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From the Principal
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Dear La Entrada Parents:
I'd like to say a huge thank you to all that have welcomed me to the District and to La Entrada. I have met many of your children in the first weeks of school and am delighted with their behavior and friendliness. I am very excited about spending this year with you and your children. Please continue to encourage them to come up to me and introduce themselves to me.
As we move through September, here are few reminders about the upcoming weeks:
FAMILY PICNIC
The 2012 La Entrada Family Picnic will be on, Thursday, September 20th from 5:pm to 7:00 pm on the school playground. I am disappointed to be missing it this year because I have a pre-scheduled vacation event but I have heard wonderful things about past picnics and know that this event will meet all expectations.
Please click here if you would like to order and pay online via PayPal. Click here if you would like to download the form and return it with your payment by mail or drop it in the office. As an added convenience, we will be sending an order form home with your child on Monday afternoon. Please order your dinners by Friday, September 14th. Hope you can make it!
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Family Picnic Co-Chairs Maryellen McCabe and Liesl Noble at picnic@laentradapta.org.
NEW CLASSES for some....
As many of you know, we have been working to tweek our school's Master Schedule in order to accommodate our recent enrollment growth. In so doing, several students had schedule changes, as well as new teachers to go along with these changes. Parents are invited to meet their child's new teachers during our upcoming PTA Family Picnic evening. Below is the schedule:
Mrs. Webster ( 6th grade Core ) - 5:00pm - 5:30pm in room 34.
Mr. Anagnostou ( 8th grade Algebra ) - 5:15pm - 5:30pm in room 21
Mrs. Webster ( 8th grade English Support ) - 6:30pm - 6:45pm in room 34
Mr. Parker Kelly - Games/Puzzles/Math - 5:00pm - 5:15pm in room 2
6-8th GRADE BRUNCH STUDENT STORE
During Brunch on Thursday and Fridays, students are able to purchase items from the Student Store. In accordance with the State Health School Nutrition Standards SB 12, the following items can be purchased:
- Gatorade
- Hot chocolate
- Cup of Noodles
- Corn Nuts
- Baked Lays chips
- Sun Chips
- Rice Krispie Treats
- Fruit by the Foot
- Fruit snacks and
- 100 Calorie packs of: animal cookies, shortbread cookies and chocolate pretzels.
First 6th - 8th grade Dance
On Friday night, September 21st the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to attend the Dance.
Music, snacks, and drinks will be provided at the dance. All attire must be appropriate for a school event (see Student Dress Code in the La Entrada Handbook). Please have your son/daughter return their permission slip to the dance table during lunch on Wednesday, September 18th through September 20th during lunch, to confirm if he/she will or will not be attending.
Students are to arrive at 7:00 PM and be picked up promptly at 9:30 PM. Attendees will not be admitted to the dance after 7:10 without a note, nor may they leave the dance before 9:30 PM.
DANCE CHAPERONES NEEDED
We are excited to begin our series of middle school dances and need the support of parent chaperones in order to make these events successful. Please consider chaperoning for one of our dances, they are held quarterly, and staff will ensure that you will be scheduled to help out either at our Snack Table or as our Safety Patrol. All that is needed is a willingness to help for an hour and a quarter a flashlight. Staff will take care of chaperoning the dance hall. Chaperone shifts are from 7:00- 8:15pm or 8:15 - 9:30pm. Please email Mrs. Rianda with the shift that you are willing to Chaperone: trianda@llesd.org. Mrs. Rianda will get back to you to confirm your chaperone volunteer work.
SCHOOL LOOP UPDATE
It is exciting to see how the La Entrada Community of teachers, parents and students are embracing School Loop. It is a process and we are learning new aspects of the program/service each day. As a reminder, grades are not posted daily but rather posted on a weekly basis for most teachers. Usually by Friday, the grades are a reflection of the weekly work.
The 6th - 8th grade teachers should have all assignments on their School Loop Calendars by September 21, 2012. The 4th and 5th grades will be up and running by early October. Stay tuned.
Clubs on Campus: Parent Volunteers Needed
Our La Entrada Lunch Enrichment Clubs (LELE) will meet this year during lunch recess on Thursdays.
The first club to meet will be the Book Club on October 4, 2012. Our LELE Co-Leader Volunteers, Esther Dicks and MJ Crousore, are in need of another Book Club Leader for our 6th and 7th grade Book Clubs. Please contact Esther Dicks if you would be willing to lead a fun book club discussion once a month.
Our Latin Club is new this year and is in need of one or two more volunteers to hold a fun cultural meeting during a Thursday lunch recess. The first meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2012. This club will prepare our older kids for the JCL Spirit Competition and is certain to get both the older and younger students excited about Latin and about being competitive as a team. The kids will team up to make shields and swords to form into a turtle and really get into the role. This is a great opportunity for the older kids to prepare for the JCL and to inspire excitement in our younger kids as they approach the middle school years and will need to choose their language elective.
Youth Action Council (YAC) is our community service project club. Counselors Mrs. McDonough and Mrs. Medina are the YAC Leaders of this club. YAC's first meeting will be October 25, 2012 during lunch time. Students will be planning out community service projects for the year at the first meeting, putting our PAW Core Values into action.
Sharon Potts
Principal
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PTA News
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Join the La Entrada PTA! We NEED your Membership!
It's not too late! If you have put off joining the PTA, please know that you are not alone. Just think of how good it will feel to check that off your long list of "to do's."
Signing up is easy! Visit the PTA website to sign up online using PayPal or pick up a form in the office to write a check. Please feel free to contact Shari Guggenhime (membership@laentradapta.org) with any questions.
We need many more families to participate in order to continue with all the enrichment programs we have planned for our students. 100% of your contribution provides much-needed funds towards programs like Field Trips, Holiday Faire, Family Picnic, Science Fair, Spelling Bee and much more! Joining the PTA does not mean you're signing up to volunteer. Payment of your membership fees is simply demonstrating your support to help fund our programs.
As the La Entrada PTA does not fundraise during the year, it is of utmost importance that we receive necessary funding for vital programs through your membership support. Thank you!
HOT LUNCH
Hot Lunch Volunteers Needed!
Tuesdays, grades 4/5 (11:15 - 12:00), One to Two volunteers and/or volunteer substitutes
Tuesdays, grades 6-8 (12:00 - 12:45), Four biweekly volunteers starting September 18
Please email Julia, gershenberg@gmail.com, if you are able to help.
LA ENTRADA GEO BEE
La Entrada Geo Bee calling.......
All geography enthusiasts are invited for a fun afternoon (Friday November 30th 3-5PM) to learn more about the world around us. Parents and community are welcome to attend and give support in the audience. You are guaranteed to learn a lot.
Our school level Geo Bee is the first stage of a US wide program. The winner of La Entrada's Geo Bee will advance to the next level, a written exam, to qualify for the California State Bee to be held in spring of 2013. The top 100 students from all the participating schools in California will compete at the state level and the winner proceeds to the National Competition.
Sample questions from previous bees:
- The Ohio river forms the entire border between Indiana and which state?
- The Savannah River forms the border between Georgia and which state?
Want to brush up on your geography? Log onto www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee or join Michele for informal bee practice on Nov 27th at 7 AM.
Questions? Ask Michele at michelecleclerc@aol.com or Alka at alkasehgal@gmail.com.
REFLECTIONS
La Entrada PTA is launching a program to unleash your artistic talents. Reflections is a theme-based national PTA Arts program/competition that has been in existence for 40 years. The student creates a work of art based on the theme "Magic of a Moment." The winning artwork at our school goes on to compete at the district, state and national levels. All entries and artwork are DUE Wednesday, October 24th.If you missed the Kick-off meeting last week, there is still time to pick up an entry form and rules for your art discipline from:MUSIC COMPOSITION - Mr. CooperART/PHOTOGRAPHY - Ms. GregoriART/LITERATURE - Ms. OstromFILMMAKING - Mr. Parker KellyLITERATURE - Ms. RiandaDANCE CHOREOGRAPHY - See Julie Ann Min
GRADE LEVEL GATHERING
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!
4th Grade
- October 6th from 7:00-9:00 pm
- Hosted by Julie Clugage and Richard Hardegree, and Katharine Moir and Steve Westermann
- At Julie and Richard's home, 14 Shasta Ln, Menlo Park
- Last names A-M please bring dessert or an appetizer and last names N-Z please bring wine or beer
- Please RSVP to Julie at clugage@pacbell.net or 233-9377
6th Grade
- October 27th from 7:00-9:00 pm
- Hosted by Ashley Banks and Doug Laird, and Sandie and Aaron Timm
- At Ashley and Doug's home, 39 Sneckner Ct., Menlo Park
- Last names A-M please bring wine or beer and last names N-Z please bring appetizer or dessert
- Please RSVP to Ashley at ashleysbanks@gmail.com or 650-544-8968
7th Grade
- September 21st from 7:00-9:00 pm
- Hosted by Melissa and Rian Jorgensen, Melissa and Albert Jordan, and Suzy and Doug Galen
- At the Jorgensens' home, 1341 Orange Ave, Menlo Park
- Last names A-M please bring an appetizer and last names N-Z please bring wine or beer
- Please RSVP to Melissa at Melissab.jorgensen@gmail.com or 854-2116
8th Grade
- October 5th from 7:00-9:00 pm
- Hosted by Pam and Stephen Ellingson and Cathy and Kurk Mathews
- At the Ellingsons' home, 941 Continental Drive, Menlo Park
- Last names A-M please bring wine or other beverages and last names N-Z please bring an appetizer
- Please RSVP to Pam at pamela.ellingson@cna.com or 234-9934
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| School News | |
Save The Date!
M-A Information Night - Thursday, October 18th at 7:00pm in the MUR
M-A Principal Matthew Zito is coming to La Entrada to talk about the many opportunities available at M-A for prospective students. All 7th and 8th grade families are invited to learn about M-A academics, athletics, music program, 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.
Shadowing at M-A
Is your 8th grader interested in shadowing at M-A with a current freshman? Applications will be accepted for shadowing spots starting in early October. For more information and to download an application, please see the M-A Shadowing page at http://www.sequoiadistrict.org/domain/245
Chorus Rehearsals
- Sep 20 (Thu.): 4/5 Chorus rehearsal "Pirates of Penzance" 2:45 - 3:35 pm, music room
- Sep 27 (Thu.): 4/5 Chorus rehearsal "Pirates of Penzance" 2:45 - 3:35 pm, music room
- Oct 4 (Thu.): 4/5 Chorus rehearsal "Pirates of Penzance" 2:45 - 3:35 pm, music room
- Oct 18 (Thu.): 4/5 Chorus rehearsal "Pirates of Penzance" 2:45 - 3:35 pm, music ro
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| From the Foundation |
SHOP AND SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS!
Did you know online retailers like Amazon.com, and grocery stores like Safeway, will donate to the Las Lomitas Education Foundation every time you shop online or visit the grocery store? It's easy! When shopping on Amazon.com, please first visit the Las Lomitas Education Foundation Website at: http://www.llefshopping.com/ and click through the Amazon.com link found there to access the Amazon.com website. Accomplish that one simple step, and Amazon.com will donate 7% of your shopping transaction to LLEF. Don't miss this easy way to improve your child's education."
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE
Friday, October 19, 2012
7:00pm-9:00pm
Calling all fathers and their gorgeous daughters to Jensen Hall at La Entrada! Dance the night away with your daughter to some great music. This festive event is open to all grades.
$75 per Father/Daughter pair and $25 per sibling
**Kindergarten Dads, this is a wonderful opportunity to start the tradition of a special Father/Daughter evening.** (Outreach is available. Please contact the La Entrada school office for details.)
 
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| Menlo-Atherton High School News |
CULTURAL ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY SERIES
An Evening with Dr. Verghese on Medicine and Book
Join us for a riveting talk by Dr. Abraham Verghese "On Medicine and Books". Best-selling author and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, Dr. Verghese will discuss his two careers. He is the author of 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; and The Tennis Partner, also a national bestseller. Following his talk, Dr. Verghese will answer questions and sign books.
Date: Tuesday, September 18th 2012
Tickets $15/adult, $10/student available here.
M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Kepler's Books and the M-A Parent Education Series present Dr. Madeline Levine, "Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success"
Thursday, October 11, 7:00 p.m.
M-A Center for the Performing Arts (PAC)
Psychologist Madeline Levine brings together cutting-edge research and thirty years of clinical experience to explode once and for all the myth that good grades, high test scores, and college acceptances should define the parenting endgame.
Parents, educators, and the media wring their hands about the plight of America's children and teens-soaring rates of emotional problems, limited coping skills, disengagement from learning and yet there are ways to reverse these disheartening trends. Teach Your Children Well acknowledges that every parent wants successful children. However, until we are clearer about our core values and the parenting choices that are most likely to lead to authentic, and not superficial, success, we will continue to raise exhausted, externally driven, impaired children who believe they are only as good as their last performance
Madeline Levine, PhD, is a clinician, consultant, and educator; the author of The Price of Privilege; and a co-founder of Challenge Success, a project birthed at the Stanford School of Education that addresses education reform, student well-being, and parent education.
REGISTER AT: http://menloathertonmadelinelevine.eventbrite.com/
For more information, contact Charlene Margot, M-A Parent Education Series, Program Director, cmargot@csmconsulting.net
This event is FREE to the public and sponsored by Kepler's Books, the Menlo-Atherton PTA and the Sequoia Healthcare District.
Kepler's Books will have copies of "Teach Your Children Well" for sale at the event. Or click here to buy the book online.
Tickets will go QUICKLY, so register EARLY for this special event!! Attendees will need to bring EventBrite Ticket registration.
Seating available on a first come, first served basis.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
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| Community News |
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.
Redwood National Junior Basketball (NJB)
N
JB Winter Basketball registration is now open at
www.redwoodnjb.org. This Redwood Chapter is starting its 10th year. We're proud of the positive growth of thousands of kids in our program, and of our NJB alumni continuing to play recreational and competitive basketball. Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids from 1st through 8th grades. Come join us this year for a great basketball experience.
We offer a rookie league (D4) for grades 1-2 with the ability to form your own team (note friends during registration). There are no boundary restrictions for D4/rookie league. For grades 3-8 we offer 3 leagues D3 (grades 3-4), D2 (grades 5-6), and D1 (grades 7-8). D1-D3 utilizes a draft to ensure equality of teams and players must reside in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, or East Palo Alto (or have played in Redwood for the past couple of years). All teams are parent coached and the league provides pre-season coaching clinics. All Divisions (D1-D4) will play a 9 game schedule plus play-offs. The season runs from November through February. Many kids play NJB as well as school ball; it is definitely possible for those who enjoy basketball. For questions, see the website www.redwoodnjb.org or contact Dan Steere atdsteere@sbcglobal.net.
Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program - Spaces Available for Fall Groups
Spaces are available now for the Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program, a 6 month weekly family program. The 1.5 hour small groups of children (ages 8-15) and parents meet weekly to focus on establishing healthy eating and exercise habits. Call (650) 725-4424 for more information about the next groups in English and Spanish and for payment options. Visit our website and hear what past participants say about their experiences.
Also, to see a news story about one of our graduates who recently published a book about his experience, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQrF6cjwPjQ
Have any Outgrown or Gently Used Halloween Costumes to donate?
Haven House of Shelter Network is in need of all sizes of costume donations (infant through adult) for their children's school events and mega Halloween party. The Girl Scouts of La Entrada and Las Lomitas Schools will be coordinating the annual costume collection this year. Please drop any new or used costumes off in the donation bins outside of La Entrada from 9/24 through 10/15. Stay tuned for collection dates and times at Las Lomitas in the Lion's Roar. Or bring your costumes to Suzanne Mitchell in the Tech Office at La Entrada.
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| Business Sponsors News |
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.
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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;
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