From the Principal
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Dear La Entrada Community,
Welcome to second semester!
Elective Choice and Balanced Classes
As a staff, we did our best at placing students in their choice electives but there may be some students that would like to request a change. All elective changes need to go through Rm 7. We cannot guarantee a change, but will do our best to accommodate the requests. We attempt, during the first few weeks of the new semester, to move some students out of larger classes and into smaller classes while trying to accommodate elective choice.
Schoolloop
I would like to thank all of you for your patience as we worked through glitches and system decisions surrounding the implementation of Schoolloop. We have learned from your use, comments, and suggestions and have come to some agreements as a staff. We acknowledge that having consistent processes and expectations for its use by the teachers, students and parents will make it a more effective communication tool. The 6th - 8th grade teachers have agreed on when they will post assignments and grades and how they will use the website and loopmail to communicate with you.
- 6th Grade - Publish Assignments at least once/week; Publish grades weekly; Use zero's as place holders and use comments to describe why the zero was entered i.e. missing, incomplete.
- 7th Grade - Publish Assignments weekly; Publish grades weekly; Use zero's as place holders and use comments to describe why the zero was entered i.e. missing, incomplete.
- 8th Grade - Publish Assignments multiple times/week; Publish Grades weekly on Tuesdays; Use zero's as place holders and use comments to describe why the zero was entered i.e. missing, incomplete.
- The elective teachers will be following the grade level guidelines above.
Schoolloop is an achievement management system that gives students the tools they need to stay on track, and their parents and their team a way to provide support when they need it. We recommend that the system is used often to check on assignments and communicate through loop mail with teachers and other students. It is best if grades are checked weekly. The quantity and length of assignments vary across teachers and subjects so the grades may not be accurate on a daily basis, but we are committed to their accuracy on a weekly basis. When you receive the email push from Schoolloop, you will be able to track the number of any missing assignments. In order to see the details of those missing assignments you will need to log in and review the comments. While the assignment is "missing," the grades may record low as the zero is part of the calculation. The grade will be adjusted according to each teacher's grading policy once accounted for.
The 4th and 5th grade teachers only use the website portion of Schoolloop. The will post their monthly newsletters (big events, units of study, reminders) and links to websites relevant to the curriculum. The 5th grade team will post their homework daily.
We want this system to support our students and increase our communication with you and your children. We don't want it to add additional stress to the learning experience. If you have any questions about what is posted please contact the teachers for clarification.
Coffee with the Principal
Monday, February 11th, we will have a "Coffee with the Principal" at 9:15am in the MUR. The focus of the discussion will be Common Core Standards and other updates. There may also be some time for other topics so please contact me if you have questions or topics you would like me to address.
Regards,
Shannon Potts
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PTA News
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LA ENTRADA SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS ANNOUNCED
7th/8th grades:
First prize Andrew Z, John K., and Giles B. "Crossbow to the Stars"
Second prize: Maanek S., and Marc. M. "Fibonacci Sequence"
Third Prize: Kaveh P. "Generating electricity from a swimming pool heater"
6th grade:
First Prize: Lynn K. "Dead or Alive"
Second Prize: Mitra P. "Hair Hygrometer"
Third Prize: Emilie M. "Super Solar"
5th grade:
First Prize: Riley G. and Kaitlyn W. "Do twins think more alike?"
Second Prize: Luke V. "Which is the best battery?"
Third Prize: Anna W. and Alexandra S. "Paw Preferences"
4th grade
First Prize: Emil G., "Does yoga improve lung capacity?"
Second Prize: Daniel L. "Which rocks have calcite?"
Third Prize: Alexandre C. "Color and light absorption"
This year we had 107 entries, a substantial increase over last years 75. The top 18 entries from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades have now qualified to enter the San Mateo County Science Fair next month. Winners there go on to Bay Area Science Fair and the State Science fair Good luck to those continuing to compete with their projects.
Our gratitude goes out to all the volunteers who made this event a success: John Bargar, Joanne Tinkham, Danielle Critchley, Claire Gu, Amel Belguith, Mike Ball, Denise Dowsett, Whitney Thwaite, Brenda Nixon, Alka Sehgal, Brenda Kim, and all the others.
Bardia Pezeshki and Ann Crady, Co-Chairs
4TH AND 5TH GRADE LATIN CLUB
Even if you have not already signed up, please feel free to join us at lunch period in MUR for our next meetings on February 14th, March , April 18th.
AROUND THE WORLD
We're very excited to have expanded the Around the World sessions of our LE Lunchtime Enrichment Program this year. "Around the World" will introduce our children to cultures and customs from other countries. The program will consist of a short presentation and quiz, followed by games and a snack from the country! Please note that the first session is scheduled for this Thursday, January 31st and will be on Sikhism. Thank you to Alka Sehgal for leading this exciting session. The second session will be on Thursday, April 25th on India, led by Meenu Bhasin. The third and final session will be on Thursday, May 2nd on England, also led by Meenu Bhasin.
It's not too late to sign up. If your children are interested please have them join us in the MUR this Thursday at lunchtime.
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| School News |
CORNERSTONE CORNER
This month, our ABC readers will be presenting the third book in the Asset Year series, "Say Something!" by Peggy Moss. This short book's message to say and do something is delivered with sensitivity and purpose. "Say Something", makes us think about the power we have to support and include every student at our school. It is a call to action for all of us to move from the familiar role of bystander to the integrity-rich role of UP-stander. Learning to become an UP-stander is key to promoting positive social interactions, so that all children belong and feel safe. With the help from the ABC readers, students have learned strategies for safely responding to verbal, physical and relational bulling. Consider taking the UPstander Pledge with your child.
UPstander Pledge I am an UPstander. I have the power to influence my peers. I SAY Something or DO something when you need help. I am "there" for you. I will help you get the help you need. You are not alone. I have your back.
First Friday. this Friday, February 1, Dads (and any other interested adults) are invited to come and connect with kids at lunchtime. Invite your friends to join you and build a team of caring adults who volunteer to build relationships with youth by playing games, listening, reading... just being "there" for kids. If you would like a reminder email, send an email request to Anna Plume at aplumemom@yahoo.com. Dates: 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3 and 6/7. Time: 4-5th grade- 11:35-12:15p
6-8th grade- 12:15 - 12:50p
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| From the Foundation |
HELP US EARN $80,000: DONATE BY JAN 31st
We are so close: 77% of families have donated to the Foundation already! Our schools will get an additional $80,000 if 80% of all parents participate in the giving campaign by January 31st.
For those who haven't given yet, please don't delay -- your donation, of any amount, will make a significant difference to our kids.
Donate at www.llef.org.
Thank you to our donors the week of 1/15/2013 - 1/21/2013:
Michael Banks and Jennifer Tatko, Lisa Cesario and Roger De Lusignan, Ian Clazie and Kirsty Baker, Damon and Cynthia Gage, Michael and Kristin Galvin, Victor Garcia, Gregg and Kelly Holzrichter, Cynthia and Michael Jessup, Joydeep and Danae Kamdar, Walter and Grace Leclerc, James Lim and Colleen McDonough, Ricardo and Elisa Maldonado, Jim and Kim Marshall, Casey McGlynn, Tom and Lisa Newton, Dorrian Porter and Stephany Ayotte, Frank Scioscia and Karen Zack, Rainey Sealey, Hakan Sipor and Agnieszka Chojnacka, John Thipphawong and Amy Harber, Raphelle Gabriel-Toth and Gabor Toth, Wanmo and Linda Wong, Sam and Jane Worden
 Buying Valentine's Day cards, flowers, or gifts? Visit LLEF Shopping first! Whether you're making cards, ordering flowers, or choosing just the right presents for your loved ones, remember to start your online Valentine's Day shopping at www.llefshopping.com. A portion of every purchase turns into a donation for our schools! Participating vendors include Tiny Prints, Minted, 1800flowers, Amazon, Red Envelope, and many more. Happy Valentine's Day from the Las Lomitas Education Foundation! Winter Events Act now...there are a few spots remaining for the following upcoming Events & Adventures: - Indian Cooking Class and Dinner Party (for parents) - Saturday, February 2
- Chinese New Year Party in Old Shanghai (for parents) - Friday, February 8
- Ice, Ice Baby!!! Skating for the Entire Family - Sunday, February 10
- La Entrada Kids Care at San Francisco City Academy -Take Two - Wednesday, March 13
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For event descriptions, pricing and to buy E&A tickets now go here.
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Las Lomitas League News
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Classes start this week!
By now, you have probably received a welcome letter from instructors requesting dismissal plans for your children. You can find all class information, including contact information for instructors and League policies under the "Classes" tab at the Las Lomitas League website or by following this link: http://laslomitasleague.com/templates/LECLASS.html
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| Sequoia Union High School District News |
Menlo-Atherton High School Fashion Show
SAVE THE DATE! The Menlo-Atherton High School Fashion Show is coming! Please join us for this year's fashion show - "iM-Agine...A Bright Future" on Saturday, February 23, featuring our senior class. This show is a great community event and fun for all ages. The show has an upbeat techno theme with bright lights to honor our senior class as they prepare to embark on their new journeys. There will be a luncheon at 11:30 a.m., followed by the 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 evening show in the Performing Arts Center. We will highlight fashions from local stores and the seniors will model and dance! More information regarding ticket sales/prices will be available soon! We hope to see you and your families there! Come witness the great school spirit at M-A!
M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
"The Hidden Logic of Teenagers: How to Hear What They Aren't Saying"
Dr. Mike Riera, author of Uncommon Sense for Parents of Teenagers
Thursday, January 31, 2013, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
M-A Center for the Performing Arts (PAC)
Don't miss renowned parenting expert Mike Riera, Ph.D., on Thursday, January 31, 2013, in "The Hidden Logic of Teenagers: How to Hear What They Aren't Saying." Dr. Riera is one of the country's foremost authorities on children and teens, and he is known for providing no-nonsense, practical advice for parents in understanding their adolescents. He literally wrote the book on parent-teen communication in his bestsellers "Uncommon Sense for Parents of Teenagers" and "A Field Guide to the American Teenager."
* Learn why teenagers do what they do and learn why they can't / won't explain it to you
* Learn how to tie discipline to the development of integrity
* Learn how to influence them in the areas of their life that matter the most
* Learn how to hear what they are not quite saying
* Learn how to have the Big Talks: Drugs, Alcohol, Sex, Money, the Internet
* Learn how to maximize your influence
* Learn about normal adolescent development: physical, thinking, and social identity
* Learn why it's more important to be their parent rather than their friend
* And most of all: learn to enjoy this beautiful (and frustrating) phase of family life!
Ticket Registration: http://mikerieramenloatherton.eventbrite.com
M-A Parent Education Series events are FREE and sponsored by the
Menlo-Atherton PTA and the Sequoia Healthcare District. The event is open to parents, students, and community members.
For more information, please contact Charlene Margot, M-A Parent Education Series Program Director, at cmargot@csmconsulting.net or 650.868.0590.
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 at (650) 853-1711 or kayton@alum.mit.edu.
Summit and Everest Open House
Summit Preparatory Charter High School (one of Newsweek's"Ten Miracle High Schools" in the country) and Everest Public High School are public, tuition-free, charter high schools in Redwood City. Our schools strive to provide students with a small and personalized educational experience with guaranteed college preparation in a physically and emotionally safe environment. Summit and Everest would like to invite parents and students to learn more about their schools and the admission process at their upcoming Open Houses:
Saturday, February 9th, 2013 at 10:00 AM
All open houses will be at Summit, 890 Broadway, Redwood City.
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| Community News |
These programs are not supported by or affiliated with the La Entrada School or the La Entrada PTA.
Help East Palo Alto 3rd Graders with Reading
Please join All Sudents Matter volunteers "adopt" third grade students who desperately need help reading. If you are interested, we will start February 4th. We will commit one to two days a week (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays) from 12:40-2:00 pm at Brentwood Academy. The third grade teachers will welcome us and guide us through this focused effort. The program will last 10 weeks and will allow you to develop strong ties with third grade studentsstruggling with reading. To volunteer, call or email Carolyn Blatman at cblatman@AOL.com or (650)269-5354. All Students Matter's web site is allstudentsmatter.org.
LITTLE LEAGUE UMPIRES WANTED
Alpine West Menlo Little League is looking for student umpires for the upcoming baseball season. Minimum age 12. Flexible schedule--work when you can. Earn $22-32 per game. Season runs March -June. Experienced baseball players preferred. Must attend mandatory training session in February (dates TBD). If interested, please email Anna Plume at AlpineMinorsUmpsch@gmail.com.
School Supplies Needed for Elementary Schools in East Palo Alto
Interested in helping East Palo Alto elementary schools with needed supplies such as paper, pencils, pencil sharpeners and Kleenex? Our parent volunteer group makes it easy through our Giving Tree program. Just give us your email address and every quarter you will receive a "wish list" message. From the wish list, you can purchase a small item or two and drop off supplies at a specified home in Menlo Park or Palo Alto. There are no meetings, only quarterly emails. It's easy! Sign up by contacting Linda Knoll at
An Evening for Parents with Stanford Psychology Professor and Author Carol Dweck
Tuesday, January 29th from 7:00-9:30 - Carol Dweck, Ph.D. The Friends of the Menlo Park Library present Mindset: An Evening for Parents with Stanford Psychology Professor and Author Carol Dweck at the Hillview Performing Arts Center, 1100 Elder Avenue, Menlo Park. Space is limited and registration is required:
2013 Spring Alpine/West Menlo Little League and AMA Softball
Baseball and Softball Registration for 2013 Spring Alpine/West Menlo Little League and AMA Softball is now open.
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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
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Submission Requirements:
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