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From the Principal
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Dear La Entrada Community,
Used Book Sale: Also coming up quickly is the Used Book Fair. A huge thank you to the community for the donations and to the volunteers that have worked at organizing and pricing the books. I look forward to seeing the fair setup with the 5,000+ books Nov 10-14.
Private School Recommendations: The season of private school applications is upon us. If your child will be applying to a private school for next year, please make sure that we have any recommendation forms (that need to be filled out by a teacher or administrator) by Wednesday, December 3. Most forms this year are coming to us electronically. We are keeping a master copy of the recommendations requested and will be keeping track of the letters as they are processed. If for some reason you are applying to a school that does not use the electronic system, all forms and stamped envelopes must be given to Marja Rudge (in the main office) and she will make sure they get to the correct people. In addition to the requests for electronic letters of recommendation, each parent will have to provide the school with a transcript release request. If the school to which you are applying does not accept electronic transcripts, please provide the office with a stamped envelope that can be mailed to the school or to the company processing the school's applications. For questions or clarification, please contact Kim Witthaus, 8th grade counselor, or Marja Rudge in the front office.
- Any requests for recommendations received by Marja Rudge after December 3, 2014 are not guaranteed to be completed by the private school's published deadline.
- All Private School Recommendations are confidential and completed on a voluntary basis.
- Parents are to refrain from discussing the recommendations with the La Entrada staff.
- The Las Lomitas School District is supportive of the process by providing time for staff to complete Private School Recommendation forms submitted by the due date of December 3, 2014.
- Marja Rudge will inform parents when the Private School Recommendation forms have been processed.
La Entrada Climate Committee:
La Entrada meets with its Climate Committee annually to reflect on campus climate survey results and review best practices. This year's first Climate Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, in the MUR from 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Any parent interested in joining this committee is asked to please rsvp intent to join the meeting by emailing Marja Rudge or calling 650-854-3962 ext. #200 by Monday, November 17 so we can plan accordingly.
8th Grade Placement Exams for Sequoia High School District:
All eighth graders will be taking the Sequoia Union High School English, GRMT timed placement test, on Friday, December 12. The GRMT is a vocabulary and comprehension test. Most of our students did extremely well on it last year. If a student is absent, Kim Witthaus, our 8th grade counselor, is conducting make-ups on Monday, December 15, so that I can deliver the tests to the Sequoia Union High School District Office by that afternoon. ALL students MUST take the placement test, even if they are applying to private school. Ms. Alton will receive the results from the exam sometime in January.
The Math Test (MDTP) will be given to all 8th graders on Tuesday, December 9th or Wednesday, December 10th, depending on the schedule. There is no studying necessary or recommended for either test. However, Ms. Campbell will be doing Algebra review for the Geometry students. The Algebra students will not need a refresher since they use Pre-Algebra skills daily. Like the English tests, ALL students MUST take the placement test, even if they are applying to private school. Ms. Campbell will receive the results from the exam sometime in January.
We look forward to seeing many of you at conferences this week.
Warmly, Shannon
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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Thank you to ALL families who contributed to the Annual Giving Campaign over the last two weeks!
Our community is making good progress towards this year's ambitious goals of $2,000 per student and 100% participation, which will combine to raise $2.8 million overall.
But we still have a ways to go....
Please GIVE MORE this year - and double the increased portion of your gift with a dollar-for-dollar match from the $200,000 Challenge Grant!
DONATE NOW!
We are pleased to announce the WINNER of the GIVING-BY-GRADE CONTEST!
Thank you to all families who donated before October 31 to participate in the Contest!
The 4th Grade teachers will be splitting the $1,500 award among their separate classrooms in the coming weeks, to be spent on books and/or enrichment for their students.
We are halfway through our annual giving campaign, and Donor Rolls will be coming out soon...
DONATE TODAY!
www.llef.org
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PTA News
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 The La Entrada Used Book Fair is now OPEN!
Please join us at La Entrada for our annual Used Book Fair! With over 6,000 new & nearly-new books to choose from, we have a great selection of authors and titles for children, young adults and adults alike. 100% of the proceeds from this great event directly support La Entrada School and PTA funded programs.
Location:
La Entrada MUR (across from the Office)
Hours:
Monday, November 10th - 7:30am - 4pm
Tuesday, November 11th (closed for Veteran's Day)
Wednesday, November 12th - 7:30am - 4pm
Thursday, November 13th - 7:30am - 4pm
Friday, November 14th - 7:30am - 4pm
Book Prices:
$1, $3, $5, $8 (cash & checks only)
To volunteer to help at the Book Fair, please visit us online.
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Holiday Faire Volunteers Needed
Come to our prep day on Wednesday November 19 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the MUR. Feel free to drop in for part of the time if you can't be there for the whole time. If you want to be a part of one of the kids' favorite events of the year, then this is the job for you! The Faire will take place on Friday, December 5th this year. To volunteer on December 5th, sign up online. Send any questions to Tracie Nelson or Jean Long.
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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:
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Las Lomitas League
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 Basketball season starts this week! Coaches have announced their teams and practice times. Be sure to sign the Player Behavior Contract and return it to your coach at the first practice. If you need to withdraw from basketball, you must contact the registrar at llleagueregistrar@gmail.com this week in order to receive a 90% refund of the player fee. There will be no refunds after November 16th.
Have a fun season! Go Leopards!
Join the LLL Board of Directors!
Join the team that provides enriching and fun after-school activities and sports for Las Lomitas and La Entrada students! The Las Lomitas League (LLL) is a parent-led, non-profit organization and we are expanding our board of directors. We have the following open positions:
- President-in-training - Shadow the current president and learn about the programs and responsibilities of the LLL President. Lead the board beginning in June 2015.
- Basketball Co-Director (in-training) - Work with the current directors to learn about our successful recreational basketball program. Co-lead the program in 2015-2016.
- Secretary - Take minutes at board meetings. Maintain records of board policies, actions, etc. Edit LLL articles for Spot/Roar newsletters.
- Member-at-Large - Join the LLL board to learn about our programs and help in small ways. We would like an at-large member from each school.
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School News
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Concordia Language Villages Has your child attended any of the Concordia Language Villages? I have agreed to assist Ms. Rianda in coordinating something for the yearbook which highlights all kids from La Entrada who have attended one of these camps. Please contact me if your kids would be interested in participating, if you have questions, etc. Thank you. Email Michele Leclerc or contact her by phone at (408) 799-9984.
Guiness World Record Attempt at La Entrada  Would your child like to brag about breaking a World Record? Well, it's time for our annual Guinness World Record attempt at the "Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day". Sport Stacking is an activity involving stacking cups (from mini cups to jumbos) in various creative ways through timed challenges, relays and other fun games. All students are invited to attend this event which is scheduled for this Thursday, November 13th from 12:00 - 1:00 in Jensen Hall. Permission slips were passed out in student's P.E. classes last week and are also available in the main office. Permission slips must be turned in by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12th. Any question, please see Ms. Kuczon - 6th grade P.E. teacher. |
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District News
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Testing LLESD's SchoolMessenger text messaging system On October 21st Las Lomitas School District initiated an Opt-In text message program which invited you to receive texts from the district for emergency and other important updates communications. This Wednesday, November 12th, we will be testing this SchoolMessenger text system. If in October you "opted-in" to receive texts from the district you should see the following test message on Wednesday: "This is a test of the SchoolMessenger text system from LLESD. No response is needed." If you do not receive the text on Wednesday, it could be one of two reasons: 1. You "Opted- In"on October 21st, but did not immediately receive a confirmation text indicating you were then registered with the SchoolMessenger notification service. You also did not receive the test message of November 12th. This could be because one of the following reasons: -
- If your phone is managed by a corporate account, which filters out the Opt-In option for mass messaging, you won't receive our text messages.
- If your texts are routed through Google accounts, Google is not part of the service provider Opt-In process.
- There may be other reasons related to your service provider. You may need to contact your service provider directly to request the Opt-In service at 68453.
2. You didn't sign up, (and now want to.)
- Send a text message to phone number 68453 and in the body, simply type "yes" . You should receive a confirmation reply if your provider provides this service.
- For those who have blocks by their service provider on mass text messages, please be assured that we will always use multiple means of communication to release important information (i.e. email and voicemail).
If you have questions, please contact Suzanne Mitchell. Thank you.
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Community News
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Ready, Set, Can!!
The students of Menlo-Atherton High School kicked off their annual Canned Food Drive on Tuesday, November 4. It runs through the entire month of November. 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.
M-A Parent Education Series
"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)
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.
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High School News
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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.
Interested in what's going on at Menlo Atherton High School?
Sign up for M-A's BearNotes to receive the weekly newsletter here.
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
Parent Tours:
Our 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. See the website for sign ups and more information.
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?
Sign up to receive the Woodside High School weekly newsletter here.
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.
- 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.
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From the Editor
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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 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.
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