The Leopard's Spot
The La Entrada PTA Newsletter
June 4th, 2012
In This Issue
From the Principal
PTA News
School News
Foundation News
League News
Governing Board News
M-A News
Community News
Business Sponsors News
From the Editors
Quick Links
Calendar
Keep up to date with our PTA Calendar here.   

 

This Week 
  • Jun 4 (Mon.): Yearbook distribution
  • Jun 5 (Tue.): 8th Grade Recognition Event, 3-3:45PM
  • Jun 7 (Thu.): Minimum day, 11:30AM dismissal
  • Jun 8 (Fri.): LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, Minimum day, 11:30AM dismissal
  • Jun 8 (Fri.): Graduation ceremony, 5:30PM  

Join the PTA!      

Join Our Mailing List!
From the Incoming PTA Co-Presidents
Dear La Entrada Community,

As we begin our adventure as the new Co-PTA Presidents this year, we are already amazed by the outpouring of support in finding volunteers to fill the many chair and co-chair positions that will lead our fabulous PTA committees. Everyone who has volunteered in any way this year has made a difference, and our school really thrives because of the countless volunteers who give freely of their time and talents to benefit our students.

We would especially like to thank Leslie King and Libby Beasley for the outstanding job they have done this year as Co-PTA Presidents. Together they have put in place systems that are bringing our organization into the 21st Century. Stay tuned for an on-line "first day packet" this year, as our organization and school continue to strive to be "ever greener". This August, our stellar Volunteer Coordinator, Marsha Abbott, will continue the on-line volunteer sign ups that worked so smoothly last year.

Although we are sad to see our eighth graders and their families move on, we know that they will quickly embrace their new high schools and all of the opportunities that lie ahead of them. Just remember that you are still a part of the Leopard family! We also look forward to welcoming the incoming class of 2017. Our incoming fourth graders will be a fantastic addition to La Entrada!

If you would like to get involved in supporting any of our programs and/or have any questions regarding anything that our PTA does, please do not hesitate to contact us at
president@laentradapta.org. We hope to achieve a high level of participation from all our La Entrada families.

An important date to look forward to:

Welcome Coffee, Job Fair, and General Meeting: August 28, 9:15am in the MUR

We look forward to working with all of you this coming school year and welcome your continued support of the many programs that make La Entrada such a wonderful place to learn and grow!

Have a wonderful summer and we'll see everyone in August.

Laura Glader & Anne Longo
2012-2013 PTA Co-Presidents
PTA News
A Few Chairpeople Still Needed!

The PTA is still looking for volunteers to chair the following programs:

Lunch Enrichment: Help oversee special programs offered Wednesdays during lunch.  

Chinese New Year: Help organize the Chinese New Year celebration.  

 

Art Notecard Project Co-Chair for 2012/2013 School Year: We are looking for a parent of an entering 4th grade student to give a two-year commitment to this project.  The first year will be spent shadowing the 5th grade co-chair (Paula Hamilton), and the second year will be spent training your replacement!

 

Interested? Please contact Laura Glader and Anne Longo at president@laentradapta.org.  

 

School News

A Reminder to Parents from the Health Office 

Please pick up your student's medication from the office by the last day of school. All unclaimed medication will be discarded. A new medication consent form is required at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year in order to dispense medication at school.You may obtain the consent form in the school office or from the district website.Thanks for your assistance and have a healthy summer!  

 

Final Eighth Grade Graduation Reminders

 

Schedule of Events:

 

Tuesday June 5, 3:00 pm at La Entrada:  Student Recognition Ceremony (graduates only; there will be late bus service for 8th graders)

Friday June 8th, 4:45 pm at La Entrada:  Class of 2012 Photo (graduates only)

Friday June 8th, 5:30 pm at La Entrada:  Graduation Ceremony

Friday June 8th, 7:30-10:30 pm at Jensen Hall:  Dance Party (graduates only)

Saturday June 9th, 6:30-9:30 pm at Ladera Rec:  Pool Party (graduates only)

 

More Information:

 

A form was emailed to all of the 8th grade families on May 16 with information regarding the events, including the cost of the events and information about ordering a DVD and professional photos.  The form can be accessed by this link: http://www.llesd.k12.ca.us/graduation2012.pdf 

 

Checks payable to "La Entrada Graduation 2012" should be sent to our Treasurer, Virginia Chang Kiraly, P.O. Box 7525, Menlo Park, CA  94026-7525, or dropped off in the office no later than Tuesday, June 5.  Thank you to all of the families who have already generously given donations to help cover the costs of the graduation events!  Additional donations are still needed to cover the full costs.  We hope that you will contribute what you are able by adding an additional amount to your check. 

 



Foundation News

LLEF_logo

 

La Entrada

  

 And the fun continues...there are some precious spots remaining for the following Foundation Events & Adventurescoming up in June and August!

 

Buy your E&A tickets now at  www.llef.org!

 

(Available tickets to fall events are also available online)

 

 

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Ball Hockey Game with La Entrada Teachers

3:00pm - 4:30pm

Friday, June 1, 2012

7th Graders On the Edge of Glory *

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Sharon Heights Summer BBQ Progressive Party (for parents)

In the evening

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Basketball Clinic for 3rd-6th Graders with Peter Diepenbrock

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Tuesday,  June 5, 2012

Summer Reading Brunch (for parents)

10:00am

Friday,  June 8, 2012

2nd Graders are Pumped Up for Summer! *

3:00  pm - 5:00 pm

Friday, June 8, 2012

3rd Grade Graduation Party *

12:30pm - 3:00pm

Friday, June 8, 2012

4th/5th Grade End of Year Bash *

6:00pm-8:00pm

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Summer Kick-off Carnival

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Stanford/LLEF Passing and Catching Academy

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Monday, August 20, 2012

Incoming 4th - 6th Graders Outdoor Movie Night *

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Monday, August 20, 2012

Incoming 7th Grade Pizza, Pool, and iPod Party *

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Incoming 1st Grade Back to School Bounce Bash *

10:30am -12:30pm

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Incoming 2nd Grade Balloons and Bubbles *

10:30am -12:30pm

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Incoming 3rd Grade Back to School Bounce Bash *

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Incoming 6th Grade Girls - Decorate Your Locker!!*

10:00am -12:00pm

Friday, August 24, 2012

Incoming 8th Graders Swim and Dance the Night Away  *

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, August 25, 2012

An Evening on Fantasy Island (for parents)

In the evening

 

 

* Outreach available.  Please contact Kathy Ruwe at 650-854-5900 x267 

 for details.

 

Las Lomitas Sports & After-School Activities League

LLL logo - sports

  

A Big Thank You to the Las Lomitas League Team and all the Parent Volunteers for their dedication to our mission throughout the 2011-2012 school year! 
 
Susan Suesser - Co-President, Classes
Laurie Quinn - Athletic Director, Sports
Inger Rarick - Athletic Director, Basketball 
Sue Bartalo - Athletic Director, Basketball
Aruni Nanayakkara - V.P. Classes, La Entrada
Alison Yap - Co-V.P. Classes, Las Lomitas
Korenna Sinn - Co-V.P. Classes, Las Lomitas
Maureen Goode - LL Registrar, Webmaster
Pam Howland - LE Registrar
Susan Petersen - Treasurer
 
A Big Welcome to New Members: Mark Jones, Aarthy Senthilkumar and Keri Tully. 
A Special Thank You to Wrestling Coach, Joe Patane, for his passion and commitment over the years.
 
Registration for the Las Lomitas League Fall 2012 Sports & Classes will open at 7pm on August 23rd 2012, (one day after the start of school).

The Fall 2012 class offerings and schedule will be available on the Las Lomitas League website (http://www.laslomitasleague.com under the tab "Classes >La Entrada")  on August 1st.
 Information on Fall sports offerings is available now under the tab "Sports Fall"  To help us recruit coaches and begin planning schedules, take our survey to let us know your child's interest in a Fall Sport at LE.

If you are interested in Fall Sports or getting involved, check the Las Lomitas League website today!

Enjoy the summer! 
Renee Baker - Co-President, Sports

Governing Board News

AGENDA ONLINE 

We are happy to announce that in an effort to go green we will no longer be printing hard copies of board meeting agendas and minutes but rather will distribute, display and post all agendas and minutes online.  Our Online Agenda Website was launched on the Regular Board Meeting of May 9, 2012.  If you would like to receive email notifications when an upcoming Board Meeting Agenda is posted, please send an email request to the Superintendent's Secretary, Leticia Gomez, her email address is: lgomez@llesd.org.

 

The email notification will include a hyperlink that will take you to the upcoming Board Meeting Agenda and all of its attachments. Our Agenda Online website is laslomitas.csbaagendaonline.net. You will also be able to access our Agenda Online website by visiting the District Website, www.llesd.k12.ca.us/  then clicking on "Governing Board" and by choosing "Board Meetings, Agenda and Minutes" from the drop down menu (A direct link to our Agenda Online Website is posted there). 

If you have any questions, please contact the Superintendent's Secretary at 854-2880.

Menlo-Atherton High School News

M-A News for the Class of 2016  

The M-A Guidance Office needs a copy of each incoming freshman's birth certificate or a valid copy of his or her passport. Take it to their office at M-A between 7:30 am and 3:45 pm, or fax a copy to (650) 323-1411. 

 

If your address has not been verified, incoming freshmen need to do so at the District Office, 480 James Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062, (650) 369-1411.
Mark your calendars for these important upcoming M-A events:
  • Fall 2012 sports start on August 10.  Check out the Athletics section on the M-A website (http://www.sequoiadistrict.org/214420113144436193/site/default.asp) and the M-A Athletics new team website at (http://bearsathletics.org/) 
  • Arena check-in for the Class of 2016 will be on Wednesday, August 15 from 1-5pm. If you are unable to attend, you can attend on Thursday, August 16 from 8am-12pm.
  • Freshman Orientation at M-A takes place on August 20 at 8am
  • Freshman Parent Coffee (sponsored by Foundation for the Future) will coincide with Freshman Orientation on Monday, August 20 from 8-10am
  • First day of school is Wednesday, August 22
  • Welcome Back Dance is scheduled for Friday, August 24 from 7-10pm on the gym patio (the same night of the Class of 2016 Parents' Cocktail Party.)

Announcing the second event in the Foundation's Cultural Arts in the Community Series!

Best-selling Author Comes to the M-A PAC on Tuesday, September 18!

Join us for a riveting talk by Dr. Abraham Verghese "on Medicine and Books." Best-selling author and Professor of Medicine at Stanford, Dr. Verghese will discuss the dynamics and experiences of his two careers. Dr. Verghese is the author of three distinguished books:

  • Cutting for Stone which has been on the New York Times Paperback Fiction List for over two years
  • My Own Country which is based on his experiences working with persons living with HIV in Johnson City, Tennessee.
  • The Tennis Partner, also a national bestseller. 

Buy your tickets now at www.mafoundation.org.

  

M-A Volunteers Wanted for 2012-2013 School Year  
Is your 8th grader attending M-A next year?  If so, please sign-up to be on the Administrative Support volunteer list. There are no specific obligations - when the M-A Administration needs parent volunteers, we send out an email and if the volunteer opportunity fits in your schedule, you sign up; otherwise no need to respond.  A sampling of events that use lots of parent volunteers are Arena Check-In, Textbook Distribution, STAR Test Sorting, and AP Test Proctoring. Volunteering is a great way to meet other M-A parents and find out what's happening at M-A.  To be placed on our list, please send us an email with your name to AdminSupport@mabearspta.org. Welcome to M-A!  
Gloria Principe and Mary Zarucchi 

  

Incoming M-A High School Parents:  Volunteers Needed for Challenge Day 2012! 

Join us Monday and/or Tuesday, November 5th and 6th  for this memorable one-day workshop that promotes compassion, communication and community building among the Class of 2016.  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. Volunteers are needed to be small group facilitators on both days from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  


To volunteer pick the date which works best for you, then e-mail your preference (be sure to specify the date) to Irene Searles and Lisa Deal 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!

 

M-A Volleyball Tryouts
If you are interested in trying out for Volleyball at Menlo Atherton High School mark your calendars! 
New head coach Ron Whitmill will be holding tryouts on August 10 and 11th. Time and place will be posted on website www.bearsathletics.org.
There will also be information on the website about upcoming open gyms and clinics. If you have any questions please contact Ron_Whitmill@comcast.net or Kspindt@msn.com.
Go Bears!
 

Freshman football is coming to M-A!

Join the M-A Bears Freshmen Football Team! Menlo-Atherton is starting a NEW FRESHMEN ONLY TEAM this season. Sign up and learn more at www.menloathertonfootball.com or contact M-A's Steven Kryger at skryger@seq.org. Parent & player information meeting Tuesday June 12th at 6:30 at M-A Ayers Gym. GO BEARS!!  

 

 

M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES: 2011-12 END-YEAR SURVEY

Many thanks to all of you who attended M-A Parent Education Series events this year! We have an exciting schedule planned for next year, including a very special book tour event in October with Dr. Madeline Levine. 

We hope you will take a few minutes to complete a brief 2011-2012 End-Year M-A Parent Education Series survey. Your responses will help us evaluate our program and plan for next year's offerings!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M-A_2011-2012_ParentEdSurvey

 

 

 

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

Paye's Place AAU Basketball Wins Seventh Grade Championship in Reno

The Paye's Place seventh grade girls AAU basketball team was crowned champion at the Jam On It tournament, the "Largest AAU Basketball Tournament in the World", in Reno over the Memorial Day weekend. The team went 4-0 to win the seventh grade tournament. The team includes Sam E. from La Entrada as well as players from Hillview, St. Seton, and Corte Madera middle schools. 

 

Become an AFS Host Family! 

Imagine you could add another member to your family. A person who has lived in another country. A person who speaks another language. A person who sees the world in a different way than you. A person who wants to be your new child, brother or sister.
Redefine what it means to be a family by hosting an AFS Exchange Student.  Emily Z. (grade 4) was a host sister to Non Chaisudhiphongskul from Thailand this year, and really enjoyed having a new big brother. To find out more about hosting an AFS exchange student, please contact Marika Strauss at 1-800-237-4636 (x1582), Julie Zurcher at jkzurcher@yahoo.com or 650/854-5851, or just submit an interest form here http://www.afsusa.org/host-family/apply/  so a local AFS volunteer can call you.

 

SOLO Aquatics Swim Team -- Children Ages 3 - 18
Burgess Pool and MA High School Pool, Menlo Park
Serving Menlo Park families for two decades, SOLO swim team is unique from all other swim programs because of the outstanding quality of its coaching and instruction, the individual attention each swimmer receives, the focus on technique, and its commitment to inspiring kids to fall in love with swimming. Led by SOLO Head Coach Tom McRae whose educational background is in Physical Education specializing in developmental motor patterns in children, our experienced coaching staff will help children learn outstanding stroke technique, endurance, and personal accomplishment in a safe, FUN environment! Check out our Summer Sharks, Racer and Dynamo programs for young children aged 4-8 on our website: www.soloaquatics.com.
For more information contact registration@soloaquatics.com or (650) 851-9091.    

   

"Once on This Island, Jr" Musical Theatre Summer Camp here in Portola Valley! 
There are a handful of open spots in Portola Valley Theatre   Conservatory's summer camp session running July 16-August 12. This camp is for students entering 1st-8th grades. Visit our website for more information about this catchy and fun show! 

 

Portola Valley Flight Night
Come see a spectacular demo of model aviation!  Watch world class pilots fly radio controlled airplanes, sailplanes, and helicopters! Get a birds-eye view from in-flight TV cameras! Watch illuminated model aircraft perform aerobatics at night.
Get a taste of flying using an R/C simulator. Let an instructor teach you to fly an R/C airplane using a "dual control" system. Build and take home your own "pie-plate" glider.
Free and open to the public!
June 1, 2012, 6pm - 10pm
765 Portola Rd, Portola Valley, CA
For more information: http://flightnightpv.org.

 

Ragazzi Boys Chorus Auditions 

Wed. June 6, times by appointment, Redwood City:
The Ragazzi Boys Chorus will hold additional auditions for the 2012-13 season, which mirrors local school calendars. Ragazzi offers a complete music education through a proven, award-winning choral program. Boys begin with one evening per week of choral singing and progress through a full course of choral/vocal and music theory instruction. Ragazzi produces its own concert series, sings the National Anthem at a SF Giants Game every spring, goes on tours (domestic and international), and collaborates with other prestigious Bay Area arts organizations. No-stress auditions are for boys between the ages of 6 and 10; no previous singing experience is required. For appointments please call: 650-342-8785 or email ragazzi@ragazzi.org.

More info: www.ragazzi.org and www.ragazzi.org/WhyRagazzi.pdf.

You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/user/RagazziBoys?feature=watch 


Dance Camp For Visually Challenged Children

Cheryl Burke Dance in Mountain View will be offering a dance camp for visually challenged children this summer.
Date : June 23 - Aug 4 (skipping July 4th weekend), 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
If your child is between the ages of 6 and 12 and has been diagnosed with strabismus (misaligned eye) or nystagmus (dancing eye), please contact: E. Marie Brierley at ebrierley@att.net for more information.
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.    

  

JEFF ARONS' YOUTH TENNIS CAMPS AT SACRED HEART SCHOOLS    
Jeff Arons is the director of tennis for Sacred Heart Schools.  His coaching experiences include founding/directing the East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring Program and coaching a Wimbledon doubles champion.  His morning camps offer the beginning/intermediate level player the opportunity to develop their skills in a child friendly and fun environment.  His afternoon camps are geared towards improving the performance of intermediate to advanced players.  
Grades: 1st through 12th at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ten one week sessions beginning June 11 and ending August 17 
For more please go to www.jeffaronstennis.com.

  

Player Capital Summer Tennis Camps
Player Capital Tennis runs tennis camps for Pre K and up at beautiful Canada College overlooking the Peninsula.  Students will learn the rules and etiquette of tennis, proper technique, and developmental coordination.  In addition students will engage in a different cross training activity each day.  Please visit our website www.playercapital.com for more information and registration.  Also, you may also contact us at admin@playercapital.com or 650-275-3027.

Creative Art for Young Children 
Summer 2012 @ Portola Valley Town Center 
Six fun filled sessions to choose from!!!!! Kids may sign-up for any or all 6.
#1 July 9-13      Dr. Seuss' wacky critters, Magical paper hats and Silly Machines!
#2 July 16-20     Patterns, Puzzles, Tesellation and the art of M.C. Escher. 
#3 July 23-27     Monarch Butterflies, Puppets, Dioramas and symmetry! 
#4 July 30-Aug.3 Kandinsky's abstractions, Art and Mathematics and rulers! 
#5 Aug. 6-10     Andy Goldsworthy's Art made in nature, Fairy Huts and Trolls 
#6 Aug. 13-17    Putting our heads in the clouds and sending messages by way
                      of paper airplanes and kites! 
Teacher: Jeannie Goldman (650) 851-1914 
To Reg. contact Cindy @ the Portola Valley Town Hall (650) 851-1700 (ext. 200) 
Reg. forms available @ their office, 765 Portola Rd., or reg. online (portolavalley.net)
 
Water Polo summer camp in Menlo Park
Exciting new Water Polo day-camps for ages 5-14 at Belle Haven Pool this summer. Campers learn the basics of water polo, including correct ball handling, and positioning, along with daily scrimmage matches. Three weeks to chose from, June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m., with extended care available. Visit www.campmenlo.com for more details!

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;
  • Clearly indicate the title of your submission;  
  • DO NOT send flyers but provide a link to them;
  • DO NOT send pictures but provide a link to them;
For past issues, visit the PTA Newsletter archive.

Lucia Tedesco and Karen Zupsic
Leopard's Spot Editors