The Leopard's Spot
The La Entrada PTA Newsletter
November 28th, 2011
In This Issue
From the Editors
From the Assistant Principal
PTA News
School News
Foundation News
League News
SUHS District News
Community News
Business Sponsors News
Quick Links
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Calendar

Keep up to date with our PTA Calendar here. 
 
This  Week
  • Nov 28 - Dec 2 (Mon.-Fri.): Canned Food Drive
  • Nov 30 (Wed.): Talent Show, 6:30pm, Jensen Hall   
  • Dec 2 (Fri.): 6th grade parents gathering

Next Week  

  • Dec 5 (Mon.): 5th grade band dress-rehearsal, 7:30am, Jensen Hall 
  • Dec 6 (Tues.): Holiday Faire, 9am-3pm, Jensen Hall
  • Dec 8 (Thu.): Drama Performance, 6pm. Jensen Hall
  • Dec 9 (Fri.): 6th-8th Grade Dance   
Coming Soon
  • Dec 12 (Mon.): 5th grade band dress-rehearsal, 7:30am, Jensen Hall
  • Dec 12 (Mon.): Winter Band Concert, 7pm, Woodside PAC
  • Dec 21 (Wed.): Winter 4th/5th Grade Chorus Concert, 7pm, La Entrada Gym; (6pm chorus dress rehearsal; 6:45pm doors open)  

 

 

Join the PTA!   

   

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.

To submit an item, email it to the editors at leopardsspot@llesd.org 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: submission sent as Word doc will be rejected;
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For past issues, visit the PTA Newsletter archive.

Lucia Tedesco and Karen Zupsic
Leopard's Spot Editors
From the Assistant Principal

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The English Advisory Committee (ELAC) 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 also serve as a member on the District English Language Advisory Committee (DELAC)
*  to assist in developing school plans for English Learners
*  to conduct an annual needs assessment
*  to prepare an annual language census
*  to advise the District regarding redesignation procedures

There were no vacancies on the La Entrada ELAC this year. Current ELAC volunteer members are Helene Astrom, Satu Mielikainen and Carmen Patino.  Helene Astrom is from Sweden and has a son in second grade at Las Lomitas School, daughter in fifth grade and a son in seventh grade at La Entrada.  This is her third year on ELAC.  Serving her fifth year on the committee is Satu Mielikainen.  She is from Finland and has a first grade son at Las Lomitas, a fourth grade son at La Entrada and a fifth grade daughter. Carmen Patiņo is our Bilingual Buddy coordinator and longtime ELAC member.  She speaks Spanish and is the parent of a fifth grade son and eighth grade daughter a La Entrada.  Thank you to all of our wonderful ELAC volunteers.

If you have any questions, please call Mimi Sabo, ELD Teacher at La Entrada (854-3962).  

PTA  News

THE HOLIDAY FAIRE - DECEMBER 6TH

The La Entrada Holiday Faire is fast approaching!  Please have your child bring a handled paper bag with their name written prominently on the outside to carry their projects home. Some of the projects can get a little messy, so best not to wear your favorite clothes!  Thank you in advance to the many volunteers who give their time to make this an extra special day for the kids and the La Entrada Community!

 

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.

 
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  

School  News
ART TO REMEMBER
Thank you to all of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade families who supported the Visual and Performing Arts Department by purchasing Art To Remember merchandise with their students' artwork on it.  The merchandise was delivered to La Entrada last week, and went home with the students by Friday.  With your support, we were able to raise over $2,000 for supplies and materials for the 6th-8th grade art, music and drama classes.  Thank you!!! 

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

Throughout the week of November 28- December 2nd, the ASB is holding its' annual food drive, which is a vital part of the Second Harvest Food Bank's mission that provides nearly one-third of the food they distribute each year. By participating in our food drive with Second Harvest Food Bank, you can make an immediate difference in the life of a local family. Each can that a student donates for their grade will count towards spirit points. Help spread the joy of the season and bring in your canned foods! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Rianda in room 24 trianda@llesd.org  or Lexi L., ASB Community Service Coordinator.   

 

TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE  

Throughout the week of December 12th - 16th, La Entrada is helping to support our local firefighters' Toys for Tots program. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy during the holidays, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. We are asking families to bring in an unwrapped toy for boys and girls of all ages. You can drop off your gift before school throughout the week. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Rianda in room 24 trianda@llesd.org or Lexi L., ASB Community Service Coordinator.    

 

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.

 

 
Foundation News

LLEF_logo

THIS IS IT...Our Final Stretch
The last 4 Weeks of the ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN!
 
We've Done it Before and We Can Do It Again!

We have already raised nearly $1.4 million!  We are halfway there!

Over 42% of District families have donated and we need ALL families to participate!  For those of you that have given: A BIG THANK YOU!

For those of you that have yet to give: PLEASE GIVE TODAY by clicking on http://www.llef.org/_donate/paypal_donate.html.  Our goal is $2000 per student.

Remember, the Foundation impacts all our children.  Class sizes are smaller.  Our enhanced curriculum is reaching more students.  Please make your donation today.  Last year we made a huge difference.  LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!

INTRODUCING www.llefshopping.com!!!!!
STOP, THEN  SHOP !     

When you start your holiday shopping, make your first stop www.llefshopping.com.   Why????

By starting at our website, THEN clicking through to any of the sites you use for your regular online shopping (Amazon, Tiny Prints, iTunes, Nordstrom...and more), a percentage of your total purchase (2 - 9 %) will be donated to the Los Lomitas Education Foundation by the retailer, at no cost to you!

It is that easy to help your kids while your shop!
 

 

 

leagueLas Lomitas Sports & After-School Activities League

LLL logo - sports

 

Information about the League can be found here.

 

Sequoia Union High School District News
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

  

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.

Community News
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.

ALPINE SOCCER CLUB 
Soccer teams for almost all ages!
Alpine FC will have tryouts for Spring 2012 for U8-U20 competitive soccer teams starting now.
For dates and locations check Alpine Strikers' website at:  www.alpinestrikers.org 
Please pre-register your player online.      

Business Sponsors News
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.
Please check the website www.keplers.com for upcoming events.  

Holiday Camp Menlo Aquatics Day Camp
Three to choose from: Dec 19-22, Dec 27-30, Jan 03-06
Fun times at the pool and in the gym during vacation! Three 4-day camps are offered for ages 5-10, 8:45am-1:00pm. Swimming in the warm pool under the dome includes one 45-minute lesson per day plus free play. Camp includes indoor and dry land activities, athletic games, and structured play. Come join us the Burgess Park Pools in Menlo Park.
Info and registration at  http://www.menloswim.com/menlo/camp_menlo/holiday_camps.html.

Menlo Action Academy Holiday Day Camp 
Introducing an exciting blend between academics and sports. Exploration! Movement! Insight!
Three camps to choose from: Dec 19-22, Dec 27-30, Jan 03-06
Join us for a unique land-based camp that uses games and physical exercise to teach personal skills and develop character. Exercise performed in a playful environment is fun for children and play is the way they learn. Each day at camp, physical activities are preceded and followed by a discussion of a special   development topic. We create a fun environment in which sports surround this theme for the day. Three 4-day camps are offered for ages 5-10, 8:45am-1:00pm, indoors at the Burgess Park Recreation Center in Menlo Park.
Info and registration at http://www.menloswim.com/menlo/action_academy.