|
From the Principal's Office
|
Dear La Entrada Community,
Spring Conferences are scheduled for March 10-13
Parent-teacher conferences are designed so that information and questions can be shared. Open and ongoing communication is highly valued by our staff and community. For the spring, we are allotted three days for conferencing spread over the 4 scheduled minimum days. Each teacher will either pass out a schedule or have their availability on the online system. To make the most of this time, spring conferences are considered optional and can be requested by the teacher or the parent.
Conferences in grades 4 and 5...Trimester Ends February 28th
Your child's teacher will contact you regarding conferences. The teacher may request a conference with you, or you may request a conference with the teacher. Whether you conference or not, you will receive an updated report card that outlines important information regarding your child's progress.
Conferences in grades 6-8...3rd Quarter Ends March 28th
There are approx. 45 spots for conferences during March 10-13. Teachers may have three times as many students as there are conference slots. (For example, a math teacher may have 150 students, but still only has 45 conference slots!) Conferences are optional and we ask that you keep in mind the limited slots and only sign up for a conference if you feel it very necessary.
6th - 8th Grade Teacher Conference Sign Ups will be Online
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on March 10-13.
PTC Wizard is a web based parent/teacher conference scheduling system. Parents can create and manage their conference schedules in an easy and time efficient manner. Here is what you need to do to schedule a parent/teacher conference:
- Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26.
- Login to https://llesdms.ptcwizard.com
- You will first need to register and enter the names of your 6th-8th grade children.
- Follow the steps and the program will instruct you on how to choose a child, choose a teacher and set a time for the conference.
- When you have finished scheduling, a confirmation email will be sent to you.
- Conference availability closes at 2pm on the school day prior to the conference.
- If a teacher's time slots are full, please call the office. We will keep a wait list.
- If for any reason the online system does not seem to be working for you, please call the office and Mrs. Rudge or Mrs. Stosz will assist you.
- Because space is limited, please login and cancel any conference that you will not be able to attend. If you need to cancel after registration has closed for that day, you will need to call the school office.
- The school office number is 650-854-3962
Upcoming Events
- We will be offering a Parent SchoolLoopTraining at two times on February 25, 2014; 11:15am and 6:30pm in the MUR. If you have any particular question about Schoolloop, please send it to me, spots@llesd.org and we will do our best to create a training that meets your needs.
- School Site Council Meeting will be held on February 27th at 3:15. We will be discussing our Safety Plan.
- New Families to La Entrada are invited to campus for an orientation and tour. They will be held at 10am on March 6, March 24, April 28 and May 15.
Warm regards,
Shannon Potts
Principal, La Entrada Middle School
|
|
School News
|
TechEase (monthly Technology insights, ideas & updates)
Sharing/Learning with Your Children About How Electronics Work
Your child may spend hours a day staring at varied forms of screens, but have you ever talked with them about what's behind the tech, or wanted to explore those answers with your children? Stimulating curiosity about the tech behind the devices can be a wonderful adventure. Not only do children gain new respect for their favorite devices, but it peeks their curiosity, fuels that interest into building and constructing devices, and is something you can share as a family.
Maker Faires, "The Greatest Show & Tells on Earth": Share a Maker Faire weekend with your children which are held yearly in San Francisco and New York City. These attract nearly 50,000 kids and adults, who learn how to solder, take apart and put together gadgets, figure out how they function, and more (for info, visit MakerFaire http://makerfaire.com/. The San Francisco Maker Faire is May 17-18 at the San Mateo Event Center.
Ask questions that peek curiosity to "googling answers": "I wonder how that works?" "What do you think would happen if there you added an extra of this or that". All conversation openers and ways for children to want to explore answers using tech. How about exploring the website of "How Stuff Works" together, try projecting that to your TV for interesting learning and fun family times.
Tech can get some bad reputations as a babysitter in restaurants or a way to kill time on long drives, and in fact it is used as distractions often at the compromise of family conversation time. (Does anyone under 8 even know the license plate game now?)
But. It can also be used to build family conversations and shared experiences. I'll hope you try some of the above, or please share out other ways you find tech enriches your family on this google doc (http://tinyurl.com/n447fs3). It'd be great to share all the positive activities our families enjoy with their children.
Enjoy!
Suzanne Mitchell, Director of Technology
******************************************************
La Entrada Student Art Show
Saturday, March 15th from 10:00am-5:00pm
At Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Road at Cambridge Avenue in Menlo Park
Admission: $10 per person, $5 for children age 14 or under.
Free admission for student artists who have a submission in the show.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to Family Connections, a tuition-free parent participation program for low-income families, educating over 400 individuals each year at three sites in San Mateo County. Any student who wishes to participate in the show may get entry forms from Ms. Gregori in Room 4 (6th-8th graders) or Ms. Ostrom in Room 3 (4th and 5th graders). All entry forms must be completed and returned to Ms. Gregori and Ms. Ostrom by Thursday, February 13th to ensure a spot in the show. Student artwork may be oil or acrylic paints on canvas, or artwork that is framed using any other materials such as paints, charcoal, pen and ink, collage, pastels, etc. We cannot accept any unframed artwork or canvases that cannot stand alone on an easel. While student artwork doesn't have to be created specifically for this exhibit, it should be a recently created piece done entirely by the student. Questions? Contact Ms. Gregori at jgregori@llesd.org.
******************************************************
Congratulations to the La Entrada Mathemagicians!
Congratulations to the 10 members of La Entrada's math team who competed in the MathCounts Chapter competition on Saturday, February 22 at LinkedIn's offices. These students are Tristan H, Amanda Y, Samir R, Sophia L, Maha M, Jean C, Patrick K, Marc M, Maddie L and Grace C.
They competed against Hillview, the Menlo School, Sacred Heart, JLS, Jordan, Terman, Castilleja, Harker, Stratford, and many other local schools in several rounds of intensive math problem sets.
Afterwards, they relaxed and celebrated at the Dutch Goose. The La Entrada Mathemagicians have worked very hard all year; we are lucky that these 10 outstanding students represented our school at the competition! For more information about MathCounts, visit www.mathcounts.org .
******************************************************
Is your Kid Too Mature?
by Rom Brafman PhD., Site Director at La Entrada Middle School & Ali Rodriguez, MFT Trainee
With so many demands placed on kids these days, school gets more and more competitive every year. Parents feel compelled to help out their kids by getting them prepared for the years of education that lie ahead. But in the process something gets lost. Kids lose themselves in the world of high achievement and scholastic aptitude.
What about in addition to teaching your kids how to be successful academically, also teach them how to have fun and be silly? What would it mean if we encouraged kids to act their age? It seems like the biggest compliment a parent gets is when they are told that their teen behaves beyond their years, is mature, and is very focused. This is indeed a compliment, but what if your teen's teacher also remarked on your child's ability to have fun, be spontaneous, and hold on to that innocent spark that defines childhood?
Here are some things you can do with your kid to help them act their age:
1. If you catch them being silly or immature, even if they're extremely annoying, let them know that you're happy that they don't take themselves too seriously. Remember that what's annoying to you is an essential aspect of being a healthy teenager to them.
2. Model behavior for them. Play with your kids. Start a spontaneous water balloon fight. Chase them around for no reason. Use humor generously.
3. Remind them that you're proud of them regardless of their achievement. Tell them that they're great.
4. Help them manage their time. If they're studying too much, help them set boundaries and have fun times together.
5. Support your kids in pursuing whatever their heart desires, even if it won't help them get into college.
Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non-profit, which provides vital counseling services on eight secondary campuses at no charge to students and their families. To learn more about our services please visit the ACS website at www.acs-teens.org or call Rom Brafman, PhD, Site Director at La Entrada at (650) 854-3962 ext. 216. ACS relies on the generosity of community members to continue offering individual, family, and group counseling to over 1,500 individuals annually. ACS provides critical interventions and mental health services, building a better future for tomorrow. If you are interested in helping to support our efforts, do not hesitate to call to make a donation. It goes a long way in helping teenagers find their way!
|
|
Las Lomitas Education Foundation
| |
Help make this our best auction ever
by donating an item, service, or event
www.llef.org/auction
If you're not sure what to donate, we can help!
Email us at auction@llef.org.
Excellence is built one donation at a time
|
|
Las Lomitas League
|
Registration for all classes is closed and there is no late registration.
Registration is still open for Spring Sports and Clinics:
Track, Tennis, Boys Volleyball Clinic and Ultimate Frisbee Clinic. Check our website for details.
New! Spring Ultimate Frisbee Clinic
Come learn the game of Ultimate, including backhand and forehand throws, catching, scoring, game dynamics, scrimmages and Spirit of the Game. Co-ed, 6-8 grade. All levels welcome; students should be comfortable with running and team sports. Meets Mondays 2:55-4:25pm.
Boys VB Clinics
Come learn hitting, blocking and passing techniques from local high school and club coaches! All levels of experience welcome.
Clinic dates and times are:
Wednesdays and Fridays
|
|
Sequoia Union High School District News
| |
"Straightlaced: How Gender's Got Us All Tied Up"
Documentary Film and Panel Discussion
Wednesday, February 26; 7:00-8:30pm; Sequoia High School MPR
Adolescence is a time when teenagers try on new roles, new clothes, and new identities. Join us for a thought-provoking evening that explores gender and gender identity. Straightlaced is a powerful documentary that looks at the ways that societal pressures around gender and sexuality define American teens. Coming of age today has become increasingly complex and challenging-Straightlaced offers both teens and adults a way out of anxiety and fear, and points the way toward a more inclusive, empowering culture. The film showing will be followed by a panel discussion and Q & A with students and faculty.
Register: https://straightlacedfilm2014sequoia.eventbrite.com
Events are free and sponsored by the Sequoia High School Education Foundation (SHSEF) and the Sequoia Healthcare District. Refreshments offered in the MPR. Documentary film includes Spanish subtitles; Spanish interpretation will be offered. SUHSD Parents, students, and community members welcome!
For more information, contact Charlene Margot, Sequoia Parent Education Series, Program Director, cmargot@csmconsulting.net or 650.868.0590.
*******************************************************
Woodside Parent Education Series
"Why Willpower Matters" with Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., Stanford University
Thursday, February 27; 7:00-8:30pm; Woodside High School MUR
Is willpower in the mind or in the body? What motivates people to change? How much control over our thoughts and feelings do we really have, and what are the healthiest ways to regulate them?
Health psychologist and Stanford University lecturer Dr. Kelly McGonigal understands willpower, and her work helps families improve habits, cure procrastination, find focus, and manage stress. She shares cutting-edge research into the neurodevelopent of adolescents, along with valuable strategies or "willpower boosts" to give parents tools to conquer common self-discipline challenges and establish an effective model for improving self-control in children. Dr. McGonigal's lectures inspire parents and students in the U.S. and around the globe!
Kelly McGonigal is the author of The Neuroscience of Change; The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It; and Yoga for Pain Relief. McGonigal received a Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University.
Woodside Parent Education Series events are free and open to parents, students, and community members in the SUHSD. Sponsored by the Woodside PTSA and the Sequoia Healthcare District. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be offered. For more information, contact
*******************************************************
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. For more details or to sign-up see our website: mabears.org, About Us, Get To Know M-A.
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.
For more information and to request a shadowing date click here.
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 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.
|
|
Community Sports Programs
|
Please enjoy this information on local sports programs. These announcements are not endorsements from the La Entrada PTA.
Creighton School of Wrestling
Now at Sports House, Redwood City! Come get Creighton trained by two-time National Champion and Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach Braumon Creighton! Spring wrestling classes are available for ages 8 and up, all skill levels are welcome. We offer training for beginner through advanced wrestlers on Mondays and/or Wednesdays beginning March 10. Register now at www.creightontrained.com! Summer camps will be posted soon.
Palo Alto Midnight Basketball
Palo Alto Midnight, one of the most successful AAU basketball programs in the west coast, is holding open tryouts for their Spring/Summer session. Regardless of experience level, we offer programs for all levels, from skills sessions to players new to the game, along with national traveling teams for the highest skilled players. The session runs from mid-March through the end of July, and includes participation in 6-8 local tournaments, along with 2+ practices per week. Select individuals may be invited to participate in away tournaments, including college viewing events. Tryouts for 3rd - 8th grade are February 5 and 6. Please go to our website for more information and to register: www.pamidnight.org. Interested high school players should register online and a tryout will be arranged once the high school season is over.
Junior All Terrain Runners (Jr-ATR)
Join us for an exciting new program for kids age 7-14! Through our fun, non-competitive curriculum, kids will work on all aspects of movement using confidence (obstacle) courses, core & strength work, and running. http://www.menloswim.com/menlo/junior_atr.html
Mavericks Youth Water Polo
Little League Umpires Wanted
Alpine West Menlo Little League is looking for youth umpires for the 2014 baseball season.
Earn $22-32 per game. Season runs March-June. Minimum age--12. Flexible schedule--work when you can. Experienced baseball players preferred. Must attend one mandatory training session on February 8th or March 1st from 3:00-5:30pm. If interested, please email Anna Plume at aplume@alpinelittleleague.com to reserve your seat and receive details about the location.
AMA Softball Registration Now Open!
Girls from K-7th grade are invited to join us for the 2014 AMA Softball season. Everyone plays and teams are organized by schools. Volunteers are always welcome, especially coaches. Register today! http://www.amasoftball.com/.
Studio Rincon Youth Dance and Yoga Classes
Studio Rincon on Alameda in Menlo Park is now taking signups for the winter session of youth dance and yoga classes. Signup here! Preballet, ballet, hip hop, yoga are all taught in a fun and positive atmosphere after school for ages 3-Teen. View the youth schedule at http://www.studiorincon.com/youth-classes/.
|
|
Summer Camps
|
Please enjoy this information on summer camps. These announcements are not endorsements from the La Entrada PTA.
Camp Menlo Summer Camp
Camp Menlo Summer Camp registration is now open for camps starting June 2, including our award-winning Camp Menlo Aquatics camp for kids age 4.5-9, Jr Lifeguard for age 9-14, Tennis and Swim for age 7-14, Performance Swim for age 9-18, and two Water Polo camps for beginners and more experienced players. www.campmenlo.com
Captivating Dance by Nona Summer Dance Camp
Learn/improve dance techniques for Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Tap, Ballet, and more! Additional fun activities included throughout the week. Great opportunity to learn from Nona Ybarra, multi-award winning choreographer/instructor, CDBN competition dance instructors, as well as some of Nona's Elite winning CDBN dance team members. For advanced campers only - a different special guest choreographer will teach a master class during one day of each weeklong session!
Ages: boys and girls 4-17
Location: 1923 Menalto Dance Studio (Beginning/Intermediate) or 1919 Menalto Dance Studio (Advanced)
Times: Monday-Friday: 9-4 (Beginning/Intermediate); 10-2:30(Advanced)
Sessions: June 16-July 28; three to four weeklong sessions, depending on level
Fees: $385/week (family and multi-week enrollment discounts available)
Contact: admin@captivatingdancebynona.com for registration forms or visit our website: www.captivatingdancebynona.com
Encore Lacrosse Camp
Encore Lacrosse is excited to host the most FUNdamental lacrosse camp for introductory and intermediate players! Sign up to play the "fastest sport on two feet!" No previous experience is needed for beginners as safe soft balls are used, and lacrosse sticks can be purchased ($30) and delivered at camp. Equipment rentals are available for the intermediate division. For more information visit the intro/intermediate tab of the lacrosse section at www.EncoreLacrosse.com or e-mail at info@EncoreLacrosse.com.
Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp
Founded in 1973, YSSC offers two-week summer camp experiences for children 8 to 16 years old. A faith-based, adventure program with outstanding staff, YSSC provides a fun and nurturing environment through which campers grow in character, skills, relationships, and faith. Activities include water skiing, hiking, ropes course, volleyball, archery, crafts, marksmanship, team games, campfires, skits, and so much more. Through these activities and a community of caring role models, campers come away from YSSC with increased confidence, independence, friendship and problem solving skills. Check out www.yssc.com.
|
|
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.
|
|
