PTA News
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Save The Date!
PTA General Meeting, Wednesday, February 4th at 9:30 a.m.
Special Guest: Eric Holm, Director of Bond Projects, to Talk About School Expansion Projects!
Please join us for our PTA General Meeting on Wednesday, February 4th at 9:30 a.m. in the MUR. We are excited to announce that our guest speaker is Eric Holm, Director of Bond Projects. He will be giving us an overview of the La Entrada construction and school expansion project that will begin in the near future. He will also update us on the progress of the plan to expand Las Lomitas. We are excited to have him speak, and encourage you to come and hear him share the plans with our community. We will also update you on the PTA programs underway this year, and Kim Kuczon will be sharing the great news that La Entrada will be hosting the local Special Olympics in March. Come for the great info... and of course for the coffee and treats. We look forward to seeing you on February 4th! Click here to see the agenda.
Ashley Banks and Sandie Timm
La Entrada PTA Co-Presidents
The La Entrada GeoBee Contest is January 27th!
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!
Geo Bee Contest Date and Time:
Tuesday, January 27th, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Contact GeoBee co-chairs Sheriene Saadati or Cindy Tipton with any questions.
 La Entrada Science Fair - February 4-6, 2015 Students - Get ready for the Science Fair! The Science Fair is a fun event that allows you to work in groups with your friends, to experiment and present your ideas. This self-driven project gives you the opportunity to be creative and think out of the box. Start imagining what you would like to discover and with which friends you would like to work. Please register your project online.
Parents - The La Entrada Science Fair prepares kids for more complex projects and team work. The Science Fair process includes posing questions, problem-solving, experimentation and communication. These are all skills all our children need to be successful in our ever-changing world. The Science Fair is a fun way to start mastering these skills. Please encourage your child to participate. You can find a more information about projects and how to's online.
All 6th - 8th grade finalists will go to the San Mateo County Science Fair. The finalist from the San Mateo County Science Fair will go to the California State Science Fair. In the past, La Entrada students have been selected to participate in the California State Science Fair - a very prestigious commendation. The La Entrada Science Fair is February 4-6. Please have your child begin thinking about their projects now. Advance planning makes the process more fun AND advanced planning is a skill that will serve all our kids for their entire academic and professional lives. To learn more or to register, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please email the La Entrada Science Fair Committee: Diana Sunshine, Bardia Pezeshki, John Bargar, Chris Jones or Eric Ver Ploeg.
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School News
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La Entrada's 2015 Musical - "The Wiz"
Each year, La Entrada's 4th through 8th graders may choose to be part of the school's annual school musical. This year, we will be performing The Wiz and using a new company to run the musical, Starting Arts.
Starting Arts company believes that something special happens when young people connect with the arts. A unique learning environment materializes where students think and communicate through images, music and movement. Arts education creates opportunities for students to develop key life skills and evolve into confident, articulate, team-conscious members of our communities. We believe that an education without arts exposure is incomplete and falls far short of extraordinary. That unwavering belief has translated into a mission: to make arts education accessible to all students in Bay Area schools. Starting Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, depends entirely on community support to pursue our mission: promoting arts education in public schools. 2015 Musical - The Wiz Be part of this fun, motown take on the story of Dorothy and her quest to find the Wizard of Oz! It will have all your favorite characters from The Wizard of Oz plus a toe-tapping soundtrack that will make you want to ease on down the yellow brick road! How to enroll:
- Visit the LLL's Home Page and click on "School Musical" to register
- Pick up a registration form from the office and return with your check made out to "Starting Arts". NO CASH, please.
- Visit Starting Art's website to enroll.
- Any student who requires Outreach is to contact Mrs. Dineen for details.
Try-Outs will be during the week of Feb. 2, 2015. More details are forthcoming. Rehearsal Days/Times: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 3:00 to 4:30pm
Grades: 4-8
Performances: April 31, May 1
Fee: $200.00 (Outreach available, please contact Mrs. Dineen or one of the counselors for details).
Enrollment Maximum: 80 students
No refunds will be issued after the first class.
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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We are so grateful for the support of 66% our District Families so far. Thank you to all who have contributed!
If you have not yet given, the time to give is NOW. Our schools, and our students, need your support. Please, make your impact, show your commitment, and do your part - every gift, of any size, matters.
Plus, every gift can help us earn an additional $50,000 through a generous family-funded Participation Grant. We need just 125 more families to reach our participation goal. Can YOU help us?
The parent volunteers of the Las Lomitas Education Foundation have been working for more than five months this year to raise the crucial funds that comprise the second largest source of revenue for our District. Please, take a few minutes and make your contribution TODAY.
It is important to know that the Las Lomitas School Board meets in early February to determine next year's budget. The Foundation must commit to an annual gift amount that the Board can count on, and that we can deliver. NOW is the time we determine the number of teachers and extracurricular classes that we can support next year. What could be more important than investing in your child's education? We need your help today. Please click here to DONATE NOW.
Thank you! The Parent Volunteers of LLEF
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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Classes start this week!
By now you should have received a welcome letter from instructors requesting dismissal plans for your children. You can also find detailed class information for instructors and League policies online.
Spring Sports registration still open
You can still register for the Ultimate Frisbee Clinic, Track & Field, or Tennis, our spring sport offerings.
- Come learn the game of Ultimate Frisbee. It's open to 6th-8th graders and meets Wednesdays starting in late April. Learn more here.
- Tennis begins in early March, with matches running through mid-May. It's open to 6th-8th graders. Learn more about our tennis program here.
- Track & Field will begin in early April and it's open to 4th-8th graders. This is a developmental program with individual and team events. There will be workouts and track meets. Learn more about our track program here.
Are you interested in La Entrada's After-school Sports and Classes? 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! Co-coordinators for next year's Las Lomitas classes are needed. It's a perfect opportunity for you and a friend! Contact Maureen Goode to learn more. The Las Lomitas League (LLL) is a parent-led, non-profit organization.
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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, 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
SUHSD PARENT EDUCATION MINI-SERIES:
Please join us for a mini-series of pro-active SUHSD Parent Education Series events to address teenage risky behaviors. These targeted workshops will focus on adolescent drug and alcohol addiction, e-cigarettes, distracted driving, and sexual health.
1) "How Understanding the Neuroscience of Addiction Can Protect Your Family" with Alex Stalcup, M.D., Medical Director, New Leaf Treatment Center
Thursday, January 29, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Sequoia Union High School District Office
Birch Room
480 James Avenue, Redwood City
According to New Leaf Treatment Center, whether it's drugs, video-gaming, food, sex, gambling or other addictive behaviors, the process of addiction in the brain is exactly the same. Thanks to new science and research, understanding the "pleasure center" of the brain is now the most important prevention tool a parent can have. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear addiction expert Alex Stalcup, M.D., address parents and faculty/staff members on the important topic of adolescent addiction. Learn how you can predict it, prevent it, diagnose it, and treat it--at the same time.
Dr. S. Alex Stalcup is a graduate of Whittier College and the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Addiction Medicine. In addition, Dr. Stalcup is certified as a Medical Review Officer by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (A.S.A.M.). Since 1996, he has served as the Medical Director of the New Leaf Treatment Center in Lafayette, California.
This event is sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District, the Sequoia Union High School District, New Leaf Treatment Center, and Franklin Templeton.
2) "Vaping Reality: New Electronic Device (E-Cigarettes) and Emerging Nicotine Products" with Alissa Ralston, Project Director, Tobacco-Free Youth Project
Thursday, February 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Sequoia Union High School District Office
Birch Room
480 James Avenue, Redwood City
An alarming number of young people who have never used conventional cigarettes are now using electronic "vaping" devices and student use of these products now surpasses the use of conventional cigarettes. These devices are easy to hide and are often used with other drugs. Despite widespread perceptions to the contrary, e-cigarettes do not deliver "harmless water vapor."
Come learn how young people are targeted to experiment with these and other "non-conventional cigarette" nicotine products and why we should all be concerned. Examples of various products will be available to see.
Alissa Ralston has been active in tobacco education for the past 20 years. She has served as site coordinator for several TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention and Education) programs in both conventional and alternative high schools. Ms. Ralston has been the Project Director for the Tobacco Free Youth Project at Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) since 1999. She currently focuses on trainings around emerging nicotine delivery products such as e-cigarettes.
3) "Distracted Driving Parent Workshop" with Impact Teen Drivers (California Highway Patrol)
Thursday, March 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Sequoia Union High School District Office
Birch Room
480 James Avenue, Redwood City
For more information, email Charlene Margot, The Parent Education Series, Founder/Program Director, or or Karen Li, M.D., Wellness Coordinator
Parent Education Series events are free and open to SUHSD parents, faculty/staff and community members. This mini-series is sponsored by the Sequoia Healthcare District and the Sequoia Union High School District.
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LITTLE LEAGUE UMPIRES WANTED
Alpine West Menlo Little League is looking for youth umpires for the 2015 baseball season. Earn $25-47 per game. The season runs March - June. Minimum age is 12 years. Flexible schedule--work when you can. Experienced baseball players preferred. A mandatory training will be offered on Saturday, February 7 and Saturday March 7 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at La Entrada Middle School in the MUR and adjacent baseball field. (It is only necessary to attend one training). Please email Anna Plume at AlpineMinorsUmpsch@gmail.com to register.
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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 volunteering at M-A?
If you have an incoming Freshman in the fall or a current student at M-A, join in the fun! There are many opportunities as parents to be involved in our wonderful high school. Some require only a few hours of time and others are ongoing throughout the year. We would love to hear from you, so please contact one of us to discuss options: Paula, Valerie, Kim, Margaret, Frances
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
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)
- Saturday, March 7th at 7:00 p.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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