| PTA News |
Measure A Presenting at General Meeting/Officer Election
Please join us Wednesday, April 23 at 9:30a.m. in the MUR for our final general meeting of the year. Your attendance at this meeting is important and would be much appreciated! Three important items are on the agenda:
- Julie Quinlan, Chair of the Measure A Bond Committee seeking funds for our public high schools will be presenting, as well as our own Jennifer Le - the Las Lomitas district liaison for the bond measure. This is the time to get educated and ask questions. The membership will be voting on endorsement for Measure A.
- We will be voting to amend the bylaws.
- We will be voting in the 2014-2015 Executive Board.
Join Our Board!!!
The Nominating Committee is still actively searching for a few good men and women to lead our PTA next year. As you can see, we have a few positions open for ideas, and we would love your input! Please contact Chair, Laura Glader, at lalaglader@gmail.com if you are interested, or if you would like to nominate someone to join our board.
Proposed Slate of Officers for 2014-2015:
- Co-Presidents - Ashley Banks and Sandie Timm
- Co-Vice Presidents - MJ Crousore and Molly Drewes
- VP Membership - open
- VP Volunteer Coordination - Julie Herlihy
- Treasurer - open
- Financial Secretary - open
- Recording Secretary - Pam Wright
- Corresponding Secretary - Laura Glader
- Parliamentarians - Laurel O'Neill and Lisa Reid
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School News
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Spring Musical - La Entrada presents...Xanadu!!!
April 24th and 25th at Woodside High School Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm
Reserved seating ticket sales at La Entrada 7:30-8:15 am and 2:30-3:15pm.
Tickets can be purchased in the office during school hours.
Tickets are $5 each. Cash and Checks only. Please make checks out to Las Lomitas League.
Grab a ticket and join the fun!
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'14-'15 ASB Elections
Students of all talents and backgrounds are encouraged to run for next year's La Entrada's ASB (Association of Student Body). There will be an informational meeting at the beginning of lunch on Monday, May 5th in Mrs. Rianda's room 20 to hear more about the ASB position/s and students will be able to pick up a candidate's packet. Hope to you see your student there!
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Rianda at trianda@llesd.org.
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La Entrada Has A 3D Printer
The students at La Entrada have a new, powerful tool to explore--a Makerbot Replicator 2 3D Printer! Thanks go out to Donorschoose.org and the generous donations from Autodesk and David from New York who pitched in to make this printer a reality for La Entrada students. With it, students can now design 3D objects on the computer and print them out on the 3D printer using PLA filament (a bioplastic derived from corn and is metal/BPA free). This will TRANSFORM our technology program. Stay tuned as we figure out the best ways to integrate it in our tech electives.
Stop by and check it out in the new Mac Lab!
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It's "National Catch Your Teen Doing Something Right" Month!
By Merrett Sheridan, LMFT Site Director at Palo Alto High School
Ok so I made that up, but why not? Ask yourself when was the last time you gave your teen a truly heartfelt "atta boy" for something significant and for no reason other than to make them feel good? By significant I don't mean thanking them for feeding the dog when it was already their job - although if you're really out of practice then by all means start with anything and practice, practice, practice! But the bigger the compliment and the more unexpected the more impact it will have on your teen and how they feel treated by you. For example, you can compliment them on things you really admire about them or make a point to notice the "upside" of a characteristic you may not care for in them (for ex: they may be stubborn in your opinion but I'm guessing that also means they can be very patient).
Teens can certainly test your patience beyond belief and you may not enjoy them at every turn these days. You may think to yourself, was I this bad at their age? It's hard to go back and remember the difficulties of being a teen but chances are you too had conflicts with your parents, teachers, or other authority figures at some point. This is a natural stage of development and there is no cure! In fact, it's a healthy sign if you and your teen can barely see eye to eye on anything. They are growing up and gaining their independence but they don't necessarily know how to do it with grace, respect, or honor. Wouldn't that be nice? No, just like when you were an adolescent, they are struggling to become adults without the experience or ensuing wisdom.
Take this as your opportunity to be their parent for perhaps the last time. Soon enough, they will leave and gain the experience and wisdom needed to succeed in life and they will come back, but not as your charges, and the dynamic will change and may no longer allow you such influence and ability to impart change in their lives in such a direct way. So, take the time you have now to find time between the challenges and frustrations, to notice them being their awesome selves......and pounce! Research shows (The Gottman Institute, www.gottman.com) that it takes a 5 to1 ratio of positive to negative comments or acts to build healthy relationships, so the more you can catch your teen doing something right you are making deposits into the relationship bank with your child.
You want to help them navigate this challenging time with love and compassion. One thing you have in common with your teen is the experience of having been one yourself, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to trade places with them now! With this one simple task, and you have all month to try it (of course you can over-achieve and keep it up all year if you want) you have a tool to be the role model they truly need you to be right now; that despite the heartache they may be sending your way, that you still see their strengths, talents and passions and model how to show compassion and caring even as they are pulling away and testing your patience.
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!
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Las Lomitas League
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Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook - April 29th - Come See!!!
We invite the school community to see Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook performed by La Entrada students in Peninsula Youth Theatre's after-school class Play in a Box on Tuesday, April 29th at 4 pm in Jensen Hall. The performance is free and should last approximately 30 - 40 minutes.
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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Don't miss out on the best party of the year on May 10th
at the Cabana Hotel Crowne Plaza in Palo Alto.
The ENTIRE Auction Catalog is now online for you to review at: www.llef.org/auction.
Our Online Auction opens April 28 and features special offerings by our wonderful teachers, reserved seats and parking at special events, lots of fun family items, PLUS many more great items you don't want to miss out on! So even if you can't make it to the event, you can still support your schools! The printed catalog will come home on Monday April 28th - look for it in your youngest child's backpack then start bidding.
Attention: 8th Grade parents - A VIP package of 8 Graduation tickets including 2 reserved parking spots will be auctioned off to the highest bidder at the LIVE Auction! Don't miss this opportunity to include your family and friends on this very special day and buy your Auction tickets now!
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LAS LOMITAS/LA ENTRADA FUN RUN 2014 - SATURDAY, MAY 17th
Bring your entire family and join the Foundation's 3rd annual Las Lomitas Fun Run starting at
8:30 a.m. from the Las Lomitas Kindergarten playground. Three separate run/walk events will be held:
- A short course on the Las Lomitas playground for the youngest participants
- A medium-distance road course (1 mile) on the beautiful streets of Atherton
- A 5K run/walk: a flat and fast road course through the beautiful backstreets of Atherton
The events aren't just for runners: walkers and those pushing strollers are welcome too. Pre- register online at www.llef.org until May 15th. Want to help with this FUN event? We are in need of volunteers to help on race day (time keepers, food/drink tables, traffic/course monitors, etc.). If you are interested, please contact Josie Tang (jatangmd@yahoo.com).
Please Support Our Schools
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Sequoia Union High School District News
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Measure A
The Sequoia Union High School District has a bond up for vote on the Tuesday, June 3 election. The district's great high schools have drawn families to its communities, causing a surge in student enrollment. Enrollment has increased by 20% over the last 12 years and is expected to grow another 20% in the next 7 years. Measure A will provide additional classrooms and labs, as well as updated technology to help the district continue its excellent academic programs as student enrollment grows.
Please visit the Yes on A website at www.greatsequoiahighschools.org to learn about Measure A and how you can help. If you have additional questions about Yes on A, please email Jennifer Le at jenfle@gmail.com.
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Parents of current eighth graders...an event for you!
Join Principal Matthew Zito and board members of M-A's Foundation for the Future for beverages and appetizers at the home of Susan Briggs (270 Gabarda Way, Portola Valley) on Wednesday April 23rd, at 6:30-8:30pm.
Please come and meet other parents, learn about the many opportunities for your student and how to be ready for the transition to high school at M-A. Principal Zito will deliver his remarks at 7:00 PM. Please RSVP to Amy Oro:amyoro@gmail.com.
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It is not too late to participate in the M-A online auction
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Few selected items and parties, including things specifically for middle school families, such as the one listed below, are still open, but hurry up - they are selling out fast!
Class of 2018 Parent Party - If you have an incoming M-A freshman, you won't want to miss this traditional freshman parent party held the evening of the Welcome Dance.
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M-A Parent Education Series
"WHO'S IN YOUR TEEN'S VILLAGE?"-Kent Pekel, Ed.D., President/CEO of Search Institute
Thursday, May 1, 2014, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Do you know who's in your teen's village? Who should be there? All teens need to learn how to build strong, supportive non-parent relationships for success in school and in life. How can your teen develop this important skill?
Join us for an exceptional evening with Dr. Kent Pekel, President and CEO of the Search Institute. The Developmental AssetsŪ framework created by Search Institute is the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States and, increasingly, around the world.
Search Institute's newest research-to-practice initiative focuses on strengthening "Developmental Relationships" that help young people attain the psychological and social skills needed for success in education and life.
The presentation will include a short video featuring the stories of M-A students impacted by adult mentors, a keynote address by Kent Pekel, and a moderated Q & A with Lisa Medoff, Ph.D., Stanford University.
M-A Parent Education Series events are free and sponsored by the Menlo-Atherton PTA and the Sequoia Healthcare District. This event is made possible by generous funding from the Esther Ting Foundation.
For more information, contact Charlene Margot, Parent Education Series Program Director, at cmargot@csmconsulting.net or 650.868.0590. SUHSD parents, students, faculty/staff, and community members welcome! Spanish interpretation will be available.
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Community News
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Reading & Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto
An Hour a Week Could Change a Student's Life (sign up now, September start)
We are looking now for parents willing to volunteer beginning in September to assist in K-4 classrooms in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. Either tutor students in a structured reading program or assist teachers in the classroom with individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's school. These schools have almost no parents helping...no PTA. It's one hour per week starting in September. Our organization provides orientation/training and coordinates everything. Click here for an informational flyer. To learn more about the experience, contact parent volunteers Jennifer Overholt at jenoverholt@gmail.com, Keri Tully at keritully@gmail.com or Ashley Banks at ashleysbanks@gmail.com. To sign up, see "Get Involved" at www.allstudentsmatter.org or contact Carolyn Blatman, ASM Program Director, at cblatman@aol.com.
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Join us at the Children's Champions Event
Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00am - 1:00pm
This is a family-friendly afternoon at Stanford Stadium, benefiting Wender Weis Foundation for Children and Fit Kids. Children's Champions wants you to have fun while being active and healthy! Come mingle with professional athletes and team mascots including Lou Seal, Stomper and Q. Meet members of the Stanford Football team. Run through an obstacle course, participate in a three-legged race, make some arts and crafts, or just have a fun afternoon, all the while helping at-risk children. Tickets at www.childrens-champions.eventbrite.com
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Friday evenings 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at JLS Middle School
Open house for the 2014 Fall semester of the Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) program at Palo Alto Chinese School (PACS) will be held on May 2nd, 6:30pm. Come visit us for an orientation, including a tour to view a class in session, and time to speak with current staff and parents. If interested, please RSVP for your spot in the open house using this form. Registration for Pre-K, Kindergarten and CSL1-7 classes begins on May 2nd.Founded in 1963, PACS is the oldest Chinese school in the San Francisco Bay Area. More information available here.
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Summer Camps
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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
Summer Writing Camps
Weekly sessions start June 16th - Aug. 25th. Camps run AM 9:30-12 or PM 2-4:30, M-F. $275 per week. Held at Omega's writing studio, downtown Menlo Park, across from Trader Joe's. Entering grades 5th-12th. Small class size divided by grades and themes including "Going to the Dogs" ,"Myths and Monsters" (for incoming 5-8) and other courses including "Intro to Literature" for grades 9-12. Discounts for multiple courses, early enrollment byMarch 31st. For all courses, please contact and register directly with instructor Jennifer Tsay, Stanford BA English, Harvard JD at tsay_jennifer@yahoo.com or 650.324.1662. www.omegateaching.com
Summer Math Camp
Mathitude presents a Fun & Exciting MATH game experience that will change the way your children will think about Math! This camp is not a 'pencil and paper' camp. Instead, it's a massive game the children play all week. Children will rotate between stations, guided by trained counselors. Stations include the Design Center, Math Arcade, Treasure Hunting and 007 Secret Agent. The children roll the dice, or draw a card, to determine their math task (based on interest and level). Each task attempted and/or solved will earn tokens the children redeem for prizes at our Gift Shop. For entering grades 2 - 8 (all levels welcome). Go to www.Mathitude.com to learn more and register!
i2Camp
This summer camp at Castilleja School, has been developed with the goal of engaging middle school girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM.) The Jr Camp is open to entering 5th-6th graders, and Sr Camp is open to entering 7th-8th graders. Tuition is $750 per week which includes all materials, supplies, field trips, snacks and lunch each day. The dates of operation are:
July 7-July 11, 2014
July 14-July 18, 2014
July 21-July 25, 2014
July 28-August 1, 2014
For more info, email i2camp@castilleja.org or go to: www.castilleja.org/i2camp.
La Entrada Coding and 3D Printing Camp
Are you going to be a 4th , 5th , or 6th grader next year? Do you want to learn what it takes to computer program in a fun and supportive way? Then look no further and join La Entrada's Coding Camp, hosted by Mr. Parker Kelly, La Entrada's technology teacher. With over 20 years of teaching experience, 14 as the technology teacher at La Entrada, he will guide you, over a two week period, as we explore a variety of different programming languages and resources as well as some fun multimedia projects. First off, participants will receive hands-on practice using a variety of addicting, age appropriate, tools and online resources to learn about coding. In addition, students will get a chance to explore powerful media manipulation tools such as Photoshop CS6, a broadcasting studio, Garageband, iMovie, Autodesk 3D software and our newly purchased Makerbot 3D printer in our brand new iMac lab. Enrollment is limited to the first 16 students per 2 week session so do not delay in registering. Here are the specifics: Where: La Entrada Middle School, iMac lab, 2200 Sharon Rd., Menlo Park CA Who: Students entering 4th, 5th, or 6th grade in the fall of 2014 When: Choose between two 2-week sessions OR take both! · Session 1: June 16-27, 2014, 8:30-12 · Session 2: July 7-18, 2014, 8:30-12 Cost: $600 per 2 week session, $1100 for both sessions For additional information, here is a link to the flyer http://tinyurl.com/leccflyer and here is the link to registration http://tinyurl.com/mrf6oeg. There are still plenty of spots available. Don't delay, signup today!
The Legends Baseball Camp Experience
Ages 6-12, all levels, with the Menlo Park Legends collegiate/semi-pro baseball team!
The Legends Baseball Experience is a one of a kind summer program, which connects campers, with semi-professional baseball players from across the country who play on the Menlo Park Legends summer team. Our infamous 5:1 camper to coach ratio promotes the most intimate learning environment possible and enables campers to develop meaningful relationships with their baseball heroes. Our innovative and proven coaching methods integrate small group instruction with drills, games and exciting competitions to ensure your child is building confidence while simultaneously developing new baseball skills. It's more than a camp - It's an EXPERIENCE!
SixFifty Lacrosse
SixFifty Lacrosse is thrilled to announce the addition of 3 summer camp weeks in Menlo Park - July 21-24, August 4-7, andAugust 11-14, 2014. These camp experiences are fun, high-energy teaching environments designed for:
- Novice or beginner players learning the basics of the game,
- Experienced players with a desire to take their next steps in the development of their game.
- Boys & Girls from incoming 3rd graders to outgoing 8th graders.
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. Young Outliers Young Outliers is a summer learning company offering weekly courses linking academics with design entrepreneurship. Each course focuses on a theme and praxis in a field (learning from practice, e.g. science, social sciences, song, creative writing). Participants are formed into project and business teams. They create products driven by insights from what they learn.Participants learn how products influence people's lives and way of thinking and vice-versa. They create products driven by insights from what they learn. Every team's goal is to create products that make this a better world. These learning products are sold and distributed online at the Young Outliers Marketplace. Targeted to children ages 9-13, participants learn-by-doing through improv, arts, physical and social games, simulations, experiments, and social interactions. No worksheets and no lectures. Lessons are immersive and fun. Participants experience social, meaningful, and insightful ways of learning. This year 2014 summer camp will be at the JLS Middle School campus in Palo Alto. Register today. Avail of the early bird discount and save your space at www.YoungOutliers.com.
Summer Camp in PV: Programming Java with Minecraft
This is a great way for kids (grades 5-8) who love games to learn programming and build their own Minecraft mods. We use a real programming language - Java - on a real world server that your child will setup and configure. In its second season, the camp is run by local CMS graduate and current Priory student, Jack Youstra, with assistants (and adult oversight) for a 3:1 student:teacher ratio. There are two week-long sessions available: 7/6 and 7/13. Camp days are 9AM-3PM with an optional extended day plan that covers 3-5PM. To learn more about the camp, email Jack Youstra at jack@youstra.com or call 644-7519.
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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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