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From the Principal's Office
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Dear Parents,
We are very excited to offer multiple parent education opportunities this year that include but aren't limited to Asset Building, Technology and Teens and Executive Function in Teenagers. We recently offered a parent volunteer training titled "8 Keys to Success." Kelly Noftz, from Project Cornerstone, outlined the Project Cornerstone Assets that have the biggest impact on raising resilient, successful young adults. The conversation included the changing role of parents in the "tween" life. The biggest takeaways were that all children need assets, and all adults can build them. Kelly emphasized that regardless of the reason adults are on campus, be it ABC Readers, Peer Tutoring, or Lunchtime Volunteers, our community is a great place to build assets for every child. Kelly will continue working with our parents through the ABC Readers program beginning in October.
In addition to Volunteer Training, we are offering two opportunities for parents to learn about "Parenting in the Age of Social Media," presented Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet, PPSC, LCSW and Erica Pelavin, Ph.D., LCSW from Digital Tat2. On Monday September 15th, Gloria and Erica worked with approximately 40 parents on the benefits and challenges parents and children face today as they live in a 24 hour digital media world. They discussed the difference between "Supervision and Snoopervision," moving from managing student lives to become a consultant and setting limits around technology use. They outline some explicit strategies adults can use to reduce digital distractions while still engaging with the "Digital Natives" which are our children. Please join us for our upcoming event on October 13, 2014, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the MUR for a repeat presentation by Gloria and Erica.
The next parent education opportunity is scheduled for Tuesday morning's beginning on Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m. Take It Personally group (Project Cornerstone- for parents) is a 6-week study group that is made up of interesting and informative discussions intended to provide strategies for parents to better understand and connect with your children. It is truly transformative for individuals and families. If you cannot meet the morning sessions at La Entrada, there are other local schools that offer the trainings at different times. Many parents join other schools for the 6-week study group. Sign up in the office or at the following site: http://www.projectcornerstone.org/html/calendar.html
In addition to technology and asset development, we will be offering the parents an opportunity to hear a presentation on "Executive Function in Middle Schoolers." On October 1, 2014, 6:30p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the MUR, parents are invited to join Dr. Surina Basho, from Morrissey-Compton, in the MUR for a discussion on Executive Functioning Skills in Middle Schoolers. Dr. Basho presented to parents last year and will share with us what Executive Functioning looks like in normally developing middle schoolers, behaviors that can be frustrating, but expected vs. "red flag" behaviors that would warrant follow-up. Some basic and helpful tips on supporting Executive Functioning skills at home will also be shared.
We are planning to co-host four more parent events with Menlo Atherton High School. We will be working closely with MA to offer a speaker series that meets the needs of parents of young adolescents and young adults moving into high school years.
I have scheduled Schoolloop trainings, Parent iPad meetings, Curriculum Nights, and Coffees and Evening with the Principal to keep the parent community informed of our goals and efforts toward accomplishing the goals. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events. Please check the school calendar on the LE website and through the SPOT for future event dates, times and locations.
Lastly, as we grow as a school we are adding many new faces to the LE staff. We would like time to highlight them throughout the year.
We are excited to introduce Steve Yob as our new 4th and 5th grade PE teacher. Steve comes to us from Cupertino Unified, where he enjoyed great success teaching the same grade levels. Steve is an active member of the community, having coached athletic teams at Hillview, M-A, and Palo Alto High School in recent years. This year, he is coaching our 8th grade flag football team, as well as the boys' JV basketball team at Palo Alto High. We hope to convince him to coach one of our basketball teams as well.
Most importantly, Steve is a new father. His son, Landon, was born three weeks ago, and he is one proud papa! Hopefully he can find the time to maintain his coaching schedule with his new parenting duties. Steve is a Las Lomitas and La Entrada alum, so during our new teacher workdays, he was the one giving all of the campus tours! Please help me to welcome Mr. Yob when you see him on campus. He is a dedicated professional who we feel fortunate to have with us.
Warm regards,
Shannon
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Math Team
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Try Outs THIS WEEK for the La Entrada Math Team!
If you like challenging math, fun and snacks, the La Entrada MathCounts Math Team is for you!
The team meets Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Room 37. Students in all grades are eligible. But to get in on the fun, you have to try out!
The qualifying test will be given TODAY, Monday 9/22, in the MUR from 2:55 to 3:55 p.m., and again TOMORROW, 9/23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library.
For more info, check out the posting on the School Loop homepage, and also here.
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PTA News
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Our Staff & Teachers ROCK!
 To continue our momentum in reaching "all time highs," our incredible staff and teachers teamed together (with the leadership and tenacity of Kim Kuczon, 6th Grade PE and PTA Teacher Liaison) and achieved 100% PTA Membership participation! This, combined with our impressive 85% family participation, is unprecedented and SOOOOO appreciated by the PTA Board and students! Thank you!
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The Apple for the Classroom program is a way for parents to support their children's teachers directly. All the teachers and specialists at La Entrada have been invited to create a "wish list" of items that would help to further enrich their classrooms. Wishes may include classroom supplies, gift cards, subscriptions, or donations toward a special activity or field trip.
To view the lists, please visit our website. Once at the site, select the list you want to view. Teachers' lists are divided into two sections, so you can choose to bring an item directly to the classroom or you can choose to make a donation via PayPal.
Thank you for supporting our teachers and enriching your children's experience at La Entrada.
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Holiday Faire Committee Chair Needed
Great news - we have had a parent step up to chair the Holiday Faire if we can find someone to do it with her!
If you ask your children their favorite days of the school year, they will probably rank the Holiday Faire at the top. Our 8th graders have participated every year since kindergarten! But this year the Faire is in jeopardy because we do not have a chair!! We have the crafts, table leads and an active, experienced crew of volunteers but WE NEED YOU to consider being the chair.
The Faire typically takes the Chair about 5 days of prep time and will be held on December 5 this year. If you are interested in leading or co-leading the Faire, please contact Ashley Banks or Sandie Timm at president@laentradapta.org.
We appreciate your consideration and we know the La Entrada kids do, too!
La Entrada Lunchtime Enrichment
LELE is a lunch-time club that meets once per month, with a different club meeting each week. This year LELE will be on Wednesdays at lunch so if you have time between 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., you could participate in a fun club! The Leopard's Faire will be held on September 17th, 18th, and 19th at lunchtime. This is when your children have the opportunity to sign up for the clubs of their choice so please encourage them to come check out the Faire at lunchtime this week. We are currently planning to offer the following clubs: Book Club(s), Community Service Club for 4/5th grade and Expect Respect(Formerly Youth Action Council) for 6-8th grade, Latin Club, Knitting Club, and Geo Bee Club. If you are interested in volunteering for one of our clubs, or if you would like to lead a Book Club for your child's grade level please contact Judy Nayebi at jutani3@yahoo.com. If you have an idea for a fun lunchtime activity "club," we also welcome parents with new ideas.
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Reflections 2014 - "The World Would Be A Better Place If..." 
The theme for this year's Reflections is "THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE IF...". Reflections is a theme based art competition sponsored by the National PTA. This past year La Entrada students had great success and produced exceptional works of photography, dance, art, music, literature and film.
Officially, there are six categories titled Film, Literature, Dance Choreography, Music Composition, Art and Photography. Entry forms and rules will be available in the school office AND on the PTA website.
Entries are due by Monday, November 3rd.
Questions? Contact JungEun (lee.jungeun@gmail.com.)
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Parent Grade Level Gatherings
6th and 8th grade Grade Level Gatherings UPDATE!
As some of you have noticed, we inadvertently scheduled the 6th and 8th grade Grade Level Gatherings during Yom Kippur. We are very sorry and can assure you that this holiday is on our radar now for future fall PTA events.
4th Grade Thursday, September 25 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Carla and John Sakrison, 1081 Sierra Drive, Menlo Park Last names A-M please bring beer, wine or drink of choice and last names N-Z please bring appetizers. Please RSVP to Carla Sakrison if you have any questions or are interested in being a co-host at sakrison@sbcglobal.net. 5th Grade Saturday, September 27 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Sandra and Keith Cheek, Shari and Andrew Guggenhime, Lynn Heublein and Neil Takacs, Kelly and Gregg Holzrichter, Colleen McDonough and James Lim At the home of Lynn Heublein and Neil Takacs, 128 Northgate Drive, Woodside Last names A-M please bring beer, wine or drink of choice and last names N-Z please bring appetizers. Please RSVP to Lynn Heublein at lynnheublein@hotmail.com. 6th Grade (please note change of date!)
Thursday, October 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Hosted by Alexis and Mike Dineen, Emily and Matt Marenghi, Mia and Rich Mosher
and Lisa Moss
At the home of Alexis and Mike Dineen, 171 Mimosa Way, Portola Valley
Last names A-M please bring beer, wine or drink of choice and last names N-Z please bring appetizers. Please RSVP to Lisa Moss at lisa@cocoacrayon.com. 7th Grade Friday, October 10 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Maria and Mike Doktorczyk, Masako and David Elisofon and Becca and Cal Garcia At the home of Masako and David Elisofon, 279 Camino Al Lago, Atherton Last names A-M please bring beer, wine or drink of choice and last names N-Z please bring appetizers. Please RSVP to Becca Garcia at calgarcia@sbcglobal.net. Look for an Evite to be coming soon! 8th Grade (date remains the same but we have changed the time to 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. We are hoping that those of you that observe Yom Kippur can join us after sundown.) Saturday, October 4 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Libby and Allen Beasley, Kristin and Mike Galvin, and Tracey and Kent Seymour At the home of Libby and Allen Beasley, 1056 Cascade Court, Menlo Park Last names A-M please bring beer, wine or drink of choice and last names N-Z please bring appetizers. Please RSVP to Kristin Galvin at pvgalvins@comcast.net. Look for an Evite to be coming soon!
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Please start SAVING your books...
to donate for the La Entrada Used Book Fair. We will be collecting books in October for the November Book Fair. 100% of the proceeds help La Entrada School and PTA. Please contact Monica Albers (monica.albers@gmail.com) with any questions.
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| Las Lomitas Education Foundation | |
Tickets Are Still Available to These Fantastic LLEF Events:
 4th Annual Ladies Round Robin Tennis Friday, September 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Alpine Hills Tennis Club
Father-Daughter "Sweetheart" Dance
Friday, October 17, 2014 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Jensen Hall at La Entrada. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help with the Dance! Please contact auction@llef.org to get involved. It is so much fun to be with the Dads and Daughters on their special night. Thanks in advance! Click here to buy tickets now! |
| Adolescent Counseling Services |  Know the Friends by Pamela Garfield, LCSW, Site Director of Gunn High School
Last year I had a great opportunity to lead a discussion of parents in the Sophomore Parent Network. Many parents in the group were worried about substance abuse and were wondering how to ask their children about drugs. 'How do we communicate when they are growing so independent?' 'How do we remain in the know?'
Ahhh the joys of raising a teenager...
Therapists call this adolescent stage "Separation Individuation". This is the phenomenon of your kid growing more independent and needing to learn life lessons on her own, yet still needs you as a base when she gets in over her head. One minute she is responsible, the next minute she is impulsive, immature, and clingy. What is a parent to do? How can one keep up? The reality is even if you are the best parent in the world, it's unlikely that your teenage son or daughter will tell you everything. This is especially true if there is a topic that is shameful or embarrassing. It's part of normal development. So what do you do if your independent teenager gets into trouble, how can you know? If a teen withdraws, a parent can feel stuck. In the PTA meeting, a wise parent said "Get to know your child's friends". If your child is going through something they feel ashamed to talk to you about, the friends are more likely to tell you about it if they feel comfortable with you. The Palo Alto community has shifted in the last five years. Students are being trained in QPR - Question, Persuade, Refer - in their Living Skills classes. As a result, youth have learned to speak up about someone in trouble. Many have already had positive experiences talking to an adult about getting help for a friend. The community has learned to come together and help others. However, it can still be difficult for a struggling teen to talk to their parents about their difficulties.
As the new school year starts and your child is making new friends, take notice and interest in them. Notice who your child's friends are because they may have shifted from last year. Be approachable and available to your child's friends because they will probably be your most valuable resource.
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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High School News
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Sequoia Union High School District Open Enrollment Policy:
The open enrollment policy for the 2015-2016 year has not been released. For information on this past year's policy see here.
Get to Know M-A High School
8th Grade Information Night:
Come learn about the academic program and offerings on
Wednesday October 22. The night includes a Principal's welcome, small group tours lead by students and PTA volunteers, and classroom presentations by M-A teachers from core subject areas. No sign up necessary. The program runs from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Campus Tours:
M-A leadership students will guide you around campus and answer any questions. Tours take place on the first Wednesday of the Month from October to February, some additional dates in January. See the website for sign ups and more information. Saturday October 25 is a special Saturday campus tour. No sign up necessary, meet at the library. They run regularly from 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Shadow Days:
Shadow dates are now available online. The programs pairs prospective 8th graders with a 9th grade host to attend classes during a typical day at M-A. Sign up to shadow here.
Interested in what's going on at Menlo Atherton High School?
Sign up for M-A's BearNotes to receive the weekly newsletter here.
Get to Know Woodside High School
7th & 8th Grade Parent Information Night:
Come and meet the Woodside administration, teachers, counselors, support staff, and current students and parents. Learn about Woodside's academic and extra-curricular programs, and have all of your questions addressed by our staff. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. No rsvp is necessary.
Shadow Days:
Shadowing will take place between mid-September till early February of the school year. This 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. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people; we are sure that you will find Woodside students to be friendly, welcoming, and fun. Register here to shadow at Woodside.
The Freshman Video:
Are you wondering what it is like to attend Woodside High School? What makes Woodside High School special and different from other high schools? Well, wonder no more...go to our website and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Woodside Parent Education Series
We offer multiple parent education forums throughout the year. Our next event is
Thursday, November 13 entitled "Building a Positive Experience for Student Athletes," with the national non-profit Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Woodside MUR.
For a complete listing of events throughout the year, click here.
 Bellarmine's new Director of Admissions ,Scott McLarty, and Fr. Paul Sheridan, S.J., the school's President, will be hosting an informational gathering for prospective 7th and 8th grade parents in Atherton on Thursday, October 9th. The program is informal, and will give parents the opportunity to discover more about Bellarmine as well as ask questions about the admissions process.
WHEN: Thursday, October 9
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: 128 Heather Drive, Atherton
Kindly RSVP to Gail Grothaus at ggrothaus@bcp.org to attend.
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Community News
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Library Volunteers are Needed at Brentwood Academy in East Palo Alto
Students at Brentwood Academy are working hard to learn to read in spite of many challenges, and your support can make all the difference. We're looking for volunteers to work with students when classes visit their school library - reading with children, helping them find books they love, checking-out books, and providing much-needed encouragement. Want to learn more? Please contact Helen Plewman at 650-233-1899 or helen.plewman@sbcglobal.net. You can find more information about the program by visiting us here.
Help Students in East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto Schools
We are looking for a limited number of parents willing to volunteer in a K-4 classroom in East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto this year. Tutor students in a structured reading program or assist teachers in the classroom with tutoring and individualized instruction much like you may have done in your own child's classroom -- these classes have no parents helping and there's no PTA. It's for one hour a week starting the week of September 22nd. Our organization, All Students Matter, coordinates everything including an orientation onSeptember 5th. To sign up or learn more, please contact Carolyn Blatman at CBlatman@aol.com or visit our website.
Host a Foreign Exchange Student
AFS (American Field Service) is looking for host families for high school foreign exchange students for this school year. AFS has students awaiting news of their host family in our area, and needs to quickly identify hosts and secure school spots. If you have ever considered the rewarding experience of hosting an exchange student, please step up now to welcome on of these students. To learn more and review a list of students and their profiles, click here and enter your zip code to see the students who will be coming to the Bay Area.
All AFS exchange students are honors students who have been selected for the program based on their academic success, responsibility, adaptability and optimism. Host families provide a bedroom (they can share a room with a child of the same gender), meals, and transportation to/from school and activities. The student's family pays for their travel and other expenses.
To learn more about hosting, please contact Troy Henri at thenri@afsusa.org or 646-381-3289.
Concerned about a Child's Weight?
Pediatric Weight Control Program at Stanford has Spaces Available for Fall Groups!
The 1.5 hour small groups of children (ages 8-15) and parents meet weekly to focus on establishing healthy eating and exercise habits. For groups in English: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. every Monday for 6 months in Menlo Park. For more information call us at 650-725-4424, or visit our website.
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Fall Sports
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Redwood National Junior Basketball
NJB Winter Basketball registration is now open! Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids from 1st through 8thg rades in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, or East Palo Alto. The season runs from November through February. Deadline for early registration with reduced fees is 9/28!
Play Tennis this fall at Burgess Park!
Menlo Tennis Academy offers year-round weekly group tennis lessons for kids age 6-12 years, right in Burgess Park. Head Coach Jake Vu uses a dynamic style of instruction designed to keep kids engaged, while building a foundation of essential skills important to the development of youth tennis players. Classes available Monday and Wednesday, 3:45 - 4:35 p.m. (Level 1) and 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. (Level 2). Visit our website for more information.
Weekend Tennis Lessons For Kids Ages 8 and Up
The Menlo Park Tennis Academy offers fun and enriching tennis lessons for beginning to intermediate players who want to improve their game. Lessons are taught by Menlo Atherton Girls Varsity Players, Julia Chang and Taylor Noble (former La Entrada students), who want to share their love for tennis. Lessons are held on weekends from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. for $20 at the La Entrada tennis courts. Sign up here.
Jeff Arons' Fall Tennis Program at Sacred Heart
Classes for Adults and Juniors begin September 3rd. Jeff Arons is the director of tennis for Sacred Heart Schools. His coaching experiences include founding/directing the East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring Program and coaching a Wimbledon doubles champion.
Visit our website or email jeffaronstennis@gmail.com for more information.
Play Tennis with Player Capital!
Happy Fall Everyone! We're looking forward to our fall session of group clinics starting August 25 at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton. Here is a link to the schedule here. Please email admin@playercapital.com to register or to find out more! See you on the courts!
Menlo Mavericks Swim and Water Polo Team
Now accepting new members for year-round Menlo Park swim and water polo teams! USA Swimming-certified swim team for youth age 5-18, plus Water Polo for boys and girls, 13 and under. Practices at Burgess and Belle Haven Pools. Visit our website for more information.
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From the Editors
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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 12:00 midnight on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication date. Submissions to personal email accounts are likely to be inadvertently omitted.
Submission Requirements:
- In the subject line of the email, please include the section in which you wish your item to be placed (see our newsletter policies for the list of our regular sections); for example, the subject may read "PTA News" for any item related to PTA programs.
- Send the article in the body of an original email: submission sent as Word doc or other attachment will be rejected.
- Provide a .jpg attachment for all pictures and graphics.
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