fast paced, dramatic comedy is coming to the Performing Arts Center on Thursday, November 3rd. A lively New York City 1930's boarding house is the setting for this classic story of aspiring actresses struggling to make it big on Broadway, and the men they become involved with along the way.
At the Menlo-Atherton High School Performing Arts Center, Ringwood Avenue entrance, just off Middlefield Road
Thursday, November 3rd at 7:30 PM
Friday, November 4th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 5th at 2 PM and 7:30 PM
Thursday, November 10th at 3:30 PM
Saturday, November 12th at 7:30 PM
Adults $12, Students/Staff/Seniors $8
$4 Student tickets on Thursdays!
Purchase tickets at the Box Office before shows or online at:
"Stage Door" tickets (https://www.ticketturtle.com/index.php?ticketing=cama)
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| Community News |
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.
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.
Twas the Night Before Christmas - Tickets on Sale Now! Come support your fellow students!!!
Presented by Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance and reviewed as a "charming alternative to the Nutcracker", this is a holiday tradition you won't want to miss. 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. performances will be given at Woodside Performing Arts Center on Sunday December 4th, Saturday December 10th, and Sunday December 11th. Tickets are available at www.twasthenight.org or by calling 650-323-5292. Dancers from Las Lomitas are Juliana B., Sophia C., Riley J., Leben K., and Tedi P. La Entrada dancers are Sophia B., Annie C., Sarah E., Greta H., Madeline O., Amelia T., Caroline T., Katie T., and Sasha W.
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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.
Studio Rincon has new sessions starting now... please email to get your child enrolled or book online.
Teen Hip Hop, All Boys Hip Hop, and don't miss Mondays Funky Tap (teacher Anthony was a 7- year lead on Broadway in Tap Dogs - he travels every weekend to teach Master Classes and we
have him right here in Menlo Park!)
Great opportunity for all students looking to balance out their Acting and Singing with Dancing - become well rounded and have a great time too! More information on the excellent instructors at www.studiorincon.com. email: contact@studiorincon.com
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