Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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The Season of Giving is here! If you have yet to make your gift, please donate now.
It's the last chance to make your tax-deductible donation for 2014, and to secure that Corporate Matching Gift!
We need to raise an average of $2,000 per student, with 100% participation, to reach our
fundraising goal of $2.8 million. If you can't donate the requested amount, please make a gift that is meaningful and comfortable for your family.
Our overall participation rate in the Annual Giving Campaign is now at 50%. We need your family's gift to meet our participation goal. And now, there is even more incentive to make your gift: When we reach 80% participation, the Foundation can earn an additional $50,000!
This Participation Challenge Grant is generously funded by the same dedicated District Families who seeded the highly successful incremental giving Challenge Grant Match. We are so grateful for their support. Please help us earn the Participation Grant!
PLEASE DONATE TODAY!
Click-through to any of the online stores and shop as you normally would... the retailers donate a portion of every purchase to the Foundation. It's free money for our schools!
Corporate Matching Gifts
Inquire about your employer's matching gifts program to increase your donation to the District. Our Matching Gifts Coordinator can help you determine if your company will match your contribution.
 Join or Update eScrip - It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!- Visit http://www.eScrip.com
- Register or renew your Safeway Club Card and credit cards at the eScrip website and then designate Las Lomitas Education Foundation (Group ID# 125673324)
- Start Shopping!
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PTA News
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Join us for the La Entrada GeoBee! 
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., Dec. 17th in Room 5
Wed., Jan. 7th in Room 5
Resources:
Don't miss it! January 8 Spelling Bee 
Congratulations to all who qualified and are planning to compete in the annual La Entrada Spelling Bee (listed below). When you see these students over the next couple of weeks, help them out by tossing them a spelling word for practice. On Thursday, January 8th, come to Jensen Hall at 3 pm to cheer them on as they compete for the grade-level and overall prizes, and the chance to advance to the San Francisco Bee. Who's going to win? Come find out!
Get in on the action! To volunteer at the Bee, contact Jon Venverloh or Janelle London.
Spelling Bee Competitors:
4th grade:
Adrian, Robert, Angelina, William, Ashley, Ntsika, Isabel, Caroline, Ryan, Alexander, Grace, Shelby, Nika
5th grade:
Henry, Garrett, Kayla, Alexander, Elina, Cooper, Clara, Chloe, Alexander, Diana, Sophie, Reza, Sarah, Heath, Darren, Jiho, Griffin, Anna
6th grade:
Alexandre, Oliver, Jason, Dana, Dylan, Olivia, Sally, William, Nicholas, Georgia, Hunter, Emily
7th grade:
Francesca, Benjamin, Sofia, Simon, Nathaniel, Alice, Jackson, Charlotte, Luke, Laura, Samir, Alexandra, Jennifer, Anna, Amanda,
8th grade:
Emerald, Beckett, Anna, Kiran, Mason, Sophia, Cole, Miranda, Ashley, Katherine
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A Surprise Day Treat for Your Teens
by Rom Brafman PhD., Site Director at La Entrada Middle School
If you're the romantic type you've probably planned a surprise date night or day-long event for your loved one. Maybe you took them to a concert or even whisked them on a romantic getaway. We take pride in putting thought into planning a fun event for our partners--which is great--but why not apply the same type of creative energy into putting together a surprise day-long event with your teen? I know, I know, most teens don't exactly jump up and down at the thought of spending a day with a parent. But if you plan it the right away and present it the right way it'll me a memorable experience for both of you and show your teen just how much you adore them.
What would be a fun experience that both of you can share? Maybe it's a lunch at a favorite restaurant and a trip to a museum where you can reflect on art? Or maybe it's going shopping together and then going to the beach. To be honest, these suggestions are a little generic because they are not tailor-made to your teen. But you know your child well enough to make it magical. Put some thought to it. Make sure that it's a surprise. Tell them that you're planning a surprise day just for them. Build it up. Give them some clues if you'd like, but they should be difficult ones. If they ask you why you're doing it, tell them that it's because they're so great and you love them. If they try to opt out, tell them that it's really important for you to spend quality time with them. They may not show you how thankful or appreciative they are, but they'll take it in, and when they grow older they'll remember it.
Once you go on a couple of these adventures, turn the tables and ask them to plan something to surprise you. They may not want to, which is fine, but give them the option. You'll be teaching them to be creative, to be thoughtful, and to celebrate life. It's those moments that mean the most.
Adolescent Counseling Services is a community non-profit, which provides vital counseling services on nine secondary campuses at no charge to students and their families. To learn more about our services please visit the ACS website or call Rom Brafman, Ph.D. Site Director at La Entrada (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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| School News |
Please bring your family & friends and join us in a PIZZA and PASTA
FUNDRAISER
for the upcoming Washington D.C. trip of our 8th graders!
Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
880 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park
(650) 329-8888
Tuesday, December 16th
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dine in OR take-out
(no deliveries)
Present this flyer and Amici's will generously donate 25% of your food, beverage and GIFT CERTIFICATE purchases to help support the Washington DC trip of our 8th graders!
This fundraiser event is only valid at Amici's Menlo Park. Amici's cannot promise seating together for large groups.
Music Notes 
December brings the 4th and 5th grade Winter Concert! New this year will be the fifth grade band performing with the 4/5 chorus. This will all take place on Wednesday evening, December 17 in our school gym at 7:00 p.m. The chorus students are working on a fun, educational concert with the theme, "Americans All" which is a celebration of America's multicultural heritage. The students will be singing eleven songs in the concert featuring some home-grown music including "The Winding Trail" (Native American), "Der Volkstanz" (German), "Siyahamba" (South African), "Come Dance a Jig" (Irish), "Zum Gali Gali" (Israeli), "Bell Song" (Korean) and much, much more including a toe-stomping finale. This concert will also feature some young, confident narrators who have finished auditioning for the right to represent their class at the concert. The young band will also perform favorites including "Good King Wenceslas," "In a Minor Mood," "Stepping Stones" and other fun songs.
Our annual Winter Band Concert, featuring all the instrumentalists from our 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands, will take place on Monday, December 15th over at Woodside High School's Performing Arts Centre. The sixth graders will perform pieces including the "1812 Overture" and "William Tell" while the 7th and 8th grade Symphonic Band will perform "Sabre Dance," "Chant and Jubilo" and accompaniment to a silent movie featuring Charlie Chaplin entitled, "Masters of the Silent Screen." Our Jazz Band will perform a swing classic, "Moon Dance," a funk standard, "Superstition" and a rock classic, "25 or 6 to 4."
District English Learner Advisory Committee
The following parents and faculty serve on the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Parents who have questions about programs and general information regarding English learners are encouraged to contact these representatives.
They are here to listen to your questions and help get them answered. Please do not hesitate to contact them!
Parent Members:
Faculty Members:
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SPRING REGISTRATION
Mark your calendars for Spring registration opening on Monday, January 5th at 7:00pm. Detailed class descriptions will be on our website soon.
Are you interested in La Entrada's after school Sports and Class programs? Then 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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Parent Education
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M-A and La Entrada Parent Education Series - Special Collaboration!
"The Well-Balanced Student," with Denise Pope, PhD, Stanford University, Challenge Success
Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Please join us for an outstanding presentation by Dr. Denise Pope, nationally and internationally recognized educator, award-winning lecturer at Stanford University, and co-founder of Challenge Success, Stanford Graduate School of Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the well-being, engagement, and integrity of our students.
Today's high-pressure, fast-paced culture can interfere with healthy child development. When we are too focused on test scores, performance, and grades, we may deny kids the time and energy they need to effectively tackle the demanding work of growing up. This workshop examines the tensions that can occur between students, parents, and educators over issues such as homework, grades, and the culture of competition. We'll offer parents research-based strategies to create healthier home and school environments.
In this presentation, you will learn:
- How students today are coping-or not-with the academic pressure they face
- Ways you can reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement or engagement in school
- Strategies to increase resilience, creativity, and well-being for your child
M-A Parent Education Series events are free, sponsored by the Menlo-Atherton PTA, the Sequoia Healthcare District, and the Sequoia Union High School District. This event is also made possible by a grant from the La Entrada PTA.
For more information, email Charlene Margot, The Parent Education Series, Founder/Program Director, or call (650) 868-0590.
Parents, students, faculty/staff, and community members welcome!
Spanish interpretation will be available.
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$1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest
"My territory as a writer is exploring the unknown." - Leyla Beban
The contest is open to aspiring young authors in grades 6 - 12. Entries must be submitted no later than February 1st, 2015 and must be *exactly* 1,000 words. Contest winners at each grade level will win a $100 cash prize, and the best entry from each of middle school and high school will win a $1,000 scholarship. All winners plus a number of honorable mentions will be published in the 2015 edition of Bluefire. To read excerpts from the winning work from last year, please visit the 2014 Award Celebration page. Last year over 300 entries were received and 22 young authors were published.
Help spread the word with the 2015 Contest Flyer. Print it out and help spread the word at your school.
Torch | Holiday Basketball Camp 
WHEN: Dec 26 & 27 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sacred Heart Prep Practice Pavilion
WHO: Boys Grades: 5 - 10 | Girls Grades: 4 - 8. Spots are limited!
Develop your game with Sacred Heart Prep's Head Coach and Stanford basketball alum, Melanie Murphy, James Testa, and special guests. Fundamentals include: ball-handling, footwork, passing, shooting, and more. Spots are limited! More info here.
Signup: torchbball.com | Questions: melanie@torchbasketballacademy.com
Camp Menlo Holiday Camps 
When: December 22-23, 29-31, January 2, 19
Where: Burgess Pool, Menlo Park
Register now for December and January day camps at Burgess Pool for kids age 5-9! Each day includes a 45 minute swim lesson and out of the pool, campers enjoy various group games and activities that encourage self confidence, growth, teamwork, and fun! More information available online.
Registration for the AMA Softball 2015 season is now open!
AMA Softball is a community softball league for girls ages 5-12. The season runs from late February through early June and focuses on learning the game and having fun. Teams are set up by school, so recruit your friends! For league information and registration, please visit us online.
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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.
Get to Know Woodside High School
Woodside High School Open House - Take a Walk in Our Paws
Saturday, January 10, 9 a.m. - 12 noon
Register for a 40-minute guided tour led by a current student or parent, visiting a variety of open classrooms on campus. End in the cafeteria to meet Principal Burbank, other campus staff, and parent leaders. Wildcat Wear available for purchase. Allow a bit over an hour for a comfortable visit. Visit the Woodside High School website to sign up.
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.
- 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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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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