If you missed the Contest deadline, don't distress, as you can still take advantage of the $200,000 Challenge Grant Match by making a larger donation that last year. The incremental increase of your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

For more information and to donate now, visit www.LLEF.org

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JOIN or UPDATE ESCRIP - IT'S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3!

Here's how:

Visit http://www.eScrip.com
Register or renew your Safeway Club Card (some automatically have been done) and credit cards at the eScrip website and then designate Las Lomitas Education Foundation (Group ID# 125673324).
Start Shopping!

Last year we raised over $25,000 from participating merchants like: Safeway, Bianchini's Market, Draegars and many more. Visit the eScrip.com website to learn more about participating merchants.

For Safeway:

Only spending done with debit or cash will go towards rewards for LLEF.

For Bianchini's Market:

Tracking for contributions is now done with a REGISTERED Bianchini's Rewards card, not a credit or debit card. Most of our Las Lomitas families have not linked their Rewards card to LLEF and we're missing those contributions! You will still earn a 2% rewards for yourselves, but if you register the card in eScrip, Las Lomitas Education Foundation will earn up to 4% every time you shop!

From the PTA Presidents

We heart our teachers and staff!

It's silly to say "this couldn't happen without them," but it's absolutely true. We are so fortunate to be at one of the top public schools in not only California, but the United States. Our teachers and staff work SO hard to keep us in that top position. Part of what we do in the PTA is make sure they know how appreciated they are. And your amazing PTA membership is helping us kick off an extra special year of appreciation. Last Thursday morning we surprised the teachers with a coffee cart in the teacher break room... lattes and mochas were served and we hope everyone enjoyed a nice warm drink. We have conference week coming up, and the PTA will provide a yummy catered lunch for the teachers on Monday and Thursday of that week. We appreciate their incredible hard work getting organized for conferences, and we hope the lunch helps move them through their extra-long days. We provide special treats during holiday times at school, and the finale of our appreciation culminates in Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Stay tuned for those details... and if you see Susy Politi or Patricia Sullivan in the hallway at school, give them a hearty thanks for chairing this important Appreciation Committee for 4+ years! Lastly, please know that the teachers and staff never tire of your positive feedback.... whether it's a quick email from you or a hand-made card from your child, teachers love to be appreciated year round!

In coming weeks, we are going to share more about what the PTA is doing, behind the scenes, and with thousands of volunteer hours, to enrich the lives of the students, teachers and parents at La Entrada.

With appreciation to all,

Ashley Banks and Sandie Timm
PTA Co-Presidents

PTA News

Announcing the La Entrada Spelling Bee:

The La Entrada Spelling Bee will take place on January 8, 2015. Here's how it works: All students are given a 20-word spelling test in class sometime between October 13-24. (In the event of absence, make-up testing should be coordinated directly with the student's teacher.) Qualifying students are identified based on the test scores, invited to the Bee, and provided a study packet. The Bee champion advances to the KPIX-TV & KCBS Radio AM & FM Spelling Bee. The Bee follows the rules of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Ways to prepare:

1. Watch the movies Akeelah and the Bee and Spellbound to get inspired.

2. Check out the spelling words at http://myspellit.com/.

3. Read, read, read!

NOTE: There is still space available at the Spelling Test Grading Party on Tuesday, November 4, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Snacks! Camaraderie! Laughs galore! Absolutely free! To sign up, contact Jon Venverloh or Janelle London.

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Join us for the La Entrada Geo Bee!

All La Entrada students, grades 4 - 8, are invited to participate in the La Entrada Geo Bee. Our top 10 finalists will receive a cool water bottle, the top two finalists will receive t-shirts, and the winner will take a qualifying test for a chance to compete at the National level! Join us for some fun and share your passion and knowledge of geography! Important dates and resources:

Geo Bee Contest Date and Time:

Tuesday, January 27th, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Lunchtime Practice Sessions (for both lunches):

Wed., Nov. 19th in the Library

Wed., Dec. 17th in Room 5

Wed., Jan. 7th in Room 5

Resources:

1. Sign Up Form

2. National Geo Bee website and study tips

3. Download the GeoBee Challenge App for a fun practice tool!

Contact GeoBee co-chairs Sheriene Saadati or Cindy Tipton with any questions.

Community News

Ready, Set, Can!!

The students of Menlo-Atherton High School are kicking off their annual Canned Food Drive on Tuesday, November 4. This is a chance for the greater community to rally around the growing number of San Mateo County residents who cannot afford enough food to provide for themselves and their families. According to the Second Harvest Food Bank website, 1 in 4 people in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties are at risk for hunger. Many of them are children, and some are our neighbors, classmates, or acquaintances.

This year again, M-A has partnered with Second Harvest to ensure that families continue to have access to food sources beyond the Canned Food Drive. Supporting the Food Drive again this years are: Bianchini's in Ladera, Draeger's in Menlo Park; the Safeways on El Camino in Menlo Park, and in Sharon Heights, and Trader Joe's in Menlo Park. Here is how you can help the families in your community:

When you are shopping for your family, please add a few extra cans to your cart and drop them into the Second Harvest Food Bank barrels. M-A students will be handing out the list of most-needed items requested by Second Harvest Food Bank.
Consider donating online. Type "high school" in the Online Food Drive box and select Menlo-Atherton High School so that your gift can be properly credited to the M-A outreach effort.

Please contact feedourfamilies@mabearspta.org if you have questions. Thank you for your support!

Parent Education Series events are free, sponsored by the high school PTA, the Sequoia Healthcare District, and the Sequoia Union High School District.

Parents, students, faculty/staff and community members welcome! For more information, contact Charlene Margot, Parent Education Series Program Director, by email or phone

(650) 868-0590.

Spanish interpretation available.

Woodside Parent Education Series

"The Second Goal Parent�: Developing Winners in Life through Sports" with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA)

Thursday, November 13, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Woodside High School MUR

The Woodside Parent Education Series welcomes Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) in "The Second Goal Parent�: Developing Winners in Life through Sports." In this interactive workshop (60-minute presentation followed by 30-minute Q & A), parents learn how they can help ensure their student's athletic experience yields healthy, developmental (physical, social, mental) outcomes that will serve them far beyond the playing field.

Parents who attend this workshop will be able to:

Match their behavior as parents to goals for their student's youth sports experience
Teach their children about the importance of a growth-mindset
Understand what is expected of them as a sports parent
Learn how to talk to your child about a bad game (the ride home)

Positive Coaching Alliance is a national non-profit developing "Better Athletes, Better People" by working to provide youth and high school athletes with a positive, character-building youth sports experience.

Sequoia Parent Education Series

"Performing Gender: Why It's Important to Support Your Teen's Identity" with Anthony Ross, MS.Ed., Outlet Program Director, Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS)

Thursday, November 6, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Sequoia High School, MPR

Join Anthony Ross from Outlet for an eye-opening conversation about "performing gender" and the role gender plays in developing teens' identities. In this workshop, parents will learn how to support their teens' gender identity and sexual orientation by creating a welcoming environment for all kids to thrive.

Founded in 1997, Outlet empowers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and builds safe and accepting communities through support, education, and advocacy. Outlet envisions a world that embraces, empowers, and celebrates LGBTQQ youth.

M-A Parent Education Series

"Get Connected! Talking to Your Teen About Sexual Health," with Abigail Karlin-Resnick and Perryn Reis of Health Connected (formerly Teen Talk)

Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

M-A PAC Cafeteria

Talking about sexual health can be one of the most difficult and anxiety-provoking parenting tasks. Join Abi Karlin-Resnick, Executive Director, and Perryn Reis, Director of Research & Innovation, from Health Connected (formerly Teen Talk Sexuality Education), the SUHSD's provider of comprehensive sexuality education, in a fun and interactive workshop to learn how you can create an environment of comfort and trust with your child to discuss their emerging sexuality.

Get tips on how to talk about sexuality in the context of your family's values about sex and relationships and create clear boundaries for your children while allowing them to explore this important developmental milestone.

Attendance will be limited to 25 parents on a first-come basis. Sign up today! Coffee and refreshments will be offered.

"A Conversation About College Admission," with Alice Kleeman, M-A College Advisor, and Kirk Brennan, Director of Admission, USC

Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)

On November 12, the M-A Parent Education Series hosts a special event with Alice Kleeman, M-A College Advisor, and Kirk Brennan, Director of Admission at USC, for "A Conversation About College Admission." The open-ended discussion with two college experts promises an insider's look into the college admission process. According to Director Brennan, "We in college admission work to change the world every day."

Don't miss this great opportunity for juniors and seniors to learn about the college admission process! Parents, students, faculty/staff, and community members welcome.

High School News

Sequoia Union High School District Open Enrollment Policy:

New changes to 9th Grade Open Enrollment were approved by the Board of Trustees effective for the 2015-16 school year. The open enrollment policy for the 2015-2016 can be viewed here.

Get to Know M-A High School

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.

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.

La Entrada Parent Information Night:

Mr. Zito, principal of Menlo Atherton High, will speak at the La Entrada M-A Parent Info Night at 6:30 p.m., November 6 in the La Entrada MUR.

Interested in what's going on at Menlo Atherton High School?

Attention Parents of 8TH Graders!

Want to get the scoop on M-A from current M-A parents? The Foundation for the Future is sponsoring a coffee for the purpose of community education. Join parents who currently have students at M-A for an informal conversation about the school on Wednesday, November 12, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the home of Roxy and Chet Bozdog, 33 Irving Avenue, Atherton. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Please send an email to rsvp@mafoundation.org if you plan to attend.

Get to Know Woodside High School

7th & 8th Grade Parent and Students Information Night:

Parents and students, 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.

Interested in what's going on at Woodside High School?

Get to know Summit Prep and Everest Charter High Schools

Be a part of a public education reform movement that prepares students for 21st

century success in college, career, and life!

8th Grade Open House Dates:

At Summit Public Schools we believe that all students should be prepared to be successful college students and career professionals for the 21st century. With our small and personalized environment, we focus on the whole child and foster the growth of critical thinking skills and habits of success. Please join us as we walk you through the day in the life of a Summit Prep student. Shadow day sign-ups are only be available at Open House events. Sign-ups for Open House events are not necessary.

Tuesday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m. @ Everest (455 Fifth Avenue in Redwood City)
Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. @ Summit Prep (890 Broadway in Redwood City)
Saturday, February 7th at 10:00 a.m. @ Everest (455 Fifth Avenue in Redwood City)

For more information on Summit Schools, click here.

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.

To submit an item, email it to the editor at leopardsspot@llesd.org by 12:00 midnight on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication date. Submissions to personal email accounts are not accepted.

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.

For past issues, visit the PTA Newsletter Archive.

Donna Hall
Leopard's Spot Editor