| From the Principal's Office |
Dear La Entrada Community,
On November 22 and November 25, we will be working as a staff and student body on Digital Citizenship. My Digital TAT2 is providing assemblies for the 6th - 8th graders and a parent workshop on Monday, November 25th at 12:30pm. The mission of My Digital TAT2 is to help educators, parents, and students work together to create a community of kindness and respect both on and offline. Their goal is to help students see the power and responsibility associated with living out loud in the digital world while empowering them to be 21st century learners who are ethical and responsible producers and consumers of digital media. In addition to our work with My Digital TAT2 we are beginning to explore the following links as a staff and wanted to share them with our families.
Internet Safety Resources
Staff Changes
As some of you may know, Emily McDonough will be moving out of state and will be leaving La Entrada at the end of December. She sends the following message to the entire LE Community:
I wanted to reach out to the entire community to let everyone know that I am leaving La Entrada in December; I will stay until winter break. My husband was offered a job promotion that we couldn't turn down. Unfortunately the job is in Dallas. I can't think of a bigger change for my family, but we have already set the goal to be back in California in the next five years. I am overwhelmed and sad to leave La Entrada. I will miss the amazing support the parents and district have provided me during my time here. I will miss the students deeply. The kids have brought such humor, insightfulness and kindness into my life. Finally, I just want to say thank you. I treasure the support you have all given me. We are working hard to ensure a smooth transition with my exit and the addition of someone new.
Emily will be missed by everyone at La Entrada and leave large shoes to fill. We wish her the best in her new Dallas adventure.
Private School Recommendations
The season of private school applications is upon us. If your child will be applying to a private school for the 2014-2015 school year, please make sure that we have any recommendation forms (that need to be filled out by a teacher or administrator) by Tuesday, December 10. This is a firm deadline and any requests for recommendations received after that date are not guaranteed to be completed by the private school's published deadline. All forms must be given or emailed to Marja Rudge (in the main office) and she will make sure they get to the correct people. Parents are to provide any necessary stamped envelopes and/or emails necessary to complete the recommendation process when making their request for recommendations. Teachers will complete each recommendation form and will give an honest assessment of your child. Please be mindful of the time and thought that goes into each recommendation. Marja will inform parents when the Private School Recommendation forms have been processed. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Marja in the front office.
Washington DC
As we approach December, we also approach the deadline for signing up for 8th grade Washington DC trip. I am excited to join the 8th graders in April as they solidify their learning around US History traveling through Washington DC and the surrounding areas. As of today we have 64 students registered for the trip and our goal is to have 90 students. Each bus holds 50 students and we would prefer to increase our buses to two (approx. 90 students) than reduce the trip to one bus holding 50 students. It isn't too late to sign up! There are fliers in the office that show the itinerary and cost of the trip. If you are interested in fundraising to help support the trip, you may contact Sonya Dineen for information.
Apple for the Classroom
I want to extend a thank you on behalf of all the teachers participating in the Apple for a Classroom. We are fortunate to have the support of the PTA and District Office who set up a new online system for La Entrada (modeled after Las Lomitas). I know as the teachers are becoming more familiar with the system they are adding items to their lists. They are appreciative of all donations they have received thus far. If you would like to see what teachers have updated, you can find their wish lists at http://www.laentradapta.org/_programs/apple.html.
Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Best regards,
Shannon Potts
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| School News |
La Entrada SERVICE CLUB GIVING TREE
The La Entrada Service Club is looking for "elves" to provide a boy or girl a gift in The Family Giving Tree this holiday! We believe that income levels should not interfere with what it means to be young & experience the joys of the holidays. In addition, we will be initiating an ongoing project that will provide much needed materials for a Belle Haven Classroom in East Menlo Park. Additional items such as pencils, copy paper, markers, etc will be added to the Giving Tree as special ornaments.
The Family Giving Tree collects thousands of specific wishes for 280 local social service partners. Sadly, one in four Bay Area children is currently living below the poverty line. Dealing with that reality during the holiday season, a time typically reserved for joy, is especially disheartening for the children. You can give a child that moment of excitement and joy as they open their wished for gift. So the LE Service Club will be putting together a GIVING TREE in the La Entrada Main Office where kids can choose a child to shop for and make their gift wish come true! There is also a virtual tree on the following website: https://vgt.familygivingtree.org/laentradamiddleschool
where kids and their families can choose something to give online or just make a donation!
For questions, please contact a parent volunteer: Molly Drewes, molly@drewes.net, Amy Harber, amyharber@aol.com, Monica Albers, monica.albers@gmail.com, Katie Evans, evanskat@hotmail.com, or Shari Guggenhime, guggenhime@att.net.
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Tech Tips for Parents
By Suzanne Mitchell
The steps you can take to ensure that your children are safe and act responsibly in today's digital world will vary dramatically on how old they are and how much exposure they have to technology.
Here are 10 tips to help you get started as compiled from The Online Mom. I simply couldn't say it better :)
1. Get In The Game! Make an effort to understand the basics of the technology that your child are (or will be) using on a daily basis. Technology is such a big part of kids' lives that no parent can afford to just step away from their responsibilities in this area. You may be doing a fantastic parenting job in all other aspects of your children's lives but without understanding at least the basics, you cannot be part of their ever-expanding digital world. It's not difficult to grasp some fundamentals and get up-to-speed. Plus, it's fun and educational - that's why your kids love it so much!
2. Open a dialogue. Talk to your kids about technology and in particular about Internet safety. Agree on a set of rules for using the computer and going on the Internet. Surf the web together. Stay involved; your child's tech and online activity will increase and become more complex as they get older and technology continues to evolve. Keep the conversation going.
3.Be informed. Know what technology your child uses, what games they play, which web sites they visit, and with whom they are communicating. For young children, give them an approved list of web sites.
4. Beinterested. Ask your child what he is doing, what programs he is using, what sites he's visiting. Ask him to show you how his tech toys work and what he and his friends do with them.
5.Help your child understand what inappropriate behavior is. If you or your child encounter inappropriate behavior - whether it's violent video games, cyber-bullying, or online predators - don't just let it go. Act on it, whether it's talking to your child, bringing the subject up with another child's parents or reporting it the appropriate authorities.
6. Buy a family computer and keep it in a public place in the home. Encourage your children to regard it as a resource for everyone to use. Give each of them separate IDs and passwords, so they have a sense of ownership and privacy.
7. Never give out personal information over the Internet. Explain to a child that he or she must never give out personal information. Family e-mail addresses, phone numbers, names, birth dates, home addresses, family details, photos, etc. should all be jealously guarded. Although social networking sites ask for and encourage sharing this information, your child should know that protecting his own and his family's identity should be one of his top priorities.
8. Empower yourself. Use Internet filtering or monitoring software. You don't have to check in on what your child is doing every day, but the fact that you can - and they know you can - helps set the right tone for responsible behavior.
9.Set a good example. It's no good setting limits on your kids' screen time if you spend all day with your eyes glued to your laptop or firing off hundreds of texts from your iPhone. Similarly, don't ban devices from the dinner table if you reach for your smartphone every time it buzzes. Children take their lead from their parents' behavior and interacting with technology is no different.
10.Talk to other parents about your children's technology experiences and online safety. Form a network of other concerned parents
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Fifth Grade Band Notes
As the eighty band students prepare for their first-ever band concert on December 18th, they will be involved in two special rehearsals where they will all play together prior to the Winter Concert. The dates of these two rehearsals will be:
- Friday, December 13 7:30 - 8:05AM
- Monday, December 16 7:30 - 8:05AM Students are asked to come to the music room a few minutes early to locate their assigned seat and get their instrument ready to play.
A big Thank You goes out to Mr. John McGrory and his son for directing an hour-long trumpet clinic last week in the music room during minimum days. The students played a great deal of trumpet, learned the basics and had fun during the session. Mr. McGrory also helped out with a dozen or so 'one-on-one,' half-hour long, individualized trumpet sessions aimed at correct embouchure, breathing and tone production on the instrument.
Spring Musical News
Students and parents alike will be pleased to hear that our annual spring musical will be "Xanadu" and will be staged on Thursday, April 24th and Friday, April 25th at Woodside's PAC at 7:00pm. Here are the important dates to consider:
(Wed) February 5 (4/5 grade) Auditions in music room 3:00 - 5:00PM
(Thur) February 6 (6/7/8 grade) Auditions in music room 3:00 - 5:00PM
(Thur) February 6 Parent Musical Meeting in MUR 7:00PM
(Fri) February 7 Cast list up on music room outside door 7:30AM
(Fri) February 7 Cast read-thru in music room 3:00PM
(Mon/Wed/Fri) starting on Feb 10 *Spring Musical Rehearsals 3:00 - 5:00PM
(Thur) April 24 "Xanadu" show at Woodside's PAC 7:00PM
(Fri) April 25 "Xanadu" show at Woodside's PAC 7:00PM
*There will be no rehearsals on:
- Feb 17/19/21 ski break
- March 10/12 minimum days due to Parent-Teacher Conferences
- March 14 local spring recess
- April 14/16/18 spring break
Tech week (at Woodside's PAC) will run on Monday, April 21,Tuesday April 22 and Wednesday, April 23 from 3:30 - 6:30pm for three consecutive days.
Break a Leg!
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| PTA News |
Thank you Monica, Stacey, Kelly, and Stacy!!!
The La Entrada PTA Executive Board would like to congratulate Monica Albers, Stacey Alexander, Kelly Holzrichter, Stacy May and all the parent volunteers and teaching staff for their efforts in chairing and organizing our most successful Used Book Fair to date. A record $7600 in books was sold in four days - truly remarkable!! You all did an outstanding job and we appreciate every single dollar raised. Funds raised will benefit the La Entrada Library as well as our other PTA programs.
Record Breaking Sales for La Entrada Used Book Sale!!
Thanks to you, we sold $7,600 worth of books and the best news is that the La Entrada PTA received 100% of the proceeds! We owe special thanks to our volunteers who priced, sorted and organized our book fair and sold their hearts out to all that walked in the doors of the La Entrada Used Book Fair! Without the help and support of our community, we would not be successful, so the co-chairs, teachers and staff at La Entrada are extremely grateful for your support of the PTA and our fantastic school. We also thank Judi Eichler for designing and printing our awesome banners!
La Entrada is not the only business that benefited from our used book fair. Thousands of books were donated to the following charities and schools:
Ravenswood School District
Menlo Park Library
Reading is Freedom program, based out of Taft School
10 books A Home
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Save the Date: The Holiday Faire, Friday, December 6
Please donate one or many brown shopping bags for the Holiday Faire. We need enough bags for each student to use the day of the Faire to hold the many wonderful projects they will make. A labeled box will be in front of the MUR for the shopping bag donations. Thank you!
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Sign up for the GeoBee by December 6!
Here's the form.
GeoBee Contest Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 3:00 - 5:00pm, in Jensen Hall
Optional Lunchtime Practice Sessions: Nov. 20th, Dec. 4th, Dec. 18th, and Jan. 8th.
The National Geographic Bee (GeoBee) is a fun, educational, and nationwide geography competition for U.S. schools with any grades four through eight. During Lunch Enrichment Club, to prepare for the GeoBee, we will play games, review materials and use the GeoBee app from National Geographic. We'll also share some great online tools!
The top three La Entrada finalists will receive a GeoBee T-Shirt! The La Entrada 1st place winner will take a qualifying test that will be submitted to National Geographic for scoring. Qualifying students are invited to compete at the state level. State winners are invited to compete at the National level with an opportunity to win college scholarships up to $50,000!
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The Spelling Bee Needs You!
Last chance (possibly)! Sign up for the Spelling Bee Qualifying Test Grading Party.
Qualifying spelling tests have been administered to all students in class. Now it's time to find out who makes it into the Spelling Bee! Come help out with the event of the season: the Spelling Bee Qualifying Test Grading Party. On Thurs, Dec 5, from 9 to 11 am, slake your thirst, satisfy your hunger, and do some grading. Create friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Improve your popularity, wealth, good looks, and heck, maybe even your own spelling. Be all that. To sign up, contact Kari Mueller (Kari.rae@gmail.com) or Janelle London (jlondon@stanfordalumni.org).
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Solve the Math Problem of the Week and you could win a prize!
Congratulations to Dana L for winning the Math Counts prize for the week of November 11!
Try the Math Counts Problem of the Week for the week of November 25, at http://mathcounts.org/resources/problem-of-the-week.
Submit your answers to LEMathCounts@gmail.com by end of day Friday.
All those who submit correct answers will be entered into a prize drawing.
You don't need to be on the math team to win. Good luck, and happy math!
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| Las Lomitas Education Foundation |
We are HALF way there!
Together we can reach our participation goal!
Donate today just- Click here.
Shop for our schools at www.llefshopping.com.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
Guys Night In for the BCS Championship!
Watch the 2014 BCS Championship Game from a movie theater lounge seat at the Friesel home on Monday, January 6, 2014. Or play pool, air hockey, and darts in front of the large flat screen TV nearby. There are still tickets available, and 100% of your ticket price goes to support the Foundation. Click here to purchase your ticket HERE.
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For more information please see our Community Report online here.
Excellence is built one donation at a time.
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Sequoia Union High School District News
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Open Enrollment at M-A for 8th Graders
If you are a La Entrada 8th grader who would like to attend Menlo Atherton High School but do not live in the MA attendance area, you WILL be granted permission to attend MA High School as a 9th grader but you MUST fill out an open enrollment form and submit it to the high school district. Open Enrollment allows for parents/guardians to apply for a transfer from one school in the district to another for any reason. Open Enrollment ends January 17th so please go to the SUHD website. http://www.seq.org/+pages/file_137.php to fill out the form.
For questions or concerns about open enrollment contact:
Cynthia Guerra
Administrative Secretary
(650) 369-1411 ext. 2211
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Common Core Standards at M-A High School
Are you interested in learning more about the Common Core Standards and what they mean for future students of M-A High School? Please join us for coffee as the M-A PTA hosts Principal Zito and speakers from the District Office for a discussion about the new Common Core Standards.
- What are the Common Core Standards?
- What do the Common Core Standards mean for parents and students?
- What is the district's plan for implementing the Standards?
The speakers will answer these questions and more. The SUHSD will be making important decisions on math pathways in January. Parent input is important. Please come to this informative discussion on Wednesday, December 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the PAC Cafeteria behind the Performing Arts Center on M-A's campus.
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Sequoia Union High School District Registration
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Open Enrollment is a period of time when you may request a high school other than your home school for your child to attend. You must complete an Open Enrollment Transfer Application to be eligible. Open Enrollment has begun on October 1st, 2013 and closes on January 17th, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. (There are no late exceptions.) Applicants will receive a letter in the mail around the first week of March letting them know if their request was approved or if they were put on a wait-list. Applicants have until March 14, 2014, to rescind the transfer request should they decide to do so. Please do this in writing. The sooner they let the district know, the sooner it opens up a spot for someone else who might want it. For more information, click here.
GET TO KNOW M-A
Campus Tours
Come tour the beautiful M-A campus on a Wednesday afternoon while school is in session. Current M-A students and an M-A staff member will guide you around campus and answer all your questions. Wednesday Tours are the first Wednesday of the month (October to April). See the Get to Know M-A Events Calendar for specific dates. The tour is one hour. Please reserve your tour spot online here.
Shadowing
Our Shadowing program pairs prospective 8th graders with a 9th grade host so they can attend classes during a typical day at M-A. Our program runs from October 4 through March 28. Please click here for full program details and frequently asked questions. New this year, sign-ups will be done through our website. Shadowing is very popular and appointments fill fast, so sign up early to reserve your spot. The appointment window for the first semester will open September 3rd. Second-semester appointments will be available after December 9th.
For more details or to sign-up see our website: mabears.org, About Us, Get To Know M-A
GET TO KNOW SEQUOIA HIGH
Shadowing
Individual 8th grade students will be able to shadow a Sequoia 9th/10th grader on most week days between October 1, 2013 and March 1, 2014. Shadow days are designed to allow students to get a feel for their future alma mater through spending the day attending classes, walking through the halls from class to class, and eating lunch.
8th graders may choose whether they'd prefer to spend the day with a Sequoia student taking primarily college prep mainstream classes or one taking primarily ICAP classes designed to prepare 9th/10th grade students to take higher level IB courses in the 11th/12th grade years. Preferences can be indicated at the time of registration.
If you have questions about shadowing at Sequoia, please contact Lauren Reibstein at lreibste@seq.org. GET TO KNOW WOODSIDE
Parents Tours
The Parent Tours offer an intimate look at Woodside High School. Talk to the principal and a member of the administrative team, ask as many questions as you like in a small group setting, visit classes, walk through the campus during passing periods, get a sense of the friendly and academic culture of this exemplary comprehensive high school. Sign up for a parents tour here.
Shadowing
The shadow program is designed for all students, including transfer students, who are interested in attending Woodside High School. The shadow program is run through the leadership class and the students in leadership are the shadow leaders. Shadowing will take place between September 17, 2013 and March 7, 2014.
We look forward to giving you a glimpse of a day in the life of Woodside High School student. Enjoy the vibrant campus, rich in activities and opportunities to grow. Get a feel for the springboard to such universities as Cal Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford, MIT, NYU, and others. Woodside High School offers a rigorous academic program geared towards the completion of the UC/CSU A-G Requirements and a solid preparation for the next level of scholarship and disciplinary study.
We understand that students have a choice. We encourage you to give Woodside High School strong consideration. We are confident that our comprehensive high school experience, comprised of clubs, competitive athletic teams, leadership organizations, spirit rallies, field trips, work-experience opportunities, and mentorships, offers all students a unique opportunity to express their individuality, creativity, and spirit. Programs such as the School Ambassador Program, Kids Learning Empathy and Respect (KLEAR), and Students Offering Support (SOS) strive to foster an environment in which all students feel welcome to express themselves and in which all students respect one another.
For more information and to request a shadowing date click here.
GET TO KNOW OUR CHARTER SCHOOLS
Summit Preparatory Charter High School and Everest Public High School
Summit and Everest are part of Summit Public Schools - an organization of public, tuition-free, charter high schools. Our schools strive to provide students with a small and personalized educational experience with guaranteed college preparation in a physically and emotionally safe environment. Our students, parents, and teachers describe why they choose Summit schools: https://vimeo.com/57639234 Open Houses are held together for both of our schools. Please join us:
Thursday, Dec 5, 7-9 pm
Summit Preparatory Charter High School
890 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063
Saturday, Feb 8, 10 am - 12 pm
Everest Public High School
455 5th Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94063
At our Open Houses, you will:
* Learn more about our rigorous, college-preparatory program
* Meet current students, parents, and faculty
* Be able to pick up and submit an application
* Be able to sign up for Shadow Days and Parent Tours
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Community News
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Please Recycle Your "Yes on S" Yard Sign and Stake
Thank you everyone for sponsoring a Yes on S yard sign for the campaign--it was critical to the success of the measure! The less glamorous job now is to properly dispose of the signs. If you haven't already, please place the sign in your recycle bin. The metal stakes can be donated to the Foundation for their use. Please drop off the metal stakes at your earliest convenience at the Ver Ploeg home at 2061 Camino Al Lago (across the street from Las Lomitas School). Thank you again!
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Urgent - Reading Volunteers Needed for East Palo Alto 3rd Graders
All Students Matter needs parent volunteers for a structured reading program called Reading Scholars at Brentwood Academy in East Palo Alto (behind Home Depot). Volunteers help 3rd graders who are reading below grade level. For one hour a week you will meet with the same child and read books together. We will provide the training, supplies and coordinate the time. You'll see specific changes in your student's reading over time and enjoy getting to know an enthusiastic and motivated student. Have questions or want to sign up? Contact Jeanette Kennedy at jkc_kennedy@yahoo.com or Carolyn Blatman at CBlatman@aol.com. ********************************************************************* 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Presented by Dancers Repertory Theatre and Menlo Park Academy of Dance and reviewed as a "charming alternative to the Nutcracker." Come see La Entrada's own Greta, Maddie, Amelia, Tara, Ava, Elena, Leben, Katherine and Sophia! Performances at Woodside Performing Arts Center on Saturday December 7 (4:00pm), Sunday December 8 (1:00pm and 4:00pm) Saturday, December 14, (1:00 and 4:00), and Sunday, December 15 (1:00 and 4:00). Tickets available at www.twasthenight.org or by calling 650-323-5292. ***********************************************************************
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From the Editor
| 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. (Newsletter policies are under review by the PTA for the 2013-2014 school year.)
To submit an item, email it to the editor at leopardsspot@llesd.org by 12:00 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.
- Send the article in the body of the email: submission sent as Word doc or other attachment will be rejected.
- Clearly indicate the title of your submission.
- Provide a link for all pictures and graphics.
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