From the Principal 
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 Dear La Entrada Families,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! District and site employees were very busy over the summer preparing the campus for all of your wonderful children. The rooms are bright and clean, ready to welcome the children back to school. As always, there is a high level of energy and La Entrada during this time of year. We are starting a new school year, and the teachers have been busy preparing their lessons and classrooms, and the parents and students have been preparing for new schedules. I know that we are headed into a terrific school year!
I must start the new year by recognizing some people/groups that contribute so much to making sure we are ready for the start of school:
- Our wonderful Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Department. They are dedicated to making sure the campus is ready to go on the first day.
- Our Technology department for the updating, maintenance, and support they give.
- We couldn't get everything done in the office without the support and assistance of Gina Parisi, Marie Stosz, and Chris Nichols.
- All of our teachers who spend countless hours preparing curriculum and their rooms.
New faculty members include Caryn Carlson (5th) Cheryl Rowe (6th), Rebecca Reddy (RSP), Lauren Anderson (RSP) and Lisa Sharp (Strategies). I am thrilled at the depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise that these talented people bring to La Entrada. I will tell you a bit more about these new staff members in future articles. There were also a few changes for returning teachers. Mr. Jones joined the administrative team, so Mr. Yob moved to 8th grade PE and Mr. Sasagawa filled the vacancy in 4th-5th PE.
Schedule Changes (6th - 8th Graders): There are two reasons that your child's schedule may change in the first few weeks of school.
- If your child wants a schedule change, s/he should pick up a schedule change form in the Rm 7. When the form is filled out and returned with a parent signature, Mrs. Tavernakis (our counselor) will review it and see if the change is possible. Mrs. Tavernakis will call your child into the office to review whether or not the change is possible. Please note that many changes are not possible due schedule complexities.
- The counselors may call your student into the office to mandate a schedule change that is necessary to better balance classes. We attempt, during the first few weeks, to move some students out of larger classes and into smaller classes. If one of these changes occurs to your child, please know that it is to the benefit of all our students to balance the classes as much as possible.
A Safety Note: Please remember that our parking area can get very congested during drop off and pick up times. We hope that as many as possible will come to school on a bus, bicycle, or by walking. If you do have to drive your child to school, please be sure to review the drop off procedures outlined in our student handbook. Remember that you can only turn right when leaving our parking lot during drop off and pick up times. Also, please note that we do confiscate bicycles, skateboards and scooters belonging to students that have brought them to school without a helmet.
Bond Update: This summer we were again busy preparing for our future buildings. In June, we completed a Master Plan revision for both sites and are confident our new direction will continue to address the needs of the students. We will replace portable classrooms with a new two-story classroom building, covered lunch area, and reconfigured basketball courts. We have begun Architectural design work for the project and this summer we relocated portables to make room for our future building. In addition to the building relocations, we expanded our prototype classroom program to include two 4th grade classes and are continuing to learn from those prototypes. The feedback last year was overwhelmingly positive from both the students and the teachers that were experimenting with the movable furniture. As the year unfolds, we will be working with the Architects on the new building design and as the plans progress we will share the direction with you and on the Bond Program webpage. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Bond Director, Eric Holm, at eholm@llesd.org.
iPads: In 2013 La Entrada initiated a 1:1 program for 6-8th graders. Students have access to apps that engage active writers, designers, math wizards, support simulations and offer curriculum support tools and translators for ELD needs. The Foundation generously funded this technology initiative and it's been an amazing tool for our middle school learners. We will be distributing the ipads August 27-Sept 3, starting with 8th grade. All students will be bringing home an iPad Acceptable Use form that also offers an Insurance Program for iPad damages. These forms need to be signed by the students and parents and returned the next day. Please join us at the iPad Parent Information Meeting on September 1st at 6:30 p.m.
In Closing: This is my 4thyear at La Entrada and the start of a school year never ceases to bring excitement and anticipation for what is to come. I look forward to getting to know each of you better over the course of the school year. Communication is the key to a successful organization. "Meet the Teacher" was one way to start positive communication between the school and home. I hope that you will take advantage, as your personal situation allows, and participate in the school experience by attending school activities. We are most fortunate to have an active PTA, School Site Council and Foundation to support student learning and provide an optimal learning environment. I encourage you to participate in one of these organizations and wish you all a successful start to the school year.
I hope to see you all at Parent Information Night on Thursday, August 27. This will be another opportunity to get to see and hear from your child's teachers. A schedule for this event will come home on Tuesday (August 25) with every student. Also, please know that email and voicemail can reach all of the staff members.
I know that, by working together, we will make this the best year yet at La Entrada.
Warmest Regards,
Shannon Potts
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PTA News
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PLEASE JOIN US!
Please attend our 1st General Meeting
this coming Wednesday, August 26th at 9:00 a.m. in the MUR.
Superintendent Lisa Cesario and Principal Shannon Potts will be our featured speakers. Come hear the latest District and La Entrada news, and learn how you can get involved directly with your student's learning adventure at La Entrada!
VOLUNTEER NOW! 
Volunteering through PTA Committees is your door to participating on campus. Avoid the rush of volunteer sign up at the Job Fair August 26th and sign up for your selected committee spots by clicking here now. As you browse through your list of selections, please consider joining the hot lunch team. Each shift is only a half hour per week, and is a fun and easy way to connect with other parents and the kids on campus. We need all hot lunch teams full so we can begin serving hot lunch as scheduled on August 27. Contact Julie Herlihy with any questions on volunteering.
Committee Chairs are needed for the following:
Art Note Cards - Just like Las Lomitas, our 4th and 5th graders participate in the Art Notecard program. This program takes place in the fall.
Holiday Fair Table Lead - Work with the incredible Holiday Fair Chair, Sheriene Saadati, and own one piece of the Holiday Fair by providing one craft project for all students 4-8. Volunteers and budget are provided.
Hot Lunch Day Chair - Work with our fabulous Hot Lunch Leaders, Stacy May and Stacy Molano, to coordinate a team of hot lunch volunteers for the same day throughout the year. Day Chairs are still needed for Monday 4/5 and 6-8 lunch times as well as Thursday 4/5.
Geo Bee - Geo Bee is a nationwide geography competition. Help organize this one day competition at La Entrada. The event takes place after school on January 28, 2016. Lunchtime Enrichment - Work with Assistant Principal Sonya Dineen to determine which lunchtime student clubs will be offered, coordinate dates, work with the VP Volunteers to make sure clubs are staffed with parent leaders/participants, and communicate details through the Spot.
Reflections - Organize and market this nationally renowned art program for student participation on our campus. Winners move on to regional, state, and national competitions. This is a November event. A volunteer committee will be provided.
Please mark your calendar for the LE Family Picnic on
Thursday, September 10th at 5:30 p.m. This is a wonderful event to reconnect with friends, meet new classmates, and enjoy some fine dining from our local eateries. More information to come!
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Spirit Wear
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 La Entrada Spirit Wear SalesAre you in need of a cool t-shirt or sweatshirt that proudly shows your school pride? La Entrada Spirit Wear, water bottles and mugs will all be on sale Monday through Friday, 8/24 - 28, after school. Visit the table in front of the school to purchase your favorite t-shirt, sweatshirt or other La Entrada Leopard item. If your size is not on hand, you can place an order with our Leadership Teacher, Mrs. Rianda, and she will ensure your order will be delivered promptly. Go Leopards!
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Las Lomitas Education Foundation
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 Incoming 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Movie Morning at the CinemaHave you purchased your ticket yet? Tickets are still available, so sign up and don't let your kids miss out.
Drop the kids off at the cinema for a morning with their friends. They have had a week to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and now it is for them to enjoy a private screening of an upcoming movie! Their exclusive cinema at Cinemark Theatres in Redwood City is just for our La Entrada kids! When: Saturday, 11:00 a.m., August 29.What: Movie in our own theatre at Cinemark Redwood City Theatre. Includes movie, drink, & popcorn.Cost: $40 per personMovie title to be determined, it is a new/recent release. PG rating.
 South-by-Southwest (SXSW) Back-to-School Bash Beer...Band...BULL. It's the Las Lomitas Back-to-School Bash, Southwest style! Calling all urban cowboys and cowgirls to our own backyard rodeo - the wild mechanical bull awaits you! Don't be shy; we'll get you ready to ride with our Prickly Pear Margaritas, our one-of-a-kind Whiskey Bar, and of course our tasty Deep-in-the-Heart-of Texas Barbecue. Enjoy live music worthy of Austin's famed SXSW festival, followed by DJ dancing and sweet Texas treats. It's time to celebrate... the kids are back in school! - Saturday, August 29, 2015
- The Stang home
- $100 per person
- 160 guests
- Purchase tickets here
 5th Annual Ladies Round Robin Tennis
Join us for a fun-filled fiesta of ladies doubles at Ladera Oaks. We will pair you up for a round of doubles, followed by a courtside Mexican buffet lunch. Free-flowing margaritas and other bebidas--ole will be served! All levels welcome.
- Thursday, September 24th
- 11:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- $75 per person
- Limited 16 tennis players.
- Location - Ladera Oaks
- Purchase tickets here
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Las Lomitas League
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FALL REGISTRATION
Fall registration opens this Monday August 24th at 7:00 p.m and closes Friday September 4th at 11:59 p.m. Detailed class descriptions are on our website. Classes for Fall include Ceramics, Creative Dramatics, Cooking, Digital Photography, Jazz Dance, Lacrosse, Play in a Box and more. Please note the meeting days for Chess and Jazz Band have changed. Chess will meet on Thursdays and Jazz Band will meet on Mondays.
**New this Fall ** Las Lomitas League will offer Boys Volleyball Clinics offered for the first time this fall at Arrillaga Gym (Burgess Park). Wednesdays starting Sept 23 through Oct 28. 4th/5th graders: 3:45-5:15 p.m. and 6th/7th/8th graders: 5:15-6:45 p.m. Our coach will be Felipe Gonzalez of Foundry in RWC. Cost: $75. If you have any questions please email Kristin Spindt.
Flag Football is open to all 6th through 8th graders. Our two teams, a Juniors team and a Varsity team, participate in a recreational league comprised of middle schools in the area. Teams practice on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m., and games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. The season runs from early September through early November.
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Parent Education
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THE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES ON FACEBOOK
Now you can Like us on Facebook! The SUHSD Parent Education Series Facebook page will keep you posted about upcoming parent education events, articles on parenting, schools and education, community parent events and more!
 M-A PARENT EDUCATION SERIES and KEPLER'S BOOKS PRESENT:
"Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain" - An evening with Dr. Daniel J. Siegel
Wednesday, September 16
Event starts at 7:30 pm - Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Tickets are available here
The Peninsula Arts & Letters and Kepler's Books is pleased to bring internationally acclaimed author and UCLA psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Siegel to the M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC) to present his new work:Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain.
This special evening is presented in partnership with the M-A Parent Education Series and Menlo-Atherton High School.
Dr. Siegel will share the exciting neuroscience behind the heightened social, emotional and creative energy that drives teen behavior showing parents how to turn one of the most challenging developmental periods in their children's lives into one of the most rewarding. Between the ages of 12 to 24, the brain changes in important and, at times, challenging ways. In "Brainstorm," Dr. Siegel dispels a number of commonly held myths about adolescent behavior and demonstrates that during these years children learn vital skills, such as how to leave home and enter the larger world, connect deeply with others, and safely experiment and take risks.
Drawing on important new research in the field of interpersonal neurobiology, Siegel explores exciting ways in which understanding how the brain functions can improve the lives of adolescents, making their relationships more fulfilling and less lonely and distressing on both sides of the generational divide.
Event is open to parents, students, faculty/staff, and community members.
Kepler's Books will offer sales of Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain.
WOODSIDE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES 2015-16 FALL SCHEDULE
Friday, September 25: Sparking Creativity: Imaging Tomorrow's Schools Hosted at Stanford University, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sponsored by Challenge Success Thursday, October 1: "Helping Young Athletes Reach their Potential" Steve Smith, PhD, Professor and Co-Director of PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium, Palo Alto University, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Woodside MUR Thursday, November 5: "Workshop on Body Image - Empowering Girls" Brie Mathers, Founder of Love the Skin You're In™, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Woodside MUR
If you have questions regarding any parent education events listed above, please contact Charlene Margot, M.A., Founding Director, The Parent Education Series, at cmargot@csmconsulting.net or (650) 868-0590.
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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. Open enrollment information for the 2015-2016 school year can be viewed here.
Get to Know M-A High
School
Interested in what's going on at Menlo Atherton High School? Sign up for M-A's BearNotes to receive the weekly newsletter here.
Back to School Night
Thursday, September 3, 6:15 - 8:30 p.m.
Get to Know Woodside High School
Interested in what's going on at Woodside High School?
Sign up to receive the Woodside High School weekly newsletter here.
Back to School Night & Social in the Quad
Thursday, September 10
6:30 p.m. - Social in the Quad
7:00 p.m. - Classes begin
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!
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.
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