From the Principal
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Dear La Entrada Community,
Semester Two is Here!
While it may be hard to believe, half the school year is almost over! Friday, January 16 was the last day of 2nd Quarter, and Tuesday, January 20th 3rd Quarter began. Here are some reminders about grading and Schoolloop as we move through the 2nd semester.
School Loop
School Loop is a management/communication system that gives students the tools they need to stay on track, and gives their parents and their team a way to provide support when they need it. We recommend that the system is used to check on assignments and to communicate through LoopMail with teachers and other students. We realize that having consistent processes and expectations in place is essential for its success.
The LE teachers would like to share some guidelines about the system.
- All 6th - 8th Grade teachers agree to;
- publish homework and long term assignments on website calendar as assigned
- publish grades weekly by Tuesday
- use zeroes as place holders for missing assignments and some teachers may use comments to describe why the zero was entered i.e. missing, incomplete.
- The elective teachers will be following the grade level guidelines.
- All 4th - 6th grade teachers expect their students to use their planners and will make time during class for their use.
- The 4th and 5th grade teachers agree to use the website portion of School Loop.
- The 4th and 5th grade websites will include their monthly highlights (big events, units of study, reminders) and links to websites relevant to their curriculum.
- The 5th grade team will post their homework on their websites.
Please keep in mind that it is best if grades are checked weekly. The quantity and length of assignments vary across teachers and subjects so the grades may not be accurate on a daily basis, but we are committed to their accuracy on a weekly basis. When you receive the email push from School Loop, you will be able to track the number of any missing assignments. In order to see the details of those missing assignments you will need to log in and review the comments. While the assignment is "missing," the grades may record low as the zero is part of the calculation. The grade will be adjusted according to each teacher's grading policy once the assignments are submitted and graded.
The intent of this system is to support our students and increase our communication between home and school. If you have any questions about what is posted please contact the teachers directly for clarification.
2015-2016 Planning
We are starting planning phase for the 2015-16 school year. One of the first things we do in this phase is have the students (who will be in 6th-8th grade next year) sign up for their elective courses. The information we get from this allows us to start planning our master schedule.
During the week of January 26 - 30, we met with all current 5th-7th grade students and provided them with a "Course Catalog" which included important registration information. Each student was directed to fill in the registration form with their parents. The teachers will take the students to the computer lab to sign up for their classes beginning on February 2nd.
If your child will be in 6th grade next year, you are invited to come to another "Incoming 6th Grade Parent Information" meeting on Monday, February 25th at 6:30pm in the MUR. At this meeting, I will be talking about the structural transition between 5th and 6th grade. The information discussed will also be posted on the school website. I look forward to the evening.
Coffee with the Principal/Evening with the Principal
Monday, February 9th, we will have a "Coffee with the Principal" at 10:00 a.m. in the MUR and "Evening with the Principal" at 6:30 p.m. in the MUR. The focus of the discussion will be Writer's Workshop, the Math Pilot and other updates. There may also be some time for other topics so please contact me if you have questions or topics you would like me to address.
Best regards,
Shannon Potts
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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The 2015 Annual Giving Campaign ENDS THIS WEEK!
JUST DO IT.
Thank you for investing in your children's education.
In appreciation,
The Parent Volunteers of the Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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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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
Congratulations GeoBee Contestants!
We would like to congratulate all of the students who participated in the 2015 GeoBee contest. Below are the names and grades of our champion, 2nd place winner, and remaining top 10 finalists (in alphabetical order):
Weston W. (8) - Champion
Grant M.(6) - 2nd Place Winner
Adrian D. (4)
Coby D. (6)
Elina G. (5)
Alex K. (8)
Muki K. (6)
Miranda M. (8)
Laura Q. (7)
Kieran R. (7)
Our champion, Weston, will have an opportunity to take a GeoBee written test to see if he qualifies for the State competition. We wish you luck, Weston!
Thank you to all of the families who joined the La Entrada PTA - your membership funds made this event possible! Thank you Mrs. Whitney Thwaite for being a great moderator! Thank you to our volunteers for keeping us organized and on track: Julie Herlihy, Mary Mohr, Rebecca Deutscher, Sheriene Saadati, and Cindy Tipton.
 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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The first week of classes is complete.If you need to cancel a class, you can receive a 90% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 2nd class. For further information visit the League website.
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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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.
Updated Your Home Technologies? 
We can utilize any of these early model technologies that you may have upgraded: iPods, MP3 players, iPod shuffles or minis, Kindles, tablets or iPads. With your donations your K-5 classrooms could create reading/listening centers and curriculum-support learning centers. We're happy to give your retired devices a new home!
Contact Suzanne Mitchell for more information, or drop off your donation at the La Entrada Technology Office.
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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:
"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.
"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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Summer Camps
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 Kelly Coding and Creation Camps, 2015
Who: Incoming 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders
When: Session 1, 6/15-26 and/or Session 2, 7/6-17. M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Cost: $675 per two-week session, $1,200 for both sessions.
Build programming and digital skills in a fun, self-paced environment. Each 2-week camp will demystify programming concepts in a fun environment that does not overwhelm students with syntax and scary results. Participants will also get hands-on experience using:
Contact: Parker Kelly, La Entrada Middle School Technology Teacher:
Register here.
Captivating Dance by Nona: Summer Dance Camp 2015
Learn/improve dance techniques in Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Tap, Ballet, and more! Includes fun additional activities throughout the week. Great opportunity to learn from Nona Ybarra, multi-award winning choreographer/instructor, CDBN dance staff, as well as some of Nona's Elite winning CDBN dance team members.
Ages: boys and girls 5-18 years old
Location:1923 Menalto Dance Studio (Beginning/Intermediate) or 1919 Menalto Dance Studio (Advanced)
Times: Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Beginning/Intermediate); 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Advanced). Early drop-off by arrangement (added fee).
Sessions: June 15-July 17; four to five weeklong sessions, depending on level
Fees: $405/week (family and multi-week enrollment discounts available)
Contact: admin@captivatingdancebynona.com for registration forms or visit our website.
Young Outliers 
We bring the real world to learning and campers create products for the real world.
Find solution for big and small challenges.
Problem-solve with imaginative inventions. Write stories and illustrate books to enlighten and engage readers. Design games that inform, entertain, and bring family and friends together. Build functional and decorative crafts that visualize insights, emotions, and vision.
Experience entrepreneurship.
Learn from creating and working with a team. Build a business. Shape ideas into products. Design products with the market in mind. Sell products and get a check in the mail.
In Young Outliers, possibilities have no limits.
Inventive summer studios intersect learning, design, and entrepreneurship to inspire young minds.
Make new friends
Together, nurture creativity, insight, and teamwork and design for a better world.
Think outside the box. Learn what it takes to become a game-changer!
Check out our website for a variety of offerings for ages 6-17.
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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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